So I have to say I love you, in this song...

I'm cheesy at my best, and worst, and will pick the worst 70's songs, I know.

Happy Anniversary to us today.


Sometimes it doesn't seem possible that we've been married so long.
But it really happened and I remember the day.

14 years ago on a windy, later, rainy day in Orlando.

Driving to my mom's house in the morning of the wedding, I can recall hearing a Led Zeppelin song on the radio, leaves were blowing across the road as a gust picked up. I thought to myself, this is really real. We're doing this.

The funniest and one of the memorable moments was when my two brother in-laws had to go ask a man to stop using his chainsaw so we could get through the ceremony without out it looking and sounding like some terrible B-horror flick. There are pictures of me laughing in the bushes.

14 years later, I'm still amazed at everything we have set our minds to and have accomplished. Some decisions we've made may not have been the best, but it has taken us to the point where we are now, and I'm grateful for that.

I love my dear sweet Joseph. Happy Anniversary. xoxo

Happy Anniversary, Honey Bunny – your guy

It's an institute you can't disparage...

So much going on but first let me tell you about the upcoming wedding—The Wedding!!

She's a blogger whom I've known for awhile now. We've never met though. She's lived in Georgia but she's a midwest girl, and now she's back in her hometown again. Her poetry is divine. She has a certain way about her and I can't wait to meet her and the family.

And we, or I should say Joseph, will be marrying her and her fiancee.

I love this picture taken of her when she was first engaged over the summer. She has a sparkle in her eye.

The happy couple is Rita (as in Ritapita) and her soon to be hubby Edwin.

I cannot wait until the wedding. It's going to be the Saturday over Thanksgiving weekend.

We'll be traveling by way of Buffalo, and through Cleveland. Now I can sing my favorite Ian Hunter song, "Cleveland Rocks", that was made so popular by The Drew Carey Show. Joseph better videotape me in front of the Rock and Roll Museum singing this.

Trailers for sale or rent...

Ah ha. Here is my self portrait food/kitchen.

Oh the RV life. I'm sitting at the little dinette with the kitchen directly behind me. D-I-R-E-C-T-L-Y!

Notice the close proximity to items on the counter. If I need some wine, oh let me just reach behind me. Ta da! Is it some water you need? Oh let me just stretch a a bit. Perfect. Need an extra plate? No problem. You get the picture.

Remember too that when the RV is in motion, everything must be put away. My only breakable items are our coffee mugs. Those I would place in a bottom cabinet where movement was minimal.

You can see more spc here.

A long time ago, in the kingdom of candy...

This is how it is.

We had a really nice vacation in Vermont and Maine. Definitely excited to see more. The thing is, couples were not beating down our door to be married and sponsors were not coming through either. As much as we tried, it hasn't quite taken off yet. There are things in life we cannot force. *Great idea but this is going to take more time than we were thinking.

We're not stopping the project, but we've decided to set up a winter home-base and schedule weddings in advance. The upcoming wedding at the end of November (I'm still keeping this a secret until we have the word GO) keeps us in the north. Most campgrounds are starting to close now or at the very least turning their water off. So by November we'd be forced to stay at Walmart parking lots. Not my ideal situation.

OK kids, we now have an apartment in Bennington, Vermont.

It happened like this. Most of the morning was spent driving around looking for houses to rent. in Bennington. That was a little disappointing. It soon approached the the morning snack hour and we decided to park the RV and stroll around downtown. It's such a lovely little town. So here we were standing on the sidewalk talking and Joseph pointed to a sign in a widow of a store, APT FOR RENT. We looked at each other and immediately went inside. I knew instantly it was going to be a perfect fit. The owner and her and husband, late of Staten Island , fell in love with the town 3 years ago and bought the building we live in. There are 2 studio apartments in the front and a 2 bdr apartment in the back. We are surrounded by buildings. It's our NYC apartment in Bennington.

Discussing our situation just a second ago, Joseph and I thought Denver, Norwalk and even Peekskill was going to be like this.

*As usual we welcome any suggestions for ways to get the word out and acquire couples or sponsors. Of course any help from fellow bloggers is appreciated, as something like this can really take of virally

rainy day people don't talk, they just listen...

Hey we have a WEDDING! I'm going to tease you all with that until it's all very confirmed and what not, but whoo-hoo! And it's someone in blog world that I adore. The wedding will be wonderful and exciting. There are some other changes coming but that too will be left at that until I find the right words.

Well first lets say, life on the road is not an easy way of living.

There is the lack of space.

The seating in our RV is less than desirable. My posture is suffering, Jos has a permanent crick in his neck from sleeping in the overhang...

Well, I won't continue but you get the idea.

It's super grand to see the country but we can't keep spending all of the money from selling our house for the trip (we didn't make much, a gambler in Vegas easily loses as much).

I know this sounds a bit jagged but I'm happy with our revised plans. It actually has all worked out and will enable us to continue the Project and keep our sanity.

I'm tired and there's a bit to do before bed.

peace and love
p

I see skies of blue, clouds of white...

We are back where we first began, in Vermont. We decided since we had no weddings planned we'd go back and explore Vermont after our holiday in Maine. Love the Vermont. Love it. Unfortunately we drove too long for 2 days. Saturday night we ended up staying at a Walmart (again) in New Hampshire.


Sunday was explore some cities day. Montpelier is the capitol and very lovely. As you can imagine there are quite a few tourists out taking photos of the leaf color changes in New England (Leaf Peepers). We went up to a small town close to Burlington. It was alright, but I expect great things from my future city and I can't see this town changing soon. Still, we thought we would drive in a neighborhood or two, just to check it out. As we drove past an elementary school there was a sign which read no trucks over 3 tons. Joseph said, "we're close to that," as he read my mind. We rounded the bend in the road there right in front of us was the oldest, most ricketiest wooden bridge I have ever seen in my entire life. Honestly it should have been for foot traffic only. No, I take that back. A cat walking across it would make it collapse. I should have taken a picture of it, but Joseph needed to back the humungo RV all the way down the street and around a corner. It was crazy. There were all of these cars coming.



I'll leave you with a photo of the Man in the Mountain mountain in New Hampshire. Notice the snow on top.

peace and love
p

The Sharpest Pencil in Town

This is a picture of me with Danny Webb of Webb's RV Center. We had seen an ad for his place in a KOA flyer from Maine and, well, I needed a new sewage termination cap (if you must know click here). In his ad it says "C'mon down, neighbor! The coffee pot's always on!" I wasn't able to snag any Folger's while we were there, but my son received a toy Jeep and camper from the man depicted in the ad himself! We were able to pick up a few supplies and Mr. Webb was kind enough to pause for a photograph with yours truly. In the short time we were there we saw him riding a fork lift, directing parking and generally making sure things were running smoothly—taking care of business like the Elvis of RVs.

They also have this cool gigantic pencil entryway, which is where I got the title for this post, not sure what it means, but as a designer I can appreciate a sharp pencil (is the sales staff sharp as a sharpened pencil? Despite the number of contracts they write their pencils are still sharp?).

I highly recommend this business to anyone in Maine or the upper Northeast in general. Great staff and great selection. Tell 'em Reverend Joseph sent ya. And don't forget to get your cup of coffee!

Rev. Jos

That I was meant for you and you for me...

Today we stayed put in camp(KOA on Mount Desert Island) because of torrential rains. I didn't like the idea of Joseph driving in this weather.Last night the wind blew so hard, you'd think it was a hurricane. My mom has always said she would like to have a tin roof to hear the rain at night. I can testify, no, not a good idea. It's so dang LOUD! You can't think because it so loud.

We had various activities to keep us busy. i.e. the wee man. Puzzles, stencils and trying to teach him Parcheesi. He also received (for good behavior) one of his favorite movies, Milo and Otis. I think most of his favorites are animals on a journey.

Oh, the rain and wind has started up again and it's 9pm. Tomorrow will be clear.

I just want to keep on loving you...

Photo update on website. Very funny.

Today we were in Bar Harbor, Maine. We drove around Acadia National Park. Breathtaking. There was a ocean liner visiting the islands. Tonight we did the Maine thing and had a fresh lobster dinner. Our son wanted to see the lobster but then refused to eat any. I can't really blame him. I have certain issues about eating them. God bless this lobster.

Do you remember when, we used to sing...

The wi-fi has been terrible at the campground here in Belfast and our own connection has been spotty. No posts and no surfing for a couple of days.Maine Maine Maine!!! I knew for a very long time I would love it here. I'm not a big lobster girl (it has more to do more with Mr. Pinchy than anything else). I knew I would love this coast. Stepping has talked about the contrast from growing up on the west coast and now currently living in New England. For me, it's quite different from FLA too. I'm so used to smooth beaches and no rocks. This is all rock in Belfast. I adore it though. It's cold and rocky and has a nice sea smell. I could get used to this. Joseph hates the heat, and doesn't even like the beach, but this, this is different.

The sounds from the buoy in the harbor are reassuring. And my husband and son know how I have a seagull fear. Today I faced my fear and fed the gulls. What was so nice, these gulls weren't pushy so I don't think they knew I was giving them bread. They flew away from me while I threw bread and waited until I walked away. I'm sure they are used to getting scraps from the lobster boats, and were looking at me "Bread? Thanks lady."

On Tuesday it was sunny, Wednesday, not so much. The little man kept asking when the sun would come out. Not today we would say.

Right now we're in a library in Bar Harbor so we can look up campground sites and to make a post.

A re-cap of some things I have found out about myself in the past week:

It's not easy moving into an RV when you just sold a 2 story house. Joseph has said there is as much up keep for an RV just like a house. It's true, but a much smaller space. And then you have to readjust after moving driving on the roads. We are aliens in our house. Slowly we are learning the lingo.


I have serious mental problems when I try to read directions from Google and mapquest. I feel like a challenged individual. My old school way of looking at a map suits me well. Thank heavens we have a nice road atlas.

peace and love
p

Ramble On

chairs missing

This is a picture of the chair we pulled out of the camper as soon as we found someone with the right tools. God bless America and the breaker-bar socket wrench.

I'm gradually transitioning to our new life although it has not been easy. It's difficult to leave my compulsive, detail oriented, perfectionist self behind. It was a weird contrast to be living in the woods, at the campground outside NYC right before we left, and traveling to the City to tie up some last minute things. I really felt out of sorts, but still wanted to be taken as a NYC-er. However seeing the people on the trains and on the street I just found myself asking whether it was even worth it.

On the day we left from Croton Point Park, we passed through the dead cities, gentrified towns, fake neighborhoods, and finally to the rural areas and farmlands. As "Saint Dominic's Preview" came on the radio, the sun was going down and we could smell fresh air, and apple trees. We were leaving something behind and if we get anything out of this project it will be to end up, where ever that might be, as different and improved people.

Rev. Jos

1,2,3,4 tell me that you love more...

Catching salamanders in the pond at Greenwood Campsite in Vermont.

I cannot emphasis the beauty in Vermont. It's always the state we think of when we have pancakes, but is it so beautiful here. Stopped and watch an apple pressing and picked up the best cider and doughnuts I have ever had. Joseph has a penchant for roadside flea markets and I found the greatest bag.We drove through New Hampshire today and tonight we're in Naples Maine. Tomorrow it's the coast and to find those couples! There are plans to paint the RV as well. Nothing like an advertisment on a 27 footer.

Always look on the bright side of life...

"Remember what you have seen, because everything forgotten returns to the circling winds."

From a Navajo wind chant

For the past 2 nights we have been at a campground called Greenwood right outside Bennington, Vermont. It's lovely here. Did I not say I would fall in love with all the places we visit? If you are ever up this way I recommend a stay. You don't need an RV either, they have a lodge or you could pitch a tent.

Last night we sat outside and had dinner. As the sky turned dark I realized that what I was seeing overhead wasn't a cloud, but the Milky Way. I have never seen the Milky Way my entire life. The city lights have always been so bright where I have lived but here it's black. Jos and I tried telling our son all the constellations we knew. As we were searching, a shooting star went by and then another. I cried a little. I haven't seen a shooting star since I was a little girl. It was all so peaceful.

I'll leave you with a very funny stop along the way at a wood sculpture workshop.

peace and love
p

Siren Song

"Camping" in the Wal-Mart parking lot, can't believe I just typed those words, went okay. Until somewhere deep in the night when I heard the most horrible sound I ever heard. We had adjusted to the white noise of speeding cars and "yee-ha"s from high school kids cruising through the lot, and exhaustedly fallen asleep. But at one point, it could have been midnight or 5 am, we were woken out of sound sleep by three LOUD whoops. This was followed by five LONG, LOUD and PIERCING whoops.

We formerly lived near a nuclear plant and had warning sirens all around us, but it was nothing like this. The sound was so loud it felt like the sound was coming from underneath us. We were smothered in sound. It was literally everywhere. Afterwards the noise gently wound down (we could actually hear the sound slow down and cease) and it was as quiet as Judgment Day again.

Still not sure what is going on up in Catskill/Hudson, but they've got one heckuva sound system.

And the visions...that planted in my brain...still remain

Well the sweet little Honda is sold (I blew a kiss to her). Now, all we have is a storage unit crammed with our worldly possessions and the RV.

We had 1 hr of daylight to get to a Wal-Mart parking lot after the car title transaction. I never knew this before, but Wally world allows RVers(us) to stay in their parking lots. I was semi OK with this until Joseph mentioned the Z word (rhymes with "mombie"). Getting here was not exciting. Directions from Google were sketchy and made us argue. Driving through cornfields and apple orchards at 8.30 at night is kind of funny, but not when you just want some food. Ha-how ironic, fields of food around us. Now we made a pact to not drive so late. I think we're in Hudson, maybe Greenport NY.


OK-it's all part of the journey and expect a video (cross your fingers) 0f us soon. We plan on finding some apple doughnuts and great cider tomorrow.

And this is really weird, I was putting away dinner items, and there was an overwhelming skunk smell in the camper. I thought I must be losing my mind because I was so tired. Joseph finally came to the front of the cab-and YIKES-it was as if the skunk was inside. Now remember we're in the middle of a parking lot. I looked everywhere outside. Totally Wiffy the ghost skunk.

Peace and love
P

I don't mind you hanging out...

The camper needs some TLC from us. We took curtains out pronto. Next came a back cabinet door for the cat's liter box. I think the cat likes the RV the most. Sidd the cat has all of these great places to jump on and away from the dog. He has started his ambushes already.


Today we stocked up on some camping food (dried beans) and I had to buy an aluminum pan. All my house pots are glass and well that's something to be avoided in a house that moves. Another item (a must) a hand held vacuum cleaner, which we picked up today. I put this baby through the ringer. So if this Black and Decker works and holds up, I'll be writing praises (and maybe they'll sponsor us?).

And—AND—Joseph again is doing something major. He tried taking out a chair in the camper. We kind of need the space. Right now the pets food bowls are in the kitchen and it's not fun working around them.

Tomorrow I think will be the kick off. I cannot believe it. I'll sell the Honda and it will be just us and the RV.

The chapel on wheels.

Here she is....The Coachmen wonder girl. This will be our second night stay.

Yesterday was full of going to the DMV, getting inspection and having the battery checked. All fun times when we suddenly have a home on wheels. Then for the the wild drive down the mountains back to Peekskill to pack our belongings. It was a frenzy of throwing big plastic garbage bags into the camper and trying to get to the campgrounds before dark.

It's all very much like moving into an apartment but a really really small one. And imagine our Emily the 50 lb lab and our 5 year son always managing to block our way of walking. I don't know how, but I managed to unpack most of the bags by bedtime.

There is still quite a bit to do. Today Joseph spent most of the day trying to repair a leak in the bathroom sink that soaked the floor between the shower and the toilet. All day we would have to jump from the kitchen to the back beds to keep our feet dry. Joseph fixed it. YAY. I knew he would, he amazes me in the things he can do. An artist, minister an rv mechanic.

And let me close tonight on this. We are in a campground that is very close to our old hometown. Funny no? And we took a walk tonight to the very end of the little point/jetty. There was a sign telling us a doctor planted 4 yew trees back in the 1890's that cost him 37 cents a piece. They were incredibly beautiful and the bases of them were 3 ft wide.

Oh and the last time I was camping, I was a girl scout. Some of the buildings here at the campground are um...very scary. I'll just say they are scooby dooish and we'll not mention an r rated movie. This is a whole wide world that we are very unfamiliar with.

Goodnight all.
Peace and love