How many times in our lives do we "start over" ? I believe it's many.
Change can be tough, but, I think it keeps us from becoming stagnant and lazy. Change throws things in front of us that keep our bodies and minds active and creative. Change is our friend.
We happen to be starting over, again. New jobs, new area, new expectations and challenges.
Last evening, we drove into YNP. It's 14 miles from West Yellowstone to the first intersection at Madison Campground. Snow covers much of the ground but the meadows that flank both sides of the Madison River are beginning to emerge with patches of green. We observe small groups of shaggy elk trying to graze on the limited grasses. They don't seem to be bothered that we are there, clicking our cameras, in the hope of catching that perfect photo.
Farther down the river is a herd of several Bison, still in their winter coats. They, too, are pushing clumps of snow around to feed on the new shoots underneath. Looking closer we can see small reddish colored forms laying in 'rubs'. Baby calves ! The locals call them "red dogs".
Geese float, in pairs, down the swollen river. Behind them are eight fluffy little yellow goslings paddling in single file.
It is somehow comforting to know we are not the only ones "starting over". Watching this entire area un-fold and break free of winter's hold shows how everything around us has their own expectations and challenges.
We are so fortunate to be a part of all this. Our dream of living a more simplified lifestyle, connecting with the outdoors and being in an area we love has been realized !
Change can be amazing........and "Life is Good" !!! :))
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
"Friends"
Most of our "Details" are now worked out and we are able to sit with the morning sun, warm on our faces and reflect on the things and people that got us here. We have talked about traveling in our Motorhome for so many years but it was always, someday, in the future. Many of our friends were inspired by our idea's and stories and decided it was a great life-style, so they bought a rig and off they went...living our dream!
Today, we find ourselves "here" . We looked at each other and at the same time said, "Well, what do we do now?!" Laughing, the obvious answer was...Whatever we want ! This really is the start of a new adventure!
Norm got his camera out and we downloaded some pictures of friends we left behind in Lk Pleasant RV Park in Bothell. Having lived there for nearly 14 years we got to know a few of the full-timer's pretty well. The managers, Jeff & Sandy, & the assist. manager's Ron & Bonita are second to none in their jobs. Helpful, eager to please, and always full of it (that would be Ron), we enjoyed the stories and bantor that was readily exchanged.
Patty, is quite the personality! She knows everything that goes on in the Park and LOVES to tease Norm. She has professed to be "the Queen of Harrassment" and regularly does what she can to prove it!
Norm's Mom is also in Bothell, and it was difficult to see how much she will miss having us so close. She is strong, though, and has her daughter near-by.
We watched a new couple move in next door. They are brand new to RVing! Know how we can tell?...they are yelling at each other and neither of them can hear the other, but everyone else here can! OMG... they are backing their 5th wheel onto the grass! (Supposed to stay on the asphalt guys!) Aaaahhhhh....remember when we were new...soo long ago.
Spent the evening getting acquainted and answering sooo many of their questions. We could see how overwhelmed they were by the dazed looks in their eyes. Or was that all the wine we drank! Hmmm.
As slumber started to overtake us that night we listened to a serenade of yips and howls by the local coyotes. It was almost eerie but at the same time melodious. Such a wonderful way to fall asleep!
Remembering that we will be meeting so many new friends on our travels, and keeping in touch with ALL our friends makes leaving easier. WE e expect to see many of them "on the road" sometime soon!
Today, we find ourselves "here" . We looked at each other and at the same time said, "Well, what do we do now?!" Laughing, the obvious answer was...Whatever we want ! This really is the start of a new adventure!
Norm got his camera out and we downloaded some pictures of friends we left behind in Lk Pleasant RV Park in Bothell. Having lived there for nearly 14 years we got to know a few of the full-timer's pretty well. The managers, Jeff & Sandy, & the assist. manager's Ron & Bonita are second to none in their jobs. Helpful, eager to please, and always full of it (that would be Ron), we enjoyed the stories and bantor that was readily exchanged.
Patty, is quite the personality! She knows everything that goes on in the Park and LOVES to tease Norm. She has professed to be "the Queen of Harrassment" and regularly does what she can to prove it!
Norm's Mom is also in Bothell, and it was difficult to see how much she will miss having us so close. She is strong, though, and has her daughter near-by.
We watched a new couple move in next door. They are brand new to RVing! Know how we can tell?...they are yelling at each other and neither of them can hear the other, but everyone else here can! OMG... they are backing their 5th wheel onto the grass! (Supposed to stay on the asphalt guys!) Aaaahhhhh....remember when we were new...soo long ago.
Spent the evening getting acquainted and answering sooo many of their questions. We could see how overwhelmed they were by the dazed looks in their eyes. Or was that all the wine we drank! Hmmm.
As slumber started to overtake us that night we listened to a serenade of yips and howls by the local coyotes. It was almost eerie but at the same time melodious. Such a wonderful way to fall asleep!
Remembering that we will be meeting so many new friends on our travels, and keeping in touch with ALL our friends makes leaving easier. WE e expect to see many of them "on the road" sometime soon!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
RETIREMENT !!
When I was little, my perception of retirement was "old" people sitting on their porch in rocking chairs without a care in the world. My Grandparents did that alot! Of course, I had no idea what went into getting there.
As I grew older, retirement was synonomous with, don't ever have to work again and not a care in the world. It was alot of working years, children, older parents,and dreaming that we finally realize our goal of retirement.
These last few weeks of filling out oodles of paperwork to ensure all the agencies, School District, Social Security, Medical Parts A, B through XYZ, regular medical, dental and optical are all in sync with each other. (Which they are NOT, unless you make sure all your paperwork is in with all dates that correspond, and all the I's are dotted and T's crossed.) Whew !
Now then, add to all this, we are leaving the area in the coldest, wettest April in recorded history to go East.
West Yellowstone still has 3-4 ft. of snow on the ground, with daytime temps running just above freezing and nightime temps running in the low teens. BRRRR. We are supposed to be there in a week or so to begin workamping.
We made it all the way to Issaquah on I-90 when Norm noticed the Jeep, we are towing, is showing up on his passenger side mirrors. This is a bad thing! The tow bar had snapped a spring and wouldn't lock in the fixed position. Okay ! No time to turn around so guess we drive the Jeep til we can get the towbar fixed.
The drive to Missoula was long but the roads were dry, for the most part, and it was easy to get this far. I was frankly amazed at how nice it was to be alone for all that time with the radio cranked WAY up to my kind of tunes. BLISS !!
Missoula did have some snow on the ground. The weather report was for more snow sprinkles but not much sticking to the road. We can do this. Norm called the Montana DOT and they told him road conditions just East of Butte, MT. was compact snow and ice for about 50 miles. I watched the blood drain from his face! To add insult to injury they included the fact that the roads going South to West Yellowstone were in the same if not in worse condition. HMMMM. What to do..what to do?
Maybe we should bag all these plans. Maybe this isn't where we need to be? Nope... not taking any chances. We'll turn around and head to the coast.
The managers from "Grizzly" called the next morning to see how we were doing. Yeah...right ! They wanted us to take our time getting there. Some of the other couples were having weather related issues, too. WOW !! This was truly a gift !
Tonight, we are sitting outside, in 75* temps, under our awning and in our canvas rocking chairs, and looking as though we haven't a care in the world ! Maybe retirement won't be sooo bad after all !?!
As I grew older, retirement was synonomous with, don't ever have to work again and not a care in the world. It was alot of working years, children, older parents,and dreaming that we finally realize our goal of retirement.
These last few weeks of filling out oodles of paperwork to ensure all the agencies, School District, Social Security, Medical Parts A, B through XYZ, regular medical, dental and optical are all in sync with each other. (Which they are NOT, unless you make sure all your paperwork is in with all dates that correspond, and all the I's are dotted and T's crossed.) Whew !
Now then, add to all this, we are leaving the area in the coldest, wettest April in recorded history to go East.
West Yellowstone still has 3-4 ft. of snow on the ground, with daytime temps running just above freezing and nightime temps running in the low teens. BRRRR. We are supposed to be there in a week or so to begin workamping.
We made it all the way to Issaquah on I-90 when Norm noticed the Jeep, we are towing, is showing up on his passenger side mirrors. This is a bad thing! The tow bar had snapped a spring and wouldn't lock in the fixed position. Okay ! No time to turn around so guess we drive the Jeep til we can get the towbar fixed.
The drive to Missoula was long but the roads were dry, for the most part, and it was easy to get this far. I was frankly amazed at how nice it was to be alone for all that time with the radio cranked WAY up to my kind of tunes. BLISS !!
Missoula did have some snow on the ground. The weather report was for more snow sprinkles but not much sticking to the road. We can do this. Norm called the Montana DOT and they told him road conditions just East of Butte, MT. was compact snow and ice for about 50 miles. I watched the blood drain from his face! To add insult to injury they included the fact that the roads going South to West Yellowstone were in the same if not in worse condition. HMMMM. What to do..what to do?
Maybe we should bag all these plans. Maybe this isn't where we need to be? Nope... not taking any chances. We'll turn around and head to the coast.
The managers from "Grizzly" called the next morning to see how we were doing. Yeah...right ! They wanted us to take our time getting there. Some of the other couples were having weather related issues, too. WOW !! This was truly a gift !
Tonight, we are sitting outside, in 75* temps, under our awning and in our canvas rocking chairs, and looking as though we haven't a care in the world ! Maybe retirement won't be sooo bad after all !?!
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