Goodbye Virginia (for now)

We have now relocated to Nashville Tennessee after having delayed our departure twice.  Maybe we packed too much into our stop at our former home area.  Each delay causes me to shorten the stay at our next two stops and forfeit some camp fees.  That is the downside to all the advance planning that we do.  Although it has been a great time with family and friends and that has been very special.

It is a little sad to leave behind our family, friends, and all the familiar places that we enjoy.  But it is time to move on to experience new places. Ya know, we still have 27 of the lower 48 states to visit.

After leaving our home state of Virginia, we have a full year of travels planned ahead next year (spring/summer) to the western states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.  Maybe more or maybe less.  Folks, there are many miles of travel out west.  It should be fun!

Ham Radio

I had wanted to get a few more things accomplished while at our home base, such as assembling my ham radio station and antenna.  But, alas it was either raining cats and dogs or else we had other plans.  I can always work on it somewhere down the road as well.

That was my most enjoyable hobby from over the years.  There are many different avenues to the hobby.  Over the last ten years or so, I just did not have much time to devote to it, so it was somewhat on hold.  Until I retire I kept telling myself.

We have been so busy traveling and exploring that it has still not fit into my schedule yet.  But that will soon change.  I just need to take the time.

My father-in-law (Ray – K9KJD) had a ham radio with him when he retired and began traveling the country in a truck and 5th wheel camper many years ago.  I have great memories of chatting with him on 40 and 20 meters every single week.  He would relate where they were and what they had done.  Those chats meant a lot to me.

Now we have cell phones, texting, Facebook, Instagram and I’m sure many other modern means of communicating.  I use all of these new tools, but miss the radio chats.  Maybe the magic will return when I get this station set up.

Sorting (5-S)

I did finally finish the sorting process.  I did keep some stuff just in case.  You never know.  Our coach is much more organized and neat now.  We gave our kids some stuff and donated some.

Next Up Destination

We now have five days in the music city and we need to take advantage of every bit of it.  So far on our list of things to do are: Grand Ole Opry, the lower Broadway music venues, country music hall of fame, the Ryman Theater, the Hermitage, and the Upper Room.  Have I missed any must-see?

Next up is the city of New Orleans for a week long stay with two stopover nights on the way down.  Have not even started researching what to do yet, but will talk to Lorna, my sister-in-law, the NOLA expert!

Medicare Planning

I’m turning 65 this February so have begun some shopping and planning for what Medicare supplemental programs to purchase.  There are many options from A up to F and G that I need to analyze.  One key is nationwide coverage.  A local HMO will not do me any good.

Cold Weather!

What an abrupt change in the weather!  From highs at 90 down to 55.  Someone said it is like it saw a state cop.

We have had a couple of nights with temps down to 40 degrees.  An indication that it is time to point the rig south.  We have really enjoyed the cooler days and the fall foliage is sprouting out everywhere!

I will enjoy the warm Texas weather over the winter.  The average high temp in January is 70.  Very nice.

Other Photos From Virginia

I did not get to stop by the office to say hi to my former work colleagues.  Sorry folks, it was a crazy month.  I’ll try to stay in touch better by phone.  I did get to have a lunch with our Associate Pastor Roland in Pulaski at Al’s on First – nice place.

Here are a few photos from our month long stay.  Thanks for following along!

Take care and God Bless.