Once again I've ignored the blog for too long.
A lot has changed in the last few months.
First my daughter decided to move in with me. This seemed like a good idea because frankly I can't afford to travel and take care of the house. So she will be paying rent and helping with taking care of the house and my dog when I am out of town. Hopefully this will be beneficial for both of us. She works a low paying job and has many health issues which uses a great deal of her income so she has not been able to afford a car. The intentions are for her to pay me less rent than the apartment she was in so she can afford a car.
Second my store sales have dropped so much I may need to close the store. When sales were bad in Sept I blamed it on not advertising in August. Then when sales only picked up slightly in October I blamed it on being closed for one week so I could go on vacation. But in November I barely made enough to pay the rent and utilities on this place. Now I'm on week 2 for December and will be in real trouble if business doesn't pick up in the next 2 weeks. Christmas time is always bad for business because people just don't spend their money on books for themselves. They will come in and buy 1 or 2 books as gifts but not much else. Even my gift certificate sales are down this year. Last Christmas season I sold 15 gift certificates before Christmas. So far I have not sold a single one this season.
Closing this place down would be a major pain. There was once a time when you could mark the books down or sell to a reseller but there are so many bookstores out of business now the market is flooded with books that aren't wanted.
A large used bookstore chain out of Texas has 2 stores in my city, both are on the other side of town. In September they held a huge 14 store sale at the fairgrounds where many people were able to stock up on books for their winter reading. I am the only bookstore left on my side of town and it feels as though this company is not satisfied until they force all other bookstores to close. The most frustrating part is the customers that don't understand they will have to drive across town to shop in the future. Every few weeks someone will come into my store and tell me how glad they are that I'm on their side of town and then they leave without buying a thing. How long do they think we can stay open without sales?
Okay, enough ranting for today. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
ARKANSAS
A lot of things have changed since my last post but first here are a few pictures from my trip to Arkansas.
We started in Hot Springs and drove up route 7 to Harrison. Then we went into Branson, Mo. for one night. Then it was on to Eureka Springs, AR. We had a wonderful time. A lot of relaxing and a lot of walking, I needed both. Wonderful food, lots of little shops with local art, and beautiful views of the mountains. The trees weren't as beautiful as usual but we enjoyed what color there was.
We started in Hot Springs and drove up route 7 to Harrison. Then we went into Branson, Mo. for one night. Then it was on to Eureka Springs, AR. We had a wonderful time. A lot of relaxing and a lot of walking, I needed both. Wonderful food, lots of little shops with local art, and beautiful views of the mountains. The trees weren't as beautiful as usual but we enjoyed what color there was.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
OCTOBER
October 13, 2015
Still haven't spent the night in the van. After driving for 4 hours the camp ground where I was planning on staying was full. I checked into the lodge and spent the night on a comfortable bed. Since I had packed my breakfast I woke up early and headed out to explore at sunrise. I found a national forest camping area with no facilities right on the lake. This is where I will try camping on my next trip this way. One deer and 2 wild turkeys on this trip. The turkeys must be very plentiful this year.
This Saturday I leave for Hot Springs, AR. I hope we are on time for the leaf changing. We will be taking rt 7 through the mountains on the way to Harrison, AR. the drive should be beautiful. There won't be any camping on this trip. All hotels with breakfast before we start out everyday.
October 2, 2015
It's been over a month since my last post. Nothing much has been happening around here just the usual work work work.
This weekend I'm planning a trip to my mothers with the hope of camping in my van on Sunday night. It has finally cooled off enough to sleep in the van with lots of covers. Sleeping in a van with the windows closed at 50° is much easier than 90°.
It's not just the weather holding me up. I have a 14 yr old dog with arthritis, she cannot walk very far and does not do well in extreme hot or cold weather. Leaving her behind when she is obviously in pain and poor health has not been easy, but she would not enjoy being on a camping trip either.
On the 18th I am going to Hot Springs & Eureka Springs, AR. I'll be traveling with a friend in her car and staying in hotels along the way. We will be driving through the mountains with the hope of seeing the fall color.
Still haven't spent the night in the van. After driving for 4 hours the camp ground where I was planning on staying was full. I checked into the lodge and spent the night on a comfortable bed. Since I had packed my breakfast I woke up early and headed out to explore at sunrise. I found a national forest camping area with no facilities right on the lake. This is where I will try camping on my next trip this way. One deer and 2 wild turkeys on this trip. The turkeys must be very plentiful this year.
This Saturday I leave for Hot Springs, AR. I hope we are on time for the leaf changing. We will be taking rt 7 through the mountains on the way to Harrison, AR. the drive should be beautiful. There won't be any camping on this trip. All hotels with breakfast before we start out everyday.
October 2, 2015
It's been over a month since my last post. Nothing much has been happening around here just the usual work work work.
This weekend I'm planning a trip to my mothers with the hope of camping in my van on Sunday night. It has finally cooled off enough to sleep in the van with lots of covers. Sleeping in a van with the windows closed at 50° is much easier than 90°.
It's not just the weather holding me up. I have a 14 yr old dog with arthritis, she cannot walk very far and does not do well in extreme hot or cold weather. Leaving her behind when she is obviously in pain and poor health has not been easy, but she would not enjoy being on a camping trip either.
On the 18th I am going to Hot Springs & Eureka Springs, AR. I'll be traveling with a friend in her car and staying in hotels along the way. We will be driving through the mountains with the hope of seeing the fall color.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
BUMBLEE BEES
August 19, 2015
Didn't make the camping trip last weekend. I did go to the lake for the afternoon on Sunday and that was very pleasant.
So what kept me from camping. On Saturday I received a call from the yard man because he had awakened a bumble bee hive. I watched the bees on Saturday evening and then called an exterminating company on Monday. They want $175 to dust the hive and then come back and dust everything under the house. The bees have gotten under the house through the vent and made their hive in the insulation against the outside wall. Now it would seem killing the bees would be a no brainer but as with most of the country our bee population is declining. Bumble bees pollinate many plants and while they are not as necessary as honey bees they are still important
Some research on the internet is helpful. Male bumble bees die in the winter and only the fertilized queens hibernate. They go underground for the winter and when they awaken in the spring they establish new hives for their off spring. The bees under my house will either die or become inactive within 1 to 2 months. The BIG question is will they move out from under my house or will they establish more hives under the house.
August 26, 2015
Nothing much going on. I spent another Sunday setting on my friends deck overlooking the lake and watched the birds fight over the feeders. I've contacted the county extension office about the bees and they along with everyone else think the answer is just killing them. I'm going to set an appointment with another company that only charges $90 but they only come out once. I think one trip will be enough for as late as it is in the year. They tell me the chemicals they use will not stay active through the winter so no matter what I do now I will probably be calling them back in the spring.
That's it, that's all I've accomplished in two weeks. Next weekend my mother will be in town so there won't be any trips to the lake. Maybe I'll get some housework done before she gets here. We'll see.
Have a great day!
Didn't make the camping trip last weekend. I did go to the lake for the afternoon on Sunday and that was very pleasant.
So what kept me from camping. On Saturday I received a call from the yard man because he had awakened a bumble bee hive. I watched the bees on Saturday evening and then called an exterminating company on Monday. They want $175 to dust the hive and then come back and dust everything under the house. The bees have gotten under the house through the vent and made their hive in the insulation against the outside wall. Now it would seem killing the bees would be a no brainer but as with most of the country our bee population is declining. Bumble bees pollinate many plants and while they are not as necessary as honey bees they are still important
Some research on the internet is helpful. Male bumble bees die in the winter and only the fertilized queens hibernate. They go underground for the winter and when they awaken in the spring they establish new hives for their off spring. The bees under my house will either die or become inactive within 1 to 2 months. The BIG question is will they move out from under my house or will they establish more hives under the house.
August 26, 2015
Nothing much going on. I spent another Sunday setting on my friends deck overlooking the lake and watched the birds fight over the feeders. I've contacted the county extension office about the bees and they along with everyone else think the answer is just killing them. I'm going to set an appointment with another company that only charges $90 but they only come out once. I think one trip will be enough for as late as it is in the year. They tell me the chemicals they use will not stay active through the winter so no matter what I do now I will probably be calling them back in the spring.
That's it, that's all I've accomplished in two weeks. Next weekend my mother will be in town so there won't be any trips to the lake. Maybe I'll get some housework done before she gets here. We'll see.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 14, 2015
LOOKING FORWARD
August 14, 2015
I'm not sure when I became so disorganized but I have noticed on the last few trips I've taken I'm scrambling at the last minute to get everything together. Last night at the grocery I walked around in circles trying to decide what to take with me this weekend. Finally decided to go home and make a decision about how I was going to be cooking before buying food.
I considered eating out, using the electric hookups to use my coffee maker and a small electric grill, or buying a small propane stove. For what I would spend eating out I could buy a small stove and I don't want to wait for my morning coffee. In the end I have decided to just use the electric hookups for coffee and grill. With that decision made I can buy groceries. I'm planning to take a couple frozen hamburgers, a container with some lettuce and tomato slices and buns for dinner Sunday and lunch Monday. For breakfast I'll take some bacon to cook on the grill and either boiled eggs or maybe make an omelet that I could warm on the grill. I've always loved a big breakfast when camping but I'll keep it simple for this trip.
It costs $5 more for a site with electric hookups but I will need a fan since it is suppose to get into the 90's on Sunday. Overnight it is only going down to about 77 still plenty hot and humid for sleeping. I'm hoping by running the A/C to cool down the minivan before bedtime and using the fan to move the air, maybe it won't get too hot to sleep.
When I first started planning this the forecast called for cooler and dryer weather but in our area the weather changes every few days. I could cancel and wait until fall but I want to get this first camping trip under my belt so I can move forward with my plans. I have plans for setting up the minivan better but I'm too cheap to spend the money if I hate camping in it. If I enjoy this trip I know I can make the van even more comfortable.
Can you tell I'm getting excited? The last time I went camping was 30 years ago, with 3 children and a tent. The girls and I got pretty good at building fires and we had fun most of the time. However, I made a lot of mistakes and it always rained on us at least one night during our trips. When you live in Kentucky no matter how hot and dry it has been if you put up a tent it WILL rain.
Time to get to work.
Have a great day!
I'm not sure when I became so disorganized but I have noticed on the last few trips I've taken I'm scrambling at the last minute to get everything together. Last night at the grocery I walked around in circles trying to decide what to take with me this weekend. Finally decided to go home and make a decision about how I was going to be cooking before buying food.
I considered eating out, using the electric hookups to use my coffee maker and a small electric grill, or buying a small propane stove. For what I would spend eating out I could buy a small stove and I don't want to wait for my morning coffee. In the end I have decided to just use the electric hookups for coffee and grill. With that decision made I can buy groceries. I'm planning to take a couple frozen hamburgers, a container with some lettuce and tomato slices and buns for dinner Sunday and lunch Monday. For breakfast I'll take some bacon to cook on the grill and either boiled eggs or maybe make an omelet that I could warm on the grill. I've always loved a big breakfast when camping but I'll keep it simple for this trip.
It costs $5 more for a site with electric hookups but I will need a fan since it is suppose to get into the 90's on Sunday. Overnight it is only going down to about 77 still plenty hot and humid for sleeping. I'm hoping by running the A/C to cool down the minivan before bedtime and using the fan to move the air, maybe it won't get too hot to sleep.
When I first started planning this the forecast called for cooler and dryer weather but in our area the weather changes every few days. I could cancel and wait until fall but I want to get this first camping trip under my belt so I can move forward with my plans. I have plans for setting up the minivan better but I'm too cheap to spend the money if I hate camping in it. If I enjoy this trip I know I can make the van even more comfortable.
Can you tell I'm getting excited? The last time I went camping was 30 years ago, with 3 children and a tent. The girls and I got pretty good at building fires and we had fun most of the time. However, I made a lot of mistakes and it always rained on us at least one night during our trips. When you live in Kentucky no matter how hot and dry it has been if you put up a tent it WILL rain.
Time to get to work.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
GETTING READY FOR 1ST CAMPIN TRIP
August 12, 2015
This past weekend I made shades for the windows in the van. I made them from foam board that I purchased from the Dollar General store. One of the rear ones is a little too short and would allow someone to see in between the shade and the back curtain but I'm not going to worry about replacing it yet.
This weekend I'll go to one of the state parks to try camping. I'm going to use my couch cushions for the bed and I have rope and sheets for curtains at the front and back. The only thing I will buy is a rechargeable LED light and a camping stove. The camping stove is the biggest issue for me. I can get a single burner that uses the small propane tank as the stand for $20 or should I get a two burner Coleman stove. I worry that the single burner would not be very stable. I haven't done anything about a canopy for shade but I've got a good idea of how I want to make it. I just don't want to spend the money for that just yet. This is a very cheap set up to start with. As I'm writing this I realize I will have no where to make coffee if it is raining. I'll have to give that some thought. Maybe the canopy is a more important investment than I originally thought.
I have customers in the store so I must go to work now.
Have a great day!
August 5, 2015
Yesterday it rained. I sat out on my front porch and watched the birds. There are 6 or 7 hummers fighting over 2 feeders. I've always liked rainy days and often took long walks during the rain. If I was retired what would my day have been like? How long would I have sat outside and then what? When I got up this morning it was cool outside and the high for today was suppose to get to 80. Another beautiful day spent inside working. Depressing!
Reading the blogs of full time travelers fill my days. There are those that will live their life in their van, trailer or motorhome and there are those that will eventually settle into another stick & bricks or at least park their rv on a permanent lot.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
MORE RAMBLINGS
Well, the Adkins diet didn't last long, about 3 days was my limit. On Sunday the 19th I had my children & grandchildren over for dinner and that blew the diet. On the bright side I have lost 3# since my last post. So, at least I'm headed in the right direction.
The plans for the minivan are coming along even if I haven't actually done any work. Just measuring and shopping around for items to make curtains. It's too hot and humid right now to sleep in it but I want to have it ready for a trip this fall. I saw a blog about a woman getting ready to travel in a mini van but I can't find it now. She has a mini van with a tent that attaches to the back of the van. I clicked onto her site through someone or something else I was reading about so I'll have to do some research to find it again.
My mother is looking to buy or rent a house in the same area where I live. Right now they live about 3 1/2 hrs southwest of here. We've looked at retirement homes but they are just too expensive. My step father is in poor health and my mother is struggling with walking because of osteoporosis in her spine. What prompted her desire to move closer to my brother and I was having shingles and pneumonia a couple of years ago and not having any help available in her small town. While there are more health care and home care advantages here I'm just not sure she would like moving.
Does this effect my plans? Not really sure. It would be very hard to leave town if she needed me here.
My mother has always been a very adventurous person. She was the first person I knew that owned and drove an RV. She loves travel and drove through all 48 states and cruised Hawaii and Alaska. She's been to Mexico, South America, China, Ireland, Germany and a few other countries.
That's enough rambling for today I better get back to work.
Have a great day!
The plans for the minivan are coming along even if I haven't actually done any work. Just measuring and shopping around for items to make curtains. It's too hot and humid right now to sleep in it but I want to have it ready for a trip this fall. I saw a blog about a woman getting ready to travel in a mini van but I can't find it now. She has a mini van with a tent that attaches to the back of the van. I clicked onto her site through someone or something else I was reading about so I'll have to do some research to find it again.
My mother is looking to buy or rent a house in the same area where I live. Right now they live about 3 1/2 hrs southwest of here. We've looked at retirement homes but they are just too expensive. My step father is in poor health and my mother is struggling with walking because of osteoporosis in her spine. What prompted her desire to move closer to my brother and I was having shingles and pneumonia a couple of years ago and not having any help available in her small town. While there are more health care and home care advantages here I'm just not sure she would like moving.
Does this effect my plans? Not really sure. It would be very hard to leave town if she needed me here.
My mother has always been a very adventurous person. She was the first person I knew that owned and drove an RV. She loves travel and drove through all 48 states and cruised Hawaii and Alaska. She's been to Mexico, South America, China, Ireland, Germany and a few other countries.
That's enough rambling for today I better get back to work.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
THIS AND THAT
This post will be a bunch of stuff about nothing.
I received an offer on the store earlier this week but it was way too low. The owner of a nearby thrift store wants my location and will take my inventory.
The store is not actually for sale. In order to put it up for sale I would need a future plan and I'm not there yet. The property is leased so the only value is the inventory, shelving and equipment.
Yesterday I was rereading last years posts. One of the reason for starting this blog was so I could look back in a year to see if I had made any progress. I've actually gone backwards with my full time rving plans and I've made no progress on getting my house or business ready to sell since the beginning of the year. My one concession to traveling has been to purchase a minivan that I'm working on getting ready to use for camping.
Thinking about going to the RV-Dreams fall rally. This would give me the opportunity to test out the minivan and learn about others full time experience. In reading over the list of classes I could benefit from almost all of them.
The hummer with the damaged beak has not been back to my yard. Maybe it was just something stuck on his beak and he got it off. At least that is what I prefer to believe.
I'm going to start the Atkins diet tomorrow. I've been working on low carb for a year without much success so I'm just going to go full throttle into the Atkins. My blood sugar has been staying under control with low carb but I'm not loosing any weight. We'll see what happens with a few weeks on Atkins.
That's about it for today.
Have a great day!
I received an offer on the store earlier this week but it was way too low. The owner of a nearby thrift store wants my location and will take my inventory.
The store is not actually for sale. In order to put it up for sale I would need a future plan and I'm not there yet. The property is leased so the only value is the inventory, shelving and equipment.
Yesterday I was rereading last years posts. One of the reason for starting this blog was so I could look back in a year to see if I had made any progress. I've actually gone backwards with my full time rving plans and I've made no progress on getting my house or business ready to sell since the beginning of the year. My one concession to traveling has been to purchase a minivan that I'm working on getting ready to use for camping.
Thinking about going to the RV-Dreams fall rally. This would give me the opportunity to test out the minivan and learn about others full time experience. In reading over the list of classes I could benefit from almost all of them.
The hummer with the damaged beak has not been back to my yard. Maybe it was just something stuck on his beak and he got it off. At least that is what I prefer to believe.
I'm going to start the Atkins diet tomorrow. I've been working on low carb for a year without much success so I'm just going to go full throttle into the Atkins. My blood sugar has been staying under control with low carb but I'm not loosing any weight. We'll see what happens with a few weeks on Atkins.
That's about it for today.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
CREATURES CLOSE TO HOME
Hi,
I chose to close the store on the 4th and spend my time cleaning house. I set outside and watched the birds in my own yard every morning and afternoon. I have 2 finch feeders and 2 hummingbird feeders in my yard.
Last year I had 2 house finches in addition to all of the gold finches. This year the 2 house finches came back and apparently had a nest nearby. Now we have 2 males and 2 or 3 females. The young house finch feed from the hummingbird feeder as well as the finch feeder. I was surprised by this but the book I have says the house finch will eat fruit so I guess that's why they are attracted to the hummingbird nectar. They feed off the feeder with store bought nectar and a perch. When the feeder is empty I will refill it with sugar water and see if the house finches will return to feed. Such interesting observations while avoiding housework.
On Monday the 6th I went to Bernheim Forest. While driving up to the treetop lookout I passed a wild turkey with baby and a doe with a fawn. The turkey was moving into the woods so fast I could be mistaken about it's identity. On the other hand, the doe stopped in a clearing and waited for the fawn to catch up then she continued into the woods and the fawn stood there and watched me for a few seconds before following mom. The fawn was very small maybe 4 or 5 weeks old.
What a wonderful weekend without leaving town. (and no I didn't get much housework done)
This morning while sitting outside I saw a hummingbird with an injured beak. It seemed to be eating fine and was defending both feeders from other hummers. My camera doesn't take a good picture from this distance but below is a picture of the little hummer with the damaged beak. Does anyone have any info about hummers survival with a damaged beak?
Sad little bird, I hope he will be alright.
Have a great day!
I chose to close the store on the 4th and spend my time cleaning house. I set outside and watched the birds in my own yard every morning and afternoon. I have 2 finch feeders and 2 hummingbird feeders in my yard.
Last year I had 2 house finches in addition to all of the gold finches. This year the 2 house finches came back and apparently had a nest nearby. Now we have 2 males and 2 or 3 females. The young house finch feed from the hummingbird feeder as well as the finch feeder. I was surprised by this but the book I have says the house finch will eat fruit so I guess that's why they are attracted to the hummingbird nectar. They feed off the feeder with store bought nectar and a perch. When the feeder is empty I will refill it with sugar water and see if the house finches will return to feed. Such interesting observations while avoiding housework.
On Monday the 6th I went to Bernheim Forest. While driving up to the treetop lookout I passed a wild turkey with baby and a doe with a fawn. The turkey was moving into the woods so fast I could be mistaken about it's identity. On the other hand, the doe stopped in a clearing and waited for the fawn to catch up then she continued into the woods and the fawn stood there and watched me for a few seconds before following mom. The fawn was very small maybe 4 or 5 weeks old.
What a wonderful weekend without leaving town. (and no I didn't get much housework done)
This morning while sitting outside I saw a hummingbird with an injured beak. It seemed to be eating fine and was defending both feeders from other hummers. My camera doesn't take a good picture from this distance but below is a picture of the little hummer with the damaged beak. Does anyone have any info about hummers survival with a damaged beak?
Sad little bird, I hope he will be alright.
Have a great day!
Friday, July 3, 2015
4th of JULY
Hi, I hope everyone has a great 4th.
I thought about trying out camping in my minivan this weekend then realized it was a holiday weekend. A crowded campground did not sound like a good place for my first experience.
I put some couch cushions in my minivan to test out the sleeping arrangements. Then I decided to sleep in the van in my driveway last night. I went to sleep just fine but soon woke up with a pain in my neck and decided to move inside. The cushions provided plenty of support but the uneven floor was the problem. I will get a piece of plywood to level the floor out and I may build a raised platform for the bed. I was considering an air mattress but I like the solid feel of the couch cushions so I'll be looking for hi density foam cushions.
With the bed in place there is plenty of room for storage in the back of the van. I'm considering building a box for storage that will have a flip down lid that can double as a cooking table when it is raining. When you are standing at the back of the van with the rear lift gate open you would unlatch the door and it would drop down to provide a table. I could store all of my kitchen needs in this box for easy access. I will need a place for the cooler and shelves for clothing. I'm thinking milk crates will work best for the clothing and the cooler can sit behind the passenger seat.
Since I'm still working there won't be time for long trips so should I consider solar power or just stay in campgrounds with elec hookups? Keep in mind that living in KY means the solar unit will not get much use unless I'm going either south or west for a weeks vacation.
And I'm confused about propane choices for a camping stove. I once had a little propane grill that used the small green propane containers. These would only last for 3 o 4 dinners. I don't see how one of these would make coffee and heat meals for a week. On the other hand I don't like the idea of carrying a large propane container in the van. Are there any other choices out there?
Thanks for any advice you might have.
Have a great day!
I thought about trying out camping in my minivan this weekend then realized it was a holiday weekend. A crowded campground did not sound like a good place for my first experience.
I put some couch cushions in my minivan to test out the sleeping arrangements. Then I decided to sleep in the van in my driveway last night. I went to sleep just fine but soon woke up with a pain in my neck and decided to move inside. The cushions provided plenty of support but the uneven floor was the problem. I will get a piece of plywood to level the floor out and I may build a raised platform for the bed. I was considering an air mattress but I like the solid feel of the couch cushions so I'll be looking for hi density foam cushions.
With the bed in place there is plenty of room for storage in the back of the van. I'm considering building a box for storage that will have a flip down lid that can double as a cooking table when it is raining. When you are standing at the back of the van with the rear lift gate open you would unlatch the door and it would drop down to provide a table. I could store all of my kitchen needs in this box for easy access. I will need a place for the cooler and shelves for clothing. I'm thinking milk crates will work best for the clothing and the cooler can sit behind the passenger seat.
Since I'm still working there won't be time for long trips so should I consider solar power or just stay in campgrounds with elec hookups? Keep in mind that living in KY means the solar unit will not get much use unless I'm going either south or west for a weeks vacation.
And I'm confused about propane choices for a camping stove. I once had a little propane grill that used the small green propane containers. These would only last for 3 o 4 dinners. I don't see how one of these would make coffee and heat meals for a week. On the other hand I don't like the idea of carrying a large propane container in the van. Are there any other choices out there?
Thanks for any advice you might have.
Have a great day!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
FAMILY REUNION
The family reunion turned out really well. The 5 living brothers & sisters plus our mother, 12 of the nieces and nephews and their families all showed up. All totaled we had 43 people in 5 generations of the family. There was lots to do, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and a campfire every night. Lots of good food and interesting conversation.
Having this at the state park allowed everyone to enjoy activities with their children and share with cousins. Each family had their own cabin or lodge room which allowed for down time yet we were all close enough to participate in the current activities if we wanted.
I can't wait for the next one.
Having this at the state park allowed everyone to enjoy activities with their children and share with cousins. Each family had their own cabin or lodge room which allowed for down time yet we were all close enough to participate in the current activities if we wanted.
I can't wait for the next one.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
PURCHASED A MINIVAN
I purchased a used minivan last week. It needs tires and a few other things but I'm ready to take a trip. Every time I get in it I want to just keep driving.. heading south or west. I've checked the prices on blowup mattresses, portable potty, tent, and an enclosure that allows you to sleep with the back door open and keeps the bugs out.
This is no RV but will allow me to travel some without making a commitment to full timing until I'm ready. On June 21st I head to Cumberland Falls for our family reunion. I have a cabin there so will not be sleeping in my minivan. After that I will take a few one night trips to see how well I do sleeping in the minivan. It is very humid here during the summer but if I stay at campgrounds with elec. hookups I will be able to run a fan. I don't want to spend a lot of money on camping supplies until I decide how much I will use it. Since I only have 2 days off, the camping will be pretty close to home. If the weather is too bad I may end up waiting for fall to do much camping.
It is so exciting to have a vehicle for travel. I have to force myself to come into work everyday and I know I will have to force myself to come back home after Cumberland Falls.
I'll try to post more often now that I will be doing something beside whining about making decisions.
Have a great day.
This is no RV but will allow me to travel some without making a commitment to full timing until I'm ready. On June 21st I head to Cumberland Falls for our family reunion. I have a cabin there so will not be sleeping in my minivan. After that I will take a few one night trips to see how well I do sleeping in the minivan. It is very humid here during the summer but if I stay at campgrounds with elec. hookups I will be able to run a fan. I don't want to spend a lot of money on camping supplies until I decide how much I will use it. Since I only have 2 days off, the camping will be pretty close to home. If the weather is too bad I may end up waiting for fall to do much camping.
It is so exciting to have a vehicle for travel. I have to force myself to come into work everyday and I know I will have to force myself to come back home after Cumberland Falls.
I'll try to post more often now that I will be doing something beside whining about making decisions.
Have a great day.
Friday, June 5, 2015
IT'S BEEN SO SO LONG
I didn't realize it's been so long since I posted. Nothing really exciting has happened. I'm planning a trip to Yellowstone in June 2016. Have a family reunion coming up in three weeks. I'm trying to find a way to keep my house. Trying different ways to look at the meaning of retirement.
I've been working on the assumption that I would not have enough social security to keep my house once I stopped working. I started looking at books on retirement and they were always about how to prepare financially for retirement while you're still making good money. Those days are over for me.
Last Saturday I picked up a book about different ways of thinking about retirement. This book is more about what you will do with your time during this part of your life. Of course everyone mentioned in this book has lots of money to make their choices. But the idea has made me think a little differently. Working my bookstore into my 70's was part of my original plan. Just because business is poor doesn't mean I can't still do this. I won't be able to save as much for the time when I can no longer work but if I still have the house I could take out a reverse mortgage later if I needed to.
I've been working on the assumption that I would not have enough social security to keep my house once I stopped working. I started looking at books on retirement and they were always about how to prepare financially for retirement while you're still making good money. Those days are over for me.
Last Saturday I picked up a book about different ways of thinking about retirement. This book is more about what you will do with your time during this part of your life. Of course everyone mentioned in this book has lots of money to make their choices. But the idea has made me think a little differently. Working my bookstore into my 70's was part of my original plan. Just because business is poor doesn't mean I can't still do this. I won't be able to save as much for the time when I can no longer work but if I still have the house I could take out a reverse mortgage later if I needed to.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
TAX TIME
Getting my taxes done this week. Blah Blah Blah
Had a good sales day yesterday which is necessary because I was closed most of last week.
I'm helping my daughter get her house ready to sell and it makes me aware of all the things I need to have done in my house before I can sell it.
Replace a damaged electric line to one outlet, install new water heater and new faucets at all the sinks, new deck, repair gutter in one corner, paint bedrooms and replace all flooring. Also landscaping in front of house. The list just keeps getting longer and longer.
Time to stop complaining and get busy.
Have a great day!
Had a good sales day yesterday which is necessary because I was closed most of last week.
I'm helping my daughter get her house ready to sell and it makes me aware of all the things I need to have done in my house before I can sell it.
Replace a damaged electric line to one outlet, install new water heater and new faucets at all the sinks, new deck, repair gutter in one corner, paint bedrooms and replace all flooring. Also landscaping in front of house. The list just keeps getting longer and longer.
Time to stop complaining and get busy.
Have a great day!
Friday, February 20, 2015
SNOW SNOW SNOW
10" of snow Monday and another 2" on Wednesday. Not as bad as some areas but more than enough for me. I didn't have a snow shovel so I took the broom out and swept the porch, steps and driveway. Got my car cleaned off and went to work on Wednesday but only stayed for 4 hrs. It was way too cold for customers. The temps have dropped below 0. Once it gets down to the -0 stage it all seems the same. 12 to 30 mph winds and -0 temps.
I woke up at 2am on one of these nights and thought "no one has called to see if I'm okay or if I need help". Makes you wonder about all those children and grandchildren. Maybe they just don't think I'm old enough to need help. We get snow like this every 15 to 20 yrs. If I keep this house will anyone check up on me when I'm in my 80's. interesting thoughts. I have 3 daughters, maybe I should have had sons then their wives could remind them to go help their mother.
While I was at home this week I worked on making some decorative kitchen towels. I'm going to try selling them in the store, we'll see how they do. At least it gives me something different to work on since I cannot knit anymore. I'm not a creative person but sometimes I like to trying making things that I've seen others do. No original ideas.
Wish I could head south to a RV show.
Have a great day!
I woke up at 2am on one of these nights and thought "no one has called to see if I'm okay or if I need help". Makes you wonder about all those children and grandchildren. Maybe they just don't think I'm old enough to need help. We get snow like this every 15 to 20 yrs. If I keep this house will anyone check up on me when I'm in my 80's. interesting thoughts. I have 3 daughters, maybe I should have had sons then their wives could remind them to go help their mother.
While I was at home this week I worked on making some decorative kitchen towels. I'm going to try selling them in the store, we'll see how they do. At least it gives me something different to work on since I cannot knit anymore. I'm not a creative person but sometimes I like to trying making things that I've seen others do. No original ideas.
Wish I could head south to a RV show.
Have a great day!
Saturday, February 7, 2015
WHICH RV IS BEST?
Last night I dreamed of traveling in a large class A. Very nice with lots of room, there were 3 of us sitting at the table and moving around the rv and we had plenty of room. Did I mention the rv was moving at the time. Yes, a very strange dream, the rv was driving it's self down a gravel road around curves and through the mountains all while we were in the back talking and visiting. Wouldn't this be great if you could put a destination in the gps and just sit back and enjoy the trip. I'm sure this stems from my fear of buying an rv then not being able to drive it.
Sometimes I think I will need a travel trailer so I will have a vehicle to drive while workcamping. Then I think a small class c would be so much easier to drive. I wish there was a way to drive different types of rv's before making the decision. How much does having a class c and not pulling a car limit you?
Some things I do know
RV needs and wants:
comfortable bed with lots of support *
comfortable chair for reading and tv *
tub & shower combo
outdoor shower
lots of windows *
led lighting
solar panels
tall sink faucets
2 door refrigerator
thermo pane windows
* is for must have. Bed and sitting in comfort becomes an issue when you have back problems. I don't have a lot of back problems but one bad night will cause me pain for days.
Back to work. Have a great day!
Sometimes I think I will need a travel trailer so I will have a vehicle to drive while workcamping. Then I think a small class c would be so much easier to drive. I wish there was a way to drive different types of rv's before making the decision. How much does having a class c and not pulling a car limit you?
Some things I do know
RV needs and wants:
comfortable bed with lots of support *
comfortable chair for reading and tv *
tub & shower combo
outdoor shower
lots of windows *
led lighting
solar panels
tall sink faucets
2 door refrigerator
thermo pane windows
* is for must have. Bed and sitting in comfort becomes an issue when you have back problems. I don't have a lot of back problems but one bad night will cause me pain for days.
Back to work. Have a great day!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
COLD COLD COLD
Today I'm working on getting more books on the shelves. I had a big sale ad go out yesterday so hopefully I'll be busy for the rest of the week.
It was only 17* this morning and is not suppose to get above 27* today. Wish I was somewhere warm. I've been looking at class B's and C's on rvtrader. I wish there were some close by to wander around in. There is a car dealer close to me that has some rv's on his lot right now but I'm too lazy to go there on Mondays and he is closed on Sundays. Besides I really don't want to talk to a salesman. I enjoyed the rv show because I could just wander around, tour the rv's and check prices without speaking to the salesman. I would really like to walk through a Casita. I've seen lots of pictures and read lots of blogs about them but I'd like to see it for myself.
As usual too many choices and no money to spend!
This morning I was looking at planning a trip to Alaska. I could fly to Anchorage and rent a car for a 17 day tour for about 3500 including hotels. With one of the tour groups it would include a tour of Denali and some other tourist stuff. So many places to see and so little time.
I better get back to work - it's hard to sell books if you don't get them on the shelves.
Have a great day!
It was only 17* this morning and is not suppose to get above 27* today. Wish I was somewhere warm. I've been looking at class B's and C's on rvtrader. I wish there were some close by to wander around in. There is a car dealer close to me that has some rv's on his lot right now but I'm too lazy to go there on Mondays and he is closed on Sundays. Besides I really don't want to talk to a salesman. I enjoyed the rv show because I could just wander around, tour the rv's and check prices without speaking to the salesman. I would really like to walk through a Casita. I've seen lots of pictures and read lots of blogs about them but I'd like to see it for myself.
As usual too many choices and no money to spend!
This morning I was looking at planning a trip to Alaska. I could fly to Anchorage and rent a car for a 17 day tour for about 3500 including hotels. With one of the tour groups it would include a tour of Denali and some other tourist stuff. So many places to see and so little time.
I better get back to work - it's hard to sell books if you don't get them on the shelves.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
January 26, 2014
I went to the Rv show yesterday. Spent a lot of time looking at travel trailers. I was very impressed with the Lance. Of course the price was outrageous. I wouldn't be able to buy a new Lance and a truck so I'll be looking for something used.
The thing I really liked about the Lance was the true 4 season pkgs. I think I could live in this for a month in Kentucky during the winter. Certainly not all winter but when I'm in town visiting my children.
However, looking at the amenities and storage for the smallest trailers leaves a lot to desire. Regular cab pickup is about 19' and then the smaller trailers are about 19' so now your about 38' or 40' in length. Increase your trailer size to 22' or 24' to add the extras you want and your over 40' in length. This does not sound easy to drive, much less park.
We also toured some Bs and Cs while at the show. When it comes to driving these seem much easier to handle. Of course you lose a lot of storage area. If I was going to keep my house I would definitely go for a B.
So much to think about. Will I ever make a decision?
Have a great day!
January 22, 2014
Sunday my daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and niece came for dinner. I love having them over. I can't imagine not spending time with my family. We don't get together weekly or even monthly but I love it when they can all be here. This is what worries me about selling the house and traveling. It wouldn't worry me if I had the money to keep the house and travel. To go months without a visit is not a big deal but years would not be possible. I have to work this out in my mind somehow.
My brothers and sisters are scattered all over the country and we seldom see each other. My parents divorced and lived 1000 miles apart. Some of us grew up in Ky and some in Fl. We now live in KY, FL, TX, MO and KS. Sometimes we go for years without visits. I have nieces and nephews I've never met. Thank goodness for facebook which has allowed me to see pictures of their birthdays and accomplishments.
I went to the Rv show yesterday. Spent a lot of time looking at travel trailers. I was very impressed with the Lance. Of course the price was outrageous. I wouldn't be able to buy a new Lance and a truck so I'll be looking for something used.
The thing I really liked about the Lance was the true 4 season pkgs. I think I could live in this for a month in Kentucky during the winter. Certainly not all winter but when I'm in town visiting my children.
However, looking at the amenities and storage for the smallest trailers leaves a lot to desire. Regular cab pickup is about 19' and then the smaller trailers are about 19' so now your about 38' or 40' in length. Increase your trailer size to 22' or 24' to add the extras you want and your over 40' in length. This does not sound easy to drive, much less park.
We also toured some Bs and Cs while at the show. When it comes to driving these seem much easier to handle. Of course you lose a lot of storage area. If I was going to keep my house I would definitely go for a B.
So much to think about. Will I ever make a decision?
Have a great day!
January 22, 2014
Sunday my daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and niece came for dinner. I love having them over. I can't imagine not spending time with my family. We don't get together weekly or even monthly but I love it when they can all be here. This is what worries me about selling the house and traveling. It wouldn't worry me if I had the money to keep the house and travel. To go months without a visit is not a big deal but years would not be possible. I have to work this out in my mind somehow.
My brothers and sisters are scattered all over the country and we seldom see each other. My parents divorced and lived 1000 miles apart. Some of us grew up in Ky and some in Fl. We now live in KY, FL, TX, MO and KS. Sometimes we go for years without visits. I have nieces and nephews I've never met. Thank goodness for facebook which has allowed me to see pictures of their birthdays and accomplishments.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
JANUARY 16th & 17th
Friday January 16th
Yesterday I got two boxes out of the back room before being interrupted. I got one box emptied and will work on the second one today. Very slow progress.
Again I spent most of the day reading travel blogs. I'm so addicted. I'm afraid to miss even one. There may be some important information or pictures I haven't seen before. One person talked about all the things she does before moving from her current camping spot. You know all these things will need to be done but don't realize how hard it would be to remember everything. She has been full timing for 3 months and only now feels that she has the routine down. Still she never leaves a site without pulling forward and then double checking everything to make sure nothing is left behind and everything is secured properly. Smart lady.
Saturday January 17th
I wrote the above yesterday but didn't post so I thought I better do that today.
I finished with the second box of books yesterday and emptied two more boxes. Sales were pretty good but they didn't make up for the other slow days.
Today I must get all my sales for December entered and finish up the end of the year bookkeeping. Sales tax are due Tuesday the 20th so I must get December closed out and send in my check.
There is a thrift store going in next door to me. The manager came in and introduced himself yesterday. He was looking for a place to sell his overstock of books. Ha! Not me buddy. The thrift store will probably run me out of here this year. Most thrift stores charge about 50 cents per book and I have to charge 3.00 to make any profit. This new store is a Christian based charity store so I'm sure everything will be very cheap. While I want to close and travel anyway, I do see this as a problem because no one will want to buy the store out right when it sets next to a thrift store.
I better get off here. I'm hoping today will be a good sales day and I have bookkeeping to do.
Have a great day.
Yesterday I got two boxes out of the back room before being interrupted. I got one box emptied and will work on the second one today. Very slow progress.
Again I spent most of the day reading travel blogs. I'm so addicted. I'm afraid to miss even one. There may be some important information or pictures I haven't seen before. One person talked about all the things she does before moving from her current camping spot. You know all these things will need to be done but don't realize how hard it would be to remember everything. She has been full timing for 3 months and only now feels that she has the routine down. Still she never leaves a site without pulling forward and then double checking everything to make sure nothing is left behind and everything is secured properly. Smart lady.
Saturday January 17th
I wrote the above yesterday but didn't post so I thought I better do that today.
I finished with the second box of books yesterday and emptied two more boxes. Sales were pretty good but they didn't make up for the other slow days.
Today I must get all my sales for December entered and finish up the end of the year bookkeeping. Sales tax are due Tuesday the 20th so I must get December closed out and send in my check.
There is a thrift store going in next door to me. The manager came in and introduced himself yesterday. He was looking for a place to sell his overstock of books. Ha! Not me buddy. The thrift store will probably run me out of here this year. Most thrift stores charge about 50 cents per book and I have to charge 3.00 to make any profit. This new store is a Christian based charity store so I'm sure everything will be very cheap. While I want to close and travel anyway, I do see this as a problem because no one will want to buy the store out right when it sets next to a thrift store.
I better get off here. I'm hoping today will be a good sales day and I have bookkeeping to do.
Have a great day.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
DOWNSIZING
Welcome to my blog Marilyn and Tina. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate all the good ideas.
What a great day.
Since the first of the year I get up every morning excited about the adventure. It's hard to understand why I'm so excited about traveling when I haven't finalized any of my decisions. I just know deep inside that this year will be great.
I promised myself I would blog and do some work in the store before I start reading blogs today. Yesterday after posting I looked over some of the my older posts and realized I mention reading traveling blogs in almost every post Ha what a wonderful life.
Today I'll be working on cleaning out some of the old boxes of books in the store. Most of them were overstock when I put them in the back room now they just need to be moved out. Some will go on the shelves and some will be donated. Any that are in poor condition will be tossed. I will pull several boxes out to the front room so I can sort through them, since I'm the only one working I can't be in the back room long. I've avoided down sizing the store but cleaning out the back room will not affect my sales.
I've done a lot of downsizing at my home but I still have one room that needs a lot of work. Also I need to get busy scanning in all my pictures. I've worked on this some but it is a big job. I've got all the pictures that have been handed down from previous generations plus my own family pictures, plus my early travel pictures.
Work, work, work. This is where I need to be concentrating. Getting things done so I'll be ready when the time comes.
Have a great day.
What a great day.
Since the first of the year I get up every morning excited about the adventure. It's hard to understand why I'm so excited about traveling when I haven't finalized any of my decisions. I just know deep inside that this year will be great.
I promised myself I would blog and do some work in the store before I start reading blogs today. Yesterday after posting I looked over some of the my older posts and realized I mention reading traveling blogs in almost every post Ha what a wonderful life.
Today I'll be working on cleaning out some of the old boxes of books in the store. Most of them were overstock when I put them in the back room now they just need to be moved out. Some will go on the shelves and some will be donated. Any that are in poor condition will be tossed. I will pull several boxes out to the front room so I can sort through them, since I'm the only one working I can't be in the back room long. I've avoided down sizing the store but cleaning out the back room will not affect my sales.
I've done a lot of downsizing at my home but I still have one room that needs a lot of work. Also I need to get busy scanning in all my pictures. I've worked on this some but it is a big job. I've got all the pictures that have been handed down from previous generations plus my own family pictures, plus my early travel pictures.
Work, work, work. This is where I need to be concentrating. Getting things done so I'll be ready when the time comes.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
LOCAL RV SHOW
I would post more often but I spend most of my time reading blogs. I start every morning going down the list of blogs I follow, catching up on their lives. This seriously cuts into the time I could be working, down sizing the house, prepping books for sale, etc. I'm addicted.
On the 25th I'm going to the local sports, boat & rv show. I'll walk through every trailer they have and check out some new class c's. The new Winnebago Trend looks interesting I hope there will be one to look through. I'm pretty sure there won't be any Casita's at the show but the Casita and the Nash are the two trailers I'm most interested in. They are small and easy to pull with a 1/2 ton truck. The 1/2 ton being the most economical and perhaps in my price range. Of course that is only if I get enough out of my house.
Looking on rvtrader there seems to be a lot of 2014 motorhomes for sale. It looks like there are some really good deals on these. If I had $100 grand laying around I would get a small class c or b for traveling and not pull a toad.
As much as I do not like the idea of pulling a trailer I always come back to feeling it would be the better choice if I'm going to be working on the road.
I do a lot of wondering around in a circle, never making a decision. At least I don't have to make the final decision until I get the money in my hand.
Have a great day!
On the 25th I'm going to the local sports, boat & rv show. I'll walk through every trailer they have and check out some new class c's. The new Winnebago Trend looks interesting I hope there will be one to look through. I'm pretty sure there won't be any Casita's at the show but the Casita and the Nash are the two trailers I'm most interested in. They are small and easy to pull with a 1/2 ton truck. The 1/2 ton being the most economical and perhaps in my price range. Of course that is only if I get enough out of my house.
Looking on rvtrader there seems to be a lot of 2014 motorhomes for sale. It looks like there are some really good deals on these. If I had $100 grand laying around I would get a small class c or b for traveling and not pull a toad.
As much as I do not like the idea of pulling a trailer I always come back to feeling it would be the better choice if I'm going to be working on the road.
I do a lot of wondering around in a circle, never making a decision. At least I don't have to make the final decision until I get the money in my hand.
Have a great day!
Friday, January 2, 2015
WHAT TO DO WHILE ON THE ROAD
The beginning of the new year brings lots of thoughts on how I will accomplish my dreams of traveling. Included are how to increase my income and what would make me happy.
I read several blogs which describe volunteering in different national parks. I think I would like to work in a refuge. I like the idea of giving something back. I love watching the birds and animals in our country and I think it would be nice to feel that I was contributing to the future. I don't think any of the skills I've learned in my past would help other than working in a VC or office but I would be willing to learn new ways to help. Volunteering would help me financially by providing a place to park my rv in exchange for my time.
2015 goals:
sell house
purchase a van or truck
rent a kayak
take an all day hike
hike alone
I read several blogs which describe volunteering in different national parks. I think I would like to work in a refuge. I like the idea of giving something back. I love watching the birds and animals in our country and I think it would be nice to feel that I was contributing to the future. I don't think any of the skills I've learned in my past would help other than working in a VC or office but I would be willing to learn new ways to help. Volunteering would help me financially by providing a place to park my rv in exchange for my time.
2015 goals:
sell house
purchase a van or truck
rent a kayak
take an all day hike
hike alone
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