I worked on the budget for the month and we’re way over budget. We’re still eating too much, both in eating out and groceries. One of these months we’ll get it right. We also have extra expenses for gas and tolls, but that was expected while living here in this area.
I also worked on a rating system for the parks we visit. These ratings may change over time, but this is my idea so far. Jim’s opinion might be a bit different. (Not really, I agree with them - Jim) It has to be at least a 5 to even get rated, or we’d be moving to a Walmart parking lot. :)
#5 – No hookups, one step above Walmart
#6 – Water and electric hookups, helpful park owners, level parking, able to receive satellite, nice bath house
#7 – All of the above plus sewer hookup, gravel pads, decent gravel roads in park, laundry, wi-fi
#8 – All of the above plus asphalt or concrete pads, paved roads in park, close shopping, good views
#9 - All of the above plus social activities, water or mountain views, or other special scenery
#10 –All of the above plus that special "IT" factor that can't be explained, but you know it when you see it.
So far our parks have been mostly in the 7 and 8 catetory, and the the best overall with the “IT” factor was Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL.
We watched the NASCAR race all afternoon from Pocono, PA. I also read blogs and the Indiana travel guide to see what to do in this area. We don’t want to leave and miss something. It’s good to have another month go by. Time has been passing very slowly this year for some reason. We’re close to seven months full time and loving it.
In a previous blog I was asking for advice about Street Atlas and Streets & Trips mapping software. Our son advised us to just wait and get the Droid smart phone which, will do about anything we need as far as phone, internet, mapping, and GPS.
Another great day of this wonderful lifestyle we call retirement.
