Retired RN seeking adventure and new friends on the road. I travel with Vanette, my tiny campervan with my dog, Jay. Read more Seattle, United States
  • Day 174

    Bye for Now Victoria

    January 9 in Canada ⋅ 🌬 45 °F

    I'm heading back to Seattle today. But first....we went to the BC Legislature Building this morning for a tour. It's a beautiful 125 year old building. I didn't realize that Canada was not fully independent from England until the 1980's. And they still have a monarchy.

    We got to eat at the restaurant in the building. I had Scotch Eggs which I'd never heard of. The restaurant was lovely.

    It is VERY COLD & WINDY outside. I'll come back in the summer to check out the outdoor activities.

    I'm sitting in an almost empty airport. I guess no one wants to come here in winter! I'm not looking forward to Seattle winter either!
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  • Day 173

    A Weekend of Dancing

    January 8 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 39 °F

    Saturday night there was Contra dancing in a nice size hall with live music and a guest caller. I did pretty well considering I have only danced once since the pandemic started in 2020. I had no problem keeping up but towards the end of the night my shoulder was aching a bit.

    Then Sunday afternoon there was a caller's workshop in a small private hall. It was actually a pretty good workshop and I met some fun people. After the dance we went to Joanne's house for a poke bowl potluck dinner and some weird card games after. Joanne is an artist and had some interesting and fun decorations and paintings.

    Today we went to Fern's house for an afternoon Irish Set Dancing session. And tea & snacks afterwards.

    I really have enjoyed meeting people. Everyone has been so friendly and authentic. And several of them have recently relocated and have gone through the adjusting to new places; finding new friends etc challenges. So they were especially encouraging and supportive.

    Also....this morning Jan, Doug and I went to look at a couple of houses. They are planning on buying a house together.
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  • Day 171

    Victoria Canada

    January 6 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 41 °F

    Made it to Victoria. It was not a pleasant journey. The sea was Very Rough! Multiple people were sick, not just me. I'm told that is unusual but I'm not sure I want to try it again.

    Interestingly enough, as I went through Customs, the agent asked me how I was planning on getting back in 4 days...... And then he explained that today was the last day for the ferry for at least a month!!! So I would have to find another way to get back. While I waited for Jan to pick me up, I booked a flight for Tues. At least I don't have to go on the ferry again!

    After lunch, Jan, Doug and I went to the museum. The ancient Cambodian exhibit was really interesting. It reminded me so much of Tikal and Guatemala.

    And tonight I get to go Contra dancing. I hope my shoes still fit after over 3 years !!!!!!!!
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  • Day 162

    A Fun Couple of Days

    December 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Jan was on her way back to Victoria and stopped here for 2 nights. When she arrived on Wednesday, we went out to run some errands and have lunch. First stopped at the RV store in Kent to pick up the blow-out valve so Josh can help me winterize. Now if I can just.find where I put it.

    Then we went to Walmart as I had to get my Rx. And since I was there I asked about a COVID booster and RSV vaccine and ended up getting them.

    Then we checked out glasses at their optical center. Jan was very helpful and I now have my new glasses ordered.

    The rest of the day and all Thurs morning we spent organizing and rearranging. I like the changes to the living room. A few minor changes and it looks more roomy.

    Then Lily came over. So happy that the sun came out so we could go for a nice long hike. And WHAT TIMING! As we passed the senior center we could see people dancing. We went in to get the latest brochure and to check out the dancing. Turns out they do ballroom dancing every Thursday afternoon to live music. Jan and Lily had fun dancing. I was not up to it due to an extreme headache from the vaccines

    Then.....on the way back to the car, we saw some women feeding finches. They had black sunflower seeds and the birds would land on their hands very very briefly. It was pretty difficult to get a good photo with my phone but I did manage to get a couple.

    Then we went to Blossom Vegetarian Vietnamese Restaurant in downtown Renton. The food was awesome.

    What a wonderful 2 days!!!!
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  • Day 158

    Creating my Nest

    December 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    I worked nonstop since Tuesday morning unpacking boxes, moving stuff, sorting stuff.......
    I haven't even done my exercises. I'm at the point where I need help to decide where to hang pictures and shelves. I'm also tired and ready to take a break.

    Tomorrow is Xmas. I'm going to get together with Lily. I'm glad I won't be home alone or with Barry. (He is visiting Heather & Josh.)

    I did set up some decorations. Even though I'm not Christian and feel like Xmas actually has a negative impact on kids, I still like the decorations in the middle of the cold dark winter.

    Yesterday I wandered around IKEA for several hours. I only spent $150, so not too bad. But trying to figure out what I want to put in the kitchen for storage.is making me crazy.

    Today I actually did some cooking. Made a batch of cranberry sauce. Had to run out to Safeway in the middle of it to get some cornstarch and made a few other substitutions but it came out pretty good.

    So I guess I am officially settling in.
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  • Day 60

    Checking Off Stuff on the To-Do List

    December 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    New heaters installed this morning in my condo. The ones in the bedrooms were not working at all. And the other 2 were just as old. So got them all replaced with newer more efficient ones. I could have spent a lot more $$ & time and tried to get permission from the condo association to install a heat pump system that would also provide some air conditioning. But I didn't really want to go through all that. Hopefully I won't regret it. I can always use fans and maybe get a window unit. The real issue might be smoke from Canadian fires in summer.

    Got some spare keys made. That's been on my list for months.

    AND got a library card!!!
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  • Day 58

    2023 is Almost Over

    December 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    I made it to Seattle for Thanksgiving. And now it's December 2023. The year is coming to a close. Will there be anymore major events in the next 30 days?

    I spent Thanksgiving weekend ar Heather & Joshua's. I took Odin to my condo for a little bit one day. He approves of the van and the condo. I've ordered him a better booster seat for the van. The little inflatable one is not secure or comfortable enough. I am still having doubts about the van. It is going to be a challenge parking in some places. And I won't be able to take both grand kids with me until Odin's big enough to sit in a front seat. But....there are lots of plusses to it to.

    Things I like about my Solis (so far);
    1. Having heat at night & especially in the morning.
    2. A big comfortable bed.
    3. Being able to stand up.
    4. The price.
    5. The rear view camera/mirror & blind spot detectors.
    6. I like being so elevated while driving.

    Things I am not thrilled with:
    1. Needs better arm rests. I can work on them.
    2. Turning radius. I'll have to get use to it.
    3. Height; can't fit through some drive throughs; Starbucks, McDonald's....parking garages.
    4. Back up camera does not beep warning...I'll have to see if I can set it to beep.
    5. I need a step on the driver's side. I joined a SOLIS POCKET Facebook group and someone posted about getting a step installed at an RV dealer. Definately on my priority list!

    I need to take some time to read through the manuals.
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  • Day 47

    Can I Make It To Seattle in Time For Pie

    November 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    Does it really matter if I make it to Seattle for Thanksgiving? NO, it really shouldn't. But it seems silly to only almost make it. The drive is going smoothly.

    I've listened to 2 books so far. I stared Gulliver's Travels while in Austin. Part of my goals to read more of the classics. Although many think of it as a children's book, much of it would go way over any kid's head. It was very interesting. And now I know where the term 'Ya-Hoo' comes from 🐸 !

    Next I listened to a podcast David sent me a link to, which was also fascinating. I definitely intend to continue to explore some of the stuff on the current Gender Craze. And press him to send me info about shows he watches & podcasts he listens to

    Next, I listened to a Deep Into The Dark by P. J. TRACY, a current best selling author. It was an engrossing mystery crime novel involving a vet with PTSD.

    And.....the scenery is sometimes beautiful along the way
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  • Day 46

    Texas, Oh Texas

    November 20, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Since my route out of Austin would take me right by my old neighborhood I decided to stop at El Camino Reale for a quick breakfast. They make the absolute best spinach omelets. And who knows when I'll ever get a chance to have another. So regardless of the fact that it would delay my progress, I decided to have a sit down breakfast.

    There are a lot of things I will really miss about Austin and Texas.

    I hope I will find people & places to love in Renton, Seattle and Washington State!
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  • Day 45

    Intent to Vacate

    November 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    What a week! But I made it and it is done. Everything was packed in my storage unit. Friday they notified me that the movers would be here on Sunday. That gave me a little extra time. Saturday I finished packing and kinda organized the van, made a last run to Goodwill. And submitted my "intent to vacate" at Northgate Storage.

    This morning I went to the storage unit early to wait for Arena Van Lines to show up. About 11am I called them to get an ETA. And was told that they weren't coming til Monday. That pissed me off but not much I could do about it. So.....I went to Rudy's and picked up some BBQ for later, dropped it at David's and went to Wendy's. I intended to.make cranberry sauce for her but first I needed a little nap. BUT.... the moving company called to apologize and notify me that they WERE COMING TODAY. She said they would be there between 4 & 5.

    So. Back. To. The. Storage unit I went.... Then Serge, the mover calls to tell me he is stuck in traffic and is not sure when he'll get there.

    They finally arrived a.little after 6. Serge is from Uzbekistan, and the other guy is from Tajikistan. It took them about 2 hours or so to pack & load everything. It was.probably good they came Sunday evening since there was.no one there. Also took an hour for the paperwork. But it's done and the estimate was very close.

    Tomorrow I head to Seattle
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