Five Things - March 6, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. For the writer types who follow this blog, I’ll be teaching a Zoom webinar titled “Pathways to Publishing” on Wednesday, April 5th at 7 pm through the Association of RI Authors. Here’s a link to the course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

2. If you’re interested in free writing resources, don’t forget about AuthorsBuzz.com, a new author resource website created by me and two other talented ladies. We’ve been uploading new articles every week, and we’re also having a blast recording short YouTube videos where we discuss all the things we wish someone had told us when we were new writers!

3. Red tide is no fun. Apparently, there is an algae down here that releases a toxin into the water and air. When the levels get too high, this toxin kills fish and irritates the lungs and skin of beachgoers. Yuk! Thankfully, we have a pool at this RV resort, and we’ve been keeping cool there.

4. I got a new vacuum cleaner, and I have been enthusiastically sucking up dirt and cat fur with a vengeance. This may not sound like something to get excited about, but when we moved on board, we only brought a high powered dust-buster and a broom, thinking these would be sufficient to keep our space clean. Not so! It’s been a losing battle living with so many fur babies, and this new appliance makes me ridiculously happy. It’s the little things!

5. My mom and dad and their childhood friend are down here for a visit. This week, we’re also hanging out with some cousins, and let’s just say this group knows how to eat, drink, and make merry! The downside of our life on the road, and the thing I miss the most, is the easy, regular access I had to the people I love. Lunch dates with my mom, family barbecues by the pool in the summer, dad tagging along for a shopping day because he’s actually an excellent personal shopper, are all things we could just do because we lived in close proximity. Their visit feels like a comforting little piece of home!

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 27: Sarasota, FL

March 27 - April 2: Disney World, FL

April 2-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - February 27, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Daisy is a great travel buddy. She loves riding in the car, running errands, playing at the doggy beach, and yes, bars. Most places down here in sunny Florida have outdoor decks where pets are welcome. Daisy is a popular attraction at such establishments.

2. Having a washer and dryer on board was an excellent decision. Most people we spoke with said they’d rather have the extra closet space, but I am so glad I don’t have to bring the dirty laundry anywhere. With the amount of yoga and gym clothes we go through, and because we have pets along, I still do laundry almost every day. That much hasn’t changed with our life on the road!

3. It still feels a little bit like we are on vacation, and I don’t mind that at all!

4. When I hit the 10k word mark on a new manuscript, it feels like a keeper. When I hit 20k, I’m really invested in the story.

5. If you follow this blog and you are a writer, you might be interested in Authors Buzz, a new author resource website created by me and two other talented ladies. We provide tons of articles and tips on writing craft and the business of publishing, and we also host a fun little podcast on YouTube where we discuss all things writing related. Our first few conversations are available so check them out!

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 27: Sarasota, FL

March 27 - April 2: Disney World, FL

April 2-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - February 13, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Good friends feel like a cozy blanket on a rainy day.

2. I like campgrounds better than RV parks. This is something I’ve realized as we’ve stayed in a few different places now. RV parks are really fun and have a ton of amenities, but I like being surrounded by nature rather than a resort-like setting.

3. Having said that, I can appreciate where we’re at and enjoy it thoroughly because I don’t live there permanently. It’s easy to focus on the good things, explore our surroundings, and think of each stop as an adventure when we aren’t planning to stay.

4. A good yoga studio keeps me grounded. It’s about more than just the practice, but also the vibe of the people who gravitate there. There’s a sense of striving, of everyone finding balance and peace, that is familiar and encouraging.

5. Dive bars are so much fun! We found a little gem right across the street with cold beer, excellent barbecue, and fantastic live music.

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - January 30, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Our cat Beatrix never seems to learn. Back when we were refinishing the basement after some water damage, she managed to get walled in behind the new drywall. Yes, we had to break her out with a sledgehammer and have a fun conversation with the builders first thing the next morning! Well, since we’ve been living in the RV, she’s managed to get stuck in the closet behind the washer and dryer, and then, another day, she hopped into a drawer when no one was looking and got stuck again. Those little meows in the middle of the night are pathetic!

2. Regular plumbing maintenance is essential.

3. You can learn anything from YouTube, including how to clear your RV plumbing before you realize the importance of regular maintenance.

4. Flexibility is an asset. I mean, it is in regular life, but it’s especially necessary for life on the road. Sometimes flexibility looks like giving up half your day to figure out how to clear the gray water tank. See plumbing note above. Sometimes flexibility looks more fun, like when you can rearrange your schedule to coordinate a visit with some friends. In all cases, things are going to come up. Shit’s gonna happen. By keeping a flexible mindset, I can approach those things with less resistance and change my attitude toward them.

5. I’m learning not to overschedule myself. Anyone who’s seen my collection of notebooks, my online calendar, and my daily planner, knows I’m a little obsessive about managing my time and scheduling my day. I even schedule my down time. This approach generally works well for me as I’m able to be proactive when it comes to organizing my time rather than reactive. I am however, guilty of making unrealistic to-do lists. At the end of the day, when several items remain undone, I have to carry them over to the next day and rework my whole plan! One of the things I love about this RV life is the simplicity of it. Tidying up and taking care of the animals in the morning takes just a few minutes. There’s a limited amount of actual stuff to maintain and keep track of. This simplicity creates space. So, my focus lately has been not to fill up that space just because it’s there. I want to be as productive as ever, sure, but I also want to appreciate and live into the simplicity.

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - January 16, 2023

In the spirit of new adventures, I’ve retitled my “Monday Musings” blog to “Five Things,” and you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. I love the simplicity of a tiny house (on wheels). It’s easy to clean, cozy, highly functional, and really does feel like home. Having downsized from a four bedroom house with a fully finished basement suite, I realize just how much stuff we accumulated that we didn’t use or need. It was cathartic to purge and donate and keep only the essentials in our space.

2. Dry January is going well. I’m sleeping better and overall I feel more clear-headed. I miss wine, but not as much as I thought, and it wasn’t even difficult when eating out with friends. Glad to feel in charge of this particular habit!

3. Just when I feel like a total badass, backing the RV into a tough spot or helping to mastermind a handy fix, I do something incredibly stupid, like close the slides with a closet door open. That little mishap cost us an extra trip to Home Depot and a few hours trying to get the door back on the hinge. When I mentioned it to a neighbor at one of the campsites, he said he’d just backed up into someone else’s car, so that made me feel a little better, LOL.

4. It’s important to close the awning during a wind or rainstorm. Lesson learned.

5. I’m really enjoying writing something completely new and different. I’ve wanted to write a fantasy for a while, but had too many other projects to finish. Now, I’m into the story deep enough for it to feel real. Stay tuned!

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

January 15-28: Clermont, FL

January 28-Feb 4: Disney World, FL

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-5: Panacea, FL

April 5-12: Lillian, AL

April 12-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

Five Things - January 2, 2023

Happy New Year everyone! Well, it’s official - we’re on the road. The house is sold, and we’ve moved full-time into our RV. Driving for three days down to Florida was exhausting, but from now on we’re going at a much more relaxing pace. We are learning a lot, really living in the moment, and becoming adept at ‘MacGyvering’ things! There’s so much to see and do, and at the same time, life feels much simpler. It’a a new start to a new year.

In the spirit of fresh starts and new adventures, I’ve retitled my “Monday Musings” blog to “Five Things,” and you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. I love driving first thing in the morning. In general, I am not a morning person, but there’s something magical about being on the road as the world awakens.

2. Plumber’s tape is my new favorite thing. The material scientist who invented it is a genius and deserves high praise. Wrap something up with this stuff, and leaks just stop! Seriously, it’s the best thing ever.

3. There is always construction on interstate 95. Always.

4. I really am a sunshine girl. Summer has always been my favorite time of year, but it really hit home when we reached the Carolina’s, the sun popped out, temperatures reached a lovely 75 degrees, and my mood instantly lifted. It makes me happy to think we’ll be chasing the sun for a while now.

5. I miss my friends, family, and neighborhood as much as I thought I would. I’m loving our new life already, but I have moments when a wave of sadness hits. I actually embrace this feeling because it means I created a meaningful life in Rhode Island. I surrounded myself with amazing friends, had a fulfilling career, and made tons of memories in our home at 59 Eastwick Rd. I’ll carry those experiences with me wherever I go.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

January 1-5: Disney World

January 5-15: Naples, FL

January 15-22: Clermont, FL

Jan 22 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-5: Panacea, FL

April 5-12: Lillian, AL

April 12-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM