Friday, March 26, 2010

We're on the move....

Ok, that could prove to be a little misleading.................we did not get a rig yet. But this blog HAS moved, already!

You can find the newer, cooler version at:

www.athomeonwheels.com

There you will find a variety of different pages such as Rv lifestyle, homeschooling, and ways to make money on the Internet.

Check it out.

It is still "under construction" but be sure to follow and return often.

Thanks!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Great "RV" find..and ANOTHER award!

Wow- yesterday was a great day! No, I did not find an RV or trailer yet, but I did find another little goodie.... I have been thinking that I need to get a good book with information on the different states, places to visit, etc....

Yesterday, we had co-op. Co-op is where homeschool families get together and the kids take a couple of classes with other homeschoolers, go on field trips, etc... We have a moms room, complete with snacks (yum...) and clothes, books and such that moms are giving away.

I started looking at books, remarking to another woman that I DO NOT need more books....well 4 books later I walked away.

My best find? The book, (Reader's Digest's) America From The Road -A Motorist's Guide To Our Countrys Natural Wonders And Most Interesting Places.

It's like 20 years old, but I don't think any of the natural wonders have moved although some of the maps may have changed somewhat.


I was reading that thing for quite a while last night. I learned quite a bit about New York State- um...my own home state!

Continuing on...



I received another award!





Wow, I've found a new friend for sure....

Thanks AmandaK for another great award..........um, wonder if AmandaK has a nice driveway with electrical hook-ups and water?

Calm down, AmandaK- kidding!

All kidding aside, I love that someone likes my blog. I remember the first lonely year with my other blog, Working in Jammies and Loving It.

I'm just thrilled that this blog is taking off quickly.

I can't wait to get on the road and post pics of great places, along with a little history on said places...

Now I must go and get working on my business, promoting my blog and loving life!

Later my great friends.

P.S. I did not forget about my 1st award- I will work on the blogs I'm awarding later today.

Monday, March 22, 2010

My first award!

Wow! I got an award! I'm so impressed! It's from AmandaK at Blogger Towne.

Thanks, AmandaK !

BTW, Blogger Towne is a pretty cool social networking site- so go join now....you can never belong to too many of those, right?

Since this blog is about living on the road, whether part time or full time, I'm going to be looking at some of the new bloggers I've seen who blog about their travels, or their journey just reaching the road.

So over the next day or two, I will award 15 blogs with this very same award.

Stay tuned to see who gets the award, and get ready to read some great writing. Who knows where these bloggers have been in the last few weeks?

So ya'all come back, bring along a cup of campfire coffee or maybe a beer and enjoy!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Shopping around for an RV..............

I'm still searching the net every day, looking for that perfect deal. I'm pretty sure the one in my previous post is sold- I don't see it on the Internet anymore. I liked it, but I would have had to finance.

I really do not want to finance one. We have our house payment, and a car payment already. We are not ready to go on the road full-time, so there is no sense getting a 5th wheel with 3 bedrooms or whatever at this point.

Something a little older would suffice. But if you pay too much, there is no trade in value. Ron wants a pop-up- I'm not so sure. But should I be picky starting out?

So I look for the "perfect deal"- something I can pay cash for (not much :-) but trade in eventually. And not have payments for 10 years!


Are you along for the ride?

It's funny talking to my friends about what I want to do. One couple we know work the carnie. They are the ones that just got the pop-up so cheap. They are all excited about heading out soon.

Another friend I've talked to is all for hitting the road. Guess she has relatives that are on the road and work the small school events, carnivals and such selling jellies, jams and pickled stuff.

I was telling her about this blog and all the stuff I hope to add to it. Both Ron and my friends husband are diesel mechanics. Ron has worked on RV's and buses, although he says they aren't as nice (room to work in) than a regular diesel tractor.

Another friend (of Ron's) agreed- sell it all and go on the road. Ironically, he's also a diesel mechanic.

Actually, he'll fix anything.

Ron likes his space when working on an engine- forget the cars!

So many would like hit the road, so few do.

It's just not that easy for the average Joe- those affected by unemployment, disabilities and such.

Even to sell everything and go- the housing market just isn't all that good.

But, I am an optimistic person- if it's meat to be, we'll know it when we see it.........

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The search continues....

It is totally insane looking at Rv's and trailers. The used ones cost almost as much as new.

I started looking at Class C's- small ones you could drive. Most that I saw in my price range, -0- (kidding!) were either smelly, needed a total overhaul, or were 30 years old.

We started looking at new trailers, the kind you haul. Put a thousand or so down, finance the rest. But I really don't want to finance much.

I did go see this today:


It really looks better in "real life" than this pic.


It has a front "bedroom"- a queen bed with cupboards above and on both sides. It also has bunks- one on top of the other.

AND the bathroom sink is in the bathroom NOT outside of it like a lot of models we've seen.


I love the kitchen area- so clean looking....




It also has tons of storage AND an outdoor shower!

I really like it, it's only a 2003- not too old, but...

it still cost almost the same as new!

Our friends found a pop-up camper for $750!

They had to sew a rip and there's no furnace in it, but heck....

Of course, we are planning on camping a little more than them, and we have a kid or two tagging along, so we need a little more room and heat.

Most pop-up's cost more than regular trailers as a rule. I keep thinking we will luck out if I just keep my eyes open.

If not, we may need a little more time. I was hoping to leave on our maiden voyage on August 1st.

The search continues....

Advertising.....

If your business has to do with RV's, camping, traveling, or a home business that can be done on the road, please consider advertising on my blog.

For rates, email me at freedomathome@hotmail.com

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

An introduction...........

Hi, I'm Carolee and I am a 40-something mom of 30 year old and 18 yr old sons and a 12 year old daughter. I also have 3 stepsons, 25, 21, and 20 as well as a grandson, 2 years old.

I have spent many years working at different jobs, and I ran a home daycare for about 10 years. 3 years ago I started a home business selling dental and health plans. So much has changed in my life since then, I am sometimes amazed.

I started homeschooling my 12 year old daughter this year. This has allowed even more freedom in our lives- a freedom that people who work a J-O-B and have kids in school may never experience.

Just before starting my home business, I was diagnosed with Cancer. I had a large tumor on my kidney, which needed to be removed A.S.A.P. When they opened me up, they found it had spread to my spleen, so they took that , too. Thank goodness for spares- I still have a kidney, and I've been great without the spleen. There is a 50-50 chance (did they not know what to say?) chance of it returning. I'm not considered "cured" for like 10 years!

But fear not, I feel great!

Last year, my 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This can sometimes be a bummer for her, especially if her hips or ankles hurt- she is generally a kid on the move.

Right now she's feeling great, too.

I have always wanted to go camping with my kids. Growing up, we had a trailer and went camping (at the same campground) every year. My parents camped there for 20+ years. I really missed that with my kids. Except I wanted to see the country........

The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, everything grand and beautiful in the US. I had been across country once- in a car to get there, and a train to come back. Long story- maybe another day. But that was not enough time to really SEE things.

Recently, I ran in to some forums for people who live on the road. Two of them are Families on the Road, and Rv.net. These forums have fueled a fire that was simmering just below the surface, awaiting the right time.

I realized if I keep waiting, the time may never be right. My business had slowed down considerably in the waning economy, and Ron's place of business shut down. We went through most of our savings.

Why not just hit the road sooner than later? Research had shown me there is free and even affordable camping out there, and often you can work at a campgrounds for a free campsite and maybe even a little pay.

I am an avid blogger, and I think if I can get some "Rv/camping" type advertisers, that can help fund my trip.

And finally, I am planning on writing a book to share with others how to find true freedom, and that home can be wherever you park your wheels.

This is the story of our quest to find the perfect Rv or travel trailer to suit our needs, and our subsequent adventures on the road.