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| one of the queens of quilting, Janice |
These past couple of weeks, we reconnected with Alpine folks we had
met in Pismo, and also met several new folks who were at the rallies. I was particularly thrilled to meet several wonderful
ladies who share my passion for quilting, sewing, knitting and
crochet. It is yet more confirmation
that I can continue doing my hobbies while on the road, and that bringing along projects is all
part of the experience. I have in fact,
on this trip, completed three scrappy baby blankets and also made a cozy to
cover our mugs while our tea is brewing.
Pismo was the perfect spot to do some sewing but even while we were in
Valencia, I found an opportunity during our free time to pull out my machine
and stitched away happily for a few hours.
Michael refers to the Alpine as the “sewing studio” but I am quick
to remind him that Alpine is also very much an office as he spends a lot of
time on his laptop in the coach just as he would at home.
My new quilting friends truly are queens of quilting and showed me their quilts they had with them. The quilts are exquisite and I am in awe of
their talents, hoping that just by being in the Alpine group some of their
talent rubs off on me too!
One other member, I discovered, is a most talented wood
carver. Joel showed us what he was
working on one afternoon. Truly
amazing!
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| Joel's amazing creation |
Eventually I hope to get to know everyone, and discover
their talents, because I am quite convinced that Alpiners just generally are a
very talented group….
We spent many fun-filled times socializing with our fellow Alpiners. Dinners, pot-lucks, breakfasts, happy hours, and outings kept us entertained, and gave us the opportunity to meet and get to
know more folks who were at these two rallies. Laughter and gaiety is the norm at these gatherings. We are a happy bunch.
One member, I discovered, is an identical twin, and I had the
opportunity to meet his brother who also came to Pomona. Sadly, twin brother does not own an Alpine however.
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| and more socializing |
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| always room for more chairs in the circle |
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| dinner's on the table |
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| definitely a guy forum |
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| hanging with the group |
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| deep in conversation about technical issues |
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| Alpine socializing |
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| meet the three "Mikes" |
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| Phoebe |
Four-pawed family members are very much a part of the Alpine
group. Imagine the exciting
smells these
canines have sniffed and the spots they have marked during their Alpine travels around the US.
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| Shasta |
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| Coach |
I met a very pretty
Alpine kitty as well, though cats tend to keep to themselves and remain indoors.
Two couples are full-timers and it was great to be able to chat with them about their experiences and impressions about being on the road without a home. When it's our time to join them, we know whom to ask for advice.
We have received several invitations to visit and stay if we
happen to be traveling in the area. Many have a spot to park Alpine, and to hook up to electricity. Many others have recommended routes and places
to visit, RV parks, and restaurants. It's great to be able to ask folks who know for advice and suggestions.
Everyone in the group is welcoming and helpful. The Alpine guys are, of course, always happy
to help, and explain and clarify questions about coach issues. Or to lend an extension cord when yours is too short to reach the tower in the fairgrounds.
Some of them stand out in any crowd, no matter where they go....
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| watch out for these...they are real, and yes, they relax at night;) |
How very fortunate we are to have joined the Alpine family and over time, we hope to eventually meet and get to know everyone.