March 29, 2019 Thoughts on the first day ….

This is the day. It has been on my calendar for months, and it is finally here. Jumping off time should be about 10:00 this morning.

Of course, mixed emotions. My 7-year-old granddaughter and her mom took my picture and said goodbye before she left for school. I will miss my life here. I have lived under the same roof with my son and his family for over three years. A wonderful situation with private quarters, independence, and much love. I couldn’t ask for more.

Southern California living with almost perfect weather, lots of friends and activities, and super comfortable space. So why do I want to leave this cocoon and venture off by myself in a 10-foot very spare little travel trailer with no plumbing or refrigeration? I am only 72 years old, in pretty good health, and I just feel the need to do this while I can. No fancy answer. I lived in my vintage motor home for over ten years a while back, and, as I told my son, “I’m not done. (Insert drum roll.) I am going to leave one day this Spring and I will be back one year later.” (Insert gasp.) March 29 became the selected day.

First, I love my little trailer. I am very comfortable. Single bed, stove and oven, icebox (that will probably be used for storage only), sink (but no running water), and minimal storage for food and life’s necessities. Two of my wonderful sewing buddies helped me turn items I had sewn or quilted and carted around since my old motor home days into new cushion and window coverings for my new space. I even found room for my mother’s favorite Boston rocker! She would like that, I am sure. I have a dependable Chevy Silverado 1500 to pull this tiny trailer, and off I go. I am so happy. Before leaving, I sat alone in this little piece of Heaven for many hours and dreamed about what might be out there. I am about to find out.

I expect to visit friends and family, re-visit places I have been, and discover new people and places along the way. I will spend some days sitting quietly by a river, some days exploring. Some days in thrift shops or playing cards, maybe poker. Some days visiting my incredible vintage trailer Sisters. I will spend part of the Fall in the three states I have never visited: Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Other than that “plan”, I will mostly decide which way to go on the day I leave each place I stop. I find that exhilarating! This country has so much to offer. I want to find some of it.

I am grateful for the support of my family and friends, especially the ones who think I am nuts or can’t imagine a solo venture. For them, I promise to be as careful as I can. But not so careful that I don’t go down that unknown road just to see what’s there!

My friend and women’s poker advocate, Lupe Soto, encouraged me to write a blog. I have no experience in the blog world, so you and I will learn as we go. Thank you for coming along!