My hubby and I are very seriously contemplating selling our house and investing in an RV.

Anybody have any tips on which brand is best? (We like the Class A style). I've checked out a few RV websites and they have a lot of information, but I'm looking for something from somebody who has really "done it". Also how 'bout gas vs. diesel?

Anything you can tell me; any tips; great recipes for the road; great campgrounds - Well, hopefully, you get the idea.

Thanks, guys!

Janie"On The Road Again" - RV Mama Wannabe"

Dawn,

How nice to see you posting again. That sounds like a wonderful book. I will look for it.

Hi everyone,

As I'm incorporating Gram's stuff into my house, I guess I officially fall into the decorating style called "eclectic". I wandered into the library the other day and found this great book called "House of Belief".

It's based on the premise that everyone is creative, and as such, prefab decorating schemes fall short because people haven't explored their creative sides. The book shows you how do do that, and how to use decorating to help you achieve your goals in life.

It's a fantastic book; I am considering buying it, as it's quite the treasure. Highly recommended reading; this book is a treat for the eyes and an escape for the soul.

EA: After 41 years....he is still trying to change me.......but he doesn't work as hard at it anymore! I think he just doesn't want to admit defeat....LOL!

Momma sometimes used to remind me about what a good man I did have. Sort of helping me look at the whole picture. Of course, she did the same thing with him. But if we got into an argument around her she would tell us to stop because SHE didn't want to hear it. And since we both loved her we would put things aside to please her and then later found that whatever the problem had been, it hadn't been that important.

Thanks for some of the good memories of those earlier years! .....PATS

So Pats, Why didn't he change you??????? Gee men leave it all to Mom to do don't they?

Janie, I gues ya just have to wing it and play it by ear. It can be real hard staying out of our grown kids life and marriage (though my daughter is perfect and it is always my son-in-laws fault). Don't tell my son-in-law but he may deserve a medal for staying married to my daughter this long.

PATS,

What a great story. Marriage is a lot of work. It really takes a commitment from both people so when things happen you can work it out.

Janie,

How are things going with your son and his wife?

Vicki

Thanks, Ladies.

JANIE: My Momma used to LISTEN to both of us but refused to take sides or give advice. Even if we asked for her opinion she would usually refuse to say very much........maybe just tell us to talk things over ourselves.

She was always available to listen to us vent, which did help. And sometimes she would point out the other ones good points if we were dwelling on the bad ones.

BUT she absolutely refused to take sides! She more or less let us get our gripes out in the open so we could acknowledge our feelings.

One time when Neal was griping about my bad habits (he always wished I was more like her), he asked her why she hadn't taught me better. We had been married about 20 years then. Her answer to him was: "You've had her longer than I have, why haven't you changed her?"

LOL ... one of my favorite stories. PATS

Janie, being a MIL is not easy. I think it's an art to know when to step in and give advise and when to just shut up.

I can tell you from my experience with my MIL I prefered her to stay out of it unless we asked her opinion. It was an interesting relationship with my MIL at times she liked me better than her son. When we were divorced she blamed him.

I tell you all of this because it's so easy yo get caught in the middle. Taking one side or the other. Someone will be upset with you. And once they work out their differences maybe both of them.

See if they can work it out on their own. They may choose to come to you for help.

Good luck.

Vicki

HOW DO YOU "KNOW" WHEN YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH 'FAMILY LOVE' (?)

Well, I must say I'm a bit disillusioned tonight.

There are "family dynamics" going on with my son and his wife and kids.

How does a mom know when to offer advice and when to just "get out of the way"? I hate this!!

"Where's that PERFECT WORLD I dreamed of for my kids?" Guess that's just sometimes a Mother's "wish".

OK, after picking everybody up for the Pajama Party last night in my RV - I was shocked to see the gasoline price I had to pay to refuel.

So, the way I see it, anyhooooo:

Miss Vicki; Lela; EA; GT; Jeanette; Leni - DIG DEEP IN THOSE POCKETS, GURLS!

Suzanne, thanks for the good wishes as well as the website. I also "lucked" across another one. It's called GoRving - Life's A Trip and the web address is www.GoRving.com

Sooooo, we're still searching.

Thanks again,
Janie

PS - Anybody ever RENTED an RV?

[ September 03, 2001: Message edited by: JanieR ]

Janie,

Thanks for inspiring some daydreaming!

Found some interesting RV manufacturers sites by searching "RV" but I'm sure you found those already. One site that seemed very helpful was www.RVers.com (use the site map at the top right corner for info, classifieds and links).

Our 17 year old "pup" tells us we are staying home till she lets us know otherwise. So my husband and I can only daydream about "hitting the road" right now. Looking at RV sites was fun though and good for future reference.

Best of luck on your new ventures and adventures!

Suz

Hi Lela,

Yes I've checked out a LOT of websites - and many have good stuff there. We are even members of GOOD SAMS club and receive their monthly magazine. It's just that we are sooooo tired of home repairs; living here, etc. (not to mention the "other house") -- we need a break and have decided to try and take at least a year (maybe more) OFF. Not necessarily full-fledged retirement (not old enough yet) - as I will continue to do some part-time things which I can do via e-mail. As for hubby, he is venturing down a new pathway- "the path less traveled" - and has studied dilligently for the past 6 YEARS on being a commodity day trader. Besides the wisdom to do that job, all you really need is a computer with all the "gadgets", etc. So, we are finding that we DO have options. We just would love to be able to "retire from life" for awhile (while we still can), while maintaining an income of sorts.

Thanks for writing me back,
Love
Janie

Sorry Janie, I do not know a soul that owns an RV. See many out on the highway here,especially during the wintertime.

Good Luck in your search. Have you tried searching the web site "Recreational Vechi les?" Are you thinking about retiring ?

Lela

"Still looking" for information on RV's. Boots said she'd check out the ones some of her friends have when she gets back from her holiday with her hubby.

Lela, since you live in the "Sunshine State", I'm wondering if any of your friends own RV's? After all this legal mumbo-jumbo is said and done, we're ready to move on.

Thanks!!
Janie

"RV Mama Wannabee"

Hey, Vicki!!!! Yoohoo!! Vicki!!

You want me to drive my RV over there and pick y'all up so you will have a "comfort ride" to Seattle? GT's gonna cook for us! EA's gonna collect rocks for us and watch out for the cops!! PATS is gonna research everything on the way and tell us the best places to stop, etc.

I can be there is just a few minutes; just give me the word, k?

Janie

SURE THING!! (As long as they don't hurt poor little Ringo).

After all, this has to be a really BIG RV - as I have this feeling that there will be MANY people onboard.

Janie

Janie,
I would love to come with you. Can I bring my cats?

Vicki

Oh Oh well we shall now call you Lucy. Maybe you should hunt up that movie and watch it before you go. Other than that have fun collecting rocks (Guys when Janie is on the road in the RV collecting rocks it is best that we stay OFF the roads).