A New Word to My Vocabulary- "DeClutter"

Well, my spouse has been gone for one week and 3 hours 30 minutes (but who's counting!??) now. He will proud of me if I can do any part of what I am trying to do this week ...and for anyone who does know me - you know how hard it is for me.
I have found there are things I do not need and will not use again....like 2 complete sets of white dishes...but not a 4 place setting each..NOOOO..I bought a 12 place setting for each set. I splurged a few years ago at Thanksgiving when we actually stayed home instead of going out in the RV.
That little Thanks- giving weekend probably ended up costing us more in dishes than it would have in gas! I felt the need to have solid white dishes on gold chargers for a slight touch of elegance. Well, I found another set I liked better after buying the first set...but the first set was not returnable because they were on closeout.
I now have 2 sets of dishes that I don't plan on using again. Ron has told me he will not be home for Thanksgiving if I am going to do another big dinner with so many people again...so I have no use for the dishes! I also know that I will not be feeding more than 8 people in the RV, so it is time to also get rid of my Mikasa stoneware. I have had my "Garden Club" (Flower Fest pattern) for over 25 years...so there will be a few pieces that have broken...but it was another 12 place setting.
The next thing is a little harder for me to part with...and it may actually be because it has a special meaning to me. Ron got me a subscription to Bon Apetit magazine when Ron & I first got together more than 28 years ago. I have kept that subscription for all these years. I know there are a few magazines missing throughout the 28 years ...but it has almost all of them...but if you know me..you are probably surprised there are any missing!
I have vases that I will get rid of also... along with other miscel- laneous kitchen and dining room items...like a Rival stainless meat slicer.
I am afraid to see what else I do come up with! (Contact me if you are looking for something in particular-I might actually have it ...and might consider letting it leave the house!)


It is going to take a long time to get rid of the things I can't take in the Diplomat and will not put in storage for whenver we build our last stick cottage...so I am starting now. I guess this blog might actually be considered "MonacoMama's Miscellaneous Internet Garage Sale"!

IRV2.COM

Have you heard of IRV2.Com? I have found it to be very relaxing to visit this forum almost nightly. It is a great place to go if you enjoy camping of almost any type. You will find all sorts of information, from someone asking about how to fix something all the way to where is the best spot to camp (including Florence, Oregon…and that answer is a campground run by the Lane County Parks Dept!).

You may find lively discussions including but not limited to “flaming piles of poo”, “Rolling Potlucks” via the Internet, the best place to repair something, the best manufacturer (we all know it is whoever built our own RV!) and of course a little bit of politics.


The people here are quite a friendly bunch of people. Some are animal lovers while others dote on their grandchildren... and rightfully so! Most of us enjoy food, whether we are living vicariously through someone else’s menu or just plain talking about it! (Puppy, spouse & photo of Bruce H)

(Photo by David Toterman)
Some of the members will get together for a yearly IRV2 rally…and enjoy the activities and vendors that are there for all…and of course …the food!

You will find information for products people have installed…or want to install, not to mention where the best place might be to buy it (a good chance you might find it at RVupgrades.com ).

There will be people complaining or venting about problems they may have with their “home on the road” or raving about it.

... and then there is my "other family" down at the Monaco Owners Forum ...you will find many "Rons" down there with a few "Steves" tossed in for good measure. The group has a pretty dry and quick sense of humor that they don't mind sharing with you...so be aware of it and know anything said is said in jest. We enjoy life...and living it to the fullest - even through the tough times ...Thank you my fellow "Monaco Owner Forum" members for giving us all a few or so good laughs and some great RV tips and solutions!

(Photo by MonacoMama)
There will be people rating and posting pictures of campgrounds -or telling you about road closures… …but whatever you find there…it will be from people who have good intentions and passion about what they have posted…. WELCOME TO IRV2 !!!

Something Different...

My husband and I took a trip to Donner Ski Ranch in Norden, Ca this past weekend to watch an AHRMA National Vintage Trials event. It is something to see if you can appreciate the great outdoors and the talents of people who are able to handle vintage motorcycles in unique settings.

Vintage Motorcycle Trials are very unique - as are the people who participate in them. You will find people of all ages and sexes ...from young teens to people who are probably eligible for social security.
I can tell you that a few things I learned about this competition is:


1. That you cannot touch the ground while on the course

2. You cannot sit down on the seat while on the course.

3. You cannot stop while on the course.

Any of these items will result in point deductions. You have nine sections to go through - and you go through the nine sections three different times. If there is a tie at the end of the day ... the oldest person wins!!

Take the whole family if you ever have a chance to go watch an event like this. This is such a family oriented outing that even the 2 year olds love to hike up the ski runs to "see Daddy" ride his "big boy" bike !
Take the time to relish in the beauty of your surroundings, enjoy the comraderie of your friends...whether they be old and new, and have a great time just enjoying life !!

Almost Home!!

Ok...how bad is it that I can't sleep - so I am gonna let everyone else know! I have tried to go to sleep but I know that I will be home in my own chair, already gotten my kisses from all and in my own bed in less than 24 hours!
I will have noticed that Ron waxed my car to a brilliant shine, and seen the back of my Diplomat as we come up the driveway...I will have felt the dry heat of the Sacramento Valley...and know that I am ready to start a new facet of my career on Monday.
Wish me luck, think positive thoughts and if you are in California, Oregon or part of Washington ... please contact me for ANY automotive needs!

Memories of a Different Kind..

Death…it is not something anyone likes to deal with or wants to think about, but it happens…it is part of the cycle of life. There is no death without having life first. Just know that life is something we live – death is something we do.

Remember the important things that were done in life that impacted everyone, not what the death may do to a few…Always remember what the life was about and how it was lived …not how they died.

Life …and death …it will always be a never-ending cycle…Stay safe my friend, and know you are here to live the life….

Still Counting the Days at the Annabelle

Well, I should be in the air and almost home three days from now. (I will on the ground if I am lucky and we have a tailwind!)

In the meantime, I am in a "boutique" hotel. It is quaint place that is great... especially if you want to be just down the street from where Jay Leno tapes his show.

The main bartender will always have a great time and keep you entertained. It is a pleasure to sit there and go back and forth in conversation. The backup bartender is an aspiring actor who is making a living doing his acting - I think this is a job he does for fun.

The two guys in the restaurant are great fun too. One-who actually works in the acting business is a real kick..has a great personality and it comes through that he loves what he does - no matter what it is...playing EmCee on the red carpet, dressing actors, doing a show or just plain waiting tables. The other knows how to play to his customers and give them the type of attention they may want.

The desk is efficient and quiet. You check in so quickly that you forget you were even there. You never see the Housekeeping staff - but you know they were there because your room is clean. The chef will definitely make substitutions and enjoys seeing someone smile because he can see they enjoy his food.

You have many regulars at the bar that are characters without even trying. It is a kick to hear their stories and try to grasp what their lives are about.

I know I can't wait to get home (I should be getting "puppy kisses and howls" 72 hours from now!!) BUT I will miss the "new friends" I have made at the Annabelle!

Thank You, Annabelle Staff for making my stay easier!!

Missing Home

Just a quick note as to why I am where I am - Southern California...Burbank, to be exact.

Things in my ordinary (if you can consider me ordinary!) everyday life changed so suddenly for me just over a week ago. I no longer work for a GM dealership. I am in Southern California going through an intensive two week training for AutoLand. AutoLand is the largest Auto Buying service and has been doing this for over 35 years. I will be able to take care of everyones' automotive needs...whether you are looking for a new or used vehicle...without you having to go through all the hassles you would normally do when looking for and buying a vehicle. More about this later on though.

I truly miss being home with my husband and my two pups. I know they are doing just fine without me...but I am miserable! I find I dread doing the stuff I don't do when I am home ...like having to get cleaned up and put regular clothes on as soon as I get up...putting makeup on...putting shoes on...you know... the stuff we won't do if we are home alone!

I feel like I have to be "on" all the time...there is no "down" time when you are not home. The "fridge" does not have room for all the stuff I might like to have in it ...Skinny Cow ice cream treats, yogurt, string cheese,salad fixings, strawberries, 1% milk, Coke Zero,water and oh yes-Negro Modelo!





I miss my "dog kisses" and howls I get everyday when I walk into the house, even if I am gone for just an hour. I miss my husband's kisses and affectionate pats even more! I miss my comfortable chair in front of my computer...and the warm comfortable bed that has my soft feather pillow and of course, my personal "foot warming-snuggle partner".


I am now counting down the days before I get home!