tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post6354179460348200663..comments2023-06-28T03:08:03.890-07:00Comments on Flip Flop Vector: Loving It? Leaving It? 6 Months on the Road.davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-16222238466252790482013-06-08T15:32:51.014-07:002013-06-08T15:32:51.014-07:00I love this post. Thanks for being honest. RVSue...I love this post. Thanks for being honest. RVSue is pretty honest too and she has had some ups and downs over the past two years but she loves the life style so much and you can tell it. Also there is another blogger Barney, at Old Fat Man Adventures and he basically lives in one area on the TX coast but does some traveling. But all things mentioned in her e-mail I think would be taken care of if you just lived around the same area for a while and had those pleasures to partake of while RVing. I have never RVed but I read a lot of blogs and Jones for that life style at least for a while. I don't think it will ever happen but if it does I am glad to have this post in mind to keep me aware of what can happen. In case you have not read them: RVSue http://rvsueandcrew.net/ and Old Fat Man http://ofmadventures.blogspot.com/ I hope you will have many more blessings by the time your year is up.Suehttp://thewifesblog.dan-is-it.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-50824789912039769582012-10-16T18:03:40.092-07:002012-10-16T18:03:40.092-07:00We didn't start RVing until we were 60 years o...We didn't start RVing until we were 60 years old... we'd retired at 55 and 5 years later decided to rent our house out for 1 year and do some traveling. For us, it worked. Our house is still rented out nearly 12 years later and we're still on the road at age 70. But I don't think we hit the road running... we spent around 3 months at each location and spent that 3 months volunteering some place. Nearly 12 years later our motorhome now has 150,000 miles on it. BUT... the most important thing folks can do (in my opinion ;-) is to search one's own heart and soul and do what's best for yourself. What works for us would be disastrous for others.... (I just found you blog today and am intrigued by it... I'll be interested to see how it goes... Best wishes!)The Odd Essayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17168404014947652773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-33578892614949684102012-10-15T19:00:37.918-07:002012-10-15T19:00:37.918-07:00I have always said that my life is a dichotomy. H...I have always said that my life is a dichotomy. Heck, I'm a dichotomy! So I could totally relate to this post. Thank you for sharing both sides of the coin; the two faces of the mirror, the ... sorry, it's your fault you know... your humor just brings it out. LOL. Love, love, love this blog - gotta go with what others have said - I hope you guys keep up some modicum of travel so that we don't miss out on your posts. A big Texas hug to you two!Debra Dickinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00209071447120905907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-68726262307912651932012-10-13T11:13:37.330-07:002012-10-13T11:13:37.330-07:00Thank you so much for your honesty! The RV bloggin...Thank you so much for your honesty! The RV blogging world needs more of that! (It's one of the reasons we have two blogs. One chronicles our travels; the other gives an honest report of life as fulltimers.) <br /><br />We presented a session at this year's Escapade about "The Myths of Fulltime RVing" to share the truth about Gerty and Walt's (and friends) fictional tales. We received lots of feedback about how much people appreciated hearing the "whole" truth. So, keep up the truth-telling!<br /><br />It's refreshing to read the true tales of fellow 50-something "youngsters". We look forward to meeting you somewhere down the road and swapping the stories that weren't fit to print. Safe travels to you both.Paul and Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07236102580496167796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-38526184821067952482012-10-11T04:22:13.829-07:002012-10-11T04:22:13.829-07:00Yeah, TJ, my happiest moment is when I park her, c...Yeah, TJ, my happiest moment is when I park her, can relax and look forward to hangin' or explorin'...davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-26219363729405774632012-10-10T22:38:01.236-07:002012-10-10T22:38:01.236-07:00All so true - right!
We are younger then most - ...All so true - right! <br /><br />We are younger then most - and travel very small and very frugally. It is very challenging at times - harder then we thought and much harder then others think. I totally want to give it up when we miss a turn and I have to tell Derek to turn around. ha! Hoping that gets easier now with the camper van! <br /><br />But oh how freeing that open road is and all the possibilities that lie before us - guess that's why we keep heading out!<br /><br />Teresa Johannesma Woodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452415576469118219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-40089206857233691732012-10-10T04:13:25.805-07:002012-10-10T04:13:25.805-07:00Thanks James. Our situation a bit different as we ...Thanks James. Our situation a bit different as we don't have sticks/bricks to return to. Down days are spent hanging out on-line, exercising, going into town to sight see, groc/laundry, etc, pretty much same as regular living. I didnt retire, just re-wiring--trying to figure out what to do for the next 20 yrs...davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-15451148698439232642012-10-10T04:03:21.920-07:002012-10-10T04:03:21.920-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-14205578339228212462012-10-10T02:54:38.836-07:002012-10-10T02:54:38.836-07:00I can understand the dilemma. The wife and I did a...I can understand the dilemma. The wife and I did a 4 month around the country trip and near the end of it, started getting that feeling that it was time to head home. We had some of the same thoughts as Teri, wondering if we could sustain this over an extended time. <br /><br />Yes, you meet a lot of new friends on the road, but you start missing your old friends that you spent years cultivating, and may never see your new friends ever again. <br /><br />How do you spend the days not driving somewhere. A lot of people ask us why we don't retire full time, to which I answer, I am still young, and what would I do with myself all day? Yes we have hobbies, but hobbies usually aren't something you can spend all day, everyday doing. I couldn't play golf or fish everyday of the week, spoils it for those special times when you can do it.<br /><br />We are planning a 6 month tour, but on this one we plan on spending more time in one place.<br /><br />Wishing you the best.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03366839721519100560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-86971224585092417732012-10-09T06:38:25.372-07:002012-10-09T06:38:25.372-07:00So sorry for your loss...I miss my family so much ...So sorry for your loss...I miss my family so much as well, especially my sister who we lost to ALS and an ailing sis with MS as well. I meant to say "hope" it gets easier....as I really don't have a clue yet how hard it will be, that's for sure. And yes indeed, "no regrets"!CJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16074480446451710279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-30430284420534146022012-10-08T12:23:51.677-07:002012-10-08T12:23:51.677-07:00CJ, one of the reasons we are out in our early 50s...CJ, one of the reasons we are out in our early 50s you spoke to--"if not now, when?"...losing my parents and sister to cancer in an 18 mo. period forever changed me in terms of the "wait and see" attitude...we like to "keep it real" and with your forthcoming adventure in a Casita, you I think for sure can imagine the space difficulties that will present themselves...again, our motto of "No Regrets" is one we live by....davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-91951664570266359842012-10-08T12:17:52.476-07:002012-10-08T12:17:52.476-07:00Nothing to contemplate ref the Hill Country, it is...Nothing to contemplate ref the Hill Country, it is a charmer...spouse and I lived 20+ yrs in Denver, CO plus 2+ yrs in Austin, TX area--easily, for anyone that has traveled, those two would be in Top 10 great areas in the USA to live, and we experienced both, so yeah, as we travel, those two towns are high bars to clear..davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-74176968464513366012012-10-08T11:09:13.790-07:002012-10-08T11:09:13.790-07:00Not having gotten to the full-time part yet, I thi...Not having gotten to the full-time part yet, I think it made me ask myself a few more questions. I'm counting on the fact that we've lost a few good friends to sickness, the folks in their 90's are in the stinky nursing home, and I can't stand the stress of my job and want to be retired with my husband. Now if that lottery win had happened I could hole up in a tiny home somewhere but sure hate to have reqrets later in life that I stayed in the same house, with the same stuff, and instead got to experience America. Before long it will be me sitting in that nursing home! You sure brought forth the good and the tough points. And always with the sweetest humor! I hope you continue to find your way...hoping that getting out of dodge on the East cost and back on the road for some adventure, it gets easier! CJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16074480446451710279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-17859109110529626512012-10-08T11:07:22.748-07:002012-10-08T11:07:22.748-07:00Hey, thanks for the honesty.....hubby and I have q...Hey, thanks for the honesty.....hubby and I have questioned the "full-time" thing. A man-cave, nice kitchen and king bed make for marital bliss :-) Looking forward to seeing where you end up in 6 months. Hubby and I have been contemplating the TX hill country. Safe travels....head south NOW while ya can!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-62025632732430413332012-10-08T09:52:25.740-07:002012-10-08T09:52:25.740-07:00Yeah, Jared, we hear you...we were hoping 2 nites ...Yeah, Jared, we hear you...we were hoping 2 nites in large hotel room in the Big Apple will invigorate us as it was nice having a new, comfy King Sized bed and an endless supply of hot water to refil the tub with...as the post indicates, nothing has been ruled out at all....davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-23637184496532919962012-10-08T09:50:29.218-07:002012-10-08T09:50:29.218-07:00Jared Phillips has left a new comment on your post...Jared Phillips has left a new comment on your post "Loving It? Leaving It? 6 Months on the Road.": <br /><br />As I've said before, yourhome blog entries are a highlight of my day. Always enjoy reading your humor and insight about your journey. That said, I agree with you. We just completed a TWO-WEEK trip in our 21friends ft camper, with two dogs. Maybe it was the small space, the dogs, the lack of money, lack of time, the constant expensive camper failures and repairs (see again"lack of money) or the fact that we still had a sticks home that was filling up with bills for us to come home and pay. We both talked about the idea of full-timing someday, but I would bet that it would be more of a part-time-full-time. There are too many things about HOME that I would miss. But with that said, we've been home from our two-week adventure for 5 days and I was ready to go again on day 3. Just a couple days to recharge, see family and friends and sleep in a non-mobile bed is all I needed to be ready to go again. <br />davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-63708619357713278712012-10-08T07:51:00.198-07:002012-10-08T07:51:00.198-07:00Thanks Patty and give those 2 G-hounds a hug for u...Thanks Patty and give those 2 G-hounds a hug for us, their perspective his hilarious!...saw where you did arrive home, but we have no home to arrive back to, other than our traveling hallway...our minds remain open as to the future, just need some clear skies and warmer temps to fire up the brain cells...davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-74879160223788154962012-10-08T07:48:25.775-07:002012-10-08T07:48:25.775-07:00I hear u D/L...I think we just have Northeast Fati...I hear u D/L...I think we just have Northeast Fatigue Syndrome---prices, attitude, drivers, weather, etc. after 1 mo.+ in the area...we have one more week of obligations ALL BROUGHT ON BY OURSELVES before the freedom returns...thanks for cking in...davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-1446048004228171592012-10-08T07:11:50.551-07:002012-10-08T07:11:50.551-07:00Your post rings so true to me. I laughed so hard a...Your post rings so true to me. I laughed so hard at some parts. We are back home and it is harder for me to adjust to a house than the RV. I am overwhelmed by all the stuff we have. It is so unnecessary. Enough about me....LOL I hope the decision about your future comes to you easily when the time comes. Maybe you will choose to just travel 3 to 6 months a year and stay put the rest of the time. I know that I will miss your blog if you decide to the leave the road.Two Greyhound Townhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05121726016336858051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-20338494398427280362012-10-08T05:01:42.785-07:002012-10-08T05:01:42.785-07:00Now with football season here we have found that w...Now with football season here we have found that we cannot watch our Kansas Chiefs run out onto the field. It would be nice if they would win, but win or lose they are still our Chiefs and we would like to watch them play. So I understand your Longhorns.<br /><br />We have not traveled as far or as often as you, but have experienced so many of the same things. We miss our home church, but by way of the internet as least we can get the sermons.<br /><br />Even with missing some things, we are still loving it. The stress and polotics of the work place are not missed. The differences of the locations are renewing even with the battle of the fire ants. <br /><br />If we were not fulltiming I would probably never had read your blog and would have missed one of my greatest joys. I love and look forward to the humor. Thanks!David and Linda Richardsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00520646399005007259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-28550777402130134922012-10-08T04:18:54.710-07:002012-10-08T04:18:54.710-07:00It is definitely a transition, no doubt....being &...It is definitely a transition, no doubt....being "stuck" in the Northeast due to commitments we made with family/friends to meet up has been difficult as we are tired of rain, dew, humidity, cold, etc..still learning...our sched frees up in 6 days!davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05827760177508233512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941197665537531973.post-92032891752097933992012-10-07T17:28:16.619-07:002012-10-07T17:28:16.619-07:00You may have surmised from my postings, that I thi...You may have surmised from my postings, that I think the full-time RV lifestyle is much harder than we expected. I thought there was something wrong with me, that I did not feel all warm and fuzzy about RVing, like most of the blogs talk about.<br /><br />I too have felt something like homesickness, although that feeling is becoming less and less.<br /><br />We are doing this for longer than a year, but I can surely understand how you guys would be questioning and discussing what to do next.<br /><br />For us...getting the heck out of Kansas will be our first order of business come December 23rd!CREATING the LIFEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16281935496853960683noreply@blogger.com