It’s been a week!
The learning curve is STEEP and we’re still okay. No major incidents, no injuries, and no regrets.
Bruce has become a waste water treatment specialist
I’m becoming more adept at cooking on a propane stove and shopping small
Command hooks, strips and Gorilla tape are our new besties
I had to buy a hand mixer, in 42 years I’ve never owned one! My dad gave us a Kitchen Aid stand mixer in ‘81 and it’s all I’ve used.
Beach towels are really cheap in July
Milo travels best with Gabapentin
Thank the Lord for an in unit washer and dryer (though it makes more work for that waste treatment guy).
Our first stop was about 4 miles from the RV dealership. We decided to stay in town while we moved in, one of our more brilliant ideas. It gave us the ability to shop in areas we knew, no hunting around for stores and food. We could make trips to storage on our own time. And it allowed Bruce to continue working his remote job during the days.
However,
On our last day in IL, he was offered the opportunity to work on contract, and he took it. An unexpected offer, but one he is embracing. Less hours, similar pay and freedom from being tied to a computer all day in headphones.
Semi retirement people!
We planned an open house/going away event during that week. 3 days to drop in, see our new home and say good bye. Another stroke of brilliance. We were blessed with meaningful times of sharing, with all the loved ones we’ve collected over the years. Our church community from the city came in stages, and we were incredibly moved by their support. Kids ran free coming back to camp for bites of watermelon and drinks.
At one point 3 ladies and I worked inside to make deviled eggs, bake a casserole and prep for the next wave of guests. It was such a sweet time. All of us from different places in life, with a common love for Jesus and each other. And the space worked wonderfully well for communal cooking.
The tears flowed freely, I gave up on makeup…
Saying goodby was more difficult than I anticipated. I have loved so many people in IL. It’s been a rich place of growth for me. I’ve lived in IL longer than any other place in my life, including CA. I was 19 when I left CA, and I’v lived in IL for 24 years. My daughters are mid-westerners through and through. Their formative years have all been in Il. There will always be a part of me in Il, especially Chicago.
One of my Chicago friends was in awe as she toured the RV. Her words went like this,
“I couldn’t let you go for anything less”
I still cry when I remember it
Her children are my honorary grands. In fact, one of the most precious parts of IL are the children who’ve become honorary grands for me. I seem to collect them, and I’ll miss them.
Being Miss Cinda is, and has been a joy!
Our last night of open house was a mix of Chicago church people, and friends we’ve gathered from life. Sweet time, lots of introductions and new connections were made. One friend, a foodie, brought appetizers and bubbly. After he poured 2” in plastic cups for everyone, Bruce made a toast.
He could hardly get through it for the tears
Currently we’re in Holly Michigan. No, not Holland MI, Holly MI. It’s in between Detroit and Flint. It’s rual, lots of hills, lakes, very green and peaceful. The campground is okay, not as perfect as the county camp in IL, but it’s working. And we have a ‘helper’ neighbor. We’re finding they are abundant in this life. We had a few in the Il camp too.
This particular neighbor is from Baltimore, Maryland. If you’ve ever seen “The Wire” you’ll know his accent. He’s living in one of those bus type RV’s. He tows his Ford Bronco, and mounts a Honda Goldwing bike on the back. And he parks for 2 months at a time, because he’s a member of the ‘Never Forget 9-11’ project. He’s been doing this for 2 years. His next stop is Pennsylvania, to commemorate the 20th anniversary this year. He’s a pro at the RV thing. Flags adorn his campsite, and 3 little dogs (and his wife) travel with him. And his ‘bus’ provides us with afternoon shade.
I have a feeling he will be the first of many unique people we meet
Sunday we visited a church in Detroit. That city is still front and center in our hearts and minds. It’s a church we’ve been listening to in podcasts for about a year. What a wonderful greeting we received! The pastor stopped to welcome us, hugged and prayed with us and even gave us a mention from the pulpit. The people were friendly and warm.
We will go back
But best of all, we’re 90 minutes away from our grandson, and we saw him this week. He’s growing, changing and becoming a real toddler. Still enough baby to remind us of earlier days, but gaining new skills all the time. Beginning to take those first steps, though crawling gets him there faster.
It won’t be long
I honestly don’t know what the future holds for us. Where we’ll eventually settle down. I do know, we’re not heading south till it cools down! So if you’re thinking we might see you in September?
Only if it’s below 85…
I’m not ready to give up my mid-west summer yet. Especially up here in MI. It’s lovely and I want to enjoy as much as I can before we head south. Our next stop is Port Huron, someplace we’ve never been. It was chosen for it’s proximity to Detroit and it’s nearness to Canada. And mostly because it was available for 3 full weeks!
After that who knows?
Our one constant through these changes is the peace that guides us. We are continually relying on it as our daily companion. I don’t know how we’d manage without it. Internal peace, from above, is our staying power and our refuge.
That, and a Winnebago
(It’s really a Grand Design)
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