Cash For Campers

During the month of September, Roy and I have been exploring ways to earn extra cash while out on the road. This was in our plans already, but is particularly pertinent this month, as early retirement incentive funds came to an end. Roy has explored local jobs listed in the paper and leads given to him. We're finding that most jobs don't fit our mobile lifestyle. The employers are looking to hire long term, prefer to hire local, or "ouch" the reality check of wanting younger. We're only wanting to work enough to pick-up a few extra dollars and be done until the next time. We've considered temporary work agencies, but it takes time to get set-up with them. This might work out for areas we plan to be in for several months, then again, we feel it may be more of a commitment then we are looking for. I may look into being a substitute teacher, when located in an area for several months, but it isn't my first choice. New experiences are part of what our adventure is about. We think we've discovered a good fit between our mobile lifestyle and work, through a free job listing service for RVers called Workkampers. Registering online, you'll receive a weekly listing of camper jobs around the country. Roy is set-up to begin working for an Amazon.com distribution center in Campbellsville, Kentucky starting November 7th. The assignment goes to December 23rd. The deal is sweet! They pay our campsite fee (instant $500 savings per month), $10.50 an hour for work performed, and a $500 bonus, if the assignment is completed! They do 20, 30, and 40 hours per week with the opportunity for overtime. I considered part time, but with our pet crew decided it would be best for me to maintain the household. We are already watching for other opportunities, and can see where we could get Workkamper assignments lined-up consecutively. Many of the opportunities are less intense than the Amazon job, and consist of hosting a campground 20 hours a week for exemption from lot rent. We have spotted a job listing for an 1800's silver mining ghost town in New Mexico near Gila National Forest! Now that sounds like the kind of work adventure we're looking for!

Spoiled Kitty

For anyone who is wondering how the crew is doing with accepting Otis, this picture pretty much says it all! Otis was sleeping alone on the floor wrapped in a blanket looking so cute Roy and I could hardly keep our hands off him. I guess Prin and Charles were feeling the same. Next thing we knew Prin was off the couch insisting on wrapping a paw around him, and then Charles came down off the couch to cuddle, too! Although Sugar isn't pictured, she is always protective of baby Otis during his play fights with Charles. Otis is now leading group walks down the sidewalk with the two dogs. That's even a more interesting sight!

Our Home By The Creek

The last couple of weeks have been full of activity! On September 3rd we attended the beautiful wedding of my brother Jim's daughter, Stephanie. We visited with family and friends we haven't seen in a long time. On the 4th we enjoyed more great food, friends, and family as Stephanie and Mike opened their gifts. Roy and Jim have played golf, metal detected, and ridden their bicycles. I've been taking the dogs for runs and getting Otis out for walks a couple of times a day. He is making great gains. He is enjoying chasing leaves that roll with the breeze, and hopping grasshoppers. Yesterday he got so excited that he ran and jumped up a tree about a foot high! Roy has been testing the job market for temporary work. That's been discouraging, but we'll get the hang of ways to earn extra funds. Roy is working on quiting smoking, and I'm starting to get physically active again after last hurting my back. This time my exercise plan will be gentle walking and bicycle riding. Prin and Sugar tried out a swim in the creek off the rock slab behind the camper. We now have a new activity for hot days!