A change in lifestyle

I rented an apartment today and am happy as can be about it. It certainly isn't what I had been expecting to do, but when I looked at it I knew I will belong there for a while.

I had been looking out in the Sierra foothills, 50-60 miles out of Sacramento. I had an epiphany of sorts when I thought about how the only reason I wanted to settle in California or New York was to be close to my kids & grandkids, so why was I limiting the time I would be able to spend with them, or the spontaneity of getting together. So I've been searching for two days now and today I found what is for me the perfect place.

I originally wanted to rent a house, but the cost of that in Sacramento was more than I wanted to pay, so I looked at duplexes. Then Steve found an ad on craigslist for an apartment in Fair Oaks - actually there were two apartments for rent. Both were part of the original farmhouse that once stood on the land, and the one I selected has a beamed ceiling in the living room, and a gorgeous tiled kitchen countertop which was from the old farmhouse kitchen. The wood trim throughout the apartment is original, and the kitchen cabinets are original solid wood. Although an apartment complex has been erected on the farm site, it seems to be a very nice and relatively quiet place. It is about 1/2 mile from the Village of Fair Oaks, which is an old fashioned, quaint looking village, but with a good mix of the usual touristy gimmicky shops plus useful businesses for everyday living.

I will be moving in the 1st of April, and I will add that I got an excellent move-in special - one that I didn't even realize I was getting until I filled out the papers needed to take the apt. off the rental list and hold it for me. Although I had my camera with me I neglected to take pictures but will post some soon. Jeannie was on her way home from work when I got the call from the apartment manager, and I was on my way to her house, so we met at the complex and she was able to see it also. The manager left the keys with us and allowed us to look at both places at our leisure.

So, after nearly a year and a half of living in a 5th wheel RV, I will again be in a building. I look forward to a nice relaxing trip to New York this fall, without the stresses I have always had pulling the RV in and out of fueling spots, campgrounds, and city streets. I don't yet know what kind of camper I will get to replace the 5ver, but I'll find something.

Already I am looking forward to joining my kids and their families on a camping trip to Yosemite that they are talking about. I visited Yosemite once years ago and always thought I would like to go back, but never in a thousand years would I do it by myself. So my life will undoubtedly change, but in many ways it will change for the better.

I'll have to think about how I will continue this blog. I want to continue writing it but I know there are folks who want to read about RVing, so I'll just have to consider the frequency and tone it will take.

Thanks to all who have stuck with me and especially those who have offered advice and encouragement. I'm satisfied I've given it a good try, and I am also satisfied that I need to veer onto a different course right now. So stay tuned for the latest on the Gypsy's move.