Friday, July 13, 2012

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY DAD, BILL BROWN – 12/13/1925 TO 7/07/2012

Bill Brown in cap

A big factor in our recent decision to buy a home base in Diamond Springs, California, was its proximity to my parents, both 86 years old.  After my Dad suffered a stroke three years ago, his health slowly declined, particularly during the past few months.  With the help of hospice, we (my mother, two sisters, and I) were able to keep him comfortable at home, and he passed away in his own bed, as he wished, on July 7. 

One of the biggest accomplishments of my life was a joint venture with my dad: building a houseboat designed to live aboard fulltime.  Daddy had learned carpentry and building from his father in law, sharpening his skills over the years with DIY projects.  I remember him improving every home we lived in as I grew up, always with creativity and attention to detail.  Once he retired, he extensively remodeled two cabins in the California foothills. 

When I approached him about building the houseboat, he listened and considered carefully (as he always did), then agreed.  Little did we know what was to come!  We figured it would take 3 months – instead, it took a year, working long weekends during Sacramento’s blazing summer heat and windy, rainy winter.  It was both a great learning experience and a great bonding experience, and I will always admire (and appreciate) the patience he brought to the task.  We launched on the Sacramento River with a sense of both relief and accomplishment, and it was my cozy home for nine fun years (and where I lived when I met Odel).

Now is a time to be with family.  Scoopy, our motorhome, is in storage while we focus on pulling together furnishings for our new home base and adjusting to the new normal.  Our fulltiming days are over, but our traveling days are not.  As for this blog?  Time will tell whether I pick up the blogging habit again when we resume traveling.  It has been a fun, interesting, rewarding pastime, but not one I will continue when we are stationary.  Thanks for traveling along with us over the years, and happy trails.

59 comments:

  1. It's been a great ride. We hope to see you out here again one of these days. Or maybe we'll all get together at Rosanna and Caroline's place again sometime. What the hey, we'd like to see your new place sometime, too. We'll let you know when we're going to be in California again and stop by for a visit. Happy trails you two. We're so glad we met you both.

    And, condolences on the passing of your Dad. We are dealing with the same thing ourselves at the moment here in Tennessee. All we can do is make him comfortable. It sure brings home the point that we are all here for a brief period of time.

    -- jc&bev

    ReplyDelete
  2. One of the best blogs ever written will be ending it seems. Thank you for the good times.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We'll miss you. But we understand that roads take twists and turns and we must follow them. Best of everything to you as you follow this new road.

    ReplyDelete
  4. you are a great writer, Laurie..and your blog is one the finest out there..so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad..life is short..too short sometimes..take care and enjoy your new home.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the great reading...I've read all of them...and your park reviews..Your dad must have been a great guy!
    Upriverdavid

    ReplyDelete
  6. So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Loss is never easy. I have enjoyed reading your blog and campground reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry to hear about your father's death. No matter what the age, it's an nonrefillable loss when our authority figures pass away.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sorry for your loss, your father was the same age as mine when he passed earlier this year. Although it is good long life it sure would have been nice to have him for a few more years, but I guess when you gotta go you gotta go.

    We will miss your blog on our reading list and hope you pop in once in a while and update us on your goings on. And remember if you ever get over Dogpound South way or feel the urge to spend some time in the Canadian Rockies we always have room.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sorry for your loss but so happy your dad could pass at home in his own bed. Enjoy the next stage of your life and thank you for sharing your full timing adventures.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sorry for the loss of your dad, it is never easy or acceptable no matter how old or sick they may be...we will miss your blog for sure..and I also hope you will pop out a note or two in the future to let us all know how you and Odel are doing...I'm glad you are keeping the mh and will still have travel days...enjoy this next stage of life..and your new home. We will surely all miss you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Please accept our love and condolences on the lost of you father. Our prayers for comfort and peace during this time of reflection and memories.
    We will miss reading your blog and traveling along with you two. We are so Blessed to have met you both. Enjoy your new home and thanks for all the super recipes!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hugs to you, Laurie and Odell. Beautiful post, beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures over the years. I've enjoyed riding along with you both. Best wishes to you as you walk through a different door and discover new adventures.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My condolences on the loss of your Father.
    I've enjoyed reading here for some time now, and look forward to any other snippets you may wish to share. Building that houseboat sounded like a great thing to do with your Dad. Maybe someday we'll get to see some pictures?!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sorry for your loss, Laurie. Your Dad must have been a really great man. Cherish those wonderful memories! We'll miss your blogs and look forward to reading when you return. Be safe and have fun in the new 'normal' you and Odel are building in your new place.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So sorry to hear about your Dad Laurie. We too will miss your blog and hope that you and Odel keep in touch.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father.

    I will miss reading about the adventures of you and Odell. :(

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sorry about your dad, Laurie.
    Always enjoyed your blog, especially the campground reviews. Enjoy your "new life".

    ReplyDelete
  18. So sorry to hear about your loss. You're in our thoughts.

    We are glad we had the opportunity to meet you both in Tuscon and we hope you enjoy your new adventure in your new home. We'll keep our eye's peeled for you on the road and hopefully this is not the end of your journey. Just a different path.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sorry about the loss of your father. Enjoy your new live, and we will miss your wonderful blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Laurie, we regret that you have "lost" your Dad, but of course, he isn't lost, he is peacefully at home where he was meant to be. He will also always live in your heart, counseling you in your many endeavors. Good to hear from you again, and to know what you are doing. This from another pair of full-timers who aren't full-timing any more.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I've been wondering if the new home was taking up so much time that you didn't have time to blog but now I know it was a much more important reason. I send my condolences to you, your sisters and your mother on the passing of your father. He sounds like a great guy.

    I hope you'll continue to blog occasionally about your travels or other happenings in your life. But if not then thanks for taking me along on your travels.

    ReplyDelete
  22. So sorry for your loss.You and Odel will have new adventures for sure.
    You will be missed for your many stories and recipes.
    Janet
    Ontario Canada

    ReplyDelete
  23. So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, Laurie. He sounds like he was a wonderful and caring Father who very much loved his entire Family.

    Also, I'm sorry to hear you are giving up blogging for now. Your blog is one of the first I read and followed when I started blogging and has been a regular read ever since. We'll all definitely miss the travels of you and Odel.

    ReplyDelete
  24. A blog comment just doesn't do it for me, Laurie. Love and hugs to you and I just sent you an email.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Losing a parent is a very hard thing. What a fine father he was and what wonderful memories you have of him. Having only found you and Odel these past 3 years I'm not ready to give you up yet. I didn't know about the houseboat life you lived. That sounds great too and now I want to know what happened to the father/daughter built boat.

    I sure will miss you. One of my goals was to get back on the road and cross paths with the two of you. I wish you both unending happiness in your new life. Hope you "might" decide to just throw a post out every once in a while to show us your new digs so we can all picture you there. Your blog has been so helpful to so many. And so much fun to read.

    A special thanks for connecting me to Judie and Gary. With sadness and huge hugs to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  26. You definitely resemble you dad:o)) Sorry for your loss. We'll miss your wonderful blog, but wish you & Odel well in your new adventure. Thanks for taking us to so many wonderful places!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm very sorry for your loss. I still miss my Mom and Dad, and it's been many years. Though I haven't followed for too long, I have read, and I will miss you. I found writing a blog was easy while I traveled--not so easy since being in one place, but every now and then I put some words down just to remind myself I'm alive, and I'm still hoping to get back on the road one day though years are going too fast. Thank you for the times you have shared, Laurie. Please leave the blog up so we can go back and read, and just in case you take a notion! If you haven't stopped traveling, you could blog, then! Don't have to be full time. Be well. Be happy.

    ReplyDelete
  28. So, so sorry for your loss, Laurie. About the blog.....say it isn't so!!!! You write one of the best blogs out there, girlfriend. Maybe you could continue with your stick and brick lifestyle. I love reading about when you go to the farmer's market, restaurants and to hear of the latest recipe you found. Please consider continuing the blog but with a different road.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Laurie, we are so very sorry to hear about your Dad...He sounds like a wonderful person, and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by many...It sounds like you and Odel have found your "nitch" and home base...and all for a great price..I hate to see you give up the blogging, but know that you are both opening a new chapter in your life book....Keep us in the loop!

    ReplyDelete
  30. So sorry for your loss. May warm memories of your Dad provide comfort to you in the coming days as you celebrate his very special life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Best wishes to you both as you start your new life as "anytimers". We look forward to reading about your future adventures. We have so enjoyed reading about them so far!

    All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Those are precious memories of your Dad & how fortunate to have shared that kind of quality time working together on the houseboat & I'm sure other projects. I too think you look like your Dad. For me, your posts were one of the first RV oriented blogs I remember finding on the internet as well. I remember you mentioning my blog when I was just starting out & I remember how much that helped me. I have tried to pass that same favor forward in my blog ever since. And, I thank you for some of those 'understanding' emails that passed between us. All the best & maybe see y'all in California one of these upcoming winters........:))

    ReplyDelete
  32. We all know the only constant in life is change. That doesn't mean we have to like it, and very often we don't. Losing a parent is tough on those left behind. You've inspired many people with your blogging, and I hope reading all the caring comments lessens your pain at least a little bit.

    Sweet memories are the best. Someday, we all hope to hear more about the full-time houseboat!

    ReplyDelete
  33. So sorry to hear of your recent loss- what a wonderful blessing to be with family. I've enjoyed your blog and will continue to refer to your other site on campground reviews. I hope you both enjoy your new home base!

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's a double-blow that our dear friends (whom we've never met) have lost a terrific parent and that we won't get to hear much of their adventurous and inspiring lives. Laurie and Odel you are legends in the RV community. We will miss you. Wishing you both all the best -

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sorry about your Dad, but glad that you got to spend some time with him at the end. Enjoy your new life in the sticks and bricks. I'm sure we'll see you again when we get out to California - you've given us a target. Best thoughts to you and Odel
    Warmest regards,
    Fred & Jo

    ReplyDelete
  36. Laurie, so sorry to hear about your dad. We will miss your blog but I hope you will leave your blog up so we can go back and read your blogs and get your recipes. Also we hope you leave up your campground reviews as they are so helpful. Wishing you the best in your new sticks-n-bricks. When you do go back on the road we hope to see you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh Laurie, we're so sorry about your dad. Brenda lost her mother last month, so we can identify with your loss. We know you're celebrating his wonderful life but still grieving. The Blogosphere won't be the same without you - we'll always feel privileged that we had the opportunity to meet you and Odel in person. Be well, take care of your mom, and enjoy your new home!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'd like to add my heartfelt condolences to you, Odel, your Mom and sisters.

    What a wonderful opportunity and experience you two had with the houseboat project. And what special memories you have stored up of your Dad -- he'll surely live on in your mind and heart as you reflect on and share those memories with/among family and friends in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

    Thinking of you with much sympathy and empathy.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Just read about your Dad's passing and glad you were able to be with him and the rest of your family. I remember your sharing the houseboat building story and also Odel's version of his coming to the dock for one of your first dates. Your daddy made you into the great lady you are today and I'm sure you and your family are telling lots of good Dad stories.

    As for your blog... keep it up and write when you have something wonderful to share. We will try and connect again when we get back in the "neighborhood". Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  40. So sorry to hear about your loss. Your father sounds like he was an inspiration in your life. That's quite a story about building the houseboat. What a wonderful memory.

    Hugs,
    Barbara and Ron

    ReplyDelete
  41. How wonderful that you were there and able to spend time with him at the end. What great memories you have of the quality time and experiences you shared with him as an adult. I am sorry for your loss.

    I will miss your blog, but hope you will keep it and the campground review blog up so that we can continue to refer back to both from time to time. You give us a reason to make it back to California since we won't be able to bump into you out on the road as frequently.

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sorry for your loss

    This is one of our favorite blogs, you will always find adventures no matted what your living arrangements

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow, Laurie, what an amazing tribute to your dad and those wonderful memories growing up, especially building the houseboat. That nine year experience would be a "book" in itself. I surely hope you and Odel will continue to keep us all posted as your new life unfolds. Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sorry for your loss! Have thoroughly enjoyed your travel blogs and wish you all the best in the future.
    Nina

    ReplyDelete
  45. My condolences on the loss of your father. And, I'm sorry to hear you're leaving the blogging world. It has been a joy to follow your travels and adventures. I wish you all the very best in the next phase of your life, and I hope to see you online again in the future. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Very sorry to hear of your father's passing. From your writing, you have many good memories to enjoy.

    We will miss your blog. Your writing inspired us to full-time in our RV for almost two years. Often, we think we should have continued with the life. But, circumstances change.

    Wishing you and Odel the very best.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing, but glad he was with those he loved. Good luck to your new lifestyle - I sometimes miss the opportunity to just pick up and go, but do get enough chances to keep life interesting and to have something solid to come back to. I hope you continue your blog on a now-and-then basis.

    ReplyDelete
  48. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. You have some wonderful memories of him to hold onto...So sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful blog, too. At least we can go back and look back at your wonderful memories, information, photos and campground information to remind us of what a great blog looks like. We hope you will come back now and again with future posts to let us know how you are doing and what you are up to. Best wishes to you and Odell.

    ReplyDelete
  49. We are so sorry to read that your Dad has died. Thanks for sharing some of your special memories of him with us.

    We have really enjoyed reading your blog and have found it so informative and well written. Your campground reviews have been so helpful. It was a real joy to meet you and Odel at Quartsite this winter. We wish you all the best at this new path in the road.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sorry to hear about your Dad. Memories are wonderful! We will miss your blogging and indepth reviews. Enjoy your new home!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Folks, So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories with your dad. Your blog will be so missed we have enjoyed it for years. Enjoy your new home and time close to your family.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi Folks, So sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories with your dad. Your blog will be so missed we have enjoyed it for years. Enjoy your new home and time close to your family.

    ReplyDelete
  53. just wanted to let you know that we hope this next chapter in your lives is a rich as the last one was...

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm so sorry about your loss. And, your blog is such a fixture - everyone will miss it. Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh Laurie and Odel, I have told so many people about your shared adventures and how you took off to enjoy what everyday could offer. We will all truly miss you. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and send sympathy to you and your family. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm so sorry to read about your father. It's wonderful that you are able to be there to help your family during this time of transition. I'm glad to hear that you will not be giving up traveling. Best of luck to you and my prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. You are in Evin's and my thoughts and prayers. We have really enjoyed your blog as I have told you in the past. Hope to see both of you in our future travels. I, too, have told many, many people about you blog. God bless both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  58. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Larry and I send our condolences on the loss of your dad. I loved the story of building the houseboat--what a wonderful way to bond. You will never stop missing him. I still miss my mom who has been gone five years now. Congratulations to you and Odell on your new home. I know you will enjoy it and getting used to a different lifestyle. We were talking recently about how much longer we will be RVing. Of course, we've never done the full time thing. Will miss your blog, which I log into from time to time and always enjoyed reading of your adventures. We wish you both the best. Take care and God bless.

    ReplyDelete