Where have we been?

It has been almost a year since our last post.  How do you recover from a year of not posting?  So much has happened, and we have been to so many places since October 2011. As I sit here in the coach at the Polson RV Resort in Polson Montana on a rainy day, it seems like a good day to reflect on our travels so far.

Our first mission was to get an address. You must realize that once we rented out our house we immediately had no actual place to say "we live at ...".  So after much research, we decided on getting an address from South Dakota. A place friendly to RV full-timers, good mail forwarding services, and no state income tax.

Kathy & Gus in Minnesota travelling to Florida

After getting our address set up in  Madison South Dakota, we thought that it might be nice to visit the west side of the state, home of the badlands and Mt. Rushmore.  We quickly decided against this when we found out our KOA was closing the weekend we were leaving, and they were preparing for winter. So we headed straight for our winter destination, or at least the first half of our winter destination at a place called Florida Grande in Webster Florida.  We thought it would be nice to stay in a place that was consistently 10 degrees warmer in the winter than Gulf Shores Alabama.  On our way down to Florida we stopped for two weeks in Memphis Tennessee.  We ate at a number of triple D establishments, as well as other well known restaurants. I can still remember those wonderful ribs. Yum.

In the next post I will talk about staying at Florida Grande, having our 2012 New Year disrupted with an unplanned trip back and forth to New Jersey, with the sad task of finding Gus a new home.
LAB

The new South Dakotans!

By popular demand (of two people!) I am catching up our blog. After our "moving experience", our next order of business was to change our residence address to escape New Jersey income taxes.  This is possible because our primary residence is now a "rental" and "home" is now the Gus Bus.   After a lot of research, we decided on South Dakota for a number of reasons.  We liked the mail-forwarding service in Madison (they email us every day about what has arrived and will send only what we want to receive.).  So,  we liked the idea that our mailing address would match our actual residence. The main reason, though, was that becoming a South Dakota resident is easy; there is no special licensing for RV drivers and no prolonged actual residency in the State, only proof that we spent at least one night in a campground.


Easterners with new "soy" friends

To reach South Dakota, we devised a travel plan that satisfied Larry's need to work.  We decided to travel on Saturdays and Sundays, then camp during the weekdays before moving on.  Using our mostly accurate, Micorsoft "Streets and Trips"  navigation software, we could plan on arriving at the KOA in Sioux Falls, SD in two weekends and a week.  I call it "mostly accurate" because, being a computer, it doesn't account for the human/canine factors that chronically  make us two hours behind schedule.

Can we eat this stuff?

Our trip was wonderful...the midwest and grain belt are a mystery to us Easterners.  It was vast and lush with the fall harvest of corn and soybeans.  And once again we were awed by windmill farms and passed, on the highway, trucks bearing huge blades.  Our "layover work week" was at a Jellystone park in Minnesota.  It was there (and later at other campgrounds) that we discovered that the week days are quiet and therefore conducive to work and playing with an anti-social dog.  On  Fridays, as we were packing to leave for our weekend drive, these parks started to fill up.  And by Saturday morning when we left, they were packed --awning touching the neighbor's slideout--with noisy kids, loose dogs,  and rowdy adults.  Looks like our schedules was working.

The official changing of the plates!

After all of the traveling and the reshifting of our basement load several times...yes, it did all fit!  We settled in a KOA in Souix Falls, South Dakota.

KB

Getting to full-time...a moving experience!

Most of you have heard that we ARE full-timers!  This happily occurred about a month ago, but like most good things, it came with its own unanticipated growing pains.  As Summer peaked and we had to think about making our Winter escape plans, we fully expected to be leaving our house in Bloomsbury unoccupied again.    It didn't sell after several gut-wrenching price reductions. So, after agonizing over the decision,  we decided to try to ride out the horrible real estate market by renting  it.  And in two weeks,  we had wonderful tenants!  The next five weeks were a moving experience!  Normally,  you pack everything and move it to a new place to unpack.  This time, we had to evaluate each possession and make a five-way decision:  trash, auction, donation, storage or the bus! And in the middle of packing, Larry had to go to Red Bay, Alabama to have our bus served at Tiffin; it was an appointment that we made in March and could not miss. He did get to take a side trip to visit with Elvis while he was there.   It was exhaustive and exhausting!  But, we made it out and were happy to recuperate at a lovely campground in Pine Grove, PA.



Larry and Elvis



After the auction check arrived and we tallied up the donations for the tax folder, we realized that all of those "valuable" possessions were worth very little in the eyes of the world.  And now that they are gone, we don't miss them.   Our advice to you is:  clean out your closets, attics and basements NOW!  We did keep some of our favorite things in a storage unit in Phillipsburg.  Someday we might have a little cabin where they could be resurrected.  It is amazing how quickly those things are forgotten.  We have even reduced what we took on the bus and have a strict policy of discarding something if it is replaced by something new.  There is a limit to how many tee shirts one really needs!

One sad note...in case you didn't know...we are travelling without our dear Vada.  She left us in May after valiantly enduring the progressive paralysis that has crippled her this last year.  We miss her dearly and are happy to have the distraction of Gus, who WILL learn to become a camping dog.

So, where do you go when you can go anywhere...we have been so busy that we have not been able to keep up this blog...The itinerary just keeps filling up, but first there was the mandate to change our residency now that we are no longer tied to New Jersey.  After evaluating the options, we decided on South Dakota as our new income-tax free home.

Birthplace of the Gus Bus!



Freightliner chassis backing into Tiffin plant.

 It's a rainy day in Gaffney, South Carolina.  We got up very early (realize that we lost an hour Saturday when we changed from Central Time to Eastern; then on Sunday we lost another hour to Daylight Savings!) The clock said 7:30, but it felt like 5:30!  The gradual change didn't help, but we were thinking of friends from BT who left Sunday and lost the two hours immediately.  Oh well, that is why they invented naps!
We got up early to tour the Freightliner Custom Chassis Factory here in Gaffney, South Carolina.  Couldn't take any of our own pictures, so here's one we borrowed from Tiffin.  We missed our chassis coming into the Tiffin factory when we went to Red Bay last Fall to see the Gus Bus assembled, so it was our chance to see the first stages.  They also build school buses and delivery (like FedEx) trucks at this plant.  It was really interesting, but we didn't get as close and interact with the workers like at Tiffin.  We did decide to come back sometime for "Camp Freightliner" and learn about maintenance.  Our tour guide gave us some tips we didn't know, so there's a lot more to learn.

We are camped ( I use the term loosely) at the KOA in Gaffney.  It's fairly standard for KOA's which is why we like them...they are predictably average.  But, of course, IT IS NOT BELLA TERRA!  In fact, we thought we would be overlooking a pond, but it is empty.  Again we have a roomy site, with good hook-ups.  Our parking space is not level so our automatic levelers have us jacked up on the front passenger's side making the first step in our entry almost impossible for Vada and me...we must get a stepping stool to assist the aged midgets!  I have been managing and Larry hauls Vada up the steps using her new harness with handles.  We will manage and move on tomorrow to Chapel Hill North Carolina.  We had planned to visit another "Diner, Drive-ins, and Dives" location here in Gaffney, but we are so stuffed from overeating shrimp that we are staying in to eat lighter tonight.  But we heard about an outstanding ribs place for our next visit.  Our plan to eat our way across America, needs some dieting interludes.   KB

Too-Early Spring in Pine Mountain, GA

We found a few flowers blooming!

We were hoping to see the azaleas blooming at Callaway Gardens, but it was just a little too early.  Luckily, we were there on a beautiful, warm day and we enjoyed an exciting raptor demonstration where owls and vultures flew over our heads.  The butterfly house was also a delight.  We could tell that the gardens would be gorgeous in a few weeks and just the drive around the grounds was relaxing and a treat.  We had lunch next to a pretty lake and agreed that we would come back when we could see some blooms.  While at Bella Terra, we met some folks who are members of Larry's favorite online friends the Tiffin RV Network (TRVN.)  They told us about a rally they are planning in Pine Mountain in the Fall.  We will be there!

Speaking of Bella Terra...we stayed at a nice campground in Pine Mountain.  We were in a new section built for big rigs.  We had a nice roomy pull-thru site with good wi-fi and satelitte reception, and a nice place for Gus to play,  but  IT WASN'T BELLA TERRA!  We have made this a joke now...finding something that's slightly disappointing and labelling it "not Bella Terra."  Even Vada has been affected; she comes out of the coach in the morning and looks around for the lake.  You can see her thinking "it's not Bella Terra."  But, of course that doesn't stop her from sniffing around!   We have been spoiled...but, we will get over it!  And we are on a mission to find more Bella Terra's!  KB

Leaving Bella Terra



Sunset over the driver's side and Bella Terra fountain. 

 Last Friday night, as the sun set over the driver's side, we packed our gear and prepared to leave our winter home.  It has been glorious and we had a taste of Spring in the last few weeks.  The grass was green and the magnolias were blooming.  Hard to believe that in a few days we will be back in Winter.  We had one last shrimp feast at Mikee's on Thursday with some of our favorite BT friends.  Will we come back next year...hard to tell.  We have so many places to see!  Of course, we will be comparing every campsite to Bella Terra.

We plan to take our time getting back to New Jersey.  To try to wean ourselves away from Bella Terra, we promised ourselves a fun trip back.  We'll be stopping in Pine Mountain Georgia to visit Callaway Gardens and our next stop will be in Gaffney, South Carolina where we will tour the Freightliner plant.  That's where it all began for our Gus Bus.  Then on to North Carolina where we will stay for two days in Chapel Hill to visit Carrie (Karuna) in Cary; then to Rocky Mount to visit Elise, Kevin and the Webb Boyz.

Will we be glad to be back at our house...probably not. Our good friend Barbara sent pictures of the damage to our screen room caused by ice and snow.  Definitely, not a pretty picture.  There will be a lot of work to be done, but it will be good to see our friends and neighbors!  KB

Whale Watching at Bella Terra



Big Newell rig towing...

 I hate to sound like a snob, but it has been wonderful staying at an all-Class A resort. Watching these big beauties maneuver around the roads of Bella Terra is like whale-watching...everyone stops to look and you hear "wow, look at that!" as the huge, beautifully-painted body passes.   We are in Tiffin heaven and have not seen this many of our favorite brand since we were in Red Bay watching the Gus Bus being born. And we were happy to give rave reviews about ours when asked...a lady traded in her old rig for a new Allegro after talking to us. A favorite pastime is an evening stroll to see what new rigs have arrived.  Whale watching is a favorite topic of discussion at Club House cocktail hours.  Everyone has stories about motorhomes past and present.  And we have gotten a lot of valuable advice at parties!

While some of the older coaches don't have the flashy paint jobs, they have well-planned and cozy-looking interiors.  Many people are like us...we can't imagine ever trading in our coach; it fits our lifestyle perfectly.  But, there seems to be a bug that bites after a few years and the itch to trade for something newer and better seems to be almost inevitable.
At BT, we have had the privilege of seeing some of the most beautiful high-end, custom-built coaches on the road.  During our stay, we were parked next to a gorgeous Foretravel from Maryland.  And a local FMCA rally brought in more million-dollar-plus Prevost's than we will probably ever see again.   Being immersed in this Class A environment has been a delight and an education.



...a Porsche with  red "trike"  above on lift!

 But, the star of the season was not a coach, but what it was towing.  For my brother Jim, this is how a Class A becomes a "toy hauler".  One morning we noticed a huge trailer in the storage area...what was it?  It was so tall that we couldn't imagine what had towed it...it was Mardi Gras...maybe a float was in it!  But, being the curious small community that is Bella Terra, we quickly learned that it had come in with a big Newell and was transporting a Porsche and two "trike" motorcycles.   The unusual height accommodated a lift that raised the trikes over the car for transport.  Now we have seen it all!  I happened to catch a few shots of the trailer being loaded near our site...they left just before us...making it an extraordinary whale watching event!  KB

Vada von Belikoff, BH*, TOG**

* Begleithund (Schutzhund title for traffic-ready dog)
**Tough Old Girl


T.O.G... "green eye" corrected by Photoshop Larry



Vada was very sick two weeks ago.  She had diahrrea that wouldn't quit no matter how much Pepto we pumped into her or how much rice she ate...then she stopped eating.  Vada never stops eating, so we knew she was very sick.  A sick dog and we are away from Dr. Suzanne!  What to do?  Fortunately, I knew where there was a vet.   Since we've been at Bella Terra, we've had to buy prescription food for Vada that is only available at a vet's office.  Luckily, I happened to pass a place just outside of Foley that looked like a good prospect...lots of cars in the middle of the day.  So, I stopped there twice for food. The staff was very nice and the patients and their owners looked happy. 

I decided to try there for an emergency appointment for Vada, hoping that this busy, probably good vet, could fit her in.  And they did fit us in!  By the time we got there, Vada was very lethargic and we were very worried.  She's 12 and a half years old and has a few problems including degenerative spinal disease and some kidney failure.  Our vet was a young guy, Dr.Adam Langston, who examined her thoroughly and strongly suggested that  Vada stay overnight for tests, Xrays, and IV infusions.  He suspected kidney failure.  Vada was so sick that she left me willingly to go with the Vet Tech.  I cried all the way home.

The following afternoon, Dr. Langston called to say that Vada was fine and could come home.  The tests showed that she was suffering from an irritation and infection of the stomach and intestinal tract probably caused by the anti- inflammatory medication she takes for arthritis.  When we picked her up she was her old perky self and we came home with many medications and different food. 



Vada fully outfitted with "handles."



On the way out of Dr. Langston's office, she took a drink out of the decorative waterfall...that should have been a clue to what happened next.  She drank water constantly for the next couple of days and the overflow leaked all over the coach...wherever she rested.  We tucked puppy training pads under her, thinking it would stop after 48 hours...sometimes she drinks a lot after a kennel visit.  But, it didn't stop!  So, we went back to the vet.   Dr. Langston repeated the tests, thinking that she had had some sort of declline, but he pronounced her "fit as a 2-year old" on the inside! The diagnosis:  PSYCHOGENIC EXCESSIVE THIRST.  It is Vada's latest manifestation of her obsessive-compulsive disease.  She was treated for compulsive licking and a few years ago, almost had her tail amputated from the infections it caused.  Now,  her water has to be rationed and she has a new pill to prevent "leakage"!



Vada is back!  She's her old self except for back legs that don't always work.  Dr. Langston said the xrays showed severe degeneration of her spinal nerves...he was surprised that she walks as well as she does.  But we are determined to keep her going so, she now has handles!  We can help her whenever she has to go up or down steps of just to cross a slippery floor.  Tripping, even falling down, doesn't stop her.  She's a tough old girl and we expect to enjoy her company for as long as we can.  Every day with her is a gift!   KB

Finally...Some Sightseeing!

Who is eating whom?

Time here at beautiful Bella Terra has flown by.  Every day is beautiful and we have been lulled into a pleasant routine that has made us oblivious to the date...We recently looked at the calendar and discovered that it was almost time to go back!  (We reserve the word "home" for the Gus Bus.)   And we still had so many things to see and do yet!  It is so comfortable to just sit on our patio or at the pool and read or take a walk with the dogs or talk to your neighbors or... But we had places to go...Two weekends ago, we went to the Exploreum in Mobile...a science museum with lots of interesting exhibits for grown-ups and kids.  The current exhibit was our favorite...giant models of bugs!  One of the sponsors of the exhibit was Terminix!  Bet, they never had to kill anything this big.  Most of the bugs moved...very creepy some made sounds!  And our brief look at Mobile, gave us a sense of the city...old houses like you see in New Orleans with the lacy ironwork balconies mixed with modern structures.  All surrounded by the waters of Mobile Bay.

Larry being mistaken as mantis mate.

Last weekend we headed in the other direction, into Florida, to Pensacola.  Our destination was the Naval Air Museum, but as luck would have it our GPS led us astray.  Apparently, we were not the first.  The lady who made this sign was out in her yard and told us that at least a hundred people are misguided to this spot each weekend.  She sent  us in the right direction and we arrived at the gate guarded by Navy security....we had to show ID to visit the museum...which we assume is safe from terriorists!



Blue Angels planes suspended from the atrium roof.



The NAS museum was a treasure and our guided tour was made even better with the personal experiences of some of the attendees who had been pilots in the Vietnam era (our youth.)  Pensacola is the home of the Blue Angels and we sat through an IMAX film that made you feel like you were in the plane with them.  Not a good feeling!  All of the planes were amazing, especially some that were recovered from the depths of Lake Michigan and restored after years on the bottom.  We went in search of information about our cousin Greg Taylor's father, Commander Jesse Taylor.  We think we saw the road named in his honor, but found most of the information on a website about a ship that was named for him.  It was an inspiring day!  We'd like to go back sometime!

Never trust your GPS!

So what to do now that our time at Bella Terra is almost over...it's still cold in New Jersey...we decided to stay two more weeks!  KB

Pecans....any way you say it!



Pecan orchard

 While driving west on Route 98 towards the lovely town of Magnolia Springs to find yet another fabulous restaurant, we passed a farm where horses were grazing under the canopy of huge trees.  Nothing unusual except that the trees were planted in rows...it looked weird!  It didn't take us long to figure out that they were a "crop" of some sort.  A billboard for "pralines" gave us the clue that this was one of many pecan groves in this area.  The trees are huge, so how do they harvest the nuts?  Does someone climb them?  Of course the answer was on the internet  and it's fascinating...nothing you would see in New Jersey.  Now that we know what a  pecan grove looks like, we see them everywhere, even in residential  backyards. We'll have to come back in the Fall to see the actual harvest, but in the meantime, here's a video of how they do it.  Oh, by the way, found out that you call them "orchards" not "groves"! KB

Home is Where There is No SNOW!



       Barbara's backyard with doggie walking trail in New Jersey

 We have been keeping up with the Winter weather by watching the New York TV stations on our satellite and by talking and emailing our neighbors.  From what we've heard, we are missing a bad one!  It was last Winter that made us decide to do this!  Everyone has been saying it was a good decision.

 We hate to even tell you what it has been like here; except that it might convince more of you to become "snow birds."  This used to be a derisive term that conjured up visions of wizened geezers playing shuffle board in South Florida.  But, here on the Gulf of Mexico, we are treated like honored guests...the natives will tell you that the greatly-exaggerated news reports of the BP oil spill ruined their tourist trade and caused another Katrina-like hit to their livelihoods and economy.  We are experiencing the utmost in Southern hospitality ("Y'all come back here!)  from grateful folks in restaurants and retail stores. 

But back to the weather...it has been mostly sunny with a few rather violent rain storms at night.  High winds tend to rock the Bus, but we haven't had too many scary moments, fortunately.  Yesterday it was almost 70 degrees...one of those beautiful days that makes you glad you are alive!  As the afternoon progressed, it clouded up and we had a few sprinkles.  But as you can see from the pictures, we just opened the awnings until the clouds departed.  In general, it has been in the mid 50's to 60's during the days.  We have had a few nights of temps around freezing.  We've added a small (lightweight!) space heater for chilly nights.  It has become Vada's snuggle spot and we have to watch to be sure she doesn't ignite while curled around the heater.  While the North gets ready for yet another blast of cold and snow, we are a little cloudy today.  We extended our stay at Bella Terra another week, so that we will be travelling home in mid-March...anything to avoid the snow!  To all of our friends who are experiencing the real Winter...stay safe!     KB

RV Dog-tech!




Larry executing a perfect pooper-scoop...see left hand carry!

There  are two unbreakable rules for camping with dogs...#1.  Pick up their poop and #2. No barkies!  Barking can make a German Shepherd look aggressive and it can disturb the peaceful existence of neighbors; both offenses are grounds for exile from the campground!  And poopies...are just plain rude!  Unfortunately, the Belikoff pack has had no training in this sort of etiquette...they have had the run of a big yard and they bark whenever they feel like it. 

The poopie rule was mostly training for us.  But, we could not bring ourselves to use recycled plastic grocery bags like other responsible dog owners.  One day at PetSmart, we found the answer to our prayers...Dispoz-a-Scoops.  They are little bags with a cardboard handle that contains a perforated pop-out pusher/ handle.  There's no hand-to-poop contact and it's biodegradable!!! 



We just ordered a case (250) of these!

The "no-barkies" rule was a tougher problem.  Our very nice neighbors here at Bella Terra did not want to complain, but they did tell us, very tactfully, that Gus and Vada bark when we leave the Bus.  One day, it was particularly bad because it was warm enough to open all of the windows and our neighbors had friends over.  So Vada barked because of separation anxiety and Gus was defending his territory from the party-goers!  Besides barking in our absence, we were tired of yelling at them everytime they heard something outside.

I guess it is really quiet on Sweet Hollow Road; they don't do this at home.   We had to do some research.  The problem was that most no-bark collars are triggered by the sound of barking, so they won't work with two dogs.  Poor Vada would have been shocked by big-mouth Gus.  Then we found the  "Sportdog 10R"...Gus and Vada's lives were about to change! These collars are sensitive to each individual dog because they are triggered by both the sound of barking and the vibration of the vocal chords.  Luckily, our dogs are used to e-collars; we use them in Schutzhund training.  Vada got the message after only one shock, but Gus had to "game" the system.  In the "training mode" the shocks get progressively stronger if the barking continues, but if there is no barking in 30 minutes, it goes back to the lowest setting.  It took Gus a few hours to figures this out (the booklet that comes with the collar said it takes most dogs two weeks to "test" this feature.)  Gus would wait 30 minutes, then bark, then wait. We advanced him to the continuous setting and it has been quiet here ever since then.  In fact, we only use the collars when we leave the coach.  Our verbal "no bark" commands seem to have new meaning, when we have to use it at all.  And the new no-bark regimen during walks has had the pleasant side effect of de-escalating aggression toward other dogs.  Apparently, barking is the root of all evil, except in Schutzhund protection training...let's hope Gus has not forgotten how to bark on command. But, even if he has, he's a more polite pet...and camper now!        KB

Eating Our Way Across America-First Stop Fairhope, AL

We have several goals for our travels...Since we are big fans of the Food Network, one is to visit as many of the "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" as we can.  We consulted Guy's website before we came to Bella Terra and found a few of his favorites. And last weekend we ventured out to Fairhope, Alabama, a beautiful town on Mobile Bay that is about 30 minutes from here.  It was founded as a "flat tax" town; a kind of utopian experiment that resulted in an upscale artists' community.  It reminded me of New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Well...back to the food.   We had lunch at Panini Pete's where we sat in a lovely courtyard on a brisk day.    But,  the food was worth a chill!  We shared a wonderful mufaletto (ham, cheese, pickles) panini and a hot beef and bleu cheese sandwich with  handmade fries!  Desert was a heavenly bread pudding made with their famous breakfast begnets.  It was smothered in a caramel sauce that was to die for.  Best of all,  we met Pete,  the chef and owner who was featured on the show.  He shared stories about Guy and the notoriety that repeat appearances on the Food Network have created...We warned him that he should be prepared for a Bobby Flay "Throwdown."  Our first stop on the Triple D tour...delicious and fun; and as if we hadn't eaten enought, we left with white chocolate chip cookies that were the best we have eaten!        KB

Somebody has to work!



Gus getting ready for work in his kennel/desk.



Most of the people at BT are retired, but Larry is not!  After a year of planning a workspace, our conversion of the bunkbed area of our 38qba is complete and it seems to be working well.  The desk area doubles as Gus's kennel when we are traveling.  In this picture, you can see the gate that we use to confine him in the space while we are moving. It fits across the opening and is stored next to the desk when we are parked. Luckily, Gus doesn't like to open doors, the way Max did; this gate  probably wouldn't hold him if he really wanted to get out.  He's a good boy...sometimes!

Larry working out of uniform (pajamas); Gus helping.

Larry's desk is a VersaTable that comes equipped with a pedestal that has two monitor mounts. 

 It's designed for use in schools and offices and has some nice features for managing the cables.  Fortunately, Gus doesn't chew on wires, like Vada used to, but having them out of his kennel area is an extra safety measure.

One of the reasons we chose the RED 38qba was that it has two pocket doors in this area.  Larry can close the door to the kitchen/living area when he has his phone conferences and we can close off the bedroom when he is working late.  For short day trips, we close both doors and Gus hangs out in his den.  Although he can't see outside, the big ears, hear alot and our nice neighbors didn't want to complain, but informed us that both dogs have been barking while we are away.  A future blog entry will be an update on the bark collars that are on their way.



My Space!

 And what am I doing?  I can't believe that tomorrow is actually the day that I would have been going back to work!  I used to be ready to go back after Semester Break, but this year, I haven't even thought about it.  Here I am in this picture working on this blog, with my crocheting project on the table waiting to watch the DVD for the 20th time.  And usually the TV is on, too.  My little laptop area is a comfortable spot where I can see outside and do everything.  I've been reading on my Kindle alot, too.  Although, I am having a hard time getting into "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" the first book of the very popular trilogy.  And a couple of times a day, I uproot myself from my little nest to walk the dogs.  My next project:  plan the route home and figure out where we are going this summer.  Looks like we will based in Bloomsbury for awhile so our trips will be planned around mowing grass and when the deer spray needs to be re-applied.       KB

It's a Dog's Life!

One of the interesting things that we have noticed about meeting people here is that they don't ask if you have children...they want to know about your dogs.  Our kind of place, right?  And there are lots of dogs here.  Vada and Gus are among the biggest, though.  Apparently, as people downsize their homes after retiring, they do so with their pets as well. 



Gus and Larry coming back from "chuck-it".  

 Vada has been managing the steps in and out of the bus pretty well...she needs an assist once in a while.  But, we brought her ramp and it remains in the basement.  She also has been doing a one mile hike everyday to try to lose the 7 pounds ordered by Dr. Suzanne.

Gus and Larry play chuck-it twice a day in the field and then the dogs have a nice nap in the afternoon the comfy rug that Mom picked out for it's color...all the shades of German Shepherd dog hair!  The camaflouge works so well that it's hard to tell how fast the hair builds up...but, a daily vacuuming wouldn't be too much.


Napping on the camaflouge rug


At night, Gus is supposed to sleep in his den under Larry's desk...His beautiful doggie quilt, made by Aunt Deenie, is there to make him feel at home.  Vada sleeps at the foot of the bed on her "fluffy bed."  But, last night during a heavy rain and thunderstorm, they were curled up together on Vada's bed.  Who knew that they would both fit and that Vada would allow it.  I guess they are finally friends!

Today, I have to venture out to find everyone's special food.  There is a vet's office down the road for Vada food and a place called the "Shampoo Lab" that carries Gus's food.  It took us four tries to find a grocery store for our food, so hopefully, this expedition will be more productive.  It's no inconvenience though; just part of the adventure that makes having a Gus Bus so much better than putting our buddies in the kennel!!

Life at Beautiful Bella Terra



The Gus Bus "campsite"

Today is not the most beautiful day we've had. It's gray and a little chilly, but since the  rest of Alabama, and a big swatch of the South is under  a Winter weather state of emergency, we can't complain! 

Life here at Bella Terra (BT) is very pleasant.  Our "campsite" is well designed and we are fortunate to have very nice neighbors.  In fact, everyone we've met from the Bella Terra staff to the owners of the the fanciest lots and biggest rigs are friendly and welcoming.  Bella Terra is every good thing we heard about it and it's starting to feel like we've always lived here.  Our lot, which is rented from it's unknown owner, faces a pretty man-made lake which is calming and interesting to watch as the weather changes.  There are several lighted fountains that are beautiful at night and a few herons and a cormorant have taken up residence.  No alligators, yet.

Our lake view!

Some of the lot owners have erected structures for shade or storage.  All are well-built and have a lovely island design.  And there are a few gorgeous outdoor kitchens...unfortunately, the weather has not been conducive to barbecuing.  Our lot is unadorned...obviously purchased as a rental investment.

I use the term "camping" lightly when speaking of what we are doing here...it bears no resemblance to the tenting adventures of my Girl Scout days.  The center of activity here at BT is a wonderful club house that is decorated in an island motif and contains lots of comfortable seating, a bar area with dining room and a movie theatre.  There is also a fully-equipped gym, which we haven't used yet.  Behind the club house is a heated pool and jacuzzi ...also unused by the Belikoff's.  But, perhaps best of all, is something they don't advertise.  Gus and Larry have discovered the undeveloped portion of the property; a field that is perfect for "chuck-it."  But more about that later...



One of the owners "storage sheds"



I think it was a good choice for us to travel to a distant place and stay put in order to get used to our new home which has lived up to our expectations and more.  We are still learning about our Gus Bus.  Larry discovered that our "surround sound" is not broken; he just needed to find the right button on one of the numerous remotes.  And we are settling into our new routine of working in the converted bunkbed/office and filling in my time as a new retiree.  Actually, keeping up with the dishes and dog hair occupies alot of my time...this small space works better if it is uncluttered and clean.  I am also teaching myself how to crochet (can you teach an old dog new tricks?) and I'm keeping up with my reading on my new Kindle.  So far, my fears of missing the privacy of our home in the woods have not been realized.  The planners at BT knew just how to stagger and landscape the sites to maximize privacy and the residents here are quiet folks!



Celebrating the New Year







In fact we have been so busy socializing and adjusting to our new life, that we have not had time to explore the area until this weekend.  More on this later...we are off to see if there is still oil on the beach here.