Ketchup Time …. Get it?

Everybody who knows me will probably agree that when I write a letter or tell a story, I like to give all the details.  However, in order to “ketchup” this blog and get the guilt feelings off my back, I’m going to do a pretty good job of condensing the facts (and still catching you up)!

As planned, we left Southwoods Resort on October 19^th and headed for a few days of relaxation, sight-seeing, and Costco shopping in Pennsylvania.  We were also waiting for Wednesday the 22^nd … the first available date that we could have the Hydro-Hot fixed in Ohio.  What we didn't count on was two days of constant rain.  That, mixed with chilly temperatures, no hot water, and our RV reduced to the size of a single with all slides in because of our leaks, just pushed my toleration level over the top so I texted our salesman (see previous post) from our “buying and then getting out of the deal from Hershey on the 2015 Thor” and asked him to please start looking for another RV for us…not quite as new, not quite as expensive.

He was working a show out in California at the fairgrounds (in LA) and had a brand-new 2013 Thor Tuscany 42RQ model for us to consider.  After checking out the pictures and finagling back and forth on the price, we bought an RV … this time sight unseen!!  I know, we’re nuts.  (Well, he texted us pictures of it!)

We cancelled the Hydro Hot appointment, left Mercer, PA on Wednesday, October 22^nd, arrived in NM on Saturday, October 25^th, dropped off the car and extra stuff and picked up some Beaver items we had left, and took off for CA. We spent the night in a Walmart in Winslow, AZ (yea Eagles) and in CA camped at a KOA campground at the Los Angeles fairgrounds.  It was just minutes away from Giant RV where our new “second” home lived.  The next day we walked into the dealership, signed our lives away, and spent the rest of the day absorbing every word that our Orientation Specialist Jason uttered as he took us on an extensive tour of “our” RV.  That night, locked in their parking lot, we transferred our belongings from the Beaver to the new RV.  In the morning, we finished transferring our belongings, got fueled up (on their dime J ), and were chauffeured out of the state to the AZ border where we were able to take possession.  (Because the dealership charged us NM tax, Bruce couldn't drive it in CA; that’s why the exchange at the border.)

Since it was getting late, and Bruce had never driven it, we decided to take the first RV campground we could find, which ended up right across the interstate.  We spent two nights there, getting familiar with the vehicle and its many buttons, knobs, etc., enjoying the dry, warm weather.

We started for NM on Friday, October 31^st.  Unfortunately on our climb up route 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, the “Check engine light” came on several times, the Cruise Control wouldn't work, nor would the back-up camera or the windshield wipers.  BIG SAD FACE.

Because our home was still rented out (until the 1^st of November), we camped at the Stagecoach RV park in Bernalillo on the outskirts of Albuquerque.  We continued to check out our new second home (learning how to use the washer and dryer, the 4 TV’s, the radio, etc.) and even entertained … having family for dessert on the 2^nd and friends on the 5^th.  (I was lucky; they all provided the meal for us.)  On the 6^th Bruce took the RV to Camping World to get some of the issues looked at, and Zoey and I came “home” to Jubilee. 

“Life at home” began again.  Doctor and dentists, haircuts, dog grooming, Happy Hour at the Villa on Friday night, Medicare sign up, bill paying, laundry, ironing, unpacking RV but not totally putting away because it will need to be repacked, trips to NM Dept. of Motor Vehicles, trips to Freightliner for chassis repair, calls to Thor about warranties, trips to Camping World to get little issues taken care of, Thanksgiving, holiday cards, sorting all the stuff we threw in the garage last May when we discovered we were getting a renter, getting a big donation ready for Goodwill, taking pictures of other possessions and putting on Craig’s List to try and sell (and only selling two items!!), having our Jetpack (internet service through Verizon) compromised somehow and our Gigs used up well over the monthly limit, calls to Verizon, etc., etc., etc.  You know ….. Life!  I haven’t read a book since I got home!!

We are trying to be proactive and make plans for the next few months but it’s hard to do when you have too many things not in your control.  I want to get out on the road again and need to learn how to be ready on a moment’s notice.  We do have one trip planned in January; going to Death Valley to meet friends for 5 days.  Since we will be in CA, the plan is to see Julie and family too. I’m trying to get organized here what with scanning more paperwork into the computer, getting our taxes ready for next year, etc.  And when we leave, our house has to be ready for a renter because we never know when we might get one.

So, that’s where we are now.  Oh, except for one little thing.  Poor Bruce!  He had a “little” accident this week with the RV as he was leaving the secure, gated site where we keep it to take it up to Albuquerque to Camping World.  He and the fence tangled, and unfortunately, the fence won.  Now we need to get an estimate and get the damage fixed before we do anything.  I know you all share his pain.  (And many of us have done the same thing with a new car, new boat or new anything!)

I’ll end with a bunch of pictures 'cuz they make a story come to life.  My goal will be to continue this blog whether we are on the road or not.  It’s kind of like a diary for me … not to keep to myself but to share.  I find it a good way to keep in touch; read what you want, how much you want, when you want, or don't read it at all.  I won't know so my feelings won't be hurt.  I hope you will consider keeping in touch with us, too.  I can teach you how to blog!

This was my last campfire .. October 18th

Our selfie

My maiden name was Wegman but I am no relation to the folks who own this amazing Grocery Store chain.  It has grown since we lived in the area.  I found it ironic that we were following this truck on our way out of New York!

Because we were on a mission, NO stops were allowed on the way back east.  So, once again, we darted across the country in 3 days ... not seeing a thing.  Okay, I take that back.  I saw Budweiser stadium and the arch over St. Louis.

Sunset in Texas

Big blue sky; warm sunshine.  Good to be "home" even if just for one day!

Yikes!!  LA traffic.  Bruce is such a good driver.  I don't know how he does it.  The only bad thing is that I can't get him to stop sometimes!

Zoey got groomed and since we turn our heat down at night, she needed a blankie to keep warm.  Thanks Mikayla!  This one you gave me years ago fits her perfectly and keeps her warm.  She has a doggie bed but prefers couches!!

 Everybody knows how much Bruce likes "projects."  He decided to attack the media center niche in our living room.  It wasn't big enough to hold the TV.  He's almost finished with it.  I'll post an "After" when he's done.

See that smile!  Now he's happy.

 

2013 Thor Tuscany 42 RQ

The cockpit
Both chairs swivel around and my passenger chair is a recliner.  There is a TV above our heads. 

This is a view from front to back.  The couch has a full or queen (can't remember which) air bed.  The two chairs can be reclined and pull out to watch the TV.  The area by the table will be where we store our computer and monitor.

I love the fireplace!  It has a fan so we have used it at night or in the morning to take the chill off.

Microwave/convection oven, full-sized refrigerator, three range stove, double sink and even a dishwasher!

  

The powder room.  It's "behind" the TV/fireplace combo and opposite the refrigerator.  Yes, you can get into it while driving.

King bed and lots of deep storage plus storage under the bed.  Windows are on the sides, not over the bed ... I like that.

When the two slides are in, the end of the bed fits over the bottom set of drawers.  TV # 3.  The fourth TV is on the outside.  Lots of storage.

Main bathroom.  Washer and separate dryer are in the cabinet to the right of the toilet.

This is the floor plan.  Can't wait to get out on the road again!!!