Thanksgiving is officially a week away, but after posting our "big announcement", we've received such on outpouring of love in comments on this Journal, comments on Facebook, emails, and even a few phone calls that we are feeling quite thankful and blessed. We even had offers to help us move into our villa next month.
Thank you all so much. I started to respond to each one, but that soon became a little overwhelming as more and more comments started coming in, so forgive us for this blanket acknowledgement. Be assured that if your comment is posted, we saw it, read it, and appreciate your very kind words.
It's quite gratifying to hear that we've made a difference in people's lives as our early RVing mentors like Jack Mayer made a difference in ours. RVers are most wonderful people, and though we may no longer travel as much and be able to report as frequently on our journeys, our intent is to still remain part of the RVing world and to continue to report on RV-related topics that we believe will be of interest to our audience.
Certainly, our years on the road have blessed us with numerous life-long friendships, and we know several such relationships have been forged at our Rallies. It just brings a smile to our faces.
RV-Dreams Florida Picnic
And speaking of that, groups of what are unofficially known as "RV-Dreamers" have been putting together gatherings on their own across the country over the last several years. Well, another one is just around the corner here in Florida, and we'll be close enough to attend this one. It's being organized by Kelly Murray (Bill & Kelly's American Odyssey), and everyone in the area that wants to come is invited.
Here are the details:
RV-Dreams Fall Picnic 2019
Lakeland, Florida
December 8, 2019 (Sunday)
12:00 Noon to ???????
This is very informal. Just show up with your lunch, whatever you want to drink, and either an appetizer or dessert to share. A couple of folks, Cheryl and Dee, have graciously agreed to arrive early to snag a first-come, first-served picnic shelter, but be sure to bring chairs just in case we have to create or own space or we run out of seating in a shelter.
Everyone is welcome. It doesn't matter if you've never been to a Rally before or you've never met any of us before. Most will have some connection through RV-Dreams.com, but all that is required is a desire to meet and spend some time with a group of like-minded, happy, friendly people.
And if you know other RV-Dreamers that may not be reading the Journal any longer or checking in on our Facebook page, please pass along the information about the picnic.
Howard & Linda On Facebook Live Today
For those that are on Facebook, we will be doing an interview with Wholesale Warranties today at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. It will be a Facebook Live event, and we'll be talking about Alaska and some of our other experiences as full-time RVers.
2020 RV Winter RV Show Appearances
Here are the RV shows where we will be doing seminars in January and February.
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel, & RV Show - January 9 - 12, 2020 - Grand Rapids, Michigan
La Crosse Boat, Sports, Travel, RV & Hunting Show - February 6 - 9, 2020 - La Crosse, Wisconsin
Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show - February 12 - 16, 2020 - Duluth, Minnesota
Dayton/Cincinnati RV Show - February 21 - 23, 2020 - Dayton, Ohio (Details to come)
Since we'll be gone most of February, our "new" house will be available for rent that month. Generally, rentals in The Villages for January - March require a three-month commitment, but for 2020, we'll be renting for February only if anyone is interested.
For those curious about The Villages, I wrote this "About The Villages" page last year and posted it on our Villages Villa rental site. It's a fairly detailed look at the activities, the structure, and both pros and cons of the community.
Boondocking Rally
We have nothing scheduled yet and we're not making any promises at this point, but we may try to find a location in Florida for a March Boondocking Rally.
2020 Spring Educational Rally
Our Spring Educational Rally is scheduled for April 20 - 26 at The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It's starting to fill up, and the on-site "tiny house" accommodations are sold out. There are two or three "glamping safari tents" still available, and plenty of RV sites although they have been going faster lately.
In addition to all the seminars, food, and fun, RV Safety & Education Foundation will be there offering wheel-by-wheel RV weighing, RV Driving School will have an instructor there doing "behind the wheel driving lessons", and Bill Murray with RV Solar Solutions will be there doing a couple of RV solar installations and providing quotes.
Well, that wraps up our list of upcoming events. For now I'm playing pickleball every day, and Linda got her first gig with her new business. We're waiting for closing on the house, and next week we'll be going to the largest family Thanksgiving celebration we've had in years.
We hope everyone out there has a safe, happy Thanksgiving!!
Glad to hear that your worries were for naught. Even if an RVer hangs up the keys they will always be RVers.
You might consider renting a norther abode and just stay around the southern part of Michigan. It would save you Air-Fare.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Posted by: Richard Rousseau | Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 07:58 PM
Great post guys! We were in Tampa this past July and loved it! Be great to attend a rally in Florida. We are considering moving there after our last kid graduates next year! Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Marca Taylor | Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 09:46 PM