I took my Crisis Clinic on the road in my big red van. It's like a traveling chautauqua (outdoor educational institution) and assist people as I enounter them in restaurants, churches, schools, etc.

I had to abort my year-long odyssey because of my father's failing health. For now only short trips are possible.

Want to know what's inside? On board I have the following:

  • An adult commode - nothing fancy, and it needs to be emptied by hand. I put a plastic kitchen bag inside the bucket under the toilet seat first so waste can be removed easily. I've never used it, but, at my age, it gives me peace of mind to know it is there if I'm ever in dire need of a rest room and there is none! I've got window curtains for privacy.

  • Toilet paper, facial tissues, and paper towels.

  • Face mask for covering nose and mouth if there is a sand storm, snow storm or disease.

  • Tent that sleeps 4. It becomes an instant home.

  • 4 sleeping bags which can be unzipped, flattened, and used for warmth or insulation.

  • Large dog crate for my cat - he may need to be confined at some point for short intervals. Also, if I have to leave the van for any length of time with windows open for air, he could escape if not confined in a cage large enough for him, his litter box, food and water.

  • Extra cat food - dry and canned, and dishes for food and water.

  • Cooler with several liters of filtered water.

  • Shallow plastic storage container to be used as litter box.

  • Extra litter. Extra catnip.

  • Piece of carpet for cat scratching.

  • Can opener, bottle opener, paring knife.

  • Privacy curtains held up across windows by tension rod or bungee cord.

  • Reflective sun shade for front windshield.

  • Thermometer, visible from side window, in case my cats are inside. People outside can determine if vehicle is too hot and can rescue the cats.

  • Screen gazebo, for camping. The tent will fit inside.

  • 6 PVC pipes and a rope to string them together to hold down bottom flaps of screen gazebo so cats can't wriggle underneath and escape.

  • A personal alarm to turn on if I need to call for help. Battery operated.

  • A cowbell - to ring for help if I have no voice and batteries run out on personal alarm.

  • Pushbroom - to get snow off vehicle (the van is too large for a standard snow brush.)

  • Ice scraper. It's actually a snow shovel.

  • Extra bungee cords.

  • Extra set of clothes - white sweat suit - if I get wet or need to sleep in car overnight or if I rescue someone who needs to change.

  • Small towel and wash cloth.

  • Extra, warm socks.

  • Gloves for warmth. Rubber gloves for lifting heavy, slippery, or nasty things.

  • Windshield washer fluid.

  • 4 large plastic storage bins that hold kitchen equipment and food, bedding, emergency supplies, etc.

  • Small plastic dish pan and dish drainer, not just for dishwashing, but personal hygiene.

  • Pens, writing paper,

  • Car owner's manual, vehicle registration, and insurance.

  • Extra passport: expired, but still accepted.

  • Window breaker - to use if I come across a vehicle on fire with people trapped inside, or a child or pet locked in a hot car.

  • 100 foot outdoor utility electric cord. This is handy for power if I can park in someone's driveway and plug into their power.

  • Small, box heater/fan.

  • 6 volt lantern and battery.

  • Duct tape, shoes laces, latex gloves.

  • Candles and lighters.

  • Non-perishable food: cans of sardines, granola bars.

  • Travel soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, antacids, aspirin, sewing kit.

  • Small package of hand tools.

  • Small camp stove, sterno stove and 4 cannisters.

  • Camp cookware, plates and sporks.

  • Umbrella, sunglasses.

  • Plastic sheeting. Makes a good tarp.

  • Garbage bags.

  • Road maps: Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio.

Ready to go out the door, by the front door, is a large beach bag containing things I don't want to leave in the van because they could freeze and burst or explode or I may need them when I'm not able to get to the van:

  • Cat leashes, collars, vaccination tags.

  • Compass.

  • CD player.

  • Cassette tapes and CDs for listening.

  • Extra cell phone for 9-1-1 only. Car adapter.

  • Windup/solar operated radio.

  • Fire extinguisher.

  • Extra batteries.

  • First aid kit.

  • TV antenna, converter... waiting for small color TV.

  • Several small battery-operated lights.

  • Microcassette player and tapes, in case I need to record statements at an accident: a confession, or last words to a loved one, etc.

  • Extra batteries of the right sizes.

  • Extra coins for tolls and parking. No more than $5. Don't even think of robbing me!


Also a wire bundle buggy (shopping cart) on 4 wheels.