Monday, December 25, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
I still remember the day we pulled away from our house on the traveling adventure of a lifetime. It was April 25, 2022.
Our first Christmas in the RV last year was spent in Florida. This year we are in southern Alabama. I wonder where we will be next year.
At our age, Christmas is just another day. We slept late, did laundry, and visited with some RV neighbors. Making new friends on Christmas Day this year was truly a blessing.
A man named Walt lives beside us and a woman named Alex lives a few spots down. They came over and sat with us under the Christmas lights and we shared traveling stories.
Instead of celebrating with family on December 25, we had family here for three days from the 21st to the 24th. That is what made this Christmastime special for us. We celebrated, ate good food, walked the beaches, played games, and shopped.
Christmas is being with family. Some of our family is spread out all over and we video-called with those we couldn’t physically be near. Technology helps make it special too.
It’s challenging to wake up on Christmas morning and realize it is just another day in the RV. There are times I feel sad and lonely and know that we are missing special Christmas memories by not living in a house. But I still wouldn’t trade this time that we get to travel for anything.
How was your Christmas special this year?
I hope you all had a great day celebrating in whatever way you celebrate this time of year.
Sunday, December 24, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
Another day in paradise —
The phone rang at 7:00 a.m. this morning and it was the two grandsons from Connecticut wanting to wish Grandpa Rich a Happy Birthday! Yes, today is his birthday. He is 63 today.
We were on the phone with them when in ran two little granddaughters who jumped on the bed and kissed and hugged him to wish him a happy birthday too.
Before long the son in South Korea tried to call and the son in Connecticut told him to wait his turn because he was too late and they beat him to it. Ha ha.
It was a wonderful fun morning spent on the phone for an hour and a half with all three kids, one in Connecticut, one in South Korea, and the daughter from Ohio who was here in the RV with us. In instances like this, technology is such a blessing.
We currently have five grandchildren, two in Connecticut, and the three who came to see us with our daughter. She left her husband at home for three days. I guess he didn’t mind too much. We still have one son left who might give us some grandchildren, but who knows?
After a fun morning of Happy Birthday wishes, the daughter and three grandchildren had to pack up and get to the airport to fly back home to Ohio. We had a wonderful visit for three days and it came to an end too soon.
But time goes fast and before we know it, winter will be over and we will head back up north to Ohio.
Rich drove them to the Destin airport while I stayed home and began cleaning and organizing the RV back to normal. It didn’t take long. And now they are gone.
By lunchtime, rain began to fall in Foley, Alabama and I received wind warnings, rip tide warnings, and coastal flood warnings on my phone. We are the blue dot in the photo above. Rich came home, ate some lunch, and went back to bed for a nap. I think he is worn out.
I spent the quiet, rainy afternoon reading and writing while watching movies.
I watched the 1999 movie “The Mummy” starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, then the 2001 sequel “The Mummy Returns,” then the 1996 movie “Independence Day” starring Will Smith and Bill Pullman, and finally the 2004 movie “The Day After Tomorrow” starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid.
Four of my favorite movies that I have purchased on Amazon Prime and have seen a dozen times or more each, but I can always watch them and enjoy them each time. I know them all by heart so I don’t have to pay attention to know what is going on.
I have tons of movies like this that I will watch over and over and over.
My knee is sore from walking so much the past three days. Honestly, it is more than sore. I fear it is getting worse instead of better. I walked too much and it is swollen today in the knee joint and hurts to walk on it. I plan to remain in the recliner with it elevated for the rest of the day.
Happy Birthday to my other half and Merry Christmas Eve to all my readers and friends.
Saturday, December 23, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
Showing family around Gulf Shores
The granddaughters woke up this morning and announced with great enthusiasm that today is Christmas Eve Eve!
So, Happy Christmas Eve Eve to all my Medium readers and friends.
Today was a fun day. The sky was blue, the wind was calm, and the sun was warm. It was a perfect weather day.
The first place we went wasThe Track Family Fun Parkjust a few miles down the road from where we are parked.
We played 18 holes of Putt Putt Golf. Rich kind of kept score but I think he embellished some. I still don’t know who really won and nobody even cares. It was a lot of fun.
The girls screamed when they first saw this little lizard and of course, the teenage boy tried to catch it, but the lizard was too fast for him.
The kids had a blast in the water boat ride and got each other wet with the squirt guns. They even squirted us as we stood nearby and watched. They all three agreed that this was the funnest ride of the day.
They rode go-karts, a twirling roller coaster, and swings. It was a lot of fun following them around and taking tons of pictures like I always do. Sadly, my knee was hurting already and it wasn’t even noon yet. I hate that I am so slow when my knee is grinding and swelling so quickly and I can’t keep up with everyone.
I found a common sparrow bird to photograph while sitting on a bench. At least that’s what I think it is. And some flowers, which by the way happen to be the Alabama state flower, the Camellia. It is so nice to see flowers blooming in December.
After the Track, we took them to Lulu’s Gulf Shores Restaurant. This is a fun family place on the water canal with a gift shop and activities for kids.
The food was great and reasonably priced. The kids enjoyed sitting by the water and watching pelicans fly by.
Empty plates and containers at a restaurant are the sign of a great meal.
After lunch, we took them to the Orange Beach Waterfront Park. Rich and I found this place a week or so ago. This is a wonderful family place with a long pier, sandy beach, and a great playground for the kids. It is located on scenic Wolf Bay.
After walking out on the pier, we sat in that swing for a while and enjoyed the view.
The playground at Edward H. Carroll, Sr. Kids Park at the Waterfront Park is new and has been completely renovated, and the girls had a blast.
They ran off so much energy here and it was fun to watch them play.
Next, we drove to Perdido Key State Park Beach to let the girls swim in the ocean again. It was a little windy but not nearly as bad as yesterday. We all got a little suntan today. It was a beautiful day to be outside.
And when you see a moment like this between two sisters, one nine and one six, you can’t help but smile and snap a picture.
After the beach, we came back to the RV. The kids all showered and begged for more shopping so Rich took them to the Tanger Outlets in Foley.
By this time, my knee was so swollen and hurt so bad that I had to stay back at the RV and sit in the recliner with my knee up and an ice bag on it. I am frustrated with my knee but thankful I can still walk some.
They came home and rushed in to show me some of the things they bought. It has been so nice to have family around for the past couple of days. When they leave tomorrow the quiet will return.
I hope you have had a great couple of days too. I want to thank you for reading about our daily adventures. See you tomorrow.
Some of our Ohio family flew down to southern Alabama last night to see us. Oh, how special it is when two little granddaughters come running into the RV and give the biggest hugs ever!
We spent last night in the RV visiting and playing games. We are the game playing grandparents.
This morning we cooked a big breakfast outside consisting of eggs, bacon, and toast. By 10 a.m. we were on our way to the beach with a picnic lunch of pb and j, chips, and apples.
The first place we showed them was the Bon Secour Nature Preserve. And then we took them to Gulf Shores Beach. It was awful windy today so we didn’t stay too long.
The sandy beach at Gulf Shores is long and wide and the view is beautiful.
The girls found a few nice shells but not many. The ocean water was warmer than the air.
The youngest granddaughter lives in the moment enjoying everything about where she is right now. No worries at all about what will happen next.
She is the one who had leukemia and is in remission. She is six years old.
We had so much fun watching her jump the waves and try to build a sand snowman that didn’t look like a snowman at all.
She also had fun chasing the seagulls around.
The older two grandchildren, 16 and 9, only enjoyed the windy beach for a short time because they are more into shopping the gift shops so we took them to some of the beach and surf shops before taking them to the Wharf.
The Wharfis a fun shopping and restaurant venue located in Orange Beach not to far from our campground.
The Ferris wheel is $8 per person and the train ride is $6 per person.
There are a lot of shops and restaurants and even an arcade. At the arcade they played unlimited games for 30 minutes for like $20.
The kids did it all and by the time we walked all the shops my knee needed a break.
We ate at Yo Ho Rum and Tacos and sat at a table outside by the canal water.
They have $2.50 20 oz. Margaritas and Rum Punch everyday until 6 p.m. and classic beef or chicken tacos were only $3 each. All six of us ate and drank for only $50.
Afterward the girls got an icee for dessert. I laughed at the brain-freeze snowman in the window.
When we got back home to the RV the kids and their mother had a cartwheel and handstand contest. I sat and took pictures.
Having the RV a mess gives me the feeling of the Christmas morning unwrapping mess that I don’t get anymore. I loved seeing the mess.
It’s late, I am worn out, my right knee is swollen, and I am ready for bed. I can’t wait to see where they will drag us tomorrow.
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.
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.
