tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67192203125370682942024-03-21T16:44:33.283-07:00Our journey We have decided to go full time in our RV. This is the story of how we made that happen, what decisions this entailed and what we have learned along the way. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-60022104233947721282013-09-21T07:09:00.000-07:002013-09-21T07:18:08.403-07:00Our stuff is like rabbits - it multiplies Hi all!<br />
<br />
Well, I thought I might take a break from my thesis writing to hang out over here and talk about something else besides scholastic "stuff". Okay, I've not been spending as much time on the scholastic stuff as I should but, well, that is another post.<br />
<br />
I have also been hanging out on some Facebook RV pages that we've joined and noticed an influx of people having issues with purging their stuff but most of all, becoming overwhelmed with the task. Here's to you, because we have all been there in one way or another. Perhaps you've moved from a big house to a small house or you've had to move in with someone else, or like us, you are moving into an RV. Either way, we've most likely had to deal with clutter and paring down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5SCkF43QwDrkpmAQW_FL8Q4d7KCmVO15iFi_gLcat9BVGKyHwZoAjtFOwFtLqsz_PCegoPTa_rd2vWc-nHd7zbA7w5_q2OvFFWgnmVS8791tMOowE44mxZPxQM_Y6U3v2XfPpC-VeYw/s1600/IMG_4496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5SCkF43QwDrkpmAQW_FL8Q4d7KCmVO15iFi_gLcat9BVGKyHwZoAjtFOwFtLqsz_PCegoPTa_rd2vWc-nHd7zbA7w5_q2OvFFWgnmVS8791tMOowE44mxZPxQM_Y6U3v2XfPpC-VeYw/s320/IMG_4496.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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**</div>
<br />
As I suggested to one over burdened poster, one room or section at a time worked well for us. However, I think that if it's possible to move into your RV for a time, it makes the de-cluttering easier since you know what you can store and what you can't. It also puts you in a different mindset and getting rid of things you normally would keep or take for granted, no longer really matter - your focus is on living in an RV and traveling.<br />
<br />
We have returned from our summer travels and now we are back into the swing of things; however, it appears that our stuff has been breeding like rabbits. The house looks full and cluttered, again! THAT in itself is depressing but I know it's not possible for stuff to breed so it's just my perception of the view.<br />
<br />
Time to start over and get going on getting rid of more stuff.<br />
Here's to keeping the process going... sell... donate... throw away... burn... <sigh><br />
<br />
** this was actually a pile of stuff that we were getting rid of. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Dewey, OK 74029, USA36.832666 -95.83538369999996636.629292500000005 -96.158107199999961 37.0360395 -95.512660199999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-35412461321880371652013-09-08T12:59:00.000-07:002013-09-08T12:59:31.550-07:00Back to the grind Hi Y'all!<br />
<br />
I picked up my accent as I walked through the front door yesterday! Did y'all miss me? Is that a bit of a presumptuous question?<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, we are home from our travels. We thought things were in pretty good shape, except the back yard, until I walked into the laundry room to get some cleaner for my poor island that had a bag of onions left on it to rot (YUCK!). What greeted me was a puddle of water all over the floor and a split hot water heater. <sigh><br />
<br />
That has been replaced as has the defunct push mower for the yard. Good grief, home-ownership sure does make one want to go right back to their RV and LEAVE!<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the projects are getting completed thanks to that really nice driver I have. He is pretty handy with a crescent wrench and a gas can!<br />
<br />
Over the next 10 weeks I will be writing but not so much on here (unless it's to gripe and whine). I am in the thesis portion of my masters and will need to focus most of my time on that. I would most certainly rather be doing THIS, but... well, I need to get this project done too.<br />
<br />
Thanks for traveling with us here and on Facebook and sorry that I didn't update more often. See ya in late November!<br />
<br />
BonnieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-21438376492657925292013-09-05T09:32:00.001-07:002013-09-05T09:32:01.057-07:00Homelessness
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Homelessness<o:p></o:p></div>
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We arrived at our usual overnight destination, the Walmart
parking lot, also known as Camp Wally. We parked, went in, made our usual
rounds to gather up groceries and bits, then asked permission to stay. It was
rather odd that the parking lot was full of other RV’s at 2 in the afternoon
but since a big storm was forecasted for the area, I assumed that was the
reason; people don’t like being caught in torrential downpours on the freeway. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nevertheless, we settle in for the night with some
television, reading, texting to friends and family and a brief gaze out the
window. What I saw, really to be honest, irritated me. Only because someone
once said “to be homeless means you are without a house or shelter. Living in
an RV does not make one homeless.” At the time, it made perfect sense and I
agreed. This was not, however, my initial thought. My own definition of
“homeless” was someone who was not in his or her own house or living quarters,
who was dependent on others to shelter them. I guess, there is a similarity to
my friend’s statement but yet different feelings about the term homeless were
very different. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My short gaze landed on an older Class B (Van chassis with
box living quarters) with a hand painted sign that said “Homeless – Family of
5” on it. My first verbal response was “how can you be homeless if you have an
RV to live in” but my heart wasn’t truly in that statement. I really wanted to
know what was going on with them but by the same token, knew it was none of my
business. I am a nosey ol’ broad! At any rate, I went back to my TV show and
didn’t give it another thought. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, the family was still there. As I washed my
dishes I looked out the window to see the dad sitting in the drivers seat
looking dejected and depressed, I recalled a time in which I was in the same
position with two small children; albeit, by poor choices and poor planning on
our parts. I saw a broken out window in the back that I hadn’t noticed before
and the little ones making up their bed with moms help. The more I watched, the
more heart broken I became. THEN, I felt the nudge to do something. I stood
there and rationalized my own feelings vs. the voice in my head (some would
call this the Holy Spirit’s prompting and I am inclined to agree). The more I
argued, the stronger the feeling became to do something. So, I abandoned my
dishes and went to work. I sorted through our cupboards, loaded up my bags and
left them on the table. Don was in the store so I was on my own… I prayed a
hand of protection over my being as I sauntered over to the man and asked him
if he minded if I shared some of our groceries with him. I think I shocked him…
he just sat there with this bewildered look on his face and sputtered. Finally,
he quieted and said, “I think that would be okay… I do appreciate your
kindness” to which I replied, “You are so very welcome!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, they ARE homeless… and before you ask, NO I
did NOT ask! LOL He wanted to show me something. He pulled out his little photo
album and showed me pictures of an older Diesel pusher that he was hoping to
get for a song. It needed work, but it was more livable than what they were in
and it was all set up in a park in Oregon. I knew I liked this guy! He is also
a Duck fan but his wife is a graduate of that OTHER school that hosts the
Beavers. Oh, sorry, I have ADD. What did concern me, of course, was the cost
associated with this rig, but again, none of my business. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At any rate, both are educated and lost their home to
foreclosure when they lost their jobs – you know the story and it’s all too
common. It is happening all around us and no matter ones good intentions or
poor choices, it affects so many more than we realize. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am glad that I obeyed that voice in my head and heart. It
was a blessing to meet this family and it was an honor to serve them. They may
not have a brick and stick house anymore, but they have each other, even if it is
in a dilapidated old RV with broken out windows. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don and I are so blessed. We have a home that is paid for;
we have intact windows and have more than we will ever need. We also have one
another, even if we do want to kill each other at times. Home is where you are
with one another and those you care about the most. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please, look around you and help someone in need. My advice
though, follow that voice and it’s leading. Not only will you be the difference
in someone else’s life you will be <i>paying
it forward </i><u>and</u> doing the right thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bonnie <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-37334049264314542812013-08-31T21:33:00.000-07:002013-08-31T21:33:04.879-07:00Home Sweet Home I picked up a book at the Goodwill a few days ago that is entitled <i>Travel Writing </i>by L. Peat O'Neil. I love to write, I love to share my thoughts (erratic as they are) and I love to be able to go back and see how much fun we've had over the years.<br />
<br />
Since school starts back up for me in a few days and we are headed "home" on Monday, I figured I had better zip through through this book so I could be more in-tuned with what I need to say when writing a blog post.<br />
<br />
I got to thinking about this question: What does home really mean? Is home where you hang your hat? Is home where your loved ones are? Is home where we feel the most comfortable? Where IS home, exactly?<br />
<br />
Home is two different things. One, where you reside and Two, where you feel ties, roots, and connections.<br />
<br />
I have lived in one state all of my childhood and to me, Oregon is and always will be, home. When we moved to Oklahoma, the Sooner state became "home" simply because that is where we raised our two children until they went off to college. Now, we want desperately to go back to Oregon (HOME!) but in the meantime, our RV has become home and wherever that RV sits, that is home.<br />
<br />
I cannot explain it really. When we head west, my heart swells at the sight of the mountains with their snowcapped peaks. I want to break out in my own rendition of "...purple mountain majesty!" as we are speeding by "... amber waves of grain..." and when we get far enough to see the foamy waves of the Pacific Ocean, only then can I finish "...from sea to shining sea!" The ocean makes me feel at peace. This is home...<br />
<br />
Family is important to me too... without them, home would seem empty and lonely. It appears that many of the Demorest side are moving back to the area where my parents live and they grew up. This makes me so happy because I miss our family gatherings where all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, and parents are in attendance. These days, that is rare in any family but for this family, this is good news!<br />
<br />
Where is home for you?<br />
<br />
See ya on the road!<br />
Bonnie<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-82233198699640993872013-08-28T09:42:00.001-07:002013-08-28T09:42:21.503-07:00We are kind of at a standstill for now. The plan was to be in Kamiah, Idaho this week before we headed back home but with the wildfires burning in that area, decided to stay put. That decision came in handy for a couple of reasons. 1. we are around to help dad build the porch on the rental house and 2. we are available to attend my aunt's retirement party! Yay for retirement!<br />
In other news, I passed my last masters class with flying colors and have started looking at the materials for my thesis program - a whole 12 weeks to write a huge paper and argue my beliefs. THAT should be fun! :)<br />
At any rate, we will be leaving on Monday to head back to Oklahoma. I intend to really focus on several things when I get back but we all know how that goes! Life happens and staying focused is the hard part.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-19786530930431669712013-08-09T21:15:00.002-07:002013-08-09T21:15:32.436-07:00Yeah, We've been busy! So, obviously we've left sunny Oklahoma! We have been in Oregon for 2 months but in the mean time, this is what was going on.<br />
We traveled across the country staying the night in Pilot truck-stops and eating breakfast at whatever restaurant they had (Dennys, Subway, or the Denny's substitute... cant remember the name!) Lunch and dinner was usually a quickly made sandwich, bowl of soup or junk food. The latter being the most likely.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at Mom and Dads Backyard RV park in the Eugene area, we were plum tuckered out, but quickly got busy helping with chores they needed done and getting things on our RV squared away for the next leg of our journey.<br />
Idaho or bust!!!<br />
<br />
It is family reunion time on my mom's side so we caravanned with them to Kamiah, Idaho where the 2cd bi-annual family reunion was held. We met with family and friends and had a great time! A little about the park, The Lewis and Clark Resort is under new ownership and now offers home park memberships! We had been looking for a "home park" to buy into so we could get a membership to a club (Coast to Coast, Resorts of Distinction, RPI, etc.). This park, while still being worked on, gave us what we were looking for at a very reasonable cost so we bought it. YAY!!! we have a home park! <happy dance!><br />
On our way back to Oregon with membership papers in hand and great memories in our hearts, we experienced our very first RV trauma; a flat on the toad. After the kind man followed us out of the last town we traveled through and flagged us down, only to tell us that "you've got a big problem!" did we notice that our toad was missing a tire, a rim, AND was sporting only 2/3rds of the rotor. <insert sobbing> We were out of cell range, my parents were miles ahead of us, and we were stuck on the side of the road. It occurred to us that we would be able to use the spare doughnut (which was nearly flat) to get us into town. Yay for Pendleton, Oregon!!! We were able to get to Les Shwab and get what we needed. Back on the road!<br />
We get home, and the next morning we attended my cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding for sure! Then we were headed off to a star party. If you are not familiar with what a star party is, it is a group of astronomers (pro's and amateurs) that get together with their telescopes and go look at the heavens. Even if you don't have a telescope of your own, you are generally free to come (its free to get in, too!) and look through theirs. This is always grand fun.<br />
In between the star party and July 20th, we planned my dad's surprise 70th b-day party. My uncle and aunt were able to drive in from West Virginia for the event and the party was a smashing success with a "this is your life" kind of atmosphere. Dad was surprised, we all cried and were touched at the love in the room.<br />
Now you know why my blogging had slowed! Phew, I am tired!<br />
<br />
Dad's party is over but the party didn't end until everyone went home. Skip and Jolene Nordahl came down for a week and John and Patti were here for 3 weeks in which we went to the coast (Florence, Oregon) and to see the Elk outside of Reedsport, Oregon.... oh what fun!<br />
Next stop, Portland, Oregon to fix an Aunt's car and then to Drain, Oregon to visit "family camp" and "junior camp" respectively (for the denomination I grew up in). It was like old home week to go see my friends from my childhood all in one place!! While there, I went to visit my cousin who lives way out in the "pucker brush" and is my bestest Drain, Oregon Cousin. I've gotta be careful here because I have a best Virgina cousin, a best Hawaii cousin and a best Portland cousin and .... well, you get it.<br />
So, yesterday I returned from my best Drain, Oregon cousins house where we looked at the family tree and then at all my boring vacation pictures. I took her to lunch and then we went to have ice-cream at a popular tourist stop on I-5. Tomorrow I have a class reunion, Sunday we go to Salem to see my other aunt and uncle, then ... well... thats as far ahead as I can think at the moment. I am plum wore out! Oh! Patti and I made plum jam out of dad's plums! Aren't we plum Lucky? <snicker>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-51287386872950282672013-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:002013-05-18T11:09:06.058-07:00Getting ReadyWe should have been gone already but, here we sit. Waiting, waiting, and more waiting. I finished up my final for my second to last class and now it's just waiting on the mail to bring things that we need on the road; eyeglasses, textbooks, stuff that needs to be shipped to other locations and if we are lucky, a big fat check! Not likely.<br />
Don is out mowing the yard for the last time until we get home in the fall and I am supposed to be working on the house (I hate coming home to a messy house).<br />
<br />
This trip I want to try to plan meals and utilize the coupons I have been hoarding for months. My favorite magazine AllYou always has really good coupons. I have become an APP hoarder on my phone as well, so I can keep up with all the latest deals in the stores that are along our path and coupon matching sites that help me find really good deals and sometimes, free deals.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the food thing. Other than fuel, food is our biggest travel expense. We tend to eat out a lot, even when we are home. SO this trip, since we have an added payment for the new toad, I wanted to try to cut costs so we can still have fun. I plan to clean out our home freezer and fridge and plan around those items for the first leg and then when we get to where we are going, working on a new menu plan.<br />
<br />
Don is a big fan of fountain soda so there will always be the cost of that vs. drinking soda out of a can (there IS a difference); however, I am going to try to go off of soda and start back on my Digest Diet. This means that I will have to take special ingredients and my ninja blender but the good thing, besides losing weight, is that I don't have to buy a bunch of food!<br />
<br />
Wish me luck as I get started on these projects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-48631098189077535572013-05-05T15:06:00.002-07:002013-05-05T15:06:41.547-07:00From one toad to another... Okay, okay... I am over my pity-party on the toad purchase.<br />
Here, as promised, is the picture of the new toad...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFBBRRoqwNdLr6Cs3XS56GBKXQ9cc_QTSs_h_8vFuQNo8bkG9tACpHr7zwCCjYjwRIzcX0rUNE9GA76RmGzt9P39RRvqIW0Ru1xnrfaNquzGikpGPoX_SrFkM8YOfjsdbBH4XldAqJXQ/s1600/913076_10151562777897500_225455543_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFBBRRoqwNdLr6Cs3XS56GBKXQ9cc_QTSs_h_8vFuQNo8bkG9tACpHr7zwCCjYjwRIzcX0rUNE9GA76RmGzt9P39RRvqIW0Ru1xnrfaNquzGikpGPoX_SrFkM8YOfjsdbBH4XldAqJXQ/s320/913076_10151562777897500_225455543_n-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
While she may not be much to look at, at least she will do all the things we wanted in the new toad.<br />
1. Get us from point A to point B.<br />
2. Haul passengers who need a ride.<br />
3. Give us a bit of room to stretch out and enjoy a longer ride<br />
4. Decent gas mileage<br />
5. Haul more JUNK that we THINK we need on our travels.<br />
<br />
Okay, beware, back to whining!<br />
Why can't we leave already? I shouldn't complain since this time in Oklahoma at any given year is usually unbearably hot already but this year is different. This year is rainy and cool - which I LOVE and ADORE.<br />
We will be leaving soon, though. This trip back to the PNWest is a big trip since its our family reunion on my mom's side and my youngest niece's wedding. AND she has asked her favorite auntie to take her wedding photo's! I feel so honored to be such a big part of her day.<br />
So, I am gearing up in my "what to do before we leave" chores and adding a few this year. For instance, clean out the fridge and freezers completely. Pare down our food stored to what I can fit in the RV - just in case the power should fail for weeks on end and we aren't home for months on end.<br />
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perhaps I will start with this... until then, have a great Sunday and hope you are having fun on your latest adventure! </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-82448164327967601252013-05-04T11:43:00.002-07:002013-05-04T11:43:31.797-07:00RIbbit! Toad shopping! It recently came to our attention on our last trip that our little toad was not cutting it for others. Normally I wouldn't care what others thought or wanted in terms of my own stuff, but well, when your momma say's "you need a toad that will be big enough for ME to come along!" you listen and act. So, off we went to find the perfect toad for our coach - per momma's statement.<br />
<br />
Our current toad is a 1997 Mazda Miata convertible and I love her. She is a blast to drive, a conversation piece, and so light you never know she's back there until you glance at the backup camera screen or walk to the rear of the coach. She is red. I love her. She has white racing stripes and a chrome roll bar, and I love her. Did I mention I love her?<br />
<br />
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So, there you have it. I am going from this beauty (on long trips) to a 4 door car. We really wanted a smaller 4 door truck and were going to trade in the big truck but the hubs decided that he loves his truck just as much as I love my Miata. <sigh> Here we go! </div>
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We ended up with a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt that matches the coach perfectly but needs to be readied for a tow bar. Mind you, this is an expensive venture to the tune of around 2 grand. So, Don has decided to go with a dolly. Normally, I wouldn't care but the whole point of RVing is to minimize the clutter and a dolly just adds to the stuff one has to store, maintain, and worry about. </div>
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When we get it all worked out and cleaned up (the new/used car), I will post pics. Until then, have a "toadally" great day! </div>
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Your ever worrying about what others think, bloggerette</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-14568275901152448972013-04-03T13:25:00.001-07:002013-04-03T13:25:27.766-07:00Lost but so far, not found. I have several blogs that I try hard to keep up with. Right before we left on our trip to Arizona, I was notified that my domain name needed to be updated for my cooking blog. I put it off and now I am paying for it in more ways than I anticipated.<br />
<br />
I was hesitant to update because I was thinking about consolidating all the blogs into one cohesive blog and to cut costs, just use free blogging sites such as this one or Wordpress (where the big blog is). Well, after really researching everything, I chose to go ahead and renew for another 2 years as some of the benefits were worth the extra cost.<br />
<br />
After submitting all my information (again) and transferring all my domain and hosting information to one company rather than several, I lost all my data in transition. <sniffle> This is not a HUGE deal since the majority of all the data entry work is also on a hidden blog that was just for personal use; however, all my posts and photo/cooking posts are history and nobody seems to know where they went or even how they got lost.<br />
<br />
Bottom line, I am starting over and now I am working on getting a new site up and going. The reason I am posting this information over here, other than to whine and cry on your shoulder, is to let you know that some changes may be occurring here as well.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
your aggravated but not giving up bloggeretteUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-66492435140735967352013-04-01T15:41:00.001-07:002013-04-01T15:41:38.162-07:00Spring Clean and Fling! Okay, here goes.<br />
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<br />
I have to get rid of a lot more junk. This will be round two and while I am anxious to be clutter free, I do love my stuff.<br />
<br />
I googled "spring cleaning list" last week so I could compare it with my own list (in my head) and have a printed copy to hand to the dear husband in hopes that he would help. HA HA HA! I know, I am delusional.<br />
<br />
At any rate, this is what I found and I LOVE it:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6dBVgGuoJnRRkg0NFVNQzRuSjQ/edit" target="_blank">Spring cleaning list </a><br />
<br />
The gal who writes this blog has some really clever and brilliant ideas! I wish I were so brilliant...<br />
<br />
Anyway! I have gotten off topic, sorry about that.<br />
<br />
Now that I am armed with my list I can get started tomorrow, or the next day... or even the day after.<br />
<br />
I am not really looking forward to all the work and what has kept me from being motivated today is knowing that we have some construction repairs planned and why bother cleaning if we are just going to mess it all up with dust, dirt and construction grime again?<br />
<br />
Well, I can start sorting through and getting rid of stuff - that will help with the moving stuff to storage project so we can do the repairs without stuff in the way.<br />
<br />
Alas, it's time to begin.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
your procrastinating bloggerette<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-42600726134778884012013-03-31T15:32:00.002-07:002013-03-31T15:35:01.286-07:00Houston! We have a leak... What is more annoying than waking up to find your roof leaking? Nothing that I can think of.<br />
<br />
Yes, the house is leaking so that gives us a new project on the top of our priority list. Apparently, I failed as a wife to "listen" and my husband has no desire to tear down the house and install an RV pad per my suggestion, so we now have to replace a roof.<br />
<br />
Gads...<br />
Anyway, Happy Easter!<br />
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<br />
We had a lovely time at church with our kids and then lunch with the grands and their dad. Their mom also made a big boo boo and scheduled lunch with us AND at her mom's house so she went there while Gary came and ate with us. :)<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, tomorrow I will be calling for estimates on the roof and starting my spring cleaning job. I found a great list on the internet that I will share with you tomorrow. :D<br />
<br />
Your deaf-to-her-husband bloggerette<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-61886848381600856852013-03-30T20:30:00.001-07:002013-03-30T20:30:48.827-07:00Home again! <i>HI all! We have been home 2 weeks now and life is starting to "settle in" before we uproot ourselves and begin on our journeys again in May. I am excited to get out of town as this trip takes us home to Oregon and to family on my side. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>While we are home here in Oklahoma, Don will be having surgery to repair a cornea separation in his eye from his past cataract surgery. Then hopefully, he will be fitted for his new hearing aides and new glasses. Yay! We had also planned to go camp with our friends but that gathering is the same weekend as his surgery. DRAT! </i><br />
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<i>Today the kids and I went to my friends new tea room; Magnolia Tea Room here in Bartlesville and oh my! the food was amazing! I am so happy for my friend and I wish her all the success she can handle and then some. So far, it has been a huge hit in our area and the tables are consistently full. </i><br />
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<i>Then we headed out to "the farm" where my sister-in-law and brother-in-law live. They have cows. I love cows. They also have calves and I love calves even more. I wish I had taken pictures of them. However, I did take pictures of their little charge, Anna. She is just over a year old and constantly going non-stop. </i><br />
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Miss Anna</div>
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<i>Is that not the cutest face? Well, she is a spitfire and reminds me so much of her momma - my niece. </i></div>
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<i>In other news, God has been at work on the whole sunset scene too. Oh boy! </i></div>
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<i>Well, that is all I have for you today. Tomorrow is Easter and we are headed to church. He is risen!!! </i></div>
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<i>Have a blessed Easter Sunday and hug your "peeps" a bit tighter on this Holy day. </i></div>
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<i>Your faithful Peep-lover-of -cows-and-calves-and-Anna :) </i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-2302800533477718352013-03-29T08:14:00.005-07:002013-03-29T08:17:51.326-07:00Oo whats this! I have a blog? Where did I put my blog? Hi!<br />
Well, I am hanging my head in shame. I forgot about this blog - life took over and I became so busy with other things like travel, school, cleaning out the house, and 'stuff' that I totally forgot to post and subsequently, forgot this blog.<br />
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Yay for do-overs! Just like today is "Good Friday" and a representation of forgiveness, love and sacrifice given by God, and a chance to "do-over" our commitment to Him, I am thankful that I can just pick up where I left off but with renewed faith, and begin again.<br />
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So, on my hiatus from Blogger, what have I been up to? Well, we cleaned out the house and got rid of a LOT of stuff. The problem is, when I look at the house again, it is just as full as it was before. So, next week is devoted to "Spring Cleaning" and again, I will purge the house of stuff that I don't need, want, like, wear, and use. Wish me luck!<br />
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In addition, school has taken up a good chunk of my time since Walden University had me back to two classes at a time. While regular brick and mortar students (going to a physical college address) might find this comical since they usually attend 4 or more classes a term, for this old lady, 2 was MORE than enough. I am back to one and it is keeping me busy but at least I have time for this blog. :D<br />
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Couple that with a maiden voyage trip to Arizona to meet up with my parents, school was a challenge. There were so many distractions flying by me as we went down roads that I often found myself gazing out the window or snapping pictures like crazy. Another challenge was my MiFi setup. I guess it sat too long in the coach because when I went to use it for an assignment and research, it worked half the time.<br />
The first day we arrived in Benson, Arizona, my dad, Don and I headed to Tucson to the ATT store for a new one. We chose to upgrade and I am ever so glad we did. This new one works well and I rarely went without internet - except for the one time that my driver decided to NOT stop at the predesignated location and we were out in the middle of podunk Arizona with nary a cell tower in range. I was in tears as this was the day to submit my first assignment for a class. That's up there with being late or calling in sick to your first day of work. <sigh> Nevertheless, the truckstop where we did stay, had good internet and I was able to "mooch" off of them.<br />
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We are now home and had a great trip with no major drama. We boondocked for a time (little over a week) and got a hands-on lesson on how our coach works, how much power we consume and what we could do and not do in terms of what appliances could run on the batteries (with solar panels) before we had to start the generator.<br />
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Home awaited us with over a months worth of mail. Ya know, it really amazes me how much PAPER comes into this house in a months time. All but about 13 pieces was junk mail. I will have to figure out how to get off those mailing lists so when we have the mail forwarded to us in the future, it won't be a pile of junk.<br />
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Well, that is about it. Except that another time consumer has entered my life. I have taken the plunge and bought a Mac laptop. Now, mind you, I have been a Windows based gal for years and have only touched a Mac maybe twice to "work on it" and a handful of times in various electronic stores, drooling over the latest in Apple mania.... so, now I am a proud but nervous owner of a Mac and it has been a learning curve to say the least. I have become that adult that calls their child and says "I cant figure out how to operate this thing! WHAT do I DO??!!!" to which she laughs and says "Mom, there are buttons on the the touch pad, you can't see them but they are there. Trust me..." and I try - lo and behold <enter Heavenly music> sure enough! There it is! The 'button' that has kept my progress at a stand still for nearly 2 hours of stress, frustration, panic, and wonderment (also several thoughts of taking the thing back and deeming it "broken!") I will keep you posted on my progress in that area; if I don't up and forget what I just said here.<br />
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Okay, so that is the big update (ha, ha, ha!) In April, Don has some cataract repair surgery to contend with and then in May we head to the Pacific Northwest for our yearly trek.<br />
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Until then or at least the next post, your forgetful wanderer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-3986568808710724482012-10-01T08:28:00.000-07:002012-10-01T10:22:21.289-07:00Purging the House <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Today our plan is to start purging the house of things we no longer need, never needed or are just plain tired of. The plan is to keep the house stocked with the bare minimum for living and take our personal items (pictures, clothing, etc.) with us or put them in storage. That way, if the house needs to be used by the church or friends passing through, it is available and not cluttered with our things. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>My first step is to start in one room and make a pile of things - many organizational sites suggest a three box method; one for storage, one for give away, and one to toss. I might end up doing this but for now, I have a plan to take pictures of my items and place them on various Facebook sites that I belong to. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Side note: I love these sites. Many of them are to sell your items but there are two that are basically set up to help people out. You place your items on there for free, but the person who accepts your items must post items to replace what they took (Pay-it-forward kindof deal). I love the concept and will support it as much as I can. So, for now, all my little bits will be posted on these two sites and the bigger items we want to sell, will be posted on the others.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The problem is, this may be too time consuming as we have 15+ years of 'stuff' or as some would call it, JUNK. Just the thought overwhelms me but I have support. One of my favorite sites for getting one's self in gear. Flylady.com</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>At any rate, I should get off this blog and get busy. Unless, there are fairies I can purchase that will do this all for me. Any ideas? I do need a coach... I love my things. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Your faithful 'let's get 'er done' blogette </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-31765139040964255522012-09-30T07:42:00.001-07:002012-09-30T08:21:22.452-07:00Pets on the road<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I have noticed that taking your pets with you on the road is so rewarding, sometimes not so easy and in many places, welcomed. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>We have 4.5 dogs and a cat. While we don't take them all at once, we do take 2 with us.You know, the cheesy His and Hers thing. Usually this is Dottie and Annie, who are the "inside" dogs. Winston and Wally are the "outside" dogs and rarely come into the house or even want to come in, for that matter. The times I did let them in, they both whined at the backdoor to be let out. So I figured if that's what they prefer, then I am fine with that. The .5 I mentioned is a newbie to our world, Maggie. She is so stinkin' small that I can hardly count her as one dog. (lol)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>On the trips we have taken, our dogs only became a problem one time. Or rather, our poor planning, became the problem. Here are the tips we have learned along the way. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dottie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>1. If you can't take your pets with you, we found "sitters" for them. While we are able to handle 6 pets at a time, not everyone is thrilled to take that many on for an extended period. We are not inclined to leave them at a kennel and can't really afford or justify a posh doggy hotel when our friends, family, and neighbors are willing to take one or three at a time and love on them every hour of every day while we are gone. The perk to this, is if your "sitter" is tech savvy, you get picture and text updates of how your canine friend is doing! </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winston</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>2. When the pets get to go - What fun! We have found that the only thing keeping your pet(s) from being welcome is a nasty disposition but mostly, the lack of a leash. If your pet is leashed and their waste properly disposed of, you are good to go in most places. Some parks even boast a fenced in Pet exercise area where your pet can run free. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoss</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>3. On a particular trip, we had taken Annie and Dottie with us. We planned to stay in our coach the whole trip but unforeseen issues arose and we had to "camp out" with my parents in their 5th wheel. My mom likes dogs, just not IN her space. So, we had to make alternate arrangements for our dogs. Thankfully, my parents have room-mates who also had a dog and were willing to keep our dogs too. There were big things to do, like install dog proof runs and jerry-rig the doggie door and crate so our dogs were able to come in but not have the run of the house. Oh boy! Apparently, they did really well.</i></span><br />
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Annie </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>4. That brings me to the crate while traveling or letting the pet run free subject. Annie is a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. She is a nervous dog by nature but when that coach/car/truck etc. starts up, she is excited to go but tends to freak out when it starts moving. She pants, she whines, she shakes and she runs back and forth from the couch to the front and back to the couch again. At first this was cute and charming but after a mile, I was over it. It wasn't cute anymore.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> I was envisioning the kind of dog who would love to travel, sit on the dash (dash-hound), and be calm, cool, and collected. HA! Nothing could calm this four-legged child. She was a mess. So our alternative was to load her crate with her favorite things: blanket, bed, Kong with peanut butter, water dish, and her favorite stuffed toy (Dottie). While this helped with the running around issue, we could still hear her panting and whining. A fellow RVer suggested we give her a low dose of Benadryl. This worked for all of 50 miles. Then we put her crate in the back bedroom on the bed so she could see out when she wanted, but had a softer ride. No luck - then the howling set in. I then put her crate on the floor in the bathroom and shut the door - maybe she wanted peace and quiet... NOT. The crying became unbearable even over the roar of a 454 with an exhaust leak (fixed now). So back out into the salon she came. In her crate. Where we were. The panting suddenly became the least of her anxiety issues. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>We are still working on a solution for her. :) <br /> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>5. Our dogs are used to grass - well, a weed patch, but that is beside the point. So when we stop and there is not a blade of grass to be found to do their business on, it can become a chore to convince them to go. I have seen the little green patch of grass that you can buy for your pets with a removable and washable tray but I've yet to take the plunge. It just seems weird to me. This whole thing makes me think that a traveling cat is the way to go. Anyway, sorry for my wandering thoughts - Annie is more persnikety about this than Dot. Dottie is old, has been around the fire-hydrant a few times and is no respecter of bushes, flowerbeds, or graveled lots. Annie will hold on until the bitter end and if I am in a hurry and give up, invariably there is a gift waiting for me upon my return. So, this makes miss Annie, the most problematic travel companion. In her defense, however, we have not been on the road that long so hopefully, she will figure it all out lest she get left with a sitter. So what do you do when your pet refuses to go without grass? I'd love to know! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>6. Children and/or overly freindly people- We know that children and animals have this almost magnetic pull to one another. Some parents are vigilant in telling their children to not pet strange dogs without asking the owner first, but not all. I love my animals and I am proud to say that they are friendly and gentle with everyone; however, this is a big problem when you don't want them "getting up in someone's bidness" on the end of a leash. They are good about staying, sitting, heeling, and all that, but what do you do when the person comes up, sits down without an invite and proceeds to pet your animal but then gets bent when said animal won't leave them alone? (I cave and put them in the RV or in their outside crate but really, I am seething that my pet has to pay the penance for a human's ignorance). So we've come up with a plan. If we are in our campsite and a "guest" comes along and invites themselves, we ask "do you mind our pets being out? We can put them up if you'd prefer." I don't want trouble and I don't want to hurt feelings or make any camper upset if I can help it. So, we cave. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I've rambled on too long... bottom line, take your pets if you can put up with all the little and sometimes big, issues that arise. Take your leash, harness's, collar, crate, a vet approved calming drug for your anxious pets, and favorite treats. OR leave your pet(s) with a trusted sitter or kennel. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Signed, </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Your dog-lover-for-life-and-cant-stop-bringing-them-home bloggerette</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie, the new .5 pup</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-84026748541395310662012-09-29T20:23:00.002-07:002012-09-29T20:33:54.830-07:00To do or not to do... that is the question <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The last few days, while we wait for our coach to be finished up and for the bank to get it's ducks in a row, we have been discussing and researching what to do with the house. Do we rent it out, rent out a room and maintain our 'personal space' or do we let her sit, essentially empty, for the months we will be away and hire a house sitter? OH my goodness, what a nightmare! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>There are so many pro's and con's to each option.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Renting out: </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Renting it out means that the potential renter may look great on paper but be a total slob and not care about the place even with a management service. Or, the renter is great and we are happily raking in a monthly fee that will help pay for maintenance on the house and maybe, if we are blessed, give us a small income to sock away. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Renting out a room: </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I was thinking that if we were selective in where we advertised our "room for rent," we may be able to get a good kid from college who is tired of campus living. We do have three universities in our town but knowing college students as I do (yes, I am lumping them all together - my bad), I am not sure this is the best or the wisest option for almost obvious reasons. However, the student may be a good kid<b> </b>and would take care of the house, the backyardigans (two of our fur babies) and the cat. We would have to find someone that we trusted explicitly with our things and animals. This option may be worse than just emptying the house and renting it out. Of course, there are others to think about besides college types but in our town, this individual may be hard to find. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Letting it sit... and fall to shambles... and break my heart... </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Sorry, I guess I am getting ahead of myself. Well, we all know what happens to things when they are not used and sit for awhile. Not only is the house subject to all kinds of issues - theft, looting, destruction by hoodlums, mice/snake infestations, among other ornery and pesky critters like opossums, skunks, and racoons. This would also require a 'house sitter' to be paid to care for the animals, gardens, pool, mail, and misc. shipments. This has been our choice for the last two years when our travel time was a total of 3 months, tops. However, I am not sure it will be worth the cost for 9+ months. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So, there you have it. This is what we are faced with and I've no idea which to choose. Each has it's own good and bad sides so we are still weighing our options. Trust, faith, and a lot of thought... I am tired. Guess we will decide this tomorrow. :) <br /><br />Speaking of tomorrow, the grands are going to the Tulsa State Fair. I want to go, but we are trying to watch our P's and Q's money wise. I guess after such a big plung in the finance pool, we don't want to over-do it. So, I guess we will stay home and enjoy the Facebook pictures. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Speaking of added expense - </b>This sweet thing came home with us tonight.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> I am a sucker for a good story and well, this angel's mama and daddy (with baby) couldn't take Maggie with them to their new home and were almost forced to send her to our local shelter. So I caved. Mind you, we have 4 dogs and a cat already and they are another decision to be made. I cant take them all and so what do I do.... bring one home. Before you all get bent at me, I took Maggie with the intention of finding her a good forever home and that is still my intention (sort of, maybe, not-likely); however, knowing my hubby as I do... Maggie will be going but not to another home. She will be going with us, on the road, with the other fuzz faces. </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-56271338691235730532012-09-27T21:50:00.001-07:002012-09-29T19:24:24.660-07:00Move in day! <i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we told our family and friends about the new coach via Facebook. This was so much fun since I had been posting bits and pieces about a big surprise coming. Many were excited and apparently, counting down the minutes. At one point, I was reminded that it had already been 4 hours since I had posted and it was time to share the news! So, I did. LOL </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At any rate, our people seem to be very excited for us and for that I am grateful.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed to the bank this morning to wrap up all the paperwork and get everything signed, sealed and close to getting delivered. A few things cropped up in this meeting that we weren't counting on but it wasn't so bad that we lost the deal. Just those little bits that can either roll off your back or just sit in the back of your brain and bug you. (Click pic for more) </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Things like that silly concept of the "right of rescission" which is really for your own protection and essentially gives you the right to back out of the deal within a 3 day period when using your using your home's equity for your loan. And other things like waiting for a title search to make sure noone has placed a lein against your property. However, we have waited forever for this day and I doubt we are backing out. :) Nevertheless, we have to wait those pesky few days before we can drive her off the lot, permanently. It's looking like late next week... </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It turned out okay though, because this gave us the opportunity to have some things worked on, replaced, and updated while it sits at the dealers without us having to drive it around to various places and wasting our precious gas. So between the bank issues and these projects, the wait won't seem so bad. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the bank, we took care of other business, like breakfast and dropping off a car we were putting on consignment. After that, it was time to move in! So off we went to get the trade-in coach and unload it into the new one. Boy, was that a lot of work! Fun work, but hard non-the-less. The dealer did this really fun walk through with one of the tech's who taught us all about our new coach and how to use all the bells and whistles. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Our Tech, a cowboy kinda guy, was so thorough that we forgot nearly everything he said except "You will forget 90% of what I have just said, so you will have to just take her out and play with her to learn her ways." He was right. We did forget; and play with her, we will. Funny enough, it was through this walkthrough that we found out we had more coach than we thought we did. Little (BIG) things like solar panels to charge the battery bay, fun things like a switch that will help when changing from the generator to electric and vice versa, a motor home cover (!!!), and a pile of other things that I can't remember. I suggest that even seasoned RV'rs don't skip this step when buying a coach. It is amazing what you learn! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Well, that was our day and we ended it with a big family trip to the Circus in town. What a grand way to end the day of such fun, stress, frustration, but something that will be worth it all in the end. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Next up - </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What do do with the house, furnishings, and pets now that we are ready to hit the trail in a few months </span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-82278389259087183232012-09-26T14:41:00.002-07:002012-09-29T19:17:26.061-07:00Week 1<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have found the motor home we love and have finished the negotiation process but I thought we should share how we arrived to this point. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all, we looked back on our past experiences with RV's and made a list of wants and don't wants and then listed them in categories of must have, would like to have, and do not want, and so on... These lists become invaluable when shopping for your perfect RV. If you are new to the RV world, sit down with seasoned RVer's and find out what they have learned. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For instance, after our 3rd RV, we knew we must have at least one slide. Two would wonderful but a slide in the salon (livingroom) area, was a must. We also wanted electric/hydraulic levelers, basement storage (the large bay doors on the bottom of the coach in which to store all your things), Day/Night shades, central heat and air, generator and a backup camera. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things that really didn't matter to us but would be nice, were thermal paned windows (Nice if you plan to RV in the winter months), tinted windows, separate room for the toilet, carpet or wood floors, free standing dining table vs. booth seating, double fridge and so on. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things that we did not want period, were cloth or folding doors to the bathroom and bedroom areas; venetian, horizontal or vertical blinds, and things like this. Once you've spent time in an RV, these things really become an issue or they don't. But, you learn what you like, what you don't and what doesn't matter one way or another. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second, we looked at new vs. used. New is fun because nobody has been there before you, its fresh, it's under warranty, and often, it's state-of-the-art. While these are very valid reasons to buy new, the one drawback is that when you drive your new coach, 5th wheel, trailer or camper off the lot, that nasty thing called depreciation sets in and you take the hit when you go to trade in or sell. Granted, this is not always a bad thing since certain brands (Airstream, Marathon, etc.) have slow depreciation. So it's really up to you on how you want to handle this. We chose used for two reasons; one, the price is right and generally more negotiable. Many older RVer's buy new and then find themselves unable to travel so you CAN find a cream-puff out there that has low miles and/or minimal usage for a very reasonable price.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One thing I have noticed about most RVer's, they either are meticulous in caring for their RV or they aren't. The ones who aren't are not hard to spot. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second reason we chose used, is because we trust our dealer. We've done business with them for years and they take in trades, go through them and fix all the problems then give you a quality used coach or trailer. Shop around and get <u>all the details in writing! </u></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is our own journey - We spent 3 months on vacation in the RV Mecca of the world (the Pacific Northwest) and looked at many different coaches and compared brands, floor plans, and engine size (454 gas or go with Diesel). With that under our belt, we came home and shopped local since our state prices were much lower than prices in the Pacific Northwest. </span></i><br />
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<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1- Went to our lender, told them what we wanted to do and got pre-approved for a set amount. Then we went to our favorite dealer (where we take our current RV in for repairs). Looked at what they had and talked price, mileage, generator hours, etc. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 2- looked up the same RV online (Dealer website) - We found that if we bought it online, we would get a better deal. So instead of writing in to apply for it online (since we already have pre-approval), we took the figure in and asked what they could do for us. We looked at the coach again and went home to talk. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 3- did other things but talked about the coach and shopped around on Craig's list, other dealers in the next town and beyond. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 4- came back to the dealer, drove both coaches available, talked about trade-in's and visited our lender about the one we thought would fit our needs. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 5- Visited with the dealer and negotiated a deal, worked out what things they would fix, detailing of the coach and working on the minor engine problems (turned out it was just low on power steering fluid). With our paperwork in hand, we left satisfied that we had done our homework. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 6- (tomorrow!) We will meet with the lender, draw up the paperwork, pay the dealer and take possession of the coach. Party! Well, not quite yet. There is still a lot of work to do! Unload the trade-in coach and load the new one. Go through a "lets learn all about your new coach!" session and THEN we can party. </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 7- a small short road trip to get used to our home-on-wheels before the big trip in the spring. </span></i></li>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, we have our coach picked out. The deal is nearly complete and we are so excited that we think it's Christmas. I will be honest though, this can be very stressful (especially if you are going through a random lender and have to wait for approval on something you think you LOVE). Take it slow, try to not get attached to one or the other so if it doesn't work out, you aren't crushed. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>The best advice, take your time, do your homework, make your lists, and be prepared to negotiate. </u></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It appears that we did our deal pretty fast, and really, we did. However, we had already shopped around for 3 months in the Pacific Northwest and had looked at all the dealers near our home here during that time as well. So in all honestly, we spent around 5 months looking. </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719220312537068294.post-74457942945510860952012-09-26T10:23:00.001-07:002012-09-29T19:09:25.452-07:00In the beginning... <i>Hi everyone! </i><br />
<i>We decided to start a new blog to document our adventures in purchasing a new RV, all that goes into packing said RV, and hitting the open road. </i><br />
<i>This is not our first RV purchase so we knew after owning two very different styles of motor homes, what we were looking for. Our first coach was a very old Concord that we had a ball in with two dogs and two kids. This coach was old when we bought it but we wanted to try it out and see if we would like it on something inexpensive. </i><br />
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<i>After vacationing in this one on weekends, we were hooked. The kids loved it, we loved it and the dogs just went along for the ride. We then decided to "upgrade" a bit and take the plunge by moving into an RV, homeschooling the kids, and trying out RV Park life. We bought a Beaver Coach that was made right there in my hometown and left our home for a lovely RV park off of I-5. The kids especially enjoyed this since the park had a pool and after "class" they were rewarded with time in the pool or on the playground. We were able to pull out after work and head to another location just for a change of scenery. Also, this was when gas was quite a bit cheaper! :) </i><br />
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<i>Fast forward several years- Don had a stroke so we sold the Beaver. The kids are mow grown and after his recovery of 7 years, we felt we wanted to give it a try again so we bought the Winnebago Brave from our neighbor. This motor home was a great starter for us since it was smaller than the Beaver, compact but yet roomy enough that you didn't really have that cracker box feel if you were just weekend camping or on a short trip. This is the motor home in which I learned to drive a big rig - but more on that later. </i><br />
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<i>Now we have purchased another one and will pick it up tomorrow (hopefully!) We have taken two trips to Oregon/Washington in the Brave and had an absolute blast. During the first trip, we were hooked even more and decided we wanted to seriously think about part time RVing but we had so many things to think about and clear up before we could venture into that territory. Things like kids in college, a house to make decisions on, grandchildren, and too many pets to take along in this small of a coach. It wasn't until our second trip that we decided we were closer to being ready. So after shopping around, and determining if we wanted to go with a new coach or a used one, we settled on one that I think we will enjoy for many years. </i>Show and tell coming soon! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0