This week's THINGS IN A ROW is being postponed till next week.
I have important news to tell all of you.
Are you ready?
No, I am not pregnant.
Ha ha ha.
After 7 years of traveling around, living full-time in our trailer, we have decided, (or should I say that I decided and finally convinced Jim) that it was time to stop this gypsy life.
Are you shocked?
Believe me. There are many, many wonderful things about being full-timers. Seeing so many things, going so many places, the freedom, the friends in many places.I loved being able to spend at least 3 months near my daughter and granddaughter. I could go on and on.
But there are also downsides to living in a trailer full time. Like lack of space. Like missing my family. Like missing my "things". Not being home for many of the holidays. Having a small kitchen. Having to put one pan inside of another, and another, and another, just to fit into the cupboard. I could go on and on.
But I think the deciding factor is my health. I have been to a rheumatologist in the past few months. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and some other kind of (so far) indistinguisable autoimmune difficiency problem. I have pain in my neck, back, hips, ankles and feet every day; some days are worse than others. It is getting harder and harder for me to climb the three steps into our trailer, and the two simple steps up into the bedroom. And the one honking big step into the truck? Fuhgetaboutit!
Things started happening within these last two weeks. A friend of mine had a place available for me to rent. It's a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom ranch townhome with one car garage. Perfect. We found a place right in town in Mesa that will sell our trailer on consignment. We packed up a u-haul with all our belongings and hit the road. The first night we made it to Gallup, NM. I couldn't wait to take a bath in the motel, since we didn't have a bath tub in our fifth wheel. My body was aching from all the cleaning and moving AND sitting in the truck all day. We got into our room and guess what? NO BATH TUB!!! Just a shower stall! Who ever heard of such a thing? Anyway, the bed is comfy so at least that makes us happy. I will post pictures and write when I can, but bear with me. This is a new and exciting chapter of my life. Come along for the ride!
My blog is pretty laid back. I like to share jokes, recipes, books I've read, photos I've taken, day-to-day vignettes, and odd or fascinating items. All with a splash of humor. CURRENT HEADER PHOTO: My sister's famous cherry cookies.
14 comments:
Think of it as a new adventure, Pat. Being an arthritis sufferer I can feel your pain; I think you're doing the right thing. We'll miss your posts though, I hope it's not too long before you get back to us with news of your progress. We'll miss ya, gal.
BTW I'm glad of our shower 'cause I once I'm in the bath I can't get out. The arms pack up if I try to haul myself out. Don't laugh.
Oh, wow!!!! Double wow!!!! I am so excited for you. I know this has all been a great adventure but a home without wheels will be a great adventure, too. I'm sad that it is for health reasons but...you can take a bath now!
I guess I had better take down my rows.
Lots of pictures...lots...happy not traveling!
I know this will be different but hope you and Jim are both happy with this lifestyle change.
most def...it is just a new adventure....and while i envy your gypsy-ness with every thing else it will be good for you....
How wonderful for you! I don't think I could live in such a small space for as long as you have - very challenging, for sure.
...and this week I actually had a things in a row to post. oh well, it is up anyway so anyone who wishes can visit.
Well Pat, I am excited for you! All that traveling is certainly fun & adventurous... but coming from a girl who used to pack & move every 2-3 months for 5+ years, I can totally relate!! Plus, y'all can still travel, just in a different fashion. There is also something to be said for puttin' down some roots... and having a little space! Wishing you all the best!
Woohoo, sister...I'm excited for ya. Somewhere to plant your feet and maybe some flowers too!!!
Bless your heart sweetie, I'm sorry 'bout the heath issues. Yep, a good soak in a tub is probably just what the Dr. ordered.
Farm Boy blessed me with a jacuzzi bath tub when we remodeled three years ago and let me tell ya after a hard day on the Ponderosa, I use it!
I have a feelin' this adventure is gonna be fun for us all. So glad your not pregnant...Heeehehehee!
God bless ya sweetie and have a great Easter Week!!! :o)
Quite a change!! I read your update on Facebook. Yes, I was shocked. Best of luck in your new move.
Excited for you!
Good for you taking care of yourself because no one else will put you first! You make me tired thinking of what you have done and what you have to do. I am sure you will seek the best medical attention. Please consider reading "Seven Pillars of Health" and see if there are any ideas in it to help - - - - like changing the water you drink - - - - and eating foods as natural as possible. I don't go for all the juice fasts he talks about - - - but I have changed my drinking water and I know it's made a difference.......... will be praying for you in this transition.
I am definitely shocked, Pat! But, I'm not sure I could live a gypsy lifestyle either. I follow another blogger that lives in a motorhome full time and it seems they go back and forth across the country like clockwork.
I hope settling down will help you to feel better. Congratulations growing roots ; )
I am definitely shocked, Pat! But, I'm not sure I could live a gypsy lifestyle either. I follow another blogger that lives in a motorhome full time and it seems they go back and forth across the country like clockwork.
I hope settling down will help you to feel better. Congratulations growing roots ; )
Hi Pat! We full timed it for awhile and I think, for me, the hardest part was the holidays. It just was not the same as putting up a tree and decorating a home. However, I would not trade that time for anything in the world. What a feeling of freedom..and besides, it was my Pat that had to empty the tanks, not me. :)
We didn't travel as long as you, but our friends did..and like you, she finally just could not do it any longer. She has the same problems you have. The now live in Arkansas.
My husband passed away but we got to live our dream. You brought back so many memories for me in this post. Wish I had had a computer when we traveled. Wow..how great that would have been!
:)
Mona
Another chapter! (We beat you to it sort of.) Where are y'all going? Can't wait to hear more. Travel safe -- find a motel with a bathtub along the way.
Wow! You go girl! On to the next chapter...and just in time to plant a garden/flowers/a few containers, whatever! Yay! Gonna miss my fellow full timer, but hey! Life changes and so do all of us! :)
Skip the tub and find a hotel with a jacuzzi! Boy do I miss my jacuzzi. I told Gman that when we decide to get off the road, I want a jetted tub again!
Drive safely and keep us informed! Onward and upward! Oh and watch out for the tornadoes in the central US...there is a WHITE bullseye of bad weather coming in on the 14th with some slightly bad weather on the 13th. Go Girl!
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