Getting ready to roll!

[Scottiemom]

It's been almost 6 months since my beloved DH (Teacher's Pet) died. I spent 6 weeks emptying and cleaning my 40' Phaeton, but I got it sold before Christmas. So happy for that. Since then I have been doing some projects around our "new to us" Florida home that we planned to do together.

Now I am getting ready for my first road trip. We were on the road for 15 years before we bought this house 1 year ago and I am getting hitch itch. I still have MinnieMee my R-Vision Trail-lite 213 and I'm getting her packed up. I had her to the mechanic after Terry died to have her checked out. All was good. She needs a bath, but I'm waiting for a really hot day for that.

I will drive across the state to my son's for the first night as they need me to babysit for one night while they attend a business function. Then I am heading north to Virginia to visit my daughter and her family. That will be bittersweet as that is where Terry died. But we are all moving ahead. Once I leave there, I am headed for Shipshewana as I need my refrigerator fixed. It works on gas, but not on electric. That's a switch, isn't it? When I switch it to electric, it just clicks. So it's prolly a relay or a switch and the Amish guy at National Refrigeration will fix it up at a fraction of what it would cost anywhere else. At least it is working great on gas.

From there, I will visit friends at Elkhart Campground, then head to Claypool, south of Warsaw, and camp in my sister's woods. My 95-year old Mom lives there in her own park model on my sister's place. My BIL is having prostate surgery in May and I plan to be there so I can be with Mom while my sister is busy with her husband. She has dogs also, so I will be able to let them out, etc., so she can concentrate on her DH. My Mom's birthday is June 4, so I am going to be there for that and then start back home to Florida.

I won't be towing anything and I don't plan to tow anymore. My sister has enough vehicles I can borrow if I need to, but MinnieMee is only 22 1/2 feet and no slides. I will just be hooked up to electric at my sister's, so it won't be hard to move if need be.

I am looking for a small motorhome to replace MinnieMee. She's in good shape with only 33,000 miles on her, but I want a different layout so I can take a grandchild with me. Looking at Coach House, Phoenix Cruiser, or Leisure Travel.

I have a new traveling companion. I am re-homing a 5 year old Scottish Terrier named Brendon and he does very well traveling. He is super mellow and enjoys just hanging out, so I think he will do very well on the trip. He loves people and other dogs, so he will enjoy the family we visit.

I joined a women's RVing group on FB. I found them and many are widows and many very recent widows like me. They do a lot of weekend camping here in Florida all year long, so I'm hoping to meet some like-minded individuals for some relaxing, healing times.

Take care and safe travels everyone!

Dale

[Lantley]

I am excited to here you are back in the game. I am inspired by your ability and desire to move forward. keep us posted enjoy the journey.

[Scottiemom]

Drove from Florida to Virginia to visit with my daughter and her family. I left there Friday and stopped in Ohio to see our friends we went to Alaska with. I had Tab help me with some questions on the motorhome. Today I drove to Elkhart and am in the Elkhart Campground. Bobby, the owner, did not know Terry had died, so we chatted a bit. We have some very good friends and I asked if they were here yet and Bobby said they are coming in tomorrow! So he put me directly in front of them! Very nice concreted site.

Motorhome is performing admirably. So pleased with it. I have an appointment with the Amish guys in Shipshewana on Tuesday to fix my fridge. It works great on gas but won't run on electric. Go figure. LOL At least it's working!

I'm enjoying the traveling, even though I don't have my DH with me. I have my dog and I talk with him.

Dale

[Grit_dog]

Thumbs up to you Scottiemom.
Be safe in your travels!

[coolmom42]

Glad you are getting on the road again! I know it's difficult to move forward, but sounds like you are pushing on. Your family will be your lifeline.

Enjoy your travels with Brendon!

[Lwiddis]

I hope you and Brendon have a wonderful trip!

[PartyOf_Five]

To this reader, and for your family, it doesn't seem that long ago. Looked like you're caring for yourself, your family, and your responsibilities to then, as part of this newness- and that sounds like a good balance. Stay safe all the time, but don't worry about being the strong one - as the tide ebbs and flows, there is peace in the rhythm.

[bobndot]

Dale, I remember . We both have been here together for a long time I admire your independence and strength to carry on .
When we get to Florida , we will look for a Scottish terrier playing the bagpipes. See you then, stay safe, best wishes,
Bob n Dot

[ReneeG]

It's great to read your post Dale. Happy travels to you and Brendon, and in finding a different rig.