Hi from E Central Florida

[bertnspike]

My husband passed away in September. I have a big house and a big estate to liquidate. I'm only 60; I am NOT ready to settle down in a condo somewhere. My husband and I traveled a lot in the U.S. and Europe. In years past I would be planning a Christmas trip now. I have traveled alone in the past as well, and am comfortable doing that.

A few years ago we rented a 29 foot class C for a long weekend, just to try it out. Now, mind you, DH was disabled and I always took care of everything, no matter how we traveled. We shared the driving to a campground near Ocala where he parked and I opened, unhooked, connected, etc., etc. while he waited for me to finish so he could start messing about with the grill and the kitchen. 4 days and 3 nights. He absolutely hated it and I loved it.

So now I'm beginning to deal with all these big, extreme changes in my life.... it's starting to look like one heck of an opportunity to act on my fondest wish. One time, long ago, when DH asked me what I would do if he died; I laughed and told him I would buy a motorhome and travel for as long as i was able. I meant it.

I'm pretty sure I want a gas-powered class A of about 30 feet. My 2008 Honda Element will make a good toad. I don't think I want the added upkeep of sliders. I have an Australian cattle dog and a chihuahua I will bring with me. I like to be alone and don't mind small spaces as long as I can make them efficient. I do not like cold, and I do not like cities. I like to keep it simple and peaceful.

In short, I think I belong in a motorhome and I am thankful there is a forum by and for women like me!

Susan

[Bethers]

Hi Susan,

So glad to have you with us. Love sharing your dreams, although I'm sorry you had to lose your husband to start this phase of your life. If you don't have a rig yet by January, you should stop down and meet the folks who will be at the Florida GTG (get together). If you have one by then, then by all means, you should join them. And any other gtg you can make it to.

Join in often, ask questions, answer questions, etc. Wonderful group here of which you have become a new member of the family.

[longdog2]

Welcome to the forum. Some on the forum have husbands, some don't. Some have husbands who travel with them and some have husbands who don't travel with them. My husband sounds a lot like your husband was so I usually travel with the dogs. More fun to travel solo than to drag along a wet blanket. It is great that you are looking forward to the future and you have actually had one experience so know what you are getting into. We have some members with great blogs about their travels but the part that would be even more helpful to you would be their preparations to become full-timers. Take a look at Me and My Dog at http://dewelldesigns.blogspot.com and Where's Liz at http://wheresliz-2011.blogspot.com. Go back to the posts where they were getting ready to full-time for a lot of really helpful info. Look forward to hearing more from you.

[Gentleladybear]

Welcome to the forum. I do hope you will consider coming to the gathering we are having in January. Meet a lot of great women and see what we are all driving. Ask questions, let us get to know you.

Sorry to hear of your loss, but glad you have chosen to join us.

Nan

[Irmi]

Hi Susan and welcome to the forum! I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you are able to stop by at the GTG in Florida in January to at least introduce yourself, even if you haven't purchased your RV by then. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

[VickieP]

Welcome Susan! Sorry for the loss of your husband. Like the others have said, ask all the questions you want, share your thoughts and experiences with us and we'll try to give you all kinds of answers!

[cpatinjones]

Hello Susan,

First let me say, I am sorry for your loss, but it seems you are wanting to continue forward in your life (which is great). Now, let me welcome you to the forum. It is great to have you here with us.

Hopefully, you can attend the GTG in Florida this January. There will be all types of RV's and people with different levels of experiences. You can enrich your life from their experiences and opionions.

Looking forward to discussing RV topics with you.

[pattiburchell]

Welcome to the forum! I haven't written much but I understand where you are at. I think these wonderful women will be able to help you. I am a ways off from traveling, but know I will be doing that eventually. We traveled for 8 yrs, he did the outside and hooking up, I did all the inside stuff. So I will have to learn what you already know. Ask questions, and look around for all options. When we started looking, we wanted a 5th wheel and then one day we walked into an Aerbus by Rexhall and knew it was what we were suppose to have. We don't have anything right now...but I keep looking at everything.

[Liz]

Welcome to the forum Susan. I too started RVing after my husband died in 2003. Last March I sold my house in Ocala and began full-time RVing. I travel with my dog and cat. I will be back in FL (McIntosh) next week through the end of Dec. Hope you can get to the FL gtg even if just for a day to meet some of us, although this year I will miss it as I plan to travel to the SW.

[sharon]

Hi Susan and welcome from the left coast...altho I'm not there now. Still in Texas, but will be home hopefully by the 1st of Nov. Another widow here, hubby passed in '04. There's a lot of us out there. Unlike your DH, mine loved rv'ing and traveling and we did a lot of it, so I just couldn't give it up. I'm glad you're not giving up your dream. We're a great bunch of gals, and you'll read a lot of "tom-foolery", but you'll also read a lot of great info and all you have to do is ask a question and someone will have the answer...now, whether it's right or wrong...that's another story! Really really try and hit the Fla GTG, you'll love it!

[bertnspike]

Wow, what a nice welcome! Thank you. I've already spent a lot of time here reading - I'm sure I'll feel like I already know some of you by the time the FL gtg is here.

A few years ago DH and I met a woman, also a widow, in Yellowstone Park waiting for Old Faithful. She was off seeing the country by herself in her RV. She was maybe in her late 50's... She told us her kids didn't believe she was actually going until she had the last yard sale and closed up the house. She also said she had not regretted one minute of it.

I like going new places, but once I'm there I want to stay awhile and get the "feel" of a place. When DH & I traveled we would rent a house for a couple of weeks. Another reason a motorhome would be perfect for me.

This is going to be great, I just know it.

Susan

[bertnspike]

Hi Susan and welcome to the forum! I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you are able to stop by at the GTG in Florida in January to at least introduce yourself, even if you haven't purchased your RV by then. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Irmi, I was born in Salisbury, MD. Where on the Shore are you?

[carold]

Hi Susan. Sorry to hear of your loss, but glad to hear you have plans that you're excited about. You definitely need to attend the gtg in January, if even for a day. Where in central Fl are you? There are a few of us here for the winter as well as those living here full time. Check out the Forum Map. Looking forward to hearing from you and we are nosy enough to want to see pics carold

[rvgrammy1953]

Welcome, Susan!!! First, let me add my sympathy on your loss...but it seems you have a plan for your future....and joining us here will help show you the way...(Did you know that I'm always full of cliches? ) I full-time with my "other half", Ernie, aka the Sultan and Spinner, a "spoiled rotten" Jack Russell.....sold the house, gave the "stuff" to the kids, and hit the road 8 years ago and haven't regretted a minute of it....we're camp hosting this winter in GA, but next year we're doing our "Wild West Adventure"....by all means, if you get the chance, do check out the GTG in FL this coming January....great bunch of gals (and I think Steve, Irmi's honey, too. ) Jump in any where, any time...and don't forget we like pictures....

[bertnspike]

Okay, picture provided. I am very close to Melbourne, FL.