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!
WELCOME to Casa del Valle
31 Bluebonnet Street
Winter Texans Home away from Home
Monday, October 25, 2010
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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