Wednesday, December 22, 2021

November 2021–Still in Virginia

November 2021                                                     Most Recent Posts:
Virginia                                                                     October 2021
                                                         After the Vandalism, the Rest of September


There really isn’t much different to say about November except that had the vandalism not occurred, I would have left on October 31 for Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Florida.   I had fought hard for reservations in the Florida State Parks managing to set it up so I was moving only every 2 weeks from November 1 to early April.  First down the east coast, across the center and up the west coast.  Two weeks at a time.   I am hoping to force my insurance company to reimburse me for the $25 cancellation fee per reservation.  Cancelling my entire winter will cost nearly $300.

I haven’t spent a November in Virginia for 11 years.  I found that fall progressed and the rains dictated that the leaves were forced off of the trees before they became a lovely red.  I really was hoping for a very colorful fall but it didn’t happen.


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Having a tough time with this puzzle even though it’s only 500 pieces.  Many of the shapes are the same as are  the colors.  But I love Beagles so . . . I persevere.

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The rain provided clouds and some lovely sunsets

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And fog sitting between the mountain ranges.


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As I said, I haven’t been in Virginia during November for 11 years so I’d forgotten about the possibility of frost.  I was surprised to see it covering one of the fields one morning.  At first I thought it was a light dusting of snow.


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In my last post (link above), I talked about our trails.  I didn’t mention that David built at least one bench along each one.  Mostly they are still in their places amazingly.  

One of my favorites is along the stream at the top of the lower field.

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Evidence of other visitors among the leaves.


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In the middle of the month, I drove up to Maryland to spend a long week-end with Carrie and her family.  It was cold up there too.  Celia and I are bundled up for our walk.  Thanks to Carrie for the pictures I am in.

Celia & Nana on the walk


The Doctors Iwanowski using their mother’s 37 year old doctor kit.  The dolls and I were patients having  blood pressure checked, our hearts listened to and receiving numerous shots.

Celia and Colin doctoring


Moving fast on her horse, Celia is out of focus.

Celia and Colin on the horse


Little brother pulls big sister around in the wagon.  Too cute!

colin pulls Celia in wagon


Nana’s favorite thing – reading!

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If you have a little Nana, she can sit on your chairs at your table with you and play games and color.

Us 3 playing a game



The month ended with another catastrophe.  I took Winnona 70 miles south to an RV glass places to which my insurance sent me.  The drive, though it may not look it in this picture, is at a 45 degree angle.  It’s the only way in. 


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This caused the RV to bottom out and damage the rear passenger bin door.  That makes two in insurance claims within 3 months neither of which was my fault at all.

I should never have been sent to this business by my insurance.  No big rig should be sent there.  But it will still no doubt raise my insurance rates sky high.

I called the claim in and was told that their system was “under going upgrades” and they could not assign me a claim number or a claims agent until it was finished.  They would notify me.  As of today that was 3 weeks ago.  No word.  I called  and was transferred to someone’s phone mail.  That was Monday morning.  It’s now Wednesday and no call back.

This picture is taken from the rear of the RV looking forward underneath at the bin damage.  $4000 to repair my body shop says.

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At this point, I wish I’d stayed longer in Vermont to bask in their color, stopped in Shenandoah National Park and gone straight on to Florida instead.  Hanging around here has caused me months of trouble and expense.  But of course I would have missed the peace of the farm and the joy of my daughter and her family.  

Next post will be about December and I will be current for the first time in a long time.  Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season until then.

19 comments:

  1. So sorry for all the issues that keep cropping up. Wishing you wonderful holiday season with less stress.

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    1. Thank you Faye. I wish you a wonderful holiday as well.

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  2. No matter what problems life brings along, it is so much more difficult, especially mentally, to deal with them on one's own after a lifetime of the comfort of a wonderful spouse.

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    1. Of course, being in my exact same situation, you have described it perfectly. All of this is so much more difficult without David who know how to handle these sorts of things and could do much of the work himself. I'm sorry you too are missing such comfort. Wish we lived closer.

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  3. It may be cold and not as colorful as you like but the farm is beautiful. And so are your amazing grandchildren. So many places that are not RV friendly. Sorry these things keep happening. After it's all put right, get a different insurance company. Merry Christmas!

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    1. I'd love to get a different insurance company but with two claims within 3 months, even if they were not my fault, I doubt anyone else will write me a policy let alone at a rate I can afford. Hope I'm being too pessimistic. Happy Holiday to you Gaelyn.

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  4. The farm is so picturesque....and filled with many happy memories. Love seeing the trails...and the benches that David built. I am sure they have become even more important over the years. I miss leaves...even if they are not so colorful. There is something glorious about the smell of leaves. Looks like we will have an 85 degree Christmas day here in Austin. I prefer a cold day...even better if there is a snowflake or two. Insurance companies are not what they used to be. As individuals, it seems we cannot win. File an honest claim and they raise your rates. I am sorry you have had such a negative experience. Those grandchildren of yours are just beautiful. Not sure why "littles" love playing doctor....but I remember those days well. Stay safely tucked in your cozy farmhouse Christmas. Could be a day of old Christmas movies, hot chocolate and glorious views of the naked trees. Merry Christmas.

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    1. What a beautiful comment Carol and such lovely wishes. Thank you. I'll happily be with Carrie and her family over Christmas. One of the benefits of being in Virginia is that I can drive rather than fly and take presents with me rather than have them sent there. I'm sure you will be surrounded by your family at Christmas. Give them all hugs from me. Really missing David.

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  5. Never saw those trails on the farm or the benches. Very nice. I gather from this that you are planning to spend the whole winter in Virginia. Hoping you are able to salvage some of your plans... We miss the winters - we always enjoyed the beauty of freshly fallen snow and the occasional ice storm and especially the spring. Wishing you a Merry Christmas with your family. Celia and Colin are so cute and growing so fast.

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  6. I guess the upside to all this, if there is one, is you'll be close to family. Christmas season is the hardest without family I find. Those benches are a fabulous memento of your wonderful David.

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  7. You are amazing with how you soldier on despite all the challenges life has thrown at you. You are setting a great example for your lovely grand children (who are cuter than cute, by the way) of how to persevere no matter what, and find the beauty in life and nature. There will be positive Karma coming your way, you deserve it.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, so nice to be able to spend this special time with them. Memories they will treasure all their lives of their sweet Nana.

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  8. What a headache.

    The farm is picturesque in fall though.

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  9. Oh, dear!can't believe all the trouble you are having... i been reading alot about being grateful, for the little things, for unexpected happiness along the way... something for every day.
    Being with family, unexpected.... not as planned is a grateful thing... Have a Blessed Christmas..

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  10. I know it's been a rough go, but the farm is gorgeous despite a lack of red leaves and I am so thankful for seeing a relative lot of you over these months. These are memories to cherish. Looking forward to seeing you TODAY!! Love you always.

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  11. Looks like your bright spots are family. It is sad that each generation becomes more incompetent than the last.
    I am having major problems with my truck. (no one can seem to fix it)
    Anyway ... life is good ,try to stay positive during your frustrating repair journey !!! I do know what you are going through!!! Susan

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  12. So annoying to deal with these issues. Enjoy the extra time with your cute, cute grandkids!

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  13. I'm so sorry you've had so many challenges with your rig, none of which were your fault. I sure hope your insurance company comes through and you can get your repairs made and return to your travels.

    On a brighter note, your farm is truly lovely. You captured some gorgeous photos of fall there! And your grandchildren are, as always, adorable. So fun that you can sit at the little table with them. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and all good things in the New Year!

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  14. Quite the challenging fall you have had. I do hope that things ease up before long for you. Following along on your struggles to get reservations for winter this year it is hard to see it all fall apart. Such a bummer. I do hope next year is different and things get fixed and once again you can travel to the beautiful beaches for more sunrises. Although your photos of your Virginia farm in the fall are amazing, and time with your grandchildren is precious. The years go so quickly. They will love you always when they are adults as mine are, but they won't be as available. Hopefully your Christmas was beautiful.

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  15. I'm finally getting caught up - again! Bummed to see you had another mishap with Winona. I don't even know what to say other than I hope solutions come more easily in the months ahead. Glad you got some more time with your littles. They are just so precious! Even without the strong fall colors, your farm is so lovely as the seasons change.

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