2009 Tampa RV Supershow

The new Supermax will be in Long View RV's Gulfstream display, where I'll be working for the Show.

Just read the article below in today's RV Business magazine on-line. If you visit the show, stop by and see me at the Gulfstream Coach display with Long View RV.

Record Display Space Booked for Tampa Show
RV Business
Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The host Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) is reporting record manufacturer and supplier booth space for the 24th Annual 2009 Florida RV SuperShow, set for Jan. 14-18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.

"We will have more suppliers' booths than ever before and a record amount of manufacturer space," said FRVTA Marketing Director David Kelly. "With the addition of new entertainment and more seminars, we're anticipating record crowds this year. We're also renewing the two-day pass so the public will have two full days to see everything at the SuperShow at no additional cost."

The theme of the 2009 Florida RV SuperShow is "Fun is Right Around the Corner,” acknowledging an emerging trend among RVers to travel closer to home. FRVTA said that a full slate of educational seminars are planned along with displays from numerous Florida campgrounds and resorts.

Daily entertainment will include clowns, unicycle riders, barbershop quartets and bagpipe bands. There will also be a dog show along with a contest for the “World’s Largest Sand Sculpture.”

In conjunction with the show, FRVTA will hold its Super Rally for the 19th straight year. The rally is open to all RV clubs and the general public, and offers free admission to the show.

New this year is Brian Brawdy with his "Green RV” display. Brawdy’s RV uses six solar panels and a wind turbine. It also captures and stores rainwater for use later as fresh, sanitary water. The RV has everything found in today's homes: complete kitchen, queen-sized bed, full bath and entertainment center.

Referred to as an 'Outdoor Adventure Expert,' "Environmental Pioneer' and 'Eco-RVer,' Bawdry has appeared on several prominent cable and network news shows promoting green RVing.

We're In!

Dad, comfy in his new winter home.

Two weeks ago we were just starting to move in to the new house and now we are almost all settled. Allied Van Lines did a superb job of getting our furniture and other belongings out of storage in CT and delivered to FL. It was an early Christmas as we unpacked photo albums, artwork, china & crystal, my wedding dress, our California King size Select Comfort air bed, lots of books and sentimental items. While we were full timing, I didn't miss any of it. We truly didn't. The freedom of travel far outweighed the value of material things.

But now, on the flip side, we are luxuriating in things like long hot showers, loading up a 25CF fridge and pantry, and enjoying our pretty things we had carefully stowed away. And we never have to go outside to dump the tanks! But the best thing is having a second bedroom. We actually have three plus an office. Now we have Dad with us for the winter and have more room for other family or friends who might want to come visit.

Dad likes it here very much. He thinks our new home is very comfortable and pleasant. He is thrilled to shed winter clothes and not have to deal with snow and cold weather. The plan is that we will all return to CT together in April. For family and friends that want to contact him, his mail is being forwarded, he can access his regular email, and his phone calls from home are forwarded to his cell phone.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Transition Begins

Ed & I have begun making the transition from full time RVers to seasonal RVers. We parked the motorhome in the driveway of our new house yesterday. Today, we finished cleaning and hung blinds in all the windows. The only furniture we have so far is this set for the breakfast nook that we bought off Craig's List. The movers are coming tomorrow with all our belongings and furniture that we had stored in CT for the past six years.



Gina & Ashley recommended Bed, Bath & Beyond so we picked up an ensemble (that's what they call it!) for the public bathroom. It's Florida-y with palm fronds and we like the colors.



I've been debating about what to do with this blog since we won't be traveling with the RV for the forseeable future. I've decided to continue using it for a couple of things. One, if we take day trips to interesting places and attractions, I will post the info and pictures. Two, if there are family events worth chronicling, I'll post. And finally, I'll use the blog to post business news from Ed's business, Protech Mobile RV Service. I also recently joined Facebook if anyone wants to look me up. I'll put up more pictures of the house once we get settled.