On our Way

Whew, after a few obstacles (like replacing a propane valve for our refrigerator -- thank goodness for overnight delivery and getting two dead batteries fully charged -- thank you Interstate Battery), we are ready to head out at daybreak on Monday morning (5/28).

As we wrapped up the "getting out of house for closing deadline" we were madly cleaning the house and double checking that we had, indeed, moved all our belongings out (found a shelf of clothing and cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink) --- it was 8:30pm when we closed the door for the last time.

It was raining during our cleaning out (as it did on our wedding day) and as we departed we looked to the east to see a beautiful double rainbow shining over our home of 33 years! You can barely see the reflection to the left of the more visible one -- and it might show better if you enlarge the image.

What an awesome sight -- we took it has a blessing on our start of this new journey.

The next three days found us jamming all our "to go" possessions in to the RV and trying to creatively make it all fit.  We are definitely needing to go on a diet but I think the process of elimination will be easier as we travel and figure out what we need and really don't.

Better run, Monday 4AM wakeup call will come early.  I'll try to get you a better picture of Beau/Zoe (NOT BOZO) with the Pendergast's along with a picture at our first campsite.

Until then,

Susan & Darrel

The Big Reveal ... and traveling agenda

Meet Beau and Zoe (F350 Truck and Fuzion 417), our 5th wheel toyhauler that has become our traveling home.  In case you care (and if you don't you can skip to the next paragraph) -- Beau's name came from Beau Jocque (a musician that played Zydeco music), hence the Beau and Zoe --- as soon as we get moved in, I promise I will send inside pictures. AND yes, she is long -- 43 foot to be exact.  We are learning you cannot cut corners and watch out if you see us, we probably take 2 lanes!

So the countdown is on and we head to Yankton, SD on Monday, May 28 early, early!!!  We anticipate taking about 8 hours plus to get there and it will be a long traveling day but we'll plan to take lots of breaks as I-29 has awesome rest areas.

Here's a tentative schedule for the next couple of months --- I doubt much will change as we have reservations but you never know and will keep you updated as that may happen.

May 28 - June 8 -- Yankton, SD
June 8 - June 22 -- Chamberlain, SD
June 22 - July 6 -- Jamestown, ND
July 6 - July 13 -- Walnut/Marne, IA
July 13 - July 27 -- Perry Lake, KS

As we get to Perry Lake, we hope to have an "open 5th Wheel house" to see our new home -- it is so far out to even think about it now seems daunting.  I know you will check back to keep updated so more details as July gets here.

Again, I cannot begin to thank everyone that has helped us on this adventure path -- it wouldn't have been possible with out family and friends that have been there to support us on our new journey.  We are truly blessed and are grateful for each and everyone of you.

It isn't Over til it's Over

Hello Fellow Journey-iers,
The 2nd auction is OVER!!!  Here's a few pics as I put up a quick post before the action.  Let me tell you downsizing your home, selling your home and making a major life style change is exhausting!

Here's the inside of the metal building with the furniture.

Outside of metal building to the north and west side of metal building with tables setup.

And there was stuff on the south side of the metal building as well.

In addition to all the "stuff" the guns, ammo and reloading stuff plus 2 gun safes items were located in the house garage.  Although this auction ended 3 hours earlier than the last one, it took 4 hours to sell the "gun" stuff before moving to the back yard!  So mind me when I say, "don't buy stuff"!!!!

Anyway, we are moving on now to getting moved into the RV --- the next post will have you meeting our traveling partners and where we will be heading the Memorial Day!

Thanks for the following the journey,

Susan

PS  Here's some post pics of the "empty" spots --- (some items were waiting for pickup)

And not much was left over -- a few boxes of misc stuff that didn't sell, 2 OLD grills that didn't work or were in the process of dying and some odds n ends of "materials" to prep for the sale.  All in all, little cleanup involved.

11th Hour - 2nd Auction, quick post

OK, the countdown is on.....less than 11 hours (actually about 9) until WAKE UP time to prep for the next auction.... it begins at 10am (1 hour later than the last one) but we will be up and at 'em at 4:45am, because with the pace we have been keeping it takes us about 1 hour to wake up!

Help arrives between 6am - 6:30am to get things prepped, setup outside and the furniture moved to allow access within the metal building plus ready for the Early birds that want to look.

(This I will remember the trash cans so that I won't have litter littering my yard 😆)

I don't expect as large a crowd as the "Tool Auction" but you never know!  I am truly blessed to have so many great people in our lives to help us on this journey.... it truly does take a village!

Look for a follow up when I catch my breath and have a few extra hours of sleep..... then on to the closing scheduled for May 25th.

Absolutely no rest for the adventurous!!!

May is flying by

OK, this should be more timely, but frankly, I just don't seem to have enough time to get everything done that I need to.  Here's my bullet list:

• Get phone and wireless setup on Verizon (check)
• however, this caused a change reaction on my phone which raised my phone bill -- ouch, so I have disconnected it and tried to email you with the updated phone number & this blog link
• Setup for 2nd Auction (May 12) -- just when you think work is grueling, cleaning out your home and making a major change is just about as bad
• Address changes and last minute doctor appointments
• Last minute house sale punch list -- just finished it with last inspection, yay!!

• Just a few highlights:
• We are sleeping on the floor ---but on a pillowtop mattress 😊
• The washer/dryer is gone (so a laundromat sometime after the sale)
• Our clothes are in suitcases or tubs since my bedroom furniture is ready for the sale
• We are using our RV chairs in the livingroom but we have a TV!!!

The 1st Auction is over and it was a LOT of work too!  Many thanks to family and friends for all their assistance because without them, we wouldn't have had it done ---- you know who you are!!!

So I'm a hoping the 2nd auction will be less hectic, and shorter as the first one ran from 9:00am until the last person drove out the driveway at 9:00pm

Anyway, I will try to update this blog in the next couple of weeks with travel dates, plans and locations.

Thanks for journeying with the Pendergasts!

Susan