Honest Simplicity

my winding road to a simpler life

Tag: alabama

Goodbye Gulf Shores, Alabama

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We spent a wonderful two months at Luxury RV Resort in the town of Gulf Shores, Alabama but we have since moved on to Florida.  The RV park was quiet, clean, staffed with great people, and easily accommodated large rigs like ours.  The only downside I could Read the rest of this entry »

Roof Repairs, Dodging a Storm, & Exploring Fairhope

We’ve been staying in Gulf Shores, Alabama since mid-November, but we had to uproot ourselves and take our fifth wheel in for roof repairs on Monday, January 2.  We had discovered a roof leak after a heavy rain storm and it required more than a quick fix. Packing up and moving our home is a hassle.  Everything must be put away and secured for the drive (basically, it must be made earthquake-proof for bouncing down the road).  The stools must be stowed, toys put into bins, countertops cleared, bikes stored, coffee mugs wrapped, slides pulled in, tire covers folded away, and so on.

Only a few hours after we left town and dropped off our RV at the repair shop, a violent storm unexpectedly came through Gulf Shores.  By the time it hit, we were safe and cozy in Read the rest of this entry »

Thank You 2016

Today, we ended the year with a peaceful family walk in Gulf State Park.  The air smelled of fresh vegetation and ocean breezes.  We listened to birds chirping, paused at the still water to observe the sights and sounds, and even saw an alligator emerging from the tall grasses next to the trail (which made my daughter squeal and run away). I smiled as I watched my kids hold hands, I felt grateful for my loving husband, and I appreciated this whole experience.  The walk was a simple yet satisfying way to tie up the year.  2016 has been life-changing and wonderful.  We started January by buying a fifth wheel, uncertain about our future plans, and are finishing the year living out a dream.  Through all of the ups and downs, I feel blessed.  I’ve learned that pushing past fear and jumping into the unknown far surpasses holding tight to the illusion of a safe life.  Be willing to fail.  Take risks.  Follow your bliss.  Say no to regret and see what unfolds.

USS Alabama

We visited the USS Alabama battleship and the USS Drum submarine in Mobile, Alabama.  We went on a self-guided tour through the ship.  I was impressed with the size of the ship, its maze of rooms and corridors, and the effort it would have taken to keep everything running in wartime.  Many rooms are set up as they would have looked during the 1940s.  We all enjoyed our visit.  I suggest you wear good walking shoes and be prepared to get exercise going up and down narrow staircases.  The day happened to be our wedding anniversary.

Going South

We did it!  On the morning of November 13, we awoke early and scampered around the house, collecting our remaining belongings to pack into the RV.  It took longer than anticipated, but thankfully our friend, Connor, offered his help.  We drove south, saying goodbye to Denver.

We drove south through Colorado and into New Mexico.  The scenery in New Mexico was beautiful – the many layers of colored earth paired with various grasses would have Read the rest of this entry »

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