I was in search of a life. I was in search of meaning. Did my life have any more purpose? This is the point in my life where I have to ask AND answer those questions. When your life and time on this earth becomes limited, time is the only commodity left. Not money. Not possessions. Not anyone's opinion. Just you and the limited number of days ahead.
It really doesn't matter to me the state of our economy. Hubby and I have prepped for times like these for over 25 years ago. When I got my car repossessed back in 2002, just for missing ONE payment, I realized then and there that my life was simply rented. I think there will be a whole bunch of people who will learn this lesson now, today, tomorrow just as I did over two decades ago. No body cares what clothes you wear, what car you drive or the square footage you reside in. People are going to learn, unfortunately the hard way, that having a roof over your head, food on the table, essential utilities paid for and reliable transportation is ALL that is needed for a high quality life. Period.
I asked myself what I wanted to do, accomplish over the rest of my life. Truth was I didn't want to go to Italy. I didn't want to travel abroad or visit some remote, uncharted territory. Turned out I just wanted to stay home and enjoy what God has already given me. I do want to travel, however, but to get back to the basics I once prioritized. That was traveling around America. Seeing the Grand Canyon (please don't burn down until I get there!) and exploring more locations much closer to my home base.
This meant sprucing up our RV. We haven't used it in two years. We specifically bought it new in 2020 to spend our winters (3 months: January, February and March) in Florida. That first trip got shot down due to Covid back in 2020 and we haven't used it much since. Then I got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and hubby recently diagnosed with Afib. So, between heart disease and cancer, aren't we a pair? LOL!!
 |
| It takes a certain kind of person to love camping. All set up! |
A few months ago my good neighbor and friend asked me if I wanted to go to the movies. Normally I would turn down all invitations but we were going to see the new Bob Dylan movie, "A Complete Unknown" (click here) and seeing Dylan walk the streets of the Village in downtown Manhattan instantly brought me back to my own time when I also used to walk those same streets. The incident transported me back to the person I used to be back in the 1960s. Gosh, how we all can loose our way in life. I was so full of hope back then. I was so intent on living my best life possible. And then, as we all know, that very same life got in our way.
Not anymore. I don't give a rat's ass about this economy, the price of eggs or beef (because I can pay whatever it costs without batting an eyelash). I don't care who is the president, who is the king, who is in charge of the planet or what war in what part of the planet is raging. All of that is meaningless to me because it truthfully has no influence on my life. When you're facing death by cancer or heart attack, it is amazing how your prospectus changes.
As Bob Dylan said in his 2000 Oscar Award Winning song from the hit movie, also an Oscar winning film of 2000, Wonder Boys (click here):
"I used to care.
But things have changed."
So, how did hubby and I, after my great discovery, decide how to live out the rest of our lives? By first going to a Bob Dylan concert, of course. I found out, quite by accident, that 86 year old Dylan was touring the country with 94 year old Willie Nelson in Nelson's 10th Anniversary Outlaw Music Festival (click here for that info). I researched where and when they would be playing close to us in New York. Turns out they were performing up in the Adirondack Mountains at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (click here). Direct tickets were only $38.50 for outdoor seating and chair rental was only $8. Tack on an administrative fee (of course) and for $125 hubby and I were scheduled to see the real, legendary Bob Dylan, an always idol of mine. It took hubby 4 days to scrub and get our RV ready. We booked a quiet RV site nearby and the rest is history.
THINGS HAVE CHANGED!
I re-joined KOA (Campground Of America) click here. I've made several future reservations. We'll be spending a few weeks on several of our favorite beaches. We'll be back in Florida over the winter. Will we stay 3 months as we always dreamed of? Nope. Prices have risen BUT if we cut back a bit, it's still affordable. So, that's what we'll do. Thankfully our RV has a great full kitchen (oven, microwave, fridge & freezer, smart TV etc), I had to re-buy all new, toxic-free cooking utensils, dishes etc, as well as a plastic-free coffee pot and stainless steel pans BUT we will save a bunch of money by cooking all our meals in the RV (it also came with an outdoor grill!). PLUS we will eat well and healthy. It took hubby four days to scrub and clean our RV and get it back in tip top shape. Everything still works (a/c, heat etc) and I'm grateful when we first bought the RV I spent big bucks getting a special-sized RV queen tempurpedic mattress with a comfy pillow top because getting a good nights sleep when camping is so important!
Here are some photos I took from the Bob Dylan concert. We got there early (3PM) so we sat close to the stage and we could see the actual performers. Plus, we were right under the big concert screen in case we missed something.
I love this last photo I took of Dylan. I'm having it blown up and made into a 8 X 11 photo to hang in my office. It's not crystal clear BUT it makes a unique picture. And every time I see it I will remember a great weekend. I will remind myself to be 'Forever Young' (my most favorite Dylan song):
I love Forever Young, a song I really began to love while watching Parenthood. The concert sounds lovely, and what good memories you have of it. Safe travels to you and your hubby!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Belinda. Stay tuned. I shall remember this experience, always......
DeleteWhat a nice change from “the sky is falling, we’re all going to starve and be homeless and the world is a conspiracy” version of you that had me worried about your mental health. Enjoy your new “life is pretty ok” mentality. It’s pretty nice to have a camp site, maybe a hot dog, and some fresh air and the ones we love. The world and country is pretty ok. It has not collapsed. 😉. Cheers to you.
ReplyDeleteAnon, let's not be fooled. There is much sadness in the world right now. Many people are going to learn new life lessons the hard way. Thankfully, I've learned mine decades ago and am committed to never making those mistakes ever again. Even during The Great Depression, 75% of the people had jobs. 25% didn't. The world will not collapse but it will change. It has changed. We brought $200 cash along for our trip and went home with the same $200. No one took cash. Not even for a cup of coffee. Everything is done through a kiosk. At the concert, even the $10 parking fee was paid digitally. No exchange of cash anywhere! It's a new digital era for sure. Hubby and I are fully prepared for this brave new world. We're going to be just fine. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteYour trips sound so nice. I have wanted an RV for years but they were unaffordable for us. Perhaps you could consider finding some activities you enjoy and get active in those. We have a senior center in my area which offers many things for seniors to get involved in. Another thing would be considering volunteering of some sort on a regular schedule. How about your grandkids? Haven't heart you mention doing any things with them. We see ours weekly, the ones who are an hour away. I bring things for them to play with that is different from their usual toys and they love it. Also, since yours are older, maybe a grandma/pa sleepover for a weekend with a picnic, etc. I think keeping busy with enjoyable activities would help to keep some of the anxiety of illness away while your mind is at work on positive things. It works for me. Diane
ReplyDeleteI see my grandkids at least once per month. Mommy still won't let granddaughter spend a weekend with us, such as camping, but we're getting close! I'd love to volunteer or attend a function but I am unreliable. I never know how I am going to feel when I wake up each morning. You can't depend on me just yet. I do belong to our summer community pool and have a great network of same-aged seniors. We meet occasionally over the winter too. Plus I have excellent neighbors. It's all good. Thanks for your comment. I've been RVing since I was 5 years old. My dad renovated a VW bus back in the early 60s. He loved to camp up in the mountains of NY State. Just keeping on with the tradition!
DeleteMy husband always reminds me 'making memories is what it's all about' and it really is true otherwise honestly what is the point of it all.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your travels and each and every day!!
Lori, it's true! I had a wonderful weekend and I wanted to share it with all of you. Memories are where it's at!! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteHi Cindy, just now seeing this. I am glad you were able to get away for a bit. Hubby and I finally took a real vacation the last week of July. Finally after 18 mos of retirement! One of the places we visited was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was really good. I think you and your hubby would really like it if you get a chance to visit. I am guessing you could find a campground at the National Park nearby.
ReplyDeleteNow we are back to our usual stuff. Daughter’s family moved to their new house around the corner from us yesterday. Still more to do, but the big stuff is in. School starts for our granddaughters on Thursday. So things are kind of a hot mess with them, especially little granddaughter, who starts kindergarten. So many new things for her, but guessing things will be better in a week or 2. Hubby’s mom got her Alzheimer’s diagnosis recently, but not sure she believes it.
HI Chris. So good to hear from you. I'll check out that travel tip you mentioned. Sounds like a good deal. After Labor Day I'll be back on my health track. Not looking forward to it but it's something we all have to do eventually. Thank you for your comment and update. Good luck on granddaughters first day of kindergarten. I remember when!!!
Delete