I had a little (major) oops with my awning in early April in Texas when I totally forgot it was out and drove off, clipping the neighbors shrubs and shredding the awning in the process. Trying to back out made it worse, and the awning had to be cut away since the frame was busted and couldn’t roll the awning back up.

Sad day when my awning got destroyed

So before the trip to Seattle I scheduled an appointment at the dealer in Forest City, IA where I bought the RV at Lichtsinn Motors. The staff there has been wonderful and accommodating throughout the whole process of ordering, sales, financing, and service.

Matilda’s brand new awning installed today

Yesterday I finished packing the RV and headed to Des Moine to pick up Rachel before heading to Forest City. I was so proud of myself being able to squeeze 6 pair of pants and 9 tops into my plastic basket:

My clothes basket all packed and ready to go

Because of the limited space, we each have a clothes basket, two smaller baskets for socks and underwear, and a 3-4 hanger allotment. I’ve learned never to travel with anything that needs ironing. Clothes have to pass my wrinkle test: I grab the fabric and ball it up into a fist, then let go. If it shows wrinkles, it’s ixnayed.

One of my biggest concerns about being away from home for any length of time is having my animals taken care of.  Two dogs and three cats. Eventually we’d like to take the dogs on some trips. I feel especially fortunate to have housesitters that I trust and admire to tend to everything while I’m on the road.

Thanks Abby & Kayla for being such good caretakers!

Cinnabons for breakfast on the way to Forest City

Saw the sunset on the way to Des Moines…

…and the sunrise in route to Forest City

A dozen dump stations at Pammel Park

Fill ‘er up — with propane!

Note: this was meant to be posted last night, but I fell asleep while working on it.