As we complete month five of full-time RVing, Al and I discuss the pros and cons of this lifestyle. Yes, there are indeed cons but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Aside from all the beautiful scenery we encounter, I’d say the social aspect to this lifestyle is one of the biggest pluses.
In the past five months we’ve visited with fellow bloggers, fellow Escapee members, friends, RV Park neighbors, and family. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed: three-hour lunches with folks we’ve just met, a little impromptu gals day of coffee – shopping, reconnecting with folks we haven’t seen in a year, and get togethers with family. Don’t misunderstand; we manage plenty of down time as well. Somehow, we’ve discovered a nice balance.
When meeting new folks, the conversation inevitably leads to the normal questions one would expect …..
- Where have you lived?
- Where are you going / plans?
- Questions about children and family?
- Are you retired or working?
- What kind of work have you done?
Ah, yes…..work? I wouldn’t say we’re retired, but I would say we’re taking a break. The economy and lending practices kind of knocked the wind out of our sails so to speak. Although Al and I both have diverse backgrounds, when we’re asked what we used to do for a living? We respond, “We used to own our own company in Home Building”.
It was a business I loved and would have continued for several more years if…..well, I don’t need to spell it out. So, we closed our doors and hit the road. But the question keeps coming up, “Would you go back into home building again?” The answer is yes AND no. So I guess you could say that’s a clear maybe.
Perhaps this might clarify my indecision……
In the year 2012, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in America and said, “Once again, the earth has become wicked and over populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.”
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, “You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.”
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark. “Noah!” He roared, “I’m about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?” Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah, “but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I’ve been arguing with the Boat Inspector about the need for a sprinkler system”.
“My neighbors claim that I’ve violated the neighborhood by-laws by building the Ark in my backyard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local Planning Committee for a decision.”
“Then the local Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it”.
“Getting the wood was another problem. There’s a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls – but no go!”
“When I started gathering the animals the ASPCA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space”.
“Then the Environmental Agency ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood”.
“I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building crew. The Immigration Department is checking the visa status of most of the people who want to work”.
“The Trade Unions say I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience”. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species”.
“So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark”.
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you’re not going to destroy the world?”
“No”, said the Lord. “The Government beat me to it”.
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So, do I want to return to an industry I love? Absolutely. But will I? Hum, I ponder…… Government Agencies have made Home Building so difficult and cost prohibitive for the little guy, they’ve sucked the fun out of it…… so maybe!
Photos in today’s post borrowed from the internet
Live Laugh RV 