Well, it’s been a hot minute since the last blog post and this overdue post talks all about crazy adventures at LOZ, aka Lake of the Ozarks.
We spent just over a year in Missouri (arriving in September 2024) and it was a challenging time. Work had its ups and downs and the weather challenged us a lot of days in the RV. Our first winter, we experienced days with below zero temps, snow, freezing waterlines so no water, a power outage, getting propane daily, lots of rain in the spring, a mini-tornado, and then a very hot and humid summer. We had to get creative with cooling down the RV since we only have one air conditioner: we previously purchased a portable air conditioner unit (long story!) and put that next to the bed. That was fun to climb around all summer long. 🙄
We stayed in a rental house that second winter and that worked out perfectly. The only issue was that was our 4th time packing up and moving in the last 4 years so that’s starting to take a toll. It was nice to be surrounded by modern conveniences again though: space for Buckley to roam around (he took over all 4 beds, lol), a dishwasher, a large kitchen, and washer/dryer. A few weeks before moving back into the RV, we decided to do some upgrades instead of purchasing a new RV so out with the gross carpet and old hot water heater and hello new flooring and tankless water heater (aka: Jen can take a longer shower and no waiting 25 minutes in between showers for the water to warm back up). In the midst of all that, Brad got a new job in Michigan so we were really on a strict timeline. We moved to Michigan in March but that’s for another time.
A quick rundown of what we did in Missouri: boating (of course), Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Lake Ozark State Park, visited two new states: Oklahoma (Natural Falls State Park) and Arkansas (Eureka Springs), Bennett Springs State Park, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Branson (Top of the Rock), hiked multiple conservation areas, and the best part, new hiking friends!
Jen randomly saw a FB post about a local hiking group, connected with the organizatior, and the rest is history! These ladies made our time in Missiouri so fun and enjoyable. We hiked almost weekly and went on two out of state hiking trips to Arkansas, hiking Haw Creek Falls, Pack Rat Falls, Pam’s Grotto, Hwy 123 Falls, and Goat Bluff. Our time together with the group made our time in Missouri special and it was hard to leave the small community we became familiar with.
But atlas, the only constant is change so here Brad and I are living in the state we met in. Till next time, happy trails!
Roaming Free In An RV 
Jen, so good to hear from you and get caught up on your & Brad’s lives! Is definitely a different way of life, and not for faint-hearted people! Your photography is just beautiful, and it must be awesome to be traveling & seeing so much of our country, and meeting so many different people, too! But I’m sure it does take its toll, especially in rough winters & for figuring out re jobs/income and all of that practical stuff, especially as you guys get older. Glad you stayed for a time in a rental house, and also that you got to meet hiking friends in Arkansas! Hope you enjoy your time now in Michigan! Thanks for the update!
Blessings, Roberta
p.s. just an update for me; I am still am doing counseling, but just a very limited practice, renting space at ACC (church in Clarendon Hills). I am no longer taking new clients, only an occasional referral or if a former client returns. Ross & I will be married 50 yr. this year, and I’ll be 75 this year! So enjoying our home & gardening, volunteer work with our church, trying to sort thru old photos and finish my Storyworth book (gift from the kids–an online site where you write your life story, by answering question prompts, and they’ll print it out in hardcover books) and, of course, as much time as we can with our kids/grandkids. Our 6 grandchildren are now 17, 14, 12, 10, 10, and 7 already; time goes by so quickly! We are taking them this year on an all-family trip in July to Cedar Point, OH; it is one of the “spots” we took our girls growing up a few times, so that’s why it was one of our trip choices.
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Hi Roberta! I was just thinking of you this week and I’m so glad you made a comment! Thank you for the kind words. The last 11 years have definitely been a learning experience and just like anything, good and ok times. We are excited to be in a cooler state for the summer and I’ll do a better job of keeping up with the blog. 🙂 I love your update and am so happy you are doing so well. Congrats on 50 years, that’s amazing! I haven’t heard of Storyworth but what a beautiful and lasting gift for you and your children. Sounds like you are good busy and wow-6 grandchildren, what a joy. Have a wonderful vacation and make lots of great memories! Miss chatting with you. ❤
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Very nice work Jen and interesting 😁Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Dad. ❤
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Love reading about your journey and all your adventures!
Certainly have missed seeing them posted.
You make them so interesting and the pictures are amazing!
Always be careful and safe.
Love you both 💕❤️ mom
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Thanks Mom. ❤
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