Getting old isn't so bad...yet

March 23 - April 15, 2014 (24 days)

Lums Pond State Park - Bear, DE
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CONTENTS

RV LIFE
LIFE IN GENERAL

SIGHTS

BOOK REVIEWS

CRAFTS

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RV LIFE:
It is so nice that the weather has finally turned. When we  arrived, a short 3 weeks ago, this was the weather.

But Spring has finally arrived, a perfect 68 last evening. It's rare that I/we sit outside at night with a campfire, but I just couldn't resist. The perfect temperature for me. A glass of wine hidden in a thermos because the State Park is alcohol prohibited. Oh, I'm such a rebel. A roaring fire, blog until I can't see the keyboard any more, then bring out my Kindle paperwhite and read until I have finally run out of firewood. Life is good.



I've come to realize after just about 3 years of full time RV'ing, that it takes at least 2 years before you really settle down in the day to day life. We have been full timing as tourists until this past Winter. Tourist have a different viewpoint than someone "just" living in an RV. Tourist are looking at the next destination/adventure with excitement. The new places you'll go, the new things you'll learn. There was a time when I was excited to try boondocking. Been there, don't like it. There was a time when it didn't matter if we did not have full hook ups. No big deal walking to the bath house to do my business or take a shower. Not anymore. I like the convenience of not having to get out of my P.J.'s just to go. I want to take a shower in my own place and not have to remember to bring a towel, shampoo/conditioner, soap, sandals etc. Sandals are essential. I don't want my feet to touch the usually yucky looking floor. Oh damn! I forgot my shaver! Hairy legs for another day. Our poor parrot, Swayze has a dirty cage because we have no water hook ups. So I've just been changing the newspaper and a wipe down.
This RV really is our home and I want the conveniences of a home. So for me, full hook ups and good internet connection are what I prefer, but I still want privacy. No resorts with a pool and your neighbor 10 feet in front of us and in back of us and across from us. Scott is still fine with less. Scott is not of the mindset of staying in one place longer as of yet. As we are planning our trip back towards Tennessee, he was going to book a week in Maryland, a week in West Virginia, then a week in Tennessee. No way Jose! Our RV seems to be feeling it's mileage. Something is always needing fixing. I'm feeling the mileage. I want to be in a place long enough to pull out my sewing machine and finish a project before moving again and having to put everything away. I want to bring out our hammock, put out our lawn ornaments, put out our grape vine lights. It's just not worth it for a week...or even two anymore.
Please notice, I never said I was unhappy with this lifestyle. It's just the adventure part, the excitement part has waned. We just need to slow down.
I'd love to go back to Port Townsend, WA and that area, but oh, all the stops along the way to get across the country. If we traveled there with my month stay plans, it would take a year to get to Washington. It is still very enjoyable to know we can pack up and head anywhere in the USA. I just need to slow down.
If we buy a house in Tennessee next month fine or wait until this Fall?...Fine. And if we don't, fine. We'll try to Winter in Florida. Yep, all Winter! That would be a first.
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LIFE in general:
Yes, I'm getting old. No surprise really, but sometimes I look at my life from outside my self. I laugh at myself and cry at the loss of my youthful looks. I have just changed my settings on my computer from the default size of small to medium, which has 125% larger fonts. Oh, how nice is that? My icon labels are larger, my window tabs font are larger, ahhhh. Yep, I'm getting old. The eyesight is worsening, but I'll work through it.
While working on some counted cross stitch, I realized that a magnifying glass has become essential for me to cross stitch. Sigh. But at least I have the magnifier, so I can still do my crafts, although it takes more of an effort.
One of the nice things about getting old is that I don't care so much what others think of me. I'm not out trying to catch a mate. If I'm looking for friends, they must accept me as I am. I've been wearing my hair up in a "messy" top knot and I love it! Some may think it is for older people, but I find it kind of bohemian. If only I would let me hair go natural gray. I'm not quite ready for that. I've tried two times and gave in after an inch of gray roots.
I can wear my beautiful knitted shawls, scarves, etc without feeling old fashioned, weird, etc. This is my handwork and I want to enjoy it, even if I wear a beautiful lace piece with a t-shirt. I can!
I can not go out without make-up. Again, take me as I am. Make up may help me look an itty bitty bit younger or, not so blah, but it's gotten to the point that there is not a dramatic difference anymore, so why bother daily?
I am truly thankful for a husband that doesn't seem to age, but accepts me and my aging. Scott has NO gray hair, except for his goatee and mustache, which he does occasionally dye to match his hair. Scott was actually "carded" the other day because the sign said they card anyone that looks under 35 years old. Scott & I are 57 years old. Ooooh, don't you just hate him??? We are only 3 months apart in age and Scott is the older one, but he definitely looks younger. Again, because I am secure in his love for me, I can handle this injustice.
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SIGHTS:

We took a 75 mile ride down to Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach, DE.Scott's sister and BIL own Rehoboth Bay Marina, on the bay. We were told to park in the reserved parking area, where it said "violators will be towed". Hey, we know the owners!

Cindy on left is Scott's Sister and owns Marina with husband, Chris

Nice marina that is filled with mostly seasonals, but they do keep a half a dozen slips open for "walk-ins". It's a campground for boaters! 30 amp electric & fresh water for each slip. Dump station, fuel station, bathrooms with nice tiled showers, free laundry! Walking distance to the Ocean and Rehoboth Beach attractions.

They also have 7 pontoon boats for rental of which we were offered when they arrived in season. Dogs welcome! Jet ski rentals too!










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BOOK REVIEW:
The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I certainly enjoy historical romances. This fits the bill. A quick, easy read.
What I enjoyed most was the main female character is down on her luck, but not defeated and not expecting any handouts. But she will not be the passive martyr anymore!
I liked her attitude shown by the quote from the book:
"If you fell out of a tree as a child, I'd clean you up and bandage your knees, and next I looked you'd be out climbing again. You never learned your lesson."
Oh, she'd learned her lesson: Climb harder.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:
Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet story. Very goody, goody. Some romance, some cooking, a little drama. An easy listen and feel good story.
Good narrator with an upbeat voice.


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CRAFTS:
I still have not been doing much in the past 3 weeks...maybe next week things will quiet down. But prior to visiting my parents in Florida, prior to 3 travel days, prior to the dog rescue issues, and prior to helping clear in-laws house, I had time to knit all day.

Ruched cowl

Ruched fingerless

Headband

These were made with a lovely alpaca wool I purchased at Black Sheep Gathering last year in Oregon.