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!

And we sold.....

The Greenview is no longer ours.  We sold her on 27 January 2012.  She was a grand home and her grounds provided much fun and entertainment in her early days.  She hosted many a family holiday dinner, graciously opening her doors to friends and family.  She never minded the smoke from the grills on her back patio.   And she always provided shelter from the inclement weather.  She has built for a large family and served us well over the years.  However, it was time to move on. 

We are not yet sure where we will buy so in the interim are occupying a portion of the Grand Dame of 141 St.  Her owners graciously opened their home up to us once again.  We have filled her extra rooms with a few of our belongings and will use her as our home base until we find our new home.



We think we want the following features:

1800-2000 Sq Feet
3 bed/2 bath
Small lot
Built 2000 or newer
Location: North OKC or  Southeast Edmond



Wish us luck and let the house hunting begin!

Well the move is under way....

The house appraised within the price on our contract, the inspection found nothing major to fix/repair but I am sure they will use as much of the allowance as possible, termite inspection found nothing. 

Packing has commenced!  Kitchen almost done, linens and towels packed, bathrooms almost empty, bookshelves emptied, china hutch and German Glass collection all packed.

Probably have a buyer for the living room furniture so we wont be packing/storing these 3 pieces.

Brother took grandmother's sewing machine, a space heater and has dibs on a dresser, desk and chair.

Alan will make plans for storage and transport tomorrow.  And Sean is making plans to help him move stuff on Tuesday and Wednesday.

I feel like I still have a lot of packing to do and must decide what to keep out for day to day use (clothes, shoes, camera, chargers....).  I have also decided that I have too many baskets but I love them so I have to find the best way to pack them.

But I am happy that I am now doing something!  Back to work tomorrow.....but I probably will wish I was at home getting more done.

What to do, what to do..........

I keep thinking that we need to be doing something...anything.  The stress levels are going to start rising soon, I just don't know when it will start boiling over.


We have a closing date in 2 weeks and have not started packing let alone have any place to put our possessions.  


Plan A was to move into my parents home and rent it until it sold or the current contract expired and then buy it from Mom allowing us both to save on commission fees.  We thought this was a good plan because to date the house was not moving in the Norman Home Sales market.  I had even talked to Mom about our closing date excited about moving in.  But as plans go that was not a good one because early this week Mom called to tell me she has decided to take a another offer much lower than her asking price and she now has a 1 March closing date. 


Plan B (not that we have a firm one) comes in several parts but each starts with packing up the house, putting everything in storage and.....

• Plan B - 1  - is to move into Alan's parents house until we can find something 

• Plan B - 1a  - while at Alan's parents look for some land and build...

• Plan B - 2 -  is to buy an RV and live in it until we can find something...........and then move it to the lake
• Plan B-2a    - buy the RV and look for a place to build
• Plan B-2b    - buy the RV and sell off everything we have in storage. 

Plan C - Chuck it all and move to Belize!  Open a Tiki Hut bar on the beach and buy a big boat to take the tourists out in the waves.


Of course we are open for alternate options if you have any suggestions!!

As I've said before "it is what it is" and I will have to remember it is really all in God's hands.

To Start Packing or Not....

We have an agreed to price for the Greenview and the Realtor told us to start packing..... 
Not sure about the closing date yet but the original offer listed a closing date of 27 January.  I am hoping Alan will find this all out tomorrow as this is only 19 days away. 

 As I look around me I am somewhat overwhelmed about moving all our stuff.  Granted we have thinned out many things since we moved in October 2009 but the moves to and from Germany were fully orchestrated by a moving company...packing, taking apart, boxing, loading, moving, unloading, putting back together and hauling off all the packing materials... I do believe we were somewhat spoiled by those experiences.

Think I will check the Yellow Pages for Movers next....or maybe I should start looking for a place to move into first!

A Future and a Hope

“For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord, "they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”     ~ Jeremiah 29:11, NLT 

Being the start of a new year, I look forward to the days ahead and I pray that I will continue to hold on to the belief that there will be a positive outcome to the events and circumstances in our life.  


Of course I realize this is not to say there won't be tough times ahead.  We will continue to face challenges in our lives but from these we should look for the tidbits of knowledge that will serve us down the road.


A future with the Lord and the hope of being reunited with loved ones is one of the best plans that could be made for me!

The New Years Day Meal

The background behind a Southern New Years Day meal: 

Black-eyed peas (resembles coins for financial rewards) 

 

 

 

Cabbage greens (resembles folded paper money for economic fortune) both stand for wealth. 

 

 

 

 

Pork (Hog Jowl and Ham) signifies prosperity  

 

 

 

 

Cornbread is served as a reminder to be humble. 

 

 

 

 

Macaroni and Cheese represents comfort and ease. 

 

 

 

 

 

And for dessert, Blackberries (ours in the form of Cobbler)  for alleviating illnesses.

 

 

That's what was on our menu for the day.   We were joined for lunch by Mom and Dad Mitchell, Mom White, Aunt Dee and Uncle Curt, Michael, Annaleise and Isabella.   It was so great to start the new year with this bounty surrounded by the love of family.  Our blessings are many indeed!

 

May you always have work for your hands to do.

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer.

~  Happy New Year  ~

WE countered...

So we countered their ridiculous offer with our asking price and some of their closing costs...

And they want to come back an look at the house for a third time tomorrow.  Not sure where this is going but a phrase we used a lot in Germany really applies here:  It is what it is  

The House

In my online Christmas letter (posted 2 days ago)  I put it in writing that I would love to buy mom's house but without selling the Greenview that just was not possible.  That I was going to leave this in God's hands and not worry about if the Greenview sold or if we should buy mom's house...

Then yesterday we got an offer on the Greenview.  Not a good offer, a ridiculous offer, an insulting offer.....an I'd rather stay in MY HOME then sell it to someone that doesn't value the worth her offer....


What an eye opener.  I love my house, I don't want to move, I want to stay right where I am.  I love that I am 10 minutes to the office.  I love the design and layout of my house.  I love that our children lived in this house with us and that our granddaughters have played with us here.  I love entertaining my family here.  I love that the back yard is a great place for kids to play.  Since moving in to this house I have wanted to grow old(er) with my husband in the comfort of this home.


Then this morning the daily verse from KLOVE was Psalms 147:5 "How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!


So I ponder the "For Sale" sign in the front yard.  Do we stick with the selling price and so be it if our value of our home doesn't measure up to some buyers expectation?  Does leaving it in God's hands mean that we should counter and take a lower offer and move on? Or does this offer jolt us into seeing that we don't want to sell after all?  Or is this a spring board that will catapult us into to making decisions about our next temporary home?  It is all so confusing.

All of this is beyond my comprehension for sure. But it is such comfort knowing that God is the master conductor and with His orchestration what is decided it will be good.

Happy Birthday....DIL

Today is my daughter-in-love's birthday.  We celebrated with the girls at lunch at 501 Cafe'.  The food was great and the fellowship wonderful.

Each year as we gather to celebrate her birthday I say a prayer thanking God for looking out for her all those years before we knew her.  Indirectly praying for her that is because it wasnt until she was 17 that we even knew her.  I was praying for a life partner for Michael sight unseen knowing that one day GOD would put him with his perfect match.  I have been blessed by this sweet woman of God and so thankful for the parents that raised her.  And now they have a sweet daughter!!

This is the 2nd year Isabella has joined us for lunch with the girls and I find myself extending prayers for her future spouse just like I did for Michael's so many years ago. 

“Lord, we ask for purity in her life and that of her future mate. We ask for protection over their innocence and purity; protect them from others and wrong choices, call them to a higher standard. We ask for wisdom and discernment in teaching and preparing her for a life of purity and modesty. I also ask that you grant her husband’s parents wisdom as they raise a man of integrity.”

"The Lord is great!"

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!"

~ Psalm 40:16, NLT

Christmas Letter 2011

The Mitchell’s are BACK!!  After almost 2 years in Germany we moved back to Oklahoma City late July.  After much renovation we are back in the house.  While in Europe we managed to work in trips to many of the tourist hot spots, enjoyed visits from family, and experienced some wonderful German cuisine.  The Christmas Markets were amazing and we shopped many a Flowmarkt with our Saturday morning breakfast club.  In 2011 we traveled to Prague in January (my favorite), February found us in a very cold Berlin, March we traveled to Venice for Carnival and to Dublin for St. Patrick’s day, April was Paris and May was Switzerland and all over Germany, June we went to Munich to see the summer sights (our first trip in Germany was in the middle of winter to Munich and this is definitely a town of many seasons) and in July we flew back to Oklahoma City.  We took thousands of pictures of our travels and are enjoying the slideshows now that we are HOME.   

Mom has purchase a garden home in Norman and is in the process of downsizing.  The other house is for sale and very tempting but the Greenview would have to sell first so we are leaving this in God’s hands.  Mom joined us in Germany for almost 3+ weeks in May and we worked in several Castles, a trip to the Black Forest and to the small town of Alsheim (tracking our ancestral line).  It was fun to imagine family members walking the town square and working in the vineyards.  My brother Pat managed a visit that coincided with Mom’s and it was so nice to catch up with him.  His passion for wine and beer making prompted us to try and find a brewery tour but the only I could find (during his visit) were only in German.  Pat and Alan took a side trip to Munich and enjoyed the sites as well as the famed Hofbräuhaus.  And they will never forget the STAU (major traffic jam) they sat in on the way home.  

I hit the ground running upon return to OKC and am happy to be back in the same general time zone as my staff.  Alan has been overseeing the house renovations, chauffeuring me around and spending time with family as well as taking over most of our meal preparation.  He spent some time in Pennsylvania in October earning certification for heavy equipment appraising so when we decide it is time for him to go back to work full time this might be the path he pursues.  

It has been 2 (or more years) since I have bragged about my family so I will take a few minutes to do this now.  Sean and April manage to stay busy at work with Sean working for the new owners of PDA OKC and April taking on extra duties supervising staff in the Radiology department.  They work in several lake trips with family and friends each summer and spend many hours in the gym with Sean coaching Ryan’s basketball team.  Ryan has grown, shooting up past April and will soon be taller than I am.  She enjoys reading, basketball, skating AND dance.  We managed to stay close via SKYPE with regular video calls while in Germany but sure are enjoying spending time together now that we are back.   Michael and Annaleise added a new family member when Isabella Grace made her appearance in September 2010.  Michael remains at Oklahoma Christian and recently accepted the position of Director of Admissions.  Annaleise is enjoying being a stay at home mom only working one evening a week.  Michael and Annaleise both are runners and work in a race every now and then.  Isabella’s face lights up when she sees us and already knows that Cappy will do almost anything for her.  Her vocabulary is growing with new words every time we seen her.  And her walking skills have opened up a whole new world for her.  We are so BLESSED to be able to spend so much time with family!

Upon return to Oklahoma we leased a lot and purchased a 23 yr old 5^th wheel parked at Lake Carl Blackwell.  The lot is right BY Phil and Sondra (brother/sister-in-law) with a large deck and a dock for our boat (now if there were only water in our cove).  We spent a few weekends at the end of the summer enjoying the view from the deck and spending time with family.  My brother Perry made a trip to OKC in August to ask us in person to be Caleb’s guardians; he and Tiffany were finalizing paperwork and wanted to make it official.  We are honored and will gladly stand in if this should ever be needed.  Alan managed to see sister Lea Ann and kids at Gettysburg while in Pennsylvania, it was a whirlwind trip but nice for him to see them.  We spent a couple of months with Alan’s parents while our home was being vacated and renovated and loved being there with them.  Evening meals are great when shared with extended family.  Sister Donita and family send frequent emails, texts and we SKYPE but we miss them.  We’ve enjoyed seeing sister Julie and family on occasion at Mom and Dad’s or family birthday celebrations.    

So there you go, all caught up with the 2011 comings and goings of the Mitchell’s. We are glad to be home and we extend prayers to your family as we celebrate CHRISTmas and the end of 2011! 

Top 25 to See in Oklahoma

Top 25 List

So 2011 is almost over....and it soon will be time to make a dent in this list....going over it I see that I can actually check two of these off the list!

 7.  Choctaw's Oktoberfest - We invited brother Pat and cousin Sheri to join us for an evening in Choctaw for dinner and some beer sampling.  It was fun spending time with them.  The food was typical German fest food, the tents were filled with music and we saw several friends.  It was a fun evening.

19.  Orr Family Farm - We went to the Orr Family farm to see the Christmas lights with Isabella, Annaleise and Michael.  We rode the train, went on a hay/tractor ride, saw Santa, enjoyed some hot cocoa and fudge, visited the petting Zoo.  It was a cold, wet evening but the rain stopped just before we arrived and made the lights glisten even brighter.


Looking closer at the list I realize I am going to have to put some dates on some of these as they are are tied to a specific time of the year.  Others can just happen last minute when we have a free Saturday or maybe even some time away from the office.  

2012 will be a great year in Oklahoma.  And maybe we will make it at least half way through the list this coming year~

Glory to God in highest

Sunday 12/25/2011

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'

~ Luke 2:13-14, NLT