Finally have reached that point - the point that a decision "could" be made as to full time, part time, keep home, sell home, rent home, and on and on and on.
Our son went home in February of this year and up to that point we dedicated our lives to his care and needs. During that period of time the wife retired and now, effective yesterday, my company is officially turned over to my son and his employees. They have now written me out of the regular schedule per my request.
Ok - now what do we do. I have numerous projects around the home that are in middle or final stages of completion. Block wall is nearly done needing just the top cap row - a few tons of cap, cut, fit and glue and I'm done. Then a little landscape timbers to install and black dirt to put in. Some black dirt to put in the southern part of block wall.
Inside the house is the utility room - about 1/2 way done. Couple months and that should be finished.
In the mean time - we can do some traveling and in August we will spend probably 6 weeks doing just that. Give us a good feel for whether or not we are suited for FT. Family and friends scattered all over the country - east coast to west coast south to north.
This morning we decided to "aim" for it - in other words we are going to begin to prep ourselves and lives for that mode with an eye towards an "exit" whether by decision or by need. Kind of decided that there are plenty of rentals out there just about any part of the country - which would serve our, or each of our, needs very well when that time arrives (and it will).
In short - we have decided to head ourselves that direction. Possibly even trading our beloved coach for one with some slides just to enhance the interior space for us in weather that we choose not to venture out into.
Know that there are many of you out there that have already gone through this process and have been reading about all of you (that post) for many months. It's just "our" turn to get away from the stick house upkeep, utilities, taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and etc. Our home averages just under $2000 a month to own and operate - not that this is a huge sum but by keeping the home and traveling it's a fixed expense that doesn't go away.
Thank you all for sharing your stories and thoughts.
God Bless
Bill
Bill W. Trammell
Wife - Judy
2001 Monaco Dynasty Chancellor
2008 Malibu 2LT toad
Exclusive of anything to do with medical costs our total full timing expenses are $2000 per month. Definitely a big savings over owning a house or renting.
Sounds like a plan to me!! You are gving yourself an adjustment period, a trial period and seem to have thought out future possibilities and alternatives - looks to me as if you are doing all the right things. Good wishes to you.
We didn't wake up one day and say to each other "Let's go FullTime". It's definitely a process. When everything lines up and it's right, it's time to try it if's high on your To Do List. The worst things we humans do is "If ONLY" about what coulda, shoulda happened in our life.
Our trip to FT took place because of major some life changes, DH's job requiring him to travel out of state more, quitting my job because it wasn't fulfilling, losing our youngest son and a 6 year desire and plan to travel FT in an RV when we got closer to retirement. Am so glad we didn't have to wait until retirement. Since we planned over a long period, we were ready and we haven't had any adjustment problems.
Yesterday, it felt like a scene from Snow White or Cindrella taking out our trash. Multicolored birds flew from the trees criss crossing every which way, the chipmunks and squirrels scampered across the road in front of me. How lucky are we!
2006 DRV Elite Suite 36TK3....our home
2008 Ford F450 Lariat CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
You said that you may get a new RV with more room. The only advice I can offer is to take a very careful look at the CCC of whatever RV you get.
It may seem like a lot, but we (and a lot of other full timers) find that we need about 1800 pounds of CCC per person. I realize that people get by with less - some a lot less, heck I have seen a couple full timing in a slide-in pick up camper - but I think 3600 pounds for two people is in line for lot of couples.
Note that diesel pushers don't guarantee a high CCC - I have seen DPs with as little as 360 pounds of CCC and 1200 to 2000 pounds is not uncommon.
Clay (WA5NMR), Lee,(Wife) Codi, Brandi (Shelties) and Damncat (damn cat)
Full Timing in a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N, Workhorse chassis, Honda Accord toad
Clay L wrote: You said that you may get a new RV with more room. The only advice I can offer is to take a very careful look at the CCC of whatever RV you get.
It may seem like a lot, but we (and a lot of other full timers) find that we need about 1800 pounds of CCC per person. I realize that people get by with less - some a lot less, heck I have seen a couple full timing in a slide-in pick up camper - but I think 3600 pounds for two people is in line for lot of couples.
Note that diesel pushers don't guarantee a high CCC - I have seen DPs with as little as 360 pounds of CCC and 1200 to 2000 pounds is not uncommon.
Well - maybe I failed to develop that thought far enough. There are not many "new" motorhomes that we would consider today. Likely we would be looking at something "newer" than what we have. We are not ones to just go out and buy something new without giving it a lot of thought. Most likely we would be thinking of something Dp - 2000 and up - higher end model like the American Eagles, and etc.
I would even like the newer UFO chassis except for one major drawback - lack of diesel generator. The only way to go as far as I am concerned.
Yes - CCC is important to us and should be to everyone. I don't like the idea of having to decide - well, grocery shopping today and we have to be careful not to buy too much. Lets see now - a quart of milk, quart of orange juice, small cans and boxes and etc...... No thanks. I carry a fairly full set of tools and maintenance items with me - along with an air compressor capable of handling my tires (150 psi), and etc. Not going to give that up.
The best advice I can give (and it's not original with me) is to see how you feel at the end of your six week trip (and I'd advise going out for 2-3 months as a trial.)
If you hate the thought of going back to your home and wish you could stay on the road--that tells you something. The reverse is true, also. If you can't wait to get back home (whether for the people, the room or your "stuff")I would suggest that you think long and hard about full timing.
We did it for 3 years and while I am glad we had the experience, I'm SO glad to be back in a house. Different strokes, etc.
WTTCS wrote: They are having a sale on used UFOs in Roswell NM. Might consider spending a few weeks there to enjoy the weather and the uh, sales.
Naw - think I will just keep what I have and explore country, our thoughts, lifestyle, and see how things fit.
Honestly believe I will remain with a DP - regardless. Love the diesel power.
Besides - I am just now beginning to "understand" them. Worked all afternoon changing oil, filters, generator oil and filters, coolant filter, fixing things and etc.
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