2013 is a Wrap!

Saturday marked Eric's first year of retirement.  Our mantra this last 12 months has been Life really is Good!  I had to stay on at work until early March to take advantage of paid sick time and timing of 2011's performance incentives.  I was out on leave for 5 weeks, back to work for 3, then I was FREE!  So even though I was still working, I really wasn't, if that makes sense.  Saying Goodbye to old friends and coworkers we had worked with for almost 30 years was tough, but we had an adventure to look forward to.  Having the freedom to do what you want, when you want has been the best part of not working for me.  We eat when we are hungry, we sleep when we get tired and play the rest of the time.  It is very liberating!

Spending six weeks being close to Ashley was awesome!  She and I spent time with my aunts and my grandmother.  Every Saturday was spent getting dogs and cats adopted.  It was fun spending so much time with her and Nick.  They are a cute couple and we had a good time with them.

We ventured north to Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons.  Our plan was to see the Tetons and Yellowstone but after a week or so we realized it was still frozen over and the southern entrance was still closed.  We hung out in Jackson Hole enjoying long walks and just being together.  The weather was freezing so we of course headed further north.

We wanted to do Alaska as our maiden voyage.  At the beginning of May we set off and made the long journey.  The highlight of Alaska was the Glacier landing on Denali.  The area was beautiful and even though it was still cold and the leaves hadn't even peeked out, we thought the area was amazing.  Homer was a lot of fun and we thought it was worth the drive to the end of the Kenai.  Matanuska Glacier trek was something I didn't think I would ever do, but I loved it!  After four months it really was time to go.  Our memories of Alaska are mixed.  The landscape is awesome.  The residents do give the impression they could do without you.  The campgrounds are simply dirt lots with hookups.  Most are so close together you couldn't open your awnings and your neighbors sewer is 2-3 feet from your door.  The management of their wildlife is still in the dark ages and the natural balance is out of whack.  The fishing is a combat sport and the thinking is the rivers and oceans are an abundant, never ending source of fish.  The otters are becoming a nuisance as they eat the crabs and clams we want.  It is a state of camouflage and gun racks.  We were glad for the experience and glad to get back to the lower 48.  

We have learned a lot about this lifestyle, ourselves and the Beast.  The Beast is unforgiving if you drag her across rough bumpy roads.  She performed well until she said enough is enough after a summer in Alaska.  Alaska was rough on her and we were beginning to doubt our full time traveling lifestyle.  A quick exit and fast journey through Canada and we ended up in Bend Oregon for much needed repairs.  

Since we were so close to the Oregon Coast and we needed a break from the repair shop parking lot, we decided on an impulse to head to the Coast.  We stayed a bit in Winchester Bay and enjoyed the walking path, the sound of the waves in the distance and all the fun things to do.  Another impulse and we headed to Newport, the home to our favorite RV Resort, Pacific Shores.  We arrived in a torrential rain storm and windstorm.  The waves were crashing, the wind was crazy, and the rain was heavy.  Our original plan was for a week, we ended up staying a lot longer and even bought a lot.  The plan is to use it in little bits and have a place to call home.  We love it here in Newport and all the fun things there is to do in the area.

A cruise to Hawaii in October/November was certainly something we were looking forward to.  We really enjoyed having no responsibilities and no cooking/cleaning.  A two week vacation from our full time vacation was just what we needed to remind us that this lifestyle is just our style.

Back to Newport Mid November and landscape planning was well underway.  The original time frame was a few days to maybe a week has turned into 4 weeks.  Good things take time.  All that is left to do is to plant the hedge, but the nursery's in the area are closed for the holidays until next week.  Hopefully next week I can post the before and after blog!

Before…...

We have met very nice people here in the resort.  We had a potluck get together for New Years and we met a very nice couple from the Seattle area.  It's funny how you can immediately make a connection with some people.  She is a long arm quilter and has done beautiful work.  I can truly appreciate the work that goes into these quilts as I am still a novice after 10 years of quilting.  My goal this year is to work on paper piecing, something I have not had the patience or time for previously.  We hope to meet up with them in the Seattle area for a Mariner's game and a little vacation from the Coast this Spring.  Our neighbors here are also from the Seattle area.  They invited us to dinner so we could get better acquainted.  We kept just missing them, they would be here and we would be gone and vice a versa.  We had a great time and we are looking forward to summer when we should be at the resort at the same time.  They have a gorgeous German Shepherd who is the biggest dog I have seen.  He is so good and so quiet, our dogs need lessons from him.

Our plans for 2014 are pretty simple.  We want to visit our daughter early spring, go to the Air Museum  and wine country in McMinnville this month or next, a wood carving festival mid January, Jambalaya festival in February, Wind and Seafood festival the end of February, Seattle area and Mt. St Helen's in May, Visiting my parents over the summer and having our kids visit us and be tourists this summer.  Of course everyday we'll watch the amazing sunsets and toast our decision to choose this carefree lifestyle.  It's going to be a fun, busy year all centered in the Northwest.  For a couple of desert rats, this place is heaven!

The pups love their beach walks!

love the designs the surf makes in the sand