RV Life Daily Blog 12/11/23

December 12, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise —

It was quite chilly in the RV this morning when we woke up. The temperature dropped to 34 degrees overnight. Sometimes it seems like we just can’t go far enough south to get away from the cold weather anymore.

The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. I remember learning once that clouds at night act like a blanket and when the skies are clear it gets colder at night.

We went for a walk around the campground this morning and I took a picture of the Satsuma Orange tree by the pavilion. The sign says not to pick the oranges until February. We are only here until the end of January and you can bet I am going to pick at least two of them before we leave.

Our campground is near a small airport and nearly every day several small planes fly around in circles for hours. I can only think that these are students learning to fly and need to get in hours of flight time.

It gets annoying before it gets funny. Around and around and around they go. When they will stop nobody knows. We can’t quite figure out why they insist on just circling for several hours. Can’t they fly in a figure-eight or a straight line and then turn around and come back? Neither one of us has ever taken flying lessons so we wouldn’t know.

As we were walking we met some neighbors a few spots down who are also from Ohio. A small town not far from where we call home. No matter where we go we meet new people and make new friends.

(I took this photo the other day when there were some clouds in the sky.)

Then a 2017 diesel Newmar coach from Minnesota pulled in and we met them. Talking to them confirmed our contentment with an older RV. They went into debt to buy it and now wish they hadn’t. It is expensive to drive and he can’t work on it himself. He regrets buying new and going into debt.

* * * * *
Have you ever seen chestnut brown pigeons? I hadn’t until today. Usually, pigeons look like the first two photos, but there was one brown one in the mix. He looked all fluffy and young but I searched Google Image and it said it is a pigeon. I believe it might be a Rock Pigeon instead of a normal domestic feral pigeon.
I am not sure though because it was the only one in the whole flock of pigeons. I just love driving around new areas and finding different birds and wildlife.
I made a large pot of what we call goulash for supper. It is simply ground beef and onion cooked. Then I add a few cups of beef broth, one can of diced tomatoes, and two cups of macaroni. Add some salt and pepper and let it cook until the macaroni is done.
We played some card games and Rich was a sore loser.
Other than that it was a pretty normal boring day at the RV. Thanks for traveling along with us. See you tomorrow.

RV Life Daily Blog 12/10/23

December 11, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise…

Storms rolling through the area during the night were fierce. The bright lightning followed by loud thunder woke us both up around 2:00 am. The wind was strong. We lay in bed hoping the lawn chairs sitting outside would still be there when we got up in the morning.

And yes, everything was still there. The much-needed rain did no damage here in the campground. But I saw on the news that there were tornadoes in Georgia. Thank goodness we were spared from that.

It was a boring yet relaxing morning drinking coffee and listening to the radio. I did some writing and reading on Medium.

About lunchtime, Rich started his usual rummaging through the cupboards, the refrigerator, and the freezer, and said, “Let’s go grocery shopping.”

We drove to the nearest Dollar General and loaded up on some goodies. When we came back home we settled for toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

Do you call it toasted cheese? I know a lot of people don’t. Everyone calls it something different. I blame my mother because that’s what she called it so that’s what I learned.

The only interesting thing that happened today was when we were sitting outside. The neighbor’s camper started rocking and pretty soon we heard a female voice begin to ooo and aaa. We could only assume one thing was going on inside that camper and listened as we pretended not to. After about 15 minutes the air conditioner turned on. I guess they were too hot. Then we heard some more ooo’s and aaa’s and just smiled at each other.

We spent the rest of the afternoon inside playing cards and games. It might seem boring to some people but we had fun. Maybe not as much fun as the neighbors did, but fun just the same.

The temperature is dropping and is supposed to get as low as 34 overnight.

Thanks for following along with us. See you tomorrow.

 

RV Life Daily Blog 12/09/23

December 10, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Another day in paradise –

Today was a beautiful warm day in Foley, Alabama. The temperature was 79 and humid. We turned on the air conditioning for the first time this month.

We stayed home today for the most part and relaxed outside. We are parked at Alabama Coast Campground and as of now plan to stay put until the end of January.

We played a few games of Sequence this afternoon. It has become one of our favorite games. We have quite the competition and always play at least the best out of five games. And I painted my fingernails a pretty coral green.

The neighbors across the way put up some Christmas decorations today. It was fun watching him put the Santa up.

We left home at 4:00 pm and headed to the Portage Creek Canal and parked the car on E. Canal Drive with tons of other vehicles to watch the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

With a perfect view of the canal, we set up the lawn chairs and relaxed until dusk. The boat parade begins at Lulu’s Gulf Shores and ends at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

The neighbors sitting beside us were extremely nice and conversational. We visited with them and listened to Christmas music together. They informed us that there will be fireworks on the beach on New Year’s Eve.

The first Christmas boat parade we ever saw was last year in Florida. Having lived in Ohio our whole lives we didn’t know there was such a thing.

Fog started to roll in just around dusk as the parade started due to the warm temperature of the air and colder water temperatures.

It was a wonderful parade with a lot of fun decorated boats playing loud Christmas songs. The boats here were much larger than the ones we saw last year in Florida.

We were back home by 6:00 pm and it was already dark. We aren’t allowed to have fires here, mostly due to the statewide burn ban. It would have been a nice night to sit outside around a fire.

Thanks for traveling with us and reading about our adventures. I hope you had an enjoyable day today like we did.

10 Creative Ways to Decorate Your RV for the Holidays

December 10, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

And spread some Christmas cheer

You don’t have to miss out on the winter holidays just because you live in an RV full-time and travel south to warmer weather. There are many creative ways you can spread Christmas cheer and feel cozy at home while on the road. Here are ten ways we have found to spread holiday cheer while living in our RV.

1 Place a huge Christmas wreath on the windshield

Most RVs boast huge spacious windshields, providing an ideal canvas for showcasing your holiday spirit. A vibrant and cheerful holiday wreath will serve as a warm welcome to guests and passersby, instantly infusing your RV with the essence of the season. Craft stores offer an extensive selection of wreaths to suit every taste and style. From classic evergreen wreaths to more contemporary designs featuring twinkling lights and intricate ornaments, you’re sure to find the perfect wreath to complement your RV’s exterior.

For those seeking a more hands-on approach, embarking on a DIY wreath-making project offers an opportunity to unleash creativity and personalize your RV’s holiday décor. You can gather an assortment of natural materials like fragrant pinecones, glistening berries, and colorful bows, and let your imagination guide you as you weave them together to create a unique and cherished wreath. Whether you opt for store-bought convenience or embrace the DIY spirit, hanging a festive wreath on your RV’s front windshield is a simple way to spread holiday cheer and transform your mobile abode into a beacon of warmth and welcoming spirit.

2 Hang an additional wreath on the RV door

Extend the festive cheer to your RV’s entryway by adorning the door with an additional wreath, adding another layer of warmth and welcoming spirit to your mobile abode. Wreaths specifically crafted for RV doors offer a convenient and secure solution, ensuring that your holiday decoration remains in place even during blustery winds. These specialized wreaths often feature sturdy wire frames and durable attachments that can withstand the rigors of RV travel.

Alternatively, you can breathe new life into a traditional wreath by adapting it for use on your RV door. Employ suction cups or wreath hangers designed for exterior surfaces to affix the wreath securely to the door, transforming it into a charming focal point that will greet guests with festive cheer. Whether you choose a specialized RV door wreath or adapt a traditional wreath using suction cups or hangers, the addition of this item will undoubtedly enhance your RV’s curb appeal and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite and the entire campground.

3 Hang strings of Christmas lights inside and out

Transform your RV into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color by draping strings of twinkling lights both inside and outside your RV.

Indoors, you can let the warm glow of string lights illuminate your RV’s interior, casting a cozy and inviting ambiance. Most RV slides feature a convenient lip around the edge providing an ideal perch for string lights to gracefully cascade down. Draping the lights along the slide’s edge creates a harmonious blend of festive cheer. You can even wrap string lights and garland together to hang them on the slides.

Next, venture outdoors and continue the enchanting display of lights by strategically placing them around your RV’s exterior. Let the lights trace the RV’s awning, or slides, outlining the shape with a luminous embrace. Or playfully trail the lights along the ground, creating a mesmerizing pathway that guides guests to your RV’s entrance. For an extra touch of creativity, consider wrapping strings of lights around the trunk of a nearby tree and up the lower branches. As the lights intertwine with the tree’s branches, they’ll transform the foliage into a shimmering beacon of holiday cheer, adding a touch of magic to your campsite.

You can select from a captivating array of light options to suit your festive preferences. Multi-colored lights offer a vibrant and playful touch, while white lights exude a classic and elegant glow. Alternatively, you can embrace a monochromatic theme by opting for strings of single-colored lights such as blue or red, adding a bold and impactful accent to your RV’s exterior.

4 Hang oversized Christmas ornaments outside

Transform your RV campsite into a captivating winter wonderland by adorning it with an array of oversized Christmas ornaments, suspended gracefully from the RV’s awning or nearby tree branches. These enchanting orbs, available in a myriad of designs, can be readily found at most department stores, offering a plethora of options to suit every taste and style. From classic glass bulbs to whimsical plastic round ornaments featuring playful characters and patterns, you’re sure to discover the perfect oversized designs to complement your RV’s exterior and infuse your campsite with holiday cheer.

Zip ties provide an ingenious and convenient solution for temporarily securing them to the awning. Their durable construction and simple application make them ideal for this task, ensuring that the ornaments remain securely in place. If placing them on nearby tree branches, select sturdy enough tree branches to ensure they can safely support the weight of the ornaments if they are heavy.

5 Use strands of Christmas garland

Transform your RV into a festive wonderland by adorning it with vibrant garlands. These decorative touches will infuse your RV with warmth and cheer, making it a cozy haven during the holidays or any special occasion. Drape garlands gracefully over windows, doorways, and cabinets, allowing their vibrant hues and intricate designs to enhance your RV’s interior.

Extend the festive spirit outdoors by wrapping garlands specifically made for the outdoors around the awning and along the exterior of your RV. Let the twinkling lights and cheerful ornaments interwoven within the garlands illuminate your RV, creating a mesmerizing display that will surely delight and captivate. With a touch of creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, you can transform your RV into a festive masterpiece that will bring joy to all who pass by.

6 Decorate a mini-Christmas tree

Put up a mini-Christmas tree inside. This is a fun way to add a festive touch to your RV. You can find small artificial trees at most stores as well as many types of mini ornaments. Even if you don’t have a lot of space in your RV, you can still enjoy the tradition of having a Christmas tree inside. If there is a window near the table, set it on the table and open the window for others to see the lights and enjoy your mini tree too.

7 Adorn the windows with Christmas window clings

Deck out your RV windows with an array of festive Christmas window clings. These delightful adornments, readily available at most retail stores, come in a captivating assortment of designs, featuring jolly Santas, playful snowmen, and prancing reindeer. The application process is delightfully simple and requires no special tools or adhesives. Simply peel each cling from its backing and gently press it onto your RV window. The static cling will securely adhere to the glass, allowing you to easily reposition or remove the clings as desired. With their effortless application and temporary nature, Christmas window clings are an ideal choice for adding a touch of holiday magic to your RV without any fuss or commitment.

8 Utilize holiday yard flags

Let your RV campsite radiate holiday cheer with a vibrant display of Christmas-themed yard flags. These cheerful banners, designed to withstand the elements and proudly proclaim your festive spirit, are an easy and fun way to enhance the curb appeal of your RV retreat. Yard flags offer a versatile and adaptable approach to seasonal decoration. With each holiday and season bringing its own unique charm, you can effortlessly swap out your yard flags to reflect the changing seasons and holidays.

From the whimsical charm of Easter bunnies and vibrant hues of spring to the splendor of fall foliage and the heartwarming glow of Christmas lights, your yard flags can seamlessly transition to match the spirit of the season. You can choose from classic designs featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen, or opt for more modern interpretations that capture the essence of the holiday season. With a plethora of designs and sizes available, you’re sure to find the perfect yard flags to complement your RV’s exterior and spread holiday cheer throughout your campsite.

9 Use Christmas pillows, blankets, and knick-knacks

Decorate the inside of your RV with Christmas pillows and throws. These personal touches add comfort and style to your RV. You can find pillows and throws in a variety of Christmas designs, such as snowflakes, reindeer, and Santa Claus. This will make your RV cozy and inviting for the holidays. You can also set a few small decorations around if you have extra counter space.

10 Play Christmas music

Fill the air with Christmas music and let the joyful strains drift through your RV and beyond, inviting neighbors to share in the holiday spirit. You can open the windows if weather permits, to allow the harmonious notes to warm the hearts of all within earshot. Whether you prefer the timeless classics or embrace contemporary renditions, Christmas music can transport you to a realm of joy and anticipation, evoking cherished memories and igniting the holiday spirit within.

If you live in an RV full-time, I hope these ideas help you have a great Christmas season. Even though you may not have a traditional home, you can still make your RV feel festive and cozy for the holidays. With a little creativity, you can transform your RV into a winter wonderland that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy decorating your RV, camper, or motorhome this holiday season.