Good Morning, World!

So the big news is that as much as loved our RV, almost 2 years of living in a 33 ft space was just a bit too much for us, especially as this Pandemic started. "Crab-walking" between table and couch became very old very fast and the lack of preparation space made being creative turn from a challenge to a horror very quickly. We loved our trip to Utah last summer and relish the memories, but the day-to-day reality hit a bit hard especially when trapped in a tin box with the forthcoming hot dry Vegas summer looming, in an RV park. In short, we needed out. 

So we went searching for apartments because house prices here are ridiculous. After looking at 6 or 7 'meh' places, I finally contacted a 55+ place in town - one of the MH communities that Mike found which are usually quite attractive. They said "Why not come down and take a look. We have a brand new home that you might love." We talked specs on the phone, then Mike and I went to look at it, masks on face, and fell in love. It is our gingerbread house - 3 BR, 1200 sq ft, 2 baths, nice big yard with 'desert landscaping' (aka rocks). In our eyes it was perfect, it was home and it was less than a lot of places we had explored. Totally unlike us, we went to the office, signed the lease for immediate possession and started moving in the next day. What a whirlwind!

So here we sit, 5 weeks later, waiting for some furniture to be delivered but loving the sheer space. Slowly hanging pictures, getting stuff out of storage to put in our shed, talking about what we need vs what we want after selling, giving away or donating all our furniture prior to moving into our Lyda, our RV. She sits on a space on the hill above her for now so we can keep an eye on her. Charlie is happy to have roaming room and many windows to his world. We are still pinching ourselves. Some struggles with getting services established during this difficult COVID time but so happy to have home. Voila:

         
       
         

A Year of Life on the Road and Home Again

It's been a year now since we moved into our motor home, Lida, to enjoy a life of freedom and choice. It's not all been roses and sunshine. Things like restricted storage space, cramped quarters and repairs have taken a toll on our patience and tolerance at times. The reality of 2 people and 2 dogs, one a very active pup, has also meant a lot of adjusting. Traveling this summer to Utah and living near Zion for 2 1/2 months was blissful, but we had to literally work for it as workampers so we didn't get the full Monty where that was concerned. It was such a nice change from Las Vegas summers and the scenery was lovely! We miss campfires and the brilliant stars in Utah along with the clear high desert air. But the trip home showed our beastie's age as it lurched down the highway, hitching and hiccuping. I think that may be the old girl's big trip. We are nicely settled in a comfy RV park SO much better than the first one we spent 6 months at ('nuff said about that) and the location is great. Mike got a good job and I am going back to work part time for the City after almost 5 months off and am grateful for that. I miss 'my' work kids and friends.

There are a few things we really miss, though, living in a tin can: I miss a real kitchen. It's not easy preparing meals on a 12'x16" surface. The sinks are fit for a dollhouse. We don't use the stove top even though it's a wonderful gas grill because let's face it, the cost of propane is phenomenal and we aren't willing to put out $75 every month or less for the convenience of using a stove. We would rather use the furnace. I miss a stove, full-size fridge and my little freezer. Those who know me know that I absolutely love cooking and baking. Mike says we are getting a good convection oven as soon as we can afford it. That will help but it's still not the same! I like my electric slow cooker, grill, sandwich press, electric fry pan and other appliances that we have crammed into our little storage cupboards but I miss a stove! I miss a real bathroom, with a tub and shower we can use. Ours leaks, so we use the lovely bath house here, which is one of our favorite features of this place. Cuts back on propane but also cuts back on convenience. I miss having a real kitchen/dining room table to decorate for the holidays and having room to put up a real tree in here. BUT we make the best of it with decorations inside and out and this year we can do even more.

We don't miss property management that won't work with you or who are disrespectful when you are tied in to a year long lease. We don't miss constant apartment inspections and intrusion. We don't miss relying on others for our accommodations. We like the freedom to travel if we like, even though now it won't be far, and the ability to pull up and go elsewhere if that's what we want to do. The build-in electricity and cable costs still leave us with a rent that is far less - almost half the cost - of the ridiculous rent of $1000-$1200 that is the average for 1-2 bedroom apts in the LV/Henderson area. One day we will end up in an apartment but unfortunately, it will probably not be in this area anymore. But we will have the freedom to make that choice when the time comes.

We are grateful for what we have and that includes the wonderful neighbors here. Full-timers are a breed unto themselves and we are happy to be part of that community. Having gotten rid of lots of our clutter - yes, a bunch is crammed into our storage unit but you wouldn't believe the down-sizing we have done! - will make any changes easier in future. So we are thankful for that as well.

Life is good and we forge ever onward, much like gypsies or pioneers who knew the general direction in which they wanted to head but had no clue the obstacles that lay in their way. May the roads be fair, the path be smooth toward our next destination. I wish that for all of you as well.

[Sorry the photos taken - present to past - don't align properly. A bit of a glitch with the system}

Waiting for dad

Our new home

Oh the places we saw

Stunning scenery in Utal

The evening at our campground

My marigolds

First pic of baby Mellie with Charlie

One of our favorite activities at camp

On the way to Utah

On the road

The Incredible Journey Begins with Retirement

So by now anyone following our personal journey knows of some of the obstacles we had to overcome to move into our motorhome. Whether you want to call us gypsies, vagabonds or First Timers (we concur with each of these) we are glad at the thought of getting into new surroundings.
Christmas was interesting and next year we will be much better prepared with decorating.

We did get to Disney World courtesy of Mike's mom last February. It was so much fun that she wants us to go with her in January, 2020 again! Here are a few shots from our trip.

6 months at one place is more than enough for us. We endured a lot here and we look forward to many more positive experiences elsewhere. Lida is locked and loaded, I am officially retired and Mike's last day of work is this weekend - until at least in fall when we plan to return to Henderson/Vegas once cooler weather hits.

We got a ding for another $450 when we had to have our waterlines - grey and black - repaired. There went more savings. Between that and previous repairs, we figure we've probably put $1200 or so into this little monster since  moving in but it's like that with any new home so you deal with it and - hopefully - roll on. Still some minor stuff to deal with before our travels begin for real at the end of the month. Finally.

Pluses with living in a motorhome as full-timers:

• Generally less expensive than apartments, especially with increasing costs in Henderson
• Less bills except for propane, power and personal costs (cell phone, satellite TV, loans, etc.)
• You can pack up and leave as soon as you can afford it and not look back. There are no long-term commitments unless that's what you want. We are no longer tied into a lease which is a real relief.
• You get to choose from a wider variety of places for your next site - especially after retirement. In my case that's now - Mike has a few years to go unfortunately. Now this does depend upon availability with all the snowbirds coming here every fall but we can beat them to it by returning from travels a bit earlier.
• When you go camping you go "glamping" with everything contained in your little home.
• We don't have to use public facilities. I like my own shower and toilet, TYVM and Mike does, too. 

Minuses:

• You have to deal with your own repairs which can get costly. No maintenance guy to bail you out. You have to find your own contractors to help you.
• Propane costs. We were lucky to find a good service that gave us premium prices. We will use them again upon our return.
• Space can get tight when both of us are up and around. We want another pup but are seriously thinking about it because of the time and space continuum. 
• We have had to get rid of lots of excess baggage and have to have a storage unit which adds somewhat into the monthly cost of the unit but still beats rental here in Henderson.

As you can see, as in any home there are things to consider. We are just excited at the prospect of getting out on the road and finally starting to see our favorite Nevada vantage points - or even new ones! If we can get the dang battery working and git 'er going, Amargosa, here we come!

Til then, take care, be well and the new post will hopefully be from our summer site!

Living La Vida Loca on Weight Watchers

                                              Living La Vida Loca on Weight Watchers

So here I am, 2 months and a bit into the program and I have lost my first 10 lbs (not to mention the 20 I lost previously on my own). I have to admit, it feels pretty good!

I finally have internalized the WW program, making it part of my daily life and including Mike on it since day one. He is into checking labels for calories and fat, too. Shopping is an interesting experience!

I faithfully record my 'points' and activity, balance my meals, make sure I eat the right food in the proper amounts. I am still trying to convince myself that "Yes, you will have to weigh and measure your food" but I am working it. No one is perfect.

Friends at work say they can see the difference. It felt good getting into a pair of pants the other day that I haven't been able to wear in 3 years - if ever. I look forward to more ups and downs but now know that as long as I persist, this is possible. Especially when my role model at work has reached her goal at over 100 lbs lost. My mind boggles and I am so very impressed with her. 

I don't eat fancy food, I don't buy WW products that often. Skim milk has replaced 2% in our home and my Almond Breeze is usually unsweetened I am  lactose intolerant). The fridge is stocked with many varieties of fruit and veggies, especially frozen berries - my not-so-secret addiction. I still use sugar (brown and white) in moderation and still use salt, because here in the desert we do need sodium. I drink far less soda - even trying to stop the diet soda given its possible health concerns. I love my club soda and gingerale, though, and can't see giving that up entirely, and I don't have to, as long as I watch the intake and monitor how much I drink. And I still have creamer in my coffee, although now it's measured and also used in moderation. We eat a lot more vegetable-based than carb-based meals, now and have more energy as a result.
                                                

The program is pretty easy. I don't often get to exercise at a gym, so I exercise (occasionally) at home. I walk Charlie the dog more, so he is getting the benefits of that, too. My work is physical, so that takes care of a few points there. I like the fact that I can eat what I want as long as its within my "budget." My weight loss is slow but steady and that's healthy in the long run.  I have cheated and have lived to talk about it :) Some days are good, some aren't, but it's the goal that keeps me going. That and the successes.

Favorite breakfasts are now often veggie omelettes and half a bagel with low-fat cream cheese rather than sausage or bacon, eggs and hash browns. I like portioned meals like muffin cup meals, prepacked slow cooker dinners and other  helpful recipes to save fussing when I am tired. 

                                                                         

                                                                 

So here we go on our new quest - to see how I can handle the holidays and general living without giving up and throwing in the towel. So far, I don't see that happening, and now I can honestly say I am over the 'honeymoon' period. Life is a learning experience, and I am learning. Look forward to lo-cal meals and WW friendly dishes as well as the usual ethnic and favorite foods recipes. Good luck on your own quest, and we'll meet up here. Take care and here's hoping!