Remember Lady Traveler's First RV Road Trip?

What were we thinking?

We weren't.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.

Our first little motor home at the Wimberley Texas Flood 2015

For those of you who are new to my Lady Traveler blog

here's Part 2 of a little story about our very first

RV Road Trip in 2015.

We didn't plan to buy the 1987 Mallard Sprinter motor home,

but for $5,000, how could we go wrong?

Part 1 and Part 2 blogs are posted on the website:

www.retirementandgoodliving

Part 1, my previous blog on this website, tells how we stumbled across

this little darling.

Read and enjoy!

Relaxing after a long day volunteering with first-response team
Christ In Action (CIA)

Now, after reading my story, perhaps you might want to hit the road

in some sort of RV ... motor home, 5th wheel, trailer ... lots to choose from.

The choice is yours.

Whether you're retired and/or looking for some way to help others,

or you just want to go travelin',

an RV can take you just about anywhere your

little heart desires.

All in a day's work to help bring hope to America's families
Volunteering with Christ In Action 2015 at the Wimberley Texas flood

We traveled in our Mallard Sprint for six months

until we met our beautiful 2004 American Tradition 40-foot home-on-wheels,

Moon River.

That's when we really took off for places unknown.

25+ (I've lost count) states and have loved every minute.

After watching hours of the Travel Channel,

we began experiencing God's beautiful country first-hand ...

... east, west, north south.

We've met wonderful friends of whom I still

communicate via Facebook, blogs, e-mails, and Instagram, 

and even meet again on life's highways!

It is a small world after all.

Lots of states on Route 66, including Missouri to visit son Shawn (4 times).

I love expanding my boundaries.

Rob and I have lived in Sweden and traveled to over 25+ countries,

including living on a World War II ship for 14 months.

(I have my favorites and perhaps I'll return one day to

Israel and/or Italy).

Tuscany, I love you!

Wherever you are, make this a good day ... your best day!
It's your choice.

And ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

You can order my book, Lady and the Sea at:

www.sharonleaf.com

or

www.amazon.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

The Runaway

The Runaway

Our days are identical suitcases ~ all the same size ~
but some people can pack more into them than others.

When wRiter's Block hits ... close the laptop and run away!

A little over a month ago I had been writing my heart out
until my eyes crossed and my tummy growled, begging for food.
I only had time to indulge in another cup of coffee.

I love when God gives me the words that flow from my heart,
to my brain, to my fingers, and on to my computer.
If you're an artist, you know what I mean ...
... the juices start flowing.
You're fearless!

But when that mean ol' writer's block comes a knockin',
what do you do?
Hide?  Stay in bed?  Go shopping?  Not me.
 This Lady Traveler shuts down the laptop, backs away from her desk and ...
hits the road!

This happened recently,
so I dropped this suggestion on Robinski over morning coffee.
"Lets go to Texas!"
"Uh, sure, okay.  When?"
"Next week, before we sell Moon River."
Our motor home had been for sale for over a month.
A few bites, but no sale.

Memories of our last chapter.  Ready to turn the page for the next chapter. 

We had no longer hung our clothes, stored some food in the pantry and frig,
and locked the door of our beloved RV,
ready to leave the next morning for the lone star state, when, out of nowhere,
a gentleman vacationing from Idaho took one look at her, and wham!
Our beloved RV was sold.
So, what did we do?
We unloaded clothes and food,
re-loaded clothes in our car,
and hit the road for Texas the next morning as planned.
Good-bye writer's block!

I love our road trips, but this trip was definitely different than most.
We were usually in our motor home towing our Ford Escape.
This trip we were driving our red car.
Confession: I began having RV withdrawals.
Rob wasn't asking me to check my "RV Parky" app for rest stops or fuel stops.
I missed 'sitting up high' over the traffic on I-20 west with
Popcorn sitting on my lap.
(she stayed home in a kennel that spoils her rotten).
No more fixing BLT sandwiches at rest stops.
But I kept these emotions to myself.  Why?
I glanced over at Robinski.
He was really having a relaxing time cruising down the interstate in our red Escape.
"Why do you look so happy?" I finally asked.
"No stress," he quickly answered.

I then realized that with all the fun and adventure we'd experienced,
the responsibility that had been on his shoulders
these past 4 1/2 years had been heavy.
"Hey, lets pull over and have lunch at that Mexican restaurant," he added joyfully.
He didn't have to worry about finding a parking space large enough for our home-on-wheels.
Can all you RV owners agree to all of the above?
Note: Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade a minute of our hours on the road,
but lets face it, there are moments when you ask,
Why did I buy this monster?

Cruising down one of many interstates across the USA ~ 2015-2019

We had a wonderful two-week-Texas-vaca' on the road
visiting family and friends,
stopping by Magnolia Table in Waco, Texas ...
and staying in hotels,
unloading overnight bags, and
eating lots of complimentary breakfasts of
bacon, eggs, OJ and coffee.
Note: when looking for hotels online, read the reviews.
For me, I always make sure a hotel is rated high for clean and safe.
The Hampton Inn is good for one-night stays, or longer.

Home sweet home on Lake Murray

I returned home refreshed, but tired.
Then came the head cold.
Pray. Rest. Don't spread germs. Stay home. Rest.
Now, a week later, I'm getting back to normal,
and the writing bug has returned.
Yesterday I finished my June blog for the website
Retirement and Good Living (soon to be published)
This morning I'm writing my Lady Traveler blog.
Now my eyes are starting to cross, and my tummy is crying out for food.
More coffee and rest, then I'll continue adding a few thousand more words for
Lady on the Run.

So, if you're getting any kind of block,
back away for awhile.
If you can't take trip, then take a walk.
Outdoors does wonders for your body, soul, and spirit.

Until next time,
I wish you oceans of safe summer blessings!
And remember ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com