In a good place

Parkers Crossroads RV Park - Yuma, TN

May 19 - June 1, 2014 (2 weeks)

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RV LIFE:

Yes, we're in a good place...green Tennessee, decent RV park.  The owners of this park are one of the nicest owners we've met. The sights...eh. But there is so much green space just a few feet away, that it makes up for the lack of site space.

This is right across from our site. Normally there are no tents, but being Memorial Day Weekend, it's expected. Even though the weather has been in the high 80's to mid 90's, there is a wonderful breeze.  I've spent many an hour in the Gazebo protected from the sun and enough shade to see my computer screen. Shade, breeze, electric and a gin & tonic. Ahhhh. Yep, in a good place.
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HOUSE HUNTING:
Yes, we're in a good place. We've been looking at houses in the NW area of Tennessee. Not as much available, but the rolling hills are much more to our liking than the steep hills in Eastern Tennessee.
We were interested in two houses.

$180K 7 acres 

The above property was so well kept. The property absolutely beautiful and private. A huge covered porch, lots of woods, 3 beautiful garages. But the 1500 sq. ft. inside layout was really odd. A master bath with no toilet. Also, I think they eliminated a bedroom to make 2 walk in closets, one for the master bedroom and one that is off the hallway. Odd. Scott's "man cave" computer room would have been in the hallway walk in closet.

$209K 13 acres

The above house we felt really comfortable in. But comfortable is not "love". There was a large portion of the back yard fenced in, which would be great for the dogs. Move in ready. This also had 3 garage/storage areas. Difficult internet connectivity was a deal breaker for Scott. And since we are in no hurry or NEED to buy, comfortable vs. "gotta have it" is not enough to make us stop traveling.
So we are free for the summer and will be heading to the Upper Peninsula in July. Anyone heading that way??? Ahhh, yep, we're in a good place.
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LIFE IN GENERAL:
Yes, I'm in a good place. I'm in a green area, I'm busy, but not stressed. I'm still really busy with data keeping for the rescue. The dogs in need never end. Just like when I worked at the Post Office. You get the mail out for that day, but come back the next day and have to do it all over again. It just keeps coming and unwanted dogs keep being born and in need of homes.

Now that our house hunting is on hold until Fall, we are excited to really relax. Well, maybe I can relax.
Don't think because we live in a RV, there are no "honey-do" lists. The list on the right are things I could do, but my excuse is that Scott took my little compartment "suitcase" with screws, nails, etc. I used to keep it on my side of the basement for quick fixes. But Scott took it over and it's now on his side of the basement. He knows where his stuff is and I know where my stuff is. So, because I don't have my hardware supplies, the honey-do's are Scott's responsibility. That sounds reasonable...right??
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RECIPE:
Not much going on in this department. I think it is my fault. I've been harping about the big thing I miss while RV'ing is a larger kitchen. Between the hot weather and my complaints, Scott has not been interested in cooking...yes, he's the cook in this household. His non-cooking is good for me. I'm the type to fix something quick and easy and on hand. Last night for dinner, I had steamed broccoli, an ear of fresh corn on the cob, and some cottage cheese. I was satisfied. Maybe this will be a Scott no-cook diet!

While I was viewing a website I glance at often, She mentioned Utah Fry Sauce. I forgot about that! During our travels, while visiting Idaho, we were introduced to Fry Sauce. I was visiting a Postal Worker friend. We all went out to lunch. We all ordered fries. The waitress asked if we wanted fry sauce. Huh? Excuse me? What did she say/mean? My friend, Don looked at me like I'd lost my mind. Fry sauce is more popular than ketchup I think in this area of the country. So, sure, we'll try it. Yum. It's basically ketchup and mayo mixed together. Recipe below.

Utah Fry Sauce

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup ketchup (roughly a 2 to 1 ratio)

1/2 tsp onion powder

3 to 4 tsps. pickle juice (add one tsp. at a time & check for taste)

Mix together in small bowl. Eat.

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SIGHTS:

While in Sevierville a few weeks back, we were driving through town and look what we saw driving next to us?!

Google Maps Street View camera!

Google street view is really, really cool! I just checked out our old house in NJ. We haven't been back since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. We wondered if our trees survived and if there was any damage.

Here's the Google Street View of our former house in NJ.  The tree in the back yard I was concerned about is still there. Check out the full 360° view here.

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So all in all, life is at a good place for us.

I'd rather be knitting

April 21 - May 4, 2014

Riverside Rv Resort - Sevierville, TN

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"A bit of trash now and then is good for the severest reader. 

It provides the necessary roughage in the literary diet." 

Phyllis McGinley

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CONTENTS

RV LIFE, Catching up

PETS

BOOK REVIEWS

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RV LIFE:
Yep, I'd rather be knitting than typing this blog.  But, it has been a while and the longer I wait, the less I remember. Luckily, there hasn't been much going on to report. Life is just calm right now. THIS is how RV life should be. We have a 3/4 empty campground with a site along the Pigeon River. Nice!

Catch up:
Delaware, Mar 23 - April 15, 2014

She's lost that sparkle in her eye. She's getting old.

We spent over 3 weeks in Delaware and I did not venture up to my home town. I did not connect with my knitting friends, I did not connect with my former co-workers, I did not connect with my rescue friends, I did not even go North to visit my Brother. Nor did I bother passing by our former house to see what it looks like after Hurricane Sandy. But, my Brother did come down to Delaware to visit us. He also brought his constant companion, Poppy.
Poppy was a foster dog of mine, who we were thinking of keeping, but then one of my Eng Setter fosters was being returned. That would have put us at 5 dogs in a compact Cape Cod house. I felt that 4 was our limit. I asked my Brother, if he'd like to adopt Poppy. He had gotten to know her quite well from pet sitting and going to dog rescue events with me. He adopted her and they have been together ever since.

Of course, Scott & Rob discussed computer gaming. My Brother, Rob was a happy recipient of Scott's old and outdated (Scott's opinion) computer and has had upgrades since from Scott's old hardware.

We were in Delaware to see Scott's parents in South Jersey and help clear out his childhood home.
Scott's younger brother, Dan, his wife Keri, and their son,  Nat stopped by the RV one day to see our set up.

Nat & Dan

Dan is on the right, Nat is on the left in case you couldn't tell, since they both have facial hair. Doesn't Nate look more like a Luigi? Oh, those big brown eyes! He's a cutie!

While clearing out the attic, Scott reminisced when he saw childhood PJ's & toys. The attic was quite full... out of sight, out of mind.

Here are a few things we came across below...

Simple sewing machine

This machine is much easier to figure out than my touch screen computerized embroidery machine. I knew that I shouldn't take this because of lack of room...TWO sewing machines while living in an RV? It would be different if I used them often, but I rarely do. But oh the convenience of this little gem. I'll find room!

My Mother-in-Law's wedding dress and veil.

 My Father-in-Law's high school football helmet.

Lots & lots of suitcases. Pinterest has plenty of ideas for these.

 

West Virginia, April 16 - 20, 2014
We got a late start leaving Bear, DE and a 370 mile ride to WV. Ideally, we prefer 200-250 mile days, but there wasn't much between DE to WV. We prepare for the long drive with sandwiches, snacks, water, caffeine pills, audio books, crafts, & kindles. Oh what a long day for Scott, the driver. Like I said, we started out late, at about 11:30am. Then we hit construction backups, then we hit an accident backup. We recognized the red pick up truck that wast turned on it's side. This vehicle was speeding and weaving in and out of lanes. What a jerk. His/Her reckless actions caught up to him, but unfortunately, he involved another vehicle which was also overturned.
Planned to stop at a Pilot truck stop since we get such a great discount with our RV Plus Pilot/Flying J credit card. It's always an adventure getting diesel towing the 5th wheel behind us. Many times the RV spots don't leave enough room to comfortably turn around or maneuver, so we end up in the trucker's area. Sure enough, we go around and pull into the truck area that is backed up with semi's. Oooh, we see an open spot. I wonder why no one is in this one? The 3 lanes next to us are blocked with yellow tape. We pull up to the pump that is really no pump at all. There's a spot for the pump, but none there for now.  We circle around again and notice there are only two lanes open with a back up. The semi's take a long time to fill up. Scott decides to take his chances on finding diesel a little further down the road, which we did. All these delays to an already long travel day. We are finally getting close to our destination. We see a sign for the park, but there is a blue sign across it stating "closed". What??? We have reservations! We turn off the main road onto a side road for 12 miles that will lead to the Corps of Eng. campground. What a long 12 miles. Go up a hill, go down a hill, the GPS is saying "left curve ahead", then immediately "right curve ahead", then "winding road ahead". Well duh. I think we know that! Further and further we slowly drive away from civilization. I'm a nervous wreck and glad I'm not driving. There is no shoulder on this road and no room to spare if two trucks pass each other. A sign says 2 miles to go. Ah, that's good. No closed notice on this sign.
We arrive around 7pm. The gates are CLOSED! Oh no! It really is closed! Is there room to turn around? Where do we stay overnight. What a crappy day. Scott gets out to check the gates. Ha, ha, they got us! The gates were closed, but not locked. In we go.
Well, it turns out, that the campground IS closed! It is only open to volunteers helping to clean up for open season. The ranger stopped by the next day and laughed and said he looked up our reservation and it was fine. Just a glitch in the system and we got in, while others couldn't.

Coffee this morning (4/17/14)  outside. Although the temps dropped close to freezing just the night before, today the temps quickly warmed up to a pleasant 55° and sunny in the morning and 70° this afternoon. I had a lovely afternoon of reading and crafting.
Both Scott and I are on a somewhat "high". Scott was happy to be free of family commitments and I'm happy because he's happy.
We're staying at a very secret campground. I say secret, because we can't seem to find it listed on all the normal sites we look at to find RV Parks. We usually check RV Trip Wizard, RV Park Reviews, & Good Sam Club. Gerald Freeman COE in Sutton, WV. What a find! We are 20' from the water, pull through, well spaced sites. Across from the water is just woods, where we can spy on deer roaming in their natural environment and relaxed. The 3 geese that greeted us or more likely tried to get rid of us, are not very happy with Devin's presence. Upon Devin's arrival, they were honking and honking and finally took off and have not seen them nearby except for a fly by.
We're at another site with electric only...sigh. Internet is iffy. But oh the peace and the view is wonderful.

Catch up:
Cedar Key - FL, Mar 5 - 11, 2014

Lyla spots her first pelican!

Cedar Key is not only gaudy touristy, but it is a litte bit margaritaville and artsy.
This fisherman on the right is made out of chipped ceramics as is the fish he is attempting to reel in.
This piece of art is right next to the Cedar Key Arts Center, which is definitely a must see if you like local good quality crafts.

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PETS:

I'm not sure if I've shared this photo before...

I am on the left. There is no room in our king sized bed for Scott!

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AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lighthearted murder mystery set in the 1930's (?). Georgiana is royalty...sort of. She is a "Lady" and is in line for the crown...34th in line. Georgiana is an independent, resourceful single woman and broke. She may not have money, but she has friends and her royal name to influence. This book is an easy and enjoyable read following Georgiana's adventures to make some money, to lose her virginity, to clear herself and her brother of murder charges.
A little comedy, a little mystery, a little romance. Very enjoyable read.

Highland Surrender by Tracy Brogan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent narration. I love listening to the Scottish accents.
A great romance also with mystery and suspense thrown in.
A marriage planned from birth to a family that you have been taught to hate.
Luckily, even though the family may be evil, his/her forced marriage is not what you'd expect. Husband & Wife have never met and have been growing up being taught to hate the other's family. How will the husband treat his new wife? Will the wife escape? Accept? Give in?
Why do the families hate each other?
Read this very enjoyable book to find out.

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very odd book. I almost quit 4 hours in. But because I was knitting while listening, I just let the audiobook continue. I'm glad I did.
The narration is lousy (the book version may be a better choice), BUT, that may be the way the author wanted it, since he was one of the narrators. Both female and male narrators were very monotone which added to this depressing story. Yes, be prepared, this is not a happy story in any way.
The book starts by describing the day to day lives of 2 totally different families. One is a military family escaped from Iran (naturalized US citizens). The other "family" is a recovering drug and alcohol addict, who's husband has left and she begins an affair with a married man.
We explore the lives, attitudes of all the characters and how they eventually merge together.
I found it interesting to listen to the lifestyle of the Iranians. Their thought process, the eating habits. (According to the book, when they drink tea, they put a sugar cube in their mouth, sip the tea and slurp is through the sugar cube. I'll have to try that.)
Trouble begins with a mistake on the city tax office's part. From their is a whirlwind of errors, misunderstanding, stubbornness that all escalates and merges these two families together forever. Unfortunately, the merge is by way of a totally downward spiral. One action leads to another, etc.
It reminds me of the movie "Falling Down", starring Michael Douglas, or a darker type of "Thelma and Louise".
I first rated this only 3 stars, but after writing this review, I have to increase the rating to 4 stars.

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.

Thursday, 1/2/14 - 1/8/14 1/28/14 (10 days) 

Oliver Lee State Park, Alamogordo, NM (White Sands)
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"Sorrow is better than fear. Fear is a journey, a terrible journey. But, sorrow is at least an arriving." 

Alan Paton

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CONTENTS:
RV LIFE
PETS
SIGHTS
CRAFTS
BOOK REVIEWS
WHERE WE'RE GOING
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RV LIFE:

The weather here has been better than when we were in Deming. We've actually had some days that I could sit outside. But then the temps drop to almost freezing overnight. Not bad. 

Because of the cool evening temps, we made another batch of Irish Cream. Mmmm. Such a cozy, comfy, calming and delicious beverage. I added a little hazelnut liquor to it also.

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PETS:

It is with both happiness and sadness that I tell you all that our reservation dog, Dina is going to be adopted! She will be living in our home state of NJ with three other doggies. Denyel is a previous adopter of an English Setter and fell in love with Dina's face. To each their own. 

Dina has been a wonderful foster dog. No problems really at all. For a young dog, she is very calm, but will play when in the company of other dogs

Even though she seems to enjoy being on the picnic table, she does NOT jump on the dining table in the RV. 

I go to bed before Scott. Below is how he found the bed when he was ready to hop in.

Top to Bottom: Dina, Lyla, Devin

The left side of the photo there are tan pillowcases upon which my head lays. On the right side with the dark brown pillows is Scott's side of the bed. Hmmmm. I don't know how he's going to squeeze in. Sure looks like a full house already to me! And this is a KING sized bed.

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SIGHTS:

Oliver Lee State Park Trails

Scott took a hike up the mountain to find some geocaches. 

Devin enjoying the sights and smells

View of campground

Our site 2nd on left

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CRAFTS:

Made some quick and simple baby hats for charity with yarn that was given to me by Sherry back in Hidden Valley Ranch. 

Also finished the Bulky yarn cowl Mystery Knit a Long. (MKAL) I just used some leftover yarn. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it will be warm, which is what's important.

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BOOK REVIEW:

Rules of Crime by L.J. Sellers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First time reading this author. I will definitely check out his other books. Multiple mysteries/stories in one. Likeable & determined "average Joe" detective, Jackson, needs to find his ex-wife's kidnapper, while a couple of other crimes are being investigated also.
Kept my interest throughout and I was surprised by the ending.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW:

Whodunnit? Murder in Mystery Manor by Anthony E. Zuiker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this light reading book. The narrator did a nice job also.
The story reminds me of the 1959 movie "House on Haunted Hill". Both involve a rich benefactor inviting guests to spend time at the mansion. Unfortunately for the guests, they didn't realize what was to come. Oooooh. The story also reminds me of the old game "Clue".
A fun read in a macabre way. 

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And I'll end with OUR beautiful sunsets. Susan who is currently in Florida is always teasing us with beach views, and sunsets. My turn now.

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WHERE WE'RE GOING:

Jan. 13, 2014 Overnight: Ft. Stockton, TX

Jan. 14, 2014 Overnight : Bandera, TX

Jan. 15-21, 2014 1 week, : Corpus Christi, TX

Jan. 22-28, 2014 1 week: Galveston, TX

Jan. 30 however long it takes: Lawrenceburg, TN