Celebration of Full Timing

Well here we are at the lake.  We have joined some of our friends in celebration of one couple’s declaration of freedom.  They have made the move to a full-time lifestyle in a RV.  This is their first official week of living ‘on the road’ and we are here to support and provide enforced R&R.

For you see, this decision was made some time ago but not acted upon until a deadline was looming.  As it turns out once they began the process it was speeded up somewhat by an estate sale specialist opening.  They either had to get things ready and out of the house in less than 2 weeks or wait several more months for an opening.  They opted for the 2 week time frame and it nearly did them in.

As an example, we were treated to a Yogi Berra type statement from Sophie.  After working so hard to vacate the premises, get things into storage by looking at everything in their land based home and then load up the new rolling home, you can kind of see why she would be a little off during the first day or two.  She was explaining very carefully the operation of the sleep number type bed and how to find the correct setting for a restful night of sleep.  Well obviously she had not had enough restful sleep as she exclaimed,” when you get it, you got it” talking about the correct air level setting on the bed.

Thank goodness, the sense of humor did not suffer from the same exhaustion factor.  Everyone had a good laugh and release of endorphins which helps everybody feel much better.  Here is a picture of the crew, minus the camera lady (Beverly) as she captures a small moment during the trip.

The Motley Crew at Work

This particular escapade into the wilderness is to allow David and Sophie some decompression time as they begin a new, exciting chapter in their lives.  I for one am jealous and will anxiously await an opportunity in the future to do the same thing.  The other couple with us, Sam and Brenda, have already been down this road and are now back in a land based home while maintaining close contact with current and former RVing friends.

During the trip we have been bird watching and taking pictures of birds with cameras.  Which there have been many unusual sightings.  Brenda had her bird books which have just about every species of fowl known to exist today.  Anytime a new bird that could not be readily identified showed up in the camera lens or spotted through the binoculars, a frantic search in the reference guides ensued.  A Pileated Woodpecker was spotted as well as the often overlooked, very rarely seen in East Texas, Hairy-Breasted, Knuckle Dragging, Spoon Beater Orange Tanger from South America.

During one of the camera episodes, a flash went off while taking a picture of a dead tree with several holes in it.  Later it was discovered a pair of eyes in one of the holes reflecting the flash from the camera.  Upon further investigation, it was determined to be a raccoon.  Not only a raccoon, but apparently a colony or family of coons are living in this tree.  Thus ensued a nightly coon watch regimen with assigned times to each of the campers taking their respective turns to watch for the emergence of the nocturnal masked marauders.  But to no avail, they are obviously smarter than we are or they waited until we retired before venturing from their cozy tree home.

A rousing dulcimer and guitar picking session provided a chance for us to learn a new song, ‘Eight Miles to Louisville’ which is actually an old song.  I am thoroughly enjoying the fact that my bride is learning to play the dulcimer.  Not only is she learning to play the instrument but playing my favorite songs which are traditional acoustic or bluegrass tunes in the process.  What a wonderful time sharing one of my favorite activities.  This led to a discussion about taking a trip to Mountain View, Arkansas where this very activity takes place on Friday and Saturday nights at the town square.  YES!!!!!  Can’t Wait!

Now it is true we eat well when we are on the road and this trip is no exception.  Typically we cook our own meals but there are those times we sample the local cuisine.  This trip is no different.  We found a great place to have lunch and the price is right.  Take a look at the offerings posted on their sign (see the picture below) and you will see why we just could not resist.  As Grandpa Jones used to say on Hee Haw, “Yum, Yum!”

Welcome to life on the road.

We had a visit from a couple of friends while at the lake.  Bart and Joy showed up to view the ‘new’ home.  While visiting, Bart announced he is taking Joy to Wyoming this summer.  We visited Bart last summer while traveling.  Bart takes an annual trip each year back to his boyhood home.  He also is going to take Joy to Colorado to visit her daughter.  Then with a wink of the eye, Bart said he is full of surprises and to stay tuned for more surprises to come.

Another visitor was David’s brother, Dennis.  Dennis is recovering from major surgery and brought his new ride out to show to David and Sophie.  He spent one night and enjoyed a hamburger meal with the crew.  For some reason, he decided to bug out before lunch the next day when we told him about our new find and plans to eat lunch there again.  Not sure I understood everything he was muttering under his breath as he drove away but I did catch something that sounded like, "you gotta be nuts.”

It is Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer and there is a large influx of campers showing up at the lake.  We are truly enjoying the sights and sounds of all the folks and looking over each rig as it shows up.  It appears RVing is alive and well.

And a visit on a holiday weekend leads to a time honored tradition among RVers.  That is the watching of the dump station rituals and long waiting lines for your turn to perform the required duties.  As the exodus of RVs proceeded today, we were treated to a plethora of sizes, shapes and of course techniques at the dump station.  One lady, awaiting her husband's command performance, decided to take a stroll in our direction where she found us lined up (one even with binoculars) intently staring at the participants.  Her comment, "you look like you are watching a parade."  Indeed, we had the best seats in the house.  We even decided to use a stop watch to gather comparison data as to the average time required to dump motorhome tanks versus fifth wheel and trailer tanks.  What a glorious time was had by all.

Now on a much more serious note, we also paused to reflect today to remember those who gave their all for our freedoms.  We are aware that freedom is not free.  We also remember all those who have served or are serving in our military.  We appreciate everyone and their service.  Until next time, be safe.