… and I have to say I’m enjoying it!
First apple pie in quite some time
When we were in New Jersey, I did honest-to-goodness cooking. Well, we left there 3 years ago and I don’t think I’ve made an apple pie since then. So! It was about time! Dave enjoyed having this as dessert with his work dinners.
This is the first time we’ve both had July 4th off work since our Jersey days, too. Dave had a nice bike ride and I did the marketing in the morning. In the afternoon, we went to check out the Bemidji Water Carnival held on the shores of Lake Bemidji here in town. Neither of us had been to a carnival in … well, as the Scottish saying goes … “donkey’s years.” That’s a long time, folks.
Fun to watch from the ground
Another one fun to watch. The center piece rotated, giving each of the cages quite a ride. The screams at the carnival were coming from this ride.
No, we didn’t go on any rides and didn’t give any money to the games hawkers. We went just to stroll around and enjoy the sights and sounds. Free event, free parking, a chance to get out and about and relive some childhood memories. The weather was perfect – Summer has arrived in Minnesota, but it’s rather pleasant – parking was easy and there weren’t tons of people around. The fireworks display on Lake Bemidji was the final event of the carnival last night, so I bet there were quite a few more folks around for that. We certainly heard the fireworks quite well from our porch and could see the display reflected in the hospital windows. Cool.
Thing is, we’re actually able to get out and do fun things once again! It’s so nice to have our days off truly be that … days off. There’s no RV maintenance to deal with, amenities are so close and hassle-free that I can get errands run quickly and without stress, laundry can be done any time, etc. Oh … and the weather is now a positive contributing factor versus a negative influence. Yes, summertime is here, but it is not so hot that outdoor activities are unthinkable. Our lives are no longer controlled by what has to be done within certain times. We’ve reduced our stress level – physical, emotional and spiritual – enormously with our change of lifestyle and moving to a more tolerable climate.
I know, I know. I can hear you saying, “Yeah, but what about Winter?” Well, Winter is Winter. We know what to expect. Still, check with me in February. At least we won’t have to shovel our sidewalk.
Long and short is that our quality of life is much better now.
So that was Day 1 of our weekend this week. Dave is off cycling, I’m venturing forth to my first hair appointment since we arrived (and you know that can be either a grand experience or a traumatic one with a new stylist) and then there may be a midafternoon meal at the Mexican restaurant.
Guess I’d best toddle off for now. How was your Fourth of July?
Thanks for stopping by! Ya’ll be safe out there, okay?
More northern areas are so much nicer in the summer to be sure! I am always surprised at the number of rv'ers who stay down south during the warmer months. Even the ones who don't have work responsibilities. It will be interesting to see what you think of the winter months.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not having to think about rv maintenance issues etc. We bought a small place down in Florida this past April and will be heading back that way in August. It will be the first time 5 years that we will be living outside of the rv for a period of time, and we are both looking forward to it. :)