Lisbeth Vincent --Lisbeth was committed to her work at universities and with public school systems and families across the United States in the area of early childhood development. She saw retirement as something that would happen in the very distant future. She was not ready to slow down. Leaving "the city" had never been part of her life's equation. She loved the hustle and bustle. One day, health issues brought her face-to-face with stepping across the threshold of the "gates of the city." Initially she did not have any desire to leave. However, physicians suggested that a more pastoral lifestyle might be just the ticket. She has since concluded that the expression,"retirement" is a bureaucratic hoax. Life, she says, exists beyond the walls of the city and should be experienced now! When she left the city, a dear friend gave her a plaque that reads, "always follow your heart." Indeed, her heart led her initially to join Linda and then to begin this excellent adventure.

Linda Whedbee-- Yogi Bera once said, "if you come to a fork in the road, take it." And, she has--over and over. This time, the forks in her road have come at unexpected times in her professional career-- first, as a Spanish teacher in the public schools when she decided to join Lisbeth and pursue advanced degrees. Later, as a university researcher in the field of education, when she decided to join Lisbeth at the gates of the city. Although many friends and colleagues encouraged her not to leave the security of the walls, she had seen the new fork in the road. In the words of a young friend of hers, Linda was ready to "blow this popsicle stand!" Besides, as the daughter of a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, she was born with gypsy in her blood (that's gypsy with a small "g".)! Her heart was ready to follow Lisbeth.

Their dogs and cats,by contrast, have hopped on board the gypsy cart and begun their adaptation to life on the road. Cobi and Luke, their border collies at the time they started this adventure, no doubt grieved the loss of their ol' lady ewes. However, they have found creative ways to keep themselves in "herding shape." They have become seasoned travelers.

The cats -- Rimini, Thelma, Louise, Buddy and Andy-- are a whole different story? They have adapted in a variety of ways. But, none seem to dislike life on the road. They have their individual spots for traveling and their special routines for when we are camped. Andy, Rimini, and Louise enjoy time outside when it's safe to let them go outside. They are very good at locating the rig and coming back in a timely fashion. Buddy and Thelma, on the other hand, prefer life in the rig, sunning themselves on the dash or in front of a window. Read about their adaptations and adventures in the ensuing pages.