Five Things I Love about Betty Jo (the Airstream)

"There's a world out there. Open a window, and it's there."
-Robin Williams

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1. THE WINDOWS - Out my window... I see a dream, a reality, incredible beauty, a moment of gratitude.

My favorite feature of Betty Jo (and any Airstream) are the windows - and there are a lot of them. Before I start my morning routine I open all the curtains to let the light burst in. I need LIGHT!! And, lots of it.

 "Throw open your window and let the scenery of clouds and sky enter your room!"    
-Yosa Buson

And, then there are the views from each window… a frame of nature’s beauty promising a day of greatness. As I open each curtain, I stop and take a moment to enjoy the view. I am filled with gratitude of what each day brings and the enjoyment I get from receiving.

"Things changed, people changed, and the world went rolling along right outside the window."
- Nicholas Sparks

As an RVer, one thing you can count on is CHANGE - in location, in landscape, in the weather, and your neighbors.  Often, when I open the curtains in the morning I will find a neighbor gone, or replaced with a new neighbor. The weather offers its own drama to the view or provides a stunning beauty that changes, oftentimes in minutes, leaving you breathless with awe and anticipation. Each location has its own rewards and contributes to the incredible view and journey we are on.

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2. Her Name

In life, Betty was a feisty and adventurous woman. Born in 1924, she was far beyond her times, as a woman who enjoyed life and excelled in her career and adventures. A photographer, a sailor, a teacher, she lived her life to the fullest.

It is only right that Betty Jo, the Airstream, continues Betty’s adventurous spirit, taking us on travels we only dreamed about.

I am grateful to Betty for this opportunity and grateful that everyday I feel she is with us in spirit and still watching over us.

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3.  Her shining beauty - inside and out.

Airstreams entice you with their beauty, their shining exterior, their quality, their aerodynamics. But it is not just her aluminum shell I admire – Betty Jo has a natural beauty, a shining quality of uniqueness, a sturdiness, and a protective nature providing us with a solid home, much like her namesake.

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4. Towing - She’s a natural at it.

Betty Jo has a solid streak of independence but when being towed, she is a natural at following and obediently staying on course. Her aerodynamic figure makes her the perfect partner for our Ford F-250 (Jack) truck. Her low center of gravity keeps her weight balanced and easy to tow.

“You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!
Dr. Seuss

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5. Her Quirks

I swear, Betty Jo (the Airstream) has the same personality as her namesake - she can be determined or stubborn, she loves attention, most importantly she can be PROTECTIVE and generous.

In this first year together, I have learned to recognize her various moans, groans, and creaks and what they mean. I can tell when she is satisfied and settled in her spot, and when she is not quite comfortable. She sparkles brilliantly when she has a bath. She enjoys (as much as I do) when we are able to open all the windows and let in fresh air. She revels in sunshine and is quiet in colder weather.

When we name something, it is no longer just a “thing”, we make a connection, and in Betty Jo’s case -  it makes her a home.

It has been almost a year since we bought Betty Jo. A year of learning, determination, crying,  laughter, stress, adventure… most importantly a year of living.