Nice Gun, But Still
2 hours ago
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Goodbye summer people
We've reached the unofficial end of summer now that Labor Day has passed. Some years my lovely and I would sit on our deck and wave.
“Goodbye summer people!” we'd shout, or perhaps raise a drink to the parade of loaded cars and boat trailers going past.
This year we're the summer people too. It's rare that we leave Northern New Hampshire before the holidays, but this is the year. We'll head south only a few weeks after the official start of fall.
I used to think that only the well off could do the snowbird gig. For me, it'll most likely be just as cheap or cheaper to go south for the winter. We are making the trip in our veggie van, pulling our sailboat. Most of the fuel burned on our trip will be free or low priced waste veggie oil. We'll sleep in the van, on the boat, or at my dad's place in Florida. All are inexpensive options.
The house will be totally shut down, water drained out of the pipes, traps and drains filled with non-toxic RV antifreeze. Grid power and Internet service will be disconnected. Only the solar electric system will be operational, and that just to keep the batteries topped off and unfrozen.
Firefighting damaged my lungs. Winter and I no longer get along. A simple cold usually starts a long episode of respiratory illness. The cold dry air of winter hinders recovery. In a warm moist environment, my colds are infrequent and last like normal colds. My health cannot afford winter.
Someday it would be nice to actually enjoy winter again: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, the joy of hunting snow filled woods. Maybe my health will one day improve so that I can do those things again.
Of course, my lovely wife's fibromyalgia is worse in cold weather. There doesn't seem to be a cure for that condition on the horizon.
At least we have the option of being summer people. There are worse things than sailing warm southern waters.
-Sixbears
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Sometimes, you just have to do what makes the most sense.
ReplyDeleteAt least it doesn't mean we can't still have fun.
DeleteYou need to move down here year round.
ReplyDeleteTwo things prevent that. I love the mountains in the summer, but mostly we have a lot of family and friends in New England. Best I can do is half the year. Kids grow too fast.
DeleteHaving to deal with health issues can be difficult and its nice to have options that cut them off at the pass AND have fun at the same time. If you are having fun, it sounds to me like you and your wife are in a good place.
ReplyDeleteThe south year round - hmmmm, well living in south Texas year round, I often have thoughts of needing a break from the summer humidity and heat. I don't need much - a week of 50 degree temperatures in July / August and I'm good until November when we see those temps for real.
I'm glad it's still possible to travel from one climate to another. Mobility is a great thing.
DeleteHave a safe journey and pleasant winter. I used to laugh at the snowbirds...now I understand them better and would be one if I could.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Being migratory may just be smart.
DeleteYou guys enjoy an endless summer, even though you have to travel a ways to keep it going.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dizzy. Too bad we don't plan on heading out your way this year.
DeleteIt is cool here today, then some summer heat and clouds coming in there goes the summer and anykind of sunshine and blue skies for about 297 days one has to enjoy Moss and Rain to live in the Pacific Northwest, the kiddies are all in school 2 days actually and hate it..little do they know these are good days for those kiddies..Now that major corporations screw the kids at fast food places and all kinds of jobs, school is a big thing or should be for them..Unemployment among teens is nearly 19% and climbing even their parents can't get jobs. They don't spend time enjoying anykind of childhood..I picked berries, beans and helped with turnips and spuds too, the money was excellent (Baby boomer) we saved every penny from a poor family, then mom passed from this earth and the hell came in the form of foster homes. I was on my own young with my savings account and good work skills..did alright left for California to go to college lived with my Grandmother and she passed the week I graduated..things have surely changed a lot..My hubs a union man and union pension, lots of bs now in retail grocery stores and no unions...I wish we could go to Florida for some sunshine when it hides about most of the year..I get a big kick out of your fuel(s) of choice..if only others could live like you and your wife do really they could..ciao have a nice trip keep safe and enjoy the beauty of sea and land..ciao X()
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThings have certainly changed for the worse in a lot of ways. Never been to the Northwest, but that's mostly because we travel in the winter. Maybe one of these days.
I'm sitting here in the first few days of Spring in the warm and cosy confines of TFT with the little fire going, water heating on the top of it. Funnily enough, recent days have been colder than any of the winter just passed but, as much as I'm enjoying the now and the fire, like you I'm looking forward to the summer.
ReplyDeleteI know it's just around the corner.
Enjoy yours Sixbears...
Can't afford summer in your part of the world so I'm going to enjoy a Florida winter.
DeleteHope your summer is a good one.
Yep, almost that time again. Hello snowbirds... I kinda miss the days before the snowbirds got thick around here. You could have the beach or the water all to yourself some days. There were few old fogies driving around 10 MPH under the speed limit making you late for work... :) Ha ha, just bustin yer chops Sixbears! But this is my kind of day on Padre (Island):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfeB1Up-J4
Nice video.
DeleteAlmost made it down to the island, but it was wet and cool the whole week we were in TX. That was some years ago. If I get down you way it'll probably be with a boat.