The RV Wave

The RV Wave

Do you get waved at by other RVers when you’re out on the road? If you’ve noticed other RV owners waving at you and being extra-friendly while driving, welcome to the club. You’re now a part of a lifestyle that most sticks and bricks owners will never understand. The RV wave is a time-honored courtesy that will hopefully be around for generations to come.

History of the RV Wave

RV owners have been giving each other “the wave” for many years. They are joined by the common bond of shared experience and dedication to the lifestyle. Mind you, this bond is made up of an estimated 11 million RVers as of 2018. Unfortunately, the exact origins of the wave itself are unknown. One thing is for sure though, it’s here to stay.

How Does The RV Wave Work?

The RV wave is more than just a simple “hello” with your hand. There are rules and responsibilities when it comes to the wave, and most RV owners take it seriously.

Think your fancy new RV excludes you from having to wave back to an older RV? Think again! Whether you have a Class A, Class C, Airstream, 5th Wheeler or Bumper Pull doesn’t matter. Remember, this is a lifestyle, not a beauty pageant. No matter the year or manufacturer of your RV, if someone waves at you then you should wave back.  And if you’re a passenger in a RV you’re also expected to wave back whenever waved to. You have plenty of time to relax while riding shotgun so take a moment to enjoy this RVing tradition. You don’t even have to put your Smart Phone or navigation tools down.

The RV  wave should also be a proactive not reactive gesture. The best way to keep the RV wave alive is to strive to be the one who initiates the wave. There are plenty of other common courtesies falling out of fashion. Don’t make this another one.

Additionally, waving to the other RV’ers can mean more than just a simple acknowledgment. Consider it more like a code among RVers: “We’re in this together. I see you and I got you.”  Knowing that someone’s acknowledged your presence can mean peace of mind in the unfortunate instance that something happens while out on the road. Yes, emergency vehicles can be quick to the scene but probably not as quick as the RVers that just passed you.  So, the next time you are out on the highway and a fellow RVer shoots you a wave, be courteous and wave back. 

As said before, we are all in this together. The type of RV or who does the waving shouldn’t matter. Life is too good out on the highway to not be a Waving RVer. 

The Waving Okies

(Revised from The Captains BLOG)

My Fairy Tale!

Once upon a time in a Kingdom far far away there lived the King of Apiary.  He and his Queen Dotie had 3 young princes (McSommelier, Acoustavessel and McVeterinar) and a lovely princess named Honey.   Now every summer the King sent his oldest two children away to camp.  Prince McSommelier and Princess Honey loved going to camp where they learned more about serving The Lord.   One year while away at camp Princess Honey met a prince from another kingdom, Prince Bombardier of the Soonerland.  The prince and princess fell in love but were very sad when the summer was over and they had to return to their own castles.  Several years and much water under the bridge later Prince Bombardier thought about Princess Honey and decided it was time to find her again.  He took a chance and sent his messenger to find Princess Honey and give her a note.  If she still loved him could they meet again?  The meeting place that was decided upon was a local Meat Market of Fred and his gang, a safe place for the princess so her royal escort, Rocky, allowed them to meet privately.  Reunited, the two knew their love was destined and quickly made plans for the required 6 month Royal Courtship.  Let it be known, Prince Bombardier of Soonerland already had a young son of his own, Prince Sam.  Princess Honey just loved outings with Prince Bombardier of Soonerland and young prince Sam.  Soon the happy threesome were joined in a spring marriage.  Their union was announced throughout the kingdoms and all were very very happy.  Within about 7 months the King of Apiary was delighted to announce that his daughter Princess Honey was expecting a new Heir in the fall.  You see Prince Sam was already heir to the throne of Soonerland but this new prince, Spirit-beard, would be heir apparent to a newly formed Kingdom of Beardland.  Everyone in all the land was so excited for the royal family especially Prince Sam. Soon he would have a brother to play with and they would love playing in the royal apple trees careful to only fall from the lowest branches.  When Prince Spirit-beard was born all the kingdoms rejoiced and life was good.  Both princes grew up and loved playing in the apple trees. Eventually the princes moved into their own castles and started holding royal court with their own royal families.  This left Prince Bombardier of Soonerland and Princess Honey in an empty castle.  So they commissioned a Royal Vehicle (RV) from the local craftsmen and started touring throughout  all the lands.  Everywhere they went they were so pleased to spot countrymen of Soonerland proudly wearing the colors of the kingdom.  Everyone loved to see them as they passed by in the Royal Vehicle.  Big celebrations with lots of food, wine and cheering were held everywhere along their route.  It was a grand life with much happiness.

 And you know the rest of the story by now…. Prince Bombardier of Soonerland and Princess Honey lived happily ever after!

Fathers with Daughters

Wow it has been a really long time between posts!  Just want to get on here and let you know about this amazing book!

Life Lessons for Dad

Great gift for the new fathers in your lives. And the release is just in time for Fathers Day. 

I LOVE BACK RUBS! I would love to get a daily back rub/message, oh the life that would be. I've been known to book a message while waiting on my connecting flight, or while on TDY splitting a couples message in half because that was all they had ( seriously 1 session was 1.5 hours so we split it and each got a 30+ minute sessions; seemed like a no brainier to us). I've been given messages gift certificates for Valentines Day, birthdays, and anniversaries. I even think one of the best part of a pedicure is the foot and calf message. Growing up my dad used to rub my neck and shoulders. All I'd have to do is sit on the floor in front of him while he was watching the evening news. It was grand! Then Alan took over and was there to help loosen my tired shoulders at the end of the day. My boys were even pulled into service rubbing my aching neck when I had bad headaches. The warmth of someone rubbing your shoulders and neck helps relax me beyond most anything and is so healing. But this week I had the unbelievable happen. I was so sick that when Alan offered to rub my back I decided it might make me feel better but only a few seconds into it I asked him to stop. WHAT! Stop a back rub! NEVER before have I been the one to end a rub! Always the one giving the rub has either run out of the alotted/purchased time or the family members hands and fingers have worn out longer before I was ready. Now I'd say that I was more than a little under the weather to do this. But thankfully with the proper medications I am on the mend. And I think I am going to ask Alan for a rain check on that back rub when he gets home this evening!

I stumbled across a countdown timer for our return to Oklahoma City last year. It was 339 days ago today that we boarded the plane for our return trip to the good ole U S of A! My oh my how things have changed since our return. We fixed up and sold our home, moved into the Mitchell house, sold our old 5th wheel to a kid that was going to take it to Montana to prospect for GOLD! Sold our boat and all its accessories to the oldest son. Bought a 36 foot Class A Motor home and have torn up the lake deck and storage buildings in prep for leveling the pad for the motorhome. We have enjoyed watching Isabella grow and change from that cute little baby into a precious little toddler girl. She is so sharp, knows what she wants and her vocabulary is growing everyday. She will say a few words to us on the phone and more when we Facetime with her. She knows where the toys are and where we keep the treats! And how to get Cappy to get some "more please". Isabella really likes her cousin "Ryand" and with Ryan's assistance will do things that she would otherwise not do for Nana or Mama. Speaking of Ruan we have been able to see Ryan sing at school programs, be awarded the class math award, play some great basketball and dance in this years recital. She is now texting me and we get pedicures together. Such fun! Ryan is growing up and is no longer a little girl and while still a preteen she is still a child at heart. She made the best Fathers Day card this year and helped Isabella make a card for her Dada too. We are enjoying some trips in the motorhome. Took her (the MMC) to Colorado Springs and Dallas so far with plans to go to the beach later in the year. We are taking each day at a time and looking forward to travels across the USA. Might as well tour the US and get to know her like we did while in Europe. Yes my life is good and I feel so blessed. Not to say I don't have problems. But God never promised a problem free existence. And you know we come through our trials stronger and can look back and see the silver lining (sure it takes longer at times than others). Well that does it I am all caught up on the lat 339 days. Looking for the next 339 to bring much of the same because all in all I truly cannot complain.

In Her Eyes

The depth of a father's love shows in his daughter's eyes.
What's known is what's shown from sunset to sunrise.
A foundation built on more than just what is spoken.
It's commitments kept and promised that go unbroken.
An emotion so immense that nothing in this world can erase.
The permanent impression of love is tattooed upon her face.
A relation so peculiar that only the two can understand,
Yet so immaculate it's obvious that, by God, it was planned.

I believe it all began when she would sleep upon your chest.
Now you're her number one, her favorite, you're the best!
You move and she watches so closely it's as if she's in a trance.
The fact that she can repeat you, exactly, isn't just by chance.
From wrestling, racing, jump roping to being made up like a doll.
Both playmate and best friend, you've done some of it all.
A secret place, a look, special time just for her and you.
When a choice is to be made, it's all about what Daddy wants to do.
And you're there to cater to her every need and every wish.
There's an invisible pedestal for Daddy's little princess.
She's content just to be. She's filled with absolute bliss
Just to sit up under you, giving an occasional hug and kiss.
Sweet dreams are non-existent without Daddy's goodnight kiss.
Your gentle stroke, words just for her, your check on hers is what she'd miss.
It's simply because of how you love her, I surmise.
The depth of your love always shows in her eyes.


With you her laughter is harder and her smile is even brighter.
You have a friendship, a bond, a soul tie that couldn't be any tighter.
It's more than a special bond; it's an exclusive connection.
No room for a third party or attempted interjection.
This love is reserved just for Dad and no other.
It's not the same for siblings, not even for Mother.
It's the kind of love that I could never despise.
For the depth of your love always shows in her eyes.

To her, you'd give anything, but it's not about the gift.
It's that marvelous smile brought on by the spirit you lift.
It's not about what you can give her or about what you can do.
It's about the unconditional love reciprocated between you two.
It's the tears in her eyes when you two disagree.
Nothing's quite right until 'I love you and I'm sorry.'
It's that spunk in her step, the rainbow in her eye-
You'll know she's a Daddy's girl when she passes by.
She's got the kind of love that never fades or dies.
The depth of your love always shows in her eyes.

Upon angel wings you soar; your sparkling golden halo glows
Whenever she's with you, it's Heaven in her eyes that shows.
Her eyes hold a song so beautiful you'd think it was Heaven's melody.
It's the music of love's symphony composed by each precious memory.
The love known is the love you've shown from sunset to sunrise.
The depth of your love will forever show in your daughter's eyes.

acknowledgments:  © Michelle W. Emerson

Cruising

We are finally going to celebrate our 50th birthdays!! 

In 2009, we told ourselves that for our 50th we were going to go on a cruise, book a balcony room and spoil ourselves.  But shortly after Alan's 50th we found out we were going to Germany for 2 years so we postponed the cruise.

Then we said we would take a Mediterranean cruise the summer of 2011 to celebrate our 50th but ended up packing up early and coming home in July so the cruise didn't happen then either. 

Now 2012 has rolled around and we are finally going to go on our 50th Birthday Cruise.  We set sail mid-February on the Mariner of the Seas sailing from Galveston, Texas with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.  

 I am excited to be getting away.  It has been a tough 6 months with all the moves, surgery and it is time for a get away.  Pictures to follow!