Lacy, kitties and I up early this AM - I guess we're all a little excited to get going. There's a change of plans; aren't plans always made to be changed? Malia and Samantha are not needing a ride home this afternoon as they're staying with their cousins, the triplets, at my daughter's house until Thursday. So, I don't have to add to the first trek by heading to Vacaville.
We'll leave here between 11 and noon for a nice relaxed drive to Red Bluff and will talk with Jeff and Alice when we're close to our destination. May have dinner or just a visit when we arrive. Going to start the hook up process and need to concentrate! That's it for now - may have some photos later today.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
"Family" Readiness
8:30PM
I spent a nice last day with my friend, Judy, having lunch at "Yard House" in the Fountains Shopping Center in Roseville - a delicious lunch and even peach cobbler for dessert. We did a little shopping at the Roseville Mall Macy's sale and then returned to the ranch for some relaxation and chat. It's really been a comfortable and happy last day here.
Bob and Judy have been such perfect hosts and have even encouraged me to think about breaking up my adventure by coming back to stay a while maybe in the middle of the trip. Hmm, I have no idea what's to come, except that I know I'm open to new possibilities. We shall see what we shall see!
Without having exactly planned to be making this 'maiden voyage' of Floribunda Flair and Petunia Smart Car on a weekend, I have to admit that I feel thankful that there shouldn't be hordes of travelers heading north on I-5 on a Sunday early afternoon. So, we can just take our time and get to know one another, so to speak.
I'm also giving some serious thought to settling down in an RV park for my time in the Redding / Red Bluff / Cottonwood area; for those who are familiar with the region - if it's hot in Sacramento, it's REALLY hot in Cottonwood. I discovered it takes a whole lot of gas to run the generator for air conditioning; I'm thinking while I'm in really hot country it may be worth it to pay $30 something / day to avoid having to use so much gas just sitting at my son's house. Now that I have Petunia, I can visit them and still enjoy having the RV at an acceptable temperature - for me and the animals. It's supposed to be about 95 F. tomorrow; then it's going to warm up for the rest of the week! And, that's considered mild.
Going to check out now and see about the Durango RV Park in Red Bluff .....
I spent a nice last day with my friend, Judy, having lunch at "Yard House" in the Fountains Shopping Center in Roseville - a delicious lunch and even peach cobbler for dessert. We did a little shopping at the Roseville Mall Macy's sale and then returned to the ranch for some relaxation and chat. It's really been a comfortable and happy last day here.
Bob and Judy have been such perfect hosts and have even encouraged me to think about breaking up my adventure by coming back to stay a while maybe in the middle of the trip. Hmm, I have no idea what's to come, except that I know I'm open to new possibilities. We shall see what we shall see!
Without having exactly planned to be making this 'maiden voyage' of Floribunda Flair and Petunia Smart Car on a weekend, I have to admit that I feel thankful that there shouldn't be hordes of travelers heading north on I-5 on a Sunday early afternoon. So, we can just take our time and get to know one another, so to speak.
I'm also giving some serious thought to settling down in an RV park for my time in the Redding / Red Bluff / Cottonwood area; for those who are familiar with the region - if it's hot in Sacramento, it's REALLY hot in Cottonwood. I discovered it takes a whole lot of gas to run the generator for air conditioning; I'm thinking while I'm in really hot country it may be worth it to pay $30 something / day to avoid having to use so much gas just sitting at my son's house. Now that I have Petunia, I can visit them and still enjoy having the RV at an acceptable temperature - for me and the animals. It's supposed to be about 95 F. tomorrow; then it's going to warm up for the rest of the week! And, that's considered mild.
Going to check out now and see about the Durango RV Park in Red Bluff .....
Friday, August 9, 2013
The Final Countdown .... Finally
So, I drove little Petunia almost a hundred miles today - getting all the "stuff" done that I've somehow allowed myself to think I need to do before I leave. It's almost over. A few more little things tomorrow and I'm planning to head out from Bob and Judy's ranch on Sunday.
I may have to drive (with Smart Car in tow) to Vacaville - making the trip to Cottonwood about 3 hours longer; my Cottonwood twin granddaughters are visiting my ex-husband in El Sobrante and will be heading home on Sunday. It's certainly a lot closer for me to make the detour to pick them up than it is for my son to drive from Cottonwood to Vacaville (about 150 miles). That'll give the girls a chance to ride in Mimi's new RV and save Jeff and Alice a long trip to pick them up.
I'll be spending a lot of time on this trip and I'll miss my grandkids so this will be kind of a special time with Malia and Samantha.
I may have to drive (with Smart Car in tow) to Vacaville - making the trip to Cottonwood about 3 hours longer; my Cottonwood twin granddaughters are visiting my ex-husband in El Sobrante and will be heading home on Sunday. It's certainly a lot closer for me to make the detour to pick them up than it is for my son to drive from Cottonwood to Vacaville (about 150 miles). That'll give the girls a chance to ride in Mimi's new RV and save Jeff and Alice a long trip to pick them up.
I'll be spending a lot of time on this trip and I'll miss my grandkids so this will be kind of a special time with Malia and Samantha.
An idea: logo for this blog.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
We Did It!!!
Yup, we made it back to the ranch safe and sound. I am thankful for all the advice and suggestions of readers and the people at Allied Trailer in Sacramento. The Manager, Daily, even gave me his cell phone number and said to call any time of the day or night if I have questions or concerns.
I know the proof is in the pudding so ..... here we are:
I know the proof is in the pudding so ..... here we are:
Just like you said, Dave, towing a Smart Car is like towing nothing at all! I had my back-up camera on the whole way home; every time I looked back there, Petunia was following right behind!
Now just a few more odds and ends around town and we'll be off - hopefully this weekend. The first leg will be only to Cottonwood - a very straight shot on I-5 North - 170 miles or so. That'll be enough for our first haul.
Next Big Learning Curve Starts Today
My ranch hostess, Judy, will accompany me today when I drive Floribunda to Sacramento to learn "Hitching the Smart Car and Driving an RV, Towing." I'm a little nervous but know it's a matter of getting in there, paying attention to instructions, and being careful to maintain my calm. If my little twinge of nerves be known, it's not to say that I'm not really excited too, because I am! This is just another opportunity to learn something new - that will make more opportunities available. Hooray!
We're going to leave here in time for me to have my lesson and practice drive with the Allied Trailer man - and get back here to the ranch, hopefully before having to deal with commute traffic on I-80 East. I'll try to check in later today with an update.
Here's a photo of Justin (giving high sign) and, around the table, Joshua, Spencer, Blake, Tate and Avery - at the spaghetti feed last Saturday evening. Spencer, Tate and Avery are my 13-year old triplet grandchildren; Joshua and Justin are Judy's grandkids; Blake is Spencer's friend.
We're going to leave here in time for me to have my lesson and practice drive with the Allied Trailer man - and get back here to the ranch, hopefully before having to deal with commute traffic on I-80 East. I'll try to check in later today with an update.
Here's a photo of Justin (giving high sign) and, around the table, Joshua, Spencer, Blake, Tate and Avery - at the spaghetti feed last Saturday evening. Spencer, Tate and Avery are my 13-year old triplet grandchildren; Joshua and Justin are Judy's grandkids; Blake is Spencer's friend.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Tuesday August 6, 2013 - Floribunda / Petunia Launch / Take-off Status Update
My Verizon Jet Pack has been a little temperamental the last couple of days so I haven't blogged. And, I guess I have to say not much has been happening either. Most everything's ready in the rig; save for the towing bracket that will be installed on Petunia Smart Car tomorrow. I'm driving it into Sacramento to Allied Trailers in the morning and I'm not sure how long they'll need it; but, the plan is for Judy to give me a ride home and then I'll drive the Flair in, when Petunia's ready, to have them instruct me on hooking up, driving and towing. I have to admit I'm a little nervous; but I'm sure if I'm careful and follow instructions I'll get used to it quickly.
There's one more time hurdle to get over in order to head out. Last week I had my eyes checked and found that I might do well to have glasses mainly for night driving. They may be in by Thursday or Friday; if not, I'll have to wait until Monday to pick them up and head North.
I also had another blip in my plan, but that was partially rectified today ... I'd gone to see a physical therapist at the request of my primary care physician because I'd complained to her about my right knee giving me lots of trouble. The PT said I'm dealing with bone on bone and am ready to consider a total knee replacement - that's the thanks I get for the 40+ years of running I did. Well, I'm not personally ready at this time so the PT gave me some exercises to do each day (I've been pretty good about doing them) and suggested I buy a really good pair of walking shoes for support and comfort. This afternoon I went to Fleet Feet, a store I frequented for years and years during my jog/running career; the salesman spent about thirty minutes with me and fitted me with a superbly comfortable Asics shoe in which I can already feel some relief to my right knee - and to my left foot that's developed plantar fasciitis in response to my favoring my right leg! Hopefully I'll get some relief from what I consider terrible pain; I don't think of myself as a 'wus' as I've had lots of back surgery and I'm not much of a complainer (physically, at least); but between the knee on one side and the heel on the other it's really tiring and very uncomfortable!
Now, for some positive news! I'm not sure that I mentioned that I'd had a little 'bill' from the IRS when I returned from Mexico in June. It seems that when my son-in-law delivered documents to my CPA who did my 2011 taxes while I was living in Guatemala, there should have been two separate 1099s from the Social Security Administration because I'd retired during the year. Well, David (son-in-law) found one 1099 in my mail [don't have any idea where the other went!] and when the accountant did my tax return he didn't catch the error. When I arrived home from Mexico I received one of those very official IRS letters stating that I owed $4,613 in taxes for 2011 and over $1000 in interest and penalties. They gave the SSA 1099s as proof of the debt. Yikes! I met with my accountant and he agreed that the return was in error; however, why I hadn't received any IRS notice earlier (like before or during the 6 weeks I was at home between the Guatemala and Mexico adventures) I can't figure out. So, in June I sent a check for the $4,613 and a long letter explaining that I'd been in Guatemala during 2011 and 2012 and was not aware of the discrepancy/fault. I agreed that I owed the tax and was paying it, but that I'd appreciate it if they'd reconsider the amount of the penalties and interest. Two weeks ago I received a short letter from the IRS thanking me for my communication and instructing me not to send any more money until they would contact me, "within 60 days." The letter said that I would be instructed as to what more, if any, I'd owe. Well, today I stopped by my house and picked up mail - mostly flyers, etc. - and one thin envelope from the US Department of the Treasury. Inside I found a check for $4,613 - the exact amount I'd sent them in June. There's no letter but the check is defined as a tax refund!
I talked with my accountant and he instructed me to deposit the check in my savings account but not to spend it. I asked if I should contact the IRS and he said that isn't necessary at this time, as long as I don't spend it in case they find that it's a mistake on their part. I guess I'll probably write another letter in the near future; for now I'm enjoying the increase in the balance of my savings account!
There's one more time hurdle to get over in order to head out. Last week I had my eyes checked and found that I might do well to have glasses mainly for night driving. They may be in by Thursday or Friday; if not, I'll have to wait until Monday to pick them up and head North.
I also had another blip in my plan, but that was partially rectified today ... I'd gone to see a physical therapist at the request of my primary care physician because I'd complained to her about my right knee giving me lots of trouble. The PT said I'm dealing with bone on bone and am ready to consider a total knee replacement - that's the thanks I get for the 40+ years of running I did. Well, I'm not personally ready at this time so the PT gave me some exercises to do each day (I've been pretty good about doing them) and suggested I buy a really good pair of walking shoes for support and comfort. This afternoon I went to Fleet Feet, a store I frequented for years and years during my jog/running career; the salesman spent about thirty minutes with me and fitted me with a superbly comfortable Asics shoe in which I can already feel some relief to my right knee - and to my left foot that's developed plantar fasciitis in response to my favoring my right leg! Hopefully I'll get some relief from what I consider terrible pain; I don't think of myself as a 'wus' as I've had lots of back surgery and I'm not much of a complainer (physically, at least); but between the knee on one side and the heel on the other it's really tiring and very uncomfortable!
Now, for some positive news! I'm not sure that I mentioned that I'd had a little 'bill' from the IRS when I returned from Mexico in June. It seems that when my son-in-law delivered documents to my CPA who did my 2011 taxes while I was living in Guatemala, there should have been two separate 1099s from the Social Security Administration because I'd retired during the year. Well, David (son-in-law) found one 1099 in my mail [don't have any idea where the other went!] and when the accountant did my tax return he didn't catch the error. When I arrived home from Mexico I received one of those very official IRS letters stating that I owed $4,613 in taxes for 2011 and over $1000 in interest and penalties. They gave the SSA 1099s as proof of the debt. Yikes! I met with my accountant and he agreed that the return was in error; however, why I hadn't received any IRS notice earlier (like before or during the 6 weeks I was at home between the Guatemala and Mexico adventures) I can't figure out. So, in June I sent a check for the $4,613 and a long letter explaining that I'd been in Guatemala during 2011 and 2012 and was not aware of the discrepancy/fault. I agreed that I owed the tax and was paying it, but that I'd appreciate it if they'd reconsider the amount of the penalties and interest. Two weeks ago I received a short letter from the IRS thanking me for my communication and instructing me not to send any more money until they would contact me, "within 60 days." The letter said that I would be instructed as to what more, if any, I'd owe. Well, today I stopped by my house and picked up mail - mostly flyers, etc. - and one thin envelope from the US Department of the Treasury. Inside I found a check for $4,613 - the exact amount I'd sent them in June. There's no letter but the check is defined as a tax refund!
I talked with my accountant and he instructed me to deposit the check in my savings account but not to spend it. I asked if I should contact the IRS and he said that isn't necessary at this time, as long as I don't spend it in case they find that it's a mistake on their part. I guess I'll probably write another letter in the near future; for now I'm enjoying the increase in the balance of my savings account!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
August 3rd - My Half Birthday
My brother, Jim, celebrated his 69th birthday yesterday. Happiest BD, Bro. When we were kids, because our birthdays were almost exactly 6 months apart, mine is February 3rd, Mom and Dad recognized our "half-birthdays." So, okay I'm ready .... today starts me on the downhill slope towards 71! Yikes! I can hardly believe it. Oh, well.
I moved back into Floribunda Flair last evening; I'd been bunking in the ranch house with my brood. The kitties were happy to be back in our residence on wheels - it's really feeling more and more like HOME.
News for today: I'm giving a dinner party tonight - at the ranch - spaghetti feed and all the trimmings - for 16 people. It's kind of a 'bye-bye' for some friends and my daughter's family, even though I'm not leaving until late next week. Just want to have an excuse for a get-together.
Lincoln, black and white kitty, is really acclimating well to RV life; he scoots in and out like he knows all houses have different yards from day to day. Eleanor continues her vigil on the World from inside; the thought of possibly meandering outside doesn't even enter her realm of possibility. Lacy really could care less where we are as long as she's with me. I think this is going to be a wonderful experience for all of us.
Floribunda returned to the ranch yesterday, all tuned up and ready to go; now Petunia just needs to get her tow bracket and MP needs to practice towing an 8-foot long car. I'm thinking it's going to be a piece of cake!
That's it for now. Hope to snap some good photos this evening and I think two of my granddaughters, Avery and Tate, will be spending the night with Mimi in her new house. Here's a photo of a Poinsettia almost-tree, taken in Valle de Juarez, Jalisco, Mexico in March this year ...
I moved back into Floribunda Flair last evening; I'd been bunking in the ranch house with my brood. The kitties were happy to be back in our residence on wheels - it's really feeling more and more like HOME.
News for today: I'm giving a dinner party tonight - at the ranch - spaghetti feed and all the trimmings - for 16 people. It's kind of a 'bye-bye' for some friends and my daughter's family, even though I'm not leaving until late next week. Just want to have an excuse for a get-together.
Lincoln, black and white kitty, is really acclimating well to RV life; he scoots in and out like he knows all houses have different yards from day to day. Eleanor continues her vigil on the World from inside; the thought of possibly meandering outside doesn't even enter her realm of possibility. Lacy really could care less where we are as long as she's with me. I think this is going to be a wonderful experience for all of us.
Floribunda returned to the ranch yesterday, all tuned up and ready to go; now Petunia just needs to get her tow bracket and MP needs to practice towing an 8-foot long car. I'm thinking it's going to be a piece of cake!
That's it for now. Hope to snap some good photos this evening and I think two of my granddaughters, Avery and Tate, will be spending the night with Mimi in her new house. Here's a photo of a Poinsettia almost-tree, taken in Valle de Juarez, Jalisco, Mexico in March this year ...
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