The Trailer Park: The Shocking Reality

Yours Truly | September 19, 2003 | Yours Truly

[Fester Chugabrew]

". . . but I think your neighbors should learn English."

Absolutely. English is a better language by far, but I can't expalin that to them until I learn their language. Nor would I attempt to tutor them in English before I know their native tongue. Just to get along on a neighborly basis it would be of help to know how to say a few things. Travel to Mexico? Maybe if I were to go as a consultant and get paid well for it.

[FITZ]

I used to tutor English --- it was a very good program --- an immersion method of learning --- they wouldn't even let us use the native language of those we were tutoring. I'm surrounded by immigrants --- I think it's doing them more a favor to help them learn English --- sometimes you just have to speak slowly and clearly, maybe use some hand signals --- but carefully --- those don't always translate well.

[FITZ]

I'm not 100% on that --- I will sometimes speak Spanish to immigrants --- but it all depends.

[freedox]

"I've lived in trailers myself --- I kind of like them really --- right now I have a house but I could even see someday retiring and living in one of the RV trailers that you can move around as you wish, if you don't like the weather or something --- just move your home to someplace else."

FITZ, you and I think alike! My husband took an early retirement a few years ago, and we have done just that.....we sold the house, put our things in storage, and have made our RV home for a while. Moving from place to place and experiencing the feel of different communities has been great for us. Today's RVs offer just about everything one needs in terms of the comforts of home.....minus the yard work and housekeeping!

When (and if) we do decide to settle somewhere permanently, we very well might opt for something in a 55+ manufactured housing retirement community. These age restricted communities offer not only small, affordable housing units, but also have clubhouses, pools, spas, excercise rooms, scheduled social activities, etc. I'd much rather live out my golden years in a place like that than in a house and neighborhood that no longer fit my needs and abilities. Having driven through some of these parks in Florida, my concept of "trailer park living" has certainly taken a turn for the better.

[FITZ]

I'm always so jealous when I see those people in the RV's headed down the highway. That just seems to be the best life could offer --- the freedom, the travel --- and the only home you can move around like that would be a trailer. So much better than sleeping in someone else's germs in a hotel. For now I have one of those pop-up trailers. I like it alot --- it is home away from home. I could easily do what my aunt and uncle did --- sold their big house --- no more home repairs or yardwork for them, get a cheaper mobile home in a nice park and travel a lot.

[FITZ]

Quite a few years ago, I was camped out in a KOA camp and our site was next to a group of nice big RV's. It turned out they were a big group traveling together--- having the best of time --- sitting in front of a campfire together laughing and telling stories ---- I asked there where they were going --- they were headed to Tucson because they didn't like the weather they were having in Florida. That was imprinted on my mind.

[freedox]

My husband and I went into this cold......we had never even owned an RV before deciding to buy one as a fulltime home. Just last night, we were talking about what a great experience this has turned out to be.......we might easily have been disappointed in a lifestyle that didn't turn out to fit our dreams, but that has not been the case! We have enjoyed every place we have been and have no intention of settling down any time soon. One thing that has really appealed to me has been the ability to change "lifestyles" according to our whims......sometimes we stay in places that offer a lot of ameneties and activities, but when we get tired of that we can head to a wooded, secluded park for some down time. Some fulltime RVers still work and they move from job to job......you don't have to be retired to do it!

[freedox]

Yes, we originally decided to do this because my husband's physical condition is sensitive to weather conditions......so we set out to "follow the weather." Even that has held some surprises, though! I dragged him down here to Florida this summer because I wanted some beach time. He was convinced that he would be miserable in the heat and humidity, but the ocean breezes here on the west coast keep things very pleasant. Turns out, we've both been happy!

[FITZ]

I remember back when you were telling us about your plans to do all that. I'm so glad it's worked out so well --- but envious too. Well --- I have my pop-up so I'm getting there.

[PleaseNoMore]

There is a fine for hiring illegals. The INS just doesn't enforce it. It is something like 25,000.00 if the INS finds out the employer doesn't have identification documentation for immigrants. I can't remember the form number but we have all of ours filled out ( properly ).

[PleaseNoMore]

ROFLOL!

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I love it! I wonder if their theme song is "I'm still standing"?

[SauronOfMordor]

There is a fine for hiring illegals. The INS just doesn't enforce it. It is something like 25,000.00 if the INS finds out the employer doesn't have identification documentation

My proposal is that the fine goes to the budget of the office making the bust. We would then cut the allocated budget, thus giving the agency a choice between busting illegals vs laying agents off. I'm pretty confident what the result will be.