Mrs. PAHunter (aka Chris's dw Jen) here posting for the first time. Had been meaning to register my own login for weeks, but finally took the time tonight. Can't promise I'll post often or with as many pictures as Chris always did; I'm not a photographer nor a social media person (no Facebook for this gal) and after being on a computer for work all day, more screen time is the last thing I really want.
The last two months have found Reba and I building new routines without Chris and she doesn't glare at me near as often for not bringing home her snuggle buddy of the last year and a half. We both miss him, but taking everything one day at a time.
Have to brag a little, and I know Chris is quietly smiling at my recent adventure. Our last camping trip together ended in hours of torrential rains and our camper slide developed a leak worthy of a bathroom shower. Since Chris's passing, I was able to get it scheduled for some maintenance and repairs (outside slide sealant, not rubber gasket, was shot/rotted and useless - it's not a new rig!), but had to drive it the 15 minutes down the road to the shop myself, and home again when repairs completed! Before this, I had only driven it 20 miles on a quiet interstate with Chris as my co-pilot, once! I was so nervous then and more so without him. I pulled out at 0730 on a Sunday morning for the lightest traffic possible on our busy road. I can't describe how proud I felt when I backed it cleanly into the parking space on the first try (beginner's luck; I don't expect it to go that smoothly the first campsite I park in.) I just sat there stunned a minute and had to share a word with Chris that 'I did it, Honey.' And the return trip last Saturday morning (New Year's Eve) was just as successful...getting it back into the driveway, straight, leveled, and plugged back in for the rest of the winter went just as smoothly. I know I'll get more comfortable driving the big rig with some experience, and plan to get lots of miles on it during the 2023 camping season. I'm just bracing myself for the emotional ringer of traveling without Chris. Giving myself this year to decide what I want to do regarding camping for the long-term.
Thank you to all our DisBoards friends out there who kept Chris company online, especially during his many hospital stays followed by his lonely days at home when I was at the office. Your continued support has helped me in ways our families can't. I look forward to chatting with all of you online and hope to meet many of you in campgrounds (including the Fort?)
Speaking of which, last I heard, a DisMeet at the Fort was being chatted up for late 2024. I owe Chris a Fort Wilderness stay and WDW visit during Christmas. We had cancelled reservations for such a trip twice before, for different reasons. Maybe these two ideas will coincide, maybe not.
Until next time...