It’s play time!
Happy Mother’s Day!
rvsue
NOTE: Not only am I taking a break from writing, I’m also turning the comments section over to you. Feel free to discuss a wide range of topics from dreams and plans to RVs to personal stories to tributes to your mother to . . . whatever is on your mind!
Thank you for answering any questions that pop up and for making everyone welcome. I’ll sit back and enjoy!
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“You little faker. You’re not asleep.”
“I knew it! Silly Reggie!”
Wow, a doggie convention. Reggie really enjoyed the fellowship.
Let sleeping dog lay! Or something like that. Our dog (Lindy) is so entertaining when she sleeps. Her legs twich like she’s running, she soft barks and yeps. I know she is chasing those squirrels and rabbits in her dream world. Or maybe it’s play time with her doggie friends. She’s our girly-girl. Please don’t tell her that she’s a dog, she’s our baby. With keen understanding she follows our conversation. With loving eyes she tells us she knows. 🙂
Love it!
Glad somebody was watching to make sure they didn’t get tangled up in all the fun! 🙂
Silly dogs having so much fun! What a hoot!
Nice action shots of Reggie. I guess Bridget decided that little brother needed to burn some energy.
I got a big ukulele song book from my son for mother’s day. I bought myself s new Merlin dulcimer-guitar. All next week I will be at Cumberland Gap, TN for a music get-together and workshop. I am delighted to have this new hobby to enjoy while camping in my Casita.
RVSue, I remember when you first started your blog, you brought art supplies with you. Have been using them? I’d love to see your artwork. As an avid crafter I always bring along some crafting project when I venture out camping.
Sounds SO fun…thanks for sharing!! Have always wanted to play a dulcimer…we have gone to the local barn sings some while in NC…loved it!!
Cute photos. Since Sue invited us to mention our moms, I do have one tribute to give my mom. She and my dad gave me a gift beyond price when they taught me to be CONTENT with what I had and to live within (or below) my means. It’s amazing how much more fun life has been since I’m not trying to “keep up” with anyone. And she’s shown by example how to live an independent life WITHOUT complaining. She’s now 94 so I’ve had plenty of time to observe her practical way of accepting stuff that happens and enjoying what she has. I am truly blessed. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms – and aunts – and women who are being great role models.
That is a priceless gift. I always appreciate that my mother didn’t martyr herself as a single mother who often gave up her own plans to give to me. Of course I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but as a single mother myself I tried very hard to emulate her in that way. It is a gift I am grateful for all the time.
What a nice tribute Reine.. My mother had those same values and pasted them on to us as well. Unfortunately, she has long been with the Lord. If she were still living she would be 102 this coming Tuesday.
Still miss both of my parents and think of them often.
My parents took me camping all through my childhood, a gift for sure. My Mom taught me to give to others as I watched her buy shoes for a 5 year old who did not show for kindergarten in Mom’s class, Because he had none, always had time, while teaching full time for 40 years, to make a meal for someone, or be Sunday School secretary, make food for a wedding, and on and on. I am grateful for my parents good examples and miss them so much now gone over two decades.
Great pics of playing pups!
We are dreaming of selling our bus and buying an easier to drive coach and traveling as a family again. I want to see my grandchildren and ESP meet the Grand daughter I have never met, who just turned 5.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there.
My mother and I were not close as I wished we could have been. But my Mothers Mom, my Granny, was a most wonderous woman who had a horribly tough life, at times as a child she lived on a porch of an Aunt and used to care for her cousins and get them up, fed, dressed and ready for school before she could get herself ready for school. The staff at her school would beat her since she was often late and she had scars on her hands to show where the ruler came down on her hands. Later she was married to a man (my grandpa) who would leave her and her children for months at a time, he would just disappear and she would be homeless for a while, until he returned to her. Even though she had such a tough life, she was always so loving and caring to us her grandchildren. She would tell us stories and she and my grandpa had very little money to retire on, they bought some land in a remote area of Wisconsin and built a very very small 2 room home. We were blessed to have spent summers up there with them. They had no telephone, no real TV channels and the only thing my grandpa would play on the record player was polka music and that didn’t keep us inside… so out we would go! The nearest neighbor was a mile away…so my 2 sisters and I spent our days, digging in the dirt, climbing trees, playing in the creeks…. we had a book of flowers and plants, so we tried to identify all the plants we saw and we would check them off in our book as time went on. At night we would sit outside in the darkness and look up at all the stars and imagine there were people on planets around those stars. My grandmother was a most incredible woman who taught me to enjoy the little things in life, to be greatful for people who cared for me and whom I cared for and to try to not sweat the small stuff, because most stuff is small! So on this Mothers Day I choose to be thankful for my Granny Lillian, she touched my heart and my life and taught me to love nature! Huggles to all! Laura
Your memories of your granny touched me deeply. What a wonderful courageous and loving woman despite the very hard life. Your were fortunate to be her granddaughter.
Sounds like your Grandmother was a wonderful lady! Memories like these are priceless. She taught you the value of a life well lived!
Wonderful Memories Laura and such a loving story. You were blessed.
Krystina
As I wait for my day to begin, I am blessed for what I have today…My two daughters and I are together today, as it is my oldest daughters Birthday today. 47 years ago I became a mother on this day and 10 years ago to this day I lost my mother. I am not quite sure what is in store for me today, we are letting the day unfold before us with no set plans, just being together is enough for me. I am also a grandmother and I know that I will be sharing a celebration with my Daughter as her children will want to celebrate with her and for her, but I get first choice as the morning belongs to only my celebration and remembrance. I wish all a great day of loving and remembering.
Shirlene, we have something in common. 13 years ago on this day, my mother went to Heaven! 2 days short of her 80th birthday!
See, I knew we will be friends when we come to Florida…enjoy your day whatever you do!
When you come to Florida, come visit us here on the forgotten coast! You will never want to leave!
I love your doggie pictures, my life is so much richer for having my Suze (Yorkie) in it. As for Mothers and our day, I was blessed with a child on this day 39 years ago. So grateful for him, Mom and Dad both helped me raise him, I was a lucky single parent. They also nurtured the Bedouin tendencies with camping trips in many countries.
Why I like camping soo much, we share, it’s a remarkable common denominator. You share your experiences, discoveries, happy dog moments. Thank you, and thanks for the link to your Wave install also, I have a SD so may go table top till it becomes clear where it should go. Happy Trails!
What’s an SD?
Ginger, and SD is a Spirit Deluxe which is a specific model of Casita. RVSue has a different model, a Liberty Deluxe. The different models have different floorplans which influences where you can place the Wave 3 heater.
Holly, we have a Freedom Deluxe and have the Wave 3 mounted permanently on the cabin side of the bathroom wall.
I would greatly appreciate a picture of that. Thank you.
Happy Mothers Day!
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! My folks took us on many camping trips as the four of us were growing up too. All across the United States, first in an old army tent that smelled of wet canvas even when it was dry, and then in a used pickup camper, all 6 of us (sometimes more with friends) crammed in. We had so much fun. But now that I’m all grown up I realize it must have been hard for mom, feeding us all out of a little camper kitchen, the loads of laundry when we got home. We took all that for granted, never thought about it, but I think camping might not have been a vacation for her. She’s gone now, and I miss her every day. But I know she’s with me wherever I go. And I know she did all she did for us out of love and joy in her family.
Hi Dawn, My Mother was gone, far away, she left me with my grand parents to raze me, My Mother was very young when I was born. I’m glad that God kept me alive. my grand parents would wait till school let out in the early Summer , each year, and we would go camping in a green canvas tent that was carried with all the camping gear in a small trailer that was pulled by a 1943 Willy’s Jeep. We would go mostly to all the National parks, from The Tower in WY to the Pacific’s , in the Red Woods. Then back to home just before school. They loved me dearly and taught me a lot and missed me when my mother desired that she wanted me to live with her at my age of 10, it , the life with my mother and my step father only lasted till I quit school in 9th grade and enlisted into the Army. I forgive her, my mother and pray that she has found God.,,,,,,,,,,, To this day, I don’t know if she is alive or not, but I’m real glad that my Mother bore me into this life.,,,,,,,,,,, I Wish I knew my mother better.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers in this world,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, If it weren’t for mothers, we wouldn’t be here, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, God Bless you all,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Amen!
For those of us who have experienced a ‘loss’ and are unsure of how one can celebrate Mother’s day. I’d like to share the perspective of a mom who has lost a child and has f ound a way to make it work for her.
The Forecast for Mother’s Day…
http://www.kateleong.com/2015/05/the-forecast-for-mothers-day.html#.VU82BPlViko
I hope EVERYONE has a fabulous day. IF your fur babies are your only children, hold them tight and treat them special, and they, in turn, will make you feel special, too!!
Hahahaha! I know where you are! I recognize Julie & Sammie ! ( I think that is their names!) Have a wonderful weekend and hug a few necks for me!
Seeing dogs at play is such fun! Our dog Ari, fake sleeps too–love that! Even Miss Bridget is curious.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you who are Moms, Grammas, or like a Mom to a child. My Mom & Dad took us camping every summer for a week–our first trip was when I had just turned 10 & my youngest sister was a baby–5 of us total. We camped at Crater Lake–the folks & baby in the tent & the rest of us sleeping in the back of the station wagon. Legend has it that my Mom heard a bear trying to get into the tent–she believes the bear smelled the milk in the baby bottle. Fortunately, the bear didn’t succeed & we went on to have many great camping trips in the wonder that is Oregon. Now my Mom has 12 grandchildren & 8 great grandchildren! We’re very fortunate that she is in our lives.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
Happy Mother’s Day to all you RVSue moms out there.
My own mother has been gone for over 30 years and I still miss her to this day. Love you mom!
My own rig, when the times comes to roll out, is a 1998 Ford E150 Conversion Van which I am in the process of making into “home” for the glorious day called RETIREMENT. I am in the process of downsizing and a daunting task it is.
My sons have differing views on my plans. My youngest says “wow mom, that’s awesome!” My oldest says “are you out of your mind?”. Probably. RVSue is my inspiration and The Chiweenie Brothers and I can’t wait to get out there and live the life!
What a fun play time for Reggie and the pudgy Beagle – they look like they are having such a great time! I can see Bridget and the doxie are much less impressed 🙂
As a mother there is nothing greater than seeing and hearing my kids having a great time, enjoying life, laughing and playing. Both in their late 20’s/early 30’s it doesn’t change, the joy is the same. My mother always encouraged me to find happiness in even the most mundane, to take responsibility for that happiness rather than expect others to make and keep me happy. There is both power and peace in that lesson.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, whether your babies be two or four-legged.
Looks like you are in a fun place, Sue. Nice that even the dogs are having a good time too!! I always miss my mom and her mom on this day. My mom made Mother’s Day a special time. When I was 27 we moved to another state and there was only 1 other Mother’s Day that I got to spend with my mom then. We always got small gifts for our grandmother and mom when I was growing up. When I raised my kids, it was a day I did special things for them (cooked a special meal etc). And this time we are with my youngest for the day. I am making something she can eat (which is limited with her allergies) but a special kind of Strawberries over cake too.
I hope today will be a good day of remembering our moms, grandmas and other women who were special in our lives. I will be forever grateful for the lovely Mom and Grandma that I had!! Hard to believe they have been gone now 14 years and 27 years now. I will be so happy to see them again one day!!
Playtime! How funny!
Love the photo…he’s a blur running like a rabbit! And then the “faker”!
What a character!
Happy Mother’s Day to all those who have two or four legged, feathered or finned children.
I miss my mother every day. She was a gardener, chef, poet, world traveler and friend.
My parents raised my brothers and me in the mountains. We hiked and backpacked all over the east coast and paddled many waterways.
My husband and I are now moving into our Airstream to become full-timers. Just packed away all my winter clothes into two bins to store in our truck. Our house closes next month and then we start rolling.
I plan to start a blog, but know that I cannot begin to write as thoughtfully as Sue.
Be well all and remember that all we need is love.
Doggie Camp in session! Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms including fur Moms! I had two kids but didn’t raise them my ex took them and because I wasn’t working at the time I couldn’t afford an attorney and the judge did not grant me visitation. My ex prior to all of this happening had the Phx police throw me out into the streets! I wasn’t allowed to take nothing but my car! Was out on the streets for two weeks. Worse experience of my life! That’s how I met my current husband George. My kids and I have no contact at all. But I have my fur kids. Life is good and I’m happy and blessed. This all happened in 82.
Oh Karen, what a sad, sad story! Horrible. I cannot imagine what you went through. I do hope that the rest of your life was happy even though you did not get to see your children. Maybe someday they will come and find you.
Krystina
Thanks. My Mom was able to see them frequently when they were young. She never let me know that. Guess she thought she was protecting me somehow. She has lost touch with them over the years. Life goes on and I’m happy:)
I’m so glad you are having a happy life despite reasons to the contrary. How sad that you missed your kids and they missed someone who is obviously a wonderful person (you). Happy Mother’s Day!
And of course pats to your fur-kids 🙂
My heart goes out to you, Karen…that is so awful…but glad to hear you have made a happy life for yourself anyway!! I hope the future will be better for you!!!
Thank you! Glad the past is behind me! I now have a loving and caring husband! Life is great!
What a wonderful way to start the day – looking at your photos of a very happy time with
Reggie and friends! He looks like he is having such a great time! And Happy Mother’s Day. Sue! You are the best “Mom” that Reggie and Bridgette could have! 🙂
Happy Mothers Day RVSue and Bloggerinos! Hope you all have a great day.
Krystina
“Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys…”. It’s not the only worry Moms have, it’s only one of many but somehow they weather the storm of raising kids. My Mom has been gone a long time. I wish all you Mothers a very happy Day!!!
Doggies at play…how fabulous! Is this the first time Reggie was able to be with other dogs? And then there is HRH…watching…too funny.
I had the best Mom on the planet. When I was about 11 my Dad left us. He was an Electrical Engineer so my Mom had good child support. Back in the 50’s “when you danced you paid the fiddler”. My Mom was amazing. She took my sister and I on lots of weekend trips (no camping though) and was a great teacher. She taught us many lessons and was always there for us. She even bought a little house. Back in the 50’s that was unheard of for a single women. Then all of us learned how to refurbish it. My Mom was my best friend and I miss her everyday. I was lucky to have her for my Mom. Love you Mom!
She sounds like a remarkable woman, Krystina…so glad you had her!! Mine was the best too and was my best friend all her life.
Although I miss her, I have to admit my mom wasn’t the best.
She tried, but her role model was horrible (her mom) so she was behind the 8 ball before she started.
Through the years we had some serious challenges and our relationship came to an end in October of 2009. My older brother got upset with me, we argued and to make my life hell, he decided to called Social Services and spew lies to them so that they would consider taking my son away from me.
After being investigated, it was discovered there was absolutely no merit to his claims, and the file was closed. in fact, SS wondered why they were called in the first place.
The rift with my mom started as she actually thought my son would be better off living with her and so she backed my brother’s decision to try to take my son away from me. The worst betrayal possible.
It was then that I knew my family would turn on me, so I made the decision to sever the ties.
I think of her often, and wonder how she is doing, but the anger over their decisions off set the longing to talk to her.
The good news however, is that I strive to be a better mother than she was and not to make the same mistakes she did. I think it’s working. At least I hope so.
🙂
Your comment touched me. Your situation doesn’t fit the expected “mold” (Hallmark happy happy, love love), which can be hard, but you just expressed it so well and with so much awareness/acceptance. And it sounds like you are “moving ahead” in the way you parent your children. I’m glad you have them today. Go you! Happy Mother’s Day 🙂
Sounds like you are remarkable yourself, Karyn Lee, to manage to not be bitter about such a betrayal. I have learned that you can never imagine what your own kin might do to you!! One of our kin contributed a lot and a couple other kin contributed some, to one of our children’s rebellion and partial estrangement for many years. Finally, now many years later, we have had an opportunity to make some good memories with our child. I have read a great deal over all these years and one remark, made by a rabbi, in counseling those in such toxic families, is that sometimes the best way to honor your parents, is to be separate from them, even to cutting all ties, and then live your life as the very best person you possibly can as a way to honor them. It sounds like you have done the very best you could!! ( And by the way, the commandment is to honor your father and your mother…nothing said about brothers in there…and I have a few stories of my own about brothers, oh yes I do!!)
Of course we like to honor family ties on this day, but the simple truth is that few family experience s have looked like Leave it to Beaver. For every heartwarming story there is a sad or twisted family experience. A song I heard this week speaks of going through hard times and paying for the mistakes your soul made in Another life. There are so many times when we as humans wonder why we have to go through such terrible things, made worse when it is a betrayal from someone close to you who should have had your back. Wish I had answers for that. I appreciate everyone today who was willing to post a true life memory even though it wasn’t pretty.Guess it’s part of the Healing Experience. Love to all on this Day
My Mom has been gone for 2 years but she spent the last 4 years of her life here in Dallas as she had Alzheimers and was no longer able to live independently. I am forever grateful for her love and guidance all through my life and only hope I can live up to the selfless example she set at the end of her time here on earth.Thanks for everything, Mom!
I am especially grateful today that 72 years ago a 17 year old girl and the boy she fell in love with decided to make a go of life together and take care of the baby boy she gave birth to on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1943. I wish she had lived long enough to teach me about her son. She died just six weeks after I gave birth to her first grandchild, my son. I miss her to this day and am grateful her loving husband is still living in Oklahoma with the daughter they had a year later. Happy Mother’s Day Mom (in law) you raised your son to be a good man.
My mom had a challenging life. And she didn’t always handle it well; she had a tendency to be a martyr. Still, she did the best she could, and I miss her. She was a pretty good cook, but boy could she bake! She won State fairs many times with her baked goods, I have still never tasted pie as good as hers. She tried to teach me, but you have to have the ‘touch’. My pie is good but hers was amazing.
I’m working on my car today, cleaning out all the nooks and crannies and planning what I will take. Starting to pack also. Want to do some cleaning on my patio too. Chores, chores, chores. They never end.
Happy Mothers’ Day all!
Be safe…
Though a fall made having the baby(me) endanger her life,she said “Rescue the little one first” . When told no home but the streets or an orphanage could be found for eight children of different races her answer was”Rescue them,bring them to me”. With six children of “her own” she let each of them become “our own”…a full house for us was often a dozen.We were more friends than mother and daughter from my earliest memories until this moment.She lives in Heaven now so we haven’t spoken in a few years..I do a lot of things she’d want done if she were here,and think she does that for me where she is.It doesn’t take a particular day to love her,appreciate her,see her influence in so many areas she touched this world with.It’s nice to have one to smile about her with those reading this though.Happy Be A Friend Day to everyone 🙂
What a mom, Weather!! My mom never adopted kids, having 4 of her own, and later we learned she always had a bad heart at that…but many people considered her as a mom…and she has been gone since 2001…and I miss her every day…so I do understand a bit about your mom too!! I am glad however that my mom died before she would have seen how my brothers have treated me!! At least she was spared that here…and if she knows THERE, it will be better than knowing here I think!! I hope I am living as she would want me too…I do try very hard to be as she was!! We are fortunate, you and I, to have had that kind of mom!! She was always my very best friend!!
Sue.. If you had it to do all over again, would you select a different travel trailer? If yes, which one? Do you grow tired of towing, and would you prefer a small 19′ motorhome? I know the advantages and disadvantages, I just wandered where your thoughts are now, after several years on the road. I guess, what would be your wish list or perfect scenario, still keeping in mind a budget..
Please take care, and safe travels and adventure.
Cary
Houston, Tx.
Even though I’m not Sue, I still have a hard time resisting (and here I didn’t!) participating in this type of discussion. As with boats, there is no “best” RV or combination, but rather it depends on each person’s style and preferences (and even then there is rarely one clear answer). Of course that’s just about the most irritating thing to read when you are looking for information to use in making a decision, isn’t it?
From reading Sue over time, I’m going to guess she’d choose the same rig, given the same plans/budget/etc.
I can see lots of advantages to her setup (and in fact I’ve had a 13′ fiberglass trailer in the past). The ability to set up camp and still go exploring (which you can also do with a motorized RV and a towed car, but that’s more expense and maintenance), the fact that a good trailer can easily last 30+ years, so you can update or upgrade the “powerplant” (tow rig) without having to start over on the “home” part, the ability to still live in the trailer while the tow rig is being maintained, etc. I also think it’s one of the more budgetary ways to go, especially with the ability to upgrade the tow vehicle as mentioned above (so you could start with an older but serviceable tow rig and then upgrade when/if desired).
Naturally there have to be downsides. A trailer usually has less storage and needs to be kept lighter (but you can nicely take care of that with a van tow rig as giant storage locker, as Sue does :D), your “run around” vehicle will of necessity be a big/beefy rig which doesn’t tend to get the best mileage, and you have to go outside to enter the trailer – just to mention a few. I sometimes tow a boat, so that ruled out a trailer for me, but I can see many plusses and may change in future (and then just tow one or the other). I also periodically do “road traveler” type trips, which often see me stopping at a more public place to spend the night (Wal-Mart, casino, rest area) and then I appreciate an “all-in-one” rig. Obviously that’s not something Sue does often, so she wouldn’t optimize for that.
I could probably go on….. and on…. 😀 but I’ll stop now. I did see you said you “know the advantages and disadvantages” and were really just looking for Sue’s thoughts, but since she’s turned the comments over to us this time around…
Hi, Cary,
If I were to do it all over again, I’d still buy a 17 foot Casita Liberty Deluxe with the same options and I’d still purchase a Chevy Express van,V-8, 5.3 liter, with 8-doors, upholstered with a bench seat, to pull it. I can’t imagine ever wanting a small motorhome, because then I’d need a toad… It’s too much.
I’m never tired of towing because the BLT tows like it isn’t there. Hitching and unhitching is not an issue for me. It’s something I do and it’s not a big deal.
Even if I didn’t have to consider the budget, I’d still live the way I do and have the same rig and tow vehicle. It’s not for everyone but it suits me perfectly.
Sorry Sue, I guess you were posting while I was typing, but I guessed correctly.
That’s okay. Yes, you’re right!
I hope I didn’t step in too much, but just thought since you were taking some time off, I’d pipe in (of course on a topic I find interesting). However I see that a chance to give a few “pats” to your Casita and van (plus be helpful) brought you out of the woodwork 😀 And why shouldn’t it? You have a fabulous setup that also works perfectly for you. And you nailed in on the first try – not too shabby!
You never “step in too much.” To tell the truth, I didn’t see your reply on my admin page. If I had, I wouldn’t have bothered… Your answer was great. You explained a lot of my reasoning behind the choices I made.
I “nailed it on the first try” because for years I analyzed myself and how I saw my vagabond life and I chose a rig and tow vehicle to suit that. I think people make the mistake of falling in love with a rig, buy it, and then they have to adapt themselves and the way of full-timing to fit the rig, which is backward.
Thanks, Sue.
I think sometimes it’s hard to know how one will end up wanting to travel/camp, and/or one has a certain idea, but then it changes with experience (like maybe a person thinks they’ll want to go to RV parks in a Class A, but then discovers boondocking and exploration).
Somehow you had the vision (obviously study and thought helped a lot) to realize how you would travel (or at least close to it) so you ended up with just the right rig. It’s so enjoyable to read of your adventures in your perfect-for-you setup 🙂
I like what I have, but not so much that I don’t consider other setups (including yours). I guess in kind of the opposite way to what you are saying where people end up “bending themselves” to fit their less-well-suited rig, I wonder how “X” rig would change my way of camping (but in an “ooh, that might be neat” sort of way).
Thank you Sue and Pen for responding to my post.. Please allow me to introduce myself..as the Stones would say… My name is Cary, and I’m a former school teacher and long time pet business owner in Houston, Tx. I have been researching my new chapter in life for about 1 yr. Thanks to wonderful people like yourself, I cannot wait to get started. Depending on the sale of my home and business, I hope to hit the road in the next 2 years. I am learning so much, by following people like Sue and friends, that have blazed the trail before me.
I purchased a 2015 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, with a trailer tow pkg, which will allow for me to comfortably tow most small light weight trailers that are 21′ and under. In doing my research, I have narrowed it down to either the Casita or the Escape, and I’m leaning towards the Escape, simply because they offer custom pkgs, and 4 season protection. The 19′ allows for the full size bed and full size dinette to be available at all time. The Escape also has 4 tires on the trailer, and I like that part. Purchasing the Casita will be my second choice. Both the Oliver and Airstream Sport are very nice, but really more than I need with luxury accommodations..
When I hit the road in the next 2 years, it will just be me and my dog. Reading your blog, and learning from your experience Sue is so very helpful. Have you published any e-books?
Once agin, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I am always open for advice and suggestions, and always eager to take notes and learn.
Happy Trails my friend…
Welcome, Cary!
Exciting times ahead 🙂
I had a number of Toyota pickups back in the day and loved them all. I seriously considered a Tacoma or Tundra (the slightly older smaller ones) double cab for a tow rig – drove a few and they were very nice. I bet yours is comfortable and capable.
Welcome Cary. If my husbands 86 Toyota pickup is any indication, they are good pickups to drive and tow. We have had it since it was new. Ours is about at its end of service but it’s been a good vehicle and he still uses it to take loads to dump and bring large items home. You will find your dream home. Just take your time. And Happy Travels.
I often wondered this too! Can’t wait for her response!
Oops. Responded to the wrong post.
I hope all the moms, including fur moms have a very Happy Mothers Day.
The photos are cute and funny. Love the Reggie hand-stand photo, with Bridget supervising the unruly sibling.
I agree with S. Pen. Sue would pick the same rig. The Casita meets the needs of her and the crew, its affordable, and if she is off scouting or sightseeing, she has a home to come back to. Myself, I still like the Oliver trailer, but they are more expensive, have truck-type tires, which are more expensive. I did go to the plant, but the main guy was on the road, so I don’t know if they are as customizable as the Casita. I will investigate more if the RV opportunity come about for me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all! 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! I am playing catch up with a couple of posts. I love this park now. I love the pines of the northwest and the green. I am going to love this summer!! Always love the doggie pictures too!! 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day to all!!
Especially you, RVSue!! You have 2 beautiful little fur babies who love you so much! I hope you had a great day!!
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I lost my mother in 2013 at the age of 102 and am missing her terribly today as she was a wonderful mother to us 4 kids. She worked hard all her life helping our dad on the farm and I know she made many sacrifices for us as did he. She never complained, even when she didn’t feel good. So I would like to say Happy Mother’s Day to her in Heaven and that I love and miss her very much.
My husband and I hope to have our RV by summer and hit the road with our 2 dogs maybe this fall. We are so looking forward to that time.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms.
How awesome that your mom lived to be that old!! What a blessing!!
To all the mothers out there, I hope your day was special. Bless you.
Love the pics of the dogs playing together,
Well this is a very different Mother’s Day for me…The stress of being a caregiver was killing me. We have been on the waiting list for long term care for one year. Wouldn’t you know, just before Mother’s Day we get a call there is a bed in long term care, it came Wed. with move in day Friday. Hardly slept at all Thursday night. I am an only child and always very close to my mom. Felt like I was abandoning her when I took her there.
This morning my daughter & I went to the Mothers Day Tea at the facility. The had a very good singer for entertainment. I really enjoyed it.
The staff are so kind there, we noticed the hugs the residents receive and smiles for all.
Trouble is, my mom doesn’t know she is staying there, so I will have to figure out how to leave after each visit…hoping it will get easier. However, on my end, it feels like someone lifted a cement block off my shoulders. My husband & I went out for anniversary dinner last night, felt amazing just to be out. Have a campground booked for a couple nights in June……Tomorrow I can do whatever I want…”Freedom @ 69 🙂
and the best part is I know my Mom is having her needs met.
Val, my heart goes out to you. We went through the same thing with my Mom several years ago. It’s impossible to know when is the right time but your reaction tells me that you have done the right thing. It’s hard, but sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to let go and let others take over. Best of luck to you.
Thanks so much Rick…..Definately a huge change as she lived in a granny flat next door. So much to be thankful for though,as she drove standard shift car until 87, had lots of friends and fun in her life. Had her last swim in our lake at 91. Now she is in her 94th year and the dementia has change her terribly.
I went through this too. My mom protested vehemently then wound up before ng very happy in her new home. But it was very tough. I hope I don’t behave that way when my time comes.
This still has to be hard for her and you both, Val!! But so glad you have found a good place…I think those are few and far between in most locations!!
What a blessing for you…Happy that u found the right fit. Praying for u all during this major Life Transition.
Thanks everyone, I’m heading in to visit later today. Feel excited at the adventures ahead with our trailer.
Just love all the photos. The beagle looks just like my Missy (except my little old girl has a lot of gray hair – also, thank goodness, she’s doing fine from the dog attack last week). Thanks for the delightful photos!
Just when I thought the ferns,trees,grass and vines held every shade of green there is- a green hummingbird began her air dance beside me- to show that hers were not only different ,they were the very best ones.A few perfect seconds- the highlight of an already beautiful day so far.Good morning,Sue,being in awe of the present moment’s gift is so nice ,so life giving,contributes so much to ones happiness.I hope it is happening often for you.Posting about yesterdays to maintain your privacy doesn’t allow as much sharing about that some days,still I know you must experience times you don’t write about.May this good day be rich with whatever brings an awakening of your sudden joy
I bet it is nice getting outside again without being bundled up. Temperatures in your area are about the same as in our area…go figure….57 degrees this morning and maybe up to 69 today…although when I was walking at lunch it felt suprisingly like 72…LOL. But really with the warm sun beating down, 72 feels really good…72 with clouds not so much. Enjoying the colors that have turned from white to green is a good change for the eyes. A little hummingbird that came to say hello is also a welcome visitor for you I suppose. I can imagine that you have thrown your windows open for the outside to come in and share your space. Enjoy your day and evening with the troupe…
Weather, this nature poetry paints a beautiful picture of Spring. Also enjoyed your post in honor of your Mom. U must be a lot like her.
Hope everyone had a great day yesterday!
Our “ferals” presented us with presents this morning.
Every morning we have to do mouse patrol so AO doesn’t get into whatever is left over! While conducting this task….this morning….ah a field mouse…okay! So out come AO and she starts sniffing around looking for something… I see what appears to be a pile of what I think is poop! Fearing it’s feral cat poop I say LEAVE IT…she obeys and immediately sits down. Upon further inspection this poop has a black wing….I realize it’s a BAT!
I quickly revert into city girl mode….I DO NOT DO BATS! So I yell for Jules to come outside. Hearing the seriousness in the tone of my voice…she comes running. I calmly tell her….her reply was ” oh HELL NO!
She calls the vets who refer us to public health…WHO says it just may be sleeping cuz it’s daytime! DOUBLE HELL NO!
The nice lady provides instructions to safely dispose of it. Okay…neither Jules or I are performing this task. What part of can’t do it…needs to be explained?
Ah hah….construction guys are working on the house across the way! They now have “lunch money” and have taken the bat back to their construction site!
Bats give me the heebeegeebees! Even photos of a bat….! I can deal with all the stages of a dead half eaten mouse or a human body but NOT A BAT! Dead or alive!
I had to wash my hands several times and I just looked at it!
LOL….I love bats….My partner leads “Bat Walks” through the wedlands. I guess there is an EEEEKKK or everyone. Mine is Roaches! Yuk. Good you did not pick it up, if it is on the ground during the day, it is probably injured or has Rabies…The only way they know if the bat has rabies, it to kill it and disect the brains….ugly huh! Anyway, my Best Friend is a bat rehabilitator..now that is a job! LOL.
Those caves that Sue often takes photos of? First thing that comes to my mind is bats! Very nice looking caves but I’ll enjoy them from afar!
There was no rehabilitating this one!
So much for the hard nosed cop! 🙂
Enjoy.
Plural! Hah hah!
The country bumpkin born didn’t fair so well either!
Ummm….I hear it’s snowing in CO!
LOL,
In the mountains east of GJ is getting snow. We are just getting a bit of rain and a lot of wind.
You are in Colorado Alan? Taking pics of what?
Colorado Nat. Monument and trying to get moonrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands UT. But nature hasn’t been helpful.
Good Morning Everyone,
I had a great day with my girls yesterday, breakfast, lunch and then almost dinner, but that would be just too much fun for one day. My youngest will be leaving tomorrow to fly back home to Boise, I will miss her and she will not be able to be here for my birthday later this month, but hopefully we will get to have a small celebration before she leaves.
Enjoy your day fellow blogorionos, I hope everyone had a great weekend.
Sue I know you are taking a break and may not reply. Just letting you know that I just started reading your blog from the beginning. I coming down the line to make my big move too. In Oct. I’ll get my senior pass ( hoo hoo ),been paying full price at Everglades N.P. and will soon decide on my trailer purchase. I figure I’ll read how you arranged for mail, retirement deposits, insurance etc. I’m presently installing a solar system on the bed cover of my pickup with 2 storage agms in the bed tucked in the corners. I’ll start using it with my pop up camper for “training” so to speak. Love your blog.
Welcome Joe,
I like your plan for having the solar on top of the truck cap. I hope you stick around and can share how it’s working for you.
Welcome Joe! Planning is so exciting!
Welcome, Joe! By posting you are now an official blogorino! 🙂
I love it! I have a Beagle and a little Dachshund too, just like the pair your Reggie befriended.
So much fun. I love this post!
John, if you are not a member, join the DAV-Disabled American Vets, ESP if you quit working at least partially because of the disability for which you get a VA pension. DAV will do a review of your case and possibly can get you an increase based on not able to continue working. My husband was rated at 70% and when he told his DAV guy ( he was 64) that his pain was having was causing him to retire from his job sooner than he wanted, they did a review, had him checked by several doctors and had him moved to 100%. Now I’m not saying they do that with everyone, but any increase would mean more money for you. Best luck and happy retirement.
Welcome John,
You and I are in a VERY similar situation. I am also working towards retiring at 62 with about the same amount of income. At this point I *think* I can do it but it depends on what my healthcare cost will be. Perhaps your VA benefits (well earned BTW and thank you for your service) make your situation a bit different. At any rate I’m glad you’re here.
Regarding Sue’s financial reports. Yes, she is a bit behind and I too find them helpful. In fact it was through a google search of “full time RV budget” that helped me to find this place and change my life.. But we need to understand that those reports also serve as a bit of a recap of her travels.
Sue, (I know your out there 🙂 ) I have been meaning to make this suggestion for awhile now. Not every month needs to be relived so maybe you could just start from the beginning of 2015? You will of course do what you feel best, I just wanted to put it out there.
John, something you may not have considered, Medicare. At 65 SS will deduct around $100 or so depending on your situation from your check. Being on VA medical will not affect that at all. And then you will have Medicare supplemental. The VA will also use this to offset your copays, This can run you around $110 depending on which option you use. You don’t need any surprises. Best of luck
Also, get the heck out of CA. No one can afford it on a limited income,
Couldn’t agree more! I am in CA and live on SS and I’m going broke! Having a hard time getting out of this state. Gas in about $3.75/gallon! Some state parks are $45 a night along the coast. I have seen some beautiful country though.
I’ve learned from your experience, Krystina. I’ve been leery of the expense of visiting CA.
When you reach the northern border of CA at Crescent City you can head northeast into Oregon toward Grants Pass. There are inexpensive campgrounds along the way, such as Panther Flat and Natural Bridge which are on the way to Crater Lake. You can read about them by googling “RVSue + Panther Flat” for instance. Good luck!
Thank you for those camping suggestions. I have written them down in my little “yellow” book. From where I am right now, it is going to take me forever to get to Oregon. Before I came here to Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, I was going to go to Yosemite…ha ha…they were having 8″ of snow!!!
I have to tell you something silly. When I saw the name Krystina Friant as in Krystina Friant who is in California, I wondered…. hmm… Has Krystina Fryant commented before. Sounds like a new blogorino!
LOL!! I fixed it…is that better?
Good morning, blogorinos!
Thank you for your comments. You make my blog a special place when you participate. A special thank you for sharing personal stories and tributes for Mother’s Day.
I’ll publish the next post within the next hour so you may want to wait until then before commenting today.
Sue
Will look for it later. I don’t get the e-mail notices of a new post going up because I prefer the surprise of finding a new post. Like a gift…