The travel trailer is put away. It’s back at the storage yard, all winterized and prepped to, hopefully, keep the dreaded mice away. It will be a while before the trailer travels again. Starting with the day we got home from our last trip until we can head out in the spring, it will be five long months.
Now, I don’t want to wish away my life. Nor do I want to spend my time repeatedly reading on Facebook how people in the South don’t have to winterize their trailers. Yea, that’s really great. Instead, I will focus on the good and making good of this time.
One nice thing is I can spend the time visiting my mom. Whenever we do go on a trip, I always worry a bit about her while we are gone even though I have three other siblings in town. I want to be around if she goes through a rough patch and needs help. Even though she is in assisted living, it takes all of us to keep her fortified on all fronts. Since I am here for five months, I don’t have to worry about being gone.
Here are some other benefits to being home:
- I can work on my dollhouse. I enjoy this so much, and it certainly can’t be done in our travel trailer.
- I can work on my other projects. So far, I have redone those wicker chairs for Karen, and I have successfully made an apple pie. Oh my heavens, it was so delicious! I currently have a list of five Christmas projects, and even though I keep getting ideas, I am cutting the list off at five. Now, I’m not saying I will get all five projects done.
- I can organize my home. I love to be organized, but somehow, clutter has started to creep in around the place. Could be all those projects I have going. I recently gathered items to donate – including a couple of how-to books, “Quilt Your Favorite Photos” and “Paint Your Own Floor Cloth.” Yea, that stuff’s not gonna to happen.
- I have a couple of cast iron skillets I inherited from my uncle. I would like to clean them up and find a couple cast iron skillet recipes to try. Please feel free to put any suggestions below in comments. Thanks in advance.
There’s gotta be something else I can do with these pans.
- I would like to try a few more recipes with my Kitchen Aid mixer. So far, I’ve made cookies (several times), pretzel bites, two pies, and garlic sticks. “Big Red” stays home when we travel, so now is the time to take her out and get her motor going.
- I would like to improve my blogging skills. For example, I just don’t get what reusable blocks are, and there may be other features which could add interest and variety. I also think my titles could be improved; although, I do not want to resort to click bait. Well, okay, maybe just one time I’d like to have a little fun with it.
- I can plan our trips. As you likely know, this takes a ton of time. Specifically, we are going to Colorado in June for my son’s wedding. The wedding is near Boulder, and we have decided to take our travel trailer and make a trip of it. So, please feel free to put any suggestions in the comments below. Note: We like full hook-ups; we are well past the point of any desire to “rough it” or to “be one with nature.” Because you know what that entails.
- Of course, there’s everything else to enjoy during this time. Like walking, reading, blogging, enjoying our home, and spending the holidays with our small circle of kids.
- And lastly, I can go to Dollar Tree. Yesterday was a three-Dollar Tree day, and you just don’t get to do that when traveling. At least not with my Dan. Just in case you’re wondering why anyone would go to three Dollar Trees in one day: The first was my local store. The second was a new store. The third was a really big store. Chances are, if you’re a woman, you “get it.” If you’re a man, just wait in the car, please.
That brings me to my final thoughts on this post. With the holidays on the horizon, it’s that time of year to add giving to the list. These days when I check out at Dollar Tree, I’m asked if I’d like to purchase a toy for a child in need. A couple of times, I’ve said yes, but then I felt disappointed when the cashier picked up something which I thought was a bit “junky” and added it to the bin. As much as I love Dollar Tree, I have to say some items are just better than others.
So, what I do now, is pick out my own toy to donate while I am shopping. I give it to the cashier, and inform him or her of my intentions. It works out great, and I feel the child is getting a better gift. So far, I picked out a Sesame Street board book about opposites and a child’s pair of “Batman” socks. Picking out something myself was much more fun and satisfying. I kind of want to go back to Dollar Tree, so I can do it again, even though I just went to three Dollar Trees yesterday.
Life is like that, don’t you think? Whether it’s an amount of time, like 5 months, or an amount of money, like a dollar, it’s all the same finite amount. However, with a little bit of thoughtful effort, the value can be so much more.
even though we aren’t going anywhere.
Chambers on the Road 
Those five months will zoom by so quickly you won’t know where they went. We will spend the next 5 months stationary in Florida. Three months in a campground near Orlando and two months in a new campground near the golf coast. We have a list of things we want to do when we are stationary for three months. Enjoy time with your family. Right now, I’m watching my two great-nephews grow up on Snap Chat and Facebook Portal. Take care of your mom, that is important.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is all very good advice, and I think you’re right about the five months zooming by. Thank heavens for online access, so we can watch the little ones in the family grow up! Enjoy our stationary time in Florida. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your attitude is so refreshing. Good luck with your projects and may you pur your time at home in its best use. Certainly looks like it. And your socks are cute!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much! I like your “attitude” as well. When I read your posts, the energy and positivity practically jumps off the screen! Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Planning…one of my favorite things to do! My suggestion for your cast iron skillet is Lana’s Apple Skillet Cake, which is rather like a Dutch Baby pancake. You can find the recipe at her old blog (I checked and the link is still active) at http://hickoryridgestudio49.blogspot.com/2013/11/apple-skillet-cake.html
I made this the first time while at home, cooking in Dad’s cast iron skillet. It is so easy, yet so good, I had to make 2-3 of them each time I visited, so be warned, it is that good!
Happy Friday, and have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, this sounds sooo good! I don’t know with a Dutch Baby pancake is, but cooked apples and brown sugar is right up our alley. I am going to get the apples next time out and will be making it soon! This could also be part of our Christmas morning breakfast when all the kids are home. Thanks much! Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is lovely for breakfast!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had a cast iron baking dish that needed a massive clean up as it had worked hard over the years. Was advised to bury it in the garden for a month, which I did. Dug it up after four weeks and it was a different baking dish…. True
LikeLiked by 2 people
This had me laughing, but I believe you! I am going to try a process I found online to clean the pans and season them. However, if that doesn’t work, I will definitely get out our shovel! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those socks are the best! As is your attitude. Positive, upbeat and always looking forward to what can be. The five months will fly by so quickly. That’s what I’m beginning to find out. Planning where to go, that’s one of the things I love to do best. I can and often do spend hours just dreaming, discovering new places to go, and then taking the time to put it all together. Sit back, relax, enjoy your time with family and friends.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, you are right. I do thinks the months will go by fast. One of the months is nearly over already. It is good to be with family and friends – as much as we can right now. We’ll see all our kids at Christmas time, so I am really looking forward to that. Enjoy Florida and your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took a gamble on a magazine subscription for my wife: Southern Cast Iron. She loves cast iron cooking so much, so I thought she might like it. Fortunately she absolutely loves it, and has found all these recipes in that she likes. You might wish to check it out. – Marty
LikeLiked by 2 people
I will definitely check out that magazine! I’ve never heard of it. Isn’t it great when a gift you gave works out even better than you had hoped? Thanks for the tip, Marty, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are really organised and I love the positivity in the post. I try to be positive in most of the situations 🙂 Enjoy your home stay.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much. To me, there is beauty in organization. The pictures you post are so very beautiful, and a noticing such beauty enhances our day, our life, and that is a very positive thing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Betty.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like you’re going to be busy. Don’t forget to schedule a few days of relaxation.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! I will certainly be sure to do that! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you have made some excellent plans for the upcoming five months. Enjoy each moment!
We camped once or twice (in Texas) in our pop-up in the cooler months. We snuggled into sleeping bags, ate crock pot soup, and warmed up the camper in the morning by cracking a window and lighting the gas stove! It was fun, but I prefer the spring and fall months for camping in our climate!
I use my iron skillet for corn bread as well as frying foods. My brother-in-law owns several and cooks everything in them – everything is always delicious. I think you will enjoy using yours.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your memories of popup camping in the cooler weather sound fun and charming, but I sure do like the furnace in our Micro Lite these days. 🙂 I am going to try corn bread in the cast iron skillet. I already like corn bread, so I’m expecting it to be really good. Thanks for reading and your comment. Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you have a plan to keep away the “winter blues”. With all you have to do it will go by fast and you’ll be in Colorado before you know it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are right. Colorado will be here before we know it. I’ve got to get those reservations figured out! And I want to enjoy all this winter has to offer. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning, Betty. As we hunker down for a long winter, I think many of us are thinking ‘now what?’ I’ll be looking forward to the progress you make on your dollhouse, the treasures you find at Dollar Tree, and what fabulous new treats you whip up with your Kitchen Aid!
My husband and I will also spend part of our time dreaming about where to go when travel is safe again. What fun it would be to someday run into you at a campsite!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good Morning! I appreciate your enthusiasm for all my endeavors. Yes, it would be fun to meet someday. We could share stories and donuts around a campfire. 🙂 Hopefully, it will soon be safe to travel again. I wonder where you are dreaming of going. Enjoy your day, and Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! I’m finally finding some time this morning to catch up reading posts of people I follow. I use my kitchen aid dough hook to knead bread and bun dough. I’ve taken to baking my own this year and the kitchen aid makes the whole process a breeze! If you have Pinterest all you need to do is search recipes using a kitchen aid, and lots come up.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is a great suggestion to search Pinterest. I haven’t thought of Pinterest. I do want to branch out and try some new recipes. I want to make breads and dinner rolls – things that are not just desserts.
LikeLiked by 2 people