As we mentioned in our last posting, we’ve made the decision to stay on the road for the next few years. That being said, we thought long and hard... talked and talked... and finally came to a sad but hard truth. The Airstream was great for a one-year adventure and would have made a great art studio after settling down (our original plan). But if staying on the road for an indefinite period of time is in the works, then a few more amenities, as well as the ability to haul along some more of our stuff, would be nice to have.
Therefore, we went shopping and bought ourselves an early Christmas present: a 40 foot, 2000 American Eagle, Class A diesel motorhome, and an orange Honda Element as our “toad”.
Therefore, we went shopping and bought ourselves an early Christmas present: a 40 foot, 2000 American Eagle, Class A diesel motorhome, and an orange Honda Element as our “toad”.
It was with a giant sigh of relief on Heinz’s part that we traded in the F-250 (more and more strange noises) for the Honda. With many a deep sigh and a few nostalgic tears (especially from me), we are getting ready to put the Airstream up for sale. But, our new home gives us an additional 90 square feet of living space, and lots of basement storage for all the crafts, tools and outdoor gear.
The new place has some features that the Airstream didn’t and we didn’t realize how much they were missed until we had them again. As idealistic as we were about going to the camp shower, IT IS nice to have a working shower and full bathroom in your home, ... as well as a built-in washer/dryer, ice maker, dinette, and two couches. We're scheming about how to personalize the interior through the use of colors and textures, but will live in it for a while waiting for the right inspiration to come along before we take the plunge to tweak. The coach is full of interior cabinetry, and the solid walnut gives off a rich glow at night that imparts a warm and cozy atmosphere - Heinz thinks that with the lights low, it feels like the interior of a boat at night. If you'd like to see some pictures of the inside, they are available on Photobucket. Just click on the link and enjoy a tour of our new home.
We’ve moved in and are getting settled into our new home a little at a time. There are still boxes moving from spot to spot, items getting put away and then moved to some other spot, items that you KNOW you’ve put into the new space but have been lost in the black hole of moving. You all know the drill, the “ new home syndrome”. But you’d think that we could find something as simple as a computer cord in 380 square feet!
Besides moving in, we've checked out the local bookstores, caught a great movie (Hugo...Highly recommended!), and spent lots of time with family. This week Suzi and I went up to Heinz's Aunt Annelee's and helped her make her annual Santa Claus cookies. Suzi was in charge of eye placement and I got the honor of cutting some of the shapes!
Hurry Suzi, they need to see.
Santa cookies resting and waiting for the red/white glaze to be applied.
Last night I caught the Christmas baking bug myself and made four pans of Potica, a yeast cake with walnut and poppy seed filling. My mom always made these at this time of year and the smell while baking instantly brought back some wonderful memories of her.
Potica waiting to be glommed down
Decorating in any RV is a little more challenging than in a house, no room for my multitude of Santas for one. As a result, most of my Santas got swept out in the "get rid of our stuff" storm. Fortunately, they didn't travel far, as they found a new home with Suzi and Carl. For our new home, I picked up a tiny tree, and decorated with a few ornaments I could not part with, as well as a new mini-Nativity Angel that I bought in New Mexico (right front).
That's the latest for now - more to follow after the holiday season is over and we are back on the road. Here's wishing EVERYONE a wonderful and merry Christmas and a warm and happy New Year!
Heinz and Teresa
