Wheels to Waves-Our Journey Home

From what I hear, every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. Such is the case for us.

We’ve been in a whirlwind. A tidal wave. Sinking in quicksand. We’ve uprooted, trying to figure out what and where to call home. We’ve traveled great distances, only to find that home is not a place-it’s a feeling. Home is where your heart is happy and your worries melt away. Sometimes home is a person, and a puppy. That’s called love.

On Thanksgiving day, last year, Jim, Buddy and I packed up our RV in Sarasota, Florida, leaving our home which was deemed uninhabitable after the hurricanes. We surrendered to the fact that we would not be returning. The walls were gone, the contents sold or given away. Our pretty little Villa, our slice of paradise, moved to a memory, another one, that will last a lifetime.

Indeed. Back where we started from eight years ago. Returning to family, friends and a tribe, all of which has changed. Eight years is a long time. Relationships change. People move on. Children grow up, grandchildren are people I don’t even know. We missed a lot of that because we lived in Florida. I, for one, had some major anxiety over all of this. Where do I fit in and how am I going to get to know them better. On the other hand, they don’t know me either. When we left California, the grandkids looked like this.

And now they look like this

When we pulled out of Florida, the air was heavy with more than humidity. Hurricanes had flooded our home, leaving behind heartbreak and splintered memories. It wasn’t just a house we had to leave — it was the place where chapters of our lives had been written. But as the saying goes, sometimes the only way forward is through. So, we packed up our hearts, loaded up our RV, and set our sights west — toward California, and toward family.

It’s just me, Jim, and our loyal travel buddy, Buddy. The three of us set off on I-10, that long ribbon of road that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, carrying truckers, dreamers, and folks like us who find solace in knowing we are in for a new adventure..

In Florida, we said a quiet goodbye to what was — watching palm trees blur by as we crossed the state line, a bittersweet moment of both grief and relief.

We traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi and then onto Louisiana. Our stops were uneventful, yet very enjoyable

Texas seemed to go on forever. Wide skies, long stretches of desert, and little towns where time slows down. You hit a town, think you’re done…then realize the next town is 75 miles away. And that’s just the first of three towns before the next city. Texas felt less like a road trip and more like an endurance test- cows, tumbleweeds and “Best BBQ in Texas “ billboards kept us company. Even Buddy started to look a little bewildered.

By the time we rolled into Arizona, sunsets paint the sky in fiery shades of gold and rose.  There was a peace to it — the kind that only comes when you’ve let go of what was and start to embrace what’s next.

Finally, the California border sign came into view — and I swear I felt something shift inside. It wasn’t just a new state; it felt like a new beginning. A different kind of home. We will spend Christmas with the kids and grandkids, and this year, that feels like the greatest gift of all.

Our RV has become home now — not just a way to travel, but a symbol of freedom. It’s cozy, and full of love.  While it’s sad knowing we won’t return to Florida, we’ve realized that home isn’t always a place on a map. Sometimes it’s simply where love, resilience and togetherness take you.  For us, for now, it’s wherever our RV is parked, with Buddy at our feet..

Christmas in California

This Christmas was unlike any other — the first time in eight years that our whole family was together. After so much change, loss, and distance, being surrounded by our kids, grandkids, and loved ones felt nothing short of miraculous.

We celebrated at Bonelli Bluffs RV Park in San Dimas, a cozy, welcoming spot that became the perfect backdrop for reconnecting. Our kids — Veronica, Aimee and her now husband Paul, Michael and his wife Millie were there, along with our grandkids Andreya, Arriana, Aliessa, Bella Rose, Grace, Zeke,  Audrey, Paulie and Sofie, my sister Cameron, and dear friend Darlene.  Missing our son Robert and his wife Steph, along with oldest grandson Fonzie. You are always in our thoughts.

One of the highlights was an overnighter with the granddaughters. It was a simple idea that turned into something unforgettable. We stayed up talking, sharing stories, and really learning about each other. There were tears and laughter in equal measure, and by the end of the night, it felt like hearts had been stitched together across years of distance and missed moments.

This Christmas reminded us that family isn’t just about being in the same place — it’s about connection, love, and presence. After eight long years apart, we rediscovered the joy of togetherness. The RV felt warm not just from the heater, but from all the love filling it. These moments — the hugs, the shared laughter, the quiet conversations — are the memories that will carry us forward for years to come

I’m so grateful to Jim for  the way he always makes everything feel both special and simple. His thoughtfulness, love, and care shine through in everything he does, not just for me, but for the kids and grandkids as well.  He goes above and beyond to create moments of joy and comfort, and his dedication to our family never goes unnoticed.  I feel incredibly lucky to share life with someone who gives so much of himself, making our family feel cherished.

It was a beautiful Homecoming.

Life on the Move: Our Year of Adventures and Homecomings

Living in our RV has been an incredible adventure, though it comes with its own unique challenges. Since we can only stay in one place for a limited time, we’ve become experts at packing up and moving on. Not having a permanent address can be tricky, but it has also given us the freedom to explore so many amazing places. Over the past year, we’ve rotated between San Dimas, San Diego, Santee Lakes, Anaheim, and Long Beach, each stop offering its own special memories.

The year was full of adventures, especially with the grandkids. We took Bella Rose and Audrey on a girls’ trip to Santa Cruz, where we laughed, played, and enjoyed the thrills of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Another special trip took us to Morro Bay, where we boarded a boat and delighted in watching playful sea otters in their natural habitat. It was a week full of firsts for the two of them. The girls cooked meals, took long walks on the beach, collected sand dollars and wandered in the redwoods. They played games.  We wandered in Solvang, and I tried Boba for the first time at their urging. They made a Carin on the beach in Ventura.  We went to an aquarium and a museum. I had so much fun with them.  They were a joy for both Jim and I to spend this week with.

These are photos taken over the past year of family time together. It has been so fun to have the kids and grandkids participate in our lives as we transitioned home. Highlights include a trip to the Queen Mary with Audrey and Bella where we went on a haunted ship tour. Prior to the event, we bought a lock to add to the Love Lock Wall at Shoreline Village. This little lock will live there forever and always be a place where we can return and remember our fun girl date. Michael, Aimee and Paul brought the kids to Santee Lakes during our time there for a camp out. Fishing was on the agenda for everyone. We had a great weekend. We had our tribe over to the RV in San Dimas for a BBQ and some fellowship to celebrate my 14th year of sobriety. Cameron and I went on a little cruise out of Long Beach. We cruised to Catalina and Ensenada. It happened to land on my birthday, so I got to celebrate on the high seas. It was a great getaway and I am so grateful for all the special times I get to spend with my sister. Speaking of my birthday, I turned 65 this year.  Surrounded by family for a nice meal, this was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from simply being together.

Grace and I had a girls date also.  We went to the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana.   The Cube, is a science museum ,with more than 100 hands-on science exhibits designed to spark children's natural curiosity. While we were there, we were able to enjoy BubbleFest, which is an amazing show put on by a woman entertainer who makes art out of bubbles. We had a fun day together.

A New Chapter on the Water

After a year of living full-time in our RV, moving from place to place, we’ve officially begun a brand-new adventure—life on the water! Jim had talked often about wanting to live on the water again, and after looking at several boats, we finally found the one that felt just right. Docked in beautiful San Diego, our new home is a 50-foot motoryacht with everything we need to make her truly ours. She has a cozy king-size bed, two staterooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a lovely enclosed aft deck that’s perfect for morning coffee or sunset views. Of course her name is Happy Destiny.

The best part? We finally have a permanent address again—and that brings a special kind of peace and happiness after a year of life on the move. Buddy absolutely loves the boat, quickly finding his favorite sunny spots to nap and watch the water.

Like any new home, she needed a little work to get shipshape. After some engine repairs and two months of patience, we finally took her out for our maiden voyage—what a feeling! There’s nothing quite like being out on the open water, feeling the gentle sway beneath your feet and knowing this is home.

Our RV is safely tucked away in storage, ready and waiting for road trips when wanderlust calls. But for now, we’re embracing this next chapter—living afloat, surrounded by sea breezes, sunsets, and the gentle rhythm of the tides. Life truly feels full circle, and we couldn’t be happier.

I’ve had so much fun decorating our new home.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t write about Buddy. He has been a trooper this past year. He adapts really well to every situation and travels probably better than I do.  He and Jim (papa), have a special bond. He always makes you feel welcomed home if you’ve been gone for a bit. Buddy is truly one of a kind, and I don’t know what I would do without him. His love, loyalty, and playful spirit brighten every day, and he has a way of making even the simplest moments feel full of joy. He’s more than a companion—he’s family, my constant comfort, and a source of endless happiness. Life just wouldn’t be the same without him by my side

Until next time,

all our love

Kim, Jim and Buddy🐾