For two years, our 1989 Pace Arrow sat lonely in our yard, mothballed and lonely. The last time we had it out was to take it to the Honoring Our Ancestors powwow, in which we vended and danced and had a most lovely time. When we came home, Dan gave it a critical look and said we needed to do some restoration. Like I said, two years ago. Dan redid it’s insides, changed out the fuel tank, fixed lines, and messed with all sorts of pumps and parts. He tells me when restoring something, you need to be careful to get it right the first time and it took two years. He has not yet changed the hot water tank, but that’s on order.
He put the last widgety thing on it and announced we needed to go on a shake-down cruise before going anywhere important. I called our favorite by-the-river place and made the reservation. It sounded like a wonderful long weekend, rest awhile away from everything good idea. He suggested it might be dusty from sitting two years. I agreed.
I went out to dust, clean, and wash a bit and discovered that despite mothballs, cedar balls, and deodorant soap in all the drawers, mice had been frolicking everywhere, chewing up the towels, making nests in the sheets, and leaving scattered droppings in every available cubbyhole. They had a wonderful time; I did not. They had found a safe place to live that the barn cats could not get into. I hate mice. I despise mouse droppings. It was in the silverware drawer, the dishes, the paper towels were chewed up nests…ugh!
It took me two solid days of hysterical disinfecting, scrubbing, washing, and trying to avoid bubonic plague, hantavirus, or anything else the little grey, squeaky, freaks had left behind with their droppings before it felt remotely clean again. I went out and smudged to remove any bad thoughts and vibes, packed our clothes, and set up food for the trip with just hours to spare. The weatherman has promised nice weather so we will be camping on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and coming back Wednesday morning. Dan has tools in the basements of the RV, and it’s close enough that we can dash home for animal care. He plans on tinkering and adjusting. I may do a little shopping in Amish country while we’re out. I plan on sitting by the river and working on the three books I am trying to complete to the rippling tune of quiet river resting. Altogether, a nice way to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary and Mother’s Day, which are only a few days apart this year.
In the meantime, I bought a new-to-me car. I needed something that could carry Dan and I, two child seats, the baby momma and Aunt Fawn and Uncle Scott plus baby gear and groceries. I got a 2020 Pacifica, and it has all sorts of bells and whistles that my other car didn’t. It has a button to turn instead of a shifter and keyless start; doors that open automatically; and I have not figured them all out yet, but I did find my favorite radio channels and got them programmed in.
As to this week’s special-what a special! Our brand new, just released cozy mystery trilogy is going to be a free download May 12-16, In Honor of Mother’s Day, and knowing how moms love cozy mysteries, will be our Official launch of The Fern Valley Fur Family Mystery Omnibus- 775 pages of great mystery wonder! Three complete novels in one cover! The book is free for 5 days just for you and your mom. Get out there and download it like crazy-my goal is at least 3000 freebies on this one. It starts Monday-don’t forget!
See you on the other side of the long weekend!