Yes, you DID see SOLD signs on two of the knitted RV Show dolls. See, change still follows me and I seem to still be craving it more and more. I decided those two knitted RV dolls I did a few years back needed new homes so I mentioned to a few people I was willing to sell them and by gosh and by golly they sold right away at the Chilliwack RV Show. Now I have motivation to create NEW dolls!

Speaking of that RV Show, there was a new 38-ft fifth wheel on display, called Escalade, that sure caught my attention. Get-Away RV Centre in Abbotsford was displaying it close to my booth, and for the four days of the RV Show I coveted it like a kid in the ice cream store wanting samples of everything on display!!! I kept saying, “I could LIVE in that full-time . . . it’s prettier than the apartment I’m renting!” Seems to me the RV manufacturers of today are awake and meeting the needs of just about everyone, whether it is for travelling in or living full-time in. Why even many of the toy haulers featured at the Show were luxurious as well as being practical for those carrying along four-wheel drives or motorcycles to play on. That Chilliwack Show had an increase in attendance as well as the Abbotsford EarlyBird Show and I saw lots of SOLD signs everywhere. The baby boomers’ grown children are looking to buy their own RVs now, as their own family needs become paramount in their lives. They have been RVing with Mom and Dad since they were kids themselves so already know the lifestyle and want to introduce it their own kids.

Oh, one gent came by my RV Show booth and had to let me know my column was not spicy enough these days! “Make it up if you have to Sheila!” he said.

“I don’t think so,” I replied. “Just stay tuned and time will take care of everything.”

Hey, can’t a girl have a rest every now and then?

My attention, since moving to Victoria in April of 2006, has been to have more time with my family here; plus getting my body into a healthy state, including losing 30 pounds and doing the work tightening it up. (Astrid, my personal trainer, has agreed to chat with you about this part so check out her new column.)

I did take in the Smothers Brothers, here in Victoria in April. What a hoot!!!! I laughed so much my sides hurt!

Hey, have you watched the DVD called The Secret yet? What you think is what you create, is a main part of the theme. Some call it the power of positive thinking. Anyway, it was suggested to me that I watch it and when I did, it changed my life. (Again?) It wasn’t that it was anything new, it was that I needed to hear this right now. On May 25th I turn 60 and even though most days I don’t feel it, I was having many when I was feeling old. So hang in there with me while I re-adjust my thinking to always feel young!

My friend Myra suggested I join her and another girlfriend for a fast walk “around” Elk Lake. I couldn’t keep up to the two of those speed-walkers but managed a pretty good clip (for me that is). Anyway they raced forward and later on were coming back at me. “Is the path blocked?” I asked. “No Sheila, we only go so far then turn around as it is a long haul to go the whole way.” Well, my silly ego kicked in and I figured I would do the whole thing since I wasn’t too tired yet. UGH . . . I was so tired by the time I got three-quarters of the way around that I asked a stranger, who had finished his run, for a ride to my car, as I had already walked almost two hours and had been told I needed another hour to finish and my body was complaining! (It was a 10 km trail!) Next day my shins were screaming at me! Ego got in the way of sense! With all the exercises I have been doing, I figured I could handle it ... HA!!!! Mind you, five days later my legs and feet were happy with me again, without complaints, so . . . ? My body may be 60 soon, but my thinking (and good sense) sometimes need more time to catch up!

I have a family farewell that occurred this Spring. My cousin Marilyn of Ladysmith (her Mom and my Dad were sister and brother) said farewell to George, her hubby and the father of their four children. George Francis Johnson died in his sleep on March 23rd. There was a lovely Memorial Reception held on March 28th in Ladysmith and the hall was full of friends and family as George touched many lives during his lifetime. Everyone agreed it had been a pleasure knowing him.

This magazine is as much fun as always, even with the challenging days, so read on and don’t forget to contribute your own stories, as I need more now, and maybe it’s finally YOUR turn to write one? Go for it . . . I know you can do it!

Oh, by the way, there are some exciting new changes coming next Issue, so make sure you see it and tell me what you think!

~ ~ ~ Luv ya,
Sheila