BACK AGAIN JANUARY 2021

 Back Again-January 17, 2021

Well I know it’s been 2 years since I’ve posted and I actually have no excuse except laziness. When you’re on the road the last thing I want to do is sit on my computer. But a funny thing happened this week. We are back in Magnolia, Texas (near Houston) where we are planted for a month to miss some bad northern weather. They had 3 inches of snow I’m told at home in Missouri. Didn’t miss that!! Anyway one of the best things we love is meeting new neighbors when we are parked. We met an awesome couple, Nancy and Don. They were on their first trip out so definitely newbies. So we talked and talked and talked in order to share what we have learned and listen to what led them to this “glamping” endeavor. During our conversation we gave them our “Living the Dream” business card that we share with friends. It has our home address, our picture, our phone numbers, our email and this blog spot.  They mentioned that they remember reading our blog a few years ago. I was shocked as I didn’t realize anyone ever read it. So I decided I’d make myself pick it back up.

I guess we are not newbies anymore. We’ve been doing this for 4 years almost and yet each trip brings some new experience, new excitement and new disaster. 

2018 ended with us staying in Hermosa, South Dakota for the month of October.  We thought we were safe before winter would hit but the last week of October they got 27 inches of snow. Fortunately we saw what was coming and we left 5 days early and we literally missed it by 1 day. They went from bad to worse so we learned very clearly that when RVing, you need to keep a close watch on the weather and take off when bad weather is coming. We loved our stay that year but would have freaked out in a blizzard. The last two days we were there it dropped to freezing and I was so worried something would freeze. We purchased insolation to cover the batteries, a small lamp to heat the outdoor kitchen, unhooked the city water and made sure the 3 propane tanks stayed full. We have  a polar basement but was told not to count on it under 20 degrees and it was down in the teens. But nothing froze. 

That being said the 30 amp electrical pole we were plugged in to had some kind of problem after the electricity went out one night and we were never able to get it to work. That was when we decided given the weather and electrical situation we would leave. We initially thought it was our electrical system but when we plugged in at another stop we were fine and it never happened again.

PROBLEMS

The first problem we encountered on that trip was in Iowa. We stayed in a really nice state park….so we thought

Here’s one tip.Check the spots out online if you can as far as leveling. We had a spot and it took us 2 hours to find a level place. I’m not kidding….2 hours. We were so frustrated. There were tons of spots empty and although we couldn’t get ahold of anyone or any number in the park to change, we changed to another spot. That’s how frustrated we were. We are not rule breakers but we do have our limits and we had reached ours. No one ever contacted us or came by. We were there for 5 days.

Then we had an issue with our largest slide not wanting to go in all the way (2 inches out). Was that ever a fiasco. We called around and tried to find someone to come out. We couldn’t find anyone. We called our RV Service Department at home and they said drive slow and we should be fine.  I was a nervous wreck. We found a service department in Mandan, North Dakota. Corey, the service guy agreed to see us that day if we could get there early afternoon. The Place was Corral RV. I can’t rave enough about this place. We ended up staying in the sales part of the building most of the day but it was so worth it. Corey found the problem and was able to fix it and didn’t gouge us. We were so impressed that we gave him an $80 tip. He was so worth it. In fact, if this place wasn’t so far from home we would take our RV to them for the  annual check-up every year. The owner was Deb and she was an angel. She ended up sitting with us all afternoon and chatting. This is a home spun family place we only wish we had more of in the RV world. 

2019 is a blur. My step-mother passed away and we moved into a new stage of life. We needed to make sure my 92 year old father was happy and cared for. He is an amazing man. A Navy vet who instilled in me my love for travel. Now he was alone. A niece and nephew moved into his house and take wonderful care of him. He brags that he a cook and handy-man living with him. They are the epitome of real Christians. 

However, my father enjoys most in life coming to my house for morning coffee. He lives about 10 miles away and comes every morning after daily mass. Yes, he still drives. In fact, he purchased a brand new car. I It beeps when you move out of the line. I was so relieved until I found out he disconnected it because he didn’t like the sound of the beep. Oh well!!! It’s been such a blessing to have this time with him. 

But our 4 or 5 month RV trips must be on hold. We still do 2 to 3 week trips and always our month in January in Texas to visit Richard’s family and old friends. When we are gone, my father “coffee’s” with my younger sister, Starr Zizza. But she is not retired so she is often stretched. But I appreciate so much my partner in caring. She always steps up when I need her. 

2020-do we really need to say anything. Being retired during COVID has been a blessing but no less stressful. My father, now 93 just got his vaccine and as usual he was a trooper. He was proud to get an early phone call from the VA hospital to schedule the vaccine. He didn’t even get a sore arm. 

AND NOW TO 2021

This is our first trip of the year. Started out with a bang. The day we were to leave Richard LOST his keys, yes he did. We were packed and ready to leave but I refused to take off with only one set of keys. In 68 years you learn what things you never do and having only 1 set of keys is one of them.

We look for several hours. Yes the house that was in fine shape was now in upheaval. Under my bed almost made me vomit. It must be cleaned when we return. Do you know how much food ends up in the cracks of the sofa or rather 2 sofas and 2 recliners. And what’s underneath is no picnic either. HOWEVER you problem won’t starve at Armageddon! All vehicles are completely cleaned out but NO KEYS!! We finally broke down and he went to the Lock Doctor and purchased a new $120 fob for the Ram 2500.

The next day we were on the road. WE made it to Magnolia Texas to our favorite RV park and favorite site. Parked, leveled, plugged in, hooked up and went inside to settle in. 

THEN, the bathroom sink started pouring out water.  Drenched all the stored toilet paper and hall rug. 

Bedroom slide made a popping noise and hot water heater wouldn’t heat water.

Once again, I sat down and said, “I’m done, we’re going back to hotels.” Richard said, once again, “Don’t worry, be happy, everything can be fixed.” He called our RV service repair guy at home (The guy remembered us because he had our RV for 2 ½ months for annual check-up and slide repairs. They also scratched the outside by accident but guess what?????They didn’t get to it to fix it before we left so told us to bring it back when we get home)  So yes, he remembered us and was very helpful in walking Richard through what to do. One of the slide cable simply came off the track. When they winterized they left the hot water heater valve turned on and neglected to tell us, so Richard turned the lever and we got hot water. The sink turned out to be either a washer or faucet. WE have a mobile repair guy coming out tomorrow to fix it. So as Richard said, “All is fine.” I’ve slept, so I’m not exhausted and I am, again, very happy to be here in my “happy place.”

WE have already met some wonderful neighbors which only emphasizes why we love this life. We played cards in the game room last night and loved every minute of it. (Who said old people don’t have any fun? NOT)

I went out for Mexican food with my dear friend of 40 years who just recovered from COVID and I have plans to meet 3 high school friends from 53 years ago for lunch, so yes, “I AM BACK IN MY HAPPY PLACE.”

Home was great but nothing like our US adventure 6-2-18

June 2, 2018

So we were at home for 6 weeks. I don't know how I worked before because I'm retired now and never seem to get everything done. I'm busy, busy, busy. The first week home I spent getting medical stuff done. Richard and I both got crowns, yea that was fun. There was no pain, we have an awesome dentist, Arborwalk Dental Care, but it's still icky dental work. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy and ultrasound and let's just say every part of me was checked out and that is why we have to be home in April and October. All turned out GOOD!! I'm happy to know I'll be able to enjoy this adventure for awhile.

That wasn't the best part of being home. The best part was spending time with old co-workers and family and spend time I did. Some I met at restaurants, some I was able to cook for. I finally have the time to do some cooking and I really enjoy it. 

I spent time with some former managers from Jackson County:
Pam, Becky and Liz.

I had a long lunch with my Co Field Support Managers, Brenda and Marla. What a catch up day that was at Cracker Barrel and then another day with my favorite circuit manager, Shannon. I'm always hopeful that the system will change and things will get better but it doesn't seem to be going that way. What I've learned in my travels is CPS (child protection services) are the same in every state. They are underfunded, understaffed and overworked. It's very sad when you consider the vulnerable population they serve.

I cooked for some foster parents that I've always been inspired by, Heather and Robert. They have adopted 15 children and currently have 13 in their home. They have fostered over 100 children and continue to show their advocacy passion. They mentored my daughter when she decided to begin fostering. They often rub people wrong because of that passion but they are good hearted folks. Rob especially sometimes forgets his filter but after many years I recognize it as commitment and genuine concern. Most CPS workers have it and want what is best for children, but they are limited by the courts and upper management due to funding and accountability. 

I cooked for one of the specialists that I supervised, Carole and met my training consultant, Pam for breakfast.

These were all folks I used to work with and I realized during this 6 weeks that as happy as I am, I really miss those guys. They are not family but when you spend 20+ years with people, you really love them like family.

Speaking of family, WOW. So much is going on!! We began planning my dad's 90th birthday party.
One nephew graduated from high school and one niece graduated from college with her master's degree. So proud of Luke and Meghan.

We celebrated numerous special dates:

My sister and brother in laws 51st anniversary. Happy anniversary Linda and Ron.

My Dad and Barbara's 20th anniversary.

Mother's Day. My kids made that a wonderful celebration. There were four mothers. Barbara, Sheila, Starr, Sherry and myself!! Truly a day to celebrate!!

Another niece got engaged. Congratulations Hannah and Matt!!

I also got to see the beautiful drawings that my sister Starr is doing. They are remarkable.

So like I said, "I don't know how I fit work in my life. On top of that Richard started painting the house. He had planned on doing it over the 6 weeks. He only got the front done and it looks really nice. He'll work on the rest over our next visits home. 

So we're back on the road again and after just one day I realize how wonderful it was and why I missed it. It's just Richard and I and we have nothing we have to do or no where we have to be. Does this means we're just lazy? Whatever, it's bliss!!!!

We left Missouri May 31st ultimately headed to Rhode Island where my Dad is, but we're going to make it a 2 week trip. While we were on the road in the morning we looked at the reservation and realized we were supposed to be checking in on May 30th. We left a day late. We were so upset with ourselves. We called this park in Carlyle, Illinois and let them know we were on our way and to ensure we would have a spot and we have an awesome spot. 

So we are back enjoying our adventure. We can't believe how quiet and peaceful this life is. We just feel so blessed and happy. 

Yesterday we explored some of the area. We ended up eating at a little cafe called "Bills Cafe." It was in Sandoval, Illinois. It was very old. Billy was the cook and a Vietnam Vet. There were about 7 people in the restaurant. It was obvious that they all knew each other. They carried on conversations like it was one big dining room. "Hey Big John, what can I get you?" "Just cook me up a mess of eggs and bacon." Across the room, "How are your peach trees doing? Did you lose any in that wind?" The waitress dropped a piece of toast and the woman yells out, "Don't worry, I have plenty on my plate." They all went back in the kitchen before each left to say goodbye to Billy. Ahhh, small town life. The food was great and the coffee was the very best. The sum of the ticket was less than $10.00 and the coffee was much better than Starbucks!!!

Today I got to try out my new washer and dryer. It was so exciting to me. I did two loads and didn't have to spend any time in a washateria. I loved it. It is the best form of "glamping" and I am loving it!! 

And of course we have plenty of time to do one of our favorite things!!! Shame on you with dirty minds !!!

We leave here next weekend, will spend some time in Indiana, Pennsylvania and our destination is a park in Massachusetts. We had a difficult time finding a park in New England and the prices are terrible. Almost every place was around $1,000 a month. That's Massachusettes, Rhode Island and Connecticut. We checked them all out last December when we were up there. We settled on a pretty nice one in Massachusetts. It's about 45 minutes from my Dad's house so it will be convenient. I'll check in after we experience Niagra Falls in July!!!! Stay cool! It's already a hot one but with 2 air conditioners we are cool cucumbers!!!

South Carolina March 2018

March 18, 2018

Well hello favorite people. I'm back again. What a whirlwind of a month!! We started out waiting for my Dad and Barbara to get to Florida. My sister Starr was driving them down as Barbara had been sick and taken some radiation treatments before they left. Until they got there we were enjoying my brother and sister in-laws Florida condo in Seaside Florida. The condo was about 20 minutes from our camp. They have a beautiful beach out the back down about what seemed like 400 steps. We were able to get the condo ready for my folks, enjoy the beach and use their washer and dryer. Thank you Mike and Sheila!!!

Mike and Sheila's condo

Many Many steps to the beach

Message on the beach-he's a keeper!!

We had some torrential rains while we were here. Richard spent his days working on some buggar puzzles. He loved it!!

Always at it!!!

Richards camping puzzle

Dad and Barbara and Starr got there and the fun began. The first weekend Starr's daughter in law Amy drove over from Clearwater and spent the weekend. The first great restaurant we tried after they got there was the Captain's Table in Panama City. Awesome seafood!! We invited them all over for dinner by the campfire. We were so excited to show them our new discovery. If you take a rubber hose, about 8 inches and put it in an 8 inch copper pipe and throw it in a campfire the flames actually turn beautiful colors, pink, turquoise, blue, yellow.  It's amazing!!!

Sister Starr Arrives

Cook Out at our Place

So Much Fun

Amy comes to visit from Clearwater

Amazing camp fire

After Amy left we spent a day at the Silver Sands Outlet and I got a strawberry screwer which is very excellent. Takes those strawberry stems right out and we ate strawberries almost every night. Not bad for controlling my impulsive spending. I was so proud of myself!!!

Strawberry Screwer

The next week was filled with beaches, restaurants, playing cards at night, talking and really having a wonderful time. 

We played card and ate every night with the fam!!

One day I had been down on the beach. I came back up and was locked out of the condo. I beat on the door. I couldn't believe they locked the sliding door. We never locked it when someone was at home. I banged and banged and was getting pretty upset. I looked in and hollard. No one came. I looked in again and noticed that it wasn't our furniture and then I realized I was at the wrong condo!!! You can see below why I got confused:

They look so much alike!!!

We then took Starr to Atlanta, GA to board a plane for home. It was about 3 hours away from us. The day didn't start out too well. We left at 4:30AM and by 5:30AM Richard was cruising along when we heard sirens. YEP, he got a ticket for speeding as soon as we crossed over into Georgia. It was the last day of the month...you know the rest. His first ticket in 43 years. Not so bad except it was $181.00. Officer said he'd give us a break and not make it due until May. WOW thanks SO MUCH!! She made it to the plane on time and we headed to Pine Road, GA to visit some friends.

Our friends name is Lydia. I've known her since she was born. Her mom was one of my dearest friends when I was very young. She is now married to a great guy and just had her 5th child. I had never met the kids and was so excited to do so. Her baby was only 3 months old. She is adorable but best of all, these are all the sweetest, most well behaved children I have ever seen. They are all under 9 years old. Mom and Dad both work for their own business. They live way out in the country on about 6 acres and what a life. It was so rewarding to see such a well adjusted, happy family. She kept apologizing for the state of her house but OMG, I came from a family of 5 kids. It was totally normal. Those little ones were polite, set the table and then cleaned it off while the adults talked. What a feat compared to todays kids. No whining, no begging and no video games at the table. I was impressed!!!

Lydia and beautiful Carolina Elle

Lydia's and Austin's amazing kiddos

We got home late that night and dropped into bed. I was so happy to get to go home to my own bed with my own pillows and CPAP machines and we slept in till noon!!!

Next my step-sister, Bonnie came in to town to stay with my folks. That was a real treat as well. We went to more restaurants but Barbara and Bonnie cooked most of the time and it was just another relaxing week. They again came out to our place for a cook-out. It was cold so I made a nice beef stew with home made bread and a nice wine by the camp fire. A night to remember!!

Captains Table Ummm Good

Sister Bonnie warm and cozy

One day while we were home relaxing I decided to book some campgrounds for our way home. We decided that since we were going to take more than 1 day to get home, usually we only have to worry about one night. We have an inverter to run our CPAPS and we just boondock but more than one night and we would have to charge the inverter and we would be on the road. So I started looking online and I found a Core of Engineer Park. It was fairly inexpensive for the night, $20, so I went to reserve it and it asked if I had a senior national park pass which I do. It was half price so $10. a night!!! We went crazy!! We started looking for parks and we found them all over the country. Most were about $10 a night with our pass. We couldn't believe it. So when we left Florida we went to Bolding Mill Park in Georgia and stayed 3 nights for $30. Richard said he loved it best of all. The site was huge, secluded and right on the lake. So guess what, I have reservations from here to Maine for when we head out in May. We're going to be a week at Carlyle Lake in Illinois for like $70. And on the way back this summer, we're 2 weeks in Pennsylvania at a beautiful lake 2 hours from Niagra Falls. I am so excited. 

Bolding Mill Georgia

View from my kitchen window

On March 12th, we headed out of Florida and so did my folks. They headed home. We spent the time in Georgia and then headed to a state we have never been in, North Carolina. We should have known when we were stuck in a 2 hour hold up on Highway 20 out of Atlanta, GA. It was grueling but hey, we're not in a hurry right. Wrong, we DO NOT want to be looking for a campground at night or have to park our monstrous rig at night. We have a hard enough time in the daytime. We were doing so well. We were only 30 minutes from the campground and it was 5:00 with plenty of light. Richard felt something weird. He pulled over on a grass shoulder that wasn't that big on a county road. He was sure he had a flat tire and he dreaded it. But WOW, no flat. He got back in and drove just a few more minutes and he said, "something is wrong, I've lost my power steering and power brakes, look and find a wide spot to park in." Now let me explain that our only problems living this dream is travel day when I have to figure out the GPS map. He wants me to go to the satellite map and when I do, I can't figure anything out. I panic and he gets upset and I get upset and a couple of times I've thrown the phone down and said, I'm done, I can't do this. It's not been for a happy ride and thus I dread travel days. We are getting better but now we're in a crisis and you know the best, real person comes out in a crisis. I knew we were in trouble. I said, "I can't find anything. We're coming up on a big intersection where 3 roads cross over. There is nothing around it."  He was quickly loosing it and he saw the intersection and there was a huge triangle where there once must have been a gas station. It was completely open. He pulled in and turned everything off. He looked under the hood and said he thought the serpentine belt broke. He told me to call someone. Fortunately I am over prepared for these things. I have travel assistance on my USAA insurance, travel assistance on my cell phone, travel assistance on our extended warranty insurance and travel assistance on my Good Sam RV Club. I surely should be able to get some help. I decided to call Good Sam first because they would know what to do with the trailer.

While I was waiting for Good Sam to call back with information on help a very friendly guy named Johnny stopped by to give a hand. He looked under the hood and pointed to a part that had come off, the idle tension or something. He tried to call a friend of his at the Ford Dealership 10 minutes away but it was now after 6:00PM and they were closed. We told him we had someone trying to find help for us but thanked him for helping. While we were standing there his wife called and he told her what he was doing. Then we started chatting. Here is his story:

When he was in high school he dated a girl for 2 years. She was 16 and he was 18. They were very much in love but her step-mother was a witch and made them break up. They both went on to marry other people and had children. He was married 22 years when his wife died. He was lost and grieved for a long time. One day he thought of his old girlfriend and he looked her up on FACEBOOK. He found her but her profile said she was engaged so he left it along. 2 years later, he looked again and she was single, not engaged. He sent her a friend request and she accepted. They started Instant Messaging and after a few days talked to each other on the phone. She lived in Louisiana, he here in Florida. After a few months he went to Louisiana to see her. They knew immediatly they were meant to be together. But she had something she was afraid to tell him. He was very patient but he stayed long enough to meet her kids. She had one daughter and as soon as he saw her he turned and said, "that's my daughter isn't it?" And she said "yes." She was 33 years old. He showed me a picture of the two of them and they indeed look like twins. They went on to marry and she was the maid of honor and they have been happily married for 3 years. Is that some story?? I thanked him for sharing!! You know that's right up my ally.

So we went on to wait for help to come. Good Sam was looking for someone to tow both the truck and the trailer. They would drop the trailer off at the park and take the truck on to a repair shop. Richard got on his phone and call the extended warranty people. They said they needed to authorize the repair before they do it if we want it covered by the warranty. So he began looking for a place on his IPAD to take it to. So he was on one phone and I was on my phone and he was looking for shops on his IPAD and I thought. What would we do without these technological miracles? We are so blessed and then I thought, my daughter, Sherry and her husband pay monthly for these devices for us. We have 2 IPhones, and 2 IPads and hot spot for travel internet connection with unlimited data. To the tune of around $500. a month. How grateful we are!! I have to remember to thank her for that as well as the extra money she sends me every month. How did I get such amazing children that take such good care of us. My husband is notoriously a negative guy and I am his Pollyanna, but even he said this week, "I never dreamed anyone would take such good care of me. I thought I would be working until the day I died. I'm so surprised." I said to him, "I told you to be nice to these kids, now you know why." They are the ones that care for us when we are old. A lesson to everyone. I tried very hard not to berate or nag my children even when they made mistakes. They are amazing human beings and I will always be grateful for them.  Now to abandon my soap box!

So we were trying to make the best of a bad situation. Good Sam had someone on the way. We were playing cards in the truck when two police cards drove up pointing at us. One got out and Richard got out to meet him. Richard said we had broken down and we had a tow on the way. The other guy got out. They pulled out rifles while they were talking to Richard and he came back to the truck. He said they were looking for a murder suspect and he was traveling in an RV. He saw me in the truck and figured something else was going on. We sat there while the put on bullet proof vests and we rolled down the window and asked if it would be safer if we got in the trailer. They said to just stay put and they would tell us if we needed to move. OMG I couldn't believe it! Then all of a sudden they got into their cars and sped away. 30 minutes later, they sped back going the other direction. We just locked the doors and waited. 

Johnny Stopped to help

Officers show up

Rifles and Vests ready to go

Finally at 9PM the tow truck showed up. He loaded the truck on a flat bed and attached the trailer to a bumper tow and we headed to the park. We had quite a time finding our spot because it was dark and the spot looked too small but we got in. He left the truck with us as we didn't know where to have it towed and it was so late. WE would deal with it tomorrow. We hooked up and went to bed but in all honesty it was a restless night!!

Got the truck up

Next the trailer

Please chain this good, it's my HOME

Through all of this our kids said, "go stay in a hotel and rent a car." We were grateful but so happy to stay in our own bed!! We did end up renting a car for the week after we called USAA in the morning and having the truck towed to a Dodge dealership 30 miles away. We got the car for a week!!

Good old rental car

By the way all of this happened on Richard's 68th birthday! Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

But we are all settled in to another magnificent park. We have Lake Moultrie on 2 sides of us. We are literally 25 feet from the lake behind us. And everyone in South Carolina have been wonderful!!! As crazy as it was we don't regret coming to this place. Yesterday we drove to Summerville North Carolina and watched 2 movies, Game Night and A Winkle in Time. Both were great! Richard liked Game Night the best. 

Our View from the trailer

Another view

From my front door

So today I am baking banana nut muffins to take to our neighbors for a fish fry. I'm so looking forward to it. 

They came out good

While I was gone my sister in law posted a fantastic picture of my nephew, Luke. They were touring DePaul University in Chicago. He got a full scholarship to this prestigious college. I am so proud of him. When I look at him I see my baby brother Brett who we lost so young to ALS when he was 43 years old. He left Luke and his beautiful sister, Hannah when they were 9 and 11 years old. He would be so proud of these two kids. They are amazing.

Luke Zizza

This blog still drives me crazy. Sherry thinks I should post more often and make them shorter but they honestly drive me so crazy that I couldn't do this more than once a month. Till next time!!!!