To paraphrase John Muir: The road is calling and I must go.

Are you ready for our first road-trip of 2023? I’m calling it: SOUTH-BY-SOUTHWEST with the Salonens (and besties Fred & Colleen).

The last couple of weeks have been a blur because we bought a new (used) RV and plan to drive it on our first adventure of the year. The Fourwinds Dutchmen was just enough of a “project” to keep Paul happy and my credit card gasping in surprise because, of course, we had to “make it our own.”

Luckily, as they say in all HGTV shows, “It has good bones.”

We’d been looking for one that didn’t have the “cab-over” sleeping area because we found that frustrating when passing through gorgeous landscapes and couldn’t look up. And since we love the mountains, Paul wanted a slightly bigger engine. This rig fit the criteria, but what it didn’t have was a table and bench seats for four. We almost passed on it because the layout didn’t work for us, but then I mentioned that we are “remodeling contractors” and Paul’s eyes lit up with anticipation. A new project!

The timing was perfect because he’d just sold his last project car. Did I ever show you it? This sweet little 1953 MG TD went to its new home last week, and we couldn’t be happier.

Our new RV has been sitting in the sun for quite a while, and the California summer sun is anything but user-friendly. So, while there will be exterior changes in the future, for now, our attention went to the interior.

Below is a before-and-after pic of the sitting area. Who knew you could buy replacement furniture for RVs online? Not me, but, goodness, there were a lot of choices. We had to make ours fit within the dimensions of the slide.

We also (by we I mean Paul) replaced the old vinyl flooring with a new waterproof floating floor. It really dressed the place up and is so easy to sweep and keep clean.

Other projects included swapping out older style lighting for new LED fixtures and boring wiring issues that were above my pay scale.😉

I do realize this is not 1883 (there are stores along the way), but I like to stock up on basics and have most of my meals ready to go before we leave. Since we’ll be traveling for 14 days, Colleen and I each plan for six meals—allowing for a couple nights of dining out. My menu includes: cioppino, pork ribs with sauerkraut, chili verde over rice, fried chicken, burgers, and on the first night we both bring tappas and our fave adult beverages.

This trip will include a couple of Bucket List stops: the White Sands of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns, Sedona, and, for me, Tucson, AZ. Why Tucson?

When I was a young girl, I read every Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew book I could get at the library. Although I can’t recall the story (maybe the one below???), I remember a book that mentioned Tucson, Arizona. This stands out in my memory because in my head I called it “Tuck-son,” until somebody corrected me. Because of that, I’ve always wanted to visit the place.😉

I’d planned to share pics from JP’s birthday celebration, but weather (and the sniffles—mine) made us skip an excursion to the wetlands bird sanctuary. We did, however, enjoy a delightful and very “foodie” brunch at the El Capitan Hotel’s Rainbird restaurant.

I hope you enjoyed the March TBR Bookclub picks. I thought Weekend Wife was delightful and Brooklyn Monroe Wants It All quite fun and realistic. I love it when a couple’s HEA looks nothing like what they thought it should be. Linda Barrett’s collection filled in the of gaps in my reading of the series. I’d read The Broken Circle and Unforgettable when they released, but reading the middle three really filled in the gap beautifully. GOLD COUNTRY has been getting some very nice reviews, which, of course, makes me very happy. Here’s what Janet said about it: “This Box set is wonderful, the characters and plots were so realistic. When I took a break, I found myself thinking about the storyline and characters and what could be coming next. Thoroughly enjoyed these books.” I hope it tugged on your heartstrings a time or two.

So next month, here’s what I plan to read on my travels. I hope you’ll join me. (PS: Secret Baby Second Chance is a new title and cover what formerly was Surprises in All Sizes. Same awesome books, just a different look.)

Can't Go Home by Melinda Di Lorenzo
Deconstructed by Liz Talley
Forrest for the Trees by Kilby Blades
Secret Baby Second Chance

Well, that’s it for now. I’ve been working hard on another deadline, too—our next Sweet2Heat box set called SMALL TOWNS BIG HEARTS. Eight great novels set in small towns will be live on May 1. I can’t wait to share the gorgeous cover with you.

Deb

Next Up:
4/6 – COVER REVEAL and the South-By-Southwest tour continues.