Memorial Day weekend - Day 1069 (Year 3, Day 337)

Lexington, NC

I can't believe today is Monday and not Sunday.  These 3-day weekends really throw me off schedule!

So let's see how we spent this weekend...  Mitch was home again on Friday due to the rain, so it was his turn to make the challah.  Work was crazy busy in the morning, but then settled down by 2:00, so we were able to watch all the RVs and boats arrive.  As predicted, the place was hopping with tons of people - mostly families with kids ranging from toddlers to teens - out camping and boating.  It was a very nice crowd, however - people were very considerate and children were well behaved.

Saturday was spent doing the usual Shabbat stuff.  The weather all weekend was lovely, so we did sit outdoors a lot.  We didn't go swimming as I felt the pool was too crowded with kids.  We did meet some very lovely folks: Michelle and Kim and their respective husbands.  They came in 2 separate trailers.  They've known each other since grade school and go on many camping trips together.  They come up here to the lake on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, as it's only about 40 miles from their home.  Then they spend the summer at the beach.  They had a nice campfire going, so we decided to join them.  They did have a DJ here and we walked to the performance area to check them out.  Honestly, he didn't have a great selection of music; it was mostly for the kids.  There were no adults dancing, only the kids and there weren't even all that many people in the area.  We stayed for about 5 minutes and returned to the campfire.

Sunday was another nice weather day, but neither of us felt like "schlepping" out anywhere.  We treated the day pretty much as the sabbath, except we used electronics and cooked.  It was just a day of total relaxation, not even chores or fixing things.

Michelle and Kim do a lot of crafts and they decided to make me a lovely door wreath.  Here are pictures of the wreath and of them:

    

Today we needed to go shopping, which we did.  It was interesting to watch the mass exodus of RVs leaving the area (Michelle left today; Kim leaves tomorrow).  I guess it's back to work and school for everyone.

What will Memorial Day weekend be like? Day 1066 (Year 3, Day 334)

Lexington, NC

Should be an interesting weekend with the place really buzzing! I think every spot will be taken; most people who leave their rigs here and return during the summer will be back (I've already seen countless boats being brought in and several people opening and setting up their outdoor stuff). Lots of kids and dogs and grills going and boating and fishing and music. Campground is even having a DJ tomorrow night. I'll enjoy the peace and serenity for as long as I can!!!

The pool also opened today but I don't expect I'll have a chance to swim this weekend as it'll probably be overloaded with kids.  I'm preparing for Shabbat and perhaps we'll have a chance to use the pool after all the food is cooked and before it gets busy.

Meanwhile, the new anti-glare screen we bought is working beautifully.  I can now sit outside and work and watch all the people, rigs and boats go by, even stopping to talk to some folks as they pass.

Riding out the storm - Day 1064 (Year 3, Day 332)

Lexington, NC

Currently sitting in the McD's in Walmart, 13 miles away to seek shelter.  There are numerous tornado warnings, and watching the tv and radar online, they are expected to pass through our area in about 1/2 hr.  We left 1/2 hr ago, to get here in time to wait it out safely.  We've gone thru 3 other warnings in other places, and I really don't know why this time I just didn't feel safe seeking shelter in the bathhouse and wanted to go to a place more concrete and with more places to hide.  Mitch thinks I'm crazy but is a real sweetie humoring me.  I'd rather be wrong and eat crow than have my worst fears realized.  I'm sure everything will be fine and the storm will take a last minute turn.

UPDATE:  Yes, I was a wimp and worried about nothing.  The storm took a northern route and all we got was some heavy rain.  Better safe than sorry - I feel both.

Door fixed, and other thoughts - Day 1063 (Year 3, Day 331)

Lexington, NC

As you may recall, our inner (screen) door was broken as the welded-on hinges came off.  It has been quite a process trying to figure out how to fix them.  Two weeks ago, we were finally able to track down the door company that makes the hinges and had them shipped to us (the first time they sent the wrong ones).  Finally got the right ones yesterday, so today Mitch and Darryl spent the day putting the door back on (Mitch was off of work due to the rain, yet again.  Although it was raining, the awning was able to keep them dry).  So... things are back to normal - being able to keep the door open and see outside without letting the hot air in or cold air out or bugs in.  Happy again!  😀

Sad note, Darryl is leaving tomorrow.  It's been wonderful getting to know him.

On another note, Mitch and I feel like we're at a crossroads.  Some of our peers say it may be burn out, and perhaps they are correct.  On one hand, we feel like throwing in the towel and transitioning back to a bricks and mortar lifestyle; on the other hand -- who knows what???  We're SO on the fence right now.  Some days we wake up with the feeling that this isn't the lifestyle we dreamed of pursuing. We wanted to travel and we wanted to be in places where we could feel like we were making a difference in the community.  This has rarely been the case.  Due to Mitch's job, we don't have the flexibility to go where and when we choose and we're often in the same location for 6+ months.  Plus there's always the fear of running out of money due to maintenance and repair costs.  On one hand, the thought of giving up and renting an apartment somewhere is appealing.  On the other hand, it isn't!!!  I was ready this morning to put the RV and truck on the market for sale, but now I'm having 2nd thoughts.  I'm just not sure any more.  This certainly isn't the life we dreamed of when we started out on the journey, but do we really want to settle down again?  We know for sure that we never want to deal with maintenance such as mowing or shoveling snow, which pretty much means renting a place.  But do we want to deal with apartment neighbors? Maybe we just need some time out - to go on a vacation or something.  Sigh.

Winston-Salem - Day 1061 (Year 3, Day 329)

Lexington, NC

Wow, hard to believe it's been 2 weeks since I've written.  Wish I had stuff to tell, but unfortunately, no.  Same old, same old in the day in the life.

The only way our routine changed was that today we decided we really needed to seek out a Trader Joe's so I could stock up on more kosher meat, faux meat, and dark chocolate - things that are just not available at the stores in Lexington (very expensive Food Lion, Aldis or Walmart).  TJ was 40 miles away in Winston Salem, so we decided it was worth making the journey.  It was nice (at least to me) to ride on a highway and see a city with a nice skyline.

There are several things to do in the area, but unfortunately, Mitch and I were on totally different pages (neither of us felt like doing what the other one wanted - I would have enjoyed the large science/nature museum or a historical area; Mitch wasn't really in the mood for anything but perhaps leaned towards a winery/cidery which was 20 miles out of the way) so we landed up not doing anything other than drive and shop 😞.   Oh well, at least I got to see a skyline, we bought what we desperately needed, and I have the hopes that we can return when he's in a better mood.

Great weekend with Jess - Day 1048 (Year 3, Day 316)

Lexington, NC

Warning -- long post!

Last week (or the past 10 days since I've written) have not seen any particularly interesting or eventful activities other than work.  The screen door is still not fixed, but we did find a remedy that alleviates the claustrophobia: a mesh screen door that's generally used as a dog or kitty door.  It's designed so that it closes using a strip of heavy duty magnets in the center.  To open it, you just need to give it a little push, then it automatically closes due to the magnetic attraction.  The only real drawback is, unlike our screen door, it is not insulated so that it lets in the cold (or hot, humid) air and doesn't keep the a/c or heat in.  After all, it is a lightweight mesh door.  But I had to choose between darkness or air exchange.  For now, I'll take the air.  Besides, other than the mornings, we've had some nice temps where the a/c or heat isn't needed and fresh air is delightful.  Mitch is still working on trying to find a solution; currently working with a local welder to craft new hinges.

So... this past weekend was really wonderful.  Our lovely daughter Jessica drove the 100 miles to visit with us (she didn't bring the grandpup this time).  She arrived late Friday afternoon, so after getting settled, we took a walking tour around the campground and then just enjoyed a lovely Shabbat dinner.

On Saturday, we were very lax in our Shabbat observance in that we did ride and go to places where they sell things.  We avoided shopping by handing our money over to Jessica before the Sabbath (there's a loophole in the law here).  After our prayers, we left home around 10 am and our first stop was a farmer's market that was having its seasonal grand opening (unfortunately, they are only open Wed and Sat).  At last there are some crops coming into season, especially zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries, as well as lots of greens.  Everything looked so wonderful; just a great change from the processed stuff you get in the supermarket.  We picked up some beautiful tomatoes, scallions and kale.

Our next stop, which was around the corner, was a huge multicultural festival.  In addition to a large area filled with inflatables for kids, there were many separate areas dedicated to different cultures.  In each area, there were mini stages where they held performances, food tables and art/craft vendors.  There were also 2 larger stage areas for performances.  The cultures or countries represented were Native American, African, African-American, Asian, European, Polynesian, Mexican, South American.  The dance performances we watched were Native American, Hawaiian/Polynesian, Mexican, and Irish jigs.  There was also a performance sponsored by Purina of dogs doing neat jumping tricks.  We also heard a live jazz band.  We missed the dog circus, martial arts and many other performances though.  Below are some photos and videos of the event.

Videos of Indian drum circle which provided the music and chanting for the dancers, and a clip of a dancer:

  

Cute little kid getting into it:



Us in front of entrance to Native American area:



Dog trick:

Mexican dancers:



Irish dancers:



Jazz band:



After the festival, we headed home and arrived about 4pm.  We rested a while, until our next adventure which we left for at 7pm -- visiting a local cidery: Bull City, which was right around the corner from where we were during the day (a side note about that area:  it used to be a huge railroad depot and transport area.  Many of the buildings had become old and dilapidated, but lately they are being purchased and restored by places such as the farmers market and cidery.  It reminds me greatly of the River Arts District in Asheville).  They don't serve food there, but we placed a to-go order at Cagney's Kitchen and brought it with us.  Mitch and Jess enjoyed the various ciders (I had water).  They also have a number of board games there (including life size Jenga).  We took out a set of Cards Against Humanity (not a game for prudes!).  A woman came over to our table and asked if we were going to play, so we quickly invited her, her friend and their 2 adult daughters to join us.  A game of 3 became a game of 7 - much more fun!  It also turns out that the boyfriend of one of the women is someone that Mitch works with at the gas company and the colleague of his boss.  Small world!  The cidery also has a trivia night on Thursdays, and Pam and her boyfriend are on one of the teams.  They invited us to join them this week, and I think we'll try to go.

Sunday was another awesome day, as we rented a pontoon boat to ride around the lake and go fishing (still haven't caught my first fish yet).  We all took turns driving, but I think Jessica loved it the most.  She seemed to enjoy fishing, but I think I liked it more.  Mitch was happy just sitting and reading his magazine.  Here are some photos:

              

There was one time (twice, actually) that was especially scary - when we had to cross under a bridge.  Due to all the recent rains, the river was higher than normal.  We had to duck down as far as possible, as there was literally only inches between the bridge and the boat!  Here is a video:

Introduction:

The exciting video that captures it all is too large to upload, but if you click on this link, you will be able to view it: Click here to view video

That pretty much summed up this great weekend.  We returned from our boating adventure at 1:30pm and Jess hit the road by 2.  Mitch then took a nap, after which he proceeded to try to troubleshoot the door hinge again (not successful - he needs to make some calls on Monday).