Years ago when we moved from the city to the country in Minnesota, Trevor would often ask me, “Where do you live?” He would be referring to the pastures and cornfields, cows and chickens, and the tractors we would pass on the way home from everywhere; things it took us awhile to become accustomed to.
Since we left stick and brick (house) living two and a half years ago, that question has remained constant in our daily lives.
As of Sunday, we’ve completed the 7,000+ mile journey Trevor planned for us back in April of this year. A journey that had us living in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, and now Florida. Dwelling in 13 different states during a seven month period can really mess with your head, causing a bit of confusion at times. Now when we ask each other, “Where do you live?” (Especially when walking out of a Walmart Store somewhere), we’re not always referring to the novelty of where we happen to be at the time; sometimes, we really need to know where we live!
We loved spending time with our friends and family in Minnesota and miss them all terribly. The weather was great for sharing time with them visiting museums, hiking in state parks, exploring quaint little shops along the river, meeting in unique restaurants, boat excursions on Lake Minnetonka, and enjoying sweet and precious time with them in their warmth of their various homes. As always, it was difficult to leave there not knowing when we’ll see them all again, but as it was about to turn cold soon; it was time to start heading South.
Leaving there, we stopped in Indiana for a month to visit Mike. We shared dinner almost every evening, watched movies, put an awesome Lego set together, watched some debates, and had some lively political discussions. It rained there much of the time, but we did get to enjoy some nice fall colors as we toured the university campus and hiked some trails in a couple of the state parks in the area. It was very sad to have to leave Mike as well.
We enjoyed more fall colors as we made our way further south to Alabama. We stayed in a great park there called Point Mallard Campground in Decatur, Alabama. Look it up if you’re interested. The price, the scenery, the biking and hiking trails and the golf course were all great. The park also boasted a wave and swimming pool, soccer fields, etc.
We met with couple there who helped me hammer out a climbing scene for my book. We learned so much from them and really enjoyed the company of this very sweet couple. We’re looking forward to spending more time with them in the future.
I saw a couple of things there I’ve never seen before. Can anyone tell me what these are? One appears to be an Albino Ladybug (do they make things like that? Ha ha!). The other is a complete mystery to me, but it must be pretty common in Alabama. They were all over the place!
After Alabama, we hooked up with our friends, Gordon and Christie, in Georgia. If you’ve followed this blog, you know they are friends of ours who left Georgia to begin full-timing in a 5th wheel back in September of 2011. We did spend a short while traveling together last year. Had a lot of fun with that and looked forward to meeting up with them in Florida this winter.
Sadly, when they returned to Georgia so G could have knee surgery, they received some bad news. Due to health issues (MDS), Gordon was unable to receive the knee replacement and is currently grounded in GA as he goes through chemo-therapy. Christie, who’s an excellent writer, publishes a blog at:
chuckwagonadventure.blogspot.com
Check it out if you’d like to read her posts on the subject and also of their great adventures on the road.
Despite it being really cold there, we did enjoy a full week of visits and catching up with other friends and co-workers in Georgia. But we were freezing! And looking forward to getting to the sunny Florida.
Well, it’s sunny here, but the high today is only 69. As we’re debating whether to sign up for another month here or head to the most Southern Florida Keys, we look at this sign
and ask each other: “Where do you live?!”
We love you guys!
Love, Trevor & Roni
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed reliving my life through the memories brought back by each photo, but I’ve felt as though the present is quickly slipping away.
When I looked through our most recent photos though, I realized I’ve been having much more fun than I thought. We’ve actually been pretty busy! See, if I don’t keep up on this blog, I forget where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing!
We left Sarasota in February and settled in Fort Myers for a month. We were tempted to stay on Sanibel Island, but the prices were as hideous as the traffic. We chose to stay at Siesta Bay RV Resort instead, located just before the bridge to Sanibel; still a bit pricy, but without the traffic headaches.
Pam flew in for a brief visit. We’re always trying to woo her into taking a traveling nurse position in Florida so we can see her more often, so we made sure we packed a lot into the two days she was here.
The fun included tanning the light, Minnesota skin while searching for shells on the local beaches, taking a Dolphin Cruise from Sanibel Island, enjoying the ambiance of waterfront restaurants, and going on a Manatee Sightseeing Eco-Adventure near Naples, FL.
No Florida winter is complete without some deep sea fishing, so Trevor took a Friday off so we could knock that out. We had fun, but didn’t get the catch we usually do. I’m accustomed to catching a trigger fish every time we go out. I missed that this time.
No matter, Trevor consoled me by taking me to our newly discovered favorite restaurant, “Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille”. There are two of them, but we like the one in Fort Myers best. Another place with great ambiance! It was here we discovered a new author by the name of Randy Wayne White. I’m just into his first book in the Doc Ford series, which we purchased right at the Fort Myers restaurant. I’m looking forward to reading it. I’ve talked to others who’ve really enjoyed his books.
When we left Fort Myers, we spent a couple of nights in Orlando where we were able to meet up with my friend Mary. As a skilled photographer always anxious for new photo opportunities, she picked me up and took me to Gatorland for the day. We had a couple of camera issues, but we worked them out and enjoyed our time together, photographing birds and gators.
Trevor and I also had the opportunity dine with another skilled photographer we’ve wanted meet. Until now, we’ve only known him from an RV forum. It was nice to meet him in person. Tom’s a great man, who does great work and is always willing to teach you something new about photography.
After Orlando, we went to Destin for two weeks to visit Mary and Bob who rented a condo on the beach. The water there is the pretty turquois, emerald green color with sand as white as snow. What a wonderful place to be! The view from their living area and the balcony there was totally mesmerizing. We enjoyed catching some good rays with them, meeting their friends, sharing wonderful dinners together, and playing many games of Hand and Foot in the evenings.
We recently took a trip to New Orleans so Trevor could attend Microsoft Convergence there. One of his coworkers brought his wife as well, so Yolanda and I spent many hours shopping and sightseeing while the guys attended the conference. In the evenings, the four of us attended different conference events and checked out the local cuisine.
For a girl who’s felt as though she’s been stuck in the house a great deal, I’ve really gotten around! I’m feeling much better about it all now!
I have to ask you though, is this cute or what?!
Take care, guys!
Love, Trevor & Roni
