Finally, I'm back.
I really dislike the wifi that never works! That's the reason I'm never here. But there really hasn't been much to write about lately.
Training is going well for Warren and he really likes driving the coaches! He's so ready for the season to start and he's also ready to find a cabin in the woods! He is so sold on Alaska!
I have been sharing the driving of the trainees with Deanna. She's another coach driver and the newly married wife of one of the trainers. It has really worked out well!
I guess the only exciting thing of late was as I drove Warren to class today, he noticed traffic was slowing up and stopping. Said he wondered why, when all of a sudden he saw a huge moose standing at the corner of the street just taking his time crossing over to the other side of the street. It was pretty cool!
The ice and snow are starting to slowly melt and the sun is up about 16 hours a day now. The northern lights were supposed to be out the other night, but we are surrounded by so much light they weren't visible. If Warren hadn't needed his sleep, I would have gotten him up and we would have headed out of town to see them. Maybe later this summer.
I did get some blueberry muffins baked yesterday and shared them with the trainees and all. Guess I'll have to bake more, they went pretty fast!!
Til next time - hope it will be more interesting for y'all!
Patty
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
I don't believe it! I thought I would never get internet again! So much for spending extra money with my phone service only to find out it doesn't work up here! Boy are they in for it when I get them on the phone!!
Anyway, we are here and have been for about a week! There is still tons of snow on the ground and also lots of ice, so our brilliant idea of walking and biking has fallen through. We have been forced to learn the bus system for now as we haven't found a car either. But you definitely meet some interesting characters while waiting for the bus! Let's see, there was the crotch grabbing gentleman that was trying to throw whatever it was he thought he grabbed over his shoulder. Or the guy talking to his reflection and jumping up and down and getting mad at the reflection for copying him. OH, how about the drunk couple ( at ll am no less ) that were hanging all over each other til he wet himself! Believe me, I am ready to find a car and to get out of Anchorage!
We have been learning lots about our RV and it is working very well. Just this morning I baked in the oven for the first time. And the quiche was delicious! Next will be blueberry muffins - yes, RR, I will bake some for you next year when you are here. We haven't gotten the water or sewer hooked up yet, but it's because everything has been under ice and we didn't know where it was. Today we finally were able to see the connections, so as soon as we are done over here at Fred Meyers, we will get it hooked up! Yeah! I can't wait!
Harley has taken to the lifestyle pretty well. She loves sitting in the front window watching all the goings on. She is also back to her regular routine of waking us up in the middle of the night to have company or get us to watch her eat. But we have figured out that if I spray the air can, she high tails it out of the area and leaves us in peace.
Let me see if I can post any pictures. Be right back.
I can't believe it worked! We saw these guys along the side of the road outside of Whitehorse, Canada
I can't believe it worked! Let me try another one for ya! This is in Whitehorse also. There are thousands from all over the world!
Saw the caribou once we got into Alaska!
Ok, Warren is chomping at the bit to get onto the computer, so will close for now. Hope to be back tomorrow!
Thanks for hanging in there and waiting for us!
Patty
Anyway, we are here and have been for about a week! There is still tons of snow on the ground and also lots of ice, so our brilliant idea of walking and biking has fallen through. We have been forced to learn the bus system for now as we haven't found a car either. But you definitely meet some interesting characters while waiting for the bus! Let's see, there was the crotch grabbing gentleman that was trying to throw whatever it was he thought he grabbed over his shoulder. Or the guy talking to his reflection and jumping up and down and getting mad at the reflection for copying him. OH, how about the drunk couple ( at ll am no less ) that were hanging all over each other til he wet himself! Believe me, I am ready to find a car and to get out of Anchorage!
We have been learning lots about our RV and it is working very well. Just this morning I baked in the oven for the first time. And the quiche was delicious! Next will be blueberry muffins - yes, RR, I will bake some for you next year when you are here. We haven't gotten the water or sewer hooked up yet, but it's because everything has been under ice and we didn't know where it was. Today we finally were able to see the connections, so as soon as we are done over here at Fred Meyers, we will get it hooked up! Yeah! I can't wait!
Harley has taken to the lifestyle pretty well. She loves sitting in the front window watching all the goings on. She is also back to her regular routine of waking us up in the middle of the night to have company or get us to watch her eat. But we have figured out that if I spray the air can, she high tails it out of the area and leaves us in peace.
I can't believe it worked! We saw these guys along the side of the road outside of Whitehorse, Canada
I can't believe it worked! Let me try another one for ya! This is in Whitehorse also. There are thousands from all over the world!
Ok, Warren is chomping at the bit to get onto the computer, so will close for now. Hope to be back tomorrow!
Thanks for hanging in there and waiting for us!
Patty
Monday, March 19, 2012
Today we crossed into Canada. We keep saying if we didn't have bad luck we wouldn't have any. A rig went, threw up a rock and you guessed it - big chip in our windshield. And the road was so rough it just kept spliting until it went all the way up. It's also working it's way down.
So far besides bad roads Canada has been foggy, cold and windy. Some vehicles even have ice on their antennas and mirrors. Guess the temp is in the low 30's. It wouldn't be so bad if the wind weren't blowing so hard.
We have been traveling on Hwy 11 to Saskatoon and taking 16 to Edmondton. As for scenery along this route there isn't much. Alot of flat farm land, some oil rigs, wind turbines and lots of geese. Not really much to write home about. We tried to stop at a roadside rest area, but realized we had missed it when we saw a sign for it on the other side of the road going the other way! So we found a gas station and pulled in there, got some gas and noticed truck after truck pulling in ( of course there was a Subway inside the station ). We pulled around and saw 2 picnic tables and figured we had accidentally found one of the roadside parks.
We took the advice of the Milepost and are getting gas quite often. The stations are few and far between.
Hoping tomorrow will bring better weather, and sights. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and I'll talk to ya later!
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| Sunrise & field of wind turbines |
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| At the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center |
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| Lewis & Clark |
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| Roadside park - see the tables? |
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Got to Bismark and went to the Double Ditch Indian Village. Not really alot to see, but lots of markers to read and become informed. The Mandan Indian earthlodges, and mounds and fortification ditches were visible. It was right along the Missouri River. Nice walk and lots to learn.
Hope you enjoyed this portion of our trip.
See you next time. Probably from across the border!!!
Patty
We are really making good time. It's just after 2 and we are almost in Bismark. Going to try to find some Indian ruins we read about. Wish us luck.
It has been an uneventful day. Earlier Warren saw a coyote run across the road. Then he saw a pheasant. Naturally, I missed both of them as I was playing Words. So put it down and started looking around. Unfortunately, all I have seen are alot of roadkill. They do have some huge racoons out here. Also saw a couple of large flocks of geese flying north. The first flock must have had at least 100 and the second maybe 50 or so. Oh, almost forgot - we drove by an buffulo ranch and did see a few of them, but mostly they were behind a ridge, so no good photo op.
Also noticed that they have some of the silliest names for their Inns Settle Inn, C'mon Inn. You get it! And finally saw patches of snow and alot of the ponds still have ice on them, even tho it is getting into the 70's.
I drove for a short time, just to get the feel of it. He really seems to enjoy the driving and I can take it or leave it. Your arms really get tired if you aren't used to it.
Those wind turbines are gigantic!
Okay, later!
Patty
It has been an uneventful day. Earlier Warren saw a coyote run across the road. Then he saw a pheasant. Naturally, I missed both of them as I was playing Words. So put it down and started looking around. Unfortunately, all I have seen are alot of roadkill. They do have some huge racoons out here. Also saw a couple of large flocks of geese flying north. The first flock must have had at least 100 and the second maybe 50 or so. Oh, almost forgot - we drove by an buffulo ranch and did see a few of them, but mostly they were behind a ridge, so no good photo op.
Also noticed that they have some of the silliest names for their Inns Settle Inn, C'mon Inn. You get it! And finally saw patches of snow and alot of the ponds still have ice on them, even tho it is getting into the 70's.
Those wind turbines are gigantic!
Okay, later!
Patty
Friday, March 16, 2012
The field of wind turbines was pretty neat, and then along comes a bunch of semi's carrying some of the blades. Couldn't believe how big they really are. They sure have them in the right place tho; windy as can be.
Then our first home cooked meal ( bless the person that created the electric skillet ), one of our favorites, stir fry. Then a beautiful sunset to finish it off ! Now watching old John Wayne movies and relaxing!
Have a wonderful evening and thanks for stopping by!
Patty
Ok, so where did we leave off? Oh yeah, got the camera. But nothing picture worthy now. Maybe later.
Soon we stop for fuel and Warren notices a tire is low, so we go to get air only to discover a broken valve stem. So across the street to the repair shop to have that fixed. Almost 2 hours later we are on the road again.
Well, got a couple shots of the Arch in St Louis and all was going fine. Suddenly, the radio quits, all the plugs quit and it drains my battery. So I have decided to change the heading on my blog to As the Wheels Turn...
We are coming into Oak Grove, MO, so I frantically look for a repair shop. It's already 4:20, I locate one and it doesn't look far. We get some directions really quick and head over there to find out they all left at 4:30 ( it's now 4:35, of course ). She tells us if we come back and are here before 8 am she will get us in right away. So we go across the street to a little truck stop. But it is really nasty looking so decide it is worth the short drive to go back past one we saw at the last exit. It was a Petro and pretty big, and clean. Thought what the hey, lets have a hot dinner, so we did. Fish and salad.
Once back out in the "cabin", Warren starts checking things out only to discover that the outlets are now working but still no radio. But we decide it is not worth stressing over and watch Survivor on the laptop and then head to bed.
Got up this morning and went and got a great shower, then headed to the RV shop. We weren't there long and the lady came out. Told us ( which we figured was the problem ) that they are geared so the outlets only work when the engine is off. The radio was probably just a loose wire and she hated to take our money at $109 an hour for labor ( and it would probably take about 3 hours to tear it apart to get into the radio ) so we decided we could just talk to each other. Music isn't all its cracked up to be anyway!
So until the next shoe falls ...
Patty
Soon we stop for fuel and Warren notices a tire is low, so we go to get air only to discover a broken valve stem. So across the street to the repair shop to have that fixed. Almost 2 hours later we are on the road again.
Well, got a couple shots of the Arch in St Louis and all was going fine. Suddenly, the radio quits, all the plugs quit and it drains my battery. So I have decided to change the heading on my blog to As the Wheels Turn...
We are coming into Oak Grove, MO, so I frantically look for a repair shop. It's already 4:20, I locate one and it doesn't look far. We get some directions really quick and head over there to find out they all left at 4:30 ( it's now 4:35, of course ). She tells us if we come back and are here before 8 am she will get us in right away. So we go across the street to a little truck stop. But it is really nasty looking so decide it is worth the short drive to go back past one we saw at the last exit. It was a Petro and pretty big, and clean. Thought what the hey, lets have a hot dinner, so we did. Fish and salad.
Once back out in the "cabin", Warren starts checking things out only to discover that the outlets are now working but still no radio. But we decide it is not worth stressing over and watch Survivor on the laptop and then head to bed.
Got up this morning and went and got a great shower, then headed to the RV shop. We weren't there long and the lady came out. Told us ( which we figured was the problem ) that they are geared so the outlets only work when the engine is off. The radio was probably just a loose wire and she hated to take our money at $109 an hour for labor ( and it would probably take about 3 hours to tear it apart to get into the radio ) so we decided we could just talk to each other. Music isn't all its cracked up to be anyway!
So until the next shoe falls ...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
After all the excitement of yesterday morning we thought last night would be a breeze. That's what I get for thinking. You can really tell we are new to all this RVing stuff. We got parked for the night and went to the fridge and it was warm. Not really warm but not so cool as to keep things from sweating inside. So we are frantically looking through papers to see what is wrong! We don't want to leave the engine running all night but don't want to lose all our supplies either. Fridge seems to be running correctly, generator too. What the hell! So after working up a good sweat ( so glad we are going north, getting too hot for me already ) we gave up and went to bed. If everything is thawed out in the morning I will be cooking til the sun don't shine!
So we get up this morning ( in Paducah, KY ) to find that everything is frozen and fridge is working fine. Guess it was just the adjustment from engine to generator. Who knows. So we ate breakfast - have you ever tried peanut butter Cheerios? Yum! Brushed our teeth and are now headed to St Louis, MO.
Oh man, gotta quit typing and get the camera! Just passed the biggest wild turkey!
Y'all have a great day!
Patty
So we get up this morning ( in Paducah, KY ) to find that everything is frozen and fridge is working fine. Guess it was just the adjustment from engine to generator. Who knows. So we ate breakfast - have you ever tried peanut butter Cheerios? Yum! Brushed our teeth and are now headed to St Louis, MO.
Oh man, gotta quit typing and get the camera! Just passed the biggest wild turkey!
Y'all have a great day!
Patty
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Well, we made it!
Could have been worse, but our last day in Cleveland was crazy! The plan was to do all the final packing, have a quiet evening by the chiminia fire and saying our goodbyes to the last 10 years. Didn't quite happen that way. I was supposed to deliver my car to the lady that bought it at 10 am. Unfortunately, White County thought after 10 years it was a good idea to have me do some jury duty in April. Called them to tell them I would not be here and was informed that I had to bring a letter to the judge and request release. So I go to the courthouse with my summons and the letter. She informs me that I will be expected to appear in October. I told her I didn't know if we would be returning. Oh, in that case you have to request you be excused from service. Oh, here comes his secretary, hurry, finish your letter and go. I'll call you when I have an answer. Make sure to leave a cell phone number. So, OK, whatever! I'm leaving in the morning for AK and you can come find me there!!
Get back to the house and the cell phone won't work. After an hour on the phone with them it is worked out and once again operating.
I finally got the car delivered and it couldn't have been a more perfect day to ride around with the top down! I wanted to do that the day before, but it was raining! Figures. Oh well. Really gonna miss that car!
Now we get back home and start getting the packing done. We are exhausted and hungry. The rain the day before made the wood all wet, so the fire wouldn't light. Oh well, the stars are pretty and our spacemen are out there, so we say our goodbyes. No, I'm not crazy, but that's for another time.
So, we try to sleep and he does ok, but I end up until 2 am.
Anyway, we finally got on the road after almost hitting a tree getting this monster out of the driveway.
We are just outside of Chattanooga now going up 24 heading toward Nashville. Will let you know if anything exciting happens along the way!!!
Later,
Patty
Could have been worse, but our last day in Cleveland was crazy! The plan was to do all the final packing, have a quiet evening by the chiminia fire and saying our goodbyes to the last 10 years. Didn't quite happen that way. I was supposed to deliver my car to the lady that bought it at 10 am. Unfortunately, White County thought after 10 years it was a good idea to have me do some jury duty in April. Called them to tell them I would not be here and was informed that I had to bring a letter to the judge and request release. So I go to the courthouse with my summons and the letter. She informs me that I will be expected to appear in October. I told her I didn't know if we would be returning. Oh, in that case you have to request you be excused from service. Oh, here comes his secretary, hurry, finish your letter and go. I'll call you when I have an answer. Make sure to leave a cell phone number. So, OK, whatever! I'm leaving in the morning for AK and you can come find me there!!
Get back to the house and the cell phone won't work. After an hour on the phone with them it is worked out and once again operating.
I finally got the car delivered and it couldn't have been a more perfect day to ride around with the top down! I wanted to do that the day before, but it was raining! Figures. Oh well. Really gonna miss that car!
Now we get back home and start getting the packing done. We are exhausted and hungry. The rain the day before made the wood all wet, so the fire wouldn't light. Oh well, the stars are pretty and our spacemen are out there, so we say our goodbyes. No, I'm not crazy, but that's for another time.
So, we try to sleep and he does ok, but I end up until 2 am.
Anyway, we finally got on the road after almost hitting a tree getting this monster out of the driveway.
We are just outside of Chattanooga now going up 24 heading toward Nashville. Will let you know if anything exciting happens along the way!!!
Later,
Patty
Saturday, March 10, 2012
3 days left ...
The house is almost empty. The bed left today, so we will be on the floor for the next few nights. At least we have our Comfort Air mattress. Some of the goodbyes have been said. The jewelry has been delivered. Extra supplies have been bought. Some extra baking is still in order and a few munchies for the road need to be decided upon.
So much is running through my mind. Family and friends that mean so much to us. It is hard to say see you in the fall. Are all the finances taken care of and paid up since we will be on the move for a bit? Will there be enough room for the rest of our stuff in the RV? What will the trip hold in store for us? Leaving the place we have lived for 10 years is scary. I just have a zillion things going through my mind, it is beginning to affect my sleep. But we are putting it all in Gods hands. We know He will put us on the path that He has for us and we will be fine!
Talk to you again real soon!
Peace,
Patty
The house is almost empty. The bed left today, so we will be on the floor for the next few nights. At least we have our Comfort Air mattress. Some of the goodbyes have been said. The jewelry has been delivered. Extra supplies have been bought. Some extra baking is still in order and a few munchies for the road need to be decided upon.
So much is running through my mind. Family and friends that mean so much to us. It is hard to say see you in the fall. Are all the finances taken care of and paid up since we will be on the move for a bit? Will there be enough room for the rest of our stuff in the RV? What will the trip hold in store for us? Leaving the place we have lived for 10 years is scary. I just have a zillion things going through my mind, it is beginning to affect my sleep. But we are putting it all in Gods hands. We know He will put us on the path that He has for us and we will be fine!
Talk to you again real soon!
Peace,
Patty
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Time is really flying now -
Warren's got the oil changed, I'm getting tons of backing done, now I need to finish last minute stocking of supplies and cleaning and packing and .... It seems the closer the time gets the more I find I need to do. Go see friends that I won't see for at least 6 months. Finish delivering things that folks bought at the sale. Get as many sets of earrings done as possible to leave at InsideOut Sautee.
We got our final work clothes shopping done yesterday, so we are as ready as we can be for that part of the adventure.
So, time to get busy! Be back soon!
Peace,
Patty
Warren's got the oil changed, I'm getting tons of backing done, now I need to finish last minute stocking of supplies and cleaning and packing and .... It seems the closer the time gets the more I find I need to do. Go see friends that I won't see for at least 6 months. Finish delivering things that folks bought at the sale. Get as many sets of earrings done as possible to leave at InsideOut Sautee.
We got our final work clothes shopping done yesterday, so we are as ready as we can be for that part of the adventure.
So, time to get busy! Be back soon!
Peace,
Patty
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The countdown continues ...
Only 7 days - ONE WEEK - left! The tags are on and the bikes are ready to load. Half the clothes are in and some of the extra supplies. We signed the lease yesterday and they have rented for a year. Got our address changed on everything, I think ( I hope )!! Drawers and closets are just about cleaned out and as much as I can pack is packed. It will all come down to the last couple of days when I can get it all loaded into the RV.
Now I just hope that the gas prices will level off and not continue to rise. And that the weather starts to "spring" up. But we have given ourselves plenty of time and all we can do is hope that Mother Nature will cooperate. But all the planning in the world won't change what God has planned for us. We will take whatever it is in stride and just pray it is good.
Talk to y'all soon!
Peace,
Patty
Only 7 days - ONE WEEK - left! The tags are on and the bikes are ready to load. Half the clothes are in and some of the extra supplies. We signed the lease yesterday and they have rented for a year. Got our address changed on everything, I think ( I hope )!! Drawers and closets are just about cleaned out and as much as I can pack is packed. It will all come down to the last couple of days when I can get it all loaded into the RV.
Now I just hope that the gas prices will level off and not continue to rise. And that the weather starts to "spring" up. But we have given ourselves plenty of time and all we can do is hope that Mother Nature will cooperate. But all the planning in the world won't change what God has planned for us. We will take whatever it is in stride and just pray it is good.
Talk to y'all soon!
Peace,
Patty
Friday, March 2, 2012
11 days and counting ---
It's really beginning to feel real. I guess that's because we put 2 vehicles on a trailer to be delivered to 2 of our sons in Florida today. That way we don't have to put anything in storage. Next Thursday we go to Carmax to see if they will give me what I want for my car. :0( I'm going to miss that car, but no sense letting it sit for 6 months. We will see about finding a small, inexpensive car in AK and may haul it back if it's worth it. We'll have to wait and see.
All that's left to pack are the everyday things we are using. So the last day will be somewhat hectic, but the day we leave won't be a rush as we are giving ourselves plenty of time to get there. We are planning on trying to drive about 500 miles a day, but also will stop if need be or if something really fantastic comes along.
I never did get back to packing, but it's sort of been whatever we aren't using at the moment, extra grocery supplies, books, maps. We have taken out most of our winter clothes since it really hasn't gotten that cold here. We have also gotten bikes and can't wait to try them out.
Come back soon and I'll let you know how it's going. In the meantime, if you have any questions, just ask!
Peace,
Patty
It's really beginning to feel real. I guess that's because we put 2 vehicles on a trailer to be delivered to 2 of our sons in Florida today. That way we don't have to put anything in storage. Next Thursday we go to Carmax to see if they will give me what I want for my car. :0( I'm going to miss that car, but no sense letting it sit for 6 months. We will see about finding a small, inexpensive car in AK and may haul it back if it's worth it. We'll have to wait and see.
All that's left to pack are the everyday things we are using. So the last day will be somewhat hectic, but the day we leave won't be a rush as we are giving ourselves plenty of time to get there. We are planning on trying to drive about 500 miles a day, but also will stop if need be or if something really fantastic comes along.
I never did get back to packing, but it's sort of been whatever we aren't using at the moment, extra grocery supplies, books, maps. We have taken out most of our winter clothes since it really hasn't gotten that cold here. We have also gotten bikes and can't wait to try them out.
Come back soon and I'll let you know how it's going. In the meantime, if you have any questions, just ask!
Peace,
Patty
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thank goodness!!!
I am so glad that is over with! It went pretty well and we cleared out alot of stuff! It's when they start nickle and diming you to death toward the end - they know you are probably tired and ready to just get rid of everything, so that's when it starts. We didn't get rid of some major things, but the new renters said they are starting with nothing and would most likely buy some of it, so that's great! They want most everything we have left and that saves us trying to have someone else try to sell it or just donating it. Not to mention not having to move everything. Whew!!!!
We are also trying to help them out - you know the old saying, one hand washes the other - so alot of the little things that were left, we are actually going to leave for them; coffee pot, mugs, some mix and match glasses, bowls, etc.
So you saw the before, now here are the after photos
I am so glad that is over with! It went pretty well and we cleared out alot of stuff! It's when they start nickle and diming you to death toward the end - they know you are probably tired and ready to just get rid of everything, so that's when it starts. We didn't get rid of some major things, but the new renters said they are starting with nothing and would most likely buy some of it, so that's great! They want most everything we have left and that saves us trying to have someone else try to sell it or just donating it. Not to mention not having to move everything. Whew!!!!
We are also trying to help them out - you know the old saying, one hand washes the other - so alot of the little things that were left, we are actually going to leave for them; coffee pot, mugs, some mix and match glasses, bowls, etc.
So you saw the before, now here are the after photos
And the furniture that is left is what the new renters are buying. So YEAH!
Now it's time to start getting the RV packed up. Only a couple weeks left and it's off to Alaska!
We are so excited! Looks like it is all finally falling into place!
Check back soon!
Peace,
Patty
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Good Grief ...
Arrgghhh!! I will be so glad when the sale is over! Only 2 more days, thank goodness! It has been hard enough going through every thing we have ever owned and deciding what to keep, what to let go. Now to be sitting here looking at it constantly is about all a person can take. Not to mention the mess the house is - especially when someone comes over to look at it. Sure does not make a good first impression, by any means. But at least they are understanding.
Anyway, I thought I would document it and also have a few shots of our "stuff" for posterity. And then I thought why not share them with all of you. This is just the inside of the house - I can't even begin to cover the front porch and the garage!!
So if you are in the area, come on by and take home some great bargains!! :0)
Peace,
Patty
Arrgghhh!! I will be so glad when the sale is over! Only 2 more days, thank goodness! It has been hard enough going through every thing we have ever owned and deciding what to keep, what to let go. Now to be sitting here looking at it constantly is about all a person can take. Not to mention the mess the house is - especially when someone comes over to look at it. Sure does not make a good first impression, by any means. But at least they are understanding.
So if you are in the area, come on by and take home some great bargains!! :0)
Peace,
Patty
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Oh well -
As I said, if all goes as planned, but it didn't. Sale of the truck fell through, renters backed out, and the sale of the couch was dropped too. Gee, what else could go wrong? Guess I shouldn't ask that cause it may happen. So we pick ourselves up and try again. If it's meant to be in His plan it will happen. I've learned I really don't have any control.
In the meantime, the house is a mess with everything tagged and ready to sell. Signs are made and I think we are about as prepared as we can get. Keep your fingers crossed for us!!
Hope everyone is doing well and you will come back after the sale on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!
Peace,
Patty
As I said, if all goes as planned, but it didn't. Sale of the truck fell through, renters backed out, and the sale of the couch was dropped too. Gee, what else could go wrong? Guess I shouldn't ask that cause it may happen. So we pick ourselves up and try again. If it's meant to be in His plan it will happen. I've learned I really don't have any control.
In the meantime, the house is a mess with everything tagged and ready to sell. Signs are made and I think we are about as prepared as we can get. Keep your fingers crossed for us!!
Hope everyone is doing well and you will come back after the sale on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!
Peace,
Patty
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Making progress -
Things seem to be falling into place quickly all of a sudden.
If all goes as planned, we will have a renter for the house on Tuesday. The big household sale will be Saturday. If you live in the area, come by - we need to get rid of everything. You know what they say, one mans trash is anothers treasure! A number of our wonderful neighbors have already come by and shown their support by taking home some of our stuff that I hope they will get lots of good use out of!
Thanks to all of you!
The freezer checked out good today, so I will be able to take a bunch of my blueberries! My husband is such a good guy - while I was in Alaska last summer he picked blueberries until there was no room left in the freezer and I haven't used even half of them. Got some baking to do before we leave.
The house is looking very empty in areas, everything else is sat out and tagged for sale. It's been hard going through everything and deciding what to toss, what to keep, what to sell. Not as easy as it seems it would be. But it is getting easier.
Be back soon and let you know how it's going! Thanks for following along. I assure you it will get more interesting !
Peace,
Patty
Things seem to be falling into place quickly all of a sudden.
If all goes as planned, we will have a renter for the house on Tuesday. The big household sale will be Saturday. If you live in the area, come by - we need to get rid of everything. You know what they say, one mans trash is anothers treasure! A number of our wonderful neighbors have already come by and shown their support by taking home some of our stuff that I hope they will get lots of good use out of!
Thanks to all of you!
The freezer checked out good today, so I will be able to take a bunch of my blueberries! My husband is such a good guy - while I was in Alaska last summer he picked blueberries until there was no room left in the freezer and I haven't used even half of them. Got some baking to do before we leave.
The house is looking very empty in areas, everything else is sat out and tagged for sale. It's been hard going through everything and deciding what to toss, what to keep, what to sell. Not as easy as it seems it would be. But it is getting easier.
Be back soon and let you know how it's going! Thanks for following along. I assure you it will get more interesting !
Peace,
Patty
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Next step ---
Change of plan - I'm having to take a step back and reprioritize. We still have the house on the market, but now we have also listed it for rent. Our property manager feels that in our area it will rent quicker if it is empty. So we are in the process of going through everything we own deciding if it is a keeper, seller or give away. Needless to say, this is taking some time as we have been settled here for 10 years and even tho we have never been big hoarders, we have still accumulated quite a bit of stuff.
Anyone in the market for a 53 Chevy 3 window pickup, a 50's dining room set, gardening equipment, nic nacs of all sorts, some antiques and the list goes on and on. So as we go through and do an extreme downsize we are putting things aside for family to pass on to, what will be needed and what is just not needed.
I can say it is an emotional journey, filled with good memories, laughter and tears. I must also say that I can sympathize with what my parents just recently went through. They moved into an assisted living facility and had many more years of memories to sift through than I do. But after all is said and done, you have the wonderful memories and keep those things that are really close to your heart. And then we get busy and start planning for the future of travel and new memories.
So as things go on to new homes, I will pass on the story of it (if it has one) and hope that it will be treasured by its new owner.
Cheers to old memories and hello to new ones.
Til next time....
Peace, Patty
Change of plan - I'm having to take a step back and reprioritize. We still have the house on the market, but now we have also listed it for rent. Our property manager feels that in our area it will rent quicker if it is empty. So we are in the process of going through everything we own deciding if it is a keeper, seller or give away. Needless to say, this is taking some time as we have been settled here for 10 years and even tho we have never been big hoarders, we have still accumulated quite a bit of stuff.
Anyone in the market for a 53 Chevy 3 window pickup, a 50's dining room set, gardening equipment, nic nacs of all sorts, some antiques and the list goes on and on. So as we go through and do an extreme downsize we are putting things aside for family to pass on to, what will be needed and what is just not needed.
I can say it is an emotional journey, filled with good memories, laughter and tears. I must also say that I can sympathize with what my parents just recently went through. They moved into an assisted living facility and had many more years of memories to sift through than I do. But after all is said and done, you have the wonderful memories and keep those things that are really close to your heart. And then we get busy and start planning for the future of travel and new memories.
So as things go on to new homes, I will pass on the story of it (if it has one) and hope that it will be treasured by its new owner.
Cheers to old memories and hello to new ones.
Til next time....
Peace, Patty
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Hello -
It was brought to my attention that some of you may be interested in some of the packing necessary. So I will try to give you some insight to the method behind my madness!
Let's start with clothing. We will be in Alaska longer this time than I have been before, so it has taken some thinking. I have always had to cram 4 months of needs into 2 pieces of luggage, but not this season! Yeah! That means more choices AND less trips too the laundry!! Ok, let's start ...
First and foremost, patagonia long underware is a must. Plus plenty of regular under garments and under shirts too!
And the following:
warm up pants 2
sweat shirts 2
long sleeve shirts 5
T shirts 5
tank tops 3
jeans 3
quilted vest 1
jackets 2
ball caps 3
brimmed hat 1
gloves w/ liners 2
skull cap 1
ear muffs 1
socks a bunch
rain suit 1
rain boots 1
And don't get me started on shoes! My husband thinks I'm crazy, but you ladies know what I'm talking about! Work shoes, hiking boots, casual shoes, flip flops, sneakers. I think there are about 10 pairs in all.
Plus a couple of sweaters and maybe a couple of nice shirts, but mostly outdoor wear.
Plus belts, jewelry, hair accessories.
I think that covers most of it. I have probably left something out, but will hopefully get it into the cabin before we leave in 45 days.
Next time we'll go to the bathroom! :0)
Til then ....
Peace, Patty
It was brought to my attention that some of you may be interested in some of the packing necessary. So I will try to give you some insight to the method behind my madness!
Let's start with clothing. We will be in Alaska longer this time than I have been before, so it has taken some thinking. I have always had to cram 4 months of needs into 2 pieces of luggage, but not this season! Yeah! That means more choices AND less trips too the laundry!! Ok, let's start ...
First and foremost, patagonia long underware is a must. Plus plenty of regular under garments and under shirts too!
And the following:
warm up pants 2
sweat shirts 2
long sleeve shirts 5
T shirts 5
tank tops 3
jeans 3
quilted vest 1
jackets 2
ball caps 3
brimmed hat 1
gloves w/ liners 2
skull cap 1
ear muffs 1
socks a bunch
rain suit 1
rain boots 1
And don't get me started on shoes! My husband thinks I'm crazy, but you ladies know what I'm talking about! Work shoes, hiking boots, casual shoes, flip flops, sneakers. I think there are about 10 pairs in all.
Plus a couple of sweaters and maybe a couple of nice shirts, but mostly outdoor wear.
Plus belts, jewelry, hair accessories.
I think that covers most of it. I have probably left something out, but will hopefully get it into the cabin before we leave in 45 days.
Next time we'll go to the bathroom! :0)
Til then ....
Peace, Patty
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Waiting and waiting ...
Well, the entry of the house is being overloaded with things that need to go into the RV, but we just can't seem to catch our "guest". Pretty sneaky critter, set one trap but managed to avoid getting caught.
So we wait.
I have continued to gather things that we have stocked up on and get them ready to take out. I am also still putting things into storage. I really don't want to have much to clean when we return. We are hoping that seasonal work will be what we do from now on and plan to look for winter seasonal work before we leave Alaska. Any good suggestions out there?
I've also been reading up on the area. So far I've finished Two Old Women, written by a native Alaskan as told to her by her mother. Oh no, I think we're gonna die (not sure if that is exactly right, but you get the idea ) written by an Anchorage attorney about his adventures over the years. I have packed these away or loaned them out and don't recall the authors names, but once I can find them I will let you know. Also finished Touching the Ancient One by Rupert Pratt. Very good book about the crash of an Air Force plane in the Talkeetna mountains written by one of the survivors. Just finished Alaska - Not for a Woman by Mary Carey, who was not only a teacher, journalist and photographer, but also the moving force behind The Parks Highway. Next on my list is One Man's Wilderness by Sam Keith from the journals and photos of Richard Proenneke. Also The Mystery of the Cache Creek Murders if I can find where I put it.
In the meantime, I will continue searching for the books I've misplaced, collecting things that will make the trip with us and counting the days. So, until we meet again ...
Peace, Patty
Well, the entry of the house is being overloaded with things that need to go into the RV, but we just can't seem to catch our "guest". Pretty sneaky critter, set one trap but managed to avoid getting caught.
So we wait.
I have continued to gather things that we have stocked up on and get them ready to take out. I am also still putting things into storage. I really don't want to have much to clean when we return. We are hoping that seasonal work will be what we do from now on and plan to look for winter seasonal work before we leave Alaska. Any good suggestions out there?
I've also been reading up on the area. So far I've finished Two Old Women, written by a native Alaskan as told to her by her mother. Oh no, I think we're gonna die (not sure if that is exactly right, but you get the idea ) written by an Anchorage attorney about his adventures over the years. I have packed these away or loaned them out and don't recall the authors names, but once I can find them I will let you know. Also finished Touching the Ancient One by Rupert Pratt. Very good book about the crash of an Air Force plane in the Talkeetna mountains written by one of the survivors. Just finished Alaska - Not for a Woman by Mary Carey, who was not only a teacher, journalist and photographer, but also the moving force behind The Parks Highway. Next on my list is One Man's Wilderness by Sam Keith from the journals and photos of Richard Proenneke. Also The Mystery of the Cache Creek Murders if I can find where I put it.
In the meantime, I will continue searching for the books I've misplaced, collecting things that will make the trip with us and counting the days. So, until we meet again ...
Peace, Patty
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Ahhh, the weekend!
But first, just a quick thank you to my very dear friend, Laura, for helping me get this page going and looking great! I am so blessed and thankful that I have her in my life!
Ok. Thanks for your patience!
I had planned on putting more "stuff" in the "cabin", but made a small discovery yesterday. We have been visited by a mouse! Now, I'm not big on killing things just because they are looking for a place to get out of the cold, or find some food, but .... So nothing else will be put out there until the little critter takes up residence someplace else. Not only do I not want another pet, but now I have to clean everything again. UGH!
So in the meantime, I am focusing on getting more things together inside the house and putting away more things so there is ess to take care of when we return. Or if the house sells, less packing that will need to be done! Or gotten rid of.
Laundry calls, so will talk to y'all later.
Peace, Patty
But first, just a quick thank you to my very dear friend, Laura, for helping me get this page going and looking great! I am so blessed and thankful that I have her in my life!
Ok. Thanks for your patience!
I had planned on putting more "stuff" in the "cabin", but made a small discovery yesterday. We have been visited by a mouse! Now, I'm not big on killing things just because they are looking for a place to get out of the cold, or find some food, but .... So nothing else will be put out there until the little critter takes up residence someplace else. Not only do I not want another pet, but now I have to clean everything again. UGH!
So in the meantime, I am focusing on getting more things together inside the house and putting away more things so there is ess to take care of when we return. Or if the house sells, less packing that will need to be done! Or gotten rid of.
Laundry calls, so will talk to y'all later.
Peace, Patty
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Happy Thursday!
Today started off as a very productivly planned day, but took a quick turn around 10:30. I was getting things together to take out to the RV that I won't be using til we get up there. Just about had all of it gathered up when the phone rang. It was my friend who needed help with another friend. Seems that our 90 year old friend had been in the hospital and just got home. But she needed someone to sit with her, so her caregiver could run some errands. So I spent a lovely afternoon talking with my friend and got home in time to fix dinner. But tomorrow is another day and everything I got packed today is ready for tomorrow. Maybe I can get it done before I go out to another friends house to help her out after her surgery.
Peace, Patty
ps. Watch the Alaska Tour Jobs Video link to see about working in Alaska. If you do apply all I ask is that you put my name (Patty Brown) down as recommending you to apply. Thanks! Maybe we will see you there!!!
Today started off as a very productivly planned day, but took a quick turn around 10:30. I was getting things together to take out to the RV that I won't be using til we get up there. Just about had all of it gathered up when the phone rang. It was my friend who needed help with another friend. Seems that our 90 year old friend had been in the hospital and just got home. But she needed someone to sit with her, so her caregiver could run some errands. So I spent a lovely afternoon talking with my friend and got home in time to fix dinner. But tomorrow is another day and everything I got packed today is ready for tomorrow. Maybe I can get it done before I go out to another friends house to help her out after her surgery.
Peace, Patty
ps. Watch the Alaska Tour Jobs Video link to see about working in Alaska. If you do apply all I ask is that you put my name (Patty Brown) down as recommending you to apply. Thanks! Maybe we will see you there!!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I'm back!
It's been a couple of busy days. Trying to get some minor superficial repairs done to the RV. Also beginning to put things away in the house. Nothing worse than coming back and there is a ton of cleaning to do before you can even unpack !! So I'm taking as much as possible and packing it away or putting it in cabinets and closets. Everything else will get covered. Can you tell I hate to dust? We have also started gathering things that will go into the RV . I'm so over making lists and checking things off ! There's a list of what to take, one for what to get, one for services that need to be turned off or put into vacation mode, papers necessary for crossing the border into Canada, and on and on ...
Whew, makes me dizzy just thinking about it. The fridge is covered with these lists; hard to tell it's a fridge. Ha!
But in the long run it will all be worth it and seem like nothing once we hit the road! Talk to you again soon!
Peace, Patty
It's been a couple of busy days. Trying to get some minor superficial repairs done to the RV. Also beginning to put things away in the house. Nothing worse than coming back and there is a ton of cleaning to do before you can even unpack !! So I'm taking as much as possible and packing it away or putting it in cabinets and closets. Everything else will get covered. Can you tell I hate to dust? We have also started gathering things that will go into the RV . I'm so over making lists and checking things off ! There's a list of what to take, one for what to get, one for services that need to be turned off or put into vacation mode, papers necessary for crossing the border into Canada, and on and on ...
Whew, makes me dizzy just thinking about it. The fridge is covered with these lists; hard to tell it's a fridge. Ha!
But in the long run it will all be worth it and seem like nothing once we hit the road! Talk to you again soon!
Peace, Patty
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Hey again!
Well, his application is finished. I'm waiting to hear from my boss, but he said he wouldn't be contacting anyone til February. So I wait. But my husbands boss is going to let me work while my husband is training for his driving position. Yeah! Any pay is better than no pay!!
We have started mapping out our route and it is almost 4200 miles! Road trip here we come! I am so anxious to get started. Looks like the best route is going to be via Tennesse, north through the Dakota's to Montana and then into Canada. That's going to be interesting. Hope it's not too big of a hassle at the border!
I'm chomping at the bit to decorate the RV. I keep looking around the house trying to decide what I "need" verses what I "want". I want it to be homey, but don't want to add too much weight. With the price of gas ( as we all know ) out of this world, the more weight the less miles per gallon. As it is we will probably get about 10 miles to the gallon. Ouch! But this is going to be the trip of a lifetime, so I am preparing for that sting.
Talk to you again soon!
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace, Patty
Well, his application is finished. I'm waiting to hear from my boss, but he said he wouldn't be contacting anyone til February. So I wait. But my husbands boss is going to let me work while my husband is training for his driving position. Yeah! Any pay is better than no pay!!
We have started mapping out our route and it is almost 4200 miles! Road trip here we come! I am so anxious to get started. Looks like the best route is going to be via Tennesse, north through the Dakota's to Montana and then into Canada. That's going to be interesting. Hope it's not too big of a hassle at the border!
I'm chomping at the bit to decorate the RV. I keep looking around the house trying to decide what I "need" verses what I "want". I want it to be homey, but don't want to add too much weight. With the price of gas ( as we all know ) out of this world, the more weight the less miles per gallon. As it is we will probably get about 10 miles to the gallon. Ouch! But this is going to be the trip of a lifetime, so I am preparing for that sting.
Talk to you again soon!
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace, Patty
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Getting started
Hi and welcome!
My husband and I are going to be working in Alaska this coming summer. I have done this for the previous two summers and loved it. Actually, I fell in love with Alaska the first summer (2010) but wasn't overly happy with the job. Luckily, I made a good friend in a different department, she put in a good word for me and I got a great job for the summer of 2011! I sell tours at one of the lodges up there. It really is very gratifying, especially when a guest comes looking for you to tell you how great a time they had on a tour you recommended!
Anyway, I am getting off the track. For now lets just talk about getting ready. The first two summers (since I went alone) I flew. This year we are driving a motorhome. It's our first motorhome (we did have a pull behind trailer for a brief time, so aren't complete RV virgins :0) but this is still going to be interesting ). Especially interesting since our cat, Harley, is coming with us! We got the RV mainly for this purpose, but also so we didn't have to live in employee housing and we could prepare our own meals. We are vegetarians, so the employee dining facility was somewhat limited.
So far I am loving it because I won't have to pack a single suitcase! As you may know, flying is not the cheapest thing these days and being limited to what to pack, how much to pack, etc. can be daunting. My first year I took two cases and mailed three boxes to myself! I ended up mailing back those three boxes, which I repacked and kept what I needed out of them, sending back all the extras - iron, extra shoes, some warm weather clothes, etc. On top of that I also sent twelve more boxes total full of soveniers, gifts and books. Also, to my husbands dismay, rocks and roots. I try to find unusual rocks and roots on every hike I take and I managed to find quite a few.
Because we are driving, I will have plenty of room for all my junk, extra clothes ( so I'm not wearing the same thing constantly and also doing alot of laundry ), some craft supplies and such. I plan on being busy day and night, when I'm not working our touring!
We don't leave for 2 months, but have alot of planning to do, supplies to stock up on, and of course preping the RV. So I hope you will follow us on this adventure and enjoy it with us!
Peace,
Patty
My husband and I are going to be working in Alaska this coming summer. I have done this for the previous two summers and loved it. Actually, I fell in love with Alaska the first summer (2010) but wasn't overly happy with the job. Luckily, I made a good friend in a different department, she put in a good word for me and I got a great job for the summer of 2011! I sell tours at one of the lodges up there. It really is very gratifying, especially when a guest comes looking for you to tell you how great a time they had on a tour you recommended!
Anyway, I am getting off the track. For now lets just talk about getting ready. The first two summers (since I went alone) I flew. This year we are driving a motorhome. It's our first motorhome (we did have a pull behind trailer for a brief time, so aren't complete RV virgins :0) but this is still going to be interesting ). Especially interesting since our cat, Harley, is coming with us! We got the RV mainly for this purpose, but also so we didn't have to live in employee housing and we could prepare our own meals. We are vegetarians, so the employee dining facility was somewhat limited.
So far I am loving it because I won't have to pack a single suitcase! As you may know, flying is not the cheapest thing these days and being limited to what to pack, how much to pack, etc. can be daunting. My first year I took two cases and mailed three boxes to myself! I ended up mailing back those three boxes, which I repacked and kept what I needed out of them, sending back all the extras - iron, extra shoes, some warm weather clothes, etc. On top of that I also sent twelve more boxes total full of soveniers, gifts and books. Also, to my husbands dismay, rocks and roots. I try to find unusual rocks and roots on every hike I take and I managed to find quite a few.
Because we are driving, I will have plenty of room for all my junk, extra clothes ( so I'm not wearing the same thing constantly and also doing alot of laundry ), some craft supplies and such. I plan on being busy day and night, when I'm not working our touring!
We don't leave for 2 months, but have alot of planning to do, supplies to stock up on, and of course preping the RV. So I hope you will follow us on this adventure and enjoy it with us!
Peace,
Patty
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