Sweet Home Alabama

Our trip to Alabama, took us through all of Louisiana and most of Mississippi before we called it a night. It was truly a long day's journey into night and the first time that we needed headlights to navigate our way through the dark, desolate and winding roads. My wish to stay along the Mississippi went unfulfilled and remains on my bucket list.

The Mighty Mississippi

We had gotten on the road at 9:30 AM and didn't shut Allie down until 8:30 PM the first night. We covered 514 long miles knowing we had an overnight at a Walmart on tap. Once we hit Fulton, MS, we called it a day.

We were so blessed with great weather.

Beautiful roads and views of Alabama

I've made many observations during our long journey. For one, cotton is my favorite crop, because it looks like snow-covered fields amidst green rolling hills of grass. Secondly, there are a lot of people out there who like old rusted memorabilia, or who hoard, or who are just plain junk collectors and the last - and sad observation, is that the wounds caused by the Civil War have yet to heal for many, even with the passing of so much time. The display of Confederate flags had me feeling conflicted - I wavered between anger, pity and respect. At times, the division between north and south is palpable and sad. Perhaps it bothered me because I am a firm and staunch US Flag fan, even if I am not a fan of our government, per se. Our flag is hoisted over victories and devestations as a symbol of strength and determination and is draped over our fallen heros as a blanket of gratitude.

The sun rose quickly in Fulton and we found ourselves with just a short 45-minute drive to Tiffin Motors in Red Bay, AL - the manufacturer of our RV. The visit there was quite an experience, to say the least. I've never toured a plant so huge or been in the presence of so many Tiffin RVs. The parking lot on Tiffin property was chock-full of large Phaetons, Allegro Buses, Allegro REDs and Open Roads, just like ours, all awaiting repairs.

Due to that full lot, we were directed to one of the local RV "campgrounds" to wait until we were called for service. I'm being very generous with the term campground - bare minimum was all you got - water, sewer and electric. Rigs were parked so close together that you needed to be careful when extending your awning. Down past the last rig in a row of about 15, began the "RV Graveyard." See photos, because the sight was beyond words.

Not sure what happened to that Airstream.

Sorry, but we missed the photo-op of the toilets and refrigerators.

The mess wasn't limited to RVs. There were cars, trucks and boats.

A rare moment, being at a loss for words.


~~~~ REPAIR DAY ~~~~

6:55 AM - far right - waiting for the bay door to open.

Allie being checked out

The immense building that fits over 30 motor homes

Once our repairs were NOT done, due to Tiffin no longer honoring extended warranties, we made a beeline for the State line where another long ride led us to a Walmart in Albany, Georgia.  It turned out to be a less than desirable location, perhaps due to it being a Friday night. The sounds from loud shoppers and mufflers made sleep elusive , yet morning came quickly, and surprisingly quietly. Lucy was already in her basket, seeming to know that we would be getting back on the road, and just wanting to get it over with fast.

Life, as we know it, seems to find us dealing with something that is not working and today was no exception. My insulin pump decided to sound an endless alarm, forcing me to remove its battery. A call to customer service ascertained that the motor, once again. had quit working. As upset as I could have been, the timing was actually good since we are so close to our Florida address. In the meantime, it's a time-consuming drag of testing and covering high glucose readings with injections.

After 4,460 miles of driving, stopping, going, sightseeing, grand-children hugging, blogging, socializing, fun-seeking, rock collecting, eating and awe-inspiring sights, the long "2nd Great Big Adventure" has officially come to an end.

Deep thought for the day: Although this journey has ended, our possibilities are endless...stay tuned.

My top 10 +1 Hacks for Lving in an RV (with a cat)

I can't claim that all of these ideas were mine, however, many are the result of my own creative resourcefulness. Some came from other full-timers and a few were found on Pinterest. If you have never been on Pinterest, be forewarned that you may become addicted to searching for the next best "idea," "inspiration," or "thingy" to make you say, "yum," "hum" or "aah." 

Hack #1:  Lucy's favorite places: Her food is located on a place mat on the dashboard. This forces her to explore the world outside, especially when we change locations. It is normally an under-used area and it keeps us from tripping over her food bowls. Her canned and dry food are stored in the "basement," and restocked in the kitchen closet as needed.

Her "le Toilette" is located under the dash on the driver's side. With the seat turned to face the living quarters, it is nicely hidden from sight, yet easy for her to access.

Her electric water fountain is plugged in under the dash on the passenger side, right next to the "doggy window" and my computer. It doesn't leave me much foot room while stationary, but I've adjusted.  That leads us into Hack #2.

Hack #2:  My computer station.

I love having this set-up in the motor home. I am a die hard CPUser who hasn't been able to adjust to a laptop keyboard. Hey, I'm an old dog, so no new tricks for me.

Like Lucy's food, my computer station is out of the way and the chair can turn to face the living quarters for an additional seating, if necessary, but that's not often.  There is a ledge on my right side to hold my water bottle and phone and the convenience of an overhead light and fan. When we travel with extended stops, I just unhook it all and store it in a basket until we are stationary for awhile.  I'm getting to the point where I can hook it  up or break it down in no time at all.

Hack #3:  Adhesives. I've lumped these items into one category:  Museum Putty, Velcro and Command strips and hooks.  I have used all of these items to keep our stuff  stationary while traveling. They all work great for their intended purposes. Museum Putty can be found here, and its great for securing items to counters that you don't want to move, like a vase. However, just a twist will release the object cleanly and easily. The other items are easily found at any box store or hardware store and are used to hang art, remotes, and a myriad of other loosey-goosey items.

Hack #4: Tiny end table. We used a folding, wooden TV table as an end table next to the recliner. I couldn't live without a table or ledge at that location to hold a lamp, a glass of wine, my phone or the remote (when it's not Velcroed to the wall behind the TV). This small hack worked perfectly.

Hack #5:  Shoe bags. I need to get another one of these, but the two currently in use are proving that they are worth their weight in gold. Gee, they are awful light, so they are worth ten times their weight....One bag hangs inside my closet door to hold all my smaller personal items, like hats, belts, socks and underwear. The other was cut one pocket deep and Velcroed to the base of the bed to hold shoes.

I still need a solution for the "everyday" shoes that collect at the door of the coach.

Hack #6: My little green wall mounted metal shelf. This was always one of my favorite little organizers. It is so versatile and has been used as a knickknack shelf (facing backwards) and as a front door catch-all for keys (like it's hung in the RV bathroom). I don't care for clutter on the counter, but do like having our most-used items at arm's reach even while traveling on the road.

Hack #7: Zip Lock Space Bags: Click here for a link to this product at Walmart. Living full-time, we need to travel with four season's worth of clothes and dress clothes. A storage bin under the bed holds our dress clothes so that they don't become too wrinkled. The out-of-season clothes are shrunk and stored in the Zip Lock bags and stored in the basement area. 

Right now, all of our winter clothes, including down jackets, have been "shrunk" saving us a lot of room. 

Hack #8:  Laundry Soap and Softener Dispenser Bottles. 
I used plain, ketchup-dispenser type, plastic bottles that I purchased from Dollar General. Instead of lugging my big bottles out of the vanity every time I use my little Splendide, I just grab and go with my cute counter-top solution. When filled and labeled these make laundry a breeze.

Hack #9:  Felt-covered hangers: At first, I didn't like these hangers, but I absolutely love them in Allie. They are sturdy for hanging wet clothes, they don't have the cardboard center-roll that always collapses on me, and the closet looks neat and orderly. The clothes can't fall off the hangers, thus making the rougher roads less problematic.

Hack #10:  Charging station:

I received one of the best gifts ever from friend, and fellow RV'er, Charlie. It's an AC/USB plug-in adapter, manufactured XTG Technology, that contains three regular outlets and 2 USB ports. This very helpful toy has traveled with us to hotels and on a cruise ship, but now it is tucked away behind the recliner and we use the back of the couch to hold our currently charging electronics. We would never leave home without it.

Hack #11  Baskets: 

OMG. I saved the best Hack for last. I am not a "Dancing Queen," but anyone who knows me will tell you I can claim the title, "Basket Queen."  I have them in most of my over-head cabinets. The ones with handles are quite useful, especially in the kitchen, when you need to pull out all your spices, oils, plastic-ware or coffee pods. I would be lost without them. I have plastic, wicker and wooden baskets of every shape, size and color. So, when "G" needs olive oil, I just say, "5th overhead compartment, in the clear plastic bin, next to the white handled bin." 

Being clever and organized is a necessity when living in a RV. You are in too small a space to not know where to find what you need at the drop of a hat.

Deep thought for the day:  Benjamin Franklin must have loved baskets. This quote of his is one of my favorites:  "A place for everything, and everything in its place." Go Ben!

Born to be wild

Well, we did it! We are officially "full-timers." We actually beat our expected time of departure by over one hour and it took us just about that hour to get ourselves all checked in, hooked up and (almost) all set up at space 40, our home for the next month. I'm finding all sorts of nooks and crannies to fit everything on board that I felt I wanted and needed. I'm sure that I shall begin to purge after about a week, I know I've packed way too many clothes and "emergency" items, like nasal sprays, cough drops, ace bandages, pain relievers and antacids. The good thing is that I have a month to decide whether it stays for the long-haul, or gets ditched before we head south.

We departed on a most beautiful fall day, that was crisp, clean and full of color. We are fortunate to have timed this stay to coincide with the peak week of fall foliage in the Hudson Valley region. I followed Allie down in the Jeep, because our friend, and fellow camper, Charlie, needed to borrow my Sentra in order to see to a few chores. It worked out well, since we have both our vehicles here. Tomorrow, either "G" or I will drive Charlie to Cross River to pick up his black beauty; a pretty little Cadillac ATS. 

Tonight, we were treated to a wonderful meal at Samurai Japanese Restaurant and Hibachi Steak House - one of our favorite places to get some high-quality sushi. I'm afraid that once we leave the confines of our immediate area, I will miss my favorite haunts the most. Speaking of "haunts," tonight is the night before "All Hallows Eve" and it's quite dark and chilly, with temps just at 46°. The perfect type of night to curl up with a Stephen King novel. For me, it will be curling up next to "G" and Miss Lucy (who settled in very nicely) in our bed made up with flannel sheets and a soft down comforter. I'm so tired...

And, we're off...

What we are leaving behind.

Get your motor running
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
and whatever comes our way
Ya darling you could make it happen
Take the world in a lovin' embrace
Fire all of your guns at once and
Explode into space
Born
 to
 be
 wild
by Steppenwolf
Click here for You Tube Video

Deep thought for the day: Just when you think you can't push yourself any further, the image of what lays ahead spurs you on to go beyond what you believed yourself actually capable of accomplishing.

Running on empty...

Allie with terrible step mats...soon to be history.

Today spawned another day of cleaning and organizing. As promised, "G" brought in all the bins and I emptied them, filled cabinets, emptied the cabinets, put items in different cabinets and then moved them one more time. They shall be rearranged once situated at a campground, because that's when I will find out what is in convenient, vs. inconvenient locations.

There are no food staples or refrigerated items on board yet, so once I shop, I'll find out if the large area I have left empty will suffice for storing all the dry goods. I found that the cabinet (over the TV) will be the perfect spot for canned goods. They fit perfectly. "G's" favorite green beans and my chick peas will be stacked there, among other goodies, like creamed soups, corn, canned fruits, dips and sauces.

My "can cabinet" above TV

This MH has so much more room than Gracie, but the square footage is reconfigured, so much thought needed to go into the organization process. Tomorrow's tasks:

• Try out the washer/dryer to make sure it works
• Practice using the micro/convection oven
• Load Allie up with towels, paper towels, napkins and some clothes
• Buy me some Command picture hangers! 
• Set up a little inside tool box
• Make a box of "office supplies" 
• Fill a box with "gift wrapping/shipping/cards/tape/stamps/scissors/etc.

We hung one up a small canvass print tonight and I was so excited to finally see a "personal touch" appear on the walls.  

"G's" assignment, should he choose to accept it, will be to get the ice maker working, figure out the on-board GPS/Bluetooth/Radio system, and organize the "basement" area. Today, he trouble shooted the hot water heater. There is always something to "futz" with.

We are hoping to get a couple of days down in Croton Point Park this week to give Allie a test-run to make sure she is in perfect working order for when our three NC grandchildren come to stay with us in two weeks. That would be a perfect first anniversary gift to ourselves. In only 3 days, we hit that major milestone.  Personally, I don't know where the time went. Lately, it seems it went to dealing with motorhome life. I'll take it, the work, the tired feet, the endless list of "to do's" and "G," who is also my Saving Grace.

Deep thought for the day: Time flies when you are having fun.

Spiffing up Allie

Allie spent a quiet night out in front of the house last evening while "G" and I got as good a night's sleep as possible. We awoke this morning  with a mission - clean Allie - top to bottom. 

Once we started with the common cleaners, we discovered that we actually needed to break out the disinfectants. After over seven hours in, we can finally look around and see significant progress. The wood is all polished, the baths are sterile, the floor shines and the dust bunnies have all been set free.

Tomorrow, the bed will be made up, bins unloaded, cabinets organized and an assessment of immediate needs and wants.  I have ticked off a bunch of projects that I want to undertake, but will need to address the most important first. Believe it or not, my first purchase will be Velcro.

Our home shower is calling my name, quite loudly. Tomorrow will be another busy day, so the lights will get turned off early tonight.

Deep thought for the day:  "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. " Colin Powell

The beginning of a new romance...

July 31, 2014....a long, tiring, yet exciting day for "G" and I. We drove down to Scott RV in Lakewood, NJ and picked up Allie and brought her home.  The ride home, which is normally a 2-hour drive, took us 4 hours, which landed us in front of 223 at 9 pm.  We were quite exhausted and very hungry. Below are "before" photos of Allie, our 2013, Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36 LA. She needs a little TLC, a good cleaning and some color, otherwise, she is our dream come true.  Dolly Parton was pulled behind transporting my little Nissan and making our total length 57 feet!  Holy cow!  "G' handled the pressure behind the wheel with his usual patience and skill.  And, just so everyone knows, just like in an automobile, the brake does not work on the passenger side of an RV.

Dinette

Master bath - washer/dryer is in cabinet under window!

Flat screen TV with fireplace below

He, who hates to have his picture taken....pilot extraordinaire!

"After" photos will most likely appear section-by-section.  I plan to focus on one room at a time. First, I need to decide upon my color palate. Yellow, blue, red or green....pink, orange, purple or cream? Choices, choices.

Deep thought for the night:  "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”  ― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath