Seeing how other people live/vacation/survive?

Who are we to judge another person's way of living, style of dress, political, sexual or religious persuasion? I strive to be an open-minded and accepting person, but I've always struggled with that "judging" thing, especially when it came to tidiness.

I remember way back in 1973, taking the Harlem Line down to Grand Central Station every day that I worked in NYC, and being saddened by the poverty all along the route. I always found myself being judgmental about the "untidy" factor, because even in my most frugal of times, I might not have had much, but I took great pride in keeping what I had neat and orderly.

The train ride afforded me views of tenement buildings where sheets were used as curtains (something I've had to do), yet the sheets were hung askew and garbage was thrown out the windows to the alleys below. That caused me to judge the people who resided behind those "curtains." Since they had no respect for themselves or their precious possessions, I could not muster respect for them. There  is a difference between being poor and being slovenly. 

Yesterday and today, we viewed different styles of habitation and found myself "absorbed" by the different, rather than "judging" the different. I found a redeeming quality in each of the unique abodes we came across. It was quite interesting - as the photos below depict.

Last night we stayed at Snow Shoe RV Park in Snow Shoe, PA. It was a nice, level park with friendly owners/managers. They couldn't say enough nice things about our RV and were excited that we were parking right in front, where everyone could see it. We chatted awhile about who we are and where we're going. My story was met with a lot of "oohs" and "ahhs." reminding me to stop and give thanks for all we have and for all we do. We promised to stop by again with stories of our westward travels if our return trip passed their park.

Tonight, we opted for a bargain-priced stay at the local Walmart in Norwalk, PA, located close to I-80. I always love staying for free and since it's a rainy night, it will be easy sleeping with the rhythmic drumming of the raindrops on the roof of the RV. The temps should also drop so we won't need to worry about running the generator.

This was parked in the abandoned Freight Liquidators parking lot in Fishkill, NY. Although it made me sad to think anyone would need to live in this very basic shelter, it must at least be meeting the needs of a person who is taking pride in what little they have. So for this I had respect.

Pennsylvania: The Keystone State -  Capitol is Harrisburg and largest city is Philadelphia.

Our view  from Snow Shoe RV Park in Snow Shoe, PA - The blue tarp covered their common dining area. Functional and family oriented.

I loved this one. It had to be from the 1950's and lovingly maintained. Small, functional and funky.

Ohio:  The Buckeye State, Capitol and largest city is Columbus.

Norwalk, Ohio Walmart. Clean, neat, functional and free!

Deep thought for the day: Stop often and give thanks for what you have and spend less time  wishing for the things you don't. ~ vc

Mission Accomplished - 1st Wally World Stop

During this entire journey, I've wanted to spend a night at Walmart, and being two stops away from Croton, I didn't think it was going to become a reality. "G" did some research, and, believe it or not, Walmart over-night locations are rated by the people who take advantage of the free, safe place to spend the night. So, after finding a highly-rated one right off of Route 81, we decided to give it a try.

Maneuvering into the parking lot, with Ms. Parton towing the Sentra, was a little tricky, but we were able to find a great space behind a tractor-trailer that afforded us the opportunity to put our jacks down and our slides out.

We got some exercise in by walking over to the store around 9 pm. We discovered that it was one of the nicest Walmarts we have ever seen, with neatly stacked merchandise on the shelves, polite shoppers and helpful employees. The parking lot was very quiet and peaceful. We would definitely stay overnight here again, especially since the price is right!

Walmart in the distance.

Our "space" for the night.

"Where on earth am I?"

Deep though for the day:  It doesn't matter where or when the rocking and rolling ends, home is wherever my litter box lies. ~ Lucy Lu