As Michael and I age we often talk about what we would do—what happens when he no longer feels comfortable driving the big pink motorhome—I am ten years younger than the cowboy and drive the rig but wouldn’t feel comfortable driving it on a long trip. We do have two houses (what were we thinking??)—would we just travel back and forth between the two dwellings in a vehicle? Would we settle in one spot—Montana or Arizona? Check out Travels With Emma today—Judy has written a great blog about hanging up the RV keys and settling. Read far enough into her blog post and pay attention to the comments—there are some great ones!
I personally want to be one of these people, "Do things before you HAVE to ... so you are not at the mercy of urgent circumstances." as a commenter on Judy’s blog states. I don’t want to cause stress for my niece or Michael’s children. We can’t force our parents into actions against their will but it sure is easier when Mom and Dad make these type decisions for themselves as Nat is doing right now. Thankfully my Mom is still navigating on her own and has a wonderful husband, Chuck, who takes good care of our Mom.
Again, we aren’t doing anything except packing. I cooked a delicious brisket yesterday afternoon—Larry claimed he could smell the meat cooking all the way over to his house. We had some for lunch today freezing the rest for meals on the road. I’ve baked cookies and am searching recipes for using up some of all that lemon juice I froze—as many of you know, RV freezers are not very large!
Here’s a photo of our backyard wildlife and one cute pooch intently focused on the wildlife as we enjoyed an evening outside.
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Sure do understand your thinking & for sure agree about doing things voluntarily before being forced to. That bit of thinking has played a big part in our decision to sell our Congress house. As nice as it is having homes in 2 places it can add to the stress level. A few years ago when we downsized to a couple Class C's we thought it was the right idea for traveling back & forth between our 2 places. The logic was good but we just made the decision too soon based on the idea we would be spending the majority of our winters in one place. One thing certain about this RV lifestyle is that nothing is ever certain & one has to remain flexible to deal with the uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteYour blog today is something that's been on my mind for a while.... That little dog in the last photo looks like a kids stuffed animal.
ReplyDeleteJim's health issues made us take a hard look at the "what do we do" issues. For now the bungalow is just fine but I know we'll need to decide on either Montana or Arizona.
ReplyDeleteJim's health issues made us take a hard look at the "what do we do" issues. For now the bungalow is just fine but I know we'll need to decide on either Montana or Arizona.
ReplyDeleteThe day will come for all of us. Bill is 10 years older and we know we'll have that decision in the future. Of course for us, we know we'll be in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteI always knew my Dad was a smart guy, well at least since I made it past 20, but his wisdom really became apparent when in his mid 80's he both moved himself into an assisted living spot and then a year or two later voluntarily hung up his keys, and turned in his drivers license.
ReplyDeleteOh and another thing a great recipe for frozen lemon juice is "let John & Brenda know before they leave the state" I am sure they would have picked some up.
ReplyDeleteAll of those great comments that I've received has helped me feel comfortable with my decision. The decision wasn't easy, but I think it's the right one for me at this time.
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ReplyDeleteWe knew, without planning, that the time had come to settle in one place. The time just happens and a keen sense of awareness makes the decision happen.
ReplyDeleteFacing the issue with my MIL this week when at the age of 91 she gave up her keys yesterday. Unfortunately she also went into the hospital last night making other decisions she was hoping to make at her own pace likely to be sped up now. For us, we're always looking at "forever" places in our travels for when it's our turn.
ReplyDeleteEmma made a very wise decision. Guess that's why we have our list of potential places going and are thinking that knowing one day we will need to make that decision, as well. Hopefully though, not for a long while:)
ReplyDeleteEmmi looks like she is shaking Michael's leg with her paw saying, Look dad, over there, do you see it!!