#21 Changes..

It's been pretty interesting, this lifestyle change.  I haven't written in awhile because we've just been so busy...

We made some major decisions over the last couple of months, the most important of which is the purchase of a new fifth wheel.  Yes we did.  I know it's crazy but it makes sense for us.  After a lot..and I mean a lot...of soul searching and research we decided we needed a toy hauler.  But which one? And are we sure?

First I guess would be why?  The Montana is beautiful with loads of storage, a bath and a half, and all the comforts of a small apartment.  But what is it lacking?  Nothing much, but what it doesn't have is very important to our lifestyle and our sanity lol.

First and foremost, there was no where to go in inclement weather to have some privacy.  If I wanted to read but he wanted to watch tv one of us had to give up.  The bedroom just wasn't comfortable to read or watch tv.  Outside was out of the question in extreme heat, cold or wind.  Even though we enjoy spending time together, there is such a thing as too much togetherness.

If I needed to work on taxes or anything, the only place was the dining table.  Which meant I had to put everything away for meals.  Pain in the butt.  I needed to use the sewing machine to fix something. Oh wait... it's in storage because there is no where to put it.

Another issue was whenever I did laundry, the washer drained into the black tank meaning we had to dump it every time.  That, too, was a pain in the butt and costly.  Every time you dump it you have to add chemicals.   So I didn't do laundry but one day a week.  And while I love having my own washer/dryer, that meant all day sitting and waiting since each load takes about an hour and a half.

LJ hated the on demand water heater.  It took several minutes to get the water hot.  Again, pain in the butt.  I hated the water never got hot enough to actually use the bathtub.

Don't get me wrong.  The Montana was a great trailer in so many ways.  We learned a lot about our personal wants and needs.  And when we added the final negative of having to pull an extra trailer to get his atv places, the decision was made.  I think it was him realizing that we would have to maintain a storage unit for the atv that wasn't used but 4 months out of the year...that we would have to travel back to Reno if we wanted to venture outside our selected states to store the atv, blah blah blah.  So we set off to find the right toy hauler

We had numerous conversations about what we wanted and agonized over whether or not this was the right move.  After all, we had only had the Montana a year.  But off we went to look at every freakin' toy hauler on the market.

We looked at low end, high end, custom.  We must have walked through hundreds of toy haulers, all brands and makes.  We decided low end wasn't the kind we wanted to live in.  Super high end really was just money, not necessarily better.  So we finally settled on "luxury" toy haulers, if there is such a thing.  After all, nothing was going to be as nice as the Montana as far as the living area goes.

We finally decided on one Road Warrior floor plan, two Fuzion floor plans, one Raptor floor plan and two Momentum floor plans.  They all looked good on paper and in photos.  Fortunately we were I Arizona where there are a million RV dealers and all could be seen in person.

After physically walking through the Road Warrior and the Raptor,  neither of us was impressed with the fit and finish.  Neither "felt" good.  They were lacking in so many things that you don't realize until you are in it.  We were surprised and just how "not nice" they were.

After eliminating them, we settled on sticking to the Fuzion or Momentum.  We had been very close to buying a Momentum before we bought the Montana.  I absolutely loved the kitchen and living area in one of the Fuzions.  The counter space and kitchen storage was incredible.  I thought I had found the one.  But then we went and spent about two hours just sitting in it.  The bedroom was claustrophobic.  Only one of us could be in there at a time.  Plus every time you walked to the closet, you almost knocked the tv off the wall.  The longer I was in it, the more I hated it.  It had a large garage, but required the washer dryer be in the center against the living area wall, so in essence made the garage two feet shorter.  It didn't allow for a vented dryer with out drilling through the floor.    The underbelly storage was horrible.  So.. scratch that one off the list.  That's the beauty of not impulse buying.  We didn't make a mistake.  For virtually the same reasons we eliminated all the Fuzions.

So..back and forth through two Momentum plans.  Oh wait...did we see this one.  Make it three floor plans.  But wait, there's more.  Make it four.  Finally, after weeks of research and looking, we settled on the Grand Design Momentum 397.  It checked off all the what we want boxes and really didn't have any of the negatives we had been finding.  It was one of the few where the washer/dryer was in the bedroom closet so I could keep my vented unit.

LJs fav billboard on the way to Las Vegas from AZ lol

Now it was finding one at the right price.  So I sent out inquiries to local (AZ) dealers and dealers across the western US.  We were ready to buy from whoever came up with the best price for the Montana and the best price for the new unit.  After A LOT of back and forth, pitting dealer against dealer, the best all around offer came from Blue Dog RV in Las Vegas.  So, off we went to see their unit in person.  Just a short 5 hour drive from Goodyear AZ.  Did it in a day.  Saw the unit.  A couple things needed to be fixed which is not unusual.  Made a list...did the paperwork and we were the new owners of a 2018 GD Momentum.  We really didn't get hurt too bad on the Montana trade in.  Still an expensive mistake, but I've already been able to put the money back in the bank so it's all good.

We had a week before we switched trailers.  LJ went to Home Depot and bought 11 crates.  We emptied out 90% of the Montana and put the crates at Bruce's house.  That took about three days.  It's amazing how much crap you collect in nine months.  If there was a space in a cabinet, I put something in it, lol.  Then we were off to LV to get the new one.

They were going to transfer our satellite and our washer/dryer from the Montana to the Momentum.  That was going to take at least a day and a half.  So we spent the night in the Montana at the Sam's Town KOA in Las Vegas.  We spent two nights at the Rio, Las Vegas, because they are one of the few dog friendly hotels in town.  While there we hooked up with some Reno friends who were staying at another RV park.  That was nice!

Once the trailer was ready, we spent two hours moving the remainder of stuff from the Montana to the Momentum.  Nice thing about a garage is you can just throw everything into it lol.  Put it away later.   Funny thing is, not once, have we regretted making the change.  I know we regretted not buying it in the first place because we always talked about it.  Like I said, lesson learned. We did not apply enough weight to the separation of space, usefulness of the garage and other things when we bought the Montana.  Been in the Momentum now 6 weeks and I love it...so does LJ.

Rain sucks Mom
I look stupid.

Traveling from Arizona back to Reno was a breeze.  ATV inside...no extra trailer.  We had to stop at the RV dealer in Las Vegas on the way.  Had a water leak they needed to fix, and they did.  But we had to leave it over night, so one more night at the Rio.  Damn dogs, lol.  But it was good and we made it to Reno just in time for rain, cold and wind.  I'm thinking we left AZ a bit too soon lol.

I have discovered this trailer has every bit of the storage the Montana had, just different.  While the Master Bath is not as big, the shower is.  I don't live in the bathroom, so in retrospect, while nice, the large bathroom in the Montana...well it was wasted space.  The Montana had a lot of closet space but it was spread out into several closets.  The Momentum has one very large closet with, and we measured, the exact same amount of hanging space.  PLUS it has all kinds of cubby hole storage for shoes, Levis, crap, behind the hanging clothes.

There is hanging space over the washer.. something I didn't have before.  Perfect for hanging things straight out of the dryer.  There's actually more counter space in the kitchen in the new trailer.  I like the pantry better.  The other one was deep, this one wide so things aren't hiding behind things lol.  The secondary bath is smaller, but functional.  It is actually a full bath, but I think the shower is only big enough for a munchkin.  The underbelly storage is just a large as the Montana had.  The garage has two queen beds that lift to the ceiling when not in use, or turn into opposing couches.  The ramp is already designed to be a patio, with sliding screen doors, when parked in a spot that will accommodate it.

This 2018 has a lot of feature the 2017 did not have (that we almost bought).  So, I guess you can say the silver lining in all of this is by waiting we got the right one.  Neither of us, has once said we are sorry we made the change.  Change is good.  Like now.. here I am in the garage writing and watching my tv show.  He's ten feet away watching his Nascar race.  I can see him through the glass door but don't have to listen lol.  The other day I had our taxes spread out on the tables in the garage.  Didn't have to pick anything up until I was done.

And best of all... should one of the kids decide to come visit us on our travels, we have a bed for them!  And a private toilet, lol.  When we go to Idaho this July, we don't have to come back to Reno to drop off the ATV.  We can just keep going!  Scooter loves it.  I love it.  Happy and content once again.

And change of subject:

The Rio Las Vegas has a floor that is all dogs.  They give you little dog dishes and treats and poop bags to keep.  Dog can't be on the casino floor so no gambling for him lol.  Expensive, but at least we can stay with Scooter!  He apparently had never stayed in a hotel before.  Wasn't quite sure what to do.  Smelled everything, then spent most of his time on the couch in his little bed.  LJ didn't mind taking him out to pee because, as he put it, the little guy is quite the chick magnet.  He was constantly stopped so women could "pet the dog".  Whatever....lol.   The second time we stayed at the Rio, Scooter wasn't nearly as nervous or curious.  He was an experienced hotel stayer now.

The KOA at Sam's Town is ok.  The sites are buddy sites, but with a divider in between...weird.  But
they are long and it's next to the casino where there is food, gambling, a bowling alley and movie theater.  Wally World is across the street.  I'd stay there again.





We have decided to maybe go three years instead of two.  After all, we are already almost one year done and still have a lot to do.  We rather like being able to move from one place to another, even if we do stay put for months.  It's nice having the option.  Especially now, with this new trailer.  Not only has it made our travels easier, but more enjoyable.  Can't say I'm in any kind of hurry to settle down.

Now..I must get ready for my three day excursion to the Atlantis Resort in Reno...sans LJ and the dog.  Oh damn....😁




This is the floor plan of the new one... we have the super sofa...

Master bedroom

Master bath

Master Bedroom

Second bath..itsy bitsy but works!

kitchen

kitchen/living area You'll notice no carpet to get filthy!

kitchen/living area

kitchen

opposing couches with patio out.
couches make into a queen bed.
A second queen bed (not shown in this photo) is stored at the ceiling on ours.

#20 Not home for the holidays...

the extent of Christmas decorating lol

Well it's been awhile since I posted.  Thanksgiving, Christmas...busy times.  Or were they?  This is the first time in forever I have been no where near family during the holidays.  It's not like we always spend them together, but the opportunity is there if we choose.  Except when you are miles away.  So this year was different.  No house, so no decorating.  I missed it and I didn't miss it.  I like it when its up but not the putting up putting down lol.  There was no shopping for gifts since we wouldn't be seeing anyone.  Just checks in the mail.  Seemed rather impersonal but at least they can buy what they want.

This is also the first Christmas we have spent in super warm, summer like weather.  That was actually strange.  I find I miss the crisp autumn air and the beginning of winter.  Of course when I'm where it's cold I wish I was in the heat lol.  Guess there's no pleasing me.  We did spend each of the holidays with Bruce and Kathryn, so that was nice.  Dinner out on Thanksgiving; she cooked a fabulous meal for Christmas.  So, in the big scheme of things, it was nice.

I've adjusted to the RV life for the most part.  I get bored since I'm used to having my craft room.  Can't go shopping because where would I put stuff.  I did order a bunch of Tupperware and organized the pantry.  Everything in a container and the container labeled.  Yep, lots of time on my hands.





I bought a rocking chair for outside to relax in and a gravity chair for outside napping.  I decided to keep myself busy with 1000 piece puzzles so I have ordered a couple.  The weather is so perfect here, I'll do them outside.  I thought we would be doing more traveling, but we have been in the same place since October.  I was looking forward to going to Quartzite and Yuma with the old guy when he went on his ATV trips.  He just left for two weeks but I decided to stay behind.  Bruce and Kathryn just moved here and she doesn't know anyone, so I stayed here to spend time with her.  Next year when we come I'll go with the boys.

I am constantly looking at houses for sale in Sparks and down here.  Not that we want to buy yet, because we don't.  I just like to look.  After all, part of the adventure was to find where we are going to spend forever.  Currently my choice is buy in  Reno area, travel in the winter.  He likes here, travel in the summer.  Someday we will be on the same page hahahaha.  You do get more house here for the money, but I would have to have a pool or I'm sure I would die.  And we definitely could not be here in Summer, so we definitely would have to travel.  Reno puts us closer to Jeff and family plus we have friends I miss there, along with my gambling lol.  So I don't know.  I'm thinking some of the questions will be answered when we go back to Reno this spring.  We'll stay there until July, travel some, go back, go to Utah then come back here to Arizona.  That should give us a true idea of what we want to do.  By then our two year commitment will be ready for renewal or dismissal lol.

We both have talked about traveling more.  I think his side of the location argument holds up better since it's easier to travel in the summer.  Each time we talk about pulling up stakes and moving along from AZ, the winter weather keeps us here.  I don't know.  Research and talking to people has told us you also have those problems in the summer across the US...too humid..too buggy...too hot...geesh.  Do they not know that I am looking for Utopia? I'll be happy if we just travel the middle and the west.  East coast doesn't interest me in the least.  But while on this journey we need to go somewhere.  I have learned, despite what I originally thought, I don't like being in one place for months on end, at least not in an RV.

The other issue we have run into is medical.  LJ had a medical scare in December.

coincidence?  I think not lol

Not going to go into details, but at least he has Medicare with Humana as a supplemental.  Everything was covered, including a trip to Emergency.  Cost us next to nothing, including a minor surgery.  Plus, through Humana, his meds are always free.  The medical care here in Arizona is fantastic.  They have urgent care on every corner.. no seriously...every corner.  They have satellite emergency rooms that do everything except admit you to the hospital.  We had to visit one of those... five minutes from check-in to seeing a doctor.  I kid you not.  He had to make a couple of appointments with specialists... all covered and no wait to see the doctor.  Got him in within a week, even for just a normal appointment.  Impressive.  Fortunately all is well so we move forward.  I will say the availability of medical here as we get older is a check in the plus column for Arizona.


Me on the other hand...until I reach medicare age in 2 1/2 years, I must stay healthy.  Obamacare has driven out of Nevada allllllllll the major insurance companies.  I am only covered outside Nevada for emergencies.  That does not include colds, flu, etc.  Only a major accident or life threatening event.  Niiiiiiiiice.  And that was the better of the only two policies available for individuals!  I told LJ if I get super sick, drive me to Las Vegas as fast as he can lol.  If we lived here, I would have more choices for medical which would be nice.  But who knows what will happen to that debacle over the next couple of years.  Things could change.  Another plus for being mobile.

Scooter is doing well.  He has come so far with his barking at other dogs.  He walks on the leash like a good boy.  Rarely does he pull on it anymore.  We play a lot.  He likes to watch the world go by either out the window or laying in his outside bed.  I'm sure he misses his rabbit chasing and having a yard, but all in good time.  I try to take him everywhere I go so he has something to do.  He's adjusted pretty well.  I do plan on taking him to Pattys when we get back to Reno so he can run around with the other dogs in their yard.  It will be good for him.

I was asked if I was sorry I agreed to this RV time.  And as I think about it, I truly am not.  I can't say I don't miss our house because I do, but we will buy another one.  I miss the shopping, puttering in the yard, having space.  I don't miss the upkeep and costs involved.  So, in the meantime we do anything we want and go where we want.  There is something to this debt free, responsibility free life style.  So again, my answer is no.  I'm not sorry.  Time is actually going by fairly fast.  It will be interesting to see what our future holds.

So that's it....nothing too exciting.  Meeting new people as the RV park fills and empties.  Learning a lot about other areas of the country without leaving our spot lol.  Folks from all over the US, including Alaska.  Canada too.  Arizona is the hot spot for wintering.  And you get all kinds of folks who are snowbirds.  Some are a lot like us.  Some you just tilt you head and wonder how they get through life...others you wonder what criminal enterprise they are in to have that much money tied up in RVs hahahaha.  Like I said, nothing too exciting.  But it's our life and it's good.

My new chairs... rocking and sleeping lol












Where we going mom?

#19 A look back...a look forward

Things have really settled down now.  Starting to feel like the fun part of this journey is beginning.  I'm also starting to look back and put things in perspective.  I've read what I have written in the past.  I was pretty much going crazy during the process of moving lol.  But, I now know why.  Since this is a learning experience, let me elaborate:

Every time we have moved in the past, we just packed and went.  There was some purging, but for the most part everything went in a box and to the new place.  This time was different.  Everything had to go.  As a result there was the added stress of sorting through things..everything.  I had to choose wisely since we were only keeping limited items.  Some things were hard to part with; others not so much.  Adding to that aspect was the very short escrow and LJ not being around to help.  I had friends helping, but while appreciated, also added to the stress.  I felt the need to quickly sort, pack and eliminate.  In retrospect I kept things that should have gone and tossed things I wish I'd kept.  But some of that could just be donation remorse.  This was by far the hardest move we have ever done.  Now I have had time to reflect.  I almost wish we had saved nothing.  We are paying for a storage unit that holds things that really aren't that important in the big scheme of things.  I'd like to go through all that stuff when we get back to Reno in the spring.  Maybe now I can let it go.

Another thing adding to the high stress was Nevada Real Estate Law.  In California, when you sell a house, the buyer has 3 days to withdraw the contract, then it's binding.  In Nevada, the buyer can walk away up to the day of closing.  So here I was, emptying out the house of worldly belongings and furniture, all the time having that hanging over my head.  I realize now, that as the house emptied and it no longer looked like a home, I was worrying about the sale going through.  There was nothing the buyer had done to indicate she wouldn't follow through.  It was just knowing it was a possibility.

that was a nice $1500 win

Our friends have this beautiful home here.  We visit and I think about having a house.  But I'm
actually not ready yet.  I like the idea of being able to up and move when we want.  This first year it seems like we aren't really going many places.  Part of it is getting used to this lifestyle.  Part of it is winter is really not the time to travel.  I believe this summer we will move around a bit more.  In February we leave here for a couple weeks to go to Quartzite and Yuma....atv trip.  I know we will be in Reno from April -June to do taxes and allow me some gambling time. (I don't atv so it's my "me" time lol)  July we will be in Idaho to atv and just explore.  August is up in the air.
Middle of September we return to Utah...atv time....again.  
Middle of October we are back here in Arizona.  So at least we are moving around a little!


Since we didn't buy a toy hauler, our travel area is limited if we are pulling the atv.  In retrospect, as much as I love this home on wheels, maybe we should have considered that a bit more.  Larry has no problem pulling the extra trailer.  It tracks just fine and with the rear camera on the rv he can keep an eye on it.  He is perfectly legal in a few states, but unfortunately different state have different vehicle laws.  Legal here, not there.  It affects where we go.  So since we have the atv, we either leave it in Reno, travel and return to get it for the fall rides or we limit our travel area.

our home on wheels

I so love the storage and space this RV gives us.  It is so much nicer than a toy hauler.  But given LJ doesn't want to give up his atv that should have been thought out more.  We make it work, but it may not be the right thing in the long run.   It will be hard to give up the roominess of the living area, master bath.  The toy hauler when used to it's fullest potential allows for a separate family room and patio.  They do have half baths and decent kitchens, but a much smaller main living and master bath.  Nothing is perfect I guess.  Trade one thing for another.  Just have to decide, after some time of course, what the priorities are.  If it's live in comfort and limit the travel area when pulling the atv... stay with this one.  If it's being able to travel the entire US with the ATV, but not pulling the extra trailer, then we change to the toy hauler.  Priorities.

We have agreed to stay status quo for the two year commitment.  After all, we just bought it and we both enjoy living in it.  Should we decide to keep on with this lifestyle AND the atv, then we will probably need to sell and change types of trailers.  If the atv is no longer to be considered, then this trailer will be fine for years.

Another obstacle I have run in to is Medical. Of course, full timing in the RV really isn't the issue.  I discovered that any time I am out of Nevada, my health insurance only covers emergencies.  Nice.... That means if I need to see a doctor for a cold or flu, too bad.  Not covered.  When I went to get a policy for 2018 (Anthem blue shield left Nevada), I discovered that NO insurance had a policy that covers out of state thanks to the ACA.  And that included Anthem, even tho they are nationwide!  Crazy.  LJ on the other hand is fine because he is on medicare.  He is covered everywhere.  At least I have insurance should we get in an accident or I have a heart attack or something major.  Sometimes I think what's the point of paying that $900 a month... but then theres the mandate.  Thank you federal government.  At least our truck and RV are covered everywhere lol.  Not gonna let it be an issue.  I'll be 65 in 3 years.  I just need to stay healthy til then.

As far as living in the trailer, I rather like it.  The simplicity of it all is quite appealing.  We did have Satellite Tv put on the rig so we can have some semblance of normal life lol.  I like that now we can record shows for those days you just wanna sit in the chair and do nothing.  Plus we get all the news and movie channels so we can keep up what's going on in the world.  It's what we do at night when it starts to get a little cool.  Plus, to be perfectly honest, there's bugs at night.  yuck.. So I'd rather be inside.  We sprayed around the trailer and site so we don't have many, but those of you who know me know my dread of being around crickets.....and there are a lot of crickets here.  At night.  Ewwww.

As for our life so far.....Love it here in Arizona this time of year.  It's not too hot, but rather spring, early summer like.  Still shorts and t-shirt weather.  Pretty blue skies, slight breezes.  Makes being outside during the day relaxing and inviting.  Nights are nice, but again..crickets.  Ewwww.

It really isn't much different living in the trailer as opposed to a house.  Not as big, of course, but easy to take care of.  It is a stress free life style.  I have to admit LJ and I are together 24-7, 365.  It's not a lifestyle you should choose if you can't stand that much together time, lol.  We pretty much do everything we did when we had a house...except yard work, house work.  We go out, visit friends, shop, watch tv, walk the park, play cards and sometimes just sit and watch the world go by.  We have our "me" time when LJ goes to breakfast with Bruce or one of us simply goes outside while the other one stays inside.  Usually it's to watch tv.  I hate racing, he hates constantly watching the ID channel lol.  There is a tv outside so no one has to do without.

LJs lifestyle is the same as before.  He's replaced mowing lawns with the occasional dumping of holding tanks hahahaha.

Scooter seems to like it.  He no longer barks at everything that moves, except birds lol.  He has made a couple doggie friends.  He likes to be outside so he can keep an eye on everything.  I think he's outside more here that when we lived in the house...as are we.

I do miss my sewing room and being able to go to the casino when I want.  So I read and crochet.  I don't go shopping any more because there's nothing to buy and no place to put it.  We did have to replace our dining room chairs.  That was exciting, lol.  LJ was sitting in one and said "this seems a little wobbly, not real sturdy".  So let's wiggle our butt around in it a bit, I don't know, just to see what happens.  Crack.... oh that's what happens.  Oh and let's turn the other chair upside down without holding on to the open seat to see what happens.  Oh... it falls off and the screws come out.  Never a dull moment.  On the upside, we replaced the rickety crappy RV chairs with lovely new ones that should last for years.  And we found them at some little hole in the wall store and only paid $50 a piece for them!   I actually like them much better, so it was a good thing in the end.

So, all in all, I'm still glad we made this lifestyle choice.  It's nice continuing to watch the bank account grow.  It's nice to be debt free.  It's not perfect, but it's a good life.  I think the choice we made to stay put in one place was smart for the first year.  I also have changed my mind and think maybe we should travel a bit more in the future.  Places to go, things to see.  I originally liked just exchanging a house for an RV, but staying pretty much status quo.  I think I was wrong.  I find I get a little bored sometimes, but not enough to want to change the lifestyle...just maybe the scenery.

After reflecting on it....still the smartest decision we ever made.

old chairs on the left......                                                new chairs... much better

#18 Arizona Bound

10/15/17:  Off we go.  Left Richfield and headed for Arizona.  Our plans are to spend a few months in Goodyear (outside Phoenix), but to make the trip easy for LJ, we decided to make it a two day trip and spend the first night in Kingman.  My last trip to Kingman wasn't good, so I wasn't overly excited.  Might I suggest avoiding Jack in the Box, but I digress.  The drive was nice.  Pretty country.  It's funny how red the dirt is in Utah and how yellow it is in Arizona.  But the scenery is spectacular.  Varying landscapes made for a pleasant drive...well most of the way.

We took 15 South through Utah to Nevada.  I realllllly don't like Las Vegas.  Traffic is a nightmare even in the middle of the day.  Was happy when we were past it.  GPS took us around construction, but through a sketchy neighborhood.  Glad we were armed, but again happy to get the heck out of that area.  It's like driving through LA, but with a big ol trailer.  No fun.

Finally got to 93 and headed toward Kingman.  After leaving Las Vegas, the scenery got pretty again.

Got to the Kingman KOA, which is in the middle of a neighborhood.

Actually not too bad, but the sites are all dirt, no grass/gravel.  Not sure how it would be if it rained.







There are bushes separating the sites for "privacy".  The park has a western theme, with a playground, dog run (small and pea gravel) and mini golf course.  There are some cute cabins as well.  Cracker Barrel was just down the road, so I managed to survive lol.  We didn't use the laundry so no comment on that.  We just used water and electric since it was for only one night.  I don't know that I would recommend this place for long term, mainly because of all the dirt, but certainly fine for a few nights.

 It was fun, though, watching the golf cart guy try to put a big ol motorhome in the wrong slot.  And the motorhome guy apparently hasn't been driving long or doesn't understand the swing wide theory.  The only thing more fun than watching people park RVs is watching a boat launch.   He finally had to unhook the jeep to make the corner.

Next morning off to Goodyear.  Again, pleasant drive and pretty scenery most of the way.  Took 93 to the Loop 303, then south to Interstate 10.  Goodyear is west of Phoenix, pretty much where the 303 and 10 meet.







The RV park is not too far from the interstate, but far enough not to really hear it.  It's kind of plopped down in the middle of farm land.  I like it here. After a couple of weeks, I feel like it's easy to get anywhere.  Within a 10 mile radius is everything you need, including restaurants, malls, familiar stores.  As for the Destiny RV Park in Goodyear, AZ?  Yep...highly recommend it if ya wanna be a snowbird like us!  It's a really nice area.

The park itself is well kept with trees, dog run, pool and fitness center.  The one thing it doesn't have, oddly enough, is cable tv.  No idea why.  The sites are fairly large so you don't feel like the guy next to you is parked in your lap.  The site we have has a lime tree...can you say margaritas?  There are other fruit trees throughout.  The park says, eat the fruit, but only take what you need so others may have some.  That's kinda cool.   There was plenty of room for us to put the atv trailer so we didn't have to store it.

You see the maintenance people rolling around in their golf carts.  They are quite accommodating,
but strict with the rules.  They insist your sewer hose be off the ground.  No problem for us, but one guy got a notice and had to go buy the support.  They have lots of activities for the guests, should you want to participate.  I have no problem at all calling this place home for the next three months.  Might just do it every year.

It also helps that we have friends, Bruce and Katherine, just 3 miles away.  They had recommended this park since they stayed here while looking at houses.  A few weeks ago they purchased an absolutely gorgeous home with a stunning back yard (pool, spa, covered bbq/tv area) and huge RV parking in a gated community....for less than $500K!!.  Couldn't touch this place for less that $800-900k anywhere else.  We've gone to dinner and visited each other.  LJ and I enjoy spending time together, but it's also nice having someone you know nearby.  Plus, Bruce and Kath are a lot of fun to be around!  The four of us also had the chance to meet up with another friend who happened to be visiting family in Phoenix.  Small world!

Recently talked to friends back home (Reno) and it's getting cold there.  I just sit around in my tank top and shorts lol.  Scooter seems to like it.  He sits out in his pen and watches the world go by...and barks as it does lol.  He seems to have adjusted well.  All I see LJ do is relax...and relax...and relax.  I don't think in 38 years I've ever seen him so laid back.




I realllllllly like it down here, but realistically it gets hot hot hot.  Summers can get up to 115-120.  Just too dang hot.  It is the ideal winter place, though.  I still prefer the Reno area, but wouldn't have a problem living there in the spring and fall, coming here in the winter and traveling in the summer.  What an ideal life that would be!  As each day goes by, I see the advantages to living in the RV.  It allows you to do just that.  Live here, there and everywhere.  No strings.

It's been over three months already and I still enjoy living in the RV.  I have to admit, when I saw Bruce and Kath's house I wanted it, hahaha.  They have my dream back yard and a beautiful home I would love to decorate.  I wistfully dreamed about it.  Then I decided to clean the RV.   Took 10 minutes to get it done and suddenly I was over owning a house for now.  I've always loved having a pool and have missed it while living in Reno. There's a pool here, though,  that I don't have to maintain or clean lol.  But no tan lines is out of the question in a public pool, hahaha.  I will admit I did look to see what houses are for sale around here, but only for research purposes.  There are some real bargains.  But, LJ and I committed to two years.  I've learned that living this lifestyle...Well, it's all in your mindset.  I will enjoy our friends' homes.  They can pay the upkeep hahahaha.

I have figured out how to cook in the RV effectively without getting grease everywhere... do it outside lol.  LJ has set up his BBQ and outdoor kitchen, so we are having more meals at home.  With just the two of us though, and relatively few expenses, eating out is always an option.😂

It's nice having money in the bank and it growing every month.  Every time I start thinking about living in a house, all the costs and responsibilities that go with it pop into my head.  Plus, talking to our friend Patty in Reno, bless her, she's having plumbing problems in their house.  The cement foundation has been dug up and their house is just a mess.  I really feel for her but appreciate our lack of home ownership even more.  I'm sure after a couple years I'll be ready, but not now.  Too much to gain by being vagabonds.

I have all the comforts of home.  Our RV is perfectly fine.  We are getting satellite tv installed in a couple weeks to broaden our tv viewing.  We have managed to not concern ourselves with it though.  It's just nice to have options and the ability to record something while we are out and about.  I have mastered the combo washer/dryer.  It doesn't take nearly as long to do a load like the reviews said.  I just do one or two every few days.  I love the convenience of not having to drag the laundry someplace.   The key is follow the manufacturer's advice!  Powdered soap (very little), liquid fab softener (very little) and don't over stuff or over dry!  I add a little oxy-clean to keep the white's white and take the hanging stuff out while still a teeny bit damp.  Have had no issues and it's funny, but I don't mind doing laundry at all!  I hated it when we had a house lol.

Neither of us really gets bored it seems.  We talk to people in the park, read, watch a little tv, play on the iPad, visit friends and explore.  It's really not any different than when we lived in the house...just less responsibilities.  So, so far, so good. No intention of giving up the life any time soon!

Cool License Plate ...thank you AZ

In a local restaurant...The Haymaker in Goodyear