Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Honeymooners

The other day, "G" and I needed to take the RV to empty the black and grey holding tanks.  It turned out to be a learning experience, mostly for me, but we managed to get some good laughs in along the way.




While returning home with "clean" tanks, I told "G" that he reminded me of Ralph Kramden, from The Honeymooners, driving his bus.  His quick retort was, "Well, I was Ed Norton just a few minutes ago.  I'd rather be Ralph."  I love his dry sense of humor.


One dirty job done.  Many more of those to come......


"A sewer worker is like a brain surgeon. We're both specialists."
-Ed Norton, from the episode, "Mind Your Own Business"

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Lucy Visits Gracie

After a bunch of meowing and sniffing around, Lucy made a very nice adjustment to the motor home.  Much better than I had expected.  She found her hiding spot in a place that I didn't know existed until I conducted a search and recovery effort after not seeing her for over an hour.  Thanks to Miss Lucy, we now know there is a space under the headboard of the bed that you can easily access if get down on your belly and crawl a bit up, around and under.  I can't figure out why we hadn't known about that spot before! I truly hope she doesn't find anymore like that!

All-in-all, we think it was a success and can't wait for the Croton Point trip.  She doesn't know it yet, but a whole new world is about to open up for her.


Thursday, April 24, 2014

"Let the games begin..."

I woke up this morning with laryngitis.  Although "G" never likes to see me under the weather, I'm thinking that this is the illness he likes best.  LOL.  He knows I won't be barraging him with a bunch of questions, comments or helpful hints during the long ride home.




The tow dolly was hooked up to Gracie and my little Nissan Sentra easily loaded onto it by "G."  He has no fear of the unknown.  Me, I was a wreck just watching the whole process.

Before we pulled away, three Wilkins' employees bid us a fond farewell and wished us happy trails.  Home seems so far away in this big rig, but I'm sure the time will pass at its usual pace, and we will be parked on front of 223 with thoughts of Wilkins stored away in our memories.


Lucy, here we come!




Deep thought for the day:  There is no place like home when you are sick, but the next best place to be is in your very own RV.  Lucky me.  ????

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Chilly morning...

Woke up this morning, after a rather good night's sleep, to 36 degrees and no heat!  "G" went over to get a mechanic to fix whatever was not working properly.  We originally thought it might just be something we did wrong, or didn't know how to do properly, but it was most definitely a mechanical issue.

Two hours later and I was snug as a bug in a rug.   It is supposed to be springtime!  However, it is a good thing to make sure every possible switch, button and knob works just as they were intended. I wouldn't want to be hundreds of miles from this dealership and find out something wasn't working - like heat!

We are going on "day two" without television.   I think if we find a store display of TVs, you will find us staring at them, like people did back in the '50's, before they were a household staple.

We took Gracie for a ride and treated her to her first fill-up.  The pump actually stopped at $125 so she only reached 3/4 of a tank (the dealership had already treated us to a half tank) so we will have plenty to get us home.  The wind has been quite strong up here and the weather still damp and cold.  Not the typical weather we plan to find ourselves camping in, but a great way to learn how to manage those cooler temps when they do pop up.

We are missing our Lucy Lu.  As we drove to the gas station today, I realized that there is a lot about this RV that she will NOT like at all.  Too many noises for our little scaredy cat.   Breaking her into RV life will surely be an adventure for us all.

Deep thought for the day:  You know you truly love someone when you have nothing to distract you from one another.







Tuesday, April 22, 2014

First Night On Board

Well, the day has finally arrived, and we now find ourselves getting ready to batten down the hatches on a cold and very windy night.  I am not having any luck uploading videos or photos, but will insert some once we get back home.

Today was a long and tiring day.  The instruction phase took well over an hour and then we spent a couple of hours shopping at the supply store and Walmart.

I am fresh out of the shower, and believe "G" will find his first cleansing attempt challenging.  It was a bit snug in there.

My brand-new teal colored Keurig coffee is on the counter and awaiting the first "pod."  The "First  Breakfast," opposed to the last supper, will consist of eggs, English Muffins and oatmeal.   

As I create this entry I am sitting at the dinette with a glass of Chenin Blanc.  Quite content, quite happy and quite blessed.  "G" is trying to fill the evening hours with cleaning and futzing about.  Not having television reception keeps him looking for more things to do.  Me, I'm ready for bed.   

To be continued.....

Deep thought for the day:  Never fail to dream big.



Monday, April 21, 2014

Heads up, we're heading up...

What a glorious day.  Temperature is 74 degrees, the sun is shining brightly, my little Nissan Sentra is packed to the hilt, "G" is behind the wheel and I am enjoying the views while trying to record the adventure. The ride through this area is quite picturesque and one that you could never get tired of seeing.  It was also distracting...before we realized it, we were upon the last exit.

The ride turned out to be pleasant and uneventful.  One section of construction added about 35 minutes, but other than that (and one pit stop), we made great time.

We just checked into the Elmira Hilton Garden Inn, no Microtel Inn this trip, and we're researching where to have dinner.

Early to bed tonight.....big day ahead tomorrow, and a wet one, at that.   Weather forecast:  90% chance of rain and 59 degrees.  I guess we will find out if the motor home is waterproof!

Deep thought for the day:  Find a reason to smile every day.  It's good for your health.

Saving Grace, here we come!

Hampton Inns are our favorite hotel chain.  They have always been clean, convenient and comfortable.  They have been our "home away from home," for many years.  Yet, as good as they are, sleep was fitful for me.  I now, officially, have whatever "G" is getting over.

We are up, dressed, well-fed, checked out and ready to rock and roll.   The day is not as pretty as yesterday, but it is exciting!  We awoke to overcast skies with the threat of rain, but we are just minutes away from arriving at the dealership. I feel like a kid on Christmas Day, eyes wide open and full of excited anticipation.  The drizzle won't change how we feel.

Ready, set, here we go.  Next post will hopefully contain either photos or a video clip.  I am not able to easily maneuver this blog spot with my iPad.   Tonight, if I have the energy, I'll access it through "G's" laptop.  Between the iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, laptop, GPS and a wireless jet pack,we have a trunk-full of technology!  I should be able to figure it out!








Wednesday, April 16, 2014

5 days and counting

Today marked the countdown to Gracie at five! In just the amount of days that I can count on one hand, we will be spending it in the RV, along with 7 additional items I forgot to add to my original list.From the items I am about to list, you will understand why I am concerned about forgetting something rather important. The newest additions to my list are: toilet paper, paper towel, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, hair spray and deodorant....all things I could buy up there, but I already have plenty on hand. 

  Yesterday, "G" arrived home to 30 brown balloons tied to the handrail and the American flag flying gloriously.
The strong winds ended up blowing the whole pile of balloons into our neighbor's tree, where they still remain. A special dinner of lobster tails and twice-baked potatoes completed the night. Even Lucy, enjoyed a bit of the sweet lobster meat. 


Sunday, April 13, 2014

Tic, tic, tic

Today, Palm Sunday, 2014 is an overcast day.  I again sat down with my RV packing "lists" and keep finding items to add.  Just like my "Honey Do List" for "G," it will have no end. 

"G" completed working his last weekend today and his long-anticipated retirement day is fast approaching.  Only two more work days left for him. 
Although, he is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, he doesn't always exhibit a lot of excitement when it comes to himself.  I'm sure there is a little boy inside of him jumping up and down at the thought of completing a career that spanned over 30 years.  It's a major accomplishment.  One that proves the type of person he is: dedicated, honest, committed and valuable.  The Village will be losing one of their best employees, but it will happen without the blink of an eye... until something goes wrong. 
In nine days, we will be picking up Saving Grace. I will finally have space in the family room again!  The plans of where to go and when, are swirling around in our heads and take up the main topic of dinner-time conversations.  It is becoming my favorite time of day.
Pick-up day is getting so close now that I can almost believe it is really going to happen, just like "G's" retirement!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

2 Days to Croton Point Park!

It dawned on me a couple of days ago that I should be a bit further along in my preparations for our upcoming first excursion and camp-out, however, I think I'm in denial that the moment is actually upon us.  I guess the time has arrived where I should become more serious about packing, planning and loading up the car.

Today, I went to Petsmart and purchased several things that Lucy will want and need to have on board.  I decided to get a covered, soft-sided bed that I plan to wedge into her hiding spot.  That way, I will prevent her from getting too far out of reach, yet she will still have a safe and comfy hiding place for when she needs her "private time."

I also stocked up on canned food and a drinking fountain. She will have more creature comforts than the average cat, and I will not be too understanding if she hates living in Gracie.  I choose to believe she will find life on the road to be absolutely purrfect.

One down, two of us to get ready.  Busy days ahead.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Over the river and through the woods...

Today was an emotional and physical roller coaster ride through an angiogram, and I thank God that it wasn't as scary as I had feared and definitely ended on a high point.  We received the good (and surprising) news that a stent was not required.  A visit to my cardiologist on Friday will decide my next course of action.  I'm hoping it won't be a road too hard to navigate, but no matter, the battle will continue to be waged, because I have too much to live for and enjoy with my Number 1.

So, as of tonight, the the focus is back on Gracie and the countdown resumes.  15 days!

Deep thought for the day:  Find something to appreciate every day, because tomorrow, it will just be a memory.





Sunday, April 6, 2014

Future camping site

Today, G and I went to Croton Point Park to purchase a County Park Pass and reserve our very first RV space.  Once we knew which ones were available to choose from, the difficult part began.  We drove by, analyzed each one, narrowed them down and agreed on the same site much quicker than I thought we would.  So, lucky site number 37 will be our home base for two weeks in May.

The site offered a nice gravel bed, a newer picnic table, no over-hanging scrub pines and is located in the middle of the campground.  We are, as Sheldon Cooper, of the Big Bang Theory, would describe, situated in the perfect position, so as not to get too much dust kicked up from the entryway, but not too far from the exit as to make a quick get-away.

The dream is getting closer to becoming a reality.

Deep thought of the day:  Don't ever stop dreaming, scheming, buying or trying something different.


Historical facts about Croton Point Park

Saturday, April 5, 2014

A Bump in The Road

Well, I composed my first blog entry a couple of night's ago, and felt very proud to get that accomplished - the  documentation of our countdown to picking up our motor home and future road trips.

I said I would include the "good, the bad and the ugly," so here is an update.  Thursday, that big balloon I have been hanging onto got a puncture, and I floated back down to reality.  A cardiac stress test showed I have a possible blockage in one of my arteries.  It was a sharp slap in the face, reminding me that I can try to run away from the complications of my diabetes, but I can't hide.  So now, instead of counting down the days to pick up Gracie, I am counting down to the day I have an angiogram.  Although concerned and a bit scared, I am anticipating feeling better than I have been lately and hoping for a renewed determination to get healthier.

So, Gracie, a bump in the road for me, but it shouldn't change the fact that after I get myself fixed up in two days, we will be there to get you 15 days later.

My deep thought for the moment:  There are no roads worth traveling that don't have a bump or two.  It just makes you stop to appreciate the smooth ride that we oftentimes take for granted.




Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Preparing to pick up in 20 Days


In order to keep a record of our new experience of being first-time RV owners, including the good, the bad and the ugly, I decided to create this blog.  I didn't want to ever forget any of the excitement, ups, downs or the memories we are destined to create.

Right from the start, I felt that the RV should have a name, and since the thought of owning her came to be at a turning point in our lives, I named her "Saving Grace." I truly pray she turns out to live up to her name and not be "Hell on Wheels."

Both G and I decided that Facebook would not be the best way to keep our friends and family "posted" since too many people would know when we were not at home.  Besides, we prefer to only share our most personal and embarrassing information to those nearest and dearest to our hearts.

On April 22nd we take possession of our Newmar, Baystar 3124.  I have been collecting, purchasing, gathering and squirreling away items to furnish our soon-to-be second home. I have storage bins, cardboard boxes and baskets chock-full of various household items.  I anticipate a future post with a list of  "The top ten things I forgot to consider packing."  There is no way to pack every item you could possibly want because of the weight maximum, so only the essentials will be on board, including Miss Lucy Lu. 

Just like I counted down to our wedding day last year, the countdown to getting Gracie begins!  20 days to go.  If you want to follow along with future updates, you can "follow by email" through the atom at the top right.  Feel free to post public comments, or suggestions!