It’s a beautiful world!

Today we began our journey across America. We’re leaving California to return to our new home in Loris, South Carolina. After a beautiful two days with our dear friends, Jeri and Gary; and being able to see a few other precious neighbors, we left early to begin The Adventure.

We stopped at Starbucks in Angels Camp, CA so I could get my favorite drink and DARYL his strong coffee. We are grateful for the Starbucks gift cards we received because they are really coming in handy! The staff at the Starbucks allowed me to take their picture because I told them this was where we were beginning a long journey. They were full of smiles and happy to oblige. Two gentlemen were sitting close by and asked if I wanted their picture too. I didn’t do it and in retrospect I really should have. Isn’t it marvelous how complete strangers engage in your life and want to be part of something out of the ordinary?

We had not driven the RV for a number of years and so after having it serviced, we were hoping and praying that it will do well. It purred along fantastically over route 88 and I thrived on the scenery. I rolled my windows down and let the wind bash my hair. I was singing so loudly and so vigorously that DARYL had to call me from the vehicle in which he was following me to say I was weaving on the road. I had to settle down a bit and pay attention to driving. I’m driving the RV and he’s driving the truck. It means that we each have to do a lot of driving instead of switching off, but it’s just fine.

Since we got up so early, we arrived at our campsite mid afternoon. It isn’t exactly what is pictured on the website. It’s called CANDY Beach. First of all, there is no beach. Secondly, when we arrived there, no one was there to greet us. The gorgeous bathrooms pictured online are nonexistent. We could not find a place to sign in. So I called the number and got a message that said “we are not taking overnighters. If you’re interested in a long-term rental, leave your phone number.” I took a chance and left my name and phone number and told them that I had been promised a spot. Very quickly I received a phone call and they said yes they would have a spot for me. So DARYL got the RV set up and hooked up and I started cleaning and nesting inside.

Our RV is named Tranquility and absolutely it does bring that to my life. Our dear friend, Lucie reupholstered the chairs and the valances around the windows as I’m getting ready to do a remodel project On the RV in my retirement.

There’s something incredibly serene about this little home on wheels that I just adore. It takes me to new places, let’s me meet new people and yet requires very little work.

Today I saw all kinds of Incredible life. There was a marmot who scurried off the road so I wouldn’t hit him. There were Lupines and mule’s ears. There were trees trying to recover from fires. A tiny gecko jumped from rock to rock. Ferns thrived by the waterside of creeks in the high mountain. I witnessed red Angus and Holstein’s lying side-by-side in deep green grasses. Soon after I crossed the Nevada line, a whole horde of grasshoppers hit my windshield. I had to put the windows up quickly so they wouldn’t come and get me. John Muir would have been in heaven cause he loved grasshoppers!

We stopped in a shopping center parking lot and ate our lunch in the RV. We appreciated our simple sandwiches and are grateful for halos and bananas!

For dinner, in the little town of Lovelock, Nevada, where we are camping, we managed to find a restaurant in a casino. The town itself looks quite depressed with many empty buildings and rundown storefronts. It was hard to find a clean chair in the restaurant and DARYL and I looked at each other and said we gotta give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the food tasted. We didn’t settle for anything grand, but it was delicious. Imagine our surprise when we got a senior discount. And the waitress was incredibly kind. She seemed very delighted that we were there. I love that kind of hospitality. The kind where you receive a friendly smile and a welcome even though you’re complete strangers.

I’m convinced that if we are tender and kind, we will grow a New World. We will not let hate and bigotry and unkindness rule. One of my goals in retirement is to be tender and gentle and bring peace to everyone I meet.

I’m still settling into this retirement thing and I’m liking it very much. It’s all new though, but I like the unknown of it. I remember when I was having chemo treatments that I prayed and ask God to let me make it to retirement. Well, I did and it’s thrilling. Thanks God!

May today hold extraordinary blessings for each of you! Perhaps you will share coffee with someone new, or send a card to someone who is facing difficult challenges. Or you might be the recipient of a surprise phone call from an old friend. It could be that today is a time of healing. I pray all of this for you! That life’s joys will whoosh in and carry you to blessedness! Luv you, Bonnie Lee