Beyond the 4th of July weekend, the purpose of the get together was a shakedown party for the new lake house that the whole extended family has participated in building. It's just barely up to useable condition now.
It's all framed up, roofed and stuccoed. Most of the plumbing is in. Maybe half the electrical, and the kitchen works. The family has been very resourceful in coming up with materials and skills. Most have been in one area or another of construction and/or real estate at some time.
I was there last winter for a few days to visit Michigan and Ohio relatives who came in to work on it. At that time the basement was in and covered, the main floor was framed up, and roof was partway on. The guys were sleeping in the basement bunkhouse rooms, cooking on a camp stove, and the ladies were living in the RV.
My sister and brotherinlaw bought this lakefront lot quite a few years ago with several nonfamily partners. At that time it had a junky old singlewide mobile home on it, and the lot fell very steeply toward an arroyo. They put a Florida room on the front with recycled materials. Over the years, all the nonfamily owners lost interest and were bought out.
On the other hand, extended family members thought it was really cool, and kept showing up. Everybody was invited to help with upkeep and improvement as part of their vacations. So the back of the lot was gradually filled in, making two useable levels. Eventually people acquired water toys, and then there grew a big garage to keep the water toys in.
Over the past several years, large luxurious lake homes have started to pop up in the neighborhood. My brotherinlaw decided to take on supervising the building of a new lake house worthy of what the neighborhood is becoming, on the lot, as a retirement project. He's been a builder his whole life, so this wasn't a stretch or anything. Several of his brothers and cousins are also retired and looking for something useful to do. They have always enjoyed vacationing there. Now they're putting in more sweat equity.
I must say the house is becoming quite impressive. It will definitely live up to the new neighborhood. We had a great shakedown party, quite a bit of work on the house, but lots of time to play in, on, and around the water, and lots of time to visit with relatives we rarely see otherwise. Even though it's much, much bigger than the old trailer, it was bulging out the seams with 3 generations of extended family, dogs, and screaming kids. We need at least a couple more RV pads to complete the picture, they've been roughed out.
We had a great view of the fireworks from the new verandah. They were awesome! Elephant Butte is a great place to get away from the stresses of life, and catch up on family.
Hey, I love your posting ... I've never heard such a great story of an entire extended family being able to WORK TOGETHER toward such a getaway, providing an opportunity [on a regular basis] for get-togethers! I wish all families could work in such cooperation. I'm sure you're GLAD the 'non-family contributors' lost interest and are out of the picture, as well!
Keep it up, and I hope to get to see you next time you're in this area. 4th of July was great, wasn't it? I love it here. As far as the RV size, etc., I have lived since November in my 21-ft. trailer, to be down south here. The floorplan or layout of a unit is as important as any other consideration. I have two dogs (albeit, small ones) that live with me, as well. I've been cozy and comfortable, and I HARDLY EVER use the public showers. Even my small unit has a great bathroom area!
Plan ahead, and watch for the floor-plan that YOU WANT!
---mitzi
Great post sunnyside ! It really is nice to see a family that's THAT together !
Listen to Mitz ! Keep your eyes and ears open ! I spend alot of time on RV Trader.com and others. When I see exactly what I want I'll pounce ! Good luck.
I posted a photo in the group file of the RV I stayed in at Elephant Butte. It's on the 2nd level of the lot, behind the house.
Yes, keep looking and decide what you want and will be comfortable for you. I've stayed for several weeks in mine and I'm happy with it. It pulls nicely and that's always a plus. Someday I'll even figure out where to put everything
Pam
Hey Sunnyside!
Welcome to this Group, and the invaluable information Mitzi so freely shares with her other RV Singles!
From the tone of your letter, it seems you are thinking of a "trailer", rather than a "motorhome" to purchase in the future. Adding to what others have mentioned, take a weekend, and look at the enormous amount of Motorhomes which have an awesome mark-down fpr the new ones, and great prices for the used ones. You mightt find the configuration more to your liking, and a diesel pusher will last a lifetime, if cared for properly.
If you are thinking of full-timing, this is a great way to start .........warm climates in the winter, and cool climates in the summer.
Good luck to you, and I would also suggest you purchase the book called, "How to buy an RV", which will answer many questions about what kind of choice to make.
See You On The Road!
Sydnyg - Moderator
posted by Sydny
4 months ago
