March 23rd, Friday – We’ve Got This Down to a Science

Yes, we’ve got this down to a science.  Today, was moving day, but just for the day since we needed to take Graybeard in for new shoes.  So, we were up and at it long before we really wanted to.  It was almost like having to get ready to go to work – ugh!  The difference, though, was we could take our time.  After all what was the rush?  The tire dealer wasn’t going to go away.  The tires weren’t going to get sent back.  So we moved at a relaxed but purposeful pace.  Like that?  We did.

The night before Barbara sat down and came up with with an idea – a laundry basket for the items in each area that needed to be packed away and secured.  In addition, she

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decided what could fit in each sink, kitchen or bathroom.  Result?  30 minutes the inside was packed up and we were ready to go.  Yes, she has the inside down to a science.

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As for the outside, that was left up to me and since I’ve already done it several times 30 minutes did it for me as well.  It was poetry in motion and I’m sure we’ll get even better as time goes on.

The reason for all this?  As I’ve mentioned before Graybeard was going to get new shoes.

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I did a lot of research and am confident  that I made the right choice in tires.  The price at this local dealer was also the best I received from everyone I checked with.  In addition, a number of people in the park recommended this dealer.  So I brought Graybeard here before we left the area for the year.   So in terms of tires we are set for the next 6 years.

While all this was going on, we went to several stores for necessary dry goods and food staples.  In addition, we both got haircuts.  We grabbed a quick bite to eat and by this time it was time to pick up Graybeard.

It was now time to go back to the park where I had an appointment with the Escapees Weigh Master to have Graybeard weighed at all four corners.  Good news, we are under weight all the way around!  Barbara is ecstatic,  for with this good news it means she can pack more shoes, pots and pans, or whatever into Graybeard!  Oh boy.  After the weighing, we headed to the other side of the park to fill up the propane tank.  Now we are ready to get on the road on Tuesday.

So that was our day.  We traveled through it together and made the most of every minute given to us.  We hope you had a great day as well.  If you didn’t, then when you wake tomorrow resolve to make it a great day.  Remember, you may not be able to control your circumstances but you can control the way you approach and handle them.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

March 22nd, Thursday – Ever Want to Pull Your Hair Out?

Ever have one of those days, come on now, we all have them once in a while.  Those days

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when you just want to pull your hair out because nothing seems to go the way it was planned?

Granted the day didn’t start out that way.  Nor did we intend it to be that kind of day.  It started out with Barbara getting out the griddle and whipping up a wonderful batch of

 

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chocolate chip pancakes and some fried spam on the side.  Along with a nice glass of juice and a mug of coffee, I felt like I was a king in his castle.  The day was off to a cool but fantastic start.

Following that we were going to do some shopping but decided to wait until tomorrow when we know we’ll have some time to kill while Graybeard is getting his new shoes.  So I started to put things away in anticipation of our home becoming mobile again,  It’s amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in just three months, stuff you either have to get rid of or find a place to store.   So, some went in the can and some went in the overhead bins.  That was just inside.  Then I went outside.  Glad I started today because I had to rearrange some lockers to get everything in.  I’ll have to do more tomorrow and next Tuesday when I have hoses, etc. to store.  In time everything will be in its place.

As for pulling our hair out?  Not me so much as Barbara.  What started it all?  When she

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sat down and began working on our taxes!  It went down hill from there!  Along with that task we also had to straighten out an issue with our car and RV insurance.  Want to guess how many calls that took?  If you said four you were close but still low.  Of course, Marti also wanted to help Barbara, translated just when as above she got all the papers neatly arranged on the couch he would decide he wanted to sleep on his red blanket.  There went all those neatly arranged papers!  I, of course, was absolutely no help either.  With my way of doing bookkeeping on Quick Books, let’s just say Barbara couldn’t find much, no, make that she couldn’t find anything she went looking for.  Sorry, honey.

Ok, one thing did go right.  The waste valves have been successfully replaced.  Yet, another chore that can be checked off.  I believe we’ve covered all the bases, at least the ones we can think of.  No doubt other things will arise.  Correction, they have but none are life threatening so to speak.  I have to replace the door handle on the bathroom door, replace a missing spring that holds the door open, and a thousand other little things are on the project list to be done throughout the year.  All in due time.

So, thankfully we are at the end of our day.  A good day?  A great day?  Ask me and I’ll say yes.  Together, with my sweetheart, I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of.  Ask Barbara, well, perhaps we shouldn’t ask her that question tonight!  Hope you still have the hair on the top of your head.  That your day was not as frustrating.  We’ll get through this.  One day at a time.  Side by side.  Hey, how did that song go?  Something like this

Oh, we ain’t got a barrel of money
Maybe we’re ragged and funny
side by side
But we’ll travel along, singin’ a song
Side by side
Don’t know what’s comin’ tomorrow
Maybe its trouble and sorrow
But we’ll travel the road, sharin’ our load
Side by side
Through all kinds of weather
What if the sky should fall
Just as long as we’re together
It doesn’t matter at all
When they’ve all had their quarrels and parted
We’ll be the same as we started
Just travelin’ along, singin’ our song
Side by side
See that sun in the mornin’
Peekin’ over the hill
I’ll bet you sure, it always has
And it always will
Well, that’s how I feel about someone
And somebody feels about me
We’re sure in love with each other
And that’s the way it’s gonna be
We’ll be the same as we started
Just travelin’ along, singin’ our song
Side by side

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

March 21st, Wednesday – Checking the List and Checking it Twice

Checking the list, that basically is the order of the day before we move out next week.  A question, if you will, is this March in Florida or Fall in the North East?  Beginning in the

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morning and throughout the day we kept asking ourselves that question.  The temperature never got above 65 and the wind was gusting 20 plus mph all day.  It definitely had the feel of a fall like day.

Today, as we slowly began to come alive to the new day, we decided it was time to take inventory of household goods and resupply where necessary.  We know where the stores are in this area so we both believe it will be better to buy what we need now.  Therefore with list in hand, we made our weekly pilgrimage to the Aldi in Brooksville.

Before we left, though, we said our goodbyes to our neighbors and friends Ray and Leslie. They are headed up into the Florida panhandle and then to Alabama as they work

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their way toward family in California.  Day by day the park is continuing to empty out.  It will be our turn next week.  Man oh man, I’m definitely itching to go, to get the show on the road.

Tomorrow with any luck the waste valves will be replaced.  I think that being 11 years old, now instead of when they break is the right time to replace them.  I would hate to be at a dump station holding just the handle of one of the valves in my hand!  Then Friday after the new tires are on we’re going to have Graybeard weighed on all four corners.  This is the only way to determine the proper tire pressure for each of the new tires.

Back home after running around we just sat back and relaxed.  We worked on updating records, doing chores and Barbara worked on fixing supper.  All in all a quiet day but one in which we were able to again check a few more things off the do to list before we are on the road rolling toward Maine.

So here we sit, daylight is long gone and the darkness of night is all around us.  Not a bad day by any means.  We take them together as they come and together we make the most of them.  We hope you enjoyed your day as well.  I offer you this as we come to day’s end

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As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

March 20th, Tuesday – Short and Sweet

Short and sweet, yes, this will probably be the shortest post I have ever made to date.  But really, there is not a lot to tell about today.  The morning started off with rain but it was  nice and warm.  As for tomorrow, the forecast is for another cold front coming through with temperatures about 10 degrees below average for this time of year.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Today we had only one appointment and that was at the VA Hospital in Tampa.  I will say getting to this Hospital is by far so much easier than getting to the VA Hospital in East Orange in NJ.  It is a straight run down 75 to exit 270 and then 4 miles and you are there.  In addition, there has always been a parking spot for us whenever we’ve gone.  Sweet.

Today, they inspected my BPAP machine, reviewed the data from the SIM card and

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determined all was well.  In addition, they gave me all new supplies and provided me with a phone number to call when I need additional supplies.  I have to add, this was all totally unexpected but just another case of my primary care doctor here in Florida doing his thing, and doing what he believes is best for my health.  What can I say but  thanks doc for caring so much.

After my appointment, it was a race for home before the heavens opened up and the rains came down.  It appeared we weren’t going to make it because once on 75 it began to pour but it stopped the further north we went.  So it appeared we would be good.  That we were, at least until we got home.  Once inside, lunch on the table, you guessed it

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the heavens opened up and it poured for a good hour and a half.  Of course, the thunder boomed and the lightning lit up the sky as well.  Marti wanted nothing of it and tried his best to get under our skin and hide!

So what do to on a rainy day?  No, not that!  At our age dominoes is the name of the game,

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So that is how we occupied our afternoon.  Barbara got the best of me this time.  Every once and awhile I have to let her win, but don’t tell her I told you.

Barbara then made a supper to end all suppers.  We had grilled pork chops, fresh Brussels sprouts, and rice and spicy tomatoes.   I ate and enjoyed every last bite.  Yes, it was that good.

So now the daylight is gone and night has come upon us again.  Yes, it was another great day because we were together.  Maybe it wasn’t a day of discovery but it was a day that was full and meaningful in many other ways.  As we leave you this evening think on this

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As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before