Seems like yesterday - but it really has been four years since we started this adventure. We've been through sub-zero winters, blazing +100 degree summers - everything that the Missouri Ozarks has to offer - and here we are. Even more convinced that we should have made this move ten years ago......maybe fifteen.......maybe even twenty.
We moved into our 34' Halloween of 2010. Along the way I replaced all the flooring, added a couple small window A/Cs (we're in a semi-permanent location) - added a new toilet, and are getting ready to change mattresses (others were new, but full-timing has taken it's tole on them).
I love having a 30 minute 'spiff-up' routine instead of a 'cleaning day' - and I don't miss living in a 'stick and brick' house - ever. Laundry goes in a basket - gets delivered to the laundry - and comes back hung and folded. Do I miss my washing machine no one has ever asked me
)) I have an outdoor 'kitchen' for use in great weather - and to my indoor galley I've added a small splatter shield, a convection/microwave, and a Whirlpool Fridge.
Do husband and I get on each other's nerves? No more than in the house
)) There are 3 tvs in here - Front, Back, and in the kitchen - all hooked up to Apple TV and Roku. Earphones are a wonderful thing. He can be deep into a comedy, I'll be in the bedroom playing with my computer or iPad or watching something on Netflix, and even the dogs have Dog TV - everyone is happy (cat watches Dog TV too).
Weather has not proved to be an obstacle. Small window ACs took care of heat (cheap too) - Front fireplace and back fireplace supplements our gas heat (although we did get a BIG propane tank delivered and save our twin 40s as a back up).
Dogs are extremely happy - crates are a wonderful thing. We did add a Doberman to the mix - adopted him from a shelter. His place in the universe is on the foot of my bed and we've agreed that when I'm not in my recliner, he should be. It works.
Things hard to live without? An ice-maker - I guess I just use tons of ice. A really good cast iron skillet..........wifi.........iPad and Macbook..........Good coffeemaker.........
Husband just had knee replacement - total. It's much easier to recover in here than in a house. He's getting ready for the other knee - I will need a bed and breakfast for a couple days following that nursing period - but, things are sooooo convenient.
If you're thinking about full-timing, go for a long trip first - and if you feel good doing it, go for it - and don't look back. From a financial standpoint we're saving a LOT. When I get a new pair of boots or a new purse, I take the old ones to a drop off place.......I hold onto less 'things' - and that makes me feel good. The dogs are happy - husband is happy - I'm delirious
)) Fun way to live
))
Jan Karnis
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