The Tahoe is Gone - Long live the Tahoe!

We completed the transaction with CarMax for them to purchase the 2003 Tahoe from us. The "bank check" finally cleared and we received cash for the equity in the Tahoe. "Tess" was a great SUV but, we expect gas prices to escalate again and it was not really practical to try to keep her. When we go off the road, we will buy a more practical car then. Meanwhile, we will keep "Jasper" Jeep in good working condition.

Yesterday we drove down to Lake Lanier, Georgia to visit MA's cousin Janis and her husband, Charlie. They have a beautiful home right on the water. It was great to visit with them again.

Ashley got the flu shot Tuesday and promptly developed flu-like symptoms. So, MA and I are taking/picking up Camryn & Cecilia from Mother's Morning Out today. That way, I get to drive their very nice Volvo SUV!!!

This morning I wrote the first draft of the Christmas letter...this time from the perspective of Gypsy, our beagle. We expect to get the letter out before Thanksgiving so everyone will have our new address.

Saturday, November 11 - Veteran's Day

It is a bright, beautiful day here in South Carolina. This is a day to pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who have served our country in the military. I especially remember my dad and my brother, John, on this day.

I have been very bad about keeping this blog up-to-date since we have been here in SC. I guess that the day-to-day happenings don't seem to warrant writing about it...like cleaning the coach or caulking the shower. BUT...this is all part of the full-timing experience. I will try to do better and keep you current on all the minutiae, no matter how mundane.

Ashley's ear drum is healing nicely. The "in a cave" sensation stopped a couple of days after the injury and the pain has subsided.

Ashley and Javi bought a 2005 Volvo XC-90 which is Volvo's version of SUV. They bought it at CarMax which is a very different auto-buying experience. The price is fixed and the cars are very nice.

Ashley and Javi have been using our Chevy Tahoe while we have been on the road. While they were buying their car, I had it appraised by CarMax. I received an offer which I will likely take for CarMax to purchase the Tahoe. I have 7 days (or 300 miles) to decide. I went out yesterday to several dealers to get additional offers and one, Simpsonville Chevrolet has expressed strong interest, but have made no commitment as yet. We will decide by Tuesday of next week.

Last night, I used colored highliters and a road atlas to document our RV'ing journeys. It is exciting to relive the many exciting adventures we have experienced. It is also humbling as we are so grateful for the opportunities to experience this beautiful country and continent. BTW, we make our first foray into Mexico in late January.

Tonight, we are staying with Cammy and Ceci while Ash & Javi go out for the evening.

Friday, November 3rd

I received calls from Tony & Berri today, wishing the ole man a happy birthday. Ashley made one of my favorite dinners this evening...chicken enchiladas and MA made me an angel food cake. It was a spectacular autumn day here today and I got some minor work done on the Jeep.

MA & I were over at Ashley's in the afternoon. Ash and Camryn took a walk in the backyard and Cammy dropped her pumpkin into the creek behind their house. Ashley retrieved it and was coming back up the embankment when a small twig from a tree branch struck Ashley inside her right ear. She immediately felt pain but there was no blood. She felt air inside her ear canal and everything sounded like she was in a cave. Javi was working at home and they drove down to the hospital emergency room. The ER doc determined that Ashley had punctured her eardrum! They gave her pain medicine and said that the eardrum would grow back in a month or so.

Thursday, November 2nd

Today was a beautiful autumn day here in "Upcountry South Carolina! I treated myself to 18 holes of golf, some good, some not-so-good at a local Simpsonville course, Carolina Springs Golf Club.
MA spent last night at Ashley's and helped her with some table decorating in preparation fot Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 1st - Accent Lighting

Last week I ordered 28 feet of 12 volt rope lights to install as accent lights in the coach living room. I had them sent to Ashley's home. They arrived yesterday and I installed them today.

The concept was to make the rope lights themselves invisible but the effect of the rope lights would add ambience to the living room.

This pic is of the interior curb side of the coach, looking above the cabinets.

Halloween - the Princess & the Ladybug

Javi & Ashley live in a fairly secluded area with only 1-2 other families with young kids of trick-or-treat age. BUT...this area must have a reputation because dozens of cars IMPORTED the trick-or-treaters from outside the neighborhood.

Ashley & Javi took Cammy & Ceci out in a wagon while MA & I alternately answered the door with candy and held Ruby (the German Shepherd) who was greatly agitated by all the front door activity.