After only four days, everything possible on our lengthy list was accomplished. We are now able to dance under the stars while listening to music from the waterproof speakers we had installed or relax under our awning retrofitted with a long string of tiny LED lights, like the newer models. Manny’s life is a whole lot easier now that he can flush the holding tank from the outside via the black water flush system we brought and they put in. All scrapes and scratches inside and out were touched up, and a large red ink stain was miraculously cleaned from our cream colored upholstery.
From all the work that was done in such a short time, we thought a swarm of people had been responsible. When we asked to meet the crew that had transformed our Serena, we were astonished that there were only four: Pete, Mary, Jason and the foreman Benji. Thanks to these four and manager Steve, our Serena is better than ever.
David and Kathie Mead
Leisure Travel Van people are a certain breed. We’d like to think of ourselves as fun-loving, easy-going, adventurous, and friendly. And to prove my point, who should walk in the door but Kathie and David Mead, two fun-loving, easy-going, adventurous and friendly people! They were hitting the road for Alaska for the third time in their Free Spirit, stopping at the factory for some minor repairs.
In just twenty-four hours we made fast friends and a bond that we hope will last a lifetime. We’re keeping touch while we are traveling, hoping to cross paths and spend some time on the road together before we all head home.
On our last day, two old acquaintances popped in for some work on their Free Spirit. We had met Lanna and her son Tait three years ago at the LTV rally. At the time Tait was only seven and if memory serves was a bit of a handful. What a difference three years makes. He is positively charming. We don’t have much opportunity to be around ten year olds, but I am pretty sure Tait is a cut above the norm.
Tait entertained us with magic, his specialty card tricks, which he did with ease and grace, all the while chit chatting comfortably as he dazzled us with his misdirection. We enjoyed hearing his well-thought out opinions, and were amazed at his positive and mature attitude towards life.
Lana, Tait and us in 2011
Lana and Tait with us
Tait has already carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment world, having won several local magic competitions, and was recently interviewed on a radio station in Manitoba. We are going to keep watching because some day, I am sure we will see on a Las Vegas marquee, “Appearing tonight, “the beguiling, the mysterious, the handsome T8, the Gr8!”
Sounds like you are fully entrenched as members of the Leisure Van “family”! You are both fantastic ambassadors for the brand. You could sell 50 units per year! We are in Seattle now – where are you?
1st of all, you two look nice & refreshed like Serena probably is after her makeover! We continue to really enjoy your upbeat interesting detailed writing, Roz and Manny, the complementary videos (in this blog, photos) give an even better understanding of the happy folks you’re meeting & re-meeting; thx! Love your “cleverly placed” adverbs “generously provides”, “miraculously cleaned”
This post is inspiring. You’re part of such a large, extended family! I hope we can join in the RV life …. someday!
Serena is ready for a party, friends! Looking forward to your return so we can admire her new jewels…
What a great story, dear Roz. We didn’t know we could stay there overnight so we were in the local park a few blocks away which turned out fine. We also ate in the charming cafe next door and were delighted at the quality of the food. Sounds like you now have a state of the art van to go with a state of the art couple.
Love,
Ev