Success!

We completed the main projects before Labor Day and successfully camped at two different state parks for a total of nine nights. The first two nights were incredibly hot and humid, but the second outing was absolutely wonderful. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and are excited for our next trip.

I'm getting used to driving a large vehicle and figuring out the systems. I had a slight problem with the awning on the first trip, but no one was hurt and Mr. Q was able to fix it. I successfully dumped the waste tanks by myself (which involved packing up the RV, driving it to the dump station and then driving back, re-parking/leveling and setting up the awning again). The generator is leaking oil and the house battery needs replacing, but neither problem will stop us from doing a bit more exploring this fall. I think I'm ready to leave the state on a solo trip with the kids!

Slow Progress

The RV (or as my youngest says arrrveee) came home to live with us last August. We started the renovations only to find that there was more water damage than we anticipated. The rig spent a month being repaired by professionals. By the time it came back to us in November, it was getting cold and the holidays were fast approaching. Then came one of the snowiest winters on record. The poor RV sat and sat.

We resumed work this spring, but then yard work, gardening and life slowed us down. We were busy with ninja classes and a broken arm. We've got reservations to camp in September, so that's our deadline. Since late July, we've made a big push to get the renovations finished.

Mr. Q has done the bulk of the work; I will have a lot of painting and sewing to do in a few more days. So far, he's:

• removed all of the over-cab storage and replaced it with a queen bed platform
• removed the damaged wall sections and replaced them with beadboard (which I painted)
• added new trim
• replaced the carpet in the main part of the RV with vinyl flooring planks
• removed the microwave and starting building shelving in the empty cabinet
• re-installed the dinette and couch

Next on the list is building a railing system to keep the kids from falling out of the queen bunk area and finishing the former microwave cabinet which will be our primary food-storage area. We need to buy a new mattress for the bedroom, build a little bunk for our toddler, make a towel rack, make curtains and figure out bedding for everyone.

Oh, and we need to learn how to use all the systems, buy a new chassis battery and get it inspected.
 

Dream a Little Dream

This blog disappeared for three years.

A new son joined our family, my oldest graduated from high school and started college, we got a dog...all those things, while wonderful in their own right, complicated life, making travel more difficult than ever. I was restless, but usually too tired and too busy to dwell on hitting the road.

This spring, the kids and I went on a fairly spontaneous trip to Mt. Washington. They handled the surprise well and were even bitten by the travel bug. So while I had nearly given up on my dream of owning a recreational vehicle, their excitement about traveling got me thinking again. Just last week, my wanderlust roared to life when I saw a Class C for sale in our neighborhood. The kids approved. Mr. Q agreed to check it out. Today, we put down a deposit and signed a purchase agreement. We are already approved for a small loan and should be able to have the rig in our dooryard by Friday!

My current plan is to travel with the kids (and maybe the dog) as much as possible while Mr. Q holds down the fort at home. Occasionally, he'll come with us. My mind is about to explode with possibilities, renovation ideas for the RV and practical concerns (like the budget and learning to drive a 29' long behemoth!). I'm trying to breathe deeply, think peaceful thoughts and take one step at a time.

Fortunes Rocks Beach

On Sunday, I took a little road trip to Maine to buy a used snow blower. A solo road trip wouldn't be complete without a little unplanned excursion. Thanks to the wonders of wifi squatting, I found my way Fortunes Rocks Beach near Biddeford Pool. It was a beautiful way to spend a few minutes on the first day of spring!







I've been struggling with recent world events, including the earthquake in Japan and the bombing of Libya. The soothing sounds of the rolling Atlantic were just what I needed to help wash away the fear.

Pack Monadnock

Yesterday, we went for a short hike at Pack Monadnock in Temple, New Hampshire.

Resting

Summer Escape

Earlier this month, I escaped the humidity of New England and spent four nights in Las Vegas. I timed my trip to surprise a dear friend for her 40th birthday. She was speechless! I enjoyed two nights camping in the Spring Mountains and two nights in a hotel in Henderson. Driving a Smart Car was a fun treat, too.

Nothing Better

Friday Favorites

---Evening Light at the Shore---


---Buzzing Bees in Our Yard---


---Sea Peas---

Itching to Go

Lately, I have the itch to hop in the van and go exploring. I dream about packing few clothes for the kids and wandering around for a few days; stopping wherever seems interesting to sleep and eat. It's not really possible right now, due to a variety of appointments, finances, the cat, two rats and our fish.

I've been researching RVs online and still don't know what will suit us best. I briefly looked at a used Gulf Stream Endura that was in near-perfect condition. It was out of our price range, but gave me a lot to think about. Baby steps, baby steps.

Mr. Q has to travel for work for at least two weeks in July. I'm excited for him, as he'll be contributing to an important project doing something that he enjoys. I can't help but feel a bit jealous!

The Song Remembers When

This afternoon, I heard one of my favorites songs: Black by Pearl Jam. As I sang along, a perfect memory flashed in my mind.

It was the summer of 1996 and Mr. Q and I were driving by Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park, singing along to a mix tape in his Daytona. He was back from two semesters abroad and ready to start senior year. I was a few weeks short of 21 and he bought me wine coolers. We had dinner with friends and then watched our first sunset together from Cadillac Mountain. We were "just friends", but I still think of that day as one of our first dates.

Bliss.

Delicious Day

Today was one of those unexpected, amazing days full of sunshine, blue sky, happy children and springtime blossoms!

Life Isn't Simple

"The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn't simple." ~Doris Janzen Longacre

Beach Day!

The six of us went to the beach in Salisbury, Massachusetts on Friday for the first time this year. It was warm, but very windy.

Freedom to Fly

Everyone once in a while, I learn something new about myself. Often times, it is with the help of the amazing man that I call Mr. Q. Last weekend, I was struck by a life-altering jolt thanks to an idea of his.

It's no secret that I've found life as a homeowner overwhelming. For the past year, I've felt trapped by our commitment to this house. For years, I was able to test my wings a bit more each time that we moved. When we returned to New England, I felt my wings were being clipped. Mr. Q helped me to see that feeling like I was forced into this situation was a major factor in my finding it so oppressive. After all, he said, it's happened before. Why is it that what was glaringly obvious to him completely baffled me?

A short while later, he said something about me hitting the road with the kids in an RV. My brain was spinning so fast at that point that I'm not sure exactly what he said, but I suddenly felt more alive than I had in a long time. Traveling in an RV is something we'd both love to do and he's willing to find a way to make it work, even if that means me going without him. He's giving me the freedom to fly and even nudging me out of the nest!

In the week since our discussion, he's continued to be supportive of the idea. Things are fairly nebulous right now. There are an infinite number of details to work out and we have to make some significant financial changes to buy a rig, but I'm confident that we're at the beginning of a new amazing journey. I hope that giving in to the wanderlust for a few more years will eventually soothe my desire to travel. In the meantime, I think it will give the younger kids an amazing childhood!

Tumbling Tumbleweed

I finally figured something out :)

Simple Saturday

sunshine - red tulips - laundry - open windows
laundry - vacuumed cars - chocolate eggs - leftovers - taxes
fresh bedding - laundry - clean kids - holiday preparations

Season of Promise

Happy Spring!

One Year, One Day

It's been 366 days since we moved into our "new" house in New Hampshire. We were welcomed home by a snowstorm. Apparently, Mother Nature decided that we needed to celebrate our first anniversary with a snowstorm, as well. Last year, we got 14 inches. Thankfully, we only had 7 inches to shovel this afternoon.

Snapshots from Vacation

There are a few more photos here.