Blog 8 – Staying South for the Warmth
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–
YES > >
==You can change your life at any time to make it more magnificent.
==You can live with little money and still have an excellent life.
==You will still be able to live life getting very little sleep.
==You can live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event.
== I want to share with you experiences that, I hope, will add to and make your life better.
==Perhaps this is my new “gig” and I will be traveling the world doing the same?
============
Each Saturday I look at empty pages and wonder how I will fill them to post my blog the following Friday which will inspire you. As you know, I find the words. Are you enjoying my writings?
So, recently I have stayed in the cities for the internet. Right now I am away from any wifi and telephone signal, I like it that way. Back in Ocala National Forest, so nice here. Spending three days working on van improvements and other efforts.
I am including photos of the van with this post, you will have to let me know what you think of my home.
Good thing for me gas prices for me continue to remain at around a low two dollar price.
As far as the weather, where I was living for over 25 years it is below freezing and snow on the ground. Here today I should be in the 80’sf (25c) and clear (I like this much better down here.)
Something strange I was thinking about, the van is really all I have. If it were to break down or if someone crashed into me, I would have no transportation and no home. I work toward keeping the van in top shape, so I do not have many worries. I know I will always find a way, anyway.
My friends, Barry and Sue Bakalor lost everything as their multi-million dollar home went up in flames during the big fires in California. Yet, they are finding a way back, as we all do.
A few have written to me letting me know they have been inspired by my writings, so great to hear! And one person in Europe let me know I have motivated them to do the same as I am doing in Europe, makes me happy when I am able to change someone’s life to better.
2/17—Last night I spent at Big Scrub Campground, I was curious on this campground in Ocala. It ended up being a campsite with no trees and nothing to see, so simply a place to sleep for the night.
Looked like this was more for ATV’s and motorcycles, there were trails going off.
But, they did have hot water. I was going to let my hair grow back, but, I took a blade to my head once again. This time it went smoother and no cuts. Not sure how long I will keep the bald head, but I will.
2/18—Today I went to somewhere I know and love – Alexander Springs Campground. So nice, but at times you hear cars out on the highway, After getting more done on the van, I will sleep well tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ug8PkV9cG7Y
Then, the next day, I went back into the springs, what a joy. This natural spring is so clean and warm, all year around. After I jumped into the shower, I am quite clean now.
While at the Springs I met Jerry and Kathy Powers, a wonderful couple. They were there in a very big motor home. They still have a physical home, I encouraged them to sell the home and take to the road—which they want to do—great to hear. They loved learning their new skill of juggling.
I heard them say they were going to a laundromat to wash some clothes. I had some and they did them for me, no charge. What wonderful new friends Kathy and Jerry are.
All day today I mistakenly wore my shirt inside out—as you know—I don’t care how I look.
At this point, I have done all my scheduled things. Now I have no schedule or direction; an interesting dilemma. This life I am living is making me so very happy, so interesting not knowing where you will be sleeping or where you are going.
What a fabulous day this has been.
Then, I moved on to Rainbow Springs State Park. Not much to say about the place, a nice park to sleep in, though.
2/19—A strange day, once again. I decided to stop by to see the Tallahassee Juggling Club, who meet at FSU in a pedestrian park area from 11:45 to 4pm.There were Hare Chrisna people giving out food, so I did. Who would pass up a free lunch.
But, it was soooo difficult to see all the beautiful college people. I remember my younger days when college students looked so old, now the opposite. Pretty girls who were in great physical shape wondered by by the droves.
I can hear you now saying, “Kit, you dirty old man!” Well—you are wrong! I took a shower that morning, so I was quite clean. And, age does not mean a thing, I still have the mindset of a 23-year-old.
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WHY LOOK—THERE’S GOD!
At the college, along with Hare Krishna, there was a bible thump-er, too.
For me, religion never made any sense. I attended churches of various religions hundreds of times, always listening for words that would show me a way to believe—never could. This God I hear of knows me well, I would think and knows what it would take to make me believe—never has happened.
Right now I am typing these words from the tabletop in my van and looking out over a fantastic forest, couldn’t ask for better. Did God make this? NO.
At the college there was a preacher guy yelling out to the students about the bible, seemed as though none were listening, and some were cracking up. It bugs me that people like that can just spew words and expects everyone to listen, a sad thing.
When attending church services, the pastor or preacher or ? just says words out to the people and they “have” to just sit there and take it in. So often I have wanted to argue with whoever was up there, but didn’t.
This time I did! I walked right up to the guy yelling bible words at the crowd and just stood in front of him. I told him of my non-belief in any God and he started telling me why I SHOULD believe. He said,
“You must believe so you have a chance to be saved.”
I asked, “Saved from what?”
He said, saved from the evil of this earth. I said, to be able to go to Heaven to be with God after you die. “What it really is is you get saved from this evil god who will send you to suffer in torment in hell for eternity if don’t believe in him. (something I can’t do.)
From what I know, this is the only thing you have to do to make it to heaven.
Can you say this word with me – “ridiculous”.
Then I went on to say, “Yes, saved from this hell that God developed where he will send me if I do not believe in him.” I did some other arguing with him, too. These guys should not have the right to just preach to the masses.
I said to him, “Say there is a guy who rapes and then kills an innocent little 12-year-old girl. While behind bars this guy “finds God”. So, now, on his deathhe goes to heaven. While the little innocent girl, whom he raped and who never believed in any God, she is sent to hell for eternity.”
I said to the guy, “Is this fair?” He hemmed and hawed some words and basically said that his god said so, then it is right.
I told him he was an immoral and evil person, just like his god is, if he agrees with this.
His yelling at the crowd subsided shortly after I talked with him.
An interesting sparring match (I won.)
What I ask “believers” who want to debate is >>
1) Please list “five” evidential proofs for your God with no reference to the bible.2) Please give “five” reasons I should believe in your God. Once again, with no reference to the bible book.Usually, they cannot complete this task.How about you, are you a believer?Can you answer these two questions in a clear way?=====
For tonight I parked in a sparse residential area within the trees, very nice for the night.
It’s a hassle to keep shaving the scalp, so I am just going to let it grow. Down to my ankles? You tell me.
I must say, such a comfortable lifestyle I am leading. I simply find a place where is safe and quiet and dark and I am good for the night.
2/21—Went to visit my friend from my old juggling days, Greg Cohen in Tallahassee, Florida. He started his company more than 25 years ago and things continue to grow. A variety of breakfast in the morning, to homemade ice cream, to unique candy developed by Greg, to juggling items—a unique combination for a shop—and it works—quite well. Take a look >>> http://www.loftypursuits.com/
Greg is taking his daughter out to a science convention which is out of town for the weekend, said we could meet up again on Monday (it was Thursday at the time.) What was I to do for three days?
I saw that Apalachicola National park was near—so off I went.
Not knowing of where National Park Campgrounds (I have a card to stay at the sites for half-price), I decided to stop by a library to ask (and also to sell books to, as I have done in the past.) She took my information about my books, said she could not directly purchase. She helped to find National ParkCampsites, but came up with nothing.
As I was exiting in my van I saw another van which looked like it was set up to travel like I do. I stopped and went to talk with the two who were in the van. A young couple, I learned that, like me, they also live in their vehicles. Later I discovered Bethany has her own vehicle which was back at the camp.
Bethany and Cole were at the library at check out some books for reading, but learned that it cost ten dollars just for a library card, so they decided no. Cole was so happy that I gave him one of the books that I wrote.
In our talk, I learned that they found a campsite through freecamping.org, and I asked if I might stay there. They said, “Sure, follow us. A campground I would have never found, happy I hooked up with them.
Wood Lake Campground offered much, I was surprised at what this free campground had. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-ring, there is a bathroom and it is next to a lake – fabulous! And, as I am discovering right now, there are free mosquitoes, as one is buzzing around my ear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LRy9COhEEa0
As you know, I do not sleep much, but slept until about 3:30 this morning, that’s late for me. About 7:15 I had a visit by Bethany’s dog. My van doors were open, so he hopped right in and sniffed around and wanted pets. And, Cole has two large dogs, too. The three dogs together play the whole time, great to see.
As I discovered, Cole and Bethany do not travel together, they each have a travel van and meet up various places. Yes, their dogs are great friends with each other, I am sure they love to hook up again.
Cole does artwork, with cans of spray paint. Bethany also works while traveling to pay her way.
There are other people living at the free campground, too. There is supposed to be a 14-day limit, but some look at though they are permanent. With their old travel trailer, they are settled in well.
A very drippy day today, not really raining, it is like the clouds are gently leaking. I was hoping to get some painting and work done to the van today, it will have to wait.
2/22—As I was heading off toward, I saw a small sign saying, “Leon Sinks Geological
Area”, I decided to check it out. This is still in Apalachicola National Park, which is as big as Rhode Island.
There is a two and a half mile walk that takes you to the “sinks.” I did the walk, very pleasant. Really not much to see, but a nice walk.
So, another Friday, have to get this blog to you. Quite lonely I am out here, I’d love to hear from you. Have no schedule or time, just heading somewhere. You will find out where (and I will, too) by next Fridays blog.
February 23, 201900Blog 7 – EVERY DAY IS A NEW ADVENTURE!
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–YES > >==You can change your life at any time to make it more magnificent.==You can live with little money and still have an excellent life.==You will still be able to live life getting very little sleep.==You can live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event.== I want to share with you experiences that, I hope, will add to and make your life better.==Perhaps this is my new “gig” and I will be traveling the world doing the same?=======================Feb 10—A rainy day in Florida, yuck, I have a lot of things I want to get done, too—Painting, juggling, unicycling—hard to do in a downpour.Went to Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, FL, after paying the $4 fee, off to see the lake. Because of the rain today, there was no one here. First I walked down to see the lake, yes, it is a lake, nothing special.Back and forth I go >> City and then something like >> https://lakelouisastatepark.com/ There I was, alone in the parking lot, with a light rain falling, a splendid view of the lake out my windshield, what a perfect time to chop my hair off—I mean—all of it. Starting with my armpits, then, “down there”, then up top.The electric hair clipper would not get down to the skin, a few millimeters of hair is left. I will apply a razor later when I have a mirror.I looked in the van mirror and my scar from my brain injury is so prominent, you will see from the photos.Actually, I had to have two brain surgeries. The night I got hit by that truck, to much blood was rushing to my head, so I had the first, a craniotomy, the night of the accident. The next day there was more blood build up, so they did another in the back. Scars in both places on my head.I have wanted to do this for the longest time, finally time. Have you ever shaved your head? (no, not you, Barry.)A few times when I had a mustache and I shaved just one side off. Took most people a while to notice. How about you, do you look at people clearly and intently?Something I have thought about in the past is just shaving one eyebrow. I wonder how many people would notice? Shall I? Like I wrote before, I do not care what anyone thinks of me, in any way.I was going to wait until I had a full mirror and hot water, but I could not wait. So, looking in the rain covered windows, I could see my face somewhat, so I attacked my hairs with a blade. Made a few cuts to my scalp, but the hair is gone.Why just now a car was driving by and they started pointing out the window and laughing, not really. But, as you know, I do not care what people think.It actually feels good to have a clean shaven head, you should try it sometime.Also, with the rain, I brushed and toweled off the van, the rain will do the final rinsing. I’ve been doing a lot of improvements to the van with paint and otherwise, I will take photos soon so you can see. 12:15 pm now, the rain has stopped. Just feeling the baldness on my head—feels kind of neat.As you know from before, in the sky windows in my van I have plants growing below the windows. One side is cilantro and lettuce, the other is spinach. A recent planting, when they are big enough they will make a delicious meal, as they have before. Rain is the best H2O for your plants, I moved them out to the road to soak in the rainwater.So, I just went to the camp bathroom and cleaned up what I did use hot water and a mirror. Something strange I had never noticed, I have wrinkles on the side of my forehead that had the surgery, yet none on the other side.Must tell you, I have been crying today. So many loses I have dealt with me my life, the latest, the loss of Tina, has hit me hard. Then, of course, that leads back to my big accidents in life. So much loss of what I once could do.I shaved my head, now I feel it and feel all the dents it contains. Feeling sorry for myself? Perhaps, but I have no idea what kind of life I would want. If you know me, you know that I am usually very positive and hopeful. This is a hard time I am going through right now.Also, currently going forward with no schedule and no direction—like a lost boy looking for home? The way I built the van it is very comfortable to travel in and live in. Yet, a lonely life, I am glad you are there, I would love to hear from you.Came upon this bird, just hangin’ out.Who knows what kind it is?Last night was the Tampa Juggling Club meeting, I was there. Saw some good young jugglers, I was coaching as I could. Take a look >>Aaron Bonk—Yes, Aaron was there, did some great juggling.Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PsqWwQLC20 I can only last a few days in a city with all the vehicles and people and commotion, then I need to get back to the woods—the wilderness. So, I will attempt to find some parkland to please my mind.At times, like right now, I think to myself, “What the hell am I doing out here by myself driving around. I have had a “home” all my life, so different to have my van as my home.2/14/19—I just came from http://bikeshoptampa.com/, they did amazing things to my bike. I had the bike with me for months and was not really operational. Chris did amazing things to my bike and it is in excellent condition now. The price was amazing as well. I am so very happy.After I left the magnificent bike shop I went to a Walmart to do some shopping. I have a chain for the bike and unicycle on the back of the van. I had not been locking the front wheel because it was not so good, so I was not in the habit of locking the front wheel. But, now I had a splendid new wheel and when I was in Walmart someone stole my wheel!I will be going back to Well Built Bikes today to see if they can help. From now on the front and back wheel get locked, as well as the frame. In fact, Chris gave me a new wheel-no charge-so good of him.Hope you had a delightful Valentine’s Day with your love.I was alone, humph.2/15/19—People have wondered, they tell me, why I go to Walmart. Well, the company is not so good, but most Walmart’s allow vehicles to park overnight. And, as I am still only getting between two and five hours of sleep a night, and because Walmart is open 24-7, I go inside to get on their free wifi at 2 am. Usually, I can find an electrical connection, too, for my computer.In my last blog, Barry questioned my poop story. Do I have to tell you, I write how things truly are for me, if you don’t like, well, too bad. I will continue to send words to you, do you like?Almost done with Florida, where to next (suggestions, suggestions?) I want to stay south for the heat, perhaps toward Texas? Remember, if you are anywhere near my route, let me know, I would love to visit you.Until next week—aim for excellence in everything that you do.You have that choice, always, make it a habit.February 23, 2019BLOG 6–DISNEY WORLD MAGIC KINGDOM!
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that, yes > >
==You can change your life at any time to make it more magnificent.
==You can live with little money and still have an excellent life.
==Still be able to live life getting very little sleep.
==You can live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event.
==I want to share with you experiences that, I hope, will add to and make your life better.
==Perhaps this is my new “gig” and I will be traveling the world doing the same?
=======================
February 2, 1019–Over the weekend I went further south in Florida. Up where I have been living for many years it is cold, icy and snowy. Down here in Florida I am wearing shorts and slaps (flip flops, I call them slaps because they slap your feet.)
Today, in working on my blog, somehow everything got erased. So, I am going by memory now and hope I can get all down. Actually, nothing that much happened this week, but — here we go >>
I had come down to Clearwater because I know that there are some jugglers who do street shows at one of the piers. But, as you would know, I did not make it down there. Driving through Tampa traffic was horrendous, and all the people, too.
I found another Pep Boys in Clearwater to have a look at my van. A small shop, only two people working there, they really need five or six mechanics. Terry was at the helm of the investigation, and he really knows his stuff.
He looked at the front end and, yes, saw the wheels were not aligned. Remember last week I had gotten a quote for over $1500 — much for me right now. Terry worked for half a day replacing one part and making adjustments. The cost came to under $300, that made me happy.
As far as my request for help financially, the only person I heard from was my wonderful x-wife Mary Ellen, who said she could not help at the moment, which I understand. I heard from no one else on suggestions or any help or even an offer of a shoulder to cry on, makes me wonder if anyone really reads the words I post or cares?
After the excellent van repair, it was off to—take a guess—DISNEY WORLD MAGIC KINGDOM!
I wrote about my juggling friend Bryan before. Well, his brother’s sister’s husband works at Disney and got us passes for the whole day–fabulous. Four of us, Bryan, his wife, his brother, and ol’ what’s-his-name.
The last time I was at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA was back in the ’70s, as a kid (or, as a Kit.) First time going to the Magic Kingdom. I remember everything being so big and magical, as a boy would take it in.
At a cost of $104 a person, I was surprised at how many people were there. Please, $25 to simply park your car, pay $50 and you get better parking and a bottled water. Prices for food inside the park were outrageous. But, people paid the cost. We had gotten a very big breakfast before going, so none of us had hunger.
What I especially loved was seeing kids, their eyes bright with wonder.
It was a great day, but I don’t think I would go again, I’ve regained knowledge of the ways of Disney.
Currently, I am back in Ocala National Forest, so splendid to be back. Sitting on a picnic table, eating a big salad, drinking a beers (I discovered two Corona Light fit into my big cup I use for tea in the morning. I like to drink incognito.)
After all the traffic going through Tampa some days ago, then the traffic in dealing with Disney, I was so glad to be back where I belong–in the wilderness with the animals.
February 23, 2019BLOG 5–Deeper south in Florida (I love the warm weather.)
January 26, 2019–Last night was wonderful staying at Alexander Springs Campground in Ocala National Forest. A nice sleep, but I woke at my usual time between 2 and 3 am. I worry, at times, about my limited 3 to 5-hour sleep, but I function fine throughout the day.
This place is such a lovely place.
Watch this >>
I hear about bears and other animals at parks I visit, but I seldom see them–darn. Hoping to see a wild elephant, but, hopes don’t do much toward an elephant.
Jan 28-30– Stayed at the home of my old friend Anthony Gatto-Commarota, his wife Danielle and their two young kids, Gabrielle and Abrianna. And, what a wonderful family they truly are (along with their two goats, two cows, two dogs and a herd of chickens (or is it a brood of chickens?)
I first met Anthony back when I was performing at Ballys in Atlantic City in 1982, have you seen me before my first accident?>>
He was only 9 years old and already an excellent juggler. His step-father, Nick, brought him to see me, a good juggler, to see if he might like that path. Soon after, Anthony hit the entertainment scene, and became, many say, the best juggler the world has ever seen.
Here is Anthony at age 9 with his step-father Nick >>
And, what he worked up to, assisted by his wife Danielle >>
SEE THE DIFFERENCE?
He traveled the world, performing in many countries. But, after a time on the circuit, he saw that things have changed, not able to get the gigs like the old days. And, because he and Danielle wanted to settle down and start a family, a change came. Anthony started a very successful company — take a look — http://bigtopcr.com/ You see, we can all change.
Like me, from juggling, Anthony learned to drive toward excellent, what he does now with his company. From juggling, we both taught ourselves to have this drive for the best, now he is using that same motivation for his business. I did the same with summerssalsa.com–until I got hit by that second truck.
Many jugglers are upset and angry that Anthony has gone a different path than juggling. But, he is living a fantastic life currently. His business, his family, his lifestyle–superb–I have never seen him happier. The performing juggling market has gone away, so I understand his direction change.
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How to Be Alone and Treasure Every Second of It
Being alone is often confused with being lonely, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Being alone — it’s just a fact. You’re on your own, with no one else around. Being lonely, on the other hand, is a feeling. If you’re unhappy or discontent because you are alone, you need to change your perspective.
Learning to enjoy spending time alone is a skill that one you can learn and strengthen over time. Sure, you may still feel lonely every once in a while, as I have, in the quiet hours after a lovely time with family, after a breakup, in the first weeks after a move; but with a little practice, alone-ness can become synonymous with contentedness — an emotional state we should all be seeking.
Spending time alone, with you, in your own company, gives you time to recharge, identify your feelings, find your voice and improve the quality of relationships that you have with people when you’re with them. Let’s take a look at how we might develop this in ourselves.
ACCEPT THAT THOSE FIRST MOMENTS WILL BE TOUGH, and, perhaps, lonely?
Many of us live in a world saturated with communication and media. It’s rare that we have a second to ourselves completely free from the pulls of social media or other people. I love being in a forest much more than any media could bring.
The first quiet moments with yourself, calm moments with yourself, will probably feel strange — a bit too quiet, a bit too intrusive — but lean into it! You need to get a little more comfortable being in your own skin.
LISTEN TO YOURSELF.
Who do you talk to most in your life? Yes, you, watch your language. One of the most rewarding aspects of learning to enjoy one’s own company is rediscovering your thoughts and feelings. Are you feeling cooped up or uneasy? Address this internally. Do you need a little more space? Do you need to declutter?
Are you feeling anger bubble up inside you seemingly out of nowhere? Where is this stemming from? What triggered these feelings? What can you do, now, to address it? Complex feelings arise in the quiet. Let them be and take notice.
LET IT BE FUN!
Approach things with a smile on your face. Alone time doesn’t have to be dull or meditative. Give yourself the space to spend time on solitary activities you enjoy, whether it be reading a mystery novel, plucking out melodies on the guitar or researching a new skill. Sing in the shower. Dance in your PJs! This is your time. Use it how you will!
1-29-19–Spent a few days with Anthony and his family, it was wonderful. Still awakening between 1 and 2am, then I am up for the day. I get tired, some, some of the time, but seem to function fine with little sleep. Also, I have never been able to take naps. They say you should get 8 hours, not me.
I got to spend two nights at the home of Rita Davison. What a love lady and superb chef. She showed me around town and we had a fantastic time together. Also, I taught her to juggle! She loves her new skill.
As I wrote before, if you anywhere
I NEED YOUR HELP. Last week I went to Costco to have my tires rotated. They told me that the tires were not wearing right. So, I went to Pep Boys to find out why–YIKES. They said >>
Upper and lower ball joints have play.
Both idler arm x2
Upper control arms x2
Four new tires.
So, very upsetting.
Also, two days ago I accidentally dropped my computer! I was being careful but slipped out of my hand. It was plugged into the charger and the part that holds the connection sank into the laptop.
But, when something like this happens I do not get upset or depressed, right away I am trying to think of solutions. That’s the key when something bad happens, right away start thinking of solutions.
I went to Best Buy and they told me it would take a few weeks for them to send out my computer to get it repaired and then send it back to the store. But, I use my computer daily to write to you and other essential stuff.
So, I bought a new one. What they call, an open box computer, which someone bought before and returned it.
As you know from my past writings, money is very tight for me. I am hoping to get your help with recent unexpected expenses. If you’ve enjoyed my writings, I am hoping you will help? I am looking at costs of about $2,000.
Please help how you can.
If you have a PayPal account, you can send me funds at kitsummers@gmail.com
My mailing address is PO Box 79, Hereford, PA 18056
Or, I found this with Facebook >> To send money, open a chat with your friend, tap the blue + icon and select the green Payments icon. You’ll then be prompted to set up your payment account – this will only happen the first time you use Messenger payments – and enter the amount you want to transfer.
I’ll be heading south toward more of Florida (where it’s warm.) Until next week, adios.
Thanks so much for y
February 2, 2019BLOG 4–Further south in Florida
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that, yes > >
==You can change your life at any time to make it more magnificent.
==You can live with little money and still have an excellent life.
==Still be able to live life getting very little sleep.
==You can live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event.
==I want to share with you experiences that, I hope, will add to and make your life better.
==Perhaps this is my new “gig” and I will be traveling the world doing the same?
========================================
So great to be back on the road again. From freezing temperatures to down here in Florida experiencing a high of around 27c (80f for those who do not know the metric language. I wish we would have converted about when President Carter tried, but Americans don’t like change. The metric system is such a better way to measure.)
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1-18-19–Right now as I am typing this I am sitting at a picnic table with a roaring fire in front of me, with a smile on my face. This is where and how I like to be.They have containers at each site to keep your food in because of bears–I LOVE THAT–HOW EXCITING. Hoping to see a bear so I can play pat-a-cake (Tina knows.)
Jan 19–It ends up the area is not part of the Government park system, so it is open–and fabulous–no Government Shutdown here. I seldom stay two nights at a place, but just so nice here I had to.
There is a section for bigger and more expensive rigs, I stay in the “primitive” section with tents and such. I cannot believe some of those motorhomes. I saw one that was 800 feet long!
80 degrees today, so nice. Where I drove down from where I was in Pennsylvania there was snow. Warmer weather is soooo much more comfortable.
I just witnessed something that seemed very strange to me. An older couple drove up, sat in their car for at least a half an hour, with the engine running, and just looking around. Then they drove off. With this fabulous place, how could they not, at least, get up and take a walk.
Boy, I am going to have to start caring a paper and pen, I often think of things to write to you about–whoops–where’d that thought go?Today I went into the springs for a swim. At first quite cold, funny how the human body quickly adapts and adjusts to the temperature difference. After, while still wearing my running shorts, they had an outdoor shower, so I got completely clean; soap, shampoo, the works. The temperature of the small lake is constant all year.
It is Saturday today, so many people here. Last time I was here I was the ONLY ONE for many miles (that I knew of) so, since I am skinny and felt like going for a dip, yes, me, skinny dipping! (you should have seen it, or, perhaps not?)
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About once every few weeks I thoroughly clean the van. I remove everything from the van, sweep out and clean everything, then I organize everything as I put it back. Being such a small home I have, I need to keep organized, always. There were two things I had been looking for that were missing–found, happy I am. Putting things where they go–always and right away. I suggest this for everyone to follow to have a better life.Also, today, I did some juggling, rode the unicycle, rode the bike, and, most important, wrote to you!
No wifi, no phone, for three days, I kind of like it. Can you do without?
When at a campsite every afternoon I leave the area and go in search of wood for the fire. You must use old dead wood for the fire, and, anywhere near the campground is already scavenged, I go offsite. I gather enough for the evening and also the next morning.
Today, down at the water, I saw a manatee, it was spectacular! Do you know what a female manatee is called? A Mame-atee, of course (I see you laughing.)
I just had to turn off my computer because the battery was dying. I carry a second with me, so here I am again.
Had my salad about 4pm, which I do every day at that time, salad every day. For dinner is was a can of chili with fresh cut red onion–eating well, I am.
Jan 19–When I awoke, still dark, I was making my fresh potato and onion breakfast. Suddenly I heard a knock at my door. A boater (the boat ramp is near) said his battery died and did I have a portable charger. Yes, I just so happened to have one that I use to charge other things I have when I am away from electric. Had to take the bike and unicycle off the back of the van to get to it. He took it down and when he drove back he gave the charger and thanked me much.
Jan 20–Sad to be out of Ocala National Park–so sad. From about 80 degrees yesterday to 50’s or 60’s today, such a change.
Jan 21-22–Met up with Bryan Weller, a Facebook friend of mine who is also a juggler. We met up at a U-Haul rental yard. He was there about selling and buying stuff that people have there who have not paid their rent in some months. You may have seen the TV shows about this.
I thought he was there to buy–HE WAS THE AUCTIONEER! He has many rental yards he goes to around Florida and gets paid and also a percentage of what sold. Looks to be a lucrative deal.
He learned to juggle in the 80’s and told me my book, Juggling with Finesse, changed his life. The words I wrote drove him to become a juggler, then a clown, then working with circuses, then becoming a ringmaster for a circus, among other things.
That evening I parked my van at his mom’s house. Very quiet and nice of them to offer. Washed my clothes and, the next day, did a lot of improvements to my home–the van. I stayed there for three days and did a lot of upgrades to the van. I thank Bryan for his help with some fiberglass repairs to my running boards.
January 24–Stopped at another Walmart to use their free wifi. I’ve gone to Walmarts all around the US, I find it so sad that most people do not look you in the eye, or smile, or say hi. I try and be friendly and say “HI” to everyone I can. How about you, do you make eye contact with strangers and say, “hi”?
January 24-25–Went to visit my Facebook friend Sandy Dziak, her husband, James, and her lovely family. Sandy trains horses in the Dressage method. The horses go on to compete all over the world. Her many income sources are training others to do the special method of working with horses.
She has worked with hundreds of horses over the years. Sandy has raised horses for many years and I saw her daughter taking a horse through the paces. She would just utter words and the horse would change his walking pace and step, it was amazing.
It’s so great to actually meet the people who are simply a name on Facebook, isn’t that right, Dorothy?
NOW I WANT TO GO OVER SOME COMMON THINGS I OFTEN DO AND HAVE QUESTIONS ON >>
How to I find electric >>
While driving, I have it set up so that I am charging my computer, my drill, my razor, my phone, and it is charging the GPS all at the same time using my cigarette lighter plug in. I have a converter that changes 150W DC 12V to 110V. Also, most McDonalds have electrical outlets I can use.Best place to find gas >>
Costco prices are the best around, so, as often as possible, Costco for gas. I try and time it so I get gas around lunchtime or dinner. You probably know how Costco offers samples of many food items. Well, that is my lunch or dinner. I go to each sampling a couple times, so, plenty for me. You tell me, is this a bad thing I am doing? Yes, I have bought things I have sampled.How do I keep food cold >>
I have a cooler and every few days I get new ice for it. Also, rather than buy ice, I have a large plastic container and ask a person I am staying with if they have room in their freezer. When yes, I fill the container with water and freeze it overnight. So, free ice.How do I shower and keep clean >>
Why, just 5 days ago I was feeling itchy, time to clean up. I find a Walmart. Most have, what they call, a family bathroom in the back of the store. This is a single room that you can lock. So, I go in and lock the door, remove all my clothes (yes, get naky at Walmart) then I soap down with a washcloth, put my head in the sink to what my hair (yes, my head fits), then I use a second washcloth to rinse off with clean water. Next, I towel down and get dressed. When I do this I get as clean as any shower.Also, I often stay with people, so I shower there, of course.
And, I have a portable shower that I can hook up to the top of the van. Take a look >>
https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-SS761-Summer-Shower/dp/B000J2Q0SU/ref=zg_bs_3401561_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TD2BXNEY3FSMNC63TP1DHow to take care of poop and peep >>
You may not be comfortable about this subject, therefore, if you are delicate, I suggest you close your eyes while I read.Most often I can find a place to take care of matters, like a fast-food place that has a bathroom. But, there are times when you cannot find a place, so I have to take matters into my own hands, so to speak.
In the van, I carry a quart size empty milk carton. When I have to pee, I take care of it by using the container, then I pour it out later, which will cause no harm to anything. I suggest this for every guy reading this, carry a container, so you don’t have to rush somewhere to “find” a place to release. (Sorry ladies, that you can’t do the same.)
So, on one side I have my bed in the van, on the other side is a table about the same height, about 20” high. I lay a newspaper down on the table, lean back and take care of business, afterward wiping with a paper towel. Then I fold everything up and throw it away. A quick easy process. (sorry you had to read that.)
Have you ever taken a shit in the words? >>
It is something that everyone has to experience at least once in their life. I have a paper towel with me. Find a tree, as you lean back against the tree, use your hands to pull your cheeks apart, take care of business, the use the paper towel to wipe (I have also used leaves or even a branch at times.) Then, bury the used paper towel in some leaves, it will decompose. You feel such freedom doing this.
Boy, in rereading that, how could I write such words?If you have any other questions about how I live–asked away–anytime.
So, Sandy is near to Ocala Park–so back I go! Once again, no wifi or phone connection for the next few days, you will not hear from me. But, I do hope you say good things about me behind my back.
You will hear about my time back in the park at my next blog post. Have a great time until then–and remember–it is up to you on how you portray things in your mind as you make things great and in your control.
I am including more photos from past travels, let me know what you think.
January 25, 2019
