I’m moving!

Okay, so it probably comes as no surprise to anyone, but I decided to upgrade to the  2008 Winnebago Adventurer Limited today.  Wahoo!  I'm a little pumped!  :)  I did a walk through with my list in hand, and took it for a test drive.  I wanted to take the new rig down US 14 out of Rochester, because I know that it is a teeth rattling drive in my present rig.  With the longer wheelbase and the rear engine, the rig took it in stride!  Then we headed down some back roads with hills (if you can call them that in southern Minnesota :))  This rig had a button to push for engine assisted braking on a steep downward decline.  Very interesting!  That means I won't have to stand on the brake pedal to slow the rig down.  A definite improvement.  There are many other features that I'll get used to as time goes on.
So, here it is….
I think I’m going to like this rig.  :-)  There are a few things that need to be resolved, but I’m scheduled to pick it up on Friday afternoon.  Then I’ll get the walk through with a tech rather than a salesman. 
My plans are to replace this dark brown bedspread with a lively quilt, perhaps made by JANNA since I’m not into the quilting scene.  :)
This is the view from in front looking back.  My kids wanted me to post these so they could get an idea of what I’m moving into.  There are several “works of art” that I will be removing post haste.  Ugh!  It will take me some time, but I will personalize this rig to my tastes.
That’s my friend, Susan, enjoying the recliner/sofa with the slide pulled in.  She came along with me today for moral support.  :)  If I had been thinking a little clearer, I would have turned on all the lights in the rig so the pictures would have turned out better.  :(  Anyway, I think you’ll get an idea of what it looks like inside.
The most interesting part of the test drive came when I made my first right hand turn.  Because the engine is in the back, the turning radius of this rig is tighter than I’m used to and I ended up with the rear passenger side tires going up and over a curb.  The salesman about had a conniption fit, but I noted that once the rig went over the curb and dropped down onto the pavement the rig didn’t rock and roll like it would have with my present rig.  It’s a lot more stable on the road…I really like that!  It also has a lot more “get up and go.”
I also got the Focus back this afternoon from the repair shop.  The first thing I noticed is that there weren’t any bugs on the windshield!  I guess when you have reconstructive surgery at this place, you also get a clean car.  :)  They also vacuumed the inside.  Nothing like a $500 car wash!
The RV salesman just  stopped by at my rig in Andy’s driveway.  He said he just wanted to look at the US Gear braking monitor inside the rig, but I’m thinking he wanted to make sure my trade in wasn’t a total disaster.  He left pretty quickly, so I guess he’s satisfied.  :)
Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy

Rain, rain, go away...

It was another rainy cold day today here in the neighborhood, and there are at least two more days of the same in the forecast.  :(  So, today I headed out to take the toad into Rochester for the estimate for the repairs to the damage to the bumper and wheel well.  Of course, I forgot to bring along the receipt for the new tire I purchased in Kansas City, so I'll have to make another trip back to the repair facility tomorrow with the receipt in hand.  They can't proceed with the insurance company without that receipt.  I wish I hadn't forgotten it.

Afterwards, I stopped at Universal Marine and RV to talk about the rig I have in mind.  Several people have commented on what I have in mind and whether it's new or used.  It will be a new rig to me, but not brand new.  I'm looking at a 2008 WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER LIMITED.  You can click on the highlighted name to see what it looks like.  (I hope this works, it's the first time I've tried to include a link).  The rig I'm interested in is the 37' model.  So, the purge I referred to in yesterday's post just means I'll be forced to go through all of my stuff to see what I really need and use.  (Crackerdan, I don't think I'll need to see a psychologist about that... :))  I'm not downsizing, but actually up-sizing by 8 feet!

It's a gas pusher, with the engine in the back.  I'd be interested in any opinions on the difference of driving a 29' rig as opposed to a 37' rig.  When I started fulltiming, I didn't pull a toad for the first year because I thought 29' was enough to deal with.  After a year, I decided I really needed a car, and haven't had any issues pulling it behind.  Now, I'm increasing the size of the rig, and will still be towing the car.  I know I'll have to be a little more picky about gas stations, but is there anything else I should be aware of due to the increased length?  I'll give it a test drive next Tuesday to check my comfort level.

I called my financial advisor today to give her a heads up about this possible purchase, and although she didn't have a heart attack as I had predicted, she did scramble a little to deal with my decision.  :)  She gave me a couple of options to think about, and I'll do that over the next week.  This is going to be one loooong week for me as I wait to get a glimpse of what may be my new home.

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon with some one-on-one time with my oldest grandson, Joseph (aged 4).  He came knocking at my door after his nap.  We had a good time playing special games inside the motorhome without his brother.  He asked me to keep these games a secret from his brother. :) How could I refuse?  Tomorrow, I hope to spend some "secret" time with his brother, Seth.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy