I really want to leave tonight!
I felt pretty bad at work, drank two cups of tea with lemon and honey, per my local pharmacist's advice, and still didn't feel well. I finally called Kaiser to see if they could fit me in today, but they were full. There was one cancellation, but I was too late. I asked my boss if I could skip lunch and leave early, and that's what I did.
As I was driving home, I thought, why not leave tonight, and pull over somewhere when I get tired? Katie and I could have a little snack, a little nap, or I could even stop and have a nice breakfast somewhere.
I drove to the storage lot and got the Palms, filled her tank, and brought her home. I've got everything loaded and let me tell you... Katie is sticking to me like white on rice. As I type this she is standing next to me on the couch, wagging her tale, and has a paw on my arm.
Even though I'm going to be gone for four days, I haven't done a good job packing. I know I'll be in Kristy and Matt's house except to sleep, so I brought some snacks and drinks, hung some clothes and stowed the rest in a suitcase. Katie's food, treats, and toys are packed. And that's about it.
The weather forecast says snow on the Grapevine, so I'm going the coast route - Highway 101. I've never gone that way before, it's at least an extra hour, but I don't want to chance having a problem with the snow. It's actually quite cold and windy right now, with high wind advisories for boats, so it's even windy along 101. I hope the weather doesn't impact our trip.
I'm not sure if I should get some sleep and start out around 3:00 am, or leave now. I just checked the California Road Conditions site, and 101 is clear all the way up. I think I'm going to take off now.
Wish me luck again!
From me and Katie - have a good evening! : )
Full-timing in our 24-foot 2006 Forest River Sunseeker 2200 as of June 1, 2011, I've added solar panels and a catalytic heater so that we can camp off-grid comfortably. My dog, Katie, is great company. We traveled a bit in the Western States our first year, and visited the deserts of Arizona and most of the New Mexico State Parks the next four. This year - 2016 - I'm hoping to find a park model to buy so we will have a home base, but we'll continue to travel, too. What a life! :)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The new Motor Home is stored, safe and sound, I've named her...
I have a lot of new Followers to welcome. I sure do thank you all for following along with me and Katie, my dog. Thanks to Gypsy Boho, PatternMart, Sara, Tricia, JoJo, Jessica, and LittleSis9! Almost all have a blog, just click on their names for the link to take you to their blogs, except Sara and Tricia. If you two do start (or already have) a blog, let me know. Things are just getting interesting around here, so you are following along at the right time! : ) I've already checked out some of your blogs, too, and have enjoyed what I've read so far.
So...
I've decided to name the motor home The Royal Palms. She has different kinds of palm trees on her upholstery, and I can't think of anything else, and I love the "Royal," kind of like calling a tall person "Shorty."
I started this post on Sunday, then pooped out and went to bed. After 15 hours of sleep, I woke up and went to work Monday and I'm still catching up! Here's that first Sunday part:
I'm so tired after the last few days, but I did it, and I'm home, Katie's home with me, and our new motor home is safely in storage until next Thursday.
I took care of a sick 2-year-old grandson on Wednesday, so was out of commission all day. On Thursday I went to the storage company I chose and handed over all my paperwork and signed the agreement and gave them my check. I picked out the parking spot I liked, so I was all set. Got my key card and that was that.
Friday morning I drove to my son Tom's house, and he drove me down the RV dealer, La Mesa RV. I'd never been to their business, only the RV shows, and I was surprised how big they are. I definitely should have been looking there instead of driving all over the place looking for used RV lots. They are a pretty slick operation, and everything went like clockwork. After the deal was done, we went into their store and bought some things I'd be needing. La Mesa RV gave me a $50 gift certificate, so that helped a lot.
Then we took off. I followed Tom for a while on the freeway until he turned off to go to work, and I kept going, I was going home first. I didn't quite know what to with her, since I wasn't keeping her at home, and wasn't using her yet. I went into the house and looked around for a few things I could keep in the MH for now, towels, plastic tableware, etc. I just had to put something away in those drawers and cupboards!
Then Katie and I drove her to Walmart to get a few things. Next we drove to my son's house, and Katie and I had a camp out in my son's driveway with Kennedy and Gavin, his two oldest children. They were so excited! We went to McDonalds in the car and brought it back to The Royal Palms for our first dinner in the new motor home. We watched a movie on their portable DVD player, then had popcorn and went to bed.
The next morning we got up and after a quick breakfast drove down to Santee Lakes where I am going to live in The Royal Palms for six months, starting June 1 (assuming my condo is rented). I had planned on which area I wanted - right by one of the lakes. But luckily I stopped to talk to a man named David in one of the campsites I was interested in, and he said not to reserve in that area. Winter is great, he said, but summer in that area is full of vacationing weekenders who are constantly coming and going, loud music, he said the kids literally hang from the trees. He was preparing to move to another area for the summer. So he looked at my map and marked 4 campsites that would be good.
The kids and I drove past them and picked one out, then went back to the office and reserved it. I was not planning to make the reservation that day, but luckily David said if I didn't reserve it right away, there would be nothing decent left for a long term campsite. I'm REALLY glad I stopped to talk to David.
We drove back to Tom's and Tom followed me over to the RV storage and I parked The Royal Palms and left her. It was so sad. : ( But I told my grand kids she has all the other RVs to talk to.
So... now it's Wednesday at 9:00 pm. I went by after work today and checked her out again. I still love her and am really glad I bought her. I have no regrets, no buyer's remorse. I like her even more now than when I first saw her. I guess that's love. : )
Tomorrow after work I'm going to get her and bring her home and load her up for our trip to Vacaville to visit my daughter, Kristy, and her family. I plan to leave Friday at 3:00 am to get through Los Angeles before the rush hour traffic. I'm hoping there won't be any snow over the Grapevine.
I have a 15 day 100% warranty, and this trip will be within that 15 days. Then the next 15 days I have a 50/50 warranty on parts and labor, they pay 50% and I pay 50%, so if anything is not working right, I want to find out during the first 15 days.
I'm a little under the weather, have been all week, so I hope the 8 or 9 hour drive won't totally exhaust me. I know its a long drive, especially for my maiden voyage. But she is very comfortable to drive, I had no problems at all when I brought her home, and I'm going to take it nice and easy.
I'll let you know when I get home how it went. And my next post will have pictures. Wish me luck!
From Me and Katie, have a good rest of the week, everyone! : )
So...
I've decided to name the motor home The Royal Palms. She has different kinds of palm trees on her upholstery, and I can't think of anything else, and I love the "Royal," kind of like calling a tall person "Shorty."
I started this post on Sunday, then pooped out and went to bed. After 15 hours of sleep, I woke up and went to work Monday and I'm still catching up! Here's that first Sunday part:
I'm so tired after the last few days, but I did it, and I'm home, Katie's home with me, and our new motor home is safely in storage until next Thursday.
I took care of a sick 2-year-old grandson on Wednesday, so was out of commission all day. On Thursday I went to the storage company I chose and handed over all my paperwork and signed the agreement and gave them my check. I picked out the parking spot I liked, so I was all set. Got my key card and that was that.
Friday morning I drove to my son Tom's house, and he drove me down the RV dealer, La Mesa RV. I'd never been to their business, only the RV shows, and I was surprised how big they are. I definitely should have been looking there instead of driving all over the place looking for used RV lots. They are a pretty slick operation, and everything went like clockwork. After the deal was done, we went into their store and bought some things I'd be needing. La Mesa RV gave me a $50 gift certificate, so that helped a lot.
Then we took off. I followed Tom for a while on the freeway until he turned off to go to work, and I kept going, I was going home first. I didn't quite know what to with her, since I wasn't keeping her at home, and wasn't using her yet. I went into the house and looked around for a few things I could keep in the MH for now, towels, plastic tableware, etc. I just had to put something away in those drawers and cupboards!
Then Katie and I drove her to Walmart to get a few things. Next we drove to my son's house, and Katie and I had a camp out in my son's driveway with Kennedy and Gavin, his two oldest children. They were so excited! We went to McDonalds in the car and brought it back to The Royal Palms for our first dinner in the new motor home. We watched a movie on their portable DVD player, then had popcorn and went to bed.
The next morning we got up and after a quick breakfast drove down to Santee Lakes where I am going to live in The Royal Palms for six months, starting June 1 (assuming my condo is rented). I had planned on which area I wanted - right by one of the lakes. But luckily I stopped to talk to a man named David in one of the campsites I was interested in, and he said not to reserve in that area. Winter is great, he said, but summer in that area is full of vacationing weekenders who are constantly coming and going, loud music, he said the kids literally hang from the trees. He was preparing to move to another area for the summer. So he looked at my map and marked 4 campsites that would be good.
The kids and I drove past them and picked one out, then went back to the office and reserved it. I was not planning to make the reservation that day, but luckily David said if I didn't reserve it right away, there would be nothing decent left for a long term campsite. I'm REALLY glad I stopped to talk to David.
We drove back to Tom's and Tom followed me over to the RV storage and I parked The Royal Palms and left her. It was so sad. : ( But I told my grand kids she has all the other RVs to talk to.
So... now it's Wednesday at 9:00 pm. I went by after work today and checked her out again. I still love her and am really glad I bought her. I have no regrets, no buyer's remorse. I like her even more now than when I first saw her. I guess that's love. : )
Tomorrow after work I'm going to get her and bring her home and load her up for our trip to Vacaville to visit my daughter, Kristy, and her family. I plan to leave Friday at 3:00 am to get through Los Angeles before the rush hour traffic. I'm hoping there won't be any snow over the Grapevine.
I have a 15 day 100% warranty, and this trip will be within that 15 days. Then the next 15 days I have a 50/50 warranty on parts and labor, they pay 50% and I pay 50%, so if anything is not working right, I want to find out during the first 15 days.
I'm a little under the weather, have been all week, so I hope the 8 or 9 hour drive won't totally exhaust me. I know its a long drive, especially for my maiden voyage. But she is very comfortable to drive, I had no problems at all when I brought her home, and I'm going to take it nice and easy.
I'll let you know when I get home how it went. And my next post will have pictures. Wish me luck!
From Me and Katie, have a good rest of the week, everyone! : )
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I pick her up on Friday, and a couple of questions for you
WELCOME to two new Followers: PMichelleTaylor and CJsKidsClub.com! Thanks for following Me and My Dog. You don't list blog sites, so I'll just say welcome, and I hope you enjoy following along with me and Katie as we venture into Full-Timing!
I have an appointment to pick up the Sunseeker on Friday at 9:30 for the walk through. Just to let you know, I had some comments concerning making sure the tires are good (by the numbers on the tires), the generator and other things working well, etc. I talked to my Service Adviser yesterday and he said they put the new tires on when they did the first detail/check of the coach. So they literally ARE brand new. I asked him if they would make sure she was tuned up, had an oil change, etc., and he said everything is done before they put her on the lot for sale. Everything on her, mechanical and otherwise, is examined and it has to be at least 80% or it's replaced. I'm assuming that's why they put on new tires. So that made me feel better. They seem really service oriented. Hopefully I'll feel that way down the road, but so far, so good. In fact, I've been very impressed. : )
I decided on Progressive for the insurance, mainly because the response was much quicker than the other carriers and the first year's quote was lower. So that's done.
This is a short post because I have a couple of questions for you guys, and I'm not getting much from the forums I've checked.
I would like to get an extended warranty - the gal I talked to at the dealer is going to see what she can do to get me something less expensive, but I decided to get some quotes on my own. I've got one from Good Sam so far and it's much less than the dealer's.
I'd appreciate any comments about who you have, recommend, would NOT recommend, etc. There are lots of sites when I Google Extended RV Warranty, and I'd like just three more quotes. I'm not sure if the companies listed in my Google search are reputable.
One thing that bothered me with the Good Sam quote was that the last page is a disclaimer from Good Sam in large type that the insurer is not licenced by the State of California. These companies are called "Nonadmitted" or "Surplus Lines" insurers. Any opinions about this?
I've submitted my application for a storage facility that is 1.5 miles from my house, that will be nice and close.
I'll keep you updated as things progress. Should have more info tomorrow.
From me and Katie, have a great Tuesday, everyone! : )
I have an appointment to pick up the Sunseeker on Friday at 9:30 for the walk through. Just to let you know, I had some comments concerning making sure the tires are good (by the numbers on the tires), the generator and other things working well, etc. I talked to my Service Adviser yesterday and he said they put the new tires on when they did the first detail/check of the coach. So they literally ARE brand new. I asked him if they would make sure she was tuned up, had an oil change, etc., and he said everything is done before they put her on the lot for sale. Everything on her, mechanical and otherwise, is examined and it has to be at least 80% or it's replaced. I'm assuming that's why they put on new tires. So that made me feel better. They seem really service oriented. Hopefully I'll feel that way down the road, but so far, so good. In fact, I've been very impressed. : )
I decided on Progressive for the insurance, mainly because the response was much quicker than the other carriers and the first year's quote was lower. So that's done.
This is a short post because I have a couple of questions for you guys, and I'm not getting much from the forums I've checked.
I would like to get an extended warranty - the gal I talked to at the dealer is going to see what she can do to get me something less expensive, but I decided to get some quotes on my own. I've got one from Good Sam so far and it's much less than the dealer's.
I'd appreciate any comments about who you have, recommend, would NOT recommend, etc. There are lots of sites when I Google Extended RV Warranty, and I'd like just three more quotes. I'm not sure if the companies listed in my Google search are reputable.
One thing that bothered me with the Good Sam quote was that the last page is a disclaimer from Good Sam in large type that the insurer is not licenced by the State of California. These companies are called "Nonadmitted" or "Surplus Lines" insurers. Any opinions about this?
I've submitted my application for a storage facility that is 1.5 miles from my house, that will be nice and close.
I'll keep you updated as things progress. Should have more info tomorrow.
From me and Katie, have a great Tuesday, everyone! : )
Sunday, March 27, 2011
RV Insurance
Welcome to our new Follower, DoreenP! Hi Doreen, thanks for following along with Me and My Dog, Katie. You didn't list a blog, but let me know if you start one.
I followed lots of RV blogs before I started mine, so I'm thinking some of my recent followers who aren't showing blogs might be thinking about it, or planning to RV in the future.
I'm still working on my insurance for the RV. So far Progressive seems the best, AARP/Hartford is very close to them, so they are still in the running. I've heard about Miller Insurance in Oregon, and Roxanne from The Good Luck Duck mentioned them, too, so I sent in an on-line request for quote, and we'll see what comes back. Maybe working with an agent instead of directly with the companies will bring in a lower quote.
I keep looking at my photos of the RV, she actually looks better in person, which is more than I can say for most of the RV's I went to see after going through on-line photos. I don't know why, but the dirt and wear and chips didn't show in the photos, and I was disappointed when I went to see them, but that was probably part of the grand plan. If I loved them, I wasn't ready to buy, anyway, and it would have been really hard to walk away if they were clean and nice and smelled good. Or at least didn't smell bad. : (
I wish I could keep her here at home, but I need to find a storage facility, which is my next task. I'll probably store her for two months, hopefully somewhere nearby so I can visit. : ) And I want to start storing things inside her, so my condo will be ready for the estate sale.
No photos today. But I saw this joke and I thought it was funny:
A young man in Tennessee came running into the gas station and said to a stranger, "Mister, somebody just stole your RV from the gas pump!"
The RVer replied, "Did you see who it was?"
The young man answered, "I couldn't tell, but I got the license number."
Later...
I lied about "no photos." I just saw this and thought I would add it. It's a little late for San Diego Aztecs, but here's the latest Cardiff Kook outfit:
From Me and My Dog, Katie, have a great Sunday, everyone! : )
I followed lots of RV blogs before I started mine, so I'm thinking some of my recent followers who aren't showing blogs might be thinking about it, or planning to RV in the future.
I'm still working on my insurance for the RV. So far Progressive seems the best, AARP/Hartford is very close to them, so they are still in the running. I've heard about Miller Insurance in Oregon, and Roxanne from The Good Luck Duck mentioned them, too, so I sent in an on-line request for quote, and we'll see what comes back. Maybe working with an agent instead of directly with the companies will bring in a lower quote.
I keep looking at my photos of the RV, she actually looks better in person, which is more than I can say for most of the RV's I went to see after going through on-line photos. I don't know why, but the dirt and wear and chips didn't show in the photos, and I was disappointed when I went to see them, but that was probably part of the grand plan. If I loved them, I wasn't ready to buy, anyway, and it would have been really hard to walk away if they were clean and nice and smelled good. Or at least didn't smell bad. : (
I wish I could keep her here at home, but I need to find a storage facility, which is my next task. I'll probably store her for two months, hopefully somewhere nearby so I can visit. : ) And I want to start storing things inside her, so my condo will be ready for the estate sale.
No photos today. But I saw this joke and I thought it was funny:
A young man in Tennessee came running into the gas station and said to a stranger, "Mister, somebody just stole your RV from the gas pump!"
The RVer replied, "Did you see who it was?"
The young man answered, "I couldn't tell, but I got the license number."
Later...
I lied about "no photos." I just saw this and thought I would add it. It's a little late for San Diego Aztecs, but here's the latest Cardiff Kook outfit:
From Me and My Dog, Katie, have a great Sunday, everyone! : )
Your posts about food
WELCOME to our new follower, Tesjae! I appreciate you following along, and hope you enjoy reading about my adventures with my dog, Katie, as we are just starting on the dream. Let me know if you have a blog, so I can read your posts, too! : )
I never realized how often RVers blog about food, and how much I enjoyed seeing the delicious looking photos. I'm trying to lose some weight, and have lost 10 pounds so far on the Medifast plan. I'd like to lose 7 or 8 more. Good thing, too, since my new RV is so tiny. Otherwise I wouldn't fit in the shower!
That'll keep me in check. But your photos look so good I can almost smell them, especially the fresh baked cinnamon rolls!
Today I spent some time checking out RV insurance companies and applying for quotes. I should have them all tomorrow, and will pick the one that looks best. Probably Progressive or AARP/Hartford. Does anyone have an opinion on those two companies, or a suggestion for another company to check out?
I did e-mail the Finance Manager at La Mesa RV today to let her know I was only going to purchase the GAP insurance, not the extended warranty or tire/rim plan. After talking to my daughter and my ex-husband, it seems like it wouldn't be cost effective for me. The total cost over the 15 year loan, to which they would be added, was more than $8,000. I read what the policy covered, and there were so many things I don't have, it didn't make sense to purchase a warranty that included coverage for the large, expensive things that aren't a part of my RV. I just don't have many extra options. And the tires are brand new. Instead I'll put money every month into my RV Emergency Fund, and if something needs repair or replacement, I should have the money to take care of it.
Thank you for all you comments - I DO agree that an extended warranty is a good idea, especially for the larger, expensive RVs, and hopefully I'll never regret letting this one go. And I also appreciate all your good wishes and congrats on my new RV. It's so nice to feel that I'm not doing this alone.
It's been a tiring couple of days and it's late, so that's all for now.
From Me and My Dog, have a great Sunday, everyone! : )
I never realized how often RVers blog about food, and how much I enjoyed seeing the delicious looking photos. I'm trying to lose some weight, and have lost 10 pounds so far on the Medifast plan. I'd like to lose 7 or 8 more. Good thing, too, since my new RV is so tiny. Otherwise I wouldn't fit in the shower!
I don't know the dimensions, but it's tiny!
That'll keep me in check. But your photos look so good I can almost smell them, especially the fresh baked cinnamon rolls!
Today I spent some time checking out RV insurance companies and applying for quotes. I should have them all tomorrow, and will pick the one that looks best. Probably Progressive or AARP/Hartford. Does anyone have an opinion on those two companies, or a suggestion for another company to check out?
I did e-mail the Finance Manager at La Mesa RV today to let her know I was only going to purchase the GAP insurance, not the extended warranty or tire/rim plan. After talking to my daughter and my ex-husband, it seems like it wouldn't be cost effective for me. The total cost over the 15 year loan, to which they would be added, was more than $8,000. I read what the policy covered, and there were so many things I don't have, it didn't make sense to purchase a warranty that included coverage for the large, expensive things that aren't a part of my RV. I just don't have many extra options. And the tires are brand new. Instead I'll put money every month into my RV Emergency Fund, and if something needs repair or replacement, I should have the money to take care of it.
Thank you for all you comments - I DO agree that an extended warranty is a good idea, especially for the larger, expensive RVs, and hopefully I'll never regret letting this one go. And I also appreciate all your good wishes and congrats on my new RV. It's so nice to feel that I'm not doing this alone.
It's been a tiring couple of days and it's late, so that's all for now.
From Me and My Dog, have a great Sunday, everyone! : )
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