Blogging, Ingrid's Corner

Dealing with Fear & Anxiety

by Ingrid
bee inflight with purple flowers

With the world turned upside down at the moment, many of us are conflicted with a range of emotions. I have friends who are dealing with anxiety and fear while others appear to feel slightly concerned or even indifferent to life’s new reality surrounding us.

We all deal with stresses differently and it doesn’t mean there’s a right way or a wrong way, it’s merely an individual process. I think we can all agree, regardless of how we’re dealing with this new world order created by a pandemic, life is anything but normal lately.

orange flowers

Stay Home, Stay Safe

The majority of people aren’t used to staying at home 24/7 with their partner, children, or by themselves. As social animals, being quarantined is not in our genetic makeup and when the days blend into weeks, many of us are getting a little cross-eyed.

Admittedly, my life isn’t vastly different, but it is different. It’s a little quieter in our RV and around the RV Park. Our days are also a little less hectic without places to visit and a list of things to do.

tea and crumpets, KitKat candy barAlthough we are tackling a few RV maintenance projects which offer a sense of accomplishment, I actually feel calmer these days looking at a blank calendar, and with all this calm, Al and I have managed to start a new daily routine.

We’re finally exercising every morning … sometimes together and sometimes alone. We still continue to do some work every day on our computers. And we even started a new afternoon tradition … afternoon tea and crumpets.

Even though our tea is very English, I assure you, our crumpets are not, and may take on the look of a good old-fashioned American KitKat candy bar. Perfect crumpet for me! Yep, accepting our new reality hasn’t been all bad around our RV home.

So in short, Al and I are holding up rather well. We have a pantry full of food, a roof over our heads, and a beautiful spot to call ‘home’. Although I may not feel fearful for myself, I do have plenty of concerns and fear for others, but I try not to allow those emotions to rule my day.

cactus needles
Fear and anxiety can feel like a tangled mess of thorns.

Sitting in fear will make you more fearful. Taking small actionable steps can help you cope, overcome, and feel empowered. And when you feel empowered, you can tackle anything!

7 Actionable Tips to deal with fear and anxiety

Be creative. Now’s the time to tap into your creativity and tackle a project you’ve dreamed of doing. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, write a book, knit, or refinish furniture. Take an online class or watch YouTube videos on “how-to” … whatever it is that interests you, let the creative juices flow. Personally, I’ve been binging on photography tutorials.

Humorous Pinterest PinFocus on health. Think about proper nourishment and avoid stress eating. Start an at-home exercise regimen. Now more than ever, we need to think about taking control of our health and dealing with any underlying health issues. Perhaps losing weight will assist in improving those issues. Experiment in the kitchen with new recipes and learn to meal prep.

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, but when plain water gets boring, brew some tea or coffee. Play around with making your own latte or try replicating that tea you love at the local Chinese restaurant.

Did you know most Chinese restaurants serve a blended tea? Yep, it’s a combination of Oolong Tea and Jasmine Green Tea, and I’ve nailed it – yum! Now if only I could perfect that Orange Chicken entrée

Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine of all. Call a friend, watch a comedian, play with your dog or children, play with your partner and laugh. Laugh about life. Laugh about the craziness of it all. There are plenty of talented YouTubers putting their own humorous spin on this pandemic that can keep you laughing for hours.

Engage in a new activity. When was the last time you had a spare moment for a frivolous activity like doing a jigsaw puzzle? How about family night playing games? How about a virtual happy hour with friends? Now’s a great time to embrace a new form of fun.

Read. Read uplifting, inspirational stories, phrases and quotes. Be inspired to write your own story. Share your favorite story or your writings with others. We could all use a little uplifting inspiration these days.

hiking trail in Phoenix

Get into nature. Go for a stroll. If that’s not currently allowed in your area, then venture into the backyard or onto a deck and breath in some fresh air. Sit outside or near a window and listen to the birds, admire the spring flowers, and feel the breeze.

Slow your breath, calm your mind, and relax. Be okay with doing nothing. Embrace boredom. And when you have nothing left to do, go take a shower. I don’t know about you, but this whole pandemic has messed with my head. I have trouble keeping track of the days. One day blends into another kind of like that movie “Groundhog Day” or perhaps like a GIF … a repetitive reel. So remember to take a shower and change your clothes even if you are working from home.

Don’t allow fear to paralyze you. Take control of your life and have faith.

My signature

(Our version of tea and crumpets . This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support )

Sweese Porcelain Teapot
Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Tea
Guylian Belgium Chocolates

88 thoughts on “Dealing with Fear & Anxiety”

  2. Thank you for posting some really simple and feasible actionable steps to take during this quarantine time. I just ordered a puzzle to do with my family and can’t wait for it to arrive. Your photography is really cool too! -Lee

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  3. I found your blog through RVTravel. Love your photography and articles! We stayed at Pioneer for a week in mid-March…perhaps we even smiled and said “hi” to you. Our daughter lives 7 miles from Pioneer and we enjoy staying there when we’re in the area. (Spent a week at Lost Dutchman too.)

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    1. Small world! We now rent an annual lot here at Pioneer. Therefore when you’re back in the area visiting, be sure and let me know. Lost Dutchman SP still remains my favorite place to camp in the valley. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Maybe we’ll be able to meet next season.

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  4. Ingrid these are wise words and sage advice. Dave and I are doing pretty well but there are times when the whole pandemic seems completely overwhelming. I’ll be thinking of your post in future times of distress.

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    1. I know this virus has turned the world upside down. Who would’ve ever envisioned businesses/restaurants being closed like this? I’m hopeful, we’ll be back into the swing of life by June 1. Fingers crossed I’m right 🤞

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        1. There’s already talk in AZ about starting to loosen restrictions on May 1st. We haven’t been hit hard. I think heat and sun may have something to do with it, but I’m no expert 😏

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  5. Good tips. My husband, Greg, and I live in a van – so in a lot of ways we are way ahead of everyone else on this lifestyle change. We are used to being with each other 24/7 in a very small place. Greg thinks we are going to end up healthier than everyone else after this whole thing is over because we have been able to get out and hike for 3 to 5 hours a day.

    I miss the constant travel – we are used to staying anywhere for longer than 2 or 3 days but it is nice to not have the constant planning of where to go next.

    Everyone has their unique challenges during this time but I believe if we all pull together we will get through this better and stronger.

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    1. Yep, for those of us living full-time in tiny homes (RVs), we’re used to not seeing other people, but each other, regularly. I too feel because of our outdoor active lifestyle that our immune systems may be better at tackling illness. I’ve read Vit D (sunshine) and heat may kill off Covid. Time will tell. I’m ready for some normalcy so we can hit the road.

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  6. Afternoon tea sounds like a lovely way to relax after a day of staying in, and your choice of a Kit Kat crumpet is right up my alley.

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    1. We are enjoying our afternoon tea, especially with our beautiful weather right now. We usually have the fridge stocked well with ‘crumpets’ and ready to share for a future visit … whenever that might be 😉

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  8. Ha ha ha you are so funny! How did you know we are not taking a shower?
    For the activity, our not new but rather forgotten game of scrabble was dug out from the basement and back on the table. We used to play this game but there were more interesting interruptions outdoor that it was shelved back. And now, thanks to Corona, we are playing again, although the score is 2-1 with him in the lead 🙂

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    1. It’s called water conservation 🤣 We all need to do our part living in the desert, huh! Sounds like you and Steve have found ways to keep yourselves entertained during this most unusual time. And hey, he has the advantage of English being his only language while English was your second language.

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  9. We’ve wondered how all of our RVing friends are doing. We know living together in a tiny house means we’ve learned to get along-and many of us are used to cooking at home. I’ve not kept up so I was glad to see this in my Facebook feed. I think our lifestyle has helped us cope. As long as all the RVers are able to stay where they are-or have a home base to return to, I know they’ll be fine! It sounds like y’all are doing great. We’re thankful we are where we are-settled back down in a sticks n bricks house….near a beach!

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    1. Nice to hear from you Debbie. Seems like you made a wise choice with the house considering everything going on not only in the world but in your personal life. One day we’ll find a sticks and bricks that’ll work for us. Our time is getting closer 😎

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      1. Oh yes!!! In the meantime, check off everything on your bucket list!!! We are so SAD we didn’t get out west. While we are trying to hit a few locations, there is NOTHING like having your own kitchen/spices/cooking utensils, ALL your clothes (we can’t predict the weather!), bed and bathroom. On our first trip in the winter, we forgot our coats, all laid out on the couch to grab on our way out. We won’t say which person was supposed to grab them!!! 😂
        Our next trip will be to the Poconos with our grandsons….soon. Myrtle Beach is locked up too right to bring them here…and we’ll have them closer to their parents for a trip home since we’re working around the cancelled school schedules….

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          1. We have had to put off our Poconos trip….so now we just want our health to stabilize!!! BUT this fall, we at least hope to get back to the Smokeys. We had a reservation that is on hold until things open up….

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    1. We had a very low key enjoyable Easter Sunday. And we’re not complaining about our new routine around the RV, but we’ll definitely be ready to roll come June!

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  11. I don’t think I’m going to run out of things to do, even if we end up having to shelter in place for a year. Maybe I can get caught up on our blog, LOL. But we still hope to get to Michigan this summer…if possible. Sounds like you guys are keeping a positive attitude and enjoying “The Great Pause.” Take care, stay healthy! I’m going to try your idea of blending oolong and green tea. 🙂

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    1. As you said, this is a ‘great pause’ and I’m hopeful come June, we’ll all be rolling again. I’m not sure if we’ll stay put all summer on private property or if we’ll actually explore and venture to new campgrounds. Time will tell. And let me know if you do try blending Oolong and Jasmine tea. It has become my new favorite!

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  12. Great Post Today – so needed it!!! Work is busy due to being in the support-side of health care, so self-care is always important to me. I have been doing more walking, just hanging and talking with my mister man and reading (ventured into the Kindle world). Be Safe and Take Care 🙂

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    1. Well, it’s good to hear you’re still working, yet I’m sure there’s a health concern on your part. Enjoy what quiet time you can and stay safe and healthy 🙂

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  13. Hi, Ingrid,
    Last week went like this:
    Me: You Tube photo tutorials, binge-watching “Jack Ryan”, old golf tournaments on Golf channel, letters to the grandchildren.

    Helen: Jigsaw puzzles, preparing food for shut-ins and friends in the medical profession, phone calls with gal-pals.

    Both: Walking through the neighborhood, Easter services on virtual church.

    Your thorns image is a great one! Stay well. Joe

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    1. Seems like you and Helen found a survial routine 😃 Time will tell, but I bet many are discovering new strengths during this time of isolation. Self discovery can be very enlightening.

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  14. At least we didn’t have to get used to being with our spouses so much. Aside from no happy hours here, the days remain very much the same as before. Walking in the park and on the beach, if I just “happen” to walk when my girlfriend does we stay on opposite sides of the road. We only make one run to town a week, I’ve gotten lots of reading in, and I’ve had time to finish healing from my fall on 2/29. Dave has done, according to him, the last wax on the RV and we’ve done some purging of a few places we haven’t gone through in a few years, of course, he is keeping us well fed. Watching the weather, think we’ll make our dash north a little earlier than planned, just waiting for stuff from Amazon to arrive. Stay safe!!

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    1. We too minimize shopping and contact with other people (always keeping 6′ apart). Yeah, for those of us living in our RVs, life with our spouses is pretty much the same. We’re used to the constent togetherness. Obviously, Al and I aren’t working anymore, giving us plenty of time to finally tackle the RV maintenance list. Take care and safe travels north!

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  15. Gorgeous photos, as usual, Ingrid! From what I’ve read and heard, it seems that many homebound people experienced an initial period of restlessness and felt at loose ends. Those who focused on a routine, set new pandemic appropriate goals, challenged themselves to learn something new or found a comfortable way to stay in touch with family and friends seem to be riding out the storm reasonably well. A huge round of applause to all of the essential employees who are providing services like mail delivery, lodging, auto repair, etc., or working hard to keep our supply lines open and supplies available to us. Those working in healthcare deserve that applause, too, as well as hero medals. So many people in a wide variety of fields are going above and beyond to get us all through this. Alan and I had started a few major projects here at home after the holidays which are all ongoing, so we have plenty to keep us occupied, but we’re still missing our favorite pizza place since it’s a bit too far for takeout. Love your tea and crumpets routine – maybe it will be a keeper in your post-pandemic days!

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    1. Thank you Mary, and yes, all those workers need to be thanked. We too miss the occasional going out to eat but have managed to support some local restaurants with carry-outs. I feel for all the workers that have lost their jobs.
      We do enjoy our afternoon tea. Take care!

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  16. Ingrid, I agree with you on more of a calm schedule/day. Almost every morning my husband and I greet each other with “Groundhog Day.” Your seven tips are very doable. I notice how “laugh” is also in the title of your blog. Funny again, as I continue to read to the end of your post, yes “Groundhog Day.” I had a mini belly laugh on your last sentence. Yes, shower and change your clothes. I am hearing how this has become less common. A great post!

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    1. Although our lives haven’t personally changed all that much, we’re still surrounded by a new reality that has even Al and me forgetting what day of the week it is and trying to remember when we last showered 🤣 Hmm, and I’m also doing less laundry meaning we must be wearing the same clothes day in and day out 😂 “Hey Honey, what’s that funny smell in the RV?”
      P.S. I showered today and am wearing clean clothes! 🤗

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    1. Thank you! Yeah, the Pickle ball gang is still going strong but everything else at Pioneer is on lockdown. Sorry I missed you before you left.

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  19. It’s great to see you and AL working on projects and hiking together, Ingrid. I am one of those who refuse to buy into this new normal but see it as a “temporary” normal. We feel blessed to both be working and getting our normal paychecks. As long as a grocery store is open for a food run, and Home Depot stays open for our home projects, we have plenty to occupy us. Two of our favorite local restaurants have take-out, and one even included their happy hour margaritas in our order last week (of course we paid for them). Your pictures lifted MY spirits today, and I hope you are enjoying your Easter Sunday!

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    1. It feels good to finally tackle our long list of RV projects and we’re thankful Home Depot and the RV dealer are open for supplies. We’re doing take-outs here and there to help support our local workers. It’s a tough time for many. You guys take care and stay healthy! I hope you can get up to Spokane soon.

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  20. Hi, Ingrid – I am glad to hear that you and Al are doing well. You’re right. We have lots to be grateful for. Still, fear and anxiety can easily take over in times like these. I agree with your tips and the reminder to laugh.
    Stay well.

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    1. Having a great sense of humor has allowed Al and me to maintain sanity in many of life’s challenges, and believe me, he and I have endoured our fair share of challenges over our many years together. Keep smiling and stay safe!

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    1. Sorry to hear your RV wheels won’t be rolling. At least BC is beautiful during the summer. We’re hoping to roll in June sometime to escape the Phoenix summer heat and get up to northern Wisconsin for some great summer weather and lake time. Fingers crossed this isolation won’t go past May! Take care 😊

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    1. Thank you. I wish the photo was a little sharper but I won’t complain considering I didn’t setup for action. I was more focused on the blooms themselves.

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        1. Hmm, interesting perspective that I didn’t think about. Thanks! I almost didn’t post it because of its lack of sharpness but I liked the feel of the image.

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  24. Yep, practicing your advice! Lots to do here, the property is shaping up. I could do without all the cooking though, we are eat out kinda people. Nevertheless, at least I can cook. 🙂

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    1. Glad you guys are doing well and getting some projects completed. I do remember you not being a fan of cooking 😀 I look forward to the day when we’re able to get together for coffee and catch up. Don’t work too hard!

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    1. Let’s hope we’ll all be rolling in a normal fashion come June 🤞 And thank you for the PM. For some reason smell check and Grammarly stopped working on my computer. Ah, another project to dive into!

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      1. “Smell” check. Haha! I totally see what you mean. 🙂 I forgot to mention – Trader Joe’s has a delicious orange chicken dish in their frozen section. It’s our big treat once a month or so (if there is a TJs around) and it’s their #1 bestselling product. Try it, one day.

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  27. These are all wonderful tips Ingrid. I am trying to keep a positive attitude & busy myself in various ways. Missing my family & friends but thankfully have adopted creative ways to gather through virtual opportunities. Happy Easter my friend🤗

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    1. Amazing how much we’re able to accomplish with technology including staying connected with loved ones. Without the internet, I’d be going crazy by now 🥴 Take care and stay well!

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  28. Thanks for all the great tips. I do a lot of them but sometimes I have trouble focusing. I’ve been reading a lot and trying not to watch too much tv. I love my afternoon tea! Green ginger with honey for me.

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    1. Green ginger and honey sounds delish. Even though I’m getting out everyday for a walk (sometimes twice), I’m afraid I’m still sitting too much either in front of my computer or the TV. Ah, something new I should work on 😉

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  29. I guess we fall into the indifferent category, not much has changed for us. Like you, we are pretty isolated to begin with, things are just a little quieter. Fewer trips to town, less visits to the bars and restaurants. Good to hear you and Al are doing well, love your pictures!

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    1. Thanks Jim and glad to hear you and Barb are doing well also. You have a beautiful spot to not only call home, but a great place to hunker down and ride out all this craziness. Guess you’re summer excursion to Alaska may get postponed, huh?

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  30. Lovely and encouraging post. I have found that I seem more connected and present to what really matters. I have been walking more and we’ve been eating to eating as a family. Last night our 17 year old daughter cooked dinner – meatloaf, ,ashed potatoes, and roasted cauliflower with white cheese sauce. It was delicious. With the right attitude, there is more good than bad. Glad to hear you and Al are safe, well, and healthy. Peace.

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    1. That’s awesome that your daughter cooked such a delicous meal. I taught my kids to cook at an early age and my daughter is quite accomplished in the kitchen now … better than me 😃 Enjoy those lake views and continued good health to you and the family.

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  31. I’m happy to hear you and Al are holding up well in your official state of homelessness through all this madness.

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    1. Yeah, you’re right … we are considered ‘offically homeless’ and loving every minute. Fortunately, we have a ‘home spot’ and thus aren’t stuck scrambling to find a place to hunker down. It has been extremely challenging for other RV full-timers.

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    1. We’re not complaining about a little pause either although I’ll be glad when our RV projects are complete. We’re taking it slow … don’t want to overwork ourselves 😆 Looks like you found a beautiful spot to hunker down. Take care and stay well!

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  33. Not getting a lot done; some gardening and eating entirely too much. But we have had a few nice days where we could get out and go for a walk and that is good for mind, body and soul.

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    1. Fortunately, we’re enjoying some lovely weather … perfect for walking and getting RV roof projects completed. I’ll be glad when I can step away from the RV and focus on my camera 😉

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        1. We’re lucky this time of year with wonderful weather. Spring is my favorite time to be in the desert. If we’re still here into June, I assure you, I won’t be a happy camper 😎

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  34. Wonderful thoughts, I too have got some home projects done. It’s a bit difficult to find the proper balance of thoughts about the current situation and what life will be like when this has passed. Stay safe! 🙏🏻

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    1. We lived in Las Vegas in the 90s and I can’t even phathom the town being shut down. The big question will be, how will normal look after the pandemic? Thanks for stopping by and stay safe!

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      1. Hi Ingrid, I haven’t been more than two miles from my home since this began, only going out every few days as needed but how can the Strip be shut down? Seems impossible. Usually so crowded, I suppose it looks somewhat like a ghost town. Did you get tired of the summer swelter?

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        1. Although the summers can get long, we left Las Vegas because my husband had a job opportunity in Colorado Springs, CO. When we’re done living full-time in the RV we’ll probably buy in Phoenix. No need to shovel heat or scrap heat off the windshield 🤣 Thus, I’ll take summer heat over frigid snow covered winter. Pick your poison!😁

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