Thursday
July 16, 2009
We woke up again (that sure beats the alternative) and just had a very relaxing morning. Somehow we got caught up in an old black & white movie on AMC. I don’t know the name of it but it was nice to watch a movie without commercials. Now the only thing on our agenda today was inventory all the food we have in our deep freezer. We knew that it was full but just wasn’t sure of everything in there. After we finished our morning coffee we got started on the inventory then Gina went back inside and rewrote the list so it would be nice and neat.
It was a really beautiful day outside so we both spent the afternoon sitting outside. Gina was alternating between doing a word find puzzle and reading a book. I spent the day on the computer catching up on blogs, forums and researching and trying to decide exactly how I want to set up my batteries, inverter and generator. I kept switching back and forth between the electrical setup and learning more about boondocking (camping without electrical, water and sewer hook-ups). Normally I would just go out there and try boondocking but I do have a deep freezer that must have AC power. So I must have this set up before we venture into boondocking. I believe we have a plan so tomorrow I will write it all out and make sure it will do what I need it to do.
I mentioned last Sunday about how different Gina and I feel toward each other by doing nothing more than being near each other. I mention this because while reading the Escapees forum I came across a comment from another fulltimer that was replying to a couple in their thirties who were contemplating full time RV living. One of their concerns was friends while on the road and they did not fit the typical profile / demographics since most fulltimers are much older in physical age. This is not what they stated but more implied. Ok, the comment was “my best friend is sitting right beside me”. This is how all fulltimers that Gina and I know feel. But even more importantly, we found that regardless of the physical age of fulltimers they definitely do not act their age. They act like they are twenty again with no care in the world other than enjoying life with their best friend. Gina and I cannot put into words just how much we love being around each other and all the other full timers. I'm not sure if that came out right are not. I'll just say we have not met a stranger out here and cannot tell you how much fun we have had with other fulltimers.
Ok, after spend all afternoon online I decided to boil some shrimp. Neither Gina nor I were really hungry but we wanted to eat something light and boiled shrimp fit the bill. We continued to sit outside discussing our future travel plans and Nicole called us to read a letter that Thomas he had sent us. It sounded like he is enjoying becoming a Marine about as much as someone can. He still hates the food and doesn’t like the sand fleas. We are so proud of him and look forward to seeing him at graduation and as a United States Marine. Around 8:30 we took Angel and Zoey for a walk and then we dropped them off so we could continue our walk. Gina was bordering on jogging and she kept telling me to catch up and I kept telling her to slow down. This went on for about two miles until finally it was time to stop. We both went inside and took a shower and not together (it ain’t that big). Then it was off to bed.
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Happy Anniversary Ashley & Parker
Wednesday
July 15, 2009
Gina said I couldn’t write that we woke up and had our first cup of coffee in bed again. She said people will get tired of reading the same thing every day. We seem to be getting into a routine right now that consists of waking up, drinking coffee in bed, watching the morning news, and sitting outside, and eating breakfast. Now, that may not seem like much but that takes us to around eleven o’clock each morning. I’m not sure how it will be once we leave here. However, we seem to be enjoying our mornings.
This first item this morning was calling Ashley and wishing her a Happy Anniversary!!
July 15, 2009
Gina said I couldn’t write that we woke up and had our first cup of coffee in bed again. She said people will get tired of reading the same thing every day. We seem to be getting into a routine right now that consists of waking up, drinking coffee in bed, watching the morning news, and sitting outside, and eating breakfast. Now, that may not seem like much but that takes us to around eleven o’clock each morning. I’m not sure how it will be once we leave here. However, we seem to be enjoying our mornings.
This first item this morning was calling Ashley and wishing her a Happy Anniversary!!
Ashley, Parker, Sophie, & Jada
Ashley & Parker Camping the Natural Way
It’s hard to believe that she has been married for three years. She has a wonderful husband and we couldn’t be more proud of him as our son-in-law. Here’s wishing you all many more happy years together.
After our morning routine and speaking to Ashley, we headed inside to get our showers. Gina and I were going to a small Mexican restaurant with a friend that I have worked with over the past 18 months. We both ordered the quesadillas with chicken. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant because I love their chips & salsa and their food is pretty good. Gina and I had a nice visit with Steve. He has become a very good friend over the years and will miss his friendship.
Me & Steve
After lunch we started making new travel plans. I spoke to Uncle Jim and asked him if he wanted to take a little trip with us to Paducah, Kentucky to see his two sisters that live there. He and Aunt Nell agreed so we are leaving on July 26th heading toward Paducah for a week then over to southern Illinois for a few days so he can visit with more of his cousins and see the old house where he was raised. On a side note Gina and I found a great little park in Olive Branch, Illinois named Horseshoe Lake State Conservation Area last year. We’ll stay here for a few days after we leave Paducah. This is also the nearest campground to where my father and uncle were raised. I’m not sure how we found this place but to us it’s a hidden gem full of wildlife. I highly recommend it if you are ever going through the most southern tip of Illinois.
The View Out Our Back Window
Two Deer In the Field across from Our Camper
Gina went inside to start baking oatmeal cookies since we finished up our immediate travel plans. The cookies were great and since neither one of us wants to gain weight we decided it was best that we give away most of the cookies to friends here in the park. We kind of settled in for the night around eight o’clock and began watching a little TV before we went to bed.
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Cooking Ribs on a Lazy Day
Tuesday
July 14, 2009
We woke up this morning again very late and laid in bed drinking coffee and watching the morning news while I wrote the blog entry. Finally around nine o’clock we went outside to enjoy a little cool breeze. Gina started frying some bacon around 10:30 and then I scrambled eggs and made some toast. I’m not sure if you want to call this brunch or lunch but you can call it good. After we finished eating we got on a discussion about cell phones. We currently only have one cell phone since I had a phone that was provided by the client and part of my resignation was to give it back. Now, I bought Gina a new Iphone back in March. However, it didn’t last long before she broke the glass screen and then a few weeks later she shattered it on the highway when she forgot she left it on the trunk of her car and drove off. I suspended her phone number so now we need another phone. We intended to go to the ATT store today but somehow time got away from us and we didn’t make it there. Instead we drove out to Rockport and bought some shrimp. When we got home we removed the heads and froze them.
The other day we were at the store and bought some baby back ribs. I think this is only the second time in our marriage that we have bought baby back ribs. This was a big decision for us since we don’t cook ribs mainly because they never come out juicy & tender like restaurants at least the one time that I cooked them they were ok but not worth it. While we were on our trip my sister had prepared some baby back ribs and they were delicious so we were going to attempt them again. First, I boiled some eggs and potatoes outside so Gina could make a potato salad. I took the ribs and added some crab boil to the water and started boiling them. While sitting outside waiting for them to get finished our neighbors Sam & Sandra were outside and asked what’s for dinner? We walked over to their home and chatted with them while we sat outside. They have a motorhome but are now looking for a fifth wheel. Anyway the ribs needed to boil for approximately sixty to ninety minutes. They were finally done in seventy-five minutes. While Gina prepared the potato salad I put the ribs on the grill to get the outside crispy and so I could apply the barbeque sauce. This only took about twenty minutes. We then sat down to eat and now those were some great tasting ribs and they had just a little kick from the crab boil. Now we were both fuller than a dog tick. I sat down in the recliner while Gina was on the phone talking to my sister. These recliners are so comfortable that it wasn’t long before I had both Angel & Zoey in my lap and we were all sleeping.
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
July 14, 2009
We woke up this morning again very late and laid in bed drinking coffee and watching the morning news while I wrote the blog entry. Finally around nine o’clock we went outside to enjoy a little cool breeze. Gina started frying some bacon around 10:30 and then I scrambled eggs and made some toast. I’m not sure if you want to call this brunch or lunch but you can call it good. After we finished eating we got on a discussion about cell phones. We currently only have one cell phone since I had a phone that was provided by the client and part of my resignation was to give it back. Now, I bought Gina a new Iphone back in March. However, it didn’t last long before she broke the glass screen and then a few weeks later she shattered it on the highway when she forgot she left it on the trunk of her car and drove off. I suspended her phone number so now we need another phone. We intended to go to the ATT store today but somehow time got away from us and we didn’t make it there. Instead we drove out to Rockport and bought some shrimp. When we got home we removed the heads and froze them.
The other day we were at the store and bought some baby back ribs. I think this is only the second time in our marriage that we have bought baby back ribs. This was a big decision for us since we don’t cook ribs mainly because they never come out juicy & tender like restaurants at least the one time that I cooked them they were ok but not worth it. While we were on our trip my sister had prepared some baby back ribs and they were delicious so we were going to attempt them again. First, I boiled some eggs and potatoes outside so Gina could make a potato salad. I took the ribs and added some crab boil to the water and started boiling them. While sitting outside waiting for them to get finished our neighbors Sam & Sandra were outside and asked what’s for dinner? We walked over to their home and chatted with them while we sat outside. They have a motorhome but are now looking for a fifth wheel. Anyway the ribs needed to boil for approximately sixty to ninety minutes. They were finally done in seventy-five minutes. While Gina prepared the potato salad I put the ribs on the grill to get the outside crispy and so I could apply the barbeque sauce. This only took about twenty minutes. We then sat down to eat and now those were some great tasting ribs and they had just a little kick from the crab boil. Now we were both fuller than a dog tick. I sat down in the recliner while Gina was on the phone talking to my sister. These recliners are so comfortable that it wasn’t long before I had both Angel & Zoey in my lap and we were all sleeping.
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Gina Goes to the Happy Store & I Relax
Monday
July 13, 2009
We had another very mellow morning. I think we can get used to this lifestyle. I got up and turned the coffee pot on then got back in bed until it was finished brewing. Around eight o’clock I made both of us a cup and laid in bed drinking our coffee and watching the morning news. Around nine o’clock we went outside to drink our second cup before it got too hot. While outside we started discussing when we would leave and head toward our house in Louisiana. I think we decided on leaving either Friday or Saturday. That will give us a week to spend with Nicole & Shane. We’re thinking about heading toward Kentucky on July 26th to visit some family. However, we want to be back in Louisiana from August 6th to the 12th. This is just our thoughts. We finally came back inside and took showers so we could go to the post office and mail the hard copy of our daily blog to Thomas. Then I dropped Gina off at that place that always makes a woman feel good called Chloe’s Nails so she could get a pedicure. I say that because I have never seen a woman leave one of those places and not be happy and feeling great.
While she was getting her toes done I went and filled the truck with diesel. 156 gallons later it was full. I had waited to fill up the truck since I was hoping diesel might drop but today gave me the opportunity to go ahead and get it done. The price was only 2.37 a gallon which is probably some of the cheapest diesel in the country. I went back to pick up Gina and as expected she was grinning from ear to ear and feeling great.
July 13, 2009
We had another very mellow morning. I think we can get used to this lifestyle. I got up and turned the coffee pot on then got back in bed until it was finished brewing. Around eight o’clock I made both of us a cup and laid in bed drinking our coffee and watching the morning news. Around nine o’clock we went outside to drink our second cup before it got too hot. While outside we started discussing when we would leave and head toward our house in Louisiana. I think we decided on leaving either Friday or Saturday. That will give us a week to spend with Nicole & Shane. We’re thinking about heading toward Kentucky on July 26th to visit some family. However, we want to be back in Louisiana from August 6th to the 12th. This is just our thoughts. We finally came back inside and took showers so we could go to the post office and mail the hard copy of our daily blog to Thomas. Then I dropped Gina off at that place that always makes a woman feel good called Chloe’s Nails so she could get a pedicure. I say that because I have never seen a woman leave one of those places and not be happy and feeling great.
While she was getting her toes done I went and filled the truck with diesel. 156 gallons later it was full. I had waited to fill up the truck since I was hoping diesel might drop but today gave me the opportunity to go ahead and get it done. The price was only 2.37 a gallon which is probably some of the cheapest diesel in the country. I went back to pick up Gina and as expected she was grinning from ear to ear and feeling great.
Now Those Are Some Beautiful Toes
The price made her feel even better since she said it was about half the price that she normally pays and she got the best foot massage ever. We then went back home so I could sit outside and relax some more with a frozen margarita and catch up on all bogs that I read while Gina reheated some leftover pizza for our lunch / dinner.
Reading Blogs
Now This Is What I Call Being Relaxed
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A Little Cooking Competition
Sunday
July 12, 2009
First, Gina and I would like to say thank you to everyone with their congratulations and best wishes. We are so excited about getting on the road. We will not be able to really get on the road until about September 15th. We want to spend some time with our children before our youngest daughter goes back to medical school on August 12th and our son graduates from Marine Corps boot camp on September 4th. However, being a full timer will allow us to spend time with them.
This morning was another wonderful morning. We woke up around 8:30 and enjoyed our coffee in bed together watching the news on TV. We finally got up and went outside to have our second cup. Gina was working a word find puzzle and I was online reading blogs. It feels so different for us. Even though we were not really talking to each other we felt so close by just being in the same place. Gina and I hope we feel the same way as Mike & Pat McFall after 14 years of full timing. Mike said it feels like they just got started. If you don’t know them you need to check out their blog Mike & Pat McFall. They're a wonderful couple and have a tremendous amount of knowledge about full time RV living.
We finally made it inside around noon since Gina had an idea about printing our blog out day by day and sending it to Thomas in boot camp. Now that should have been an easy task. However, we had multiple days on one entry. In an effort to get it straight Gina had the scissor’s cutting each day out to keep them in order. I realized that it would be easier if I just cut and paste each day into a word document and then print it out. Gina had our blog all over the floor trying to get it arranged. Thomas always loved reading our blog and when I didn’t post an entry in the morning he would start texting me wanting to know what was up. So I hope he enjoys catching up on the blog. I so glad that Gina came up with the idea of printing the blog out since it never crossed my mind.
July 12, 2009
First, Gina and I would like to say thank you to everyone with their congratulations and best wishes. We are so excited about getting on the road. We will not be able to really get on the road until about September 15th. We want to spend some time with our children before our youngest daughter goes back to medical school on August 12th and our son graduates from Marine Corps boot camp on September 4th. However, being a full timer will allow us to spend time with them.
This morning was another wonderful morning. We woke up around 8:30 and enjoyed our coffee in bed together watching the news on TV. We finally got up and went outside to have our second cup. Gina was working a word find puzzle and I was online reading blogs. It feels so different for us. Even though we were not really talking to each other we felt so close by just being in the same place. Gina and I hope we feel the same way as Mike & Pat McFall after 14 years of full timing. Mike said it feels like they just got started. If you don’t know them you need to check out their blog Mike & Pat McFall. They're a wonderful couple and have a tremendous amount of knowledge about full time RV living.
We finally made it inside around noon since Gina had an idea about printing our blog out day by day and sending it to Thomas in boot camp. Now that should have been an easy task. However, we had multiple days on one entry. In an effort to get it straight Gina had the scissor’s cutting each day out to keep them in order. I realized that it would be easier if I just cut and paste each day into a word document and then print it out. Gina had our blog all over the floor trying to get it arranged. Thomas always loved reading our blog and when I didn’t post an entry in the morning he would start texting me wanting to know what was up. So I hope he enjoys catching up on the blog. I so glad that Gina came up with the idea of printing the blog out since it never crossed my mind.
Gina Getting Each Day In The Correct Order
Here I Am Printing Our Blog
Preparing My Pizza
Gina Preparing Her Pizza
Both Of Our Pizzas Fresh Out of the Ovens
Until tomorrow, Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.
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