First Post

[ponder53]

First I have to apologize for not posting. I forgot that I joined this forum. I joined about 6 in a week and this one slipped through my fingers so sorry. My name is Linda Martin and I am 57. My husband Jim and I had rv'd since we married in 1970 until he passed Aug 1,2009, So I am not new to this way of life. What is new is doing it full time and all alone. It is a long story but the short of it is he was ill for 8 years, had a liver transplant survived for 3 years then got sick last July 18th with undiagnosed cancer and was gone in 2 weeks. I was beyond despair for 10 months to the point of not wanting to live then I went on a road trip with my grandkids to the Oregon coast and I knew what to do. I came home and sold up everything and bought the best thing I could afford. So now me and my 1 year old mini schnauzer Mikomi (born 8/1/09) have a 2000 Roadtrek Popular 200 which we will live in the majority of the time. My parents who live in Klamath Falls, OR bought a 1999 26' Nash travel trailer with double slide that is there whenever I want. Between the two I am set. I also will house sit for family from time to time. I will be doing that this winter in Longview, WA. The day I sold up, I felt the weight of the world lift of my shoulders and I have been much better every since. I spend a ridiculous amount of time on the computer ( I own 6) am totally addicted to Facebook games and they help me get through many a sleepless night these past months. I quilt and used to own a quilt store and have taught for many years, I knit teddy bears for charity, I do digital photography restoration, and I watch movies. I own 1000 and counting. Oh I have been a member of the escapees forum and rv net for years and now all the woman's stuff, I don't know how anyone get's along without these groups help. They are godsends. Lastly I have been smiling for the first time in quite a while recently. well first over the RT (named trekn2nowr) which I purchased in late Aug but last week I got a Droid X when I switched to Verizon so I would be able to do EVERYTHING on my phone. Sat in a Rest Area and watched the Young and Restless and got all me emails, now that made me smile.

Hi to everyone

[Forestgal]

Well, since I'm on the Left Side of the country I'm still up to greet you! Welcome! Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you're working hard to find a new normal for yourself and your 4-legged friend. That takes lots of courage, and I admire you for your strength.

You'll find lots of women have incredible stories here also, and they provide tremendous support for one another.

I'm delighted to meet another Left Coaster. Who knows, maybe we'll eventually get a GTG on our side of the country yet!

Again, welcome!

Laura

[Bethers]

Hi Linda, I'm sure glad you found your way back to us! I'm so sorry you got here by such a devastating loss, but happy that you found out what you needed to do to smile again. And I can't tell you how freeing it was when I sold everything! I'm glad it had a similar effect on you. I hope that we can meet down the road - and you'll find a couple others in RT's here on the forum.

Jump in and join in - hopefully often. We are a nosy bunch - but only because we care - you'll discover you can have another family here if you'd like one.

[Bethers]

Hi Linda, I'm sure glad you found your way back to us! I'm so sorry you got here by such a devastating loss, but happy that you found out what you needed to do to smile again. And I can't tell you how freeing it was when I sold everything! I'm glad it had a similar effect on you. I hope that we can meet down the road - and you'll find a couple others in RT's here on the forum.

Jump in and join in - hopefully often. We are a nosy bunch - but only because we care - you'll discover you can have another family here if you'd like one.

[rvgrammy1953]

Welcome, Linda....You've come to the right place here....Sharing our life stories, on the road adventures, laughs, tears, photos, fur-baby stories, and craziness is what we are all about... We love to do GTGS (get togethers), anywhere...anytime...left coast...right coast or right dab in the middle of the country...cause we love food, seeing the sights, gabbing and campfires.....so jump in anytime, anywhere...

[Readytogo]

Hi Linda. My name is Wendy and I live in Alabama. I am new to this group too. First of all ,condolences on the loss of yourhusband. Many of us are or have been in the same situation. I lost my husband in 2006 and we had always camped and RVd also. Until I retired, I had not thought much about what I wanted to do. You sound like you made all the right decisionsfor you. I did not not want to make any major decisions such as selling the house etc. right away after Bill died, now that I have decided I'd at least like a garden home or a townhome or something else, the bottom has fallen out on the housing market! Three of my neighbors have tried to sell,dropped the prices, and giben up. So for now that decision is out of my hands. Welcome to the group, ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS!

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard.....Your recent "journey" through grief and major life decisions is admirable.....courage is willing to take decisions and dreams and make them real. I look forward to meeting you down the road and listening to your stories, adventures and dreams......meet us around the campfire/s...here will have to do until ? Now those of us in the middle and east will be hard pressed to pass up an opportunity to travel towards the west coast for the gtg's that will begin to be planned out there......You west coast women are building your numbers It is a double bind though....we need time to plan ahead for the longer journey (unless you are Sharon ) but some of us hesitate to plan too far in advance....retirement does that to you.....because those jello plans get changes from time to time.....

[mitch5252]

..
Hi, Linda!

Welcome to the group. I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your husband; it must be heartbreaking. But it sure sounds as if you've made some good decisions for this new phase of your life as it begins. Congratulations.

We're glad you joined us and hope you'll pop in whenever and wherever you want!

..

[retiredhappy]

Let me add my welcome to the others. You've found a great, supportive group of women. We love pictures and are a pretty nosy bunch.

[Getupngo]

Welcome to our forum. First, my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. I am one of those who was devastated by he (in my case sudden) loss of a husband too young. Much too young. What I found comforting in my motor home was that there were NO memories of my husband in them. No ghosts. The ladies here have lifted me up and encouraged me ... and will do so for you as well.

Your travel plans sound wonderful, and since you are full-timing, they can change as often as you change. Best of luck to you!

[Getupngo]

Welcome to our forum. First, my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. I am one of those who was devastated by the (in my case sudden) loss of a husband too young. Much too young. What I found comforting in my motor home was that there were NO memories of a past life in them. No ghosts. The ladies here have lifted me up and encouraged me ... and will do so for you as well.

Your travel plans sound wonderful, and since you are full-timing, they can change as often as you change. We, of course, want to hear all about your travels (WITH pictures, please!).

[AlmostThere]

Linda, there you are! Good to have you back posting. Looking forward to meeting up when you get to Longview.
Oh, and today you did showed up, again, on my FB/FV. Cool!

[Gentleladybear]

Linda welcome. Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. But happy to hear you found a way to stand up and go forward. Know you will enjoy many happy trips. So get that camera and start posting all the pictures we all enjoy.

[VickieP]

Hi Linda, welcome to the forum family. I'll ditto all the things the other Sistah's have said, you've been through a lot and are smiling on the other side with a great plan! Post often is the most important thing I can say, the interaction with other women is unbelievable.

[OutandAbout]

Welcome Linda from another Linda. Glad you finally remembered us. Look forward to your adventures. I too ditto what everyone has said. Glad to see the west coast numbers increasing. Living in the middle of the country, I can swing either way. I crack me up all the time. Linda