As the end of another season in the Northeast winds down, my thoughts turn to the great nomad migration that happens every fall. While the creatures of the Northeast, including humans, prepare for winter, the exhilaration of new adventures draw me to warmer climates.
And like birds that fly South, nomads in latitudes about to turn frosty are starting to migrate.
We make the journey from all areas of the county, in the nomad migration that has us trekking back in multitudes to gather in the warm balmy Southwest.
It’s always bittersweet as I contemplate my impending nomad migration, but remembering the piles of snow and below freezing temps I’ll be escaping does cheer me up a bit. 🙂
This weekend, the last in September, is the first weekend in months that feels like my schedule has finally has cleared. There’s always a long list of things to get done in my Northeast visitation, and I’ve crammed most of it in this month like a busy little squirrel preparing for winter. This weekend, the list is finished, just in time to move Westward.
When I’m back East, family takes priority, and takes most of my undivided attention for a good part of the summer. After all, that’s why I make the 2700 mile trek every spring and fall!
Next is upkeep on the Green Beastie. She’s a good old rig but has a rigorous repair schedule, which is always easier to accomplish when I’m back East. If I have to, I can sleep in my daughters’ house for longer repairs.
One year, a mismanaged schedule at a dealership had me living in the house for a few weeks with my daughter, her husband and my two grandkids, and it wasn’t pleasant for any of us. I slept on an air mattress in the cellar, and it was heaven to finally get back to my comfy space in the Green Beastie! At my request and that of my aching 66 year old body, my family has since upgraded me to a proper guest room, with a pull out bed.
Green Beastie Van Maintenance and Repairs
- First, an appointment with a reliable mechanic who diagnosed tie rod problems under the front.
- Two new front tires, and because of my travels, I never go cheap.
- Two new tie rods and bushings. $$$!
- Oil change.
- Signal light replaced.
And this was a lighter year for repairs!
DIY Maintenance and Projects
Traditionally, summer in the Northeast is the time a take my “no build” apart. I do a good vacuuming and a deep purge on my belongings.
This year I used a headlight kit to restore the headlight covers, instead of the 200$ to replace them!
I took the entire drawer system out of the back of the van and tightened all the bolts. They loosen with travel and the whole thing gets lopsided!
- Washed the interior and exterior of the van windows.
- Did a deep thorough vacuuming.
- Took the bed apart. Stripped to the plywood, removed the memory foam layers and gave them a good airing out in the sunshine.
- Deep purge of the van. Purged clothing, books, crafts, crystals and stones, and doubles of anything like flashlights, disinfectant wipes, first aid supplies.
- Charged the battery jumper.
- Acquired yet another screen shelter. I’ve had and purged two clam shelters and 2 or three shower tents. This one will double as a shower tent and a private space for Reikicoaching clients. With the prices for showers doubling in the last few years, it will easily pay for itself this winter!
Put up said screen shelter to make sure I can do it alone, YES I can!
Personal Maintenance
- Worked on multiple edits of my piece that’s included in a book of nomad women’s stories, due to be published in the spring of 2026. You can follow the book page here on Facebook! ➡️ The Thirty Journeys: Nomadic Women Anthology.
- Traveling back and forth visiting between my two daughter’s homes, who live 2 hours apart.
- Kept up with my own blog, writing, and maintaining two websites, CosmicNomadVoyager and Nomad Reiki Coach.
- Upgraded to a new guitar! I’ve had the same guitar for 10 years! With so many major life changes the last few years, it was time for new energy in my music. I’m in love with it!
- Started seeing clients again for ReikiCoaching!
- On top of all that, catching up with doctor visits, counseling appointments and bloodwork. All good!
- Going through my crystals and giving them a sun and moon bath for a few days.
- Planned out my nomad migration route back to the Southeast. It doesn’t vary much now that I have it down, but I like to have the route, the stops with addresses, and what amenities to expect at each truck stop!
- Started singing lessons on line in July. (If you’re interested I can get you a referral code!)
Got to perform for the first time that wasn’t an open mic! My daughter and her partner throw a big fall bonfire party with entertainment, and I got to play an entire set! It took a lot of practice … practice … and more practice … and getting through some major stage fright! Not a great pic, but check it out!
All The Lists!
Most of that got crammed in to the end of the summer.
Now it’s all down to lists, lists lists! There’s a list for last-minute-thingst-to-not-forget, like all my camp chairs left behind on my daughter’s porch last year! There’s a shopping list for the trip, like eye drops for driving, snacks just for the road, and cold brew coffee shots for emergency caffeine!
I am So grateful to be able and capable to continue this wondorous nomad journey.
As my season of family and van maintenance closes here, I’m looking forward to the Southwest season with sunny days and nomad gatherings.
What a great life!
To read about my adventures and philosophy of nomadic life for women, check out my book on Amazon!
