Once upon a time, we were pushing to put our house on the market March 1st.
All of a sudden, that's tomorrow!
(How does that happen?)
Needless to say, March 1st won't be the day. Now it looks more like mid-April. And, that's a mere six weeks away. The weather will be better, and we hope the housing market holds together between now and then. We shall see.
We have so much to do! Boris has been much better than me at getting stuff done. The roof has been repaired and now he's arranging for inside repairs and painting. Me? I'm way behind. I've been so busy at work there hasn't been much time to do anything at home. Plus, we've been too busy camping! This weekend I've made some progress on the quilt that has to be done before we go, so that's something. Right now, I need to go do some purging.
The clock is ticking!
No Chains...Ever
We were back to work today after our long weekend away.
(Insert grunts, groans and bleeck sounds here.)
As Boris and I reflected on the weekend, we recalled an RVer we met Saturday night. He was driving a 40-ft Class A from Southern California to visit his father in the Sierra foothills. After we exchanged pleasantries he explained that he and his wife had left a day early to avoid snow on "The Grapevine", a particularly hilly and hazardous section of I-5 just north of Los Angeles. We acknowledged his smart move and he went on telling tales of having had to "chain up" his motorhome in snowy weather more than once.
Tonight we made a joint declaration: We ain't EVER "chaining up" our RV. Never ever...not in a million years. If ever we make some heinous error in judgement and find ourselves in a place where chaining up is an option, much less a requirement, we will choose to sit and wait out the weather.
Really. Never. Ever.
Glad we're clear on that!
(Insert grunts, groans and bleeck sounds here.)
As Boris and I reflected on the weekend, we recalled an RVer we met Saturday night. He was driving a 40-ft Class A from Southern California to visit his father in the Sierra foothills. After we exchanged pleasantries he explained that he and his wife had left a day early to avoid snow on "The Grapevine", a particularly hilly and hazardous section of I-5 just north of Los Angeles. We acknowledged his smart move and he went on telling tales of having had to "chain up" his motorhome in snowy weather more than once.
Tonight we made a joint declaration: We ain't EVER "chaining up" our RV. Never ever...not in a million years. If ever we make some heinous error in judgement and find ourselves in a place where chaining up is an option, much less a requirement, we will choose to sit and wait out the weather.
Really. Never. Ever.
Glad we're clear on that!
One of those weekends
Anytime we can camp in February, we know we really shouldn't complain. But, now that we're home again, we hope you'll allow us just a moment to vent.
Complaint #1
Rocky went in for routine service on Wednesday, and the apparently not-busy-enough-these-days folks at the dealership discovered metal shavings in the front and rear differentials, which they were quick to point out was covered by warranty. Are we more than a bit suspicious? You betcha! Bottom line: Rocky's hospital stay would last through at least Friday. So, no camping for him!
Complaint #2
With Rocky in the shop, we were without a toad for this trip. Our weekend destination was a nice RV park in the middle of a busy truck stop, so we definitely wanted an extra set of wheels so we could get out and see the sights. We decided to caravan with our old German sedan. With Boris at the wheel of Bullwinkle and me leading the way in the beemer, I missed out on a essential element of this trip: I didn't get to ride in Bullwinkle. (Wah!)
Complaint #3
The wifi at this park was wonky, to the say the least. And, along the way our laptop went wonkier. Between endless start up loops and microsecond flashes of a blue screen with a message that included phrases like "beginning physical dump of memory", we declared our six-year-old laptop near death. We've been planning to replace it soon anyway, but now our fingers are crossed that we can manage to retrieve all of the data. We can boot it up in safe mode, so we're hopeful. Needless to say, we went the entire weekend without an online fix. And, for one of us anyway, that's worth complaining about!
Complaint #4
While we were in a drought, I promised I'd never complain about the rain. But, between last weekend and this, it has to be over. So, I'm complaining. After dinner last night the winds came up and the rain began to fall. All night we rocked and rolled. This morning our campsite was surrounded by water. Boris dumped in a driving rain (and our black tank still read 2/3 full, which may give us something else to complain about), and we caravaned home in standing water, low visibility, gusty winds and stupid - I mean really stupid - drivers on the roads between there and here.
Thank you. I feel better.
Despite these complaints, we had a great time with our Winnebago friends this weekend. We'll post something at Bullwinkle's Place as soon as we have a chance.
Meanwhile, we'd like to place our order for next camping trip: A sunny and warm three-day weekend with Bullwinkle and our dependable toad at a lovely quiet park with wifi we can access easily with our new laptop.
We'll take a number. We may have to wait awhile for that one!
Complaint #1
Rocky went in for routine service on Wednesday, and the apparently not-busy-enough-these-days folks at the dealership discovered metal shavings in the front and rear differentials, which they were quick to point out was covered by warranty. Are we more than a bit suspicious? You betcha! Bottom line: Rocky's hospital stay would last through at least Friday. So, no camping for him!
Complaint #2
With Rocky in the shop, we were without a toad for this trip. Our weekend destination was a nice RV park in the middle of a busy truck stop, so we definitely wanted an extra set of wheels so we could get out and see the sights. We decided to caravan with our old German sedan. With Boris at the wheel of Bullwinkle and me leading the way in the beemer, I missed out on a essential element of this trip: I didn't get to ride in Bullwinkle. (Wah!)
Complaint #3
The wifi at this park was wonky, to the say the least. And, along the way our laptop went wonkier. Between endless start up loops and microsecond flashes of a blue screen with a message that included phrases like "beginning physical dump of memory", we declared our six-year-old laptop near death. We've been planning to replace it soon anyway, but now our fingers are crossed that we can manage to retrieve all of the data. We can boot it up in safe mode, so we're hopeful. Needless to say, we went the entire weekend without an online fix. And, for one of us anyway, that's worth complaining about!
Complaint #4
While we were in a drought, I promised I'd never complain about the rain. But, between last weekend and this, it has to be over. So, I'm complaining. After dinner last night the winds came up and the rain began to fall. All night we rocked and rolled. This morning our campsite was surrounded by water. Boris dumped in a driving rain (and our black tank still read 2/3 full, which may give us something else to complain about), and we caravaned home in standing water, low visibility, gusty winds and stupid - I mean really stupid - drivers on the roads between there and here.
Thank you. I feel better.
Despite these complaints, we had a great time with our Winnebago friends this weekend. We'll post something at Bullwinkle's Place as soon as we have a chance.
Meanwhile, we'd like to place our order for next camping trip: A sunny and warm three-day weekend with Bullwinkle and our dependable toad at a lovely quiet park with wifi we can access easily with our new laptop.
We'll take a number. We may have to wait awhile for that one!
Sick Jeep and Laptop
We're enjoying a long weekend with our Winnebago friends. Rocky is in the shop, and our laptop is near death. (Posting this from my treo!) Now we're really roughin' it! TGIF!
One Fun Lunch
Boris and I escaped the work-a-day world in the city today for a long lunch in the suburbs. Why the midday getaway? To meet Juanita!
Juanita is the better half of Gordon and Juanita, avid readers, hearty supporters and a huge source of inspiration for us these days. Gordon and Juanita made their great rv escape from the Bay Area just about three years ago. These days they're hanging out in South Texas in their brand new rig, and Juanita was back in the Bay Area this week to visit family. We were so pleased that she was able to make time to meet us for lunch.
It's really something to meet someone in person the first time and feel like you already know them so well. But, such it is with Juanita. We fell easily into catching up although we had just met!
Over tasty Mexican fare, we filled in the gaps for each other and got to know each other better. The conversation quickly turned to quilting, but before Boris checked out we returned to more interesting talk for him!
Much too quickly, the meal was history and the clock struck "time to get back to work" for us. We wished each other happy and safe travels and look forward to seeing the whole family soon, perhaps as early as this summer. We can't wait!
Gordon, you were definitely missed!
Juanita is the better half of Gordon and Juanita, avid readers, hearty supporters and a huge source of inspiration for us these days. Gordon and Juanita made their great rv escape from the Bay Area just about three years ago. These days they're hanging out in South Texas in their brand new rig, and Juanita was back in the Bay Area this week to visit family. We were so pleased that she was able to make time to meet us for lunch.
It's really something to meet someone in person the first time and feel like you already know them so well. But, such it is with Juanita. We fell easily into catching up although we had just met!
Over tasty Mexican fare, we filled in the gaps for each other and got to know each other better. The conversation quickly turned to quilting, but before Boris checked out we returned to more interesting talk for him!
Much too quickly, the meal was history and the clock struck "time to get back to work" for us. We wished each other happy and safe travels and look forward to seeing the whole family soon, perhaps as early as this summer. We can't wait!
Gordon, you were definitely missed!
Wind, Rain, a Thousand Trails and Gypsy!
We're back from our weekend in the Sacramento Valley, gearing up for a whole three days of work this week. Of course, one day we have a long lunch scheduled, and on another we're leaving early to hit the road. Tough week, huh?
We'll get trip details posted at Bullwinkle's Place as soon as we get a chance. But, here you get the future fulltimers' version of the story.
It was really windy. It was really rainy.
Yes, the weekend was pretty much a bust as far as the weather goes. The drought in this part of the state may be nearing an end after this weekend. Between the wind and the rain, we always had some kind of weather happening. Bullwinkle was rockin' and rollin', but he stayed dry. And, for that, we are thankful.
Our rally was held at a Thousand Trails campground just north of our state capital. We're not Thousand Trails members, and haven't planned to be. Yet, the TT folks continue to dial our house in hopes of selling a membership to a couple of newbie RV owners. This campground was fine, the security was questionable and the hospitality was lacking. The "hut" where our rally group gathered was burglarized last night. Heaters, tools, food and wine were missing this morning. All this in a "secure" campground. And, as we pulled out of the campground this noon, the man at the ever-so-secure front gate grunted and pointed at the guest sticker in our windshield. Boris handed it over.
No "How was your stay?" or "Thank you for joining us at Thousand Trails." or "We hope you'll join us again soon!" Huh-uh. Know what? Next time Thousand Trails calls our house, we might just answer. They'll get an earful.
We headed south to the Cal Expo RV Park in Sacramento and hooked up with Gypsy. We've been following her blog since she started her cross-country trip in her 5ver. She is the first member of this virtual community we would meet in person, so this was an extra special stop.
Gypsy met us outside the gate to the RV park and showed us where we could pull over. We sat and chatted awhile and then wandered into the park to see her "hood", meet her pups and check out her rolling home. We were so inspired by her stories and her aptly-named spirit. It was a pleasure to meet her. After hugs and good wishes we promised to see each other down the road. We look forward to making time this summer to see her in Mt. Lassen. Gypsy posted pictures of our visit here. As you can see, we were all smiles. It was great fun!
Rain in the valley means snow in the mountains, so we found ourselves wrestling for freeway space with zillions of skiers and snowboarders heading back to the bay after a long weekend in Tahoe. If their SUVs could talk, we're sure they would've said something like, "pokey RVs" everytime they passed us by on the wet and windy freeway. If Bullwinkle could talk, he would have replied: "Hey hotshots, slow your @## down and get there safely."
You tell 'em, moose.
We'll get trip details posted at Bullwinkle's Place as soon as we get a chance. But, here you get the future fulltimers' version of the story.
It was really windy. It was really rainy.
Yes, the weekend was pretty much a bust as far as the weather goes. The drought in this part of the state may be nearing an end after this weekend. Between the wind and the rain, we always had some kind of weather happening. Bullwinkle was rockin' and rollin', but he stayed dry. And, for that, we are thankful.
Our rally was held at a Thousand Trails campground just north of our state capital. We're not Thousand Trails members, and haven't planned to be. Yet, the TT folks continue to dial our house in hopes of selling a membership to a couple of newbie RV owners. This campground was fine, the security was questionable and the hospitality was lacking. The "hut" where our rally group gathered was burglarized last night. Heaters, tools, food and wine were missing this morning. All this in a "secure" campground. And, as we pulled out of the campground this noon, the man at the ever-so-secure front gate grunted and pointed at the guest sticker in our windshield. Boris handed it over.
No "How was your stay?" or "Thank you for joining us at Thousand Trails." or "We hope you'll join us again soon!" Huh-uh. Know what? Next time Thousand Trails calls our house, we might just answer. They'll get an earful.
We headed south to the Cal Expo RV Park in Sacramento and hooked up with Gypsy. We've been following her blog since she started her cross-country trip in her 5ver. She is the first member of this virtual community we would meet in person, so this was an extra special stop.
Gypsy met us outside the gate to the RV park and showed us where we could pull over. We sat and chatted awhile and then wandered into the park to see her "hood", meet her pups and check out her rolling home. We were so inspired by her stories and her aptly-named spirit. It was a pleasure to meet her. After hugs and good wishes we promised to see each other down the road. We look forward to making time this summer to see her in Mt. Lassen. Gypsy posted pictures of our visit here. As you can see, we were all smiles. It was great fun!
Rain in the valley means snow in the mountains, so we found ourselves wrestling for freeway space with zillions of skiers and snowboarders heading back to the bay after a long weekend in Tahoe. If their SUVs could talk, we're sure they would've said something like, "pokey RVs" everytime they passed us by on the wet and windy freeway. If Bullwinkle could talk, he would have replied: "Hey hotshots, slow your @## down and get there safely."
You tell 'em, moose.
Stop and Start
We're packing up to head out this weekend...and next.
We love it, of course. Except for this weekend's forecast of gobs of rain and wind in excess of 35 miles an hour, we're looking forward to everything about hitting the road for a few precious days away.
Tonight as we were getting ready to go, Boris made a profound observation.
"We need to stop RVing so we can start RVing," he said.
True. We need to give up on getting out every weekend we can so that we can stay home and get all the stuff we need to do done so we can really get out of here.
We'll get right on that...in a couple of weeks.
Happy weekend!
We love it, of course. Except for this weekend's forecast of gobs of rain and wind in excess of 35 miles an hour, we're looking forward to everything about hitting the road for a few precious days away.
Tonight as we were getting ready to go, Boris made a profound observation.
"We need to stop RVing so we can start RVing," he said.
True. We need to give up on getting out every weekend we can so that we can stay home and get all the stuff we need to do done so we can really get out of here.
We'll get right on that...in a couple of weeks.
Happy weekend!
GGO
We're speaking shorthand with each other these days. In conversation, email and instant message, we're using letters where others use words. While those around us might not understand, we do.
What are we saying? Allow us to interpret.
GCTW = Going Camping This Weekend
GSH = Gotta Stay Home
TMTD = Too Much To Do
KYEOTP = Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
YGTI = You Get The Idea
What's the most common shorthand we're sharing with each other these days?
GGO
What does that mean?
Gotta Get Out!
Oh yeah!
What are we saying? Allow us to interpret.
GCTW = Going Camping This Weekend
GSH = Gotta Stay Home
TMTD = Too Much To Do
KYEOTP = Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
YGTI = You Get The Idea
What's the most common shorthand we're sharing with each other these days?
GGO
What does that mean?
Gotta Get Out!
Oh yeah!
Kitty Report
Boris and I came home for lunch today to check in on our girl kitty. The anti-inflammatory was good until mid-morning, so we thought it was important to see how she was doing by midday.
We're pleased to report that she seems to be doing well. She's a little stiff and a bit tentative at times. But, she seems to have a handle on it. And, for now anyway, so do we.
Our fingers (and paws) are crossed.
We're pleased to report that she seems to be doing well. She's a little stiff and a bit tentative at times. But, she seems to have a handle on it. And, for now anyway, so do we.
Our fingers (and paws) are crossed.
A Big Job and A Little Emergency
This weekend found us at home with an extensive list of to-dos. Boris got right on it yesterday and tackled a big job: cleaning the carpet. With his trusty Rug Doctor, he covered just about every inch of carpet in our house. And, boy did it need to be cleaned! We'll do it again before we put the house on the market, but now we know how it all works. By the looks of things, it works great.
While Boris took on the big job, I did a bit of purging here and there. This afternoon I finally spent some time on my big quilt project, finishing my fourth of nine rows. I didn't have the same sense of vigor about our household tasks as Boris. I needed to recover from a week of emotionally unattached but incredibly draining work. (Am I looking forward to starting another one tomorrow?)
Today started with some emotional excitement of a different nature. Just after her breakfast, our girl kitty was exhibiting signs of lameness in one of her rear legs. She and I were both freaking out about it, so Boris took us to the emergency vet clinic. (Why do these things always happen on weekends?) The symptoms were intermittent, which we learned was a good sign. And, otherwise she was alert and reflexive. The ER doc checked her out and suspected it is most likely intermittent pain from a strain or a bite from her brother. After some mini blood work, a shot of anti-inflammatory, some subcutaneous fluids and a serious wad of cash, we were on our way. She's had a couple of episodes since we got home, but she doesn't freak out about it. (So, neither do I, really.) Now, she just stretches it out and seems fine. We have no idea if a cat can get leg cramps, but that's what it looks like. Anyway, we'll keep an eye on her and decide if she needs to see the regular vet tomorrow.
So, as another weekend comes to a close here we sit - with clean carpets, some progress made on other projects and a well-cared for cat - one week closer to becoming fulltimers.
While Boris took on the big job, I did a bit of purging here and there. This afternoon I finally spent some time on my big quilt project, finishing my fourth of nine rows. I didn't have the same sense of vigor about our household tasks as Boris. I needed to recover from a week of emotionally unattached but incredibly draining work. (Am I looking forward to starting another one tomorrow?)
Today started with some emotional excitement of a different nature. Just after her breakfast, our girl kitty was exhibiting signs of lameness in one of her rear legs. She and I were both freaking out about it, so Boris took us to the emergency vet clinic. (Why do these things always happen on weekends?) The symptoms were intermittent, which we learned was a good sign. And, otherwise she was alert and reflexive. The ER doc checked her out and suspected it is most likely intermittent pain from a strain or a bite from her brother. After some mini blood work, a shot of anti-inflammatory, some subcutaneous fluids and a serious wad of cash, we were on our way. She's had a couple of episodes since we got home, but she doesn't freak out about it. (So, neither do I, really.) Now, she just stretches it out and seems fine. We have no idea if a cat can get leg cramps, but that's what it looks like. Anyway, we'll keep an eye on her and decide if she needs to see the regular vet tomorrow.
So, as another weekend comes to a close here we sit - with clean carpets, some progress made on other projects and a well-cared for cat - one week closer to becoming fulltimers.
Does it show?
A co-worker passed by my office one day last week and I noticed something different about her: a "baby bump". She has yet to make her news public, but it is suddenly obvious that in four or five months she's in for a big lifestyle change. When she finally decides to announce that she's going to be a first-time mom, her co-workers will smile, cheer and clap. As we offer our hearty congratulations, we'll think to ourselves, "Yeah, we already knew."
As someone else in the office who has big changes in store within the next six months, I began to wonder. Is there a fulltiming equivalent to the "baby bump" that will give it all away before we're ready to announce our plans?
As someone else in the office who has big changes in store within the next six months, I began to wonder. Is there a fulltiming equivalent to the "baby bump" that will give it all away before we're ready to announce our plans?
Objectives
Driving home from work yesterday, I contemplated this question: What do we want to accomplish while we're fulltiming?
At the risk of making this lifestyle change sound like a work project (which it's not!), I started to make a mental list. At home, I asked Boris for his thoughts on the question.
"I don't want to think about it that way," was his thoughtful reply.
I know. I know. Neither do I. My thinking is that if we can get clear on a few "big picture" objectives before we go, if there's anything we can do now to help set things up for success life on the road, I don't want to miss that opportunity. And, somewhere down the road we'll ask ourselves how things are working for us as fulltimers. Intuitively, we'll know that we love it (or we don't). Checking in our objectives will give us an idea of why. Besides, right now fulltiming feels like it's all about getting rid of and moving our stuff, selling our house and getting out of here. While I'm fine with all that, me thinks I'm needing to get a clearer view of the bigger picture here and the really good stuff that's ahead of us.
Am I overthinking this?
Maybe so. For now, I'll keep it really simple.
Our fulltiming objectives:
* To enjoy ourselves and each other everyday
* To experience the freedom to explore North America when and how we wish
* To live simply and spontaneously
* To express our creativity
* To reinvent what work might be to us, if anything
* To be active in a community of people who are passionate about doing the same things we are
Sounds good. No, actually. That sounds GREAT!
I'm ready to get to work.
At the risk of making this lifestyle change sound like a work project (which it's not!), I started to make a mental list. At home, I asked Boris for his thoughts on the question.
"I don't want to think about it that way," was his thoughtful reply.
I know. I know. Neither do I. My thinking is that if we can get clear on a few "big picture" objectives before we go, if there's anything we can do now to help set things up for success life on the road, I don't want to miss that opportunity. And, somewhere down the road we'll ask ourselves how things are working for us as fulltimers. Intuitively, we'll know that we love it (or we don't). Checking in our objectives will give us an idea of why. Besides, right now fulltiming feels like it's all about getting rid of and moving our stuff, selling our house and getting out of here. While I'm fine with all that, me thinks I'm needing to get a clearer view of the bigger picture here and the really good stuff that's ahead of us.
Am I overthinking this?
Maybe so. For now, I'll keep it really simple.
Our fulltiming objectives:
* To enjoy ourselves and each other everyday
* To experience the freedom to explore North America when and how we wish
* To live simply and spontaneously
* To express our creativity
* To reinvent what work might be to us, if anything
* To be active in a community of people who are passionate about doing the same things we are
Sounds good. No, actually. That sounds GREAT!
I'm ready to get to work.
Pepe's
This one's for our friends in the Rio Grande Valley.
Boris picked me up for lunch today.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"Pepe's on the River," I replied.
"Yeah?" he replied. "Me, too."
We'll make it a date...someday.
Boris picked me up for lunch today.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"Pepe's on the River," I replied.
"Yeah?" he replied. "Me, too."
We'll make it a date...someday.
Roughing it Smoothly
I'm pleased to report we found our way safely home yesterday, by the light of day, and didn't miss a single turn. Today, we faced the cold hard reality of work. Ugh.
Reflecting on our wonderful winter weekend away, I was reminded of a comment made by a passerby yesterday at a gas station not too far from our camping destination. After filling up, we hooked the jeep back up to the moose and got ready to hit the road. While we were checking the turn signals, a gentleman passed by and made a comment to Boris.
"Roughing it smoothly, I see," he said.
With his mind focused on the towing process, Boris' response was automatic.
"We're working on it," he replied.
As the miles flew by on our way home, we talked about the passing comment. It may or may not be a common saying in the RVing world. We wouldn't know. After all, we'll still newbies. New or not, we like it. In three little words it sums up what we're moving toward.
With all the comforts of home and our trusty side-trip transport following faithfully behind us, we do have all the comforts of home. And, while we've had our ups and downs so far along the way, we could definitely sum it all up as pretty darn smooth.
Roughing it smoothly?
We really are working on it.
Reflecting on our wonderful winter weekend away, I was reminded of a comment made by a passerby yesterday at a gas station not too far from our camping destination. After filling up, we hooked the jeep back up to the moose and got ready to hit the road. While we were checking the turn signals, a gentleman passed by and made a comment to Boris.
"Roughing it smoothly, I see," he said.
With his mind focused on the towing process, Boris' response was automatic.
"We're working on it," he replied.
As the miles flew by on our way home, we talked about the passing comment. It may or may not be a common saying in the RVing world. We wouldn't know. After all, we'll still newbies. New or not, we like it. In three little words it sums up what we're moving toward.
With all the comforts of home and our trusty side-trip transport following faithfully behind us, we do have all the comforts of home. And, while we've had our ups and downs so far along the way, we could definitely sum it all up as pretty darn smooth.
Roughing it smoothly?
We really are working on it.
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