Drama and Excitement Part I of III
1:32 PM Edit This 27 Comments »
On Wednesday morning, almost a week ago, we pulled away from the Round Rock RV park and over to the mechanics who had last worked on our RV. It was unable to idle, so the engine was dying at every stop, corner and hill. Oy! Not so good.
Thankfully, Christian Brothers Automotive in Georgetown was able to work our RV in that day after we explained that, well, it was our home. Unfortunately, they were not able to diagnose the problem that day and at 7pm on Wednesday we found ourselves stuck in an RV that no longer ran, in a parking lot with no electric hook up, and therefore, no A/C in Central Texas.
Why didn't we run the generator you ask? Well, as it turns out, running the generator sets off the carbon monoxide detector that we installed inside the RV.
Wait! Don't laugh yet! It gets better! So much so, I will probably have to break this up into multiple posts! ;-p
So, there we were in the middle of central Texas, parked in a broken down RV in blacktop parking lot with no AC and no idea when things would look up again.
Needless to say we were feeling a little down and out, and our dogs were about as happy with their 18 sqft patch of grass.
Then, the sky opened up and brought us our first miracle: a couple of wonderful strangers in a minivan. It turns out that somehow they were able to spot our dogs from the relatively high speed road that ran past the automotive shop. Having a Great Pyrenese themselves, they stopped to meet ours. Jeff and Quinn went out to talk to them. My face was still wet and puffy from crying so Neeka and I hung back for a bit as Jeff talked to them about our story, why we were in a parking lot, etc. They said good-bye and drove away.
Then they came back and offered us a place to shower and cool off.
Yeah Baby! I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed a shower so much, and being able to head into a nice cool room, tuck the kids in and let go of our worries for the night, knowing the dogs were peacefully hanging with their new pal, Gracie, and had access to grass.
These kind strangers then kept our dogs safe and happy for two days because, as it turns out, it took that long before our RV was running again. In the meantime we had acquired a South Korean film crew filming for a S.Korean public television station interested in voluntary simplicity and the 6 of us were now living out of our minivan during the days while the RV was being worked on.
Okay, I don't mind if you laugh at that picture ;-)
I'll leave you with that for now, but now that I have internet access for the first time in days I will log on again soon and tell you all about moving to the New Life RV park (yes that really is the name), the,um, fun? of Friday the 13th, and finally hitting the road.
There's more fun in there too...well, more like serious drama and excitement...
Right now, we've made it to Lubbock, and though my computer took a bad hit two nights ago and no longer has a working screen, I'm set up for now and will stay here until I get the story posted for you!
Also, we're thinking of installing forums for discussion...whaddaya think?
Who's still out there?? Drop us a line and send us some luuuuuuuuuuuv!
Thankfully, Christian Brothers Automotive in Georgetown was able to work our RV in that day after we explained that, well, it was our home. Unfortunately, they were not able to diagnose the problem that day and at 7pm on Wednesday we found ourselves stuck in an RV that no longer ran, in a parking lot with no electric hook up, and therefore, no A/C in Central Texas.
Having Fun with the South Korean film crew in the parking lot of Christian Brothers (where we lived for 3 days)
Wait! Don't laugh yet! It gets better! So much so, I will probably have to break this up into multiple posts! ;-p
So, there we were in the middle of central Texas, parked in a broken down RV in blacktop parking lot with no AC and no idea when things would look up again.
Needless to say we were feeling a little down and out, and our dogs were about as happy with their 18 sqft patch of grass.
Then, the sky opened up and brought us our first miracle: a couple of wonderful strangers in a minivan. It turns out that somehow they were able to spot our dogs from the relatively high speed road that ran past the automotive shop. Having a Great Pyrenese themselves, they stopped to meet ours. Jeff and Quinn went out to talk to them. My face was still wet and puffy from crying so Neeka and I hung back for a bit as Jeff talked to them about our story, why we were in a parking lot, etc. They said good-bye and drove away.
Then they came back and offered us a place to shower and cool off.
Yeah Baby! I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed a shower so much, and being able to head into a nice cool room, tuck the kids in and let go of our worries for the night, knowing the dogs were peacefully hanging with their new pal, Gracie, and had access to grass.
These kind strangers then kept our dogs safe and happy for two days because, as it turns out, it took that long before our RV was running again. In the meantime we had acquired a South Korean film crew filming for a S.Korean public television station interested in voluntary simplicity and the 6 of us were now living out of our minivan during the days while the RV was being worked on.
Okay, I don't mind if you laugh at that picture ;-)
I'll leave you with that for now, but now that I have internet access for the first time in days I will log on again soon and tell you all about moving to the New Life RV park (yes that really is the name), the,um, fun? of Friday the 13th, and finally hitting the road.
There's more fun in there too...well, more like serious drama and excitement...
Right now, we've made it to Lubbock, and though my computer took a bad hit two nights ago and no longer has a working screen, I'm set up for now and will stay here until I get the story posted for you!
Also, we're thinking of installing forums for discussion...whaddaya think?
Who's still out there?? Drop us a line and send us some luuuuuuuuuuuv!
Posts
27 comments:
so, how's Lubbock?
I might be visiting there soon, as a friend will be working at the university.
Miss you guys! --- So glad, and might I say, surprised that you made it off and away from the Austin area! Finally! (certainly will miss you, but I know how anxious you were to get out of here!)
Hooray for the RV repair!
Keep us posted on the adventures you encounter! =)
love love love,
from Cynthia & Claire
Well, you're officially farther west than I've ever been!
Glad y'all are safe.
Hello from Toronto, Canada!
I've been eagerly following your journey from afar and cheering you on!
Having launched my own journey of voluntary simplicity five years ago, I'm thrilled to hear about yours.
My thoughts are with you as you encounter these bumps in the road (and all of the resulting serendipity - wonderful!).
Keep going - it's worth it!
All the best,
Kai
Sending love and good vibes from the heat of Phoenix. Can't wait to hear the next installment!
Been following your story for several weeks now. Don't let the bumps and bruises get you down too much. The reward at the end will be worth it.
Drop me a line if your travels before/after vermont take you to washington DC. You guys have a place to stay anytime.
macondo176@gmail.com
Lots of luuuuuuuuuuuvvvvvvvv and great big {{{HUGS}}}
My parents stayed at New Life RV Park!! lol!
OUR doors are always open though it may be cramped. We love company and there is a pool in our park. :)
We are out here on Long Island New York faithfully reading about your brave adventures. We're envious of your spirit. So glad that you are safe and have found some comforting folks along the way.
Joy and Neill
I have been reading your blog with much interest now since about a month ago, and I didn't give up on you! I'm glad to hear you're back up and running and I admire what you are doing. My wife and I just moved to South Carolina (Myrtle Beach area) for a career-launching job for her. Once she has 18-24 months of experience and some bills paid off we will be starting our own version of selling everything and starting over simply. Our version includes selling/donating everything - including the car, hopping on a plane with some clothes in luggage, and moving to a city we can walk, use bikes and ride public transit to get around in. Our top choice is Portland, Oregon for the natural lifestyle that is so prevalent there.
You're not alone in your quest for a different, simpler, healthier life. I'll be following your ongoing quest, and I send you my best wishes and positive energy.
Gosh, I can't remember how I found your blog, but I'm now living vicariously through you & your brave family! Thanks for sharing to us voyeurs!
Don't worry, we are still out here.
I check you posy everyday before I go to work!
Sounds like you are having some "Fun".
Just think though, you can have problems in a house too!!!
I'll drop you a longer line later, off to work I go!
Sending hooooodles of love
Pippa
Mamo said, I've had so many bad things happen lately. I also had a bad Fri the 13th. But your rendition made me laugh so much more than I have in weeks. I've got to hear more about the Korean film crew living with y'all in your minivan. That is too hilarious.Who would know that two large white dogs could secure your shelter. I love y'all.
Greetings from Kansas City. Isn't it amazing how help is somehow always there when you need it. Glad to hear you are "on the road again"! Looking forward to hearing the rest of the story.
Howdy from upstate New York! We are here, we are reading and loving your story and cannot wait for more. Stay cool, keep moving!
I've been following your story and get so excited each time to see an update. I'd love to see some forums!
-Jodi from Waltham, MA
We're here and reading along. Your journey is an inspiration.
Here is some LOVE! My husband sent me your blog, as we are currently house hunting, and really thinking carefully about how much space we need! I have been inspired by you to downsize while we search.
Years ago I read the book Circle of Simplicity (and even took a class with the author) but constant community and reminders are needed, and I thank you for what you are providing.
Wait ... you're in Lubbock. Haha, too funny that is where I live. Goodluck with the moving, it's going to get hotter and hotter that way. Though I'm sure you are prepared for that.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I admire your commitment to downsize and follow your heart. It can be hard to let go of all the "stuff" and your hometown or community.
I live as simply as I can, and blogs like yours let me know how many people are one the same wavelength.
I wish you the best, send lots of love, and I look forward to your next post.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I think it is so great what you all are doing - so courageous in following your hearts. So many people just dream and don't actually follow thru.
I can't wait to see what's next on your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Hi Aimee,
I'm so bummed I didn't find out about all this coolness (no pun intended - that just keeps happening doesn't it?) in your lives when we met for lunch at Phil's ice house that afternoon. I've been following your story, and am sending you guys vibes of bounty, peace, calm and ease. And cool breezes.
Love and hugs,
Liz H.
so happy for you guys. i'll be at the rainbow gathering with my son. i'll look out for you.
dearest sister and loving family o' mine... i pine so much i may as well be a national forest... maybe our next phone call can be longer than a few minutes... i miss my big sisters advice about my life.
Hi from Fairbanks, Alaska! I just started reading your blog a few weeks ago. It's fascinating to read about your journey.. I've fantasized about life on the road for many years now but since that doesn't look to be in the cards for my family I'm enjoying hearing about your experience.
Oh and my son's name is Quinn too by the way!
Best Wishes,
Stephanie
Hi from (current stuck in NYC, soon to be DFW, next week on to SLC)
Keep your spirits up... you'll get there! Sing to get through the inevitable rough times.
All the best,
-Jay
I didn't realize the Great Pyrenees were yours Amy. I saw them in the video, but for some reason I assumed I would have known you had them before, that we woudl have talked about it. I had one before, and I loved him so much. I wish I would have known you needed help, you were so close. I could have helped you all too. I am glad you made it to Lubbock though. I enjoy reading your blog.
Good luck on your journey. I look forward to the next posts.
Post a Comment