Drove an RV Today !!!

OK, so I have driven a Uhaul and a truck with a camper before.  This was my first time actually driving a motor home.  The one I drove is 26 feet long.  Longer than I actually want, so I was curious how I would handle driving one this long.   It was interesting because I was calm and collected.  I parked it, backed it up and drove around some obstacles to boot. The dealer said that as long as I go slow I can't mess up too bad.  Pretty awesome.  I think this means I am closer to that drive away day.  I would prefer one that is 24 feet or less so it will be easy to maneuver in the National Parks.  We shall see how it looks once it is detailed and whether it passes smog.  I like this one.  I was in a Minnie Winnie several days ago and it simply didn't appeal to me.  I think I am getting excited.  No, wait, I am!


T'is the season.  Allergy, that is.  Since we had such a mild winter pollen is very high this year.  Itchy eyes are the biggest issue.  I remember my Mom struggling with itchy eyes and it was difficult for me to relate to her experience.  Well, thanks a lot, as I am experiencing it now big time.  My car is really silver, however it currently is mustard yellow because of the pollen. Every time I get in to go somewhere I have to use the windshield washer so I can see.    It is everywhere.  I must remember that when my sojourn is complete I will return to living on the coast where I am allergy free.


The weather forecast for Wednesday is that we will have rain and snow in the mountains.  So, in less that one week I have had my heater on and then my air conditioner on and it looks as though I will be back to heater again mid week.  The night time lows look alright for leaving the potted outside plants outside.  The dogwood trees are blooming and one meteorologist said that it isn't officially spring until it snows on the dogwoods.  Looks as though Wednesday it is. This will be a blessing for all of us allergy people.  Very grateful. Today it is in the mid 70's with a little breeze and absolutely a gorgeous day.  This must be the calm before the storm......


Dentist is done.  Blood work came back a bit off for what I wanted, so adjustments are in place.  All will be good to go in time.  Some plants have already gone to my Son and Daughter-in-law, farewell gifts to my Sis and a few others and I am progressing nicely with a project that needs completing before I leave.  Being that I am free of a time frame, I think I can safely say I am right on schedule.


In the past week I have had two days of absolute bliss when everything I wanted to accomplish simply fell into place.  I was focused, happy and energized.  I was actually multitasking, free of brain fog and and feeling very satisfied at the end of the day.  I love these days and look forward to many, many more.


Wishing everyone bliss days.

Believing The Meteorologist ?

I am being very accepting of the forecasters that predict the temperatures at night in the low to mid 40's and daytime temperatures by the weekend to be in the upper 70's to low 80's.  It was just last week the highs were in the mid 40's.  This means that I have moved my potted outside plants, that have been inside for way too many cold winter months, back outside on the front porch.  So now the front porch looks great and inviting for sitting, sipping a cool lemonade while listening to the various wind chimes and watching the trees swaying gently in the breeze.  My hope is that the predictions hold so I won't go out one morning to find everything stiff from being frozen to death.

Now the inside of my home feels very empty and almost stark.  When I brought the plants in last fall it felt so crowded as I put them in every room in the house.  I apparently became used to all the plants being around.  It made it a bit more difficult to clean though I obviously felt comfortable with them all around me.  It feels so different without them I am almost tempted to bring them back inside.    However they do so much better outside when the weather is mild enough.  It is always just a constant adjustment.  I feel this is good as I am about to be in for a lot of adjustments.  Everything will be very different and continually changing.

RV sightings continue as well as trips to the RV lots.  Getting closer to determining that right unit.  I learn something new almost every day I am searching.  I could be a walking (or driving) book of knowledge on RV's by the time I take off on my adventure.  Probably a good thing.  Thanks again to all of you who now are seeing RV's everywhere and reporting them back to me for checking out.    Someone actually chased after one to get the make.  Love it!

Getting myself checked out before I leave as well.  Blood work, dentist and occasional trips to the chiropractor.  Kind of similar to a lube and oil change every so many miles for the car.  So far I am free of needing a complete overhaul or any major parts replaced.  Very grateful for that.

Thanks to my Sis for suggesting the phone/computer tether connection.  Thanks to my Son and Daughter-In-Law for figuring it out and getting me ready to do the switch when it is time.  It is truly amazing how many things I am learning about so many different things right now.  And to think there is so much more to learn.  Wow!

Overloaded, distracted, unable to multitask and simple brain fog occur almost daily now.  Oh well, there is always tomorrow.  I think.....

Enjoy your day!

Amazing People/Friends

It is so great to receive calls from friends with rv sightings and sharing models and descriptions.  Some have even called me from their cell phones in the rain as they checked out the motor home.  Others have gone on the internet and researched various makes and models.  Pretty amazing.  Thanks to everyone on the look out for that special vehicle.   It is similar to when you are going to buy a new car.  You begin to notice different makes and models that appeal to you.  Whereas before you you barely paid attention to them.  Because of my search my friends are noticing rv's now too. One of these days it will show up and we can all celebrate.



The weather seems to have settled down for now.  Yesterday the high was only 44 degrees.  We had three days of lower temperatures with rain, hail, wind, lightning, thunder, sunshine and then it would do it all again.  There was even a tornado that touched down.   And of course snow in the mountains.  The roads are clear and I'm certain the ski and snow boarders are loving the fresh powder.    The fruit trees seem to have weathered the storms.  Now some warm weather so the bees can do their thing and we should be good to go.  May get to hang sheets out tomorrow.  Yes!

It is amazing how many things one person can acquire.  Paring down is a fun process.  Memories of the givers and events of how things were acquired bring smiles, laughs and sweet feelings.  Sharing them with others is great.  Everything will have a home by the time I am ready to leave.  I used to carry a purse and found I could get a lot of things in it that I was sure I would need.  I have since changed to a fanny pack.  I am forced to only put in it what I absolutely need.  It is amazing how much these little packs hold.  I would hate to admit how much mine weighs.  So, this all seems to be the same process.  Reduce.






Enjoy your day!

Figured the picture thing out.

I can add pictures when I publish from my phone.   Didn't work so well from my computer.   Baby steps!

The Other Picture

Cayucos, California

Pictures

Morro Rock at Morro Bay, California

The rock is 576 feet high



The next picture is the beach in Cayucos, California

Transition!

So many people I am in contact with are in some sort of transition.  Many of them are health related whether it is diet, diagnosed illness, preparing for death or assisting in bringing in new life.  Others are making major changes with housing, family connections or career changes.  I am able to witness how each is doing their best to deal with what is happening in their lives.  I am amazed at the strength, persistence and determination that comes into play for them.  And I am grateful to be a small part of each persons life, which offers me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow myself.  My practice has blessed me in so many ways and I feel this a great part of what has prompted the adventure I am about to take.  There are times I wish I could take all of you with me.  So the good part is, I will, in my heart.


Sometimes during sessions there has been crying,, laughing, silence and jabbering.  All of it has had a purpose and meaning which is usually lost at the time though becomes clear upon reflection.  I am doing some reflecting now and I am certain this will be major while on my trip.  I am watching as some of you are venturing out to find another therapist who will take you on a new adventure.  One of you (redroni) is kicking and screaming about my leaving.  I love it all.  I find myself smiling a lot because of all of you who have been in my life in so many wonderful ways.  So, take the leap and have fun.  I will.  


Though not until I find the wheels.  Still looking.

$1 Check From The US Treasury

OK, so you know from my earlier blog that I finished my taxes and sent monies owed in March.  I already had a sum of money they held as credits towards this years (2011) taxes. What I sent them would have brought my balance with the IRS to zero.  A few days ago I received a check from the United States Treasury in the amount of $1.00.  I'm thinking why?  The next day I received a form letter stating:


 "We changed your 2011 form 1040 to match our record of your estimated tax payments, credits applied from another tax year, and/or payments received with an extension to file.  As a result, you are due a refund of $1.00."


I wonder what this $1.00 check cost to produce?  I'm sure some computer time, printing, paper folding, two envelopes (because the check and explanation were sent separately), maybe someone overseeing the entire process and postage.  Oh, I forgot, they don't pay postage.  Seriously?  It amazes me how quickly this was accomplished.  Do other things in the government get handled this fast and efficiently?  I think not.


Maybe they could have just held it as a tax credit to be applied to my 2012 taxes.  Apparently that would have been way to simple and inexpensive.  Just so you know, I dashed to the bank and cashed it before they changed their mind.  Should I have been paid interest?  If they change their mind again will I owe a penalty?  It was probably a very expensive piece of paper and I should have framed it for prosperity.  But it also might have thrown off the US budget.  Heaven forbid.  Amazing.....

Frost on the Pumpkins?

April 5th and at 7:30 am there was still ice on my car windshield, I could see my breath and frost on the roofs.  The peach tree blossoms are fading and the apple trees are just now starting to leaf and bloom.  It will be interesting to see how all the fruit trees fare with this very unusual winter / spring.  I'm unclear as to what season we are truly in at the moment.


Seeing lots of robins and our huge resident hawk is looking for breakfast.  This past storm dumped a good amount of water and now the clouds have moved off to the east and are hanging out over the Sierra.  I love mornings.  Feels as though everything is fresh and awake.  Can't always say that for myself.  At the moment, it is true.


I want to thank Kathy and her "girls" for the wonderful fresh eggs.  This is something I will truly miss.  Maybe they can be shipped!  Hummm.  The big question would be where.


Thanks to Kristina for connecting me to an RV rep.  Going for a tutorial soon.  The right vehicle is going to show up one of these days.  I have a few more projects to complete before I venture out in our country so I'm fine with how things are progressing.


This is an excited day.  A day when it feels as though everything is perfect in the Universe.  Love these days.  There are those other days too.  For now, awesome.


Congratulations to Schylar on all of his recent accomplishments.  And to Jen for being accepted into the vet school in London.  Yay!  I get to go to London someday.


The hawk is continuing to look for breakfast though has changed his positioning.  The robins and all the other variety of local birds are singing.  


Have a happy day!

Just When I Think It Is Safe...

My poor potted outside plants that have been inside all winter are begging to get outside again.  While I can occasionally hang sheets outside to dry during the day, the temperatures will end up in the 30's at night so the plants need to stay inside a bit longer.

The time at the coast was wonderful.  Mostly sunny with awesome clouds.  This picture was taken in Cayucos during a morning walk.



Later in the afternoon while driving to Morro Bay, I had to stop and capture Morro Rock.  Within 15 minutes it rained, no poured for about a half of an hour.




It was funny that all the people out shopping and sight seeing simply disappeared.  Maybe they thought they would melt or shrink.  I should be so lucky.  Had to laugh.  I had all the stores and the restaurant where I ate all to myself.  Very nice.