Thursday, July 15, 2021

Abundant Sunshine, Some Clouds, Temperature 89 Degrees

Travel Day

Own a house? Own an RV? Want to go away? Double the lists, double the things to do. We made two lists of things that needed to be done before we left the nest, one for the house and one for Elvira.

So, this morning we went item by item. First, the list for the house. All items checked off. Next, the list for Elvira. All items checked off. Yup, we didn’t miss a thing. At least we didn’t miss a thing on our lists. But maybe there was something we didn’t think of? At least when we got here we had everything we were supposed to have.

Now, the route we took – not the route the GPS indicated. It wanted us to take Route 4 to Route 95 North. No way, ever again, will I take Route 4. Once was enough. Rather, we have our own route we like to take. It takes a bit longer but it is a lot less stressful.

We were on the road by 9:30 am which is about when we normally leave. Traffic was light most of the way. There were only three places that slowed us down. But these three places were expected so no surprises. We stopped once for a short break, and once for fuel.

At 1:45 pm we arrived at our new home for the next several months. We discovered this RV park at the last minute the last time we were in Jacksonville. It is not a resort, rather it is as its name states an RV Park. It is a neat, well run, and well maintained RV park that is just what we usually look for. The big bonus being for us is that it is only 15 to 20 minutes away from where I will be going for treatment.

As the map shows the park has a total of 141 sites. When we arrived there were only three sites open. We had a confirmed spot so no problem for us. Think about it, though, this is the middle of summer, in Florida, and the park is maxed out. Granted, most of the residents appear to be permanent but they are all here for a good reason. That reason being it is a really decent RV park.

This is our new home for the time being. Before we arrived they put down a new gravel base and made sure it was perfectly level. Now, how about that! They also installed a new electrical pedestal. All other utilities are adjacent to the wet bay so hook ups were no problem. The site is also satellite friendly so we have our TV for the time we are here. However, getting the TV to work, rather make that getting DISH to work correctly, took over 45 minutes of Ms. Barbara’s time on the phone. But all is well that ends well.

This is the view looking one way down our block. There are a variety of rigs here and throughout the rest of the park. For the most part every site is neat and tidy. There are a few exceptions here and there but they are the exception and not the norm.

The question regarding supper was quickly solved when the food truck rolled into the park. It was seafood for me and chicken fingers for my other half. It was in the words of a good friend of mine delish!

And guess who we met at the food truck? That’s Daniella the park manager standing there with Ms. Barbara. For those who questioned whether she always wears a hat to work and gets all dressed up, you bet she does! Moreover she is so down-to-earth and friendly that when you first meet her you feel like you just met a long lost best friend. I can think of a lot of RV parks who could use someone like her.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement. Day has gone and night has come, and we’re settling in and getting comfortable. It’s back to a coat closet for a shower. No more large fluffy recliners. The TV is the size of a newspaper. But who cares! I’m back where my heart really is and loving every minute of it. As for Ms. Barbara, ask her and she will tell you the same.. It felt really great to be traveling again. As we rolled along I swear I could hear Elvira whispering to me this is what I love to do. And she does it really well. Thank you Lord for the joy of living in an RV.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

 Our continuing mission remains: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

July 14, 2021

Rain Showers, Cloudy, Temperature 78 Degrees

First Major Upgrade Compete

Ready to Roll Tomorrow

When we purchased the house here in Florida we both agreed that there were two major upgrades we wanted as soon as possible.

We absolutely wanted to install a whole house water softener. We have always had a water softener in Elvira and would not be without it. So, why would we not have one for the house? They have been proven to keep water lines from clogging in areas of hard water as well as extending the life of appliances and water heaters. Florida, is the land of hard water. Thus, a water softener in my mind was a must.

The first question before the install could proceed was Where is the main water line for the house? There is a shut off valve out by the curb but we needed to find the main supply line for the house. The first place the tech thought he might find it, well it wasn’t there. Then, knowing where I wanted it installed he decided to take a skirt panel off, and there it was! The water line comes in from the curb underneath the RV pad, underneath the concrete pad for our home and then pops up right where we wanted to install the water softener. Perfect.

OK, main water line located now the tech went to work cutting and splicing water lines. The setup is such that all water now first goes through the water softener and then into the house. The added benefit is that I can now shut the water off for the house at the water softener.

The water softener completely installed. The brine tank is to the left, the two tanks to the right are the softener tanks. Two tanks means that while one is regenerating the other is still suppling softened water to the house. I especially like that sticker on the one tanks that states Made in the USA.

Enough salt, probably, for the remainder of the year.

First major upgrade completed. Next, new double pane windows later in the year.

Next subject.

Tomorrow will be our first travel day in a long time.

It will feel so good to be back on the road. We’ve repacked the refrigerator and freezer. We’ve restocked the cabinets. Our clothes are back in the closet. I’ve checked and rechecked all systems. Tire pressure is correct. Fluid levels are good. Slides are in. Jacks are up. Tomorrow morning we’ll air up and be on our way. We’re both so ready for this and excited to be finally back in Elvira.

We have no idea how long we’ll be gone. It could be anywhere from six to ten weeks. Time will tell. But we really don’t care. It’s just going to be great to be home where the heart is.

One exciting piece of Good News – Harry is on his way home. He’ll need to be back next week for a checkup but he is ecstatic to be going home at least for now. Thanks again one and all for your prayers.

That’s it for now on The Road of Retirement. Things are moving along on all fronts. Never a dull moment, indeed, for the two of us lately. We wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve said it before and will continue to say and believe it we are two of the most blessed and fortunate people in the world.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

Though we’re stationary for the moment, it will not be for long.  Our continuing mission remains: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

Monday, June 12, 2021

Abundant Sunshine, Temperature 91 Degrees

Getting Ready For The Road

Updating and Changing

Harry

Elvira is now ready for the road. I have cleaned her from front to back.

All the woodwork in the bedroom has been cleaned and waxed. The sheets were removed, washed and put back on.

I scrubbed the shower and then waxed it.

The floor has been steamed cleaned. Now, it is just a matter of putting all the odds and ends back in place. I’ve also checked all the fluids, lubricated all the slide seals, and on Wednesday I’ll make sure the tires are at the proper pressure. Come Thursday morning we’ll be back on the road. Yipee!

As for today.

We needed to renew the registration for Elvira and Little Graybeard. We also needed to change our address on our drivers license. Now, in Florida there is no DMV, instead you go to the The Tax Collector’s Office.

Renewing the registration was a cake walk. We were done in about thirty minutes. But about that address change. For whatever reason anything to do with a driver’s license requires an appointment. Why, I have no idea. Moreover, there are no time slots available until the end of August. Therefore, this little task will have to wait until we return from Jacksonville.

Our next stop was at the Polk City Government Offices to discuss our water bill. We needed to know if it could be paid online, and if there would still be a charge if we turned it off while we were gone. So, yes, you can pay it online and, yes, you still get charged a flat fee even if you turn if off while one is gone. Not exactly fair if you ask me but there is nothing I can do about it.

Regarding Barb’s brother, Harry. He is definitely out of the woods and making a full comeback. He still has a long way to go but he is we have been assured going to make it. Thanks again, one and all for your prayers.

That’s it for now on The Road of Retirement. It’s been hectic around here what with all the little items that needed to be addressed around the house, as well as making sure Elvira was ready to roll again. No complaints, though, from either one of us. Life is good. God Is Good All The Time.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

Though we’re stationary for the moment, it will not be for long.  Our continuing mission remains: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Abundant Sunshine, Temperature 91 Degrees

Update on Harry

Very short post.

Thanks one and all for your prayers. Harry (Barbara’s brother) came through the night without any further complications. He underwent several procedures and as of now the doctor’s remain optimistic that he will make a full recovery. It is still a wait and see, day by day type of thing, but God, through the hands of skilled doctors and care givers, has brought him through again.

I keep telling him this time next year the four of us are going to have one whale of a party to celebrate our full recovery. And I’m holding him to it.

Thanks again for your prayers. God is good all the time.