2004 Itasca Horizon 40AD

Here are some photos of our new home.  It is a 99.9% done deal. Just a few details to work out.  There were some issues found by the RV inspector we had check it out. But to their credit, Camping World in Mesa, Arizona has assured us that everything will be fixed to our satisfaction before we pick it up. When we go to Mesa, we will stay a few days just to play with the RV and figure out how to use everything. Camping World has offered to put us up in an RV park for a couple of days so we can do just that. Have had nothing but total cooperation from them from the start.

Came home and cried....

Our wonderful friends threw us a "going away and thanks for your service to Camptonville" party tonight. Mike made his amazing all day speghetti sauce. A nice salad and a glass of wine to top it all off. There were toasts and roasts, card and plaques presented, a nice laminated Atlas, so we can find our way home. We were very touched to see all the people come out on a rainy night for us. I held it together pretty well thru all the hugs and "we'll miss yous", but then I came home and cried. I have never ever lived in such a loving town. People smile and wave at you even when they barely know you...it's just the neighborly thing....and going to Lost Nugget (the local little store) takes you twice as long because there are so many people to talk to....I will dearly miss all of this. Thank you, Camptonville, I love you all.

Waiting on the pics.........

We found an RV we like and have been working with dealership. The RV inspector has been out to see it and take pics. We are waiting to hear from him and see those pictures. I hope they are good. He described some body damage that we are concerned about....also the slides didn't work, the back up camera didn't work ..... He's gonna go drive it on Monday, too. So, we think we are ok (no idea why my letters went to BOLD) This is all so nerve wracking ....we are gonna put every cent we have into a roving house....it's GOT to be the right one! Alan is thinking maybe he should fly there, too. Another $600, by the time you add in hotel, car, meals,etc.
I'm feeling scared, I guess. This is a whole new adventure for us and I want it to work so badly. I'm just taking it second by second.
Lisa just said said "Momma, Auntie Jessi in my house?" "Yes, she's buying our house" "That's ok, I'm going" "Yep, my darling, you are going" "In the big car, right" "Yep, in the big car" So she's cool with it...she gets it and she trusts the Universe!! That girl teaches me everyday, I swear!

Stuff is going out of the house...

Sharon (Matt's Mom) came to see the house today and I think she loved it. It's so fun to see the excitement on Jessi and Matt's faces! And little John Henry likes hearing his voice here...too cute. I gave Sharon the flower oil painting because she commented that she liked it..... I think she really appreciated that.
Then, Char, Mark and Kendra came by to pick up their filing cabinet and hope chest.
I painted 2 days ago....just little spots that needed tidying up and started on the risers for the stairs. Got 'em primed, but today it's too cold out there to paint.
I am cleaning out the freezer and will call Dona for a good day for them to pick it up.
Little by little....

Things change FAST in this household!!

The pic is of the galley in the coach we like. The one in Arizona didn't work out, so we are still looking, but we will find it, I know!

The GREAT news is that we DON'T have to leave for South Dakota in the middle of freakin' winter! I was NOT looking forward to that...snow wise and extra money involved. Turns out we can do most of our residency requirements over the phone, buy the RV and THEN go to SD in the spring or summer to get our drivers licenses!! SO much better! It takes a lot of stress off for us, too, and I am all for that!
Worked a bit in the yard this afternoon and I am hurting......this new journey will help that a lot.It helps me emotionally to remember that, too.
We have completed all of Lisa's dental work  now and then the two of us have a girls mammo day (oh joy) next week. She's actually great about it and quite fascinated by the whole squished boob look....it's kinda fun for her....crazy woman that she is! :0)

Mixed up feelings today

We faxed over the paperwork for the house last night and I honestly don't know what I am feeling....excited to be moving forward on our RV dream FINALLY. Trying hard to "let go" of my dream house located on my dream land. I knew exactly what I wanted land wise and found it. I still vividly remember David calling me at work in Santa Barbara (I sent him out to check it out, after finding it online)...his exact words were "Mom, GET UP HERE!! This land is perfect!!" I canceled my next 3 days of work and took off on my 9 hour drive up here, picked him up and as we drove up, he was SO excited. I think of that day every single time I drive up the road to my house. Only, since Dave passed, it hurts every single time. Still...he loved this place. And when Kris saw it, he loved it, too.
My plan was to leave this land to the two of them...that was my inheritance for them. But then, the stock market went south and I lost everything because of some really bad decisions on my part. I feel so bad about that....there is not much there for Kris at all, if anything. SO sorry, sweetheart!
We have been looking at Rv's like crazy and trying to make a deal with a guy in Mesa, Arizona.....he thought a deposit would be ok, but his manager didn't care for it. So...this is the deal Alan shot to him....$3,000 deposit (refundable) and we pay to have an RV inspector check it out. If the coach is acceptable and we agree, then the deposit becomes non refundable and they hold it for us til the escrow closes. The salesman said he's run it by management, so we'll see.
Gotta make another run to the thrift store...our Saturday thing. ;0)

House is going into ESCROW!

I talked with our joint real estate agent (actually a cuz to the Wilcox family) tonight and emailed him a bunch of pertinent info......gonna get this thing going with (hopefully) a 30 day close. Keep your fingers crossed!!
I am excited and sad and apprehensive and I can't wait! Each step towards this has been fairly easy, so I anticipate this will be also.....

David's Anniversary

This marks the 5th year since David passed and I miss him every single day....hard to actually believe my baby boy is not with us in the physical sense. He touched so many lives, though. And a great many of them from Camptonville showed up for a party in his honor today.
We toasted him with tequilla shots, had a wonderful BBQ at Pam and John's (froze our tail feathers off, too!!), listened to Dakota Sid and Travers and Lauren play and sing and had a wonderful time. I know Dave enjoyed it, too. This all made a horrible day a lot easier for me. Thank you all for showing up and caring! I love you.

Yippee!!!!!!

The final blockage to our leaving was removed today!! I called the attorney to verify, but got his voicemail. We are sure that we are done, but just want to check first! I DID call Jessi and told her and Matt that it had come....we are all so excited!!!!! Now, to get the house into escrow....the shortest one possible! I have another run to the Thrift tomorrow and then, we may run into Sac and look at some Rv's.....having dinner with Kris and hopefully April tomorrow night, too, to celebrate my birthday! (It snowed on the 29th)

Skype

What an amazing time we live in! Alan is setting up our Skype right now. It will be fun to keep in touch that way! Do you have to call before hand and set up a time? I guess we'll find out!! LOL! Lisa will LOVE it!  Ham that she is!! :0)

Just saying....

Feeling kinda scared today....this is a huge deal we are undertaking. I know our financial situation sucks (damn stock market) and we can't stay here regardless. I know all that. Still....I always thought I'd die here. What if, after we are gone, something happens to Alan? I suppose I could still drive around, but what if Lisa is in full blown Alzheimers? Or what if too much togetherness is TOO much? Shit....I drive myself crazy with the "what ifs"!!
These are all things we have talked about....ran the "what ifs' thru to the end....we aren't doing this just on a whim....hours and hours and hours have gone into the do diligence part...we have walked RV lots til we know exactly what we want...we are prepared and yet......