RV Adjustments

The slideout on my RV has been dragging on the forward side each time I slide it out. The dinette fascia would bend so much that I would have to slide out a little bit, then kick the panel back in, slide out, kick the panel, etc.  I was afraid it was going to break in two before long - it's already cracked -  so when we were in Coos Bay the other day I made an appointment with Gibs RV to have them look at it and adjust the slideout if necessary. I also wanted the anode on the water heater replaced, as the one I had was corroded.

This morning I unhooked the RV and followed my dad into Coos Bay. We arrived just as they opened at 8am. I left the RV with them and then we drove back to the park to hang out until time to pick it up. At 11am they called to say the RV was ready. It turns out it didn't need adjusting at all, which was a relief. The rubber seal on the forward side kept popping out so they put a sealant on it to keep it in place, the bench seat fascia had fallen so they took it off and shaved some off the bottom so it wouldn't drag on the carpet any longer when putting the slide out. They also drained the water heater, flushed it, replaced the anode rod, refilled it and tested for any leaks. I was impressed with the service and that they didn't try to fix something that didn't need fixing.

Now if I could just find someone like that where I live.......

Quiet time at the beach

Cooper and I were on the beach this morning before 7:30am. To our delight, the beach was deserted. The leash came off and Cooper took off running. I can see the joy on his face as he runs the beach, free and wild. Every now and then he'd run back to me, barking out his happiness, then off he'd go again. Joy and peace fill my heart as I walk down the beach in quiet solitude. There's a mist of rain in the air and I can see a beautiful rainbow stretched out across the ocean sky. As I look to the east I can see the sun peaking out over the horizon, ready to begin a new day. I marvel at God's handiwork and that I am here to enjoy it.

We walk on toward the jetty at the far end. Cooper chases birds and runs and frolicks to his heart's content and my heart is full just watching him play. Down the beach we find a dead seal washed up on shore. We end up finding two of them during our walk this morning. I wonder why they washed up and what happened to them that they can't get back to sea.

All too soon, it's time to turn around and head back. It was the perfect start to another day in the beautiful state of Oregon. My home.

Let me Introduce Myself

I've never blogged before! I've never even posted anything. In fact, I could be considered a "lurker" in web-talk. I lurk all over the Internet on any site that has to do with RV travel, full-timing, retiring, simplicity.

My goal is to downsize my life, sell the house, sell the stuff , quit my job, purchase a small class C or B+ RV, and hit the road - just to see where it takes me. This new adventure is exciting and scary all at the same time, which leads me to why I started a blog. I would be considered by some to be an organized person and as such it's my wish to create a documented memory of what will hopefully be a very enlightening time in my life. It may be bumpy in spots, it may be smooth as silk, it may have loneliness or it may have opportunity to meet many wonderful people along the way. But through out it all, it will be my adventure to remember and tell.

I've lived over a half century now, and at times I feel like I'm just a new born babe, feeling my way, trying to make sense of it all. There are days that I am so excited to begin and others when I have doubt and fear of whether I'll be able to do this on my own. I find it's best if I just break down the insurmountable into small, manageable goals. That way I'm not as overwhelmed with the negative voice inside my head that tells me I shouldn't do this - "you're not old enough," "you're a single woman who has never motor-homed in her life", "you're leaving a job that pays your bills," "what if you don't like it", what if, what if, what if.....see why I break it down into little pieces? Otherwise I'm frozen in fear, unable to move, full of doubt.

There's another tiny, but very compelling voice deep inside (the one that I try to listen to) that says to me, "Right or wrong, good or bad, it will be okay, just believe, have faith and trust in the unknown." Trust in a Power greater than myself to lead the way.

A favorite quote comes to mind - "Leap, and the net will appear." Today I leap - today I venture out into the unknown world of blogging. I hope I make many friends along the way!