Our Home Away from Home!

Our Home Away from Home!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Why Are We Doing All This...?

Before I begin writing on what the title says our time at home has been shortened some. We get to leave earlier than planned and will arrive at the park 2 days before we thought....so that means, we have 9 more days left. Wow! Hard for me to even write that number. This week has just flown by with all the things we have left to do. But I am feeling a lot better, some of the really stressful items have been checked off the list and now it is just minor odds and ends to do.

Now back to the title. I had someone ask me the the other day why we are doing this, moving into an RV and leaving our sticks and bricks. Hmmm, great question why are we???  I am sure if you ask other full timers you will get many answers that are the same, and then some that are different. {It would be fun to have some of you post your responses in the comments.}  I am going to try not only for you, but mainly for me, and my memory to write it all down.

My Mom and Dad were great people. We had a good relationship and the girls and them were very close but they did one thing that I just could not stand. Once my Dad retired they just sat around and did nothing and they both were in good health. ( my Dad did mow a cemetery for a few years) But what I mean is they seemed to loose all spark for life. They watched TV all the time and it seemed like their biggest goal for the day was to go out and eat supper.  I couldn't stand it. I told Art hundreds of time I cannot do that when you retire, I will just wither up and blow away, I have to have something to do. And...this is the biggest reason, I refused to live in IN in the winter any longer.  I have to have light, I can handle the snow, the cold not so much, but I need light.  IN has the most dreary, overcast skies in the country, (according to me). Even if it is cold, if the sun is out I feel better.  I want to be able to go outside everyday, walk, and breath fresh air, feel that warmth from the sun on my face. The fact that I fell on the ice 2 winters ago and broke my shoulder did nothing to encourage my love for IN winters.  And that too is a reason, I don't want to fall on the ice or have Art fall either and break a hip or another shoulder. It hurt!

I feel like I need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The girls have been my whole life and that is the way I wanted it,  absolutely no regrets. But they are grown, married, (almost) and now have families of their own, and so we are not needed like before. We will continue to be a huge part of their lives and Meredith's (granddaughter).  Just because you are moving into an RV doesn't mean you are leaving the country. It is no different than someone moving to another state to live. And we plan to return home, we can be back here in hours, and we will be if we are ever needed.

Now the fun reasons....can you imagine living in a new place every few months?  A different back yard to look out upon from your window. Traveling in YOUR HOME to new places and seeing new things.  Getting to work/volunteer in some of the most beautiful places in the country.  And I shouldn't say work because the camp hosting jobs we did last summer were the farthest thing from work they were loads of fun. And the wildlife, oh my gosh I cannot wait to get back down to Hardin Ridge to the deer/fawns, turkeys, turtles, birds, squirrels, toads, and rabbits.  The photo opportunities and the interaction was just unbelievable. Last year while I was sitting on that golf cart and those deer with those big brown eyes would just stare at me while I took their pictures, it was just magical for me. I feel alive and at such peace out in the woods and with animals. When I was a little girl I would spend a large amount of my time in the woods playing, I would grab my fishing pole and walk down to the creek and fish. (This was when you could still let your kids do these kinds of things and feel safe about it) I never felt scared and I never got lost. It seemed so natural to me, and so safe.

Yesterday we went to Verizon to update our phone. And the young girl waiting on us asked if we wanted to keep the second line and we said no we would be together now since Art has retired and one was enough. She asked what we were going to do now and we told her. She was just giddy with excitement. She asked us many questions and went on and on about how neat this was. She said, "if you were my parents I would think you guys are so cool to be doing this." 

One thing that I haven't mentioned is money.  When we lived in our RV last summer we lived on much less money. We didn't want to go shopping, see a movie or eat out. We were so content to just stay at the park and sit and read, walk, listen to the birds talk. Your whole mindset changes. Our home now sits on 8 acres and we are tired of mowing, raking leaves, shoveling out barns, paying property taxes, and large propane bills, and I am just plain tired of mopping a big kitchen. :)  I think I will end with that said.  Take care.

45 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Merikay, you will be too I just know it.

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  2. Boy 9 days ,hope your going someplace warm, Donna & I will start out part timing and then if all goes well we will sell the house and go full time.My son & his girlfriend is still living with us so they will tend to the house while we are gone. Hope to see you guys down the road. Sam & Donna...........

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    1. Well no, we are heading south, but I'm not sure it will be south enough to get us out of the cold. But, we will be living in the fifth wheel, working outside and starting this wonderful new life, I think I can handle a little cold for a couple of days. I hope we meet up with you too. Take care.

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  3. Your story sounds just like my mom and dad. Dad told me just before he passed away that he should of never just went home and sat.

    We are coming up on our one year living in the 5th wheel and I will retire in Sept. and we love it.

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    1. I'm sorry to say but I think that story is true of so many. My Mom and Dad had so many of their friends pass away not long after they retired, it was very sad to see their lives end that way.
      Congratulations on living your dream too.

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  4. My day in the swamp yesterday is one of the reasons I did it. :)

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    1. Judy, every time I read your blog I think of my parents and what their life could have been. You have been through so much physically but that has not stopped you. I'm so happy you are living the way you want to and enjoying life to the fullest.

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  5. I look forward to reading about your travels. I retired last year and we were out for nearly 7 months, visited 23 states, many federal and state parks and sites. We hope to get back on the road in May and this time it looks like it will be or 18 months or more! Cannot wait...we both miss it so...but we have a house to put on the market first.

    Enjoy your new life....I know we are.

    Dave (and Marcia, Bubba and Skruffy)
    GoingRvWay.com

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    1. Thank you Dave, I am looking forward to blogging about them. Wow! You did almost half the states that is great. I know that had to be quite the adventure. Good luck selling your house. I know that is a big issue.
      Love all the added names :)

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  6. I think you are making a great decision!...as much as I love where I live ...arizona....right in the middle of the beautiful desert...I sometimes think wouldn't it be grand not to have to do ANYTHING I don't want to do...

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    1. Thank you! We will get to do a lot of that camphosting.
      Last year, after a couple hours of work they let us go and said have the rest of the day to do what we wanted.
      It is a great life and we are so excited!

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  7. My parents used to tell me they wished they could have traveled more but the problem was in their minds they had to hold on to the house that took away their financial freedom.

    Kathy and I got rid of the house and rented a small apartment making us part-timers and enjoying every minute we're on the road. Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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    1. Hi Rick and Kathy, I think alot of our parents wished they would have made different decisions. My parents didn't want to leave their grand children. I understand that but we feel we have to live our own lives and let our children have theirs. I certainly don't want to sit around waiting for them to invite us to something and that be the highlight of our week.
      That is great that you down sized, that frees you up from all the responsibilities of owning a home. Take care out there.

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  8. My sentiments exactly...time is ticking and we must not make waste of the moment. Right now all cooped up, watching entirely too much tv in the DARK! I yearn for the freedom to grasp the outdoors too! Good things and the adventure of a lifetime is on the horizon! Can't wait to feel your journey in my heart and soul...too too excited!

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    1. Hi Cj, boy that is true. I don't know what happened to the first part of our lives it went so fast. I want the second half to slow down and be more stress free.
      Isn't all this darkness terrible? I know I wouldn't last in Alaska. Thank you so much, I hope I can translate into words what is happening to us. And then one day we can live your journey with the both of you.
      Take care.

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  9. Tammy, I think that you are a smart girl to do this. I hope that you have even more fun than last year.

    In 9 days I'll be returning to the drudgery of early morning farm work, house work and office work and soon, yard work.

    Enjoy your retirement.
    Hugs,
    JB

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    1. Oh Julia, I hated to read that. I just know how you feel. I hope one day your life can be simplified and you can rest and enjoy your grand babies and all the things you "want" to do. Even simplifying your house can make it easier. Thank you so much,
      Take Care!

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  10. Very well said. I feel the same way. We just celebrated our one year anniversary on the road. It has been everything we hoped it would be. You will love it!

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    1. Thank you very much. I have been enjoying your blog, as I read it I know that is soon to be us. Hearing it has been everything you hoped for just adds to our excitement. Take care, and keep following ok, as I will yours too.

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  11. I am so excited for you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts....all of us full timers share so many of them.....especially not wanting to mop the kitchen....LOL! For us, we realized how short this life really is. Joe's Mom came to live with us when his Dad passed away. She was 80. It was a huge responsibility taking care of her.....she went blind, deaf, and developed slow pace alzhiemers. For the last 6 years she pretty much bed ridden. We were her sole caretakers for 15 years. I don't regret having done it and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to do it, but realized now had to be the time if we want to see this beautiful country we call our home. None of us are sure what will happen tomorrow.

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    1. Thank you so much Gay and Joe. I enjoyed writing it all down and glad I did. One year from now I can go back and reflect and add more to my thoughts.
      We took care of my parents too, not to the extent you did because my Mom died 7 days after she was diagnosed with cancer. And my Dad lived in a home and loved it, being around people his own age, playing bingo, and such. Now we can leave and not feel guilty. And you are SO right we don't know what tomorrow is going to hold so we better enjoy today! You guys take care!

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  12. We're into our fifth year of living in our RV and I just can't imagine any other life. Things haven't quite worked out like I wanted them to with all of Jim's health issues and the financial stuff that goes along with that. But I still wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love AZ in the winter time (even though this year was cold) and we get to travel in the summer and Jim gets to fish. No yard to take care of, no big floor to mop (just a little one). What's not to love.

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    1. I have always enjoyed reading your blog and all the adventures you two have. And your wit on Jim's fishing is a hoot! You are and the others are just an inspiration to us. We hope we can one day meet up with some of you on the road, I would just love that. I read about that in other blogs, and it just seems so special. I cannot imagine the health issues, but sounds like things are better now and Jim is healthy enought to fish, and you don't have to mop either :)
      Take care, and keep in touch.

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  13. I recognized myself in your post. However, I wanted to get away from the terrible heat of summer in Texas instead of getting away from winter!
    I also wanted to leave behind the expense and responsibility of my house. I could not afford the costs of maintenance on a 35 year old house, and still travel. I had no family left alive in my town, and felt lonely, even though I had many friends. Now I follow weather and interests, and love it!

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    1. Hi Hazel, I am sure many do as we all seem to have the same issues with owning a house, and all the work and $$$ they require. I didn't know you wanted to get out of Texas that was interesting. I can relate with you on the heat, I can't take it any longer with older age. I hope the humidity will be less where we will be next summer. I can't imagine this life style ever being lonely. We have met so many good friends already as I know you have too. We both got acquainted through Barbara. Hope to meet up with you one day. I always enjoy reading about your special babies. Take care!

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  14. We wanted out of NJ, no matter what. Best way to figure out where/if to settle is traveling around. I love that most of my "stuff" is gone. Love how easy it is to clean our RV. Who needs 3 or 4 bathrooms?
    I sit around a lot. But at least we are exploring the country instead of just in one place.

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    1. Hi Debbie, I love your photo so cute! I too love that most of the stuff is gone, no more dusting it or moving it to vacuum and mop. We can clean our entire RV in the same time it took me just to mop this kitchen. I love that! I am so happy for you getting to explore this great country. Even though you are sitting your mind is still working better than just sitting at home staring at a TV. Be safe and continue having fun!

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  15. No matter what the reason to take on life in an RV, it takes a lot of courage to let go of the past and take on an unknown future. And it also takes courage to know when it's time to do something else. I think it is great to try it and see for yourself.

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    1. Thanks Gypsy, we appreciate those encouraging words. Courage, yes, I would say that is one of the emotions needed. And after all this I would say determination. I wanted to quite a couple of times but just had to persevere, it got so tiring. And we knew the time was right while we were still healthy. Take care.

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  16. I couldn't have said it better and Tracy and I are hoping to do the same someday. I watched my parents do nothing during their short retirement and I too do not want that for us. We will be following your adventures with much interest. Safe travels and enjoy!

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    1. Thank you, I appreciate that. I have felt this way for so long and we both knew this is what we wanted. Life is too short to just sit and do 'nothing.' Looking forward to the day when we can follow along with you both. I am happy to have you along and I hope you enjoy all our adventures. Take care.

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  17. You put into one blog post the thoughts my husband and I have been kicking around for the past several years (although we're in IL, rather than IN, it's a lot alike). I am already retired (well, a self employed polymer clay artist with a mini studio in the 5th wheel), so we are just waiting on him. We've been "practicing" for the past 4 years (due to an unexpected death we were able to to get our 5th wheel before planned). We've been able to do 2 month long trips the past two years and so far are sure this is what we want to do. Due to economy etc. though, we still aren't sure we want to dump the sticks and bricks. So we may hang on to it for a couple years as we tool around and always have a place to return to, if we need/want to. Have fun. Smiles

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    1. That was so nice of you to say. I just put down what I feel and have felt for years. It seems like this kind of lifestyle has been in our blood for many years. We have camped our entire married life of 31 yrs, and have always enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. That is good but not so good you were able to get your fifth wheel earlier than planned. I'm sorry about your lose.
      I hope you are able to start your full timing sooner than later. Luckily the government offered the early out for Postmasters or we would still be waiting. Good luck!

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  18. Hey Tammy...would love to meet up someday, your reasons sound ALOT like my reasons. Isn't it wonderful. Our two year anniversary in the RV will be 3/27, no regrets, but do wish it wasn't up in Indiana for the anniversary! Oh well, we will be back in it soon enough and continuing new adventures in Maine. Will you be heading to Florida this winter?

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    1. Hi Karen, You still don't have your trailer back? I would have thought it would have been done by now. Yes, would love to meet up with you guys too. Yes, we will be in FL Jan-March this coming winter. So glad to hear you have no regrets, that awesome. If you come back through southern IN look us up. Take care.

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  19. Exciting plans and a great blog! (And you manage to reply to your comments...very impressive!)

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    1. Thank you Mike and Sandy and Welcome to my blog. Pleased to have you along. I like to reply because I feel like if someone took the time to comment I should be nice and respond back, it makes it more personal that way. I really enjoy getting to know fellow bloggers, full timers, and RVers, or just blog readers. Take care.

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  20. 'morning, Tammy ... I also wanted a different lifestyle than my parents. I was determined to laugh and enjoy every day. They were sooooo serious and afraid God would punish them if they were too happy.... dead serious

    I love your attitude and can't wait to read all about your day by day living the way you decided. You are in control. That is so freakin cool. To be in control. Our future is ours ... we write it.

    lol... I know that's quite profound... but as I'm reading your blog and thinking about my decisions and future... you helped bring back into focus why I'm so determined not to settle...

    We are both people who and well RVers period... can get the biggest thrill watching an act of nature ... and the most wonderful thing? nature is always there for us. Glorious sunrises and sets and sparkling water babbling about .... mountains that make your heart soar ... birds ~ absolutely fascinating how many there are and the colors.... the little chipmunks and squirrels that stop and stare at you.

    Having to pull over and stop for Buffalo crossing the road or wild turkeys or a RAM crossing in front ... oh, man oh man oh man.... a bear? grazing in the meadow and deer ~ little baby deer and their mothers … grazing and not being afraid of you … a fox stopping up the road from where you're walking… hoping that foxes don't attack ... lol … seagulls and pelicans letting you get within almost petting distance?~ LOVE pelicans … gulls are so silly… oh, sigh

    staying home and mopping a kitchen? hah!

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    1. Hi Carolyn, I appreciate all your kind words. Having all the freedoms and nature at our finger tips, wow I just can't wait. You lived it so you know what I mean.
      I'm happy to hear that reading the blog gave you some insight, that makes me feel good. I'm so glad you seem happy now. You take care.

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  21. You said it all right there. Outside , fresh air, new scenery meeting new people, exercise, a very affordable lifestyle perfect. Seven years of living our dream, just loving every minute of it.
    Enjoy the freedom.

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    1. Thank you, I appreciate that. I just said how I feel and I figured several others might have the same feelings. Seven years, wow I am impressed. That is just awesome. So happy to hear your lives are so happy.
      Take care.

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  22. I think too many of the previous generation did exactly what your parents did. I can honestly say that we're never bored.

    I'm with you on needing the light. We left Nebraska and moved to Florida almost 40 years ago. I hated the long, dreary winter days and not seeing the sun for days on end.

    It sounds like you're in a good place and in just a few short days, you'll be able to start your new life.

    I don't think you can explain the rv lifestyle to people who are not avid rv'ers. They just don't get it. But you do!

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    1. Hi Karen, when we lived in our rv last year we were never bored either. Even when we didn't really have anything pressing to do we stayed busy and enjoyed life. The sun makes me feel better even it is 10 degrees outside. I agree, I think people who don't have any desire for this lifestyle think we are nuts. You are right we sure do!!! Glad you do too. :)

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  23. I'm coming in late here, catching up. I love that ya'll are doing this! I wish we all could retire & fully live our lives at age 50! I started fulltiming the day that hurricane Ike hit my home. Tried to live in my driveway for a year, then left. I love, love, love my little motorhome! I'd like a little more room for me & the dogs, but I like the freedom it gives. One day, when all my medical messes are done, I hope to finally become my own person again & live life the way I want to. In an RV of course! Enjoy the good life!!! It's going to be fun to follow more future posts from you.

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