So, what have I been doing lately? Mostly, not a lot.
It has been raining here in Oregon almost non-stop, and it has been chilly even during the day, so I can't go out much. So, I have been doing some cooking, some cleaning, some sorting, and working on some projects that I have put off for a long time. One was scanning and desktop publishing a cookbook from the mother's club of my elementary school. It was put together in 1955 and has so many of the names I remember--relatives, neighbors, and relatives of classmates. That project took me three days and at least 15 hours. I have also been busy getting my winter class ready for the new semester.
I seem to have recovered from my kidney stone problems, but will not know for sure until I get the results of the cat scan that was done a week ago. Other issues are also resolving, which means that as of January 31, I will be able to head south to get out of the rain and into slightly warmer California for a while. That will feel really nice!
Also, I have been thinking about how long I have been living in this small space and traveling. It has been several months over six years since I sold my condo, put my stuff into storage, and took off on the road. When I started, I was not sure I would like to do this kind of traveling long-term and told myself that I would commit to at least two years. I was not sure if I would be bored or lonely or feel claustrophobic living in this roughly 10' by 28' space. (That is an estimate with both slides out and not counting the cab part of my vehicle.) I have lived in a 1,000 square foot house, a 2,000 square foot house, and an 1,800 square foot house, but I feel just as comfortable in these 280 square feet as in all of those.
I COULD use more storage space and more cargo carrying capacity so I could bring more stuff, but I have all the essentials to make me comfortable. (Cargo carrying capacity is the amount of weight your RV can carry without overloading the frame and tires. It includes people, fresh water and waste in tanks, belongings, even gas in the gas tank.) I am at the very top of my cargo carrying capacity, so I have to be careful of what I accumulate, and I cannot drive with more than a quarter of a tank of fresh water. I am also getting tired of so many things breaking in this motorhome and having to spend so much money of repairs.
But, I have a very comfortable bed, my old leather recliner that fits me perfectly, a refrigerator and freezer full of food, a kitchen that enables me to cook and bake, even if my oven is small. I have two internet mobile hot spots and satellite TV, so I am well-connected with the outside world. Also, I like that I have lots of windows and a good view of both sides and through the front windshield from my recliner. Being able to look out makes it feel a lot less cramped inside. And of course, it helps that being able to keep moving means that my views from my windows are never the same for very long.
While I enjoy seeing new places, I also have found some favorite places where I feel comfortable and I enjoy visiting. Most of my favorites are in beautiful places. And many others have wildlife to watch. For example, I am planning to go to the Las Vegas area in March so I can stay at Valley of Fire State Park and visit Willow Beach Marina.
How much longer do I want to live the life of a vagabond? As long as I possibly can. I am hoping for another five years, assuming my health and money holds out! Keeping my fingers crossed.
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