We're off on another. (Yeah!)
We're heading out with a group for a few days away just 30 miles or so from where Bullwinkle is parked. It should be fun. And, we won't have to spend a small fortune on gas!
It's doubtful that wi-fi is on the menu at this place. But, whenever we connect, we'll highlight this mini-trip at Bullwinkle's place.
Happy weekend!
Entertaining
One of the major accomplishments of last weekend's getaway was entertaining friends. You know how it is after you move into a new place? You're eager to show the place off and invite people over. But, it takes awhile to get comfortable enough to do so.
We must be settling into the moose, because we took the big step and invited friends to join us for dinner after they arrived Friday night. It was a simple dinner of burgers and fixin's that was served much later than planned because Bay Area traffic set our friends back an hour or two. We welcomed them with housewarming cocktails and caught up on each other's latest developments. We shared stories and laughs over a tasty meal that lasted until a wee hour. It was great fun. Our friends returned the favor Saturday night by treating us to dinner at their place. Once again we had great fun, and all felt a bit better calling it a night at a more reasonable hour.
Much of our entertaining was outside. But, with cooler late night temps, we served dinner inside 'round our u-shaped dinette. It seated the four of us quite comfortably. Bullwinkle proved to be a perfect host. It was great fun to entertain friends in our home away from home.
We can't wait to do it again!
We must be settling into the moose, because we took the big step and invited friends to join us for dinner after they arrived Friday night. It was a simple dinner of burgers and fixin's that was served much later than planned because Bay Area traffic set our friends back an hour or two. We welcomed them with housewarming cocktails and caught up on each other's latest developments. We shared stories and laughs over a tasty meal that lasted until a wee hour. It was great fun. Our friends returned the favor Saturday night by treating us to dinner at their place. Once again we had great fun, and all felt a bit better calling it a night at a more reasonable hour.
Much of our entertaining was outside. But, with cooler late night temps, we served dinner inside 'round our u-shaped dinette. It seated the four of us quite comfortably. Bullwinkle proved to be a perfect host. It was great fun to entertain friends in our home away from home.
We can't wait to do it again!
Warming Up
As much as we wish we were already fulltimers, especially as a "camping" weekend comes to an end, we are appreciating having this time to warm up to driving, living and hanging out in our motorhome. For once, we're so glad we're not following our original plan.
Originally, our plan was to research, shop for and eventually buy our fulltiming rig. Simultaneously, we were going to clear our stick house of all of our possessions and sell it. While we were at it, we were going to both quit our jobs, Then, we were going to drive off into the sunset in our brand spankin' new motorhome...happy as clams.
Today, we can't imagine taking on that much at once. Sure, it's all good. But, it's stressful, too. We're talking about taking on a major lifestyle change while leaving a career, moving and learning how to drive and live in a box on wheels. Lots of people have done it this way and lived to tell a happy tale. Plenty of others, as we've learned, took the time to adapt to RV living before unplugging from the stick house and work. As much as we thought we'd be among the former, we're delighted to be the latter.
We're loving this warm up act!
Originally, our plan was to research, shop for and eventually buy our fulltiming rig. Simultaneously, we were going to clear our stick house of all of our possessions and sell it. While we were at it, we were going to both quit our jobs, Then, we were going to drive off into the sunset in our brand spankin' new motorhome...happy as clams.
Today, we can't imagine taking on that much at once. Sure, it's all good. But, it's stressful, too. We're talking about taking on a major lifestyle change while leaving a career, moving and learning how to drive and live in a box on wheels. Lots of people have done it this way and lived to tell a happy tale. Plenty of others, as we've learned, took the time to adapt to RV living before unplugging from the stick house and work. As much as we thought we'd be among the former, we're delighted to be the latter.
We're loving this warm up act!
Not Long Enough
It's official. Weekends just aren't long enough!
We even took Friday off to try to stretch out this past weekend. But, it didn't help. Before we knew it check-out time Sunday was upon us far too soon. Just as we were starting to really relax, it was time to pack things back up and go.
We're really not complaining. It was wonderful to get away for a couple of nights, hook up with friends, make new ones, get out on the bikes and just enjoy hanging out 'round the moose. Those are all the makings for a great weekend!
We're just making the observation that when we check in on Friday we're not ready to check out on Sunday. We entertained the idea of buying another night or two (or maybe a week) and calling in sick. On the way home we shared passing thoughts of swinging by the house, picking up the cats and a couple of things and keep on driving.
Three days just isn't enough. So, next time we'll make it four.
Now we see how this whole fulltiming thing really gets started...by adding one day at a time.
We even took Friday off to try to stretch out this past weekend. But, it didn't help. Before we knew it check-out time Sunday was upon us far too soon. Just as we were starting to really relax, it was time to pack things back up and go.
We're really not complaining. It was wonderful to get away for a couple of nights, hook up with friends, make new ones, get out on the bikes and just enjoy hanging out 'round the moose. Those are all the makings for a great weekend!
We're just making the observation that when we check in on Friday we're not ready to check out on Sunday. We entertained the idea of buying another night or two (or maybe a week) and calling in sick. On the way home we shared passing thoughts of swinging by the house, picking up the cats and a couple of things and keep on driving.
Three days just isn't enough. So, next time we'll make it four.
Now we see how this whole fulltiming thing really gets started...by adding one day at a time.
Gone Camping
We've all been in that conversation with a co-worker a zillion times:
"What are you doing this weekend," someone innocently asks.
Our answer to that question these days is three simple words:
"We're going camping."
We've heard our co-workers react to that statement in a number of ways:
"Oh, that's great," says one.
"Wow, you guys are so outdoorsy," say another.
All true, we say. The most comical responses, however, go something like this:
"I've never really been into camping that much," one co-worker proclaims.
"I don't like sleeping on the ground," says another.
Yeah, well, Neither do we. Little do they know that "camping" is our code word for heading out on the road with absolutely all the comforts of home.
We're heading north today for places unknown and highly recommended.
Check out Bullwinkle's Travels for the latest.
And, for the record, we won't be sleeping on the ground.
"What are you doing this weekend," someone innocently asks.
Our answer to that question these days is three simple words:
"We're going camping."
We've heard our co-workers react to that statement in a number of ways:
"Oh, that's great," says one.
"Wow, you guys are so outdoorsy," say another.
All true, we say. The most comical responses, however, go something like this:
"I've never really been into camping that much," one co-worker proclaims.
"I don't like sleeping on the ground," says another.
Yeah, well, Neither do we. Little do they know that "camping" is our code word for heading out on the road with absolutely all the comforts of home.
We're heading north today for places unknown and highly recommended.
Check out Bullwinkle's Travels for the latest.
And, for the record, we won't be sleeping on the ground.
Tempted
An interesting letter came in the mail yesterday. It was from a real estate agent and two of his clients stating that they were looking for a very particular type of home in our area, which just so happens to sound a lot like ours. They asked if we were interested in selling our house to let them know.
Now, the cynics in us are quick to assume this is just a clever marketing technique by an eager agent looking for a listing. Might be. And, it just might be what it claims to be.
We live in one of those neighborhoods that has long been attractive for many people. Hopefully it will stay that way! And, within the neighborhood there are homes that are more or less attractive to different people for different reasons. Ours isn't the most attractive (after all there are ants next door), but it has a lot going for it. And, while there are a few houses for sale in the neighborhood these days, there really aren't any that we know of that are what these people say they are looking for.
We're not ready to talk to prospective buyers right now. But, we will be soon. And, heck, if we knew there was an eager buyer or two waiting in the wings, we might make it even sooner.
Getting this letter is definitely encouraging. It's also very tempting.
We have the number. Who knows? We might just give them a call.
Now, the cynics in us are quick to assume this is just a clever marketing technique by an eager agent looking for a listing. Might be. And, it just might be what it claims to be.
We live in one of those neighborhoods that has long been attractive for many people. Hopefully it will stay that way! And, within the neighborhood there are homes that are more or less attractive to different people for different reasons. Ours isn't the most attractive (after all there are ants next door), but it has a lot going for it. And, while there are a few houses for sale in the neighborhood these days, there really aren't any that we know of that are what these people say they are looking for.
We're not ready to talk to prospective buyers right now. But, we will be soon. And, heck, if we knew there was an eager buyer or two waiting in the wings, we might make it even sooner.
Getting this letter is definitely encouraging. It's also very tempting.
We have the number. Who knows? We might just give them a call.
RV Dreams
While we've been "dreaming" (as in planning) for our great RV escape for a few months now, we've just recently started having actual "RV Dreams" while we're sleeping.
Recently, Boris dreamt we were on the road in Alaska. (A destination that's definitely on our itinerary.) Waking up on several recent mornings, I've had to check in with my semi-conscious self to see if we're in bed in Bullwinkle or at home.
Clearly, we have Bullwinkle on the brain.
One of the things I've started to do the last few nights as I settle myself to sleep is imagining what it will be like: Boris, me and the cats fulltiming across the land in Bullwinkle. At least, I try. Before I can conjure up these images in my sleepy head...I'm asleep. Curses!
Sharing my disappointment with Boris this morning, he put my mind at ease. "Just thinking about fulltiming soothes you," he smiled.
It sure does.
Recently, Boris dreamt we were on the road in Alaska. (A destination that's definitely on our itinerary.) Waking up on several recent mornings, I've had to check in with my semi-conscious self to see if we're in bed in Bullwinkle or at home.
Clearly, we have Bullwinkle on the brain.
One of the things I've started to do the last few nights as I settle myself to sleep is imagining what it will be like: Boris, me and the cats fulltiming across the land in Bullwinkle. At least, I try. Before I can conjure up these images in my sleepy head...I'm asleep. Curses!
Sharing my disappointment with Boris this morning, he put my mind at ease. "Just thinking about fulltiming soothes you," he smiled.
It sure does.
Ladders
There's much excitement about "ladders" 'round our house these days.
First, we're shopping for one for Bullwinkle. With a roof that's 13 feet off the ground, and a front windshield that reaches from side to side at that height, we need one. We've spotted one we like: nice and compact, with good reach and little weight. It stows nicely in the basement. It should be perfect.
More importantly, we're buying a set of ladders today that brings us one gigantic step closer to our great escape. Boris is buying a some "laddered" zero coupon bonds. He's much more qualified and certified to speak about this topic. It definitely is his business. If you have questions about the specifics, let us know. He'll be happy to answer.
What I'm most excited about is what it means. It means that beginning in Spring of 2009, we will have our estimated living expenses for at least two years on the road available to us from our investment portfolio when we need it: guaranteed. The rest (and vast majority) of our investment portfolio will remain in the equity markets - rising and falling over the short term, but in the long-run, continuing to grow for our future.
Beyond finding and stocking the moose, and purging our stick house of out-of-date spices and unused clothes, we have put into motion today something very real that gives us permission to hit the road anytime we want after February 15, 2009.
With that, we are definitely moving!
First, we're shopping for one for Bullwinkle. With a roof that's 13 feet off the ground, and a front windshield that reaches from side to side at that height, we need one. We've spotted one we like: nice and compact, with good reach and little weight. It stows nicely in the basement. It should be perfect.
More importantly, we're buying a set of ladders today that brings us one gigantic step closer to our great escape. Boris is buying a some "laddered" zero coupon bonds. He's much more qualified and certified to speak about this topic. It definitely is his business. If you have questions about the specifics, let us know. He'll be happy to answer.
What I'm most excited about is what it means. It means that beginning in Spring of 2009, we will have our estimated living expenses for at least two years on the road available to us from our investment portfolio when we need it: guaranteed. The rest (and vast majority) of our investment portfolio will remain in the equity markets - rising and falling over the short term, but in the long-run, continuing to grow for our future.
Beyond finding and stocking the moose, and purging our stick house of out-of-date spices and unused clothes, we have put into motion today something very real that gives us permission to hit the road anytime we want after February 15, 2009.
With that, we are definitely moving!
Friday's Pickup
Getting ready for work this morning, once again I found myself staring at a closet full of clothes I don't wear. Well, that's about to change.
In our continuing effort to purge, our closets -- or least mine -- are next. We received a postcard in the mail from some well-meaning organization that they'll be in the neighborhood on Friday to pick up whatever we no longer need.
They are about to hit a bit of a jackpot.
Boris is much better about this, but I've done my part to thin my closet from time to time. But, there are a few things I've been hanging on to because I think I might wear them. And, of course, I don't. This time, I have fresh perspective and a new rule: If I don't wear it for work or fun on a regular basis right now and I won't wear it on the road, it goes.
I'm looking forward to a new view in my closet next Monday!
In our continuing effort to purge, our closets -- or least mine -- are next. We received a postcard in the mail from some well-meaning organization that they'll be in the neighborhood on Friday to pick up whatever we no longer need.
They are about to hit a bit of a jackpot.
Boris is much better about this, but I've done my part to thin my closet from time to time. But, there are a few things I've been hanging on to because I think I might wear them. And, of course, I don't. This time, I have fresh perspective and a new rule: If I don't wear it for work or fun on a regular basis right now and I won't wear it on the road, it goes.
I'm looking forward to a new view in my closet next Monday!
Ants and Spices
Our very quiet Sunday 'round the stick house was disrupted by an invasion: ANTS! We share a wall with a less than fastidious neighbor, who is now the suspected source of said insects. We spotted a few of the little creatures a couple of days ago, and put out a pet-friendly repellant that's a mixture of something sugary sweet and borax. The first ants you see taste the delicious stuff, take it back to their den and share it with others. Then, the borax kills 'em all. At least, that's the theory.
Today, they showed up by the hundreds for their sugar-n-soap cocktail, making a race track around our kitchen cabinets. We made quick work of going through two food cabinets to dispose of any open containers and wiping up any crumbs that might make a meal for an ant colony. This emergency project quickly evolved into a much needed purge. Boris discovered and disposed of not one but two jars of instant coffee crystals. We couldn't remember the last time we drank instant coffee!
I took aim on the spices. Curious about how old some of the little bottles might be, I jumped online and found McCormick's Spice Check Challenge. If your spice doesn't have an expiration date, I can tell you right now: It's old. But, if you're curious, type in the mystery code on the bottle or jar and the spice checker will tell you when your spice was "born".
I started entering codes. Waves of laughter followed as I discovered two jars of bay leaves born in the '90s, and an assortment of spices that share birthdays with middle school children. The best, though, was a big jar of rarely used garlic salt with a code that was smeared. So, I couldn't enter it on the site. The city on the label was Baltimore, MD, which according to the site means it is at least 15 years old. A second glance at the label revealed a copyright date: 1981!!
With the collection of vintage spices in the trash, I have loads more space in our spice cabinet and a list of a half dozen or so of our very favorite spices on my grocery list. It'll be nice to get something fresh, for a change.
While I'm shopping, I think swing down the bug killer aisle and pick up a can of RAID!
Today, they showed up by the hundreds for their sugar-n-soap cocktail, making a race track around our kitchen cabinets. We made quick work of going through two food cabinets to dispose of any open containers and wiping up any crumbs that might make a meal for an ant colony. This emergency project quickly evolved into a much needed purge. Boris discovered and disposed of not one but two jars of instant coffee crystals. We couldn't remember the last time we drank instant coffee!
I took aim on the spices. Curious about how old some of the little bottles might be, I jumped online and found McCormick's Spice Check Challenge. If your spice doesn't have an expiration date, I can tell you right now: It's old. But, if you're curious, type in the mystery code on the bottle or jar and the spice checker will tell you when your spice was "born".
I started entering codes. Waves of laughter followed as I discovered two jars of bay leaves born in the '90s, and an assortment of spices that share birthdays with middle school children. The best, though, was a big jar of rarely used garlic salt with a code that was smeared. So, I couldn't enter it on the site. The city on the label was Baltimore, MD, which according to the site means it is at least 15 years old. A second glance at the label revealed a copyright date: 1981!!
With the collection of vintage spices in the trash, I have loads more space in our spice cabinet and a list of a half dozen or so of our very favorite spices on my grocery list. It'll be nice to get something fresh, for a change.
While I'm shopping, I think swing down the bug killer aisle and pick up a can of RAID!
It's Weekend!
We don't have to solve the "retirement vs. sabbatical" debate today. It's Friday! For the next couple of days we get a welcome break from work. And, although we can't make it to a campground this weekend, we can relax!
Lots to do this weekend to get ready for the next! Friday we are heading north with our bikes on board to enjoy a few days in the redwoods. A couple of our new campground friends are coming to meet us. They're shopping for a new RV, and have high hopes of getting one just like ours. It's been fun shopping for them!
So, between the things we have to do this weekend, we'll clean up the bikes and take them out for a little test drive to get them RV ready.
One of our neighbors hosted a little TGIF happy hour tonight. They asked us what had been up to and we told them. Our announcement that "We bought an RV" was met with gasps and congratulations. Bullwinkle hasn't made an appearance in the 'hood yet. So, understandably they were a bit surprised. Most of our neighbors are already retired. Their response to us was something akin to "you go, kiddos!"
Gotta love it.
Lots to do this weekend to get ready for the next! Friday we are heading north with our bikes on board to enjoy a few days in the redwoods. A couple of our new campground friends are coming to meet us. They're shopping for a new RV, and have high hopes of getting one just like ours. It's been fun shopping for them!
So, between the things we have to do this weekend, we'll clean up the bikes and take them out for a little test drive to get them RV ready.
One of our neighbors hosted a little TGIF happy hour tonight. They asked us what had been up to and we told them. Our announcement that "We bought an RV" was met with gasps and congratulations. Bullwinkle hasn't made an appearance in the 'hood yet. So, understandably they were a bit surprised. Most of our neighbors are already retired. Their response to us was something akin to "you go, kiddos!"
Gotta love it.
Retirement or Sabbatical?
When contemplating when to start our Great RV Escape, there's one looming question. When we hit the road as fulltimers will we be "retired" (as in never planning to work because we have to again) or "on sabbatical"? When that question is answered, a lot of other things should fall into place.
As we've mentioned before, we are career workaholics. We're closing in on 30 years of that incredibly unhealthy behavior. So, no surprise, we're pretty darn toasty. These days our opinion of our jobs isn't all that high. But, that's not the problem. We just don't feel like working. Really...stick a fork in it this whole work thing. We are done.
Now, if we have no plans of working ever again once we start fulltiming, our confidence in being able to fund our retirement as we would like gets a wee bit shaky. We have a lot of expertise in this area, so we know of what we speak. We could get by just fine and not outlive our money. But, if something extreme happens, the odds of a successful plan diminish.
But, if we stick to our plan of returning to work after exploring the country for a year, or two, or three - or even four - our financial plan is rock solid. We'll be a couple of well-rested, no longer toasted professionals, in our not-yet-mid 50s. Our entrepreneurial spirit will find a way to create satisfying work for ourselves and the income we need to have a safe and secure future.
So, what's it gonna be, kids? Retirement or sabbatical?
As we've mentioned before, we are career workaholics. We're closing in on 30 years of that incredibly unhealthy behavior. So, no surprise, we're pretty darn toasty. These days our opinion of our jobs isn't all that high. But, that's not the problem. We just don't feel like working. Really...stick a fork in it this whole work thing. We are done.
Now, if we have no plans of working ever again once we start fulltiming, our confidence in being able to fund our retirement as we would like gets a wee bit shaky. We have a lot of expertise in this area, so we know of what we speak. We could get by just fine and not outlive our money. But, if something extreme happens, the odds of a successful plan diminish.
But, if we stick to our plan of returning to work after exploring the country for a year, or two, or three - or even four - our financial plan is rock solid. We'll be a couple of well-rested, no longer toasted professionals, in our not-yet-mid 50s. Our entrepreneurial spirit will find a way to create satisfying work for ourselves and the income we need to have a safe and secure future.
So, what's it gonna be, kids? Retirement or sabbatical?
Tim and Tony
At first, we thought it might just be the second verse of the Stick House Blues. But, now we're not so sure.
We've been thinking about our timing for this change in lifestyle. We've asked the question before: Is April 2010 soon enough? Today is one of those days where the answer to that question is an enthusiastic and heart-felt "No!"
We're both news junkies from way back. And, the world of journalism lost a couple of shining stars in recent weeks: Tim Russert and Tony Snow. We watched their careers and developed great respect for them as professionals over the years. We were saddened when they were taken far too soon: Tim at 58; Tony at 53. As we sit here at 50, the ages they departed this earth are within shouting distance of where we are today. And, that has us thinking.
"If we could ask Tony Snow," Boris started this morning as we were getting ready for work, "if you had the chance at 50 to go off on the adventure of a lifetime for two or three years, would you do it? What would he say?"
Now, we didn't know Tony Snow or Tim Russert. So, we can't with total certainty say how they would answer that question. But, we can guess. And, we guess the answer would be "YES!"
Add to that today was a particularly challenging day at the office for us both. And, it was not an isolated day. It's a long story not to be detailed here. But, bottom line, we find ourselves asking the question "What are we waiting for?"
You know what? We don't know!
Is it the money? No. Not really. We've done lots of calculations. And, we're very conservative in that department. Truth be told, we have that covered, best we can tell. And, if it turns out we don't, we'll figure something out.
Is it that we have lots to do to get ready? Well, yes that's true. But, will it take us almost two years? We made a move halfway across the country eight years ago in less than six months. Do we really, honestly, need two years? Well, probably not.
Is it that we're not on board with this crazy idea? Oh no! We're both quite on board. We're ready for the adventure. (Heck, we bought a new RV in eight short weeks.) Maybe part of us is thinking this crazy yearning might fade a bit. But, so far, it's shining brighter than ever. No fading in site.
So, what, exactly, are we waiting for?
Boris "vests" in his retirement plan in March. So, we guess we're waiting for that. That's something.
So, what else, exactly?
We may not know. But, we are definitely thinking....
We've been thinking about our timing for this change in lifestyle. We've asked the question before: Is April 2010 soon enough? Today is one of those days where the answer to that question is an enthusiastic and heart-felt "No!"
We're both news junkies from way back. And, the world of journalism lost a couple of shining stars in recent weeks: Tim Russert and Tony Snow. We watched their careers and developed great respect for them as professionals over the years. We were saddened when they were taken far too soon: Tim at 58; Tony at 53. As we sit here at 50, the ages they departed this earth are within shouting distance of where we are today. And, that has us thinking.
"If we could ask Tony Snow," Boris started this morning as we were getting ready for work, "if you had the chance at 50 to go off on the adventure of a lifetime for two or three years, would you do it? What would he say?"
Now, we didn't know Tony Snow or Tim Russert. So, we can't with total certainty say how they would answer that question. But, we can guess. And, we guess the answer would be "YES!"
Add to that today was a particularly challenging day at the office for us both. And, it was not an isolated day. It's a long story not to be detailed here. But, bottom line, we find ourselves asking the question "What are we waiting for?"
You know what? We don't know!
Is it the money? No. Not really. We've done lots of calculations. And, we're very conservative in that department. Truth be told, we have that covered, best we can tell. And, if it turns out we don't, we'll figure something out.
Is it that we have lots to do to get ready? Well, yes that's true. But, will it take us almost two years? We made a move halfway across the country eight years ago in less than six months. Do we really, honestly, need two years? Well, probably not.
Is it that we're not on board with this crazy idea? Oh no! We're both quite on board. We're ready for the adventure. (Heck, we bought a new RV in eight short weeks.) Maybe part of us is thinking this crazy yearning might fade a bit. But, so far, it's shining brighter than ever. No fading in site.
So, what, exactly, are we waiting for?
Boris "vests" in his retirement plan in March. So, we guess we're waiting for that. That's something.
So, what else, exactly?
We may not know. But, we are definitely thinking....
Stick House Blues
A couple of things have popped up today that have us thinking about how different life will be on the road.
It's nothing serious, thankfully. Our other car (not our future toad) is in the shop for a second day on its second visit for its second problem that stems from another problem that was missed the first time. (Did that make sense?) And, after we carpooled home tonight we discovered that our land line is out, and apparently has been since yesterday afternoon. (Now if the cable had gone out we would have noticed it in an instant...that's the source of our internet access!) So, we have scheduled the ever-so-convenient appointment for "sometime" between noon and 7PM tomorrow. We're wondering which will be fixed first - the car or the phone?
Lamenting these little nit-picky problems, it did come to mind that when we're on the road we won't have that car or a land line. True, life on the road comes with another set of woes. But right now, we'd be interested in trading this set for that one.
With no extra car, no phone and nine days 'til we we're on the road again with our moose, we got ourselves a bad case of the Stick House Blues.
It's nothing serious, thankfully. Our other car (not our future toad) is in the shop for a second day on its second visit for its second problem that stems from another problem that was missed the first time. (Did that make sense?) And, after we carpooled home tonight we discovered that our land line is out, and apparently has been since yesterday afternoon. (Now if the cable had gone out we would have noticed it in an instant...that's the source of our internet access!) So, we have scheduled the ever-so-convenient appointment for "sometime" between noon and 7PM tomorrow. We're wondering which will be fixed first - the car or the phone?
Lamenting these little nit-picky problems, it did come to mind that when we're on the road we won't have that car or a land line. True, life on the road comes with another set of woes. But right now, we'd be interested in trading this set for that one.
With no extra car, no phone and nine days 'til we we're on the road again with our moose, we got ourselves a bad case of the Stick House Blues.
Thinking About Thanksgiving
For not doing any "camping" these days, we're doing a pretty good job of filling up our calendar with future camping dates. A weekend here, then a weekend there. They're filling up fast. How fun!
We had dreams of taking a week-long trip sometime this Fall. But, duty calls, we're afraid. So, our available time for lengthy travel is rather limited. However, we're looking at the week of Thanksgiving. We have no work or social commitments. If we play our cards right, we could manage 8 nights away.
So, where are we gonna go to give thanks?
Right now, we're looking at Palm Springs. We've never been there, and it's definitely doable from here. But, when it comes to RVing in Palm Springs during the winter, we are total novices.
This place is full of pros! There are tons of places to stay. So many, in fact, we're a bit boggled.
The thought of a week-long holiday road trip in the moose sounds great. But, we are definitely open to any and all thoughts and opinions about the SoCal desert that time of year.
Your opinions, dear readers, are most certainly welcome.
And, for that, we give thanks.
We had dreams of taking a week-long trip sometime this Fall. But, duty calls, we're afraid. So, our available time for lengthy travel is rather limited. However, we're looking at the week of Thanksgiving. We have no work or social commitments. If we play our cards right, we could manage 8 nights away.
So, where are we gonna go to give thanks?
Right now, we're looking at Palm Springs. We've never been there, and it's definitely doable from here. But, when it comes to RVing in Palm Springs during the winter, we are total novices.
This place is full of pros! There are tons of places to stay. So many, in fact, we're a bit boggled.
The thought of a week-long holiday road trip in the moose sounds great. But, we are definitely open to any and all thoughts and opinions about the SoCal desert that time of year.
Your opinions, dear readers, are most certainly welcome.
And, for that, we give thanks.
More Shopping and Purging
We took advantage of a sunny Sunday afternoon at home to run RV errands. It's not quite as much fun as actually being in our RV, but it's close.
We made a trip to Camping World to pick up a few odds and ends we've learned we couldn't live without: a 50 to 30 amp adapter, an amber lens cover for our patio light, and a sewer connector. We had a sewer connector we bought on our rental trip. But, it seems there's a "Betamax" and a "VHS" of sewer connectors. We had a VHS and bought sewer hose since that requires the whole thing to be Beta. So, now we're in sync in that department. We also found a "flag" windsock, for which we were desperately searching for our July 4th trip. Better late than never, I suppose. Besides, now we can proudly display our patriotism at the campground any day of the year.
We also stopped by REI to get a bike rack for the beast. Boris did extensive research and found the perfect model for us -- a Yakima that "doubles-down" and holds up to four bikes. That way we have room for our two and a couple of friends.
With the bike rack purchased, we just had to go install it. So, we drove across town to Bullwinkle's place and Boris hooked it up in minutes. We also installed a hitch lock for good measure. We loaded our Camping World purchases inside and bid Bullwinkle farewell. Now we're really looking forward to our next trip. No matter where we go, we're taking the bikes!
With all that shopping behind us, Natasha embarked on a bit more purging after we got home. An over-used dresser drawer or two got the treatment today, and are once again neat and orderly. In there she found her long-lost phone headset. (Good thing, as our state instituted a hands-free law July 1.) Now, she just has to find the headset charger.
Hmmm. Might be time to purge another drawer.
We made a trip to Camping World to pick up a few odds and ends we've learned we couldn't live without: a 50 to 30 amp adapter, an amber lens cover for our patio light, and a sewer connector. We had a sewer connector we bought on our rental trip. But, it seems there's a "Betamax" and a "VHS" of sewer connectors. We had a VHS and bought sewer hose since that requires the whole thing to be Beta. So, now we're in sync in that department. We also found a "flag" windsock, for which we were desperately searching for our July 4th trip. Better late than never, I suppose. Besides, now we can proudly display our patriotism at the campground any day of the year.
We also stopped by REI to get a bike rack for the beast. Boris did extensive research and found the perfect model for us -- a Yakima that "doubles-down" and holds up to four bikes. That way we have room for our two and a couple of friends.
With the bike rack purchased, we just had to go install it. So, we drove across town to Bullwinkle's place and Boris hooked it up in minutes. We also installed a hitch lock for good measure. We loaded our Camping World purchases inside and bid Bullwinkle farewell. Now we're really looking forward to our next trip. No matter where we go, we're taking the bikes!
With all that shopping behind us, Natasha embarked on a bit more purging after we got home. An over-used dresser drawer or two got the treatment today, and are once again neat and orderly. In there she found her long-lost phone headset. (Good thing, as our state instituted a hands-free law July 1.) Now, she just has to find the headset charger.
Hmmm. Might be time to purge another drawer.
Taking Inventory
Looking for ways to put off today's task of cleaning out the bathroom cabinets, Natasha spent a few minutes at the computer and created a household inventory spreadsheet.
In a matter of 21 months or so, everything in this house will be outta here. So, it all has to go somewhere. This nifty new spreadsheet will help us make note of what we have, and where we want it to go --Bullwinkle? Storage? Sell? Gift? Trash? There's lots of stuff that we simply need to toss right now as part of The Great Purge of 2008. That stuff won't even make the list. But, most of the stuff in our house is stuff we use in one way or another. So, it's just a bit too soon to start packing it up and shipping it out. We'll need it for awhile!
With the spreadsheet created, Natasha began to catalog the two rooms with the least amount of stuff: the living room and dining room. She made quick work of both rooms, and tossed a few things along the way. The big surprise was how many things were on the list for such "lightweight" rooms. The thought of continuing into the kitchen was overwhelming. So, she set off on today's original "to-do" -- clearing the bathroom cabinets.
A full trash bag later, the bathroom drawers and cabinets were orderly and spacious. Yet, a mystery remained: We've lived in this house for about eight years. So, why would we have pharmaceuticals and beauty aids in this bathroom that expired in 1999? That means we actually moved this stuff here!
Who knows?
In a matter of 21 months or so, everything in this house will be outta here. So, it all has to go somewhere. This nifty new spreadsheet will help us make note of what we have, and where we want it to go --Bullwinkle? Storage? Sell? Gift? Trash? There's lots of stuff that we simply need to toss right now as part of The Great Purge of 2008. That stuff won't even make the list. But, most of the stuff in our house is stuff we use in one way or another. So, it's just a bit too soon to start packing it up and shipping it out. We'll need it for awhile!
With the spreadsheet created, Natasha began to catalog the two rooms with the least amount of stuff: the living room and dining room. She made quick work of both rooms, and tossed a few things along the way. The big surprise was how many things were on the list for such "lightweight" rooms. The thought of continuing into the kitchen was overwhelming. So, she set off on today's original "to-do" -- clearing the bathroom cabinets.
A full trash bag later, the bathroom drawers and cabinets were orderly and spacious. Yet, a mystery remained: We've lived in this house for about eight years. So, why would we have pharmaceuticals and beauty aids in this bathroom that expired in 1999? That means we actually moved this stuff here!
Who knows?
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!
Just as we were settling in to enjoy our weekend at home, we picked up an email from new friends we met last weekend. They are off for an RV club weekend to a brand new campground an hour or so south of here. They invited us to come along. They're leaving right about now, in fact.
We had to turn this invitation down. But, we wished them well.
We'll sure be thinking about them this weekend!!
We had to turn this invitation down. But, we wished them well.
We'll sure be thinking about them this weekend!!
It's All Good
With another weekend upon us, we're feeling just a little bit better about the fact that we're not hitting the road this weekend.
Yes, we're still playing "spot the RV" from our offices. We're just feeling a little bit better about not actually being out there with the good people we spot.
Instead, we're shifting our thinking to how much we can accomplish this weekend at home.
Boris has schoolwork he can attend to. And, Natasha is finally going to tackle the bathroom cabinets.
Bottom line: As much as we would LOVE to be away, there is definitely important stuff we need to do while we're here.
O.K. We guess we're feeling at least a little better!
Yes, we're still playing "spot the RV" from our offices. We're just feeling a little bit better about not actually being out there with the good people we spot.
Instead, we're shifting our thinking to how much we can accomplish this weekend at home.
Boris has schoolwork he can attend to. And, Natasha is finally going to tackle the bathroom cabinets.
Bottom line: As much as we would LOVE to be away, there is definitely important stuff we need to do while we're here.
O.K. We guess we're feeling at least a little better!
Longing
With a grand total of five nights under Bullwinkle's fiberglass roof, we've had just a small taste of what life will be like as fulltimers. And, anytime we have a taste of something we really, really like, we usually want a second helping. It can be tough to simply enjoy what you have without yearning for more.
We have no plans to hit the road for the next two weekends. So, it comes as no surprise that "hump day" this week has been a little rough. Work seems, well, a little less important. Everything that comes with living in a big city is a lot more irritating. The things that we have to do this weekend and next that will keep us here seem like a lot less fun than what we really want to be doing. You get the idea.
Perhaps the most comical manifestation of this midweek malaise is something that's happened to both of us. From our offices, we can both see a freeway or two. Boris has found himself gazing out his window and counting Class As as they drive by. I've found myself sitting in a conference room during very important business meetings checking out the various classes of RVs that pass by. "There's a travel trailer," I find myself thinking (sometimes while my mouth is moving in the meeting!). "There's a big Class C, and another Class A," runs through my mind while I'm in mid-sentence. "Oh look! Another fiver!" I exclaim in my brain.
We found a bit of comfort when we confessed our odd behavior to each other. We're chalking it up to taking one big step toward a lifestyle we look forward to. As we play "spot the RV" in our subconscious minds, we wonder where these lucky travelers are going, where they've been and what they're up to. And, we send them good wishes for lots of fun and safe travels. We can't wait to join them down the road.
So, the next time you find yourself maneuvering your rig through a downtown freeway around skyscrapers, know that some future fulltimer might give you a longing glance and wish you well. And, it might just be one of us.
We have no plans to hit the road for the next two weekends. So, it comes as no surprise that "hump day" this week has been a little rough. Work seems, well, a little less important. Everything that comes with living in a big city is a lot more irritating. The things that we have to do this weekend and next that will keep us here seem like a lot less fun than what we really want to be doing. You get the idea.
Perhaps the most comical manifestation of this midweek malaise is something that's happened to both of us. From our offices, we can both see a freeway or two. Boris has found himself gazing out his window and counting Class As as they drive by. I've found myself sitting in a conference room during very important business meetings checking out the various classes of RVs that pass by. "There's a travel trailer," I find myself thinking (sometimes while my mouth is moving in the meeting!). "There's a big Class C, and another Class A," runs through my mind while I'm in mid-sentence. "Oh look! Another fiver!" I exclaim in my brain.
We found a bit of comfort when we confessed our odd behavior to each other. We're chalking it up to taking one big step toward a lifestyle we look forward to. As we play "spot the RV" in our subconscious minds, we wonder where these lucky travelers are going, where they've been and what they're up to. And, we send them good wishes for lots of fun and safe travels. We can't wait to join them down the road.
So, the next time you find yourself maneuvering your rig through a downtown freeway around skyscrapers, know that some future fulltimer might give you a longing glance and wish you well. And, it might just be one of us.
Stuff
There are two items on our current to-do list that, on the surface, seem quite in conflict:
It's weird.
Case in point: Two vacuum cleaners. We have a big one that's perfectly good, fairly new and doesn't get used all that much. But, we do use it. And, more importantly, it's big and heavy. It's on the list of items to find a new home for before we leave this one. We just bought a brand new one that's small, light and perfect for our 300-square-foot house. (It's a Eureka Optima Lightweight and it cleans like a dream!)
And so it goes as we sort through our stuff.
- Purge
- Shop
It's weird.
Case in point: Two vacuum cleaners. We have a big one that's perfectly good, fairly new and doesn't get used all that much. But, we do use it. And, more importantly, it's big and heavy. It's on the list of items to find a new home for before we leave this one. We just bought a brand new one that's small, light and perfect for our 300-square-foot house. (It's a Eureka Optima Lightweight and it cleans like a dream!)
And so it goes as we sort through our stuff.
Great People
Spending an extended holiday weekend on the road was fun. No doubt about it. It gave us a chance to play in our new toy, see some new sights and relax.
Most of all, we got to meet some great people.
In our newbie RVing career, we've stayed in a half dozen or so campgrounds. This weekend proved once again what we like best: meeting people.
There was the California native who walked his dog our way and asked "Don't you know you're not supposed to..." He stopped by again over the weekend to see how are "to fix" list for the dealer was growing. Surprisingly and pleasantly enough, it's quite short!
Marie and Roger were lots of fun. They pedaled by on their bikes and passed by several times admiring our coach. Finally, they stopped and stepped up to the screen door and yelled a friendly hello. They live not too far away from us and get out quite a bit in their 23-footer. They loved seeing a rig a bit bigger than their's, and we appreciated checking out their new bike rack. Most of all, we enjoyed meeting them. We look forward to seeing them again.
Paul and Shar (or Cher) were Winnie enthusiasts from way back. They recently bought a new 40-foot Tiffin, which we stopped to admire. It's gorgeous. They oogled and googled over our little 32-footer and showed us how to turn the captain's chair all the way around. (Thanks, guys!) They gave us a great recommendation for a local campground they frequent. We look forward to reconnecting with them down the road.
We're beginning to understand the real reason why we enjoy RVing. It's all about meeting really great people.
Most of all, we got to meet some great people.
In our newbie RVing career, we've stayed in a half dozen or so campgrounds. This weekend proved once again what we like best: meeting people.
There was the California native who walked his dog our way and asked "Don't you know you're not supposed to..." He stopped by again over the weekend to see how are "to fix" list for the dealer was growing. Surprisingly and pleasantly enough, it's quite short!
Marie and Roger were lots of fun. They pedaled by on their bikes and passed by several times admiring our coach. Finally, they stopped and stepped up to the screen door and yelled a friendly hello. They live not too far away from us and get out quite a bit in their 23-footer. They loved seeing a rig a bit bigger than their's, and we appreciated checking out their new bike rack. Most of all, we enjoyed meeting them. We look forward to seeing them again.
Paul and Shar (or Cher) were Winnie enthusiasts from way back. They recently bought a new 40-foot Tiffin, which we stopped to admire. It's gorgeous. They oogled and googled over our little 32-footer and showed us how to turn the captain's chair all the way around. (Thanks, guys!) They gave us a great recommendation for a local campground they frequent. We look forward to reconnecting with them down the road.
We're beginning to understand the real reason why we enjoy RVing. It's all about meeting really great people.
Happy 4th!
At last, we've reconnected with our camera cable. So, at last, we have pictures. And, we have internet access this weekend, so Bullwinkle's Travels is live.
Come on over and see what we're up to for the 4th of July. (We're pretending we're fulltimers for a few days!)
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday for all.
Come on over and see what we're up to for the 4th of July. (We're pretending we're fulltimers for a few days!)
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday for all.
Rubbin' It In
We keep track of a handful of RV travelers -- some of them are future fulltimers like us, and most are out there fulltiming right now. In their blogs and journals they become our eyes and ears of a lifestyle we are just getting started with. We learn so much. We absolutely love it.
This week, while reading about the latest adventures of Ed and Marilyn, "The Happy Wanderers", we found ourselves reading -- and re-reading -- this paragraph about their current stay in Colorado:
"Come on, you guys!" Boris lamented. "Stop rubbing it in!"
As much as we love ya'll, have mercy! For those of us who go to bed at night thinking about work tomorrow, this much good stuff can be tough to take in.
And, like I said. We love it!
Please, please! Keep it coming.
This week, while reading about the latest adventures of Ed and Marilyn, "The Happy Wanderers", we found ourselves reading -- and re-reading -- this paragraph about their current stay in Colorado:
"We usually go to bed at night with our windows open and lay there listening as the sound of the wind in the pine trees lulls us to sleep. We might go to sleep with only a sheet covering us but the blanket gets pulled up around our chins sometime during the night."
"Come on, you guys!" Boris lamented. "Stop rubbing it in!"
As much as we love ya'll, have mercy! For those of us who go to bed at night thinking about work tomorrow, this much good stuff can be tough to take in.
And, like I said. We love it!
Please, please! Keep it coming.
We Miss Him!
After spending three nights in our "stick house" we're noticing something.
We miss Bullwinkle!!!!!!
We miss that short little queen-size bed and everything that goes with it. It's so comfy and convenient. It's all soooooo relaxing.
Oh my! This might be serious.
Good thing we have a three-day weekend ahead of us, with an extra day off and a campground reservation.
We'll see "our boy" soon!
We miss Bullwinkle!!!!!!
We miss that short little queen-size bed and everything that goes with it. It's so comfy and convenient. It's all soooooo relaxing.
Oh my! This might be serious.
Good thing we have a three-day weekend ahead of us, with an extra day off and a campground reservation.
We'll see "our boy" soon!
It's Really Tall!
When we pulled into our storage facility for the first time Sunday afternoon, we made the property managers a little nervous.
Was it that it took the two of us (one inside and one outside the coach) to make it safely through the entry gate?
No.
What then?
"How big is your rig, exactly?" they asked Natasha in unison when she poked her head in the office after successfully clearing the entrance gate.
"32 feet," she replied.
"Really? Just 32 feet?" they questioned.
"Yep!" Natasha confirmed.
"It looks much bigger," the managers countered as they began to calculate the price of renting a larger space.
Puzzled, Natasha didn't have a comeback. Finally, she said something that quieted them.
"It's really tall," she said.
"Oh yeah," the managers answered. "That must be it."
That exchange prompted a quick bit of research. With 22.5-inch wheels and a satellite dome on top, Bullwinkle checks in at a height of 13 feet. That's about six to nine inches above a typical Class A coach.
When you're 32-feet long and weigh nearly 22,000 pounds, it helps to be tall. It's much more flattering!
Was it that it took the two of us (one inside and one outside the coach) to make it safely through the entry gate?
No.
What then?
"How big is your rig, exactly?" they asked Natasha in unison when she poked her head in the office after successfully clearing the entrance gate.
"32 feet," she replied.
"Really? Just 32 feet?" they questioned.
"Yep!" Natasha confirmed.
"It looks much bigger," the managers countered as they began to calculate the price of renting a larger space.
Puzzled, Natasha didn't have a comeback. Finally, she said something that quieted them.
"It's really tall," she said.
"Oh yeah," the managers answered. "That must be it."
That exchange prompted a quick bit of research. With 22.5-inch wheels and a satellite dome on top, Bullwinkle checks in at a height of 13 feet. That's about six to nine inches above a typical Class A coach.
When you're 32-feet long and weigh nearly 22,000 pounds, it helps to be tall. It's much more flattering!
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