Today was a first. As most of you know, every year we spend time at my brother's place in Texas. He has acreage and we park our RV and camp out. It's great for all of us because it's private and yet we and they have great neighbors. This year it has been an unusally long stint, with breaks here and here, but Ray loves it here and hates to leave. The weather played a role in us getting here earlier than usual and Ray's surgery kept us here longer than usual. I have to admit, I like it here too. It's country in the city. Within five minutes there is everything you can image, yet here it is peaceful and serene.
Today's tearful goodbye was because they were the ones leaving. They are heading back east for some fun times and to visit family and friends and we're staying behind. Seeing them drive off in their motor home, with the Vespa on the front and the boat behind reminded me a little of The Clampetts. It will be strange not to have our neighbors, and we will miss them terribly.
In another three weeks or so, we too will be leaving and heading west for the winter. First to Arizona, then to California, back to Arizona and then back here to Texas by next May for my baby brother's 60th birthday. OMG, that seems so impossible to even think. Of course, everything is God willing and the creek don't rise. The sad part is it will all go by in the blink of an eye.
Enough ruminating for now, Ray and I are off to the movies. See you later for more Aimless Ramblings. I'll be out on the deck later, stop by for a drink.
I completely understand how you feel. Life is ever changing. Hellos and good-byes are all part of the excitement and sadness... Your brother is probably excited for vacation and sad to see you go!
ReplyDeleteEvery time you share what you are doing and where you will be next, I feel nostalgic about the last time you shared. It also makes me happy for you.
Thank you Minelle. It is both sad and happy - we have such a connection.
DeleteI never thought i would like living in a motor home...you make me think it would not be so bad. My daughter found this new drink,,,it is purple with lilac swirls....wine and a couple other 'additions'. Would love to bring it and share an afternoon on your deck!
ReplyDeletehugs abby
I mostly love it, sometimes I get frustrated with the lack of space but mostly, I like the flexibility. I keep thinking we are going to settle and I'm sure we will, just not sure when and where, that too keeps changing.
DeleteHi Sunny, oh bless you. I can't imagine moving around. I even dislike going on holiday!!! It must be amazing to see so much though, I hope you enjoy Arizona
ReplyDeletelove Jan,xx
Quite used to AZ, have been visiting there for the last thirty years so it's like home too. Have a best friend there so it's an easy trip.
DeleteSunny, you just make me drool. Dan went to have a look at motor homes just out of interest today and nearly died at the price here in England. A motor home just for two people, with no AC or any frills costs just under £45,000! Anyway, the roads here are not built for the big ones, and I would need a motor home with 'all the facilities'. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI will come and have a drink with you so long as I can bring my large bottle of Pimms and you let me sit in the shade listening to the crickets chirp. Or maybe I'll bring a straw hat and sit out in the sun just to be brave. Shall I bring some nibbles?
I should so love to see Monument valley. Is that Arizona or Nevada? And also the Grand Canyon. Right - I'm off to book our flights!
Hugs
Ami
Ami, come and bring whatever you want. You are most welcome at any time.
DeleteLast year, we met a young Euroepean couple with two kids who purchased a RV here and used it to tour the US for a year.. They were on the last leg of their and then were in the process of selling it to return home. Something to think about if touring in this country is what you want to do.
Monument Valley is the AZ/Utah border and some spectacular scenery. Grand Canyon in AZ. I've not been to Europe but I can attest to the gorgeous vistas here in the US.
Some of your homemade nibbles would be great.
Looks beautiful Sunny:)
ReplyDeleteIt is and so serene.
DeleteSG,
ReplyDeleteAmi is right, Motor homes in the UK art so so expensive. I'd be happy moving around like you. I'll be over for a drink and I'll bring a bottle of wine:)
Love,
Ronnie
xx
Good, I'll even let you use the saddle.
DeleteThanks. An offer I can't refuse - I'm off to book my ticket:)
DeleteLove,
Ronnie
xx
I knew you wouldn't, get me the flight info.
DeleteOf course, you have to bring P along too.
DeleteI'm with Jan, mostly I am perfectly content staying home, but your way does sound appealing too. As long as you're happy that's good. But should the other actually show up give me a call. I don't want to be left out. I'll hop a plane and be there in a few hours!
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing, you are always home because you bring it with you.
DeleteI wouldn't think of leaving you out.
We spent so many years moving that I can't wait until we have our forever house. We have spent up to two months in our pop up. With 4 kids, three dogs and a bunny, it was less than pleasant. Utah spring in a tent camper was an adventure I don't want to repeat.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the solitude.
Well there's only us and our motor home is a little bigger, and unfortunately our kitties have gone over the Rainbow Bridge so it's a little different. Glad you are settled now.
DeleteHey Sunny...my parents had an RV and spent weekends and vacations traveling about with it...they joined a camping club so they traveled with the same group of friends. They had two lovely motor homes but I do like to spread out...not sure how I would do living in one year round.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever make it over this way, you're more than welcome to park in my driveway...we can run electrical and water from the house. ;)
Hugs and Blessings...
Cat
Thanks Cat, that's a great offer. I've learned to never say never.
DeleteIt's funny you get used to living in a smaller space. I find even here we have full use of the house, yet I tend to stay in my 'house'. Same when we visit our daughter. I guess you're always more comfortable in your 'own' space no matter how big or small.
I cannot tell you how much I wish I could stop by for a drink. *sigh......
ReplyDeleteI wish you could also Sarah, I'd love to sit and visit.
DeleteEndings makes you feel melancholic, doesn't it. Yet endings are new beginnings as well. I hope you went to the same movie this time :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right about endings being melancholy. I think as you get older, it becomes more so.
DeleteYes, we did go to the same movie this time. Your comment made me laugh.
Hi, Sunny. I, too, often find myself surprised by my younger siblings' new age on their birthdays, even when we were kids. How can he or she be that old?! Now, I also think that about my children and grandchildren. I must find some way to stop blinking that eye. ;-)
ReplyDeleteClampetts! Rotf! I'm sorry you're missing them so much. It is so hard to be far away from close family, especially when you are accustomed to having them nearby - at least part of the time.
I love that you and Ray continue to enjoy life as travelers. After D retires...well, IF D ever retires, he and I would like to spend a large part of the year traveling, but we also enjoy just being at home. He would like to live in a remote cabin on a lake. He is a wilderness guy at heart, and is very comfortable in a minimalist lifestyle. He doesn't even care if there is only a well pump and an outhouse. I don't mind camping out for awhile, but prefer some conveniences at home - like being pampered with hot running water for a shower and a toilet that flushes, maybe even a real cook stove. Lol!
You know, I was thinking about your offer to us to stop by for a drink, and mint julep popped into my head. I've often read it is traditional served as a refreshing and cool summer drink in the South. Amazingly, I've never had one. Perhaps we should mix up a big pitcher to share on your porch.
Hope all continues to be well, and Ray continues to mend and feel better. Hugs!
Thanks Irishey. I need my creature comforts, and internet is a must. lol
DeleteI have the mint, but I use it to make Mojito's. Yum, yum. A Mint Julep is refreshing and cool, I think that would be great. When can I expect you?
good-byes are always hard. sounds like a lovely place to be. new adventures on the way. Hugs
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely as will the next place. It's a nice life.
DeleteO I can't wait to retire and get an RV. Lol but our daughter who is 11 wants an RV bad so Tyler says if we get one we will never be empty nesters lol
ReplyDeleteAt 11 they go through phases, they won't last so I think you'll be safe. Look at it this way, you can drive off and leave them home once they get old enough. lol
DeleteAm I too late for that drink Sunny? Goodbyes are always hard and I'm sorry you are missing your brother. But, you are all off on separate adventures and it's a temporary goodbye. I can see why you love it there, it looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
Never Roz, the sun is always over the yardarm somewhere in the world.
DeleteIt is beautiful