Well, finally going to "settle down."

[JudyJB]

As many of you know, I have spent my 70s and part of my 80s on the road full time. I have enjoyed it and it has been a good life, but I need a shoulder replacement and things are getting a little harder to do. So, I am going to settle down near my Ohio son. (Could have chosen other son's area in California, but I can't afford it and the traffic really got to me last year, so Ohio it is.) I flew up to Ohio from Florida a couple of weeks ago to get some dental work done and see my orthopedic surgeon for a cortisone shot, and while there I looked at a couple of places, and chose one. I had been looking last summer there, but it was really hard to find a condo without a basement or second floor.

I am back in Florida, am very happy with my choice, and am already planning my move in about three weeks. As a full-timer I long ago gave away or tossed any furniture I had, so I have to purchase the basics like beds and a chair or two before I move in!! I have a lot of boxes in my son's basement and will need to move a lot of stuff out of my motorhome.

I have decided to keep the motorhome, at least for a while, so I can do a little traveling once in a while, but those trips are probably not going to be as far away. Or as long?? Who knows?? I might be popping in every once in a while, but no promises. I've enjoyed my travels and will miss a lot of places you can't stay in without an RV, but I will survive!! Might even head to the Netherlands, Ireland, or Scotland again after I get my shoulder fixed. Thinking about an Atlantic Crossing on the Queen Mary, maybe, since I did two trips in her predecessor, the QE2.

 

[Boat Bum]

All the best to you.

 

[Larry N.]

I'm sorry you have to give up full time, Judy, but it's great that you've found what you're looking for, AND near family, which is great. Keep us posted...

 

[CamperAL]

Hi JudyJB,

When we plan to hang up the keys, we decided to keep the RV and just camp more locally for a few years. Plenty of places to camp around here. Maybe you will do something simular. Also wishing you best of luck from the next state west of Ohio.

 

[JudyJB]

I am really from Michigan and was even born in Detroit. I still have a few relatives and friends up there, so I will want to use the motorhome to drive up there and visit them. Will also want to stock up on my U Michigan shirts and bumper stickers from time to time. I will also want to stock up on Michigan food like fresh kielbasa, Vernors gingerale, and Faygo Red Pop. (Detroit is really a food city and has some of the best Middle Eastern food in the country, so I will also want to periodically get a big tray of baklava from Masri Sweets in Dearborn!)

 

[Jackiemac]

All the best to you Judy. I've greatly enjoyed reading your blog and meeting you in person.

Let us know if you do visit Scotland again.

 

[weighit]

Judy I too am from the Detroit area, don't forget a Buddy;s pizza, but Faygo is still my favorite. Have enjoyed reading many of your posts over the years. Wishing you all the very best!

 

[JudyJB]

All the best to you Judy. I've greatly enjoyed reading your blog and meeting you in person.

Let us know if you do visit Scotland again.

Jackie, Scotland is one of my favorite places, and I may go back there again. I also need to visit Ireland some time, but I am planning my surgery for sometime in June, so that will wipe out this year. Maybe 2027? I have a grandson who is 19 and got the travel bug a couple of years ago after spending some time with a family in Spain, so maybe I can talk him into going with me.

Funny story about grandson--when he was in Seville, Spain, at age 16, the family he stayed with had a condo on the Atlantic beach, and they occasionally walked through a nude area occasionally. Grandson said it was "Gross!" but he asked me if there were any nude beaches in Scotland or the Netherlands. I told them if there were, the nudists would have to wear winter coats!

One thing I have to say about Scotland is that after the aggressive drivers around southern ENgland and Wales, Scotland is much more relaxed. It's as if everyone breathes a sigh of relieve at the border.

 

[SargeW]

You are just "pulling into that park" that we will all pull into eventually Judy. Glad to hear that it is going smoothly for you. I have tons of relatives in Ohio and have been there several times. Not sure I could pull off the winters though!