As the leaves fell and the chill of winter began to set in, we undertook the task of cleaning and winterizing the RV, a necessary ritual to bid farewell to the adventures of the year and prepare for the future ones. It was a day of maintenance and care, ensuring our home-on-wheels would withstand the cold months ahead. We ventured out for supplies, making a stop at Victor's for essentials and tackling the less-than-desirable task of dumping the black and gray water—always a bit daunting, but part of the journey.

Our neighbor caught our attention, returning from a lengthy trip. They shared their experiences, which included bringing back some plants in the RV that had enjoyed the daylight the day before. Conversations like these are treasures, brief windows into the lives of fellow wanderers.

The day took an unexpected turn when we discovered our RV's battery had given up the ghost. A trip to Home Depot ensued, where we found ourselves perusing the aisles for a charger. In the end, an old car battery charger from BJ's was repurposed, hooked up, and brought back to life, ensuring our RV wouldn't be left in the cold.

Amid these practical endeavors, life's unpredictability struck close to home. Luna, our beloved dog, injured her ACL, leading to an emergency vet visit and subsequent surgery. The RV served as a recovery haven for her, offering a stable and comforting environment for her to heal. With each passing day, she grew stronger and more sure-footed, a testament to her resilience—and to the healing power of care and love.

In our quest to stay connected with the world, even as we relished our solitude, we decided to upgrade our internet setup. After much deliberation, we settled on an all-in-one solution combining a modem, router, and a plan with a SIM. Updates and tweaks followed, with the usual technological dance of reaching out to activate the SIM and adjusting to the new setup. But soon, Jessie was almost through her first fill, fully embracing the improved internet in the RV.

However, life had yet another twist in store. Just as we were settling into our winter routine, COVID made an unwelcome return, reminding us that the journey includes both the roads we choose and those that fate chooses for us. But with our cozy RV, our spirit of adventure, and the warmth of our shared experiences, we faced the challenge head-on, ready to write the next chapter once the storm passed.