We don't know what they do down here on the 26th but we are staying home. There were no shortage of shoppers down her for Christmas, the malls were packed. I had the impression that there was a major recession in the US, not so, business as usual and so glad to see that.
We are hoping to move into our new home this week and store the 5th wheel till April. We have the keys and have been moving some stuff over, the hold up is the slow transfer of funds from Canada to US banks, like 11 days, there must be a faster way? To speed things up I transferred funds to American Express and will find out tomorrow if I improved the funds transaction or made it worse?
Christmas in Texas is different than Ontario, we got over the lack of cold and snow real quick tho, LOL! It is a cool 42 F under Sunny skies today, we have the heater on???
We are hooked up to Skype and Google chat so we are able to call home economically. We may even get a visit from our good friends, Wayne and Lynda, in the New Year. It is nice to have a 2 bedroom home. We may have to hustle to upgrade some of the furniture.
The only complaint that we have is that the local Mexicans celebrate this season with firecrackers (day and night), the dogs are not happy and when they are not happy, neither are Mom and Dad. We have had a couple of sleepless nights and apparently this will keep up until New Years, Oh fun, maybe the new home will be more sound proof?
The Park put on a wonderful Christmas Dinner at noon and then we returned again at 5:30 to demolish the leftovers, then a band and dancing. We were to full and to tired (lack of sleep last night) to stay for the evening entertainment.
Best wishes to all!
WELCOME to Casa del Valle
31 Bluebonnet Street
Winter Texans Home away from Home
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
We are staying in TEXAS
Slow down clock....time is going to fast. A week has gone by and some serious things have happened. Viewed some more Park model homes and actually noticed someone moving out, introduced ourselves and got a tour. A young couple moving their recently widowed father back North to be with his family. Sad but a happy ending. We have been walking the dogs at least twice a day, they have been so good adapting to where we are and what we are doing. We got some shopping in Walmart and thrift stores all over the place. I polished up the bicycles and I joined the bicycle club, we (30+ people) bike to a different restaurant every Fri. AM for a breakfast while Jane is at Stained Glass Class........and we bought a 16' x 60' Park Model home, actually the widowed gentleman's home that we just happened to be at the right place at the right time. We cashed in some RRSP accounts that we were saving for retirement.....well I guess we are retired and lucky enough to be in good health. I'll enclose a couple of pictures and try to get more onto facebooks. Until next time...Merry CHRISTMAS to you one and all.
PS: We have our very own orange and grapefruit trees, pick and eat, LOL!
PS: We have our very own orange and grapefruit trees, pick and eat, LOL!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Dec. 10th Update
Strange as it may seem, we have not tried the pool yet and this is day 10 at this Park?? I have to admit that it has been cooler than the last Park but not as windy either. Jane is at her Stained Glass Class and she brought her beach gear with her. I am nursing a cold that I picked up last Tues. I am slowly getting better, but not fast enough for me.
Since we last chatted we found a Sally Ann thrift store, went to a Pot Luck dinner, joined a group to Peter Piper Pizza, played Bingo and walked the dogs a lot. They are amazing, they have learned to hold themselves until we go to the dog compound where they relive themselves. I had to cancel our C/W dance lessons yesterday afternoon because I just am not up to full strength yet, and I was so looking forward to learn the Texas side step....next week!
We had a crew wash and wax the RV yesterday and it looks brand new once again, worth the investment.
I checked to see if we could stay for an extra 2 weeks but Jan. is booked out, darn. We have been viewing Park Models that are for sale and found one that we really like at a good price. We can't do anything about that until our business property (Balsam Station) sells, but at least we now know what is available and as well as the range of pricing. There are always new units coming on the market. We are very happy with this park and Texas too!
Since we last chatted we found a Sally Ann thrift store, went to a Pot Luck dinner, joined a group to Peter Piper Pizza, played Bingo and walked the dogs a lot. They are amazing, they have learned to hold themselves until we go to the dog compound where they relive themselves. I had to cancel our C/W dance lessons yesterday afternoon because I just am not up to full strength yet, and I was so looking forward to learn the Texas side step....next week!
We had a crew wash and wax the RV yesterday and it looks brand new once again, worth the investment.
I checked to see if we could stay for an extra 2 weeks but Jan. is booked out, darn. We have been viewing Park Models that are for sale and found one that we really like at a good price. We can't do anything about that until our business property (Balsam Station) sells, but at least we now know what is available and as well as the range of pricing. There are always new units coming on the market. We are very happy with this park and Texas too!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
We like Texas
We thought that 'FUN N SUN was the best, only to find that we lucked out with 'CASA DEL VALLE' as well, thank goodness since we will be here for a month.
The latter part of last week we view several park Model homes that were for sale. This week we checked out more, here at this site. We are aiming to have a Park Model down here somewhere and keep out 5th wheel at our site in the Kawartha's. We are gathering information and hopefully we will be prepared if and when our remaining properties will sell in Ontario. No final judgment until we visit Arizona.
Jane has signed up for Stained Glass classes and this Thursday we are attending C/W Dance classes, we may join some other dance classes too. Jane has done line dancing in the past and many steps are similar to Country/Western dancing too. We have gone to 2 dances already and I feel so awkward and need help. There are so many activities available. We walk the dogs at least twice per day and they have automatically learned that the doggie park is for their do do's, they haven't pooped on our site yet and today is day 5.....already. We can't believe that we haven't tried the pool yet, we almost went daily at the last park. We have paired up with a nice couple from Kentucky, Pat is 60 and Vic is 80. Vic reminds of Art (Lynda's husband), always smiling with a great sense of humour.
Yesterday we went to a Flea market (Largest in Texas??) with our friends and had a great day and did pick up a few bargains too. Unfortunately we left a parcel there somewhere, a gift for Jane's brother Brian, darn. The big bargain of the day was 18 lbs of oranges or grapefruit for $3 per bag. We bought a bag of each and split with out friends, Like 14 large grapefruit and 48 oranges, divide by 2 and I still don't think we will eat them all.
The latter part of last week we view several park Model homes that were for sale. This week we checked out more, here at this site. We are aiming to have a Park Model down here somewhere and keep out 5th wheel at our site in the Kawartha's. We are gathering information and hopefully we will be prepared if and when our remaining properties will sell in Ontario. No final judgment until we visit Arizona.
Jane has signed up for Stained Glass classes and this Thursday we are attending C/W Dance classes, we may join some other dance classes too. Jane has done line dancing in the past and many steps are similar to Country/Western dancing too. We have gone to 2 dances already and I feel so awkward and need help. There are so many activities available. We walk the dogs at least twice per day and they have automatically learned that the doggie park is for their do do's, they haven't pooped on our site yet and today is day 5.....already. We can't believe that we haven't tried the pool yet, we almost went daily at the last park. We have paired up with a nice couple from Kentucky, Pat is 60 and Vic is 80. Vic reminds of Art (Lynda's husband), always smiling with a great sense of humour.
Yesterday we went to a Flea market (Largest in Texas??) with our friends and had a great day and did pick up a few bargains too. Unfortunately we left a parcel there somewhere, a gift for Jane's brother Brian, darn. The big bargain of the day was 18 lbs of oranges or grapefruit for $3 per bag. We bought a bag of each and split with out friends, Like 14 large grapefruit and 48 oranges, divide by 2 and I still don't think we will eat them all.
Friday, November 26, 2010
On Our Way
Our Trip 2010
Our plan was to leave on Nov. 1St, 2010 but we didn't leave until Sat. Nov. 13th. We had two minor complications; Jane had a minor medical issue which had to be resolved prior to leaving and we were notified that the could be a problem with the trailer where the wheels may not be compatible with the axle. As it turned out, Jane's Dr. Gave us the green light to travel and on inspection with a RV mechanic our wheels and axle are a match. We planned for our trip to start Sat. AM, up at 2AM and on the road by 3:30AM. This we did.
Saturday, Nov. 13th
Start: 228,666 Km (555Km)
11:30 to 6:30PM (7hrs)
As we pulled out we noticed we had very little brakes, pedal to the floor. We took it easy and arrived in Beaverton around 4AM and pulled into Aces Auto Repair and slept till 7AM. Aces never opened and Tanners didn't want to touch us. I called Randy Skinner, got him out of his warm bed, explained our plight and asked for his help. His shop (Skinners Auto Repair) is closed Saturdays. He promised to check our brakes at around 8AM. He found a break in one of the lines and was able to repair it while we waited, what a great guy. Needless to say we were a bundle of nerves at that time and nervously pulled away....unfortunately the trailer wasn't hitched properly ?????? don't ask my how or why, everything seemed to be okay....except me, I guess. The trailer crashed down onto the side panels of the truck bed and did some damage. Re-hooked and went for breakfast, I couldn't eat as I just wanted to throw up.
We left Beaverton at 11:30 AM
We crossed the boarder in Sarnia, without incident, and travelled to the first Cracker Barrel at about 6:30 PM. We stayed the night in their parking lot, with their permission, had a hearty breakfast and were on our way.
Marco Polo, our senior shaped, whined for the whole 7 hour trip, 636 Km.
Sunday, Nov. 14th
Start: 229,221 Km (717Km)
9:30 to 6:30 (9hrs)
A nice sunny and cool day. We did have a close call, we locked all 8 wheels for skid stop, some damn tourist didn't know which way to go and stopped on the HWY?? Must have been from Canada, LOL. Jane and I have been screaming at each other too!
We stayed the night at another Cracker Barrel, with permission. We had dinner and a breakfast
before leaving in the morning.
Marco Polo whined for the whole 9 hrs and I had a restless night, nightmares, stress and strain, not my normals self.
Monday, Nov, 15th
Start: 229,938 Km (440 Km)
9:30 to 4:30 (7 hrs)
We started South onto The Natches Trace Parkway from Nashville Tn
An uneventful trip, sunny and cool.The good news is that Marco slept most of the day.
We stayed at Natchez State Park en-route. A beautiful park, pull through site with an awesome view.
We decided to stay two nights.
Tuesday, Nov. 16th
A Rest Day. Cool, quiet, rainy and overcast . A good day to relax.
Wednesday, Nov. 17th
Start:230,378 Km (479Km)
10:00 to 8:00 (10 hrs)
Quick stop for food and fuel and back onto the natchez Pkwy. The Pkwy is very scenic and slow which was great for us. We stopped at a few Historical Sites and a local Craft Gallery
John Gordon Home & Lodge Jeff Busby Historical Site Jeff Busby Natural Campsite
Natchez State Park was closed and being dark at 6PM couldn't find a site I was able to pull into safely. Had to get back onto the Pkwy and hope that we didn't hit a deer (lots in the area). We travelled to Natchez, a Historical Town, crossed the Natchez bridge into Louisiana and found a nice spot in Riverview RV Park on the shores of the mightyMississippi.
Marco Polo was much better today, must be getting use to traveling. Both dogs have been amazing with all the adjustments they have to make in their lifestyle. We are doing much better, less screaming and more team work. My GPS is broken, but Jane thinks she packed hers'.
Thursday, Nov. 18th
Rest Day on the shores of the Mississippi River. A nice boardwalk along the River and lots to see. The day was overcast and cooler than yesterday.
Friday, Nov. 19th
Start: 230,857Km (274 Km) 12 oC
10:00 to 3:00 (5 hrs)
Stayed overnight at Quiet Oaks RV Park, Kinder, La
A quiet off road park with large drive through grass sites, perfect for an overnight stay.
Saturday, Nov. 20th
Start: 231,131Km (499 Km) 13 oC
8:30 to 5:30 (9 hrs)
Sun and clouds, first warm day. Stopped at a seedy place on Hwy 35 Texas, near Hwy 36 (Rockford).
Sunday, Nov. 21th
Start: 231,630 Km (290 Km)
9:00 to 3:00 (6 hrs)
Very hot day and overcast too. Afternoon was blue sky and even hotter. Nice pleasant drive on Hwy 35, missed our planned stop and stayed at Colonia del Rey, Corpus Christie, Tx. Decided to stay 2 to 4 days. Settled on 3 days. Nice RV Site, a little expensive for what they offer.
Monday, Nov. 22nd
Rest Day. Vacuumed, laundry and shopping.
Brought Daisy to doggie spa for a few hours. She wasn't impressed, she felt that we abandoned her but forgave us on our return.
Tuesday, Nov. 23rd
Rest Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 24th
Start: 231,920 Km (255 Km)
9:oo to 12 Noon (3 hrs)
Arrived at First Colony RV Resort as planned, did not like what we saw, did a 'u' turn and went across the road to FUN N SUN, and booked in for a full week. Most impressed Rv Resort. Everyone is so friendly and came for a short stay and stayed, many bought onsite mobile homes. Park models or just parked and stayed. Nice central Texas location. We will be sorry to leave.
Thursday, Nov. 25Th – Thanksgiving Festivities on Site
Our plan was to leave on Nov. 1St, 2010 but we didn't leave until Sat. Nov. 13th. We had two minor complications; Jane had a minor medical issue which had to be resolved prior to leaving and we were notified that the could be a problem with the trailer where the wheels may not be compatible with the axle. As it turned out, Jane's Dr. Gave us the green light to travel and on inspection with a RV mechanic our wheels and axle are a match. We planned for our trip to start Sat. AM, up at 2AM and on the road by 3:30AM. This we did.
Saturday, Nov. 13th
Start: 228,666 Km (555Km)
11:30 to 6:30PM (7hrs)
As we pulled out we noticed we had very little brakes, pedal to the floor. We took it easy and arrived in Beaverton around 4AM and pulled into Aces Auto Repair and slept till 7AM. Aces never opened and Tanners didn't want to touch us. I called Randy Skinner, got him out of his warm bed, explained our plight and asked for his help. His shop (Skinners Auto Repair) is closed Saturdays. He promised to check our brakes at around 8AM. He found a break in one of the lines and was able to repair it while we waited, what a great guy. Needless to say we were a bundle of nerves at that time and nervously pulled away....unfortunately the trailer wasn't hitched properly ?????? don't ask my how or why, everything seemed to be okay....except me, I guess. The trailer crashed down onto the side panels of the truck bed and did some damage. Re-hooked and went for breakfast, I couldn't eat as I just wanted to throw up.
We left Beaverton at 11:30 AM
We crossed the boarder in Sarnia, without incident, and travelled to the first Cracker Barrel at about 6:30 PM. We stayed the night in their parking lot, with their permission, had a hearty breakfast and were on our way.
Marco Polo, our senior shaped, whined for the whole 7 hour trip, 636 Km.
Sunday, Nov. 14th
Start: 229,221 Km (717Km)
9:30 to 6:30 (9hrs)
A nice sunny and cool day. We did have a close call, we locked all 8 wheels for skid stop, some damn tourist didn't know which way to go and stopped on the HWY?? Must have been from Canada, LOL. Jane and I have been screaming at each other too!
We stayed the night at another Cracker Barrel, with permission. We had dinner and a breakfast
before leaving in the morning.
Marco Polo whined for the whole 9 hrs and I had a restless night, nightmares, stress and strain, not my normals self.
Monday, Nov, 15th
Start: 229,938 Km (440 Km)
9:30 to 4:30 (7 hrs)
We started South onto The Natches Trace Parkway from Nashville Tn
An uneventful trip, sunny and cool.The good news is that Marco slept most of the day.
We stayed at Natchez State Park en-route. A beautiful park, pull through site with an awesome view.
We decided to stay two nights.
Tuesday, Nov. 16th
A Rest Day. Cool, quiet, rainy and overcast . A good day to relax.
Wednesday, Nov. 17th
Start:230,378 Km (479Km)
10:00 to 8:00 (10 hrs)
Quick stop for food and fuel and back onto the natchez Pkwy. The Pkwy is very scenic and slow which was great for us. We stopped at a few Historical Sites and a local Craft Gallery
John Gordon Home & Lodge Jeff Busby Historical Site Jeff Busby Natural Campsite
Natchez State Park was closed and being dark at 6PM couldn't find a site I was able to pull into safely. Had to get back onto the Pkwy and hope that we didn't hit a deer (lots in the area). We travelled to Natchez, a Historical Town, crossed the Natchez bridge into Louisiana and found a nice spot in Riverview RV Park on the shores of the mightyMississippi.
Marco Polo was much better today, must be getting use to traveling. Both dogs have been amazing with all the adjustments they have to make in their lifestyle. We are doing much better, less screaming and more team work. My GPS is broken, but Jane thinks she packed hers'.
Thursday, Nov. 18th
Rest Day on the shores of the Mississippi River. A nice boardwalk along the River and lots to see. The day was overcast and cooler than yesterday.
Friday, Nov. 19th
Start: 230,857Km (274 Km) 12 oC
10:00 to 3:00 (5 hrs)
Stayed overnight at Quiet Oaks RV Park, Kinder, La
A quiet off road park with large drive through grass sites, perfect for an overnight stay.
Saturday, Nov. 20th
Start: 231,131Km (499 Km) 13 oC
8:30 to 5:30 (9 hrs)
Sun and clouds, first warm day. Stopped at a seedy place on Hwy 35 Texas, near Hwy 36 (Rockford).
Sunday, Nov. 21th
Start: 231,630 Km (290 Km)
9:00 to 3:00 (6 hrs)
Very hot day and overcast too. Afternoon was blue sky and even hotter. Nice pleasant drive on Hwy 35, missed our planned stop and stayed at Colonia del Rey, Corpus Christie, Tx. Decided to stay 2 to 4 days. Settled on 3 days. Nice RV Site, a little expensive for what they offer.
Monday, Nov. 22nd
Rest Day. Vacuumed, laundry and shopping.
Brought Daisy to doggie spa for a few hours. She wasn't impressed, she felt that we abandoned her but forgave us on our return.
Tuesday, Nov. 23rd
Rest Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 24th
Start: 231,920 Km (255 Km)
9:oo to 12 Noon (3 hrs)
Arrived at First Colony RV Resort as planned, did not like what we saw, did a 'u' turn and went across the road to FUN N SUN, and booked in for a full week. Most impressed Rv Resort. Everyone is so friendly and came for a short stay and stayed, many bought onsite mobile homes. Park models or just parked and stayed. Nice central Texas location. We will be sorry to leave.
Thursday, Nov. 25Th – Thanksgiving Festivities on Site
Monday, October 25, 2010
Get Ready, Get Set, almost a go!!!
Hello everyone, the 1st of Nov. is near (So is Halloween).
Complication, there are always complications, aye!! We just got a recall that there maybe a bearing problem on our rig so we have to check that out this week.
We have been parked at our lot just outside of Kirkfield since Oct. 7th, we are hooked up to 15 amp service and water, toilet facilities are available in the store or Chip Truck, we can shower and pee BUT no (do do's) as we can't dump the black waste. We are managing okay, just blowing the odd fuse on these cool nights.
We are pre-booked in Texas for the Month of Dec. and pre-booked in Arizona for the months of Feb & March.
Had a chance to say good bye to most of our friends and nearby relatives.
We will be using this 'min notebook' with a built in rocket stick for our journey. Jane has her iPhone programed for US and Canada and I have locked out my phone till the spring. Jane's no is 705-328-6562.
That's all for now folks!
Complication, there are always complications, aye!! We just got a recall that there maybe a bearing problem on our rig so we have to check that out this week.
We have been parked at our lot just outside of Kirkfield since Oct. 7th, we are hooked up to 15 amp service and water, toilet facilities are available in the store or Chip Truck, we can shower and pee BUT no (do do's) as we can't dump the black waste. We are managing okay, just blowing the odd fuse on these cool nights.
We are pre-booked in Texas for the Month of Dec. and pre-booked in Arizona for the months of Feb & March.
Had a chance to say good bye to most of our friends and nearby relatives.
We will be using this 'min notebook' with a built in rocket stick for our journey. Jane has her iPhone programed for US and Canada and I have locked out my phone till the spring. Jane's no is 705-328-6562.
That's all for now folks!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
One step forward for the McN's
The house is sold and the closing date is Sept. 10th so it doesn't give us much time to liquidate the balance of our furniture. We have moved most personal essentials to the trailer but there is still lots to do.
Jane has invited all our neighbours, friends and family to drop by and purchase anything that would fulfill a want or a need. The results have been very successful and more to visit next week.
My tools and things that I brought to Balsam Station to sell has slowed down. I can't complain as I moved quite a bit over the Summer. Still have 2 computers, tools and some antiques up for grabs.
I will be bringing more 'stuff' to Balsam Station and the trailer during this week. Our freezer is still 1/2 full so we better eat up and get fat, LOL!
It now looks like a Southern trip will become a reality. It is amazing on how everything is following into place little by little.
We have the option of storing some stuff in the garage at Balsam Station and then perhaps bring in an Auctioneer or something.
Jane has invited all our neighbours, friends and family to drop by and purchase anything that would fulfill a want or a need. The results have been very successful and more to visit next week.
My tools and things that I brought to Balsam Station to sell has slowed down. I can't complain as I moved quite a bit over the Summer. Still have 2 computers, tools and some antiques up for grabs.
I will be bringing more 'stuff' to Balsam Station and the trailer during this week. Our freezer is still 1/2 full so we better eat up and get fat, LOL!
It now looks like a Southern trip will become a reality. It is amazing on how everything is following into place little by little.
We have the option of storing some stuff in the garage at Balsam Station and then perhaps bring in an Auctioneer or something.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sale of Home & Update
We are into early August and still liquidating excess holdings. Last week we finally spent one full day and two nights at the trailer park. Animal orientation went real well, both dogs seem to be adjusting to the surroundings real easy for which we are pleased.
Two weeks ago we received and acceptable 'Conditional' offer on our home. Today we found out that the buyer received an acceptable offer with minor standard conditions. Seems like the next step is about to happen.
We have been moving personal effects to the trailer and into our new storage shed. The storage shed was built and delivered by local Mennonites.
Tomorrow we are off to the trailer for a few more days. I am working my Chip Truck Fri. to Sun., I have an experience lady running it Mon. true Thurs. which gives me my first Summer break in 7 years. We both work on Sunday which is our busiest day of the week.
Two weeks ago we received and acceptable 'Conditional' offer on our home. Today we found out that the buyer received an acceptable offer with minor standard conditions. Seems like the next step is about to happen.
We have been moving personal effects to the trailer and into our new storage shed. The storage shed was built and delivered by local Mennonites.
Tomorrow we are off to the trailer for a few more days. I am working my Chip Truck Fri. to Sun., I have an experience lady running it Mon. true Thurs. which gives me my first Summer break in 7 years. We both work on Sunday which is our busiest day of the week.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Liquidating
Ouch! This hurts. Being seniors we have accumulated a lot of stuff. What helps is 'that if I haven't seen/needed/wanted' this in the last year then why am I keeping it.
It has been (is) a slow process. Our house has not sold yet so the remaining furniture has to remain. We have distributed a lot of small stuff to local flea market which gives you minimal return. The larger stuff went to used furniture/antique shops which gives you a better return but turns over slower. Garage sales have been very successful with decent returns, selling mostly tools and house hold maintenance items. Sales have slowed down once items have been picked over, time to lower prices again.
It has been (is) a slow process. Our house has not sold yet so the remaining furniture has to remain. We have distributed a lot of small stuff to local flea market which gives you minimal return. The larger stuff went to used furniture/antique shops which gives you a better return but turns over slower. Garage sales have been very successful with decent returns, selling mostly tools and house hold maintenance items. Sales have slowed down once items have been picked over, time to lower prices again.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Falling into place
May 1st, 2010:
While out checking on camp site possibilities we ran across a 5vr with truck for sale. We were warned about buying private, but we stopped to inquire anyway. The couple, mid 70's, have developed health issues and have to be monitored frequently thus have to give up RV'g. They have not camped for the past 2 years. They gave us a tour and to our amazement this 'showroom' condition 5vr was a 2005 model, a 39' Glendale 'Titanium' with a towing length of 34'. We bonded with this couple as if we could be great friends forever. We thanked them, told our story, and said that we are interested but we were not ready to buy.
May 2nd, 2010:
I checked out all I could find on Glendale and 'Titanium' and found that they are ranked 5th out of all RV manufacturers. The 1999 Ford F350 Lariat with a 7.3 Lt Diesel has 220,000 Km and is capable of another 400,000 if the body will hold. The body does not have a scratch on it and like the trailer is in showroom condition. Jane was out on calls that day and dropped in to see a trailer park that she saw. She called me immediately to say she found the 'one', I met her there and viewed the 'Resort' with her, chose a site and agreed with her choice.
May 3rd, 2010:
We bought the truck and trailer combo and booked a site, all with a deposit 'to hold' until we sell our home.
This all happening to fast and to easy, someone must be looking down on us.....again.
Thank you Dear Lord!
PS: Jane ran across a great deal on a corell setting for 8 for $75.00 and it was in one of her preferred patterns, this is getting scare!!!!
While out checking on camp site possibilities we ran across a 5vr with truck for sale. We were warned about buying private, but we stopped to inquire anyway. The couple, mid 70's, have developed health issues and have to be monitored frequently thus have to give up RV'g. They have not camped for the past 2 years. They gave us a tour and to our amazement this 'showroom' condition 5vr was a 2005 model, a 39' Glendale 'Titanium' with a towing length of 34'. We bonded with this couple as if we could be great friends forever. We thanked them, told our story, and said that we are interested but we were not ready to buy.
May 2nd, 2010:
I checked out all I could find on Glendale and 'Titanium' and found that they are ranked 5th out of all RV manufacturers. The 1999 Ford F350 Lariat with a 7.3 Lt Diesel has 220,000 Km and is capable of another 400,000 if the body will hold. The body does not have a scratch on it and like the trailer is in showroom condition. Jane was out on calls that day and dropped in to see a trailer park that she saw. She called me immediately to say she found the 'one', I met her there and viewed the 'Resort' with her, chose a site and agreed with her choice.
May 3rd, 2010:
We bought the truck and trailer combo and booked a site, all with a deposit 'to hold' until we sell our home.
This all happening to fast and to easy, someone must be looking down on us.....again.
Thank you Dear Lord!
PS: Jane ran across a great deal on a corell setting for 8 for $75.00 and it was in one of her preferred patterns, this is getting scare!!!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Steps to Liquidation
First it is important to 'stage' your home before you put your home on the market. That means that you have to make it look clean, simple and inviting.
To do that you have to remove all your personal pictures, stuff and clutter. We painted the whole house in soft neutral colours to make it inviting and larger looking. We painted the front concrete porch and washed all the exterior windows, first impressions are lasting impressions, so we have to make everything look good.
We have a lot of excess furniture, pictures, collectibles and keepsakes out on consignment with antique shops and used furniture/collectibles shops. The house is down to the bare bones, clean and inviting, just waiting for that special Mr. and Mrs. buyer.
All that stuff that we have been carting around for 50 years and never knew we had has now disappeared and believe it or not we didn't shed a tear. Our curb is loaded every garbage pickup day. The garage, OMG! has yet to be tackled. I shouldn't have to much trouble selling off my tools and I have lots from my Handyman business days.
Somehow I'm going to find a spot for my 24" iMac, no crummy little laptop for me....I could get over ruled by the boss though, LOL!
It is a tough and long process but by taking it one room at a time, one project at a time and one day at a time we are slowly getting to were we want to be at this stage of our adventure.
Next: Our next challenge, what to do first after it sells???
To do that you have to remove all your personal pictures, stuff and clutter. We painted the whole house in soft neutral colours to make it inviting and larger looking. We painted the front concrete porch and washed all the exterior windows, first impressions are lasting impressions, so we have to make everything look good.
We have a lot of excess furniture, pictures, collectibles and keepsakes out on consignment with antique shops and used furniture/collectibles shops. The house is down to the bare bones, clean and inviting, just waiting for that special Mr. and Mrs. buyer.
All that stuff that we have been carting around for 50 years and never knew we had has now disappeared and believe it or not we didn't shed a tear. Our curb is loaded every garbage pickup day. The garage, OMG! has yet to be tackled. I shouldn't have to much trouble selling off my tools and I have lots from my Handyman business days.
Somehow I'm going to find a spot for my 24" iMac, no crummy little laptop for me....I could get over ruled by the boss though, LOL!
It is a tough and long process but by taking it one room at a time, one project at a time and one day at a time we are slowly getting to were we want to be at this stage of our adventure.
Next: Our next challenge, what to do first after it sells???
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The BIG decision
About 6 months ago Jane and I were talking about were we are and were we are going as I am approaching the dreaded 70th Birthday. I'm screaming about this young mind stuck in this old body sitting here and putting in time just waiting till Spring and Summer. It almost feels like 'hibernation' like some species do to avoid certain climate changes, and to me, not a bad idea.
One thing led to another and I'm not sure who suggested full time RV'g but we both jumped on the topic and started to make suggestions; where to start, what to do and where to go.
i)Since money is limited we knew we have to sell everything before our dream could become a reality
ii)We did our internet thing to find out what a 5th wheel is all about, what is available and what would fit our life style. A change from 1500 Sq. Ft. to 400 Sq. Ft. was quite unfathomable. In Jan. we went to a Trailer show and with what we learned off the internet and what we saw solidified that this is what we wanted to do and the way we wanted to do it.
iii)Re: A destination: We listened and learned, we visited RV sites on our computers and monitored temperatures daily for Arizona, Texas and Florida during the Winter months. We learned from those that walked the walk before us and made our decision based on what our personal desires dictated. We chose Arizona (Subject to change) for it's dryness and constant weather conditions. Florida is to hot and humid (for us) and we found that Texas is to variable and subject to major weather changes including high winds, twisters and hurricanes. Winter weather temperatures for both Texas and Arizona seemed to be quite similar.
iv)We are now refining our searches to being more specific to our personal desires and financial budget.
NEXT: Steps to Liquidation
One thing led to another and I'm not sure who suggested full time RV'g but we both jumped on the topic and started to make suggestions; where to start, what to do and where to go.
i)Since money is limited we knew we have to sell everything before our dream could become a reality
ii)We did our internet thing to find out what a 5th wheel is all about, what is available and what would fit our life style. A change from 1500 Sq. Ft. to 400 Sq. Ft. was quite unfathomable. In Jan. we went to a Trailer show and with what we learned off the internet and what we saw solidified that this is what we wanted to do and the way we wanted to do it.
iii)Re: A destination: We listened and learned, we visited RV sites on our computers and monitored temperatures daily for Arizona, Texas and Florida during the Winter months. We learned from those that walked the walk before us and made our decision based on what our personal desires dictated. We chose Arizona (Subject to change) for it's dryness and constant weather conditions. Florida is to hot and humid (for us) and we found that Texas is to variable and subject to major weather changes including high winds, twisters and hurricanes. Winter weather temperatures for both Texas and Arizona seemed to be quite similar.
iv)We are now refining our searches to being more specific to our personal desires and financial budget.
NEXT: Steps to Liquidation
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