Enlarging the neighborhood
Cardiff and I have been getting the new house fixed up and accommodating for us. I have to admit to watching more TV since installing the Drive In screen. Even puppy has taken an interest.
We took a trip to the beach last week, starting to navigate around and get a feel for more of the area. It was a gorgeous day that was supposed to rain but just defied the meteorologists for the lols.
Of course I put the long lead on the doggo, and she was at the end of it the entire time. I really wanted to let her loose, but she is so easily distracted and loses her mind when there are so many things to see. I’d never get her to come back, she’d just chase birds - on the ground or in the sky, no matter - and say hello to every human and dog she could find. It was a good trip.
The truck was sandy and damp afterwards, but that’s what trucks are for. And speaking of which, I finally used the winch on the front of my truck. I’ve been hoping I never need to use it, but was digging out bottlebrush trees from the front yard and decided to use modern technology. I hooked that baby up and had the last one pulled out in a couple of minutes. So gratifying after all the hacking, picking, and digging I had done. Of course there’s not enough room in the yard waste container to throw it out, and I’ll have to sneak it into my neighbor’s yard and pretend it’s not mine.
Also, I’ve been cooking more and trying to healthify my diet. It’s amazing how much time all that takes. Thinking up what to eat, purchasing said meal, the actual cooking time, blah blah blah. I can see why people order those services that provide your meals. I need to expand my repertoire further, as I only know how to cook a few things and just keep cycling through them. If only there were a limitless repository of food information available to anyone with a computer or phone…
The Beagle has landed
Dad left a trail of fire from Texas and arrived after lunchtime today. My Casita is now in the driveway, and Cardiff and I are celebrating. We may even finish the bottle.
I have to really congratulate the guy that backed it into the driveway. First attempt with minor corrections in the path. Outstanding. Best driver ever.
OK, it was me. You have no idea how much I worried over being able to back that thing up. I’m going to need shoulder surgery to fix the damage I did slapping myself on the back. Were anyone around, they would have heard “Who the man?!” “You the man!”. There may even have been dancing.
Now I’ll start assembling all the stuff to go inside, and figure out what should be stocked all the time, and what should be packed each trip.
Retirement: week 2
Some updates on what’s been going on.
This week I’ve reacquainted myself with my old friend Manual Labor. I spent two days working on installing flooring at a friend’s place. My legs and knees were feeling every second of my age at the end of the second day. Consider doing 1000 squats each day, and you’ll get an idea of my state. I’ve also removed a bunch of flagstones which I had on the side of my house.
Dad went in for surgery to replace his hip. Amazing the difference from just a few years ago when my mom had similar surgery. This one was outpatient, and no restrictions on movement or position. I know in the past taking care of patients it was always a big deal to ensure they didn’t cross their legs or put too much flex in their hip. He has zero restrictions because of the way the surgery was done, and is doing great!
Eldest daughter, Princess B, is scheduled to visit this coast next week, and stay for two weeks. Very glad to see her.
I’ll be getting a driveway poured (installed?) over a dirt area next to my existing driveway next week as well. This will allow me to park my trailer in front and not have to store it somewhere.
My puppy will be ready to come home in four more weeks. She’s growing as of the last picture I received, and I’m excited to meet her. Princess A will accompany me to pick her up in June.
The second week of July is now the target to pick up my trailer in Texas. I’ll drive out with the puppy, and then Princess A will fly out to meet me and ride back. It will be good to have a human companion on the way back.
Interesting thing happened today when I completed removing the flagstones. I was pondering what I might do with them since I was sure they’re expensive to purchase, but of no use to me. I’m replacing the footing in that area with red bricks, as my mom and dad have found the flagstones to be very precarious when coming around the side of the house.
I’m not a huge fan of NextDoor as most of what I see on it is along the lines of “Someone was walking in front of my house and looked in my car. I’m sure they’re a gang member and casing the area to steal everything”. Way too much to worry about for my taste. BUT, they also have a free/giveaway section which I thought I’d give a try to see about finding a new home for the flagstones. I put up a notice and included a picture and description, getting five responses in under five minutes. People must be at home just hitting Refresh all day.
I arranged the pickup, going back and forth with the woman several times to indicate a truck was necessary as the flagstones wouldn’t fit in a car. She said “we have a vintage truck that gets poor gas mileage, but we’ll bring it”. She and her husband showed up in a 50-something Ford that was Canary Yellow. A show car. Vintage, to be sure. It was also lowered and had small wheels replacing the standard ones. She was also 60+ pounds overweight, and immediately said “He can’t really lift anything, he has bone cancer.” We got about 15 flagstones in before they admitted the vehicle wasn’t really meant for the weight or working; and neither were they. I ended up following them to their house to deliver the flagstones in my truck. Nice people, but not the most sensible approach to picking up a load of stone.
This is what the truck looked like through my windshield. Not exactly a construction truck.
So, what are you driving?
04/14/2023
Those who know me best are aware I’m a clothes horse, and I take just as much care with my ride. I purchased a 2011 Toyota Tundra (big truck, big engine, big gas bill). It had 48K on it, lots of extras like the big ‘ol winch in the front, tow package with brake controller, bed liner, and had been taken care of extremely well. Of course, it’s indistinguishable from all the other silver trucks in any given parking lot, but I’m not worried about driving it hundreds of miles towing a trailer.
Which brings me to the trailer. I also ordered a Casita trailer a year ago, and I will be dragging it around starting in July. Trailers are expensive! The type I ended up selecting holds it’s value super well. There are 20 year old trailers selling for almost as much as new ones. That’s nuts! The Casita has several styles and floor-plans, and I decided on one that comfortably sleeps three and has a bathroom and shower. I honestly feel this is luxurious compared to the camping I’ve done in the past, but if I find someone to enjoy retirement with, I’d rather have more accommodations than less. “What do you mean I’m supposed to pee in the bushes?” is not how I want to travel.
People have asked me why I didn’t get a larger RV, a smaller trailer, or do a van conversion. The answer is “I made a decision and I’ll see how it goes.”. I started looking at very small trailers like the Timberleaf Kestrel, Flagstaff E-Pro, and Backpacker 2. These are all great, and more maneuverable than what I ended up with. But I decided if I was sitting somewhere enjoying myself and it got a little windy, or maybe started to rain I’d have to climb into my bed. Something that small doesn’t have space for staying upright or even sitting comfortably when inside. If the outside is the least bit inhospitable you’re on your mattress. For me, that wasn’t going to work. I want to be able to wait out some wind or inclement weather without sleeping or leaving.
So if you have input on vehicles or trailers, be gentle with me. It’s too late to change what I have. I may change it in the future, but this is what I’ve got.