MOBILE COMMUNITY LIFE----IS IT REALLY THAT GOOD??

 

YES IT IS----AND HERE'S PROOF!!

Our happy caravan settled in at the Sandia Casino, along with 300 other RVers, as day breaks over the Sandia Mountains to the East.

By the time I can make coffee, a few hundred balloons rise in the air.  This is the first day of the world's largest balloon fiesta.  Here's the view from my front window.  Keep in mind that we all are parking free while a stone's throw away others are paying $250 or more.

Looking left, a few hundred more are visible. 

 

 

They stay up about 2 hours---drifting every which way.  Different elevations have different directioned winds.  This one came right over me 

 

 

Every single balloon pilot must find a safe place to land.  Apparantly it's not a difficult task.  All 600 or so balloons landed without incident. 

 

 

Afterwards I walk around checking out the rigs.  Could you guess that this monster was German made?

 

We invited readers and friends from around the nation to visit us here.  Meet CB---from Georgia. He had two motives for coming here---connecting with us and-----

Connecting with his new friend ----a superwoman---local businesswoman---more about her later

 

A reader from Texas---meet Terry---who stopped by to say hello.  Was enroute to mysterious Chaco Canyon.

 

Jim rode in from Colorado Springs.  We had a great exchange of ideas.  Sell that house Jim and join us on the road.

Four guest at once ---a near record for me. Left to right: CB, Laurie, Tish and new friend Carol.

 

And guess who's parked down the way?  Recognize Chris---Queen of the road---doing her morning exercises.  http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2012/08/meet-queen-of-road.html

 

And who should roar in from Illinois but my old friend Ron. That's his "humble" rig.

Laurie arranges for all of us to enjoy lunch buffet for only $5 each. The gentleman to my right is Bob--PHD grad from Harvard. (Biology) who was terrifically entertaining.

 

Darkness comes and fireworks begin.  We line up our chairs outside and enjoy a terrific show.

 

A glance inside the hosting Casino.  I embrace Laurie as Queen of Navigation----Splendid settings like this do not intimidate her.  She moves with a confidence that makes flunkies stand aside and nod respectfully---and give her whatever she asks for.  She led us to the exclusive top floor for an "on high"  viewing of the fireworks show---into the swimming pool &  hot tub many times---onto the dance floor----into two weddings and a trade show.

 

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  Ah sweet people---I've only scratched the surface.  In addition to free parking, balloon show and fireworks,  we enjoyed the following courtesy of the Casino:

 1. Half priced giant cheesburgers---$2

2. Free soft drinks, hot chocolate, OJ, and coffee

3. Free popcorn

4. $25 free money to gamble with---you can keep all your winnings.

5. Gasoline at $3.35 per gal

6. Free water and trash service.

 

And yes, I know----NONE OF THAT IS REALLY MEANINGFUL- 

What was meaningful was---WE WERE ENJOYING IT TOGETHER---SHARING OUR DELIGHT.

The loners around us looked with envy at our connection.

I think to make this lifestyle enjoyable, three things are necessary:

MOBILITY

MEANING

CONNECTION