November 15th, Thursday – It’s Getting Too Cold For Florida

It’s simple.  This is not Florida weather.  Mid 60’s during the day.  Low 40’s to 30’s during the night.  OK, granted we don’t have snow and ice and blowing winds.  I guess that makes us the winners compared to other parts of the country.

Today we hunkered down inside because it was just down right nasty outside.  A gray, overcast sky and wind from the north made it a really unpleasant day to be outside.  I did venture out once, though, since we had a water leak at the supply faucet that needed attention.  Thankfully I was able to resolve the issue within 10 minutes.  Then it was right back inside.

Barbara spent the day working on finding health insurance for the three months she will be without COBRA.  The way it is going she would probably have better luck finding a raw diamond underneath Graybeard.  She also began the daunting task of figuring out her options when she is finally able to receive Medicare in March.  One thing is for sure, it sure is confusing and everyone she talked to has their own answers.  Which raises the question, who to trust and believe.

I spent the day putting together a list of projects to do and making a list of other items that need attention.  I also put together a review of sorts for this year in terms of mileage driven, states visited, etc.  Take a look . . .

Average miles per gallon: Overall 6.05 – Low 3.62 – High 7.42

Average Cost:  $18/night  $547/month

Number of Campgrounds Visited

Total Campgrounds               32

Casino                                 1

COE                                     2

Escapee Parks                   2

Harvest Hosts                    4

Other                                   1

Private                                15

State Parks                          5

Walmart                               2

Number of States In Which We Stayed: 12                              

Total Miles Covered:  6,478

Some reflections on the above.  The low MPG was probably caused by the fact that we were also running the generator while we were driving as well as when we where at a site.  That figure doesn’t bother me.  The monthly cost we felt was a bit high and we believe by using more State Parks, COE Parks, Harvest Host locations as well as Escapee Parks we can lower this in 2019 by up to $200 a month.  We believe our membership in Harvest Hosts was well worth it and we intend to use it even more in 2019.  Using Harvest Hosts locations means we really don’t need to worry about overnight parking at Walmart during 2019.  The number of states visited and the mileage driven feels about right.  Let’s see how it plays out in 2019.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  Day by day we’re getting done what needs to be done during our winter break.  I will tell you, though, we both already have the itch to get back on the road.  It just seems so, abnormal, to be sitting still for any length of time.

Thanks again for joining us today.  If you’ll pardon me it’s time now to go find that extra blanket and our electric heater.  But before I go a quote for each of us to ponder upon:

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 eventually some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.

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

See you on down the road