What's It Like Running An RV Park.

Well, I'm still smiling!! I have worked in office positions before but it was computerized and the people were on the other end of a phone. I am a visual person, with ADHD and when the list of to do things get over 3, I get a bit lost. Enter my friend Betty.

The owners mother had a massive stroke and they needed to go. I managed fine during the summer but now the snow birds are flying back. Two large groups were coming in and needed spots. Betty plotted sites and together we got everyone in a site and settled , high fives all around!! (actually it was wine!) Getting deposits done and telling the crew what we needed to do for Thanksgiving was a piece of cake. It was always "we". The people in the park pulled together and we had a great celebration of thanks with great food. My sons girlfriend actually came up to clean the bathrooms for me, my regular job.  I have been blown away daily by the generosity of people to help. In 11 days the owners will be returning and I can say "WE" have done a fantastic job keeping the park happy and growing. I'm proud of us!!!

We put our bottle lights on the tables for decorations. People loved them. 

What else did we do? Bob brought his fire pit over to Arnie's and we watched football on his tv outside. Cheese and crackers and of course, popcorn and wine!!

The dog park on Thanksgiving. Our son Jamie, Pamela and Roger. Our pups were running amok around the dog area.

So Sheila, what have you learned from this experience? Kindness to others, a smile and a wave makes people want to give back when you need help along with many thank you's.  That it's ok to have a huge melt down in the dog park cause your husband gives you hugs and the furkids come right over and give kisses and bump up against you so you know they are there for you.  I also learned that the person I least expected came and handed me a book about manifesting what I wanted in my life. Turning to the third page, in big bold letters, I read that I had 2 choices. I could be a victim or I could use this as an adventure.  The final thing I learned was that I had to stop being afraid to paint in public and that I needed to just get my new easel and get out there. Plein air painting is hard. The light is different than studio light and you need to paint faster. It's what I want to do crossing America...remember, Living the Artists Dream. So...This is what I'm buying!!!!

So, the experience took me out of my comfort zone and I grew. And yes I'll be thrilled to hand the control back to the owners!!! hahaha. WE did it!!!!!

Have a great night!!

Warmly,

Sheila

One Busy Month

I'm not sure where to even begin on this one.  It all started with an MRI for my hip. For years I have been standing as I paint and using my right leg as the principal weight bearing unit. Then we can go back years to carrying the kids on the left hip while again using the right leg more.  The MRI was to see what was happening. Wear and tear, but the 5 cm lesion on the left adnexa was what caught my eye. And, what was an adnexa?

Discussing things with Sammy over coffee. 

The following week was a Dr.s app't, then an ultrasound scan and CA125 blood work ASAP.  Of course, once you Google, you see the worse case scenario then steal yourself for the results. But we haven't really gone anywhere yet..my children, grandchildren...I want to paint the desert.... . Then I prayed to my Dad. 

In the middle of all this, at the beginning of my crazy week, the mother of the owners had a massive stroke and needed to go home to Ohio. I was asked to step in and run the office again, but this time in the busy season.  Yes, I called in my resources to help since my head was already spinning and thankfully it's been working very well. My main person, Betty, has been tremendous. Together we are filling spots in the park and she gets to hear me moan after a complaint. 

She was in the office that Friday when I glanced by her and saw a beautiful Red Cardinal land on top of the golf cart I use. My Dad loved birds and when he passed a red Cardinal flew into my back yard. Ever since that time I know it's a sign from him. This time I was hoping it was not a "see you soon" sign but a "you're ok" one. My Dr. left a message that afternoon saying not to worry too much, then on Saturday, on her day off, she called to say the ultrasound looked good, then I heard the blood test was negative. Checking again in 3 months. We are adding to the celebration this weekend because my granddaughter and daughter both had business in Florida and are here with me!!

My daughter Erin, Son, Jamie and granddaughter Morgan.

Back to the park news! Things scheduled, we carried on.  We got hot dogs and buns, people brought sides and a great time was had by all. About 15-20 people showed up for the football/hot dog bash and it was a success.

Now we are planning our annual Thanksgiving celebration. Turkey's to buy, sides to make. (Did I mention I also have a lot of art work to do in the middle of all this..sooo behind)

So that's it for today. I have a few more things to do at the park, then I'm going into hiding again!!! 

Talk with you tomorrow...really!!! 

Warmly,

Sheila

RV Repairs

The RV repair guys came today!! I know, you have heard it all before but they got our awnings all fixed.

The RV repair guys came!! They cut the lengths of pole to fit the size of our awnings, placed them on the arm extensions and voila'..fixed.

Our stairs have been a constant problem as you have heard. They stopped working then a new motor was placed in. Then they wouldn't go in and out so a new hole was made in the doorway for a device that would have the stairs go in or out, then stay out while we were parked. The device broke as he was installing it so a new one had to be ordered. Today was the day!!! The hole was drilled a bit larger, the wires attached, the switched on the console switched to on then the moment of truth. The stairs went out then they came in.  Then I saw every one's face.  The stairs go out but will not stay there. They will however, stay shut.  Wires changed, tried again, nothing changed. So our stairs are now once again out permanently until they call Kwikee to find out what they need to do. At least we aren't going any where right now.

"So Sam, what do you think will happen?"  "You think I should have another cup of coffee?..I'm with you bud!!"

This is Izzy! A beautiful 2 year old Golden Retriever that lives next door to us. She has a sister ,same age, and the other evening their Mum invited Lola and I to go play in the dog park together.  I was nervous, since I didn't know what Lola would be like but as we approached she was so excited, we went in. They played great together and I was thrilled. Lola made friends. She did run over to me and sit by me every so often, probably overwhelmed at her new playmates.  They leave tomorrow but I'm sure we will meet up again at some time.

And finally, a watercolor piece I am currently working on. Two wee beauties who live in Scotland. Their Mum takes oodles of photos and I "steal" them to capture in paint.  Almost finished, I need to put in some darks and lights and hopefully it will all work! I'll show you the finished piece tomorrow..

So have a great night and stay safe. 

Warmly,

Sheila