Get real!

Columbus-Belmont State Park - Columbus, KY

June 2 - 15, 2014

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CONTENTS
PET PEEVE
CRAFTS
BOOK REVIEW
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PET PEEVE - RANT:
I've been looking at a lot of DIY, organizing, decorating blogs by women that seem to either have too much time on their hands, or have the "luxury" of being staying at home Moms and can make time for all the things working Moms can't, or they are overachievers and will burn out from everything having to be perfect.
The consistent thing I observe on the majority of these blogs is the perfection of what they post. Their DIY's are done in easy step by steps, hubby jumps in to help. They're kitchen is always clean, their floors dust bunny free. Then to top it all off, their DIY's are color coordinated. Give me a break. Get real! Do we have matching storage containers in our pantries? Do we have a bouquet of flowers that match the bowl of lemons in a bowl on our counter? Are our clothes hung according to colors in our closets? Really?

Oh come on! Get real!!!!! Is this how gardening equipment looks in real life? A Pink handled prong thing, matches the pink, turquoise and yellow flowered trowel, that matches the teal, turquoise and yellow dust brush.

Oh, and yes, my linen closet has only white and avocado green linens in it to match the avocado green storage boxes. When did avocado green come back in style??
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RV LIFE:
I am still a full timer, but I am now also calling myself a short timer. I would not trade our 3 years on the road for anything!!!!!!!!
I highly recommend full time RV'ing! It is a great way to purge your house. Purging is very difficult and a lot of work. Oh the stuff we accumulate...because we can! F/T RV'ing forces you to purge. Whatever you don't get rid of, you either have to haul with you or pay for storage. Our storage unit is 15' x 5' and costs us about $90. per month x 36 months = $3240.00. Is the stuff we stored worth that much? Well, the motorcycle is, or almost. But the other things? Nope.
What have we in storage?
My motorcycle, which I look forward to getting road ready again and riding the rolling, curving roads of Tennessee.
Craft items: Even though I purged and purged and purged, I still have a load of fabric and yarn. I scanned into the computer, most of my craft books. I gave away crafts that were "someday" I'll try this.
Lots of doggie stuff: We'll always have dogs and I believe I'll always be involved in dog rescue somehow. So yes, I have a crate, an xpen, a canvas crate, lots of harnesses, a doggie cart (wheelchair), display grids in case I ever set up a tent for rescue fundraising and awareness again.
Telescope that I bought Scott when we were still exchanging Christmas gifts. Maybe we'll actually get to use it, since it can stay out and set up on our covered porch!
Ski equipment: Hmmm, that is difficult. I really don't see us skiing anymore. If we had moved to W. Virgina, then maybe, but who knows how far the nearest ski resort is. That is a difficult one to give up.
Clothes: We took the minimum with us on our RV adventure. *Note: Take less warm weather clothing. I took about 6 sweatshirts which take up a lot of room in an RV. I would have been fine with 2 or 3, even through the cold Winter we experienced, we layered. When we went outside to walk the dogs, we'd throw on a sweatshirt and sweater and then our 3 season jacket. Gloves, hat and gator/cowl were essential. That made the difference between being cold and being comfortable in 30° weather.  So in storage, we have Winter coats, long sleeved t-shirts and lots of sweatshirts.
It will be fun to empty the storage and see what things we forgot about, or what items we'll be able to use again.
I'm trying to make a list of the good and bad of F/T RV'ing and the things I miss while RV'ing and while living in a house.
Already, I'm missing the get up and go freedom of RV'ing. But, since we are not as excited about sightseeing as we were 3 years ago, our daily activity has definitely slowed to an almost standstill. What do we do with ourselves while living in an RV if we aren't sightseeing? I am NEVER BORED. But I do feel somewhat guilty just cruising the net and reading and crafting. Poof! The day is gone and it was all ME TIME! That is true retirement.
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TENNESSEE HOUSE:
Moving back into a house is a little more responsibility, but not too much. We have enough in savings to have just a minimal mortgage to keep our credit good without having to worry about meeting our month bills. I'll be very curious to see how our bills compare to RV'ing. We did not budget during RV'ing. Traveling is a money eater. The gas for 1 day's travel is at least $100. So every day of travel is times $100. plus cost of your site. That adds up. Now we will have a mortgage that the monthly payment will be less than 2 weeks in an RV park. Minus the $100. gas for travel. We'll be able to buy groceries on sale and with coupons.
This is another whole different way of life for us. I have never lived in a house with acreage and privacy and also not the commitment of working full time. Will Scott mow the lawn on his own, instead of having to be nagged? Will I once again enjoy gardening, since I am not working?
I am just as or maybe even more excited about furnishing and decorating the porch! As long as the weather cooperates, the porch is where I will spend most of my time. I plan to fill the porch with a lot of quirky, whimsical things. We have a LARGE AND WIDE wrap around porch. Oh the many uses for this space! A hammock to take naps in...a swinging bench to read in....lots of pillows & afghans to make it all comfy. A rocker to enjoy my morning coffee and my evening cocktail outside overlooking our very own woods, with no neighbors to have to acknowledge. I have NEVER lived on property that the neighbors could not be seen. Yep, I'm getting excited to have our own PRIVATE piece of heaven.
We have taken the conservative road meaning, our house is only 1500 square feet, even though our property is 7 acres, it is mostly maintenance free woodland. We want the roominess of a house, the privacy of the land, but not be overwhelmed. I think this house and property has accomplished that.
I do sometimes wish I was more of a risk taker. We could have gone higher in a purchase price and had a beautiful modern kitchen, large showcase home, but in the end, we are simple folk. I don't want a showcase house. I want a home, that I am comfortable in and don't resent because of the high mortgage and upkeep. So yep, we took the safe road again. A little disappointing, but in the end, because of our conservative spending we have been able to retire at 53/55, full time before some people even get to retire and buy a house after seeing much of the country before we hit 60! We could do this all over again in 10 years. Life is good.

Information overload!
Maybe we shouldn't move back into a house. I am spending hours on Pinterest see all kinds of ideas. Will I actually renew my love of woodworking now that I have the room to do it? In our old house, I used an extra bedroom to do my woodworking. Very cramped and storing the wood was a problem. I just found a site that links to the 50 best woodworking blogs (in his opinion). I'm either in heaven or hell with all the possibilities or trying to do too much. Oh the simple life of an RV'r. No room for woodworking and tools. Just enough room for yarn, kindle, 2 dogs and hubby.
Scott's been having trouble sleeping because he is thinking of all the things to do when we move in. Luckily nothing is essential, but if we have the land and space, let's use it.
What's on our minds...
Fencing: We have the privacy and land, so why have to walk the dogs? If we have a fence it's win/win. We win because we can just let the dogs out without having to venture into he elements. The dogs win because they can run free and do their business at will.
Aquarium: Scott wants it, I don't. Marriage is full of compromises. He doesn't ask for much, so I'll give in to this.
Woodworking: This is a big one. We have 3 huge garages. My mind says I want to make things, but in reality,do I? Did I get frustrated before because of lack of space?
Decorating: Since the walls are pine planking, there is no painting to do, but yet I want to make our house our HOME. I'm getting overwhelmed at how to decorate. Rustic? Subtle wood tones? A splash of bright? Clean lines or overstuffed? I've got to make sure I don't fill the how with "stuff". I want to bring items in that have a purpose, or better yet, more than one purpose. I want to try to keep as many items off the floor as possible for easy cleaning.
Yard & Garden: Currently the lawn is a clean 2 acres. No flowers, no vegetable garden. Nice and clean and easy care. Do I really want to make work for myself by having to tend a flower garden? Oh but I LOVE flowers! Do I want to till & weed a vegetable garden? Well, I've already bought mint and pepper plants. I'm looking at container gardening, vertical gardening and raised gardening, so all are kept neat in their own areas.
Fostering: We will have the room and time now to foster dogs. But that sure is a responsiblity. Ya never know what your'e gonna git! Shhh, don't tell Scott...I've already committed to taking in two English Setters that have been in foster care way too long. I hope to re-evaluate and get them adopted!
Cooking: Even cooking has come into play with moving into a house. I don't bother cooking in the RV. But with the house, I'll have a larger pantry, a freezer to store leftovers, etc.
RV life is definitely a simpler life. I'll be very curious how both Scott & I react once we move in. Will we dive head first and start our projects or will we just sit in our hammock (temporary sofa in living room), relax on our air mattress (temporary bed in the bedroom), sit in our lawn chairs (temporary easy chairs in the living room), eat dinner on TV trays (temporary dining room table)...oh wait, we ALWAYS eat on TV trays whether in a house or an RV.
Our minds are whirring!
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CRAFTS:
Wow! I impressed myself! I finished this project in 3 days!
Irish Sea Shawl is actually a short poncho. This is a nice little accessory to cover a plain tee.

This was not the right yarn for this project. The thickness of Noro Kureyon was very inconsistent. I was drawn in by the color changing. I'm still happy with it. It will make a nice casual throw over a top.
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BOOK REVIEW:
Kindle Free
Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A nice historical romantic adventure. A genteel woman being forced into marriage with a vengeful man. She finally makes a decision instead of letting others lead her along. And so the adventure begins.
This was a free Kindle book and the first in a series.
The book is somewhat of a cliffhanger and I'm curious what is going to happen, but not enough to put up with all the religious teachings. This is definitely religious book. I was able to skip over many pages of characters praying for God's guidance. The author is also slipping in how to ask Jesus into your heart, blah, blah, blah. Skip over, skip over, skip over. So, even though the characters were well developed and I like the basic story, I will not be reading the rest of the series. I've had enough of sermons.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Virgin River by Robyn Carr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet! This is a book you read when you want an easy happy-go-lucky, Mayberry type story. Maybe this should be in the fantasy section instead of romance, since I don't think towns like Virgin River can exist, with everyone getting along, a bar with a generous owner comping drinks and food often & being gorgeous and a gentleman too!
Kind of hokey, as one reviewer stated. But if you want a vacation from the murder mysteries, paranormal, etc., take a break with this feel good, G rated romance.
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Poked and Prodded, oh my!

Driveway docking - Tijera, NM 

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It's the dash that matters.

Living the RV Dream

RV LIFE:
It's the dash that matters is a great thought. Doesn't matter when you were born, nor when you die, but what you do with what's in between.
We've extended our stay here in the Tom's driveway. I hope we are not overstaying our welcome. Tom is a wonderful host and we are taking full advantage of his hospitality. We were supposed to leave on Monday, 11/18, but then I asked to stay until Tuesday for my Mammogram appointment. Then Scott asked to stay until Wednesday. Why? Because he needs to download an update to one of his computer games. A large download and who knows when we'll get good internet again. Yep, we are taking full advantage of his services.
We also made reservations until the new year. We will be really boondocking for the first time after we leave here. We visited City of Rocks last year while staying in Deming. What a really neat campground. The cool sights, surrounded by huge rocks are the no services sights. We took Wheeling It's recommendation and experience and reserved site #16, all by itself and no hook ups. Then we'll be at Hidden Valley Ranch in Deming, NM for about 5 weeks which will cover Thanksgiving thru New Year.
Scott just added a 3rd solar panel, so we now have 400 watts? I am at a total loss at how this all works. I believe he also got another battery. Another purchase we are waiting to receive is the Mr. Heater Buddy, that works with propane and no electricity. The temps go down to the 30's and lower overnight, so we'll need this Mr. Heater. In the past, we've just used electric heaters and that has worked well (as long as we have electric). We try not to use the RV heater, since it is a lot of wasted spaces to heat and takes a lot of battery power. As long as we have enough power to charge my computer and get internet, I'll be fine. I can cook over a fire, I don't need TV.
I had 2 more Dr.'s appointment. A "ladies' Dr." & eye Dr.. Review below. I'm happy to say, I've lost 5#'s without really trying. If I would only start exercising!!! Other than my normal high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low thyroid, and post-menopausal depression, I'm doing well. My meds are working.

We have been looking on line at property in Tennessee. That is the final State for us to consider settling down in. Tennessee does not tax pensions, has low property tax, homes & land are inexpensive.  Population density is 150 people per square mile, compared to 1170 people per square mile in NJ. The downside is 7% state sales tax, same as NJ.
We have seen some beautiful properties and homes for under $200,000. This particular property, I am in love with! It's been on the market since May 2013. I wonder what's wrong with it? We'll be in Tennessee around March/April 2014. Will it still be available? Yearly taxes for 6.5 acres, less than $900. compared to our yearly taxes of over $7000. for 100'x80' property in NJ.
I'm getting excited to visit Tennessee.
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BUSINESS REVIEW:
McLeod Medical Center, Cedar Crest, NM
My rating 4 out of 5
The receptionist, Kristina was excellent (rate 5 out of 5 perfect). Friendly, full of info, efficient.
G.P. Melissa Fowler, PAC
I had a check up with Dr. Fowler, mainly to get my prescriptions updated.  Very nice Dr., but only took my blood pressure. I was hoping for an exam.
Gynecologist, Effie Medford, MD (rate 5 out of 5)
Oh my gosh! I never expected what was to be experienced! Dr. Medford is well into her 60's, most liked 70's with a Southern charm. I had an appointment for an annual pap smear. Well, I was with her for almost an hour! First I had two hearing tests, urine test, blood pressure, & discussed diet and exercise, She reviewed my chart thoroughly asking me questions to verify my answers. She explained ALL that she was doing. Checked my heart sounds, lung sounds. Checked not only my pulse on my wrist, but my pulse in my neck and groin. She compared the pulses to make sure there was no delay. She pressed deeply into my abdomen to feel my spleen, stomach, uterus, & kidneys. She checked my reflexes for my knees, ankles, bottom of feet, ankles, and elbows. She had me laughing because I remember doing this as a kid. My limbs had a mind of their own as she used the rubber hammer. She would inform me that all was good after each exam testing. Right there is more than an doctor has ever done to me. I was so impressed!
On to the gynecological exam. Ladies, you know the basic drill. First I liked that the table to lay on was set low, so I didn't have to climb up. This is the first Dr. to let me know it was ok to keep my socks on. She explained using water to lubricate instead of jelly to prevent contamination. She not only did the pap smear but then, damn, how far can a hand go up a woman's hoo ha? She checked my cervix, and the went sideways (ouch?) and checked each of my ovaries (another first). Then women after 40 should have a, um, well, rectal exam. Usually it's in and out and done. Not with Dr. Medford. It was in and uh oh, circle around and around and then out. Damn she is thorough.
She asked me at least twice if I needed to talk to about anything. She also explained that the paper robe was covering my side enough that if someone accidentally stepped in, all they could see would be my socks.
Another bit of info she gave me. Since I am a woman of a certain age (56) and no previous abnormal pap smears, I do not need another for 3 years. I have a bone density and mammogram scheduled next.

We haven't really explored this area. We've just been hanging out with our host, Tom and his furbabies, and too many appointments. I'm feeling a little stressed again. This is happening too often! I almost look forward to boon docking for 5 days. Just us and the rocks.
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PETS:
Reservation dog Saga continues...
Dina went in for her spay today. She is still not used to a crate and panics when I close the door. I hope she'll be ok at the vet.
Our host, Tom has had to put two dogs "down" while we are here. The first was because of biting. Shadow was adopted out from our rescue, but returned because of biting. Tom took him in to see if he could rehabilitate him. He knew this was a difficult case and realized there is something wrong with this dog, but chose to keep him in hopes of still helping him. Well after Shadow went after a number of people (luckily no actually bites), he decided to put him to sleep. Then within a couple of days, he had to put his 13 year old "heart" dog, Mikey to sleep. He was having shaking spasms and periods of not being able to breath. Tom would breath for him. Tom realized it was time. So sad, but that IS part of life.
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ANOTHER RANT:
The usual disclaimer, feel free to skip this part.
Since I really don't have much to blog about, you're stuck with another Rant!
Dog Rescue requirements:
I am so frustrated that I have been led to drink at 10:00 in the morning!
I am very involved in English Setter rescue. I have become quite frustrated at the strict requirements for adoption. My thoughts are that we are taking dogs from being homeless, on death row, or living in a cage in a shelter and finding homes for them. The rescue I volunteer with INSISTS on monthly Heartworm preventative and annual heartworm testing. We have had to turn away very good potential adopters because they do not give monthly heartworm preventative. I do agree to the importance of annual testing for heartworm. Heartworm infestation is a terrible health problem, expensive and difficult on the dog to treat. But I don't agree on turning someone away because they don't administer monthly. I suggest education and strong encouragement.
Our rescue has also denied a very good applicant because they do not have a fence and will tether their dog for bathroom breaks. They will also walk the dog. We have lived full time in our RV for 2.5 yrs. Rarely have a fenced in area. We walk the dogs and I tether our IS/ES mix for about an hour in the morning. He LOVES it! He prefers his morning poop while tethered, then he sits in our lawn chair and watches & smells the wildlife. Many times he is also tethered in the afternoon. I do keep a watch on him to make sure he is not tangled and nothing is bothering him. That is better than sitting in a cage in a shelter. That is better than being killed at the shelter. That is better than being a stray, having to find each day's meal and the danger of being hit by a car or attacked by wildlife.
For me, I am looking for a good dog owner, not an exceptional or perfect dog owner, although that would be great also.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Wed. 11/20 - Sun. 11/24/2013 (5 days) City of Rocks State Park, Faywood, NM
Mon. 11/25/13 - Wed. 1/1/2014 (1 month + 10 days) Hidden Valley Ranch, Deming, NM