Reserving Our Excitement

[WheelEstate USA]

As most of you know, we're looking to trade our motorhome for a long van.
Tomorrow is the day we drive south 75 miles from Tucson to see what we hope will become our "new" Wheel Estate.

We're excited because this change will give us greater flexibility for parking and much needed improvement in MPGs for more travel each month.
However, having not seen/driven the van, we have the usual reservations, and will use caution and careful eye.

We've got our fingers crossed that this is the "one" for our needs.
The guy seems to be "into" what we're doing and has gone to extra expense to meet our trade value point. Brand new 16" truck tires, full service, including tranny, and a few other tweeks to insure our safety and long term travel. He's even starting us out with a full tank of gas.
At this juncture, we feel he's "shooting us straight", but only a careful inspection will tell the truth.
We're taking the drive with the faith that there's some great people out there who really want to do good things for others.
Hopefully, by tomorrow evening we'll be able to report we've found another of those great people and our next home on wheels, which will be dubbed, "Making Lemonade".

 

[Belinda2]

Remember, when you see it, don't act too excited so you can effectively negotiate. Check for leaking and maintenance logs. Of course, you know all that---- just keep your cool! I will say a prayer for you today that all works well.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks Belinda. We appreciate your prayers.
Altho this is a straight across trade, it doesn't negate the possibility for a small bit of haggling. Barter is my game and I can usually get a little something extra thrown in, and have pocketed a bit of cash at times, as well.

I'll take your advice and maintain my usual cool demeanor

 

[katelyn]

Good Luck!! Hope it works out for ya

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks Katelyn.
It sure is nice having so many community members behind us.

Now, we have to comfort Margie's family, especially the sister who thinks I'm dragging the poor girl all over the country under duress. She actually showed up at our door one day in Oregon in the WalMart lot prepared to "rescue" her little sis from her "captor".
Margie was laughing and I got pizzed. That sorta blew over, but this might set her off again when she gets the news.

 

[decodancer]

Bet you don't get much sleep tonight. I know I never sleep before making a big change in my life but knock on wood it always seems to turn out fine. I'm sure this will turn out great for you guys too. Margie's sister sounds like my Mother. She knows I'm happy but just can't understand why anyone would choose to live this way. Do you guys have everything boxed up for an easy transfer? Are you keeping your mattress or do you have a new one for tomorrow night? It's sunny, I've got the afternoon off and need to get out and work on my home on wheels. I look forward to hearing all about your trip tomorrow.

 

[Simran]

Us,
I hope everything goes well for you; I'll keep you in my thoughts tomorrow. I hope your travels are safe as well.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hi DD...We're not boxed up yet, but fairly well organized and ready to do the packing once we get there. We'll be able to park there a couple days to do the transfer...we'll use the van to go get totes, etc.

Not sure whether we'll keep our mattress...unless he wants a new one. We're ok with a good air or foam for a while tho. I like a real mattress. Ours is a Posture-Pedic, would like to keep it if possible.

Really windy this morning, but supposed to lay down by noon. Sunny and nice, and only a few things to wind up today.
In the morning I just want coffee, and only the electric to unplug, so we can get out kinda early. Hope to be there by lunch.

 

[Bela's Mom]

I am very excited for you and hope the van is what you want. Of course, it will be a change for Margie but knowing what awesome places ya'll will be able to see in it will ease her some. As far as her folks, they probably will never understand the need to roam.

Decodancer had some good ideas about how to keep Margie involved in the renovation. And it is awesome that you have the skills to build exactly what you both want.

I'll be praying that all goes well. Have a safe trip!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Gus...thanks a lot. We feel all the good vibes from folks like you.

Jo...Thanks for the prayers and well wishes.
Margie is always at hand when I've got a project...sometimes tooo close and I have to sorta shoo her back a little :s
But....she has learned a lot working with me and there's plenty she can do to be very useful. She's a pretty good helper.

I guess I'll keep her around a while longer

 

[caseyc]

Good luck, Jay! Ahh, the feelings of butterflies in your stomach.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Casey...not so much butterflies. More of a "worry" thing...but that comes with many changes. Many of ask, "Is this really right for everyone involved??". A Captain carries the responsibility for everyone's welfare.

 

[Lucky mike]

Have you really sat down and talked with Bindi about this.....Remember she knows where you sleep!!

 

[caseyc]

Yes, Bindi should have the final say. After all, it's a dog's life.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Miss Bindi sez she will like the van better, actually. She never has liked the sound of this big engine, eventho it runs smooth. She always liked riding in my work van or the SUV.
I'm safe at night since she can't jump up on the bed with her bad leg.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

`

We're off like a herd of turtles, headed to Sierra Vista to see the van.
I'll check in with y'all soon as I can. Might be a day or 2 dependent on wifi availability.


`

 

[janncoo]

Jay, Margie, Bindi, Hope everything goes well today! I just love to read your posts. If it is to be, it will be.