One step closer September 26, 2019, 04:12:51 pm Listed the house this morning. One step closer!I’ve already been sorting through memories that have been living in cardboard boxes for years. Yesterday’s treasures seem not so important today. Truth be told, they now look like trinkets that I shouldn’t have spent money on in the first place. I’ll be much more frugal moving forward. Lesson learned.Having read so many others’ experiences, and knowing that could have easily been me, I’ll not be paying to store “things”. So off to friends and family some go. Other items to the yard sale. And what’s left will be donated to the useful objects space at the recycling center. Even though I’m a spry late 50’s, I can’t bring myself to get another mortgage and I’ve no interest at all in working to pay rent for an apartment. That said, like many others, I plan to full time in a LD. I’m actually very excited about it. Many, many thanks to all who I met at at the Cooperstown caravan recently. The fellowship was genuine and warm and I was able to see inside a number of different models. The MB is for me. And now as I sort through everything I can see in my minds eye the LD and know what to keep, and that’s not a whole lot! Thanks to all on this forum for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s certainly making a difference in my life. Cheers! Morty 10 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #1 – September 26, 2019, 08:35:26 pm Morty,There is a thread on the forum titled Relics From The Past. It’s a great place to post photos of those “Special Momentos” that you have fond memories for you. It’s been said by many...”Take a picture. It’ll last longer”. Before your collections hit the yard sale or family treasure trove, how ‘bout attaching some of those favorites here. Love to see ‘em.Congrats on the big move.Kent 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #2 – September 27, 2019, 09:19:36 am Morty, we are glad that you came to join us at Cooperstown. It seems that you have gained the knowledge about floor plans that was desired. Best wishes and safe travels enjoying your new life-style. And BTW, you are always welcome to join us again if our paths cross.Bob 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #3 – September 29, 2019, 07:56:28 pm You never know, our paths may very well cross again. I’d like that. If I had it to do all over again I’d not have left after the tech talk. And would have spent more time making new friends. I missed meeting Monica and several others. Morty
Re: One step closer Reply #4 – October 03, 2019, 07:12:42 am The first showing of the house is Saturday morning. Oh my goodness... I'm both excited and nervous. Which means that randomly throughout the day I can break out in big, bright smiles or moments of panic. My keep box grows smaller yet as I come to realize how little I really need. I'm curious, how many plates, bowls, mugs, etc do you all carry in your rigs? Settings for two, four? 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #5 – October 03, 2019, 08:07:31 am Morty, give some thought to how you will be RVing most of the time. Will you routinely have need for a setting for four? If so, there is your answer. But, if most of the time, you will be traveling solo, or with a traveling partner, then a setting for two should be enough. If you decide to host a party, you can usually pick up some paper plates and plastic ware.How and what will you cook/bake? Some RVers like to do both, and carry the gear they need to operate. Others, like us, prefer to simply "nuke" most of our meals, eat out, or have something that does not require preparation. So, we carry only a minimum of cooking gear.Finally, as a full-timer, you will need to carry everything you need with you. Your RV will have weight limitations depending on size and floor plan. Make sure you have the necessary stuff on board first, then consider items like additional place settings, pots, and personal options last. After loading up the RV, please consider getting it 4 corner weighed. It is best that you do not exceed the GVWR rating of the chassis. You might also need to move some things around to get the rig better balanced.Best wishes for a successful transition to full-timing. Bob 2 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #6 – October 03, 2019, 09:36:30 am Quote from: Morty - October 03, 2019, 07:12:42 amThe first showing of the house is Saturday morning. Oh my goodness... I'm both excited and nervous. Which means that randomly throughout the day I can break out in big, bright smiles or moments of panic. My keep box grows smaller yet as I come to realize how little I really need. I'm curious, how many plates, bowls, mugs, etc do you all carry in your rigs? Settings for two, four? We, LB and I, have for four plus years enjoyed camping and traveling in baxter. Lizbeth is in charge of food (trust me nobody in my family wants me to cook) and food prep. We found that a peared down version of our home is the best path. Since we spend the majority of our time just the two of us that's all we take on the road. Our food and food prep is almost indistinguishable in home or baxter. glen 2 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #7 – October 03, 2019, 11:43:13 am Quote from: colddog - October 03, 2019, 09:36:30 am We found that a peared down version of our home is the best path. Since we spend the majority of our time just the two of us that's all we take on the road. Our food and food prep is almost indistinguishable in home or baxter. While we do eat out more when we travel, the rest of the time we eat the same things we do at home, Our LD's kitchen is small version of home, with the same seasonings, staples and utensils. With the LD parked outside in the driveway, it is often raided for some item we have run out of or need in the house.We are socialble and have had friends in for dinner hundreds of times over during our 24 years of LDing, a setting for four is always carried. A stack of paper plates and plastic silverware will do fine for guests too.Larry 3 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #8 – October 03, 2019, 01:39:57 pm Morty, Good Luck with your home sale! Most times that is bittersweet, if you have house/home memories.I took way, way too much stuff my maiden voyage, and the wrong kinda things. You wouldn't know by looking at me but food is not a priority. Besides you have to be a gymnast to light the oven. I was gone for months and ate out very little, pretty much fixed salads with goodies, sandwiches, smoothies and of course chocolate. I took advantage of Schwan when I was parked somewhere long enough. I have a decent propane grill but never used, might this year as I won't be moving as much.So, I had more dishes than I needed. I had more towels, bedding, and clothes than I needed. Its a fine balance between having enough you don't do laundry a lot(underwear) and not ever wearing all the outfits. My mother insisted you always have a little black dress and the quarter to use the phone(going to have to think about that combination)but I never once dressed up past "go to early dinner". Not taking any dress up clothes this year. Not taking but four pairs of shoes, well maybe five. Took just the right amount of canned and boxed goods, just enough so you don't HAVE to stop/shop.What I am taking is more electronics, books on tape, learn Spanish, books, laptop, hotspot, puzzles, word games, find the picture, what's different books. Last year was COLD and I was inside more than I anticipated. If I may borrow from Joan, YMMV 2 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #9 – October 03, 2019, 08:41:46 pm Wow, a lot of good information from all of you. I thank you so much! I’m a bit of a foodie. I love to cook, bake, grill all of it. I find experimenting and trying new things in the kitchen great fun! You could drop me off at a grocer and come back hours later and I’d still be exploring the shelves. I saw Andy Bairds cupboard modification and know I’ll definitely need that! Half mile, I’ll leave the little black dress for you, but a quarter for the phone, books on tapes and the internet sounds like a plan I could live with. What did you do to ward off the cold in your rig?
Re: One step closer Reply #10 – October 03, 2019, 09:29:08 pm "I'm a bit of a foodie. I love to cook, bake, grill all of it. I find experimenting and trying new things in the kitchen great fun! You could drop me off at a grocer and come back hours later and I'd still be exploring the shelves. I saw Andy Bairds cupboard modification and know I'll definitely need that! "Like Larry, we eat the same from scratch meals when traveling as we do at home. I don't experiment as much in the Lazy Daze as at home, but the finished products are indistinguishable. Since you like to grill, I would suggest that you batch grill meat to last you a week, and freeze half of it for the last half of the week. I always cook at least four servings of any starch, and then fresh steam a vegetable at meal time. I keep tapioca pudding on hand (very easy to make and keeps well) to support a small dab of ice cream after dinner.Morphing is the name of the game with the meat: Hamburger or meatloaf can turn into spaghetti sauce, which morphs to chili with a change of seasonings, and some beans added. Still some left? How about a burrito, taco, or tostada? Sloppy Joe on a bun? When cooking hamburgers, go ahead and cook a few extra for the above possibilities.This magic works on any meat and sauce. If you are a vegetarian, then . . . well, I'm not, so not clear how to proceed! ;-> Don't skimp on the herbs and spices. You'll be surprised at how many delicious things you can make by changing up on the spices and herbs. Ordinary noodles/pasta (any shape) can be made heavenly with butter, grated cheese, or sour cream, and some herbs. Added veggies take away the guilt, and don't dilute the pleasure. If you like black olives, they are really a delightful addition to a lot of things.You can jump start long-cooking items in a really good vacuum bottle to save time, fuel and/or heat in the coach. An InstantPot or slow cooker will provide many delights with almost no effort, too.As you experiment, ask questions. There are a lot of "cooks" on this list! ;-> Virtual hugs, Judie•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~• 3 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #11 – October 03, 2019, 10:19:47 pm You asked about keeping warm in your LD. We did the following low-tech things to keep us warm when we found ourselves in spots colder than we had imagined (I now know why Alpine, TX is so-named):Cover the front windshield and side windows with Reflectix (found in Home Depot/Lowe's). Drape the front (the driver's and passenger's seats forward) with a blanket...fleece is lightweight, rolls up like a bedroll and easily washed when necessary. Drape the entry door as well. You will be greatly surprised by the amount of cold that comes in via both locations. Keep the shades down...yes, like living in the the toe of a sock, but when it's cold and you want to be warm...Invest in a remote controlled electric heater...not more than 1200 watts on max speed. It will help supplement the LD propane heater. Some utilize 2 600 watts heaters...one closer to the front of the cabin and the second closer to the back.Cover the ceiling vents with covers (LD used to sell and maybe still does snap on covers). Contributes to the cave-like feeling, but does help in keeping the warm in and cold at bay.Use Reflectix to cover the shower dome and keep the shower curtain fully deployed. You will be shocked by how much cold air comes down into the shower without this cover.As to cooking, like Judy, we always ate/cooked as at home. The Crockpot is a great RV assistant, especially if you're out and about all day sightseeing of all sorts. To come home to an RV filled with good smells and dinner ready is very, very nice.Before we sold "Wild Thing" this summer to better accommodate our new lives, we lived and traveled in her 7 months a year for 12+ years, traveled cross country coast to coast many times, settling in 3 days here and 2 weeks there and a couple of months at a time as we wished. It was grand. And the money was well spent and never regretted for even a nanosecond!Travel on in good health!TinaPFormer Owner of "Wild Thing" 2006 MB 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #12 – October 03, 2019, 11:04:15 pm Quote from: Morty - October 03, 2019, 08:41:46 pm I saw Andy Bairds cupboard modification and know I’ll definitely need that! . What did you do to ward off the cold in your rig?The added pantry works only in the Mid-Bath and Twin/King. By buying the matching pantry doors from LD and match wooding for the frame, the new pantry can be made to look like it was installed at the Factory. The doors I used were the stock pantry doors from the entry in a Mid-BathMid-bath pantry-Maple | FlickrMid-bath pantry- Cherry | FlickrFor heat while dry camping, invest in a Wave catalytic heater and plumb it into the board propane system.The Waves are 97% efficient and use no battery power. The stock furnace is very inefficient and uses a lot of battery power, we use it only to warm up a cold interior and then maintain the temp with with one or both of the cat heaters, depending on the exterior temperature. Bath catalytic heater | FlickrCat heater in lounge | FlickrLarry 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #13 – October 04, 2019, 12:07:26 am A mesh bag with onions, potatoes or sweet potatoes, heads of garlic. A celery stalk, a bag of carrots, eggs, and butter go into the fridge. Hamburger, sausage patties, diced ham, diced bell pepper go into the freezer. Spices, Mirepoix and friends soup is a ready backup plan. I never saw a farmers market I didn't like. Those are some of my favorite things. 2 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #14 – October 04, 2019, 12:50:06 am Monty, we like to do a lot of cooking. And we like to cook different (and new) meals regularly including a lot of ethic meals.We looked strongly at what we wanted to use and went with as little as we could while still able to do a variety of meals.We use a thermal pot a lot! Thermos brand thermal cooking We got the RPC 6000 W model with two pots so we can cook 2 things at once (if we are only cooking one pot we fill the other with hot water).We had to adjust crock pot recipes some to make them work in the thermal cooker but we really like it. The only thing that we used to do regularly in our sticks and bricks house and can't do in our thermal cooker is dry roast meats (eg. roasted chicken).We use the thermos pots to cook/warm up things on the stove that are quick to cook (e.g. artichokes), so they do double duty.We have two cast iron pans (griddle and frying pan with lid that could be a small dutch oven) and a stainless steel frying pan.Several times I have had to wait to use one of the thermos pots because I was cooking something but that happens only about once a month on average.Since we plan to boondock a lot we purposely included very few electric cooking devices (only a ninja smoothie maker so far - we even gave up the hand blender).From our sticks and bricks home, we lowered the amount of cooking utensils we have so we have only 1 or 2 of each type (e.g. one whisk, not 3), but we likely have more than most people who don't do a lot of cooking of different things all the time.We use extra shelving to fit more plates/bowls into one cabinet (includes paper and non paper items).We do have a lot of spices, flavorings, etc. that we take. Though if something sits too long not being used it I start eyeing it to get into the trash.Yes, we have the full size pantry and I could not imagine living without one. In fact I could easily use at least another one at least half that size or larger.Since we make the space for cooking items, we give up some space others use for something else. But this works for us.Jane 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #15 – October 04, 2019, 08:10:13 am Judie, I’m a diabetic omnivore though I’m focusing more these days on a plant based diet. Like Joel and many others fresh and local from farmers markets are my first choice. I am wondering now if there might be farmers markets listed by state. I’ll need to google that.Jane, I am really intrigued by thermal cooking! I looked at the site and scanned through some recipes. Wow, that Vietnamese Beef Pho sounds perfect for this chilly fall day! I like the fact that once the food is heated and the unit assembled there is no longer a need for external energy. I’ll be doing quite a bit of boondocking so energy management is going to be a big deal. Like Tina’s toe of the sock. In the recent past I watched a cheaprv living video where Jeannie spoke about her rig and noted how well she like her catalytic heater. Truth be told that video was what got me interested in Lazy Daze. And what led me to Andy’s blog, this site and the Cooperstown Caravan I recently attended. Larry, it looks like you took that one step further and did a hard install of that type of heater. Did you do the work yourself? I’m off. I’ve an open studio this weekend and the showing so much yet to do. Thank you all again. You can’t begin to know how much I appreciate all that you’ve shared. And for making me feel welcome. You meet the nicest people in a Lazy Daze. 🙂
Re: One step closer Reply #16 – October 04, 2019, 09:51:50 am Two thoughtsFoodAbout three to four weeks before we 'trip' LB freezes stuff. As those items get 'used' we remember there are grocery stores here and there in the USA. On long trips we do a bit of Walmart boondocking so Walmart get a bit of our $$ in restocking this and that. Interesting we tend to eat less and a tad more healthy on the road. Lots of salads and fresh fruit. Warmth/coolingOthers have covered the major points so I'll stick to the sleeping parts. Warm socks - probably my greatest addition to sleeping in cold weather and maybe a warn wool hat. glen 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #17 – October 04, 2019, 10:07:38 am I agree with all of the comments, especially regarding a cat heater. We use ours all the time because we especially like dry camping at higher elevations. I have attached a couple of pix to show our set up.Also, I learned this old maxim as a Sierra backpacker: If you want to keep your hands and feet warm, wear a wool cap. It's true, and really works. Your head is one of the largest heat losses on your body. Sleep in a wool cap. 2 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #18 – October 04, 2019, 10:31:54 am Morty, you've received some good tips and information; there are hundreds of "fulltime" blogs and websites and videos, but starting with these links may provide some of the basics:10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Fulltime RVing… – Wheeling ItMobile Internet Resource Center - Mobile Internet Resource CenterCould RV Living Be Your Dream? Let's Find Out!!Since you seem to have already started the downsizing process in preparation for a lifestyle change and (tentatively?) decided that a Mid-bath is your choice, you may want to "prioritize" the search for the rig; solid used LDs are out there, but it may take a while to find one that meets your criteria. Fulltime RV living is obviously very different from part-time tripping; I encourage you to research all of the elements of the lifestyle and talk to as many fulltimers in as many situations as you can. Regardless of what type of rig one fulltimes in, or is one is single or paired, and where and how one plans to "goseedo", there are many in-common points that need to be considered to make the transition as smooth as possible. As ever, YMMV. 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #19 – October 04, 2019, 12:05:32 pm Thanks Joel, I had never heard of Mirepoix, now I'm going to try and make some. Sounds perfect, does it freeze?Of course I liked all the beef ideas as well, especially now that red meat isn't bad for you anymore!Joan, thanks for the websites. Monty, as far as staying warm, I use my furnace a bit but mostly a small electric heater. My whole plan is to stay away from cold weather. The other thing to take is quarters, not for phone calls(LOL) but laundry.I found those mesh laundry bags a complete waste of effort and went to a pop up type. I also changed detergent to those pod things. Soap out of a pump dispenser much better than bar. Most folks probably know these things but lessons learned for me. I am excited for your journey to begin, warning...can be addictive! 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #20 – October 04, 2019, 12:46:26 pm The OP asked about farmers' markets; this USDA site lists many, but there are other local/seasonal/specialty markets that may not be listed, or markets which have appeared since the USDA site was last updated. It's always best to check locally for what's going on; keep in mind that standards, prices, and product availability, quality, and selection vary widely, that most markets are seasonal, and that many may focus on prepared foods and crafts rather than on produce. Local Food Directories: National Farmers Market Directory | Agricultural... 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #21 – October 05, 2019, 02:23:31 am Morro - yes the very little stove time is why we got the thermal pot. Bring to a simmer or just to a boil and it is ready to go into the thermos. The only thing not that easy is cooking from dried beans. We do the typical overnight soak but need to cook it more longer on the stovetop. Or you could use canned beans. My latest theory - we need to be very generous with water for beans and than it might not need the extra cooking (either use the bean cooking water in another dish or just toss it). But I put a canner (the kind for beans)on my wish list as I could do beans from dried and have a couple already and ready to use and make some sauces also - ready to use. We would like that better the store bought. A very nice aspect of the thermal pot is that the food stays hot for almost 24 hours. So we can cook overnight and eat in the morning or that evening and not be tied to a certain time when it is “done”. That flexibility is nice.Jane 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #22 – October 05, 2019, 02:20:11 pm "Judie, I'm a diabetic omnivore though I'm focusing more these days on a plant based diet. Like Joel and many others fresh and local from farmers markets are my first choice. I am wondering now if there might be farmers markets listed by state. I'll need to google that."I am currently on a tapioca kick, and have recently discovered almond milk. These two discoveries may fit in splendidly with your diabetic needs. Almond milk is 30 calories per cup (whole milk is 160!), and, while it would never be mistaken for real cow's milk, it does make a very passable pot o' pudding!If your tastes run to whole grains, fruits, and veggies, then the are likely to be your first stop in any town. The dazzling array of colors always gets my photographic "juices" in full swing.To enlarge upon Jane's rendition of using a thermal cooker . . .I have a regulation large one, but find that I most use a three-cup Nissan Thermos vacuum bottle for "cooking" purposes for a few things. All the same benefits - just not the huge quantity of "product". Pre-heating the Nissan is a big help. For two people, this is usually more than sufficient; for one, it would be even more useful, I would think.For instance, last night I did quinoa in the Nissan, and it was beyond perfect. I pre-heated it, added 1/2 cup of quinoa grains, and filled it about 7/8ths of the way to the top with boiling water, leaving that open space for expansion of the grain. Et voilá - it came out perfect and fluffy, and basically filled the Nissan. We had THREE cups of light, fluffy, protein packed quinoa for dinner - and probably two more dinner starch servings for this week. It keeps well. Virtual hugs, Judie 1 Likes
Re: One step closer Reply #23 – October 06, 2019, 01:39:11 pm Thank you again for sharing your insights, experiences and knowledge. The links and cooking ideas have been especially helpful.The house was shown twice yesterday. Part of me wants to starting talking with folks who may be thinking of selling their midbath in the near future, another part says wait until the house closes and the money to pay for a rig is in the bank and ready to go. I anticipate my budget being in the $20-25k range (plus quarters for the laundry mat) so that reduces the number of rigs for me as well. For what it’s worth, I love all the colors except red. It’s a spiritual thing I guess. In the past I had a Eurovan camper for several years, and a fifth wheel too (although that was fairly stationary) so I’ve a pretty good idea of what I need, and want, moving forward. Thanks again to all of you.Morty
Re: One step closer Reply #24 – October 06, 2019, 02:51:48 pm "I'm curious, how many plates, bowls, mugs, etc do you all carry in your rigs? Settings for two, four?"MortyI carry the very best china and tableware in my LD. But, you will note that they are all constructed of paper or plastic. If it serves me it can also serve my guests and I rarely have to worry about a lot of dirty dishes. The pots an pans are the exception but the dog helps me with cleanup. I do have a Thermal Cooker but rarely use it. After discovering a unique tool at an 'all you can eat' seafood buffet I decided to add a set to my collection. It's sort of a 'can-opener' device designed to remove the shell from shrimp or crab. Mine are made of stainless steel. 2 Likes
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