It’s 2026!
We began this journey in July of 2023, so we’re moving into our 3rd year of travel living. Last year was a wash, what with the fire and truck issues. This year is beginning to flesh out as another like our first, only with a more stable income.
Yay for us!
I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. They always fail and leave me with the guilt of unfulfilled intentions. The people I’ve known who keep their resolutions are usually extra. They seem to be high achievers who would make those resolutions anyway, then charge ahead to complete them at any cost.
I am not that person.
I also do not participate in 28 day fasts in churches. It goes against my Biblical understanding of fasting. And I hope it’s a fad that will eventually fade. If every kind of church is doing it, there must be a trend they’re following that is rooted in an extra Biblical habit. Often one that began with a mega church pastor. Sigh, I try so hard not to be cynical about mega churches…
So, what has changed for me this year – not a whole lot!
We fell asleep on NYE, around 11 pm. It’s our usual time to hit the sack. And we spent NY Day shopping for new recliners for the RV. They’ll be delivered today it’s so exciting! We saw the movie “Hamnet”. I fell asleep 3 times. It was beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted (it’s HER movie), but it was long and snoozy. I tried to read the book 3 times and couldn’t get through it. I thought the movie might endear the story to me. Nope. I love Shakespeare and enjoy movies that interpret his life/stories but this one wasn’t happening. And all the dirt! I kept getting distracted by it. I wanted to clean their fingernails and wash their faces. I’m thinking I like my historical movies a bit more sanitary anymore.
Oh well…
After the movie we came home and began to purge. We use our longer stays, to rid ourselves of items that aren’t working, or that take up space. And we eliminate things that we’ve held onto ‘just in case’, including clothes. We rearranged the living area so that the new recliners would have the perfect spot. I’m kicking myself as to why we didn’t do it sooner! It’s always a project when we juggle things around the RV. Space is limited…
But the end result is one we’re so relieved to be living with. And just in time for the new season of “The Pitt” and “Will Trent”!
Florida continues to be sunny, warm-ish and relaxing. Bruce is making noises about going to see Manatees this weekend, we only have 2 weekends left before we leave. We run the heat in the mornings, the AC in the afternoon and sleep with the windows open. It almost doesn’t get any better for weather. It’s certainly not the Midwest! I think they’ve been below 30 degrees for weeks now.
I hate to admit though, that I’m a little bored, eager to move along. Lakeland FL is crowded and kind of hectic. Nothing like Orlando (thank the Lord) but enough so that I’m not crazy about getting out as much. Crowds, as I’ve said before, just aren’t my thing. I managed to finish two quilts and make a new friend in the long arm world. She’s trying to introduce me to embroidery work on expensive machines. I’ve already got 3 machines with me, I’ve no space for another!
Cue eye roll from Bruce…
Our next destination is a spot on the panhandle called Carabelle. I draw complete blanks from people when they ask me where we’re going next. I swear no one has ever heard of this place, including and especially, native Floridians! It styles itself as “Florida’s forgotten coast”. Maybe that will be perfect for us? I just know the park is across the road from the beach, and the dog is welcome on it. Not something common for beaches. The campground has lovely spaces, a heated pool and a small town to the east, Apalachicola. It’s directly south of Tallahassee, google maps anyone?
We’re truly enjoying small towns. They call to us. The smaller the better. Less traffic, less people, quaint and usually very friendly. I think we’ll live longer and better, if we reside in one when the traveling is done. As we anticipate our summer months, we keep pursuing small town life. Bruce researches property to buy and I keep perusing houses for sale.
Plans are evolving.
Along with those 2 endeavors, I plan our routes for the rest of the year. Another trip across Ohio and Pennsylvania to the east coast. This time Harper’s Ferry and DC, Newport News VA, Myrtle Beach (again), Charleston, and St Augustine FL for the holidays. Then back to Gulf Shores for the rest of winter before heading to Indiana for spring/summer. It’s becoming a route that’s working for us while Bruce is keeping regular office hours. And there are always new things to see on a weekend, wherever we land.
That’s my new year to date. I hope yours is off to a fabulous start. And that if you live in snow country you’re staying warm and safe. And if you’re in a temperate climate, give thanks!
We do so daily.
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