(((Steph))), you sweet lady! It can't be easy for you to make these posts and we certainly do appreciate the sharing of how you're feeling and helping us to understand this amazing process. My first impression of you still holds true, after several years now; you've always known where you were going and ready to work for what you need in your life. You are definitely brave! Wish I could find it, because I have a picture of my son at Grant's age..almost an identical pose in the crib..Billy always woke up with a smile on his sweet face and ready for his day to begin. Granlan Hugs :)

drewsmaga--may I gently suggest that you hold back from the phone calls a bit? Sometimes when we do too much for our kids and give them our undivided attention they take us for granted. I think this is especially easy for us moms to do, especially if it involves lots of monetary "help." It's wonderful that your son had called you but I would not make too much effort to call him back immediately. As for your other kids, after some time has gone by without calls from you they will start to get the picture. I realize this would be very hard on you as we all love our children (and grandchildren) very much, but I think it's the only way things will change. Try to stay busy with friends and activities; if you don't work, do you volunteer? I have a friend who has been on disability for ages because she couldn't be away from her mother but after her mother died she has learned to have a little more of a life. It's taken 2 and 1/2 years for her to decide to volunteer once a week--she lives with her dad who is out of the house a lot--and calls me pretty much every day. I don't really have time to talk so much but try to be patient. However, I'm really pushing her lately because I believe she's simply gotten used to not having any commitments. I hope this volunteer gig pushes her to do more. If she were busy, she would be so much happier than she is now. Moni, how hard it must have been to share your story. I'm so sorry you have been ill-treated by both your parents and your husband (in a passive way,) but very glad to see you are one STRONG woman who knows herself and is creating a better life. How rotten that your ex is moving in on your friends--too bad they don't give him a bit of a cold shoulder. OJ, you were a shy kid? What happened?? Just joshing ya! How amazing that you and Iva Mae realized you had two separate connections. I'm awfully glad you know each other.

Thanks! Please keep the temps and places coming. I know temps can be/are unpredictable. We just want averages, so we know how far south we need to go before we can de-winterize. Nanny98, as we won't be leaving until right after Christmas, which ever year we decide to go, since we live in north central Ohio, right by Lake Erie, we have no choice but to winterize before hand. Propane is too expensive to leave the furnace in the motor home run when we are not using it. Jemdandy, I-80 runs past our house about a mile north of us. Boy do I know what the temps are along it! DH is thinking about going to Nashville, then Memphis and then west. As far as just traveling or specific destinations. We have friends who winter in Quartzite, and Denning, NM. Some winter around Livingston, TX. Quartzite and Denning would probably be the main destinations, with some site seeing and stops along the way. Anyone who would be along our route could be potential stops if you wanted! I refuse to be away from home at Christmas. Any other holiday, I don't care. It was hard to be away for Damien's birthday last year, but I managed that. This year, they are having his party here early, as they will be in Minnesota for a family reunion. I can even be gone for our kids birthdays. But not Christmas. We do have built in heaters for the holding tanks, but don't want to take any chances of de-winterizing before we leave Ohio. Tami

Hi - I am Renee, a transplanted Northerner now living in Central Florida. I first moved here after 9/11 and didn't think I would stay but I love it now - except for the hurricanes. I am 48 and single, have a wonderful BF and live with four kitties - Jack (orange and white tabby), Ernie (fat brown tabby), Lola (brown Maine Coon) and Kaci (black and white Maine Coon mix). I have recently taken up two fun hobbies. The first is raising Monarch butterflies. I just had another girl yesterday morning. I am mesmerized by the whole process. The second is geocaching. My love of rooting through thrift stores and garage sales makes me a natural at this form of treasure hunting.