Where Are we Now?

There's a link to the right titled "Where Are We Now." If you want to know where we are, just click on the link!

Over The Smokies..............and Into Tennessee

Ok, so this is my very first blog; not too sure of what I am doing, so I will wing it. Not that I've ever NOT had anything to say, just don't always put it in print!

Steve is worn down to the bone. He is peacefully "napping" on the couch, and it's well deserved. We left Charleston, SC, at 7:30 am, and he drove RIGHT the hell over those mountains, in the rain, towing a car.................350 miles!!! I sort of just tried to hide behind a quite large Atlas map, so I didn't have to see exactly how high we were (altitude high, that is).

He is a wonderful driver. That's just too bad, cause you know I was going to do LOTS and LOTS of driving on this adventure. Sure, y'all know I hated to drive to Publix, but that's another story altogether. Anyway, I am so very thankful for his expertise (being an engineer means they are experts at everything) and I put my and Elvis' lives in his very capable hands.

So, arrived in Bluff City, TN at 3 pm. Just 10 miles from Justin's house, gee isn't that convenient? Convenient for Justin that is. We are at a fabulous RV park on the Boone Lake/River. They gave us a spot near other campers and RV; but it looked a bit small for us. We've already downsized from 2367 sq. ft. to about 400, so we really wanted the "bigger waterfront lot". And we got it! We are here for a week; our spot is at the mouth of the river/lake with incredible views of the water. Steve will post pics when he surfaces from his nap (could take a couple of days).

I honest to God truthfully told the camp manager that since we are so new at this, we are trying to train Elvis to get used to this, so we need a really private spot. This part is true; he barks whenever we leave him. Elvis, not Steve. All of our ex-neighbors can attest to that! However, I've decided that I will use this ruse over and over even if, and when, Elvis is not with us. I will substitute him for a remote controlled Teddy Ruxpin Bear. Or a Chatty Cathy doll. Whatever it takes.

So much work, setting up camp, getting the grill ready, hooking up the potty drain, the cable tv, and then, it's time to set up the bar!!! We are getting down to a science. You just have to be careful and wear latex gloves for the set up and drain (of the potty, not the bar).

I told Steve today that this was so much more work than when I really did work, at least I could watch movies in the model homes that had a DVD player. Tom, if you are reading this, please ignore, I never really did make it all the way through an entire movie, and Beazer never did install DVD players in all the models. What the hell was up with that? Could be one reason I am retired???? Kidding Tom!!!

Steve bought us walkie-talkies, so when he has to back into a spot, I can guide him without having to shout into his camera/microphone. Haven't hit a tree yet.................oh crap, I hope I didn't just jinx us.

Really, really loving it. I've got a cabinet full of paperbacks, a comfy recliner and a great man to share it all with. We have our windows open, overlooking a beautiful view and there is only one other RV'er on our little gravel road. They are packing up to leave tomorrow. Too bad, so sad. We hope no one else wants to park up this road. I can handle that, I guess. I'll just act like the village idiot...oh wait, that's normal here in Tennessee. (see disclaimer below if you are from Tennessee).

I miss my mom, sister and niece a lot. I love you Mom!! But I'll be back. Already checked out Amtrak rates from up North to Jax. Half the price of an airline ticket, and I could do a stop in NYC at Grand Terminal Station and eat my way thru there.........what a wonderful place to spend a day. Maybe work in a broadway show?

We will probably be here for a week; then mosey on up North. Gonna' brush up on my English............eliminate the aint's and y'alls and other un-postable verbage. We want to go to Gettysburg, PA. Would love to say that we really want to see the place, which we do, but there is an "RV Time Share" rip off company that will put you up for 2 nights/3 days hoping to sell you a campsite. So, going for the history and the freebies. I always was a bargain shopper. From there looking for a place that's cool, and cheap. We want to be in Maine, Vermont, NH, or one of those small little states no one really really knows much about for a couple of months.

To all my dear Yankee friends, you know I am just kidding. I love y'alls way up North; love your lobsters and blue crabs. And your clams. My mouth is watering...............

I guess I gotta run. Need to drag Elvis out for a walk. By the end of the day, he is just plum tuckered out. Guess I gotta lose that saying too? He is a real sport, but as long as he keeps us in sight he's just ok. His vet gave him some happy pills, but we haven't tried him on those yet. Soon, my little friend, soon.

Please, please post comments on this blog. Toni, if they are smart ass, Steve will edit and you will be severly disiplined (sp?) when we come back. But you will like it.

Kellie, please, please teach yo' mama to email me. She's a smart woman; she can do it! And please open these for Grandma and read them to her. It may be worth it to you someday...............don't hold your breath. Fingers crossed for your promotion!

Robin, please send more EA, even the old ones. Ok? Love them a lot.

Carolyn, call me or email me when you are going to Ware?

Catherine, let us know where you are, ok?

Everyone else, we love and miss you all. Take care and God Bless.


Kathy

p.s. I hope this sends out well. It's my first one. Fingers crossed.

Made it to Charleston!

HEEEEYYYYY - we finally got out of Jacksonville :)

We're spending the night at a KOA campground in Charleston to visit my daughter for the evening and then off to TN for a week. My daughter, Nicole :)

Back in Jacksonville...

Our maiden voyage is behind us and we are sitting in the camping area at Rivers RV for another 5 days or so through Memorial weekend. We took my mother-in-law, Pat, on our trip and had a great time except for one little thing :) When we stopped at the grocery store after 100 miles THIS is what my rock guard looked like.

I have no idea HOW this happened, but I had to do a little sewing with speaker wire to attach the rubber flap back onto the frame to get us home ( to the dealer!). No big deal. Tiffin is replacing the flap, but they had to order it and have it shipped to Jacksonville. Since we were supposed to leave for Charleston, SC Sat. morning to see my daughter I asked the dealer, "Why don't you just pull a guard off one on the lot, give THAT one to me, and when the new one comes in, put it back on the one on the lot?"



Nope. Couldn't do that. Hmmm. "OK, then I'll be camping FREE right over there in your area until my rock guard comes in!" That was OK with them, and we get another week of free camping! Wheeeeeee.


Since we're not on any schedule it really doesn't
matter when we get there now does it? I have a new "signature" for us - it's "Never in a hurry."

Hopefully, we'll leave for Charleston Wed. or Thursday :)

Cheers!
Ameriplan

UPDATE ON MUDGUARD: On sat. morning, a tech from the dealer knocked on my door and asked me if I would like for him to take a NEW guard off a RV on the lot and replace my damaged rock guard. Hmmmm... yesterday they told me they couldn't do that, and today it "no problem." makes me wonder if they want to get rid of us! HA! Of course I said yes!

BUT... we had already cancelled our reservations in Charleston for Sat., and because it is memorial weekend, all the campgrounds are full. So we'll stay here until Tuesday morning and begin our slow trip North then. Looks like we're finally getting ready to actually LEAVE Jacksonville! YEAH! And now, I'm off to my in-laws to grill some burgers & dogs.

Happy Memorial Day!
Steve & Kathy

1st Road trip

Well, here we sit at Crystal River RV Resort - our 1st road trip!

Only one thing went wrong... I turned into a Publix parking lot and the driveway must have been a little too steep or something because when I looked at the rear of the MH, the rubber rock guard was melted and half way torn off. Another "ah crap!" moment. I was able to mend the thing back together and maybe the dealer will get me a new one when we take it back for them to finish running the TV coax cable to the bedroom.

Kathy & I are finding that we stay MUCH more active living in this thing compared to living in our old home. We walk the dog, walk to take the trash out, are up and down the entry steps several million times a day AND we even have to walk to the pool & hot tub!

We also eat healthier. Grilled chicken, grilled steak ( well for ME anyway), grilled hamburgers, etc. No fried foods. LOT's of lean meaty sandwiches for lunch.

So far we're having a blast. We went shopping yesterday and Kathy has dropped one size in her slacks... and I hope to follow suit soon:)) At the end of the day everyone is plain exhausted so we all sleep well too.

Today we're off to Homosassa Springs Wildife Park to look at some Manatee's. Only one like it the world.

Day 7

We have been living on our RV for 7 days now :) Yesterday we finally got the Dish TV satellite system installed, but the coax cable that ran from the front TV to the bedroom TV had a short in it (the tech thinks that someone put screw through the cable that caused it to short out - somewhere) so we will have to come back to the dealer next week after our trip to Crystal Springs, FL to get a new cable run. THAT's not going to be an easy job!

The leak in the ceiling has been fixed. before the year is out, we'll make a trip to Tiffin RV plant at Red Bay, AL to have them tear out the panel, remove the gas stove and replace it with cabinets (the DW and I both think that storage is more important that an oven). Besides - we have a convection microwave that we can bake in.

Today we will hook up our toad for the 1st time and tow it to CR-210 in ST. Augustine where we will boondock for two days. We will be meeting some of our friends there so they can see our new home.

Our dog, Elvis, has adapted well to his new home I think. When I ask if he wants to "go outside" he runs to the door, and if we're outside and I ask him if he wants to "go inside" he runs to the door to get in! Cool.

Lessons learned in our first week:

• We need to get North in some cooler temperatures! If it's 90F outside, the RV has a hard time keeping us cool in the main living area. Now I know why RV'ers "chase 70."
• If one buys a new RV, there's going to be some initial problems. Since we were totally stupid about RV's, we didn't know what to look for and that's why we have been here for a week. Besides the leak and shorted TV cable, we found a crushed heater vent ( similar to an exhaust vent in a dryer) in the basement and that was fixed.
• Before you sign a contract to BUY a RV, go through the thing top to bottom to be sure everything works and is in place as it should be! If we get another one, I'll know a little more about these things, so it should be easier to find problems.

My Ameriplan business is still working! I've had about 6 people sign up while we have been parked, so that's another $36 a month! HA!

Well... wish us luck. We are about to pull out for the 2nd time and actually GO somewhere AND we are about to tow our "toad" for the first time. Glad it's Saturday - less traffic!

Cheers!

Steve & Kathy & Elvis.

Day 2

OK, the end of day two has arrived and here's what we have learned:

• Pack 1/2 of what you think you'll need. My DW and myself staged 4-5 pair of sweat pants, sweaters, 10 pair of shorts, lot's of pots & pans, etc. TOO MUCH STUFF! We will be throwing away clothes as they get stained or if we don't wear them for a year.
• When you buy a RV, there's going to be problems. We have water coming from the AC vents in the ceiling in more than one place. Something to be said about what the "experienced" RV'ers say, " Buy used because all the bugs have been taken care of."
• Plan on spending $1000 on "stuff" for our new RV. Vent covers to insulate against the heat, mats for the outside, hoses, etc.
• Look for leaks in the plumbing system! We have ( or had one) under our sink.

Don't pack a RV when it's 92 degrees outside.... it'll flat wear you out. I'm tired as all get out and need to go to bed! Sleep tight!

Ameriplan

Day 1

Boy, are we tired! Closing on our home, running to the RV dealer and closing on the RV, unloading the car, throwing everything into the RV, go back to kathy's Mom's house, load the car with more "stuff," pick up our dog, Elvis ( a Cocker Spaniel), drive another 40 miles back to the RV, unload THAT stuff from the car, start putting stuff away....


Has a few drinks with the DW, high fived each other for pulling this whole thing off in 35 days from start to finish, crawled in bed at 11pm and crashed.

Woke up this morning only to discover I didn't have bottled water to make coffee ( you're not supposed to drink water from the fresh water tank) so off to the gas station I go at 6am to get some coffee and a gallon of drinking water.

All is good! Now, if I could just get my lovely bride out of bed.... (hehehehe)

We did it!

HOLY COW!

We did it :) We closed on our home today and will buy and move into our new RV tomorrow. One chapter closes and another begins....

Cheers!
Steve & Kathy Burnett
Ameriplan

Tis The Day Before...

Well, our house came back appraised at $360K just as we thought, so we of course lowered the sale price another $5,000. Buyers are fine with that! Merry Freakin Christmas Buyers. After our selling expenses and including the $88K in improvements WE put in over the last 2 years - our loss is right at $100,000 on this place. That's about a 25% decrease in value. Just like I was telling people who wanted to sell their home in this market when I was a REALTOR - if you don't HAVE to sell now... then DON'T! We DID and we paid the price, but that was our decision.

The latest: Yesterday the buyers agent told us that our buyer, who is pregnant and due on 5-13, was "dilated" and may be in the hospital on Friday which is the day we were supposed to close. "We may have to move the closing date out another few days." This is their 1st kid and the husband has said that he would NOT leave his wife to go to closing if she were in labor. I guess I can understand that. BUT... if they have any more curtain climbers, I know the guy will be saying, "Just call me when you're done." HA! Freakin kids... they start trouble before they take a breath and 25 years later, they're STILL a PIA. ( Just kidding my darling children! We love you :))) Sigh. Cough.

"Oh hell no, we can't delay our closing!" If anything we move it UP and try to close a day early! Sign that paper work BEFORE that baby drops! I got movers coming today and we're supposed to actually BUY our RV on Friday 5-9. It's all about me, me, me, me, me!

So today (Thursday 5-8) we are waiting to see if the lender can get the HUD docs to the title company before close of business and maybe, just maybe, we'll close today. Movers are coming at 8:30am regardless.

4 More days...

STILL waiting to hear if my home appraised for the purchase price. The waiting is driving us crazy because the buyer could walk away form the deal and there would be nothing we could do. I don't think that will happen, but as a REALTOR, I've seen some strange things happen AT the closing table. If anything is going to happen, it it should happen by close of business today. Pins & needles, pins & needles.

In the meantime, our plans have changed again :) We WERE going to spend a week here in Jax waiting to get our toad ready for towing, but since that's taken care of, we decided to cancel sitting at Flamingo Lake RV Park for a week over Memorial Weekend and hit the road instead.

After all - the purpose of having a RV is to GO right? We will take advantage of the free camping offered by our dealer, Rivers RV, but after a week, we're heading north towards Johnson City, TN. That's where Kathy's son lives, and it'll give us some driving/towing/camping experience without being too far away from anything and without driving over any serious mountain passes with steep grades.

I was sitting at the table last night trying to "plan" our travels ( I have NO idea were to start!) and the DW said, "You're making plans too far ahead of time. Why don't you just relax and let's take this one day at a time?"

Crapola... she's right! We have no schedule. We have no place we HAVE to be. Gotta get used to that idea!

ameriplan

7 More Days...

Things are moving right along now. Just about everything we could pack & carry ourselves is in the storage shed. The movers are coming next Thursday to move the furniture that my wife and I can't (or don't want to) carry.

I sold my 2006 Honda Ridgeline truck to CarMax 2 days ago, so we're down to one car now. If you ever need to sell a car quickly, just take it to a CarMax! I was trying to sell my truck myself for $16,500. On a whim, I stopped by a local CarMax and they offered me $19,000 for my truck. Boy, was I surprised! Can you say, "SOLD!"

The dealer at Rivers RV has been absolutely great in helping me get a tow bar on my motor home... even though I haven't signed any papers yet. We took out our 2006 Hyundai Sonata to a mechanic to get a Remco transmission lube oil pump installed, a Roadmaster Tow Bar and an Even Brake set up. The dealer drove my soon-to-be motor home over to the mechanic's shop so he could wire the car to the coach. What great service! I've been VERY happy with Rivers RV here in Jacksonville so far :)

We're now set up and ready for towing. And it only cost $3,800.51. HA!

We have one final hurdle and that's the appraisal on my home. I called the apppraisor yesterday and while he couldn't tell me exactly what my home appraised for in our declining market, I figured out the we were $5,000 below where we needed to be so it looks like I'll have to lower my selling price about $5,000. Just waiting to hear from the buyers lender.

My wife & I are (were) both real estate agents and this "declining" market caught US with our pants down too. We paid $354K for our home in May 2006. We "invested" $88,000 worth of improvements in the home since we moved in: a $43K patio, granite tops in the kitchen , high dollar wood flooring, master bath remodel, etc. In a normal market, figure a 5% appreciation per year on a home, so we should have seen a worth of about $390K PLUS about 40% return on our "improvements." So add $35K + $390K and it would have been worth around $425K in the least under normal conditions.

But noooooo - it appraised at $360K. We have a contract for $365K and now we will just lower the selling price to $360K. Whatever. It's only freaking money. So the deal is NOT done yet - we still have to face the buyers and they COULD walk from this deal because my home didn't appraise for $365K. Crap.

We should know for sure by 6 May. We're in this too deep to back out, so we will have to do whatever the buyer wants us to do to get our home sold. We'd be totally up the creek without a paddle if the buyer backs out now! Sigh.

Ameriplan