4 Days To Go - #67

                                         

Sunday was the first day I felt like myself.  The week before last, Charlie and I had our combined flu and pneumonia vaccines and boy, did they take a toll on us! Directly following our vaccine recovery, I caught a cold from Wally and have been coughing and constantly clearing my throat ever since.  So annoying! Plus, my energy level was way down. But today, was wonderful!  Energetic, motivated - feeling good!

Our doctor visits went well! I was so pleased with my BP (which was normal) and my A1C was also good.  Just my cholesterol remained elevated so I will start to concentrate on eating a little better and doing what I need to do to bring it down.  I promised my doctor! Charlie is just about the opposite - he has BP people dream about (perfect) and good cholesterol - however, he struggles with Type 2 Diabetes. Such is life as you get older....

Fall is definitely here. The change in color has begun and is always so striking! But it also makes me sad knowing the cold weather is on its way and another year has just flown by!  I know we will see some great foliage as we trek across Pennsylvania to Ohio. The temperatures will be chilly for bit until we head south. 

I wanted to help the kids out as much as possible before we left, so I have cleaned up the yard, put away and covered all the outdoor furniture, cushions, moved the plants, cleaned the garage and tried to make things as easy as possible. Charlie checked out the snow blower, moved his motorcycle back to the shed for the winter to allow room to garage my car during the winter. Lots of little things to do.

                                       

We picked up three new storage containers at Walmart in an effort to reorganize our truck bed.  So much better! Some items we need easy accessibility every time we set up camp; others are just miscellaneous stuff for things that pop up. You can never have too much organized storage! Once we reach Bay Hide-Away, we empty out the bed of the truck and the containers will be relocated to a home under our parked trailer for the duration of the winter. At any rate, we are in good shape now. At this point, I am just about completely packed with just a few remaining items to put in the trailer plus all the perishable food.  We are well stocked for non-perishable food; and I have even started cooking and freezing food to make it easier the first few days we are on the road.

The trailer is now sitting in the driveway. With the clearer weather we've had the last few days, I was able to wash it. It came out great! The truck still needs to go in for some additional repairs but at least we're getting it done. 

                                   

I've been watching the weather but unfortunately, it looks like rain on Friday, the day we leave.  Our first stop - Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Next time I post, we will be on the road. 

See you down the road!

                                

 

Summer's Last Hurrah - #66

This was an especially hot and arid summer. We had very little - to no rain for long stretches of time. The sun was harsh and relentless- trees started wilting from lack of water, the once luxurious green grass turned to shades of yellow and brown and flowers ceased to bud and bloom. And then as if Mother Nature suddenly noticed the date on the calendar, the evenings cooled, rain came, and the earth drank in all that goodness - the trees, grass and flowers came alive once again. Summer rally's one last time, just before the leaves begin to turn color and fall officially begins.

But - summer is like this every year; it really shouldn't be any surprise - yet we all talk about the weather as if it's new news. It's the same in the winter too.  News flash!  The winter will be cold!

My travel binder is just about complete. This is our itinerary for the road, where I keep all paperwork as accumulated, maps, postage, brochures... It is an essential part to help keep me organized. I also log our mileage, gallons of gas used and cost while we are enroute.

In the last four weeks before our trip, we have lots going on.  Charlie renewing his driver's license (since we won't be home in January when it expires) getting the truck and my car serviced, doctor appointments, getting our flu shots and gradually packing.  I start going through each room, then drawers and closets - taking items we will need. I start using up food in our pantry and refrigerator and buy less for our remaining time home. Items in our apartment get a second look - and get tossed if they lost their value or use.  A final list is created as we get to the countdown days, the trailer will be washed, inside of truck reorganized and cleaned - and we're off! 

As a confirmed summer-lover, this time of year is difficult for me.  I am affected by the change in seasons; less daylight and cooler temperatures puts me into a funk. Coupled with eating crappy and I'm definitely not at my best.  I struggle to keep moving forward, be productive and wait for the cloud to lift. I am starting to see blue skies again, finally.   

Minne received a clean bill of health from the vet. At 13 (senior cat) she was deemed "perfect".  She is doing better than us!

My daughter Holly doesn't leave for another week.  We still have a few things planned and it was great to have such an extended period of time together.  Son-in-law Rakib had his back surgery a week ago and is in rehab for another week.  He is definitely coming along and hope this will be an improvement for him in the long run and his quality of life. Deena started kindergarten and is doing well! Waleed is excitedly starting preschool in another week. Life goes on.  

 

In the final weeks, we hope to visit with friends before we hit the road.  This year, we look forward to not only meeting new people, but meeting up with RV friends we made last winter. The adventure continues....

What I Will Do Different This Year - #65

Our first year on the road and wintering for many months in one location was extremely successful!  We definitely learned a lot!  Quite often I would catch myself saying "Maybe next year I will do this, or bring this, etc..." So, as we slowly begin the packing process - here are some of the things I am doing differently this time around.

- Bicycles - That's a "no" for taking them this year. Although it is great to have this as alternate exercise or transportation, we just did not use them enough to give up valuable real estate inside our truck bed. Walking is my preference and I often felt guilty not using them more when they were available to us. 

-Crock Pot - Already packed! Will be great for potluck dinners or even just for making meals - a good option for me.

-Underwear - I will not forget my underwear this year.  I will not forget my underwear this year! LOL

-Water - I always bring many gallons of fresh water for drinking, especially when we first start out and boondock for a few days. But I have also learned, it's easier to bring a couple extra gallons strictly for washing and the toilet, instead of filling the tank. It keeps the weight down in the trailer, I can refill bottles if we need more and we use wet wipes to clean ourselves on a daily basis. Makes sense for us on a very short-term basis.

-Neck Pillow - Since Charlie does all the driving when we are hooked up, he commented that sometimes his neck bothers him.  So, the kids got him a neck pillow for Father's Day. Hopefully, he will be more comfortable.  It ain't easy getting old(er).

-Jumper Cables - Shoulda already had a set. And now we do.  Our truck is 12 going on 13 years old; if it sits for several days without being used, the battery goes dead.  We haven't figured out what is causing that.  Runs fine when otherwise.

-Air Compressor - Another shoulda had.  We have a larger one at home, just needed a smaller, portable for the road.  It's important to be attentive to your tires.

That's actually pretty much it or what comes to mind at this point.  Hard to believe it's not a big list but we did get much of it right the first time. I welcome any suggestions! Some things I have replaced along the way - like a vinyl tablecloth, coffee cups that broke. Other things need minor repair (like our snack tables - possible refinishing needed) I am actually saving to do this winter.  It's always good to have projects.  

37 Days and Counting!

Eight Weeks; The Countdown Begins - Again! - #64

The itch has returned. You know that feeling you get when you just want to be on the move!

Though there is still a lot of time left to the summer and many exciting plans to look forward to, I am starting to ready the trailer for travel. When I'm planning our travel or working on the trailer, I feel closer to being on the road and start to get excited! On Friday, 10/14 (8 weeks from today) - we will be heading for the Gulf Coast!!!

August has been a busy month.  We enjoyed a week's visit to our friends in Staten Island with a detour to Atlantic City. And, we finally got to see the Van Gogh Immersion! We had a great time!

In just under a week, my daughter Holly will be coming for a 5 week visit from France! We are all excited to be spending time with her and will be doing lots of fun things!

Our family has lots of birthday and anniversaries in the month of August as well! Deena and Wally celebrated their 5th and 3rd August birthdays in a joint celebration; the weather was perfect and there were lots of water activities, bounce house and bar-b-que! (I am still physically recovering from helping out!)

Charlie and I also have begun preparing the trailer and have added a couple of new things, I purchased this little shelf for the bathroom from IKEA, then discovered if we turned it upside down and attached it to the bottom of the medicine cabinet, it became even more useful!

We also acquired a plastic cabinet, discarded from our neighbors' move; I can store a lot of things in it, use it as a desk for the laptop or another surface when cooking.  It has wheels for the bottom we will install once we get to our destination for the winter.

Charlie covered the chains for the hitch with a converted "pool noodle" to protect and keep them from drooping.

 And just the other day, I cleaned all furniture and pillows with an upholstery cleaner borrowed

from Brooke (I did my apartment furniture at the same time, as well). I recovered a pillow with an extra curtain panel leftover from the set I purchased at the thrift store in Bandera for $2.50. I used one of the panels to cover Minnie's area, the valance over the kitchen window to tie in with Minnie's curtain and now a pillow to match! (note; it's a non-sewn or cut cover - just in case I need to use this panel with the set in the future) 

Oh - and last but not least - we finally added a travel map to our trailer! 

I have also begun to purchase and stock items for our trip - like shampoo, shavers, cat litter... Food items will be added within the last month of leaving. I also bought new paints for rock painting, which is something I really enjoy and find so relaxing.

Our itinerary is complete with one change; our first stop will now be to Mohegan Sun instead of Foxwoods due to the construction going on at that property. I think this works out better especially because Foxwoods has been so disappointing. Once they complete the new Great Wolf Lodge addition, I hope it will bring this location some new life!

July - #63

Summer is definitely my favorite season!  I prefer the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer for so many reasons.

Firstly, I love the longer days. The sky begins to lighten around 4:30 am here, in the Greater Boston area. It's so much easier to get out of bed when the sun is shining, isn't it? The air is warm; I throw open all the windows and the morning air is fresh and fragrant from my garden flowers. Shorts, a tank top and flip flops are my uniform of choice. I put the coffee on and the day begins!

July started off with fireworks - literally. Our town, Stoughton, began festivities for Independence Day on Friday night, July 1st with a glorious fireworks show. It had been five years since the town's last such display; it was a welcomed event!   Our parade marches through our tiny town center on the morning of July 4th. To me, this is the essence of small-town America. It is a really fun, local gathering for residents supporting our town. 

 

In between the celebrations, I have begun going through our travel trailer - thoroughly cleaning, making lists and getting it ready, little by little, for our next big adventure. I realize also, I need to start firming up our travel plans and make reservations. 

Since we've been home, it feels like we are bleeding money.  I don't have to say it - we all know how expensive everything has gotten these days.  I thought I would have a chance to save a little since we were home for many months; that isn't going to happen. 

We spent five really nice days with Brooke and the kids up in North Conway, NH; we Air B&B'd a townhouse, located perfectly to everything! It was comfortable and spacious and outside of one take-out dinner, I did all the cooking (which I didn't mind).  The only downside for me was feeling under the weather. I had a cold - as did Wally. But, I pushed forward and enjoyed our trip.  I especially loved Storyland. I'm surprised I had never taken my girls when they were little! It is a great park with a wonderful variety of rides that are actually just my level now! LOL. We also visited the Aquarium and took a ride on the Scenic Conway Rail. North Conway itself is a really pretty and busy little town - lots to do!

                                  

  

Charlie and I are working on another project.  He does the actual work - I just give my input. We are making a "catio" for Miss Minnie.  This will allow her access to the outside through a window. Pictures to follow upon completion.

It is now July 20th. I am happy to report I have been diligent and completed all our travel reservations for October! I created a spreadsheet with all the info - days, places, mileage and costs. It is done!  I have also researched each area to see what activities are offered and we might partake.  I am getting excited about our trip! Next, is getting the trailer ready.

I'm also excited about our new addition to the TT - our map! Charlie and I have actually visited together during our marriage 25 states.  We hope to be adding 5 more within the next year and then the following spring of 2024, we plan to travel west - across the middle and northern states to visit that area of the country neither of us have ever traveled.  And, we also just received a wonderful gift from our son-in-law, Rakib.  He bought us great t-shirts for our travels.  We are planning to wear them the day we leave again!

  

Next week, the very end of July, we are visiting our friends in NYC and we are all taking a little diversion to Atlantic City for a few days.  I haven't been there in years - Charlie I don't think ever. We are also planning to get tickets to the Van Gogh Immersion.  That should indeed be a highlight!

Needless to say, we are having a great summer! During my regular everydays, I attend classes at the senior center (exercise, yoga) and will be adding a meditation class to the mix.  I participate in a Scrabble meetup on Thursdays, go to the gym - which is great on these super hot days, go for walks, and I finally, finally finished reading a book! That has been a struggle for me. Still enjoying cooking and baking... the days just go by! Charlie is still working on the catio.  He loves a good project! And in between, he is busy with his radio stuff and motorcycle. This is a very happy time of life for us both.

         the catio 75% completed

Home Life - #62

 Extended travel really gives one an appreciation for being at home. It's been two months and I still feel that excitement of something new - yet everything is familiar. There are so many places and people we still want to visit and we've been busy filling up our calendar. I have been getting up early everyday! We have really been enjoying our time with the littles. I need to get back on the road to get some sleep again! 

  

First things we've been tending to are our medical appointments - bone density, mammogram, urologist, dentist... we're getting it all done! Charlie and I also got our second Covid boosters. And I just reminded myself - have to schedule an appointment for our Minnie's visit to the vet.

I spend a little time everyday cleaning our apt - it's small and easy to manage. I love working in our gardens and I am done with my mulching and planting of flowers. I'm working on a hardscape garden around Charlie's shed as a regular garden doesn't seem to work there.  I love using rocks in my gardening. I walk around everyday pulling little weeds before they have a chance to grow. I started a small vegetable garden inside my wheelbarrow again - tomatoes and cucumbers. They are doing great! My hydrangeas are in full bloom - this is my favorite flower; the wild black raspberries are ready for picking, too!  Other projects I have given myself - trim all the plants, rearrange the wood pile, reorganize the shelves in the garage, resand the patio. Our trailer just returned home from maintenance this past Monday, that will be another whole project in itself!

Charlie had started going into work welding at his old job a couple of days a week and was enjoying it until he butted heads with the owner and told him "goodbye". We don't need aggravation from work at this point in our lives - especially when we don't need to work. I'm kind of hoping they work things out - but Charlie says he's not returning. Well - I always find something for him to help me with at home.

In July, we have rented a townhouse in the North Conway/Attitash area in New Hampshire and will be going with the family for 4/5 days.  We haven't been up that way in quite a few years and it should be a good time - especially with the littles. We are also visiting friends Ellen and Yori in NY at the very end of July and we are planning an excursion to Atlantic City with them for a few days as well.

In August, my daughter Holly will be coming home for a visit for 5 weeks and I have been running ideas by her about things we can do! Looking forward to our time together.

We had the great joy of a visit from Mimi and Tom, friends from Skyline Ranch! So wonderful to see them and catch up on their fabulous adventure.  We've been following their journey on Facebook.                          

This week we look forward to July 4th fireworks and celebrating with friends. The summer always seems to go by so fast.  I am now counting down - 3 1/2 months - to getting back on the road! I am starting to get serious with my planning and making reservations as I confirm my route.