Ohio River Valley has a busy winter
Even with temperatures in the 50’s the Ohio River Valley chapter knows how to have a good time!
On January 17th, 7 women gathered at The Friendly Tavern in Zionsville, IN. As The Friendly is a well known local spot it became very crowded and noisy so the group eventually moved their gathering to Plums Tea Room. A nice sweet desert was had by all. As the conversation never seemed to come to an end it was decided to re-schedule again for February, this time to begin at Plums and try the brunch menu we had read about.
It was to be…on February 14th the weather was in our favor and we had 12 women (from 3 states) come together for a wonderful 3 hours of non-stop visiting. Sandy N. from IL drove approximately 110 miles, while Kathy F. from OH drove about 2 ½ hours.
Conversations ranged from the usual; weather, pets, economy, and upcoming chapter activities. Conversation also included the pending retirement of one member, the pending sale of a home so two members can become full-timers, the announcement that our chapter leader has decided to liquidate her possessions and become a full-timer, the anticipation of another member to go to an RV show and find the camper of her desires and the youngest present (at 43) announcing her upcoming college graduation in May (you’re all invited to the open house). Of course with Nancy S. (RVW Board Member) present we got a timely recap of RVW business as well.
Not only did we have these women together in Indiana, we had a telephone call from Florida where another 11 women from our chapter were gathered for a day of kayaking and a pot-luck. This shows how strong our organization is and that we can be together having a wonderful time no matter what part of the country we are in! This ties back into one of the most memorable conversations that was heard that day. Kathy F. was telling how over the past two years she had lost her job, lost her home, and had to give up her pets, move in with her mother but…through it all, she maintained her membership with RVW. She stated this is an organization she believes in, and has provided her with a wonderful group of women to gather with and share experiences both good and bad. RVW has been a real outlet for her during her challenging times. This is a real testament to RVing Women! We are a powerful group!
Again, February 21st ORV had 7 women gather, this time in Chicago, IL at the 41st Annual RV & Camping Show being held at the Rosemont Convention Center. We visited some of the over 400 motor homes and trailers, had lunch together, and celebrated with wine and cocktails in the new class A Coachmen Mirada motor home purchased by Shelly and Kathy that day. They got the buy of the weekend for sure. Not one of us tried to talk them out of it because it was obvious that it was a fantastic buy.
Before this article appears in print another portion of our membership will have met in Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County, IN on March 20-22. Again this will not be a true ‘camping’ weekend, as we will stay in the lodge, hope to experience the indoor water park and other activities. Look in the next issue of RVW for our recap of this adventure.
