DeBary, FL.
64 deg. partly cloudy, SE breeze @ 5 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Highs around 84°F. South wind 13 to 18 MPH, gusting to 25 MPH.
One of my faithful readers, Retired Rod , posted a comment on yesterday's blog. He said that he could see a problem coming concerning this blog. He pointed out that if I turn the blog over to the house when Jim and Linda trade me off for a smaller RV, the house won't have a clue of what's happening when Jim and Linda are traveling during the summer months. On the other hand, if I turn the blog over to the new smaller RV, it will be in storage during the winter months and will not have a clue as to what Jim and Linda are doing during that period of time.
Hmmmm!!!! Retired Rod is right!!!! This may be a big problem!!!!
I suppose that the house could do the blog for 1/2 of the year and the RV do the blog for the other 1/2, but that may get really confusing and may cause more problems during the back and forth transitions. Jim or Linda could take over the blog, but I don't think either one of them have any desire to take the time to post on a regular basis.
Or, the blog would just end when Jim and Linda trade me off. After all, they won't be full-timing any more.
Hmmmm!!!! What to do????
I guess I'll have to ponder on this to see if I can come up with something.
Not a whole lot happened yesterday. Jim and Linda went over to the house for awhile. Jim went to ACE Hardware and bought a few more painting supplies, some light bulbs and a new switch for one of the small lamps that they bought the other day. He also went to Lowe's and purchased a motion detector thing that he'll screw into a light socket on the shed so that there will be some light as he and Linda go out of the kitchen door at night.
The plan this morning is to meet Laura over at the house and get going on the painting. They're wanting to get the living room done so that they can get the furniture arranged.
Did you know that on this date in 1933 - "The Lone Ranger" was heard on radio for the first time? The program ran for 2,956 episodes and ended in 1955.
Showing posts with label problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label problems. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Thursday, November 1, 2012
VA To NC and A Run-A-Way Fan
Wilson, NC.
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 57F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Most of Tuesday was spent getting me ready to travel, at least until about 4:30 when Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's house. Again, Nancy put together a great meal that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Of course the main reason for going there was to see Joe, Nancy, Sami and Amber one last time before we left the area.
So, after a very nice evening of visiting there were h and h (hugs and handshakes), and final good-bye's before Jim and Linda headed back to the RV Park, about 9:00.
Yesterday morning, everything went smoothly and by 9:45 we were pulling out of the Holiday Trav-L-Park and making our way back to I-264. 264 brought us back to I-64, which we followed around to the South and then picked up US 58, and headed West on it. 58 brought us back to I-95 where we turned South and followed it down into North Carolina.
By this time it was time for a "pit stop", so Jim pulled me into the NC welcome center rest area. It was at this time that Jim discovered that my vent fan in the "little room", (the room with the toilet), was open and running full blast!!! The problem was that all of the switches that control the fan were turned off and there was no reason for the fan to be open and running.
So, being that we were in the rest area and not out on the road someplace, Jim got some tools and proceeded to dismantle the fan from the inside. I still don't know what happened, but the little gears that raise and lower the fan were broken and wouldn't let Jim manually lower the lid, so that part had to be removed and the lid fastened down with mini bungee cords to stop it from flopping around as we traveled.
I still don't know why the fan was open in the first place, because like I said, all the switches were turned off. This may be a problem best solved by my mechanic down in Florida.
It took about 1/2 hour for Jim to take the fan apart and get everything secured. After he was finished we continued South on I-95, down to US 64 at Rocky Mount. Turning East on 64 for a few miles brought us to US 301 where we turned South and followed 301 for about 17 miles to the Kampers Lodge RV Park. Jim had heard good things about this park and being that it's also a Passport America park, he had decided to try it.
It was about 1:45 when we pulled up to the office, so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel 173 miles and work on my vent fan.
Well, we're not disappointed with this Campground. I have a pull-through, full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and cable TV, all for $20 per night. The site is long enough for both myself and CLT , but being that Jim parked me more in the center of the site, CLT is parked along side of me. The people in the office were great and the lady led me to my site with a golf cart. The cable TV hasn't been installed on my site yet, so a man brought a long length of TV cable and ran it from a site up the row to my site.
He then waited until Jim tuned on the TV to make sure everything was working before he left.
After getting me set up, Jim took a nap and Linda worked on her Family Tree program, using the free and very strong wi-fi, here in the park. Then, about 5:30 Jim and Linda took CLT and, after stopping at the office to ask for suggestions, headed into Wilson and to Parkers Restaurant for dinner.
Parkers is mainly a barbecue place but they have chicken and seafood also. Linda had the chicken, which was very good, and Jim had a fish dinner, which he said, wasn't the greatest.
After dinner, they came back here and watched TV, worked/played with the computers until bedtime.
Jim and Linda have paid for 2 nights at this CG. Then, the plan is to leave here tomorrow and continue wandering South. We'll stop at one more CG before we get down to the Jacksonville area, where Linda and Jim are hoping to be able to stop and see Linda's grand daughter, Anna.
I hope all of you had a good Halloween. They've got all kinds of decorations here in and around the CG office, but not many RVs have decorations.
I also hope that any of you who were in Hurricane Sandy's path are OK and you don't have too much damage. This far inland, we haven't seen any effects of the storm.
Did you know that Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back over 2000 years to the time of the Celts who lived in Britain?
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 57F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph.
Most of Tuesday was spent getting me ready to travel, at least until about 4:30 when Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Joe and Nancy's house. Again, Nancy put together a great meal that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Of course the main reason for going there was to see Joe, Nancy, Sami and Amber one last time before we left the area.
So, after a very nice evening of visiting there were h and h (hugs and handshakes), and final good-bye's before Jim and Linda headed back to the RV Park, about 9:00.
Yesterday morning, everything went smoothly and by 9:45 we were pulling out of the Holiday Trav-L-Park and making our way back to I-264. 264 brought us back to I-64, which we followed around to the South and then picked up US 58, and headed West on it. 58 brought us back to I-95 where we turned South and followed it down into North Carolina.
By this time it was time for a "pit stop", so Jim pulled me into the NC welcome center rest area. It was at this time that Jim discovered that my vent fan in the "little room", (the room with the toilet), was open and running full blast!!! The problem was that all of the switches that control the fan were turned off and there was no reason for the fan to be open and running.
So, being that we were in the rest area and not out on the road someplace, Jim got some tools and proceeded to dismantle the fan from the inside. I still don't know what happened, but the little gears that raise and lower the fan were broken and wouldn't let Jim manually lower the lid, so that part had to be removed and the lid fastened down with mini bungee cords to stop it from flopping around as we traveled.
I still don't know why the fan was open in the first place, because like I said, all the switches were turned off. This may be a problem best solved by my mechanic down in Florida.
It took about 1/2 hour for Jim to take the fan apart and get everything secured. After he was finished we continued South on I-95, down to US 64 at Rocky Mount. Turning East on 64 for a few miles brought us to US 301 where we turned South and followed 301 for about 17 miles to the Kampers Lodge RV Park. Jim had heard good things about this park and being that it's also a Passport America park, he had decided to try it.
It was about 1:45 when we pulled up to the office, so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel 173 miles and work on my vent fan.
Well, we're not disappointed with this Campground. I have a pull-through, full hook-up site with 50 amp electric and cable TV, all for $20 per night. The site is long enough for both myself and CLT , but being that Jim parked me more in the center of the site, CLT is parked along side of me. The people in the office were great and the lady led me to my site with a golf cart. The cable TV hasn't been installed on my site yet, so a man brought a long length of TV cable and ran it from a site up the row to my site.
He then waited until Jim tuned on the TV to make sure everything was working before he left.
After getting me set up, Jim took a nap and Linda worked on her Family Tree program, using the free and very strong wi-fi, here in the park. Then, about 5:30 Jim and Linda took CLT and, after stopping at the office to ask for suggestions, headed into Wilson and to Parkers Restaurant for dinner.
Parkers is mainly a barbecue place but they have chicken and seafood also. Linda had the chicken, which was very good, and Jim had a fish dinner, which he said, wasn't the greatest.
After dinner, they came back here and watched TV, worked/played with the computers until bedtime.
Jim and Linda have paid for 2 nights at this CG. Then, the plan is to leave here tomorrow and continue wandering South. We'll stop at one more CG before we get down to the Jacksonville area, where Linda and Jim are hoping to be able to stop and see Linda's grand daughter, Anna.
I hope all of you had a good Halloween. They've got all kinds of decorations here in and around the CG office, but not many RVs have decorations.
I also hope that any of you who were in Hurricane Sandy's path are OK and you don't have too much damage. This far inland, we haven't seen any effects of the storm.
Did you know that Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in the world, dating back over 2000 years to the time of the Celts who lived in Britain?
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Finally, CLT's Problem and Hurricane Sandy
Virginia Beach, VA.
58 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 75F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Well, Jim finally took photos of Joe and his family and got them downloaded onto this computer. So, I'm finally able to post them here so you can see who I've been talking about for the past week. : )
This first one is, of course, Joe, LInda's son.
Nancy, Joe's wife and our body building family member.
This is Sami, (Samantha), Joe and Nancy's oldest daughter,
And Amber, Joe and Nancy's youngest daughter.
Tuesday, Linda called Walgreen's and was told that the rest of her medications were there, so she and Jim took CLT and headed over there and picked them up.
CLT (Cute Little Truck), hadn't said anything, but come to find out, he's been having a problem with his brakes!! Jim caught it when he noticed a noise coming from CLT's left front wheel and was pretty sure that it was the brake pad wear indicator. I didn't realize it, but Jim said that he thought he had heard something over a week ago when we were in Apex, visiting Mike and his family.
So, , , , , what to do?
Well, when Jim and Linda went over to Joe and Nancy's for dinner, Jim asked Joe if he had any recommendations of a place to get them checked out. Joe said that his friend Ray, (who Jim and Linda know), was now doing repair work on cars, and he would call him and see if he had time to look at CLT.
Well, to make a long story a little shorter, Ray said that he had time and would be glad to check CLT out. And, he could do it Wednesday afternoon!! So, soon after noon yesterday, Ray came over here, picked up CLT, took him back to his place, repaired both the front and rear brakes, and had CLT back here in time for Jim and Linda to head over to Joe and Nancy's for dinner again. : )
Talk about service!!!! : )
CLT says that his brakes haven't felt that good for quite some time now, and says that now, he'll be able to do a better job of helping me stop when we're traveling. : )
Today, the plan is for Joe and Nancy to come here for dinner. Jim also wants to do a few things outside as we're expecting quite a weather change because of Hurricane Sandy coming up along the coast.
Right now, Sandy is forecasted to stay well offshore but you can be assured that both Jim and Linda are keeping a close eye on any changes in the forecast. In any case, we'll probably have quite a bit of rain with some wind and falling temperatures after the storm has passed.
Did you know that a lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court?
58 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 75F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Well, Jim finally took photos of Joe and his family and got them downloaded onto this computer. So, I'm finally able to post them here so you can see who I've been talking about for the past week. : )
This first one is, of course, Joe, LInda's son.
Nancy, Joe's wife and our body building family member.
This is Sami, (Samantha), Joe and Nancy's oldest daughter,
And Amber, Joe and Nancy's youngest daughter.
Tuesday, Linda called Walgreen's and was told that the rest of her medications were there, so she and Jim took CLT and headed over there and picked them up.
CLT (Cute Little Truck), hadn't said anything, but come to find out, he's been having a problem with his brakes!! Jim caught it when he noticed a noise coming from CLT's left front wheel and was pretty sure that it was the brake pad wear indicator. I didn't realize it, but Jim said that he thought he had heard something over a week ago when we were in Apex, visiting Mike and his family.
So, , , , , what to do?
Well, when Jim and Linda went over to Joe and Nancy's for dinner, Jim asked Joe if he had any recommendations of a place to get them checked out. Joe said that his friend Ray, (who Jim and Linda know), was now doing repair work on cars, and he would call him and see if he had time to look at CLT.
Well, to make a long story a little shorter, Ray said that he had time and would be glad to check CLT out. And, he could do it Wednesday afternoon!! So, soon after noon yesterday, Ray came over here, picked up CLT, took him back to his place, repaired both the front and rear brakes, and had CLT back here in time for Jim and Linda to head over to Joe and Nancy's for dinner again. : )
Talk about service!!!! : )
CLT says that his brakes haven't felt that good for quite some time now, and says that now, he'll be able to do a better job of helping me stop when we're traveling. : )
Today, the plan is for Joe and Nancy to come here for dinner. Jim also wants to do a few things outside as we're expecting quite a weather change because of Hurricane Sandy coming up along the coast.
Right now, Sandy is forecasted to stay well offshore but you can be assured that both Jim and Linda are keeping a close eye on any changes in the forecast. In any case, we'll probably have quite a bit of rain with some wind and falling temperatures after the storm has passed.
Did you know that a lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Even Long Time Full-Timers Forget and IN To KY
Berea, KY.
63 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Numerous showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
That big eraser that Jim has was put to use again Tuesday morning. The plan was to leave Indy and head for KY, but the weather was not looking good at all so Jim and Linda decided to stay another day.
So, , , , yesterday morning we left the Lake Haven Retreat CG about 9:30 and headed back up to I-465. Heading East on 465 took us to I-74 which took us over to Cincinnati where we took I-275 around to the South of the city and picked up I-75 heading South. We then followed 75 all the way down here to Berea, KY and to the Walnut Meadows RV Park.
Now, it was just as we were turning South onto I-75 on the South side of Cincinnati that there was a big "crash" sound from somewhere inside of me!! By the sound of the noise, I just knew it couldn't be good!!!! It sounded like some cabinet or drawer had come open and all contents had come out and crashed to the floor!!!! : O
There was no place to pull off of the road right there, so Linda got up and went back to see what had happened, while Jim drove very carefully so as not to make any sudden changes in speed or direction while she was looking.
Once Linda got up and walked back into my kitchen, it was very apparent what had happened. You see, I have a pantry that has 6 drawers that are completely full of canned goods. Most of it in cans, but some in jars. Well, it seems that neither Jim or Linda remembered to latch the drawers closed before closing the door to the pantry. As we were going around the corner to merge onto I-75, the drawers pushed against the door and forced the door open, letting all six drawers come crashing out as far as possible on their slides.
Well, needless to say, there were canned goods scattered all over the floor and some of it had fallen as much as 6 feet!!!! : O
Luckily, there was a rest area a few miles down the road, so Jim pulled in and went back to help Linda. Luckily, none of the cans or jars had broken, but there were cans everywhere!!! One of the drawers wouldn't slide back in, but during further inspection, it was discovered that there was a can wedged behind it, and once removed, the drawer closed.
Most of the cans were placed back in the drawers and the drawers were latched shut, but things had gotten so mixed up that Jim finally put some of the cans in the sink rather than trying to fit every one of them back in place.
I don't know just how long we were at the rest area, but I think it was about 15 or 20 minutes. It doesn't appear that anything was damaged, (except a few bent and dented cans), and all the drawers seem to work properly, so everything turned out OK. : )
Whew!!!!
It was 1:30 when we pulled up to the office so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel the 223 miles down here and stop at the rest area.
Walunt Meadows is OK. Nothing special, but it is near to where Linda's cousin, Rick and his wife Doris live and Jim and Linda have stayed here quite a few times in the past.
After getting settled in and getting the rest of the cans put away, : ) Linda called Rick to let him know that we were here. Then about 5:50 Rick and Doris came over, took a quick tour of me, and then they all headed over to the Cracker Barrell to meet Rick and Doris' son, Cory, and his family for dinner.
After eating and visiting for quite awhile, Rick and Doris brought Jim and Linda back here. Then, it was h and h (hugs and handshakes) before Rick and Doris headed home.
It was a short visit, but a very good one. Jim and Linda always look forward to seeing Rick and his family, and I'm sure the next time we're passing through this area, we'll stop again.
Hopefully for a longer visit next time. : )
A Point to Ponder : Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
63 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Numerous showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
That big eraser that Jim has was put to use again Tuesday morning. The plan was to leave Indy and head for KY, but the weather was not looking good at all so Jim and Linda decided to stay another day.
So, , , , yesterday morning we left the Lake Haven Retreat CG about 9:30 and headed back up to I-465. Heading East on 465 took us to I-74 which took us over to Cincinnati where we took I-275 around to the South of the city and picked up I-75 heading South. We then followed 75 all the way down here to Berea, KY and to the Walnut Meadows RV Park.
Now, it was just as we were turning South onto I-75 on the South side of Cincinnati that there was a big "crash" sound from somewhere inside of me!! By the sound of the noise, I just knew it couldn't be good!!!! It sounded like some cabinet or drawer had come open and all contents had come out and crashed to the floor!!!! : O
There was no place to pull off of the road right there, so Linda got up and went back to see what had happened, while Jim drove very carefully so as not to make any sudden changes in speed or direction while she was looking.
Once Linda got up and walked back into my kitchen, it was very apparent what had happened. You see, I have a pantry that has 6 drawers that are completely full of canned goods. Most of it in cans, but some in jars. Well, it seems that neither Jim or Linda remembered to latch the drawers closed before closing the door to the pantry. As we were going around the corner to merge onto I-75, the drawers pushed against the door and forced the door open, letting all six drawers come crashing out as far as possible on their slides.
Well, needless to say, there were canned goods scattered all over the floor and some of it had fallen as much as 6 feet!!!! : O
Luckily, there was a rest area a few miles down the road, so Jim pulled in and went back to help Linda. Luckily, none of the cans or jars had broken, but there were cans everywhere!!! One of the drawers wouldn't slide back in, but during further inspection, it was discovered that there was a can wedged behind it, and once removed, the drawer closed.
Most of the cans were placed back in the drawers and the drawers were latched shut, but things had gotten so mixed up that Jim finally put some of the cans in the sink rather than trying to fit every one of them back in place.
I don't know just how long we were at the rest area, but I think it was about 15 or 20 minutes. It doesn't appear that anything was damaged, (except a few bent and dented cans), and all the drawers seem to work properly, so everything turned out OK. : )
Whew!!!!
It was 1:30 when we pulled up to the office so it took us almost exactly 4 hours to travel the 223 miles down here and stop at the rest area.
Walunt Meadows is OK. Nothing special, but it is near to where Linda's cousin, Rick and his wife Doris live and Jim and Linda have stayed here quite a few times in the past.
After getting settled in and getting the rest of the cans put away, : ) Linda called Rick to let him know that we were here. Then about 5:50 Rick and Doris came over, took a quick tour of me, and then they all headed over to the Cracker Barrell to meet Rick and Doris' son, Cory, and his family for dinner.
After eating and visiting for quite awhile, Rick and Doris brought Jim and Linda back here. Then, it was h and h (hugs and handshakes) before Rick and Doris headed home.
It was a short visit, but a very good one. Jim and Linda always look forward to seeing Rick and his family, and I'm sure the next time we're passing through this area, we'll stop again.
Hopefully for a longer visit next time. : )
A Point to Ponder : Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Laundry and Just Walked Away
Land O Lakes, WI
deg. 63 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms. Highs 80 to 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
As soon as Linda got up yesterday morning, she started doing laundry. There was quite a bit to do and being that we won't have a sewer hook-up at our next CG, she wanted to get caught up. She also has been getting some food ready to take to the reunion and has cooked some of it and put it in the freezer to be brought back out, probably Monday or Tuesday.
A little after lunch, a fifth wheel pulled up in the site next to me, and as Jim was outside, said "hi" and talked to the couple about their site for a minute.
At that time, he didn't think they were very friendly, but they were busy getting set up.
Later, Jim was outside again, and the man asked Jim if we were from South Dakota? Jim told him that we were full-timing and used SD as our state of residence.
The man looked at Jim and told him that he and his wife were full-timers also and that Texas and South Dakota were, "No d**n good"!!!
Huh???? Where did that come from????
He went on to say that when he registered his trailer and truck in Texas, the price for the plates was so high that he moved back to Wisconsin for his state of residency.
When Jim asked him about taxes and insurance cost in WI. compared to Texas, the man said that he didn't mind paying taxes, as it helped the state.
Huh??????
Jim sensed that this was going to be a no-win situation, so he just walked away!!
This man did not seem happy at all. He evidently has a problem of some sort, but who knows what the real problem is? I don't know how long this couple have been full-timing, but I can't imagine them being out on the road for too long, as they won't have any friends with an attitude like that!!!
I'm glad we're leaving here this morning. I wouldn't want to spend much time parked next to them.
Later in the afternoon, Jim dumped my tanks and put all the hoses away. Then, he hooked CLT back to to me. They were forecasting possible rain showers for this morning, and he didn't want to have to do a bunch of stuff if it was raining.
I think this next CG that we will be staying at has wi-fi, but I'm not sure. It's also quite a way from any large cities, so I don't know if I'll be able to hook up with the air card either. So, if I don't post for awhile, keep checking, I'll post whenever I can.
Did you know that on this date in 1868 - Alvin J. Fellows patented the tape measure?
deg. 63 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms. Highs 80 to 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
As soon as Linda got up yesterday morning, she started doing laundry. There was quite a bit to do and being that we won't have a sewer hook-up at our next CG, she wanted to get caught up. She also has been getting some food ready to take to the reunion and has cooked some of it and put it in the freezer to be brought back out, probably Monday or Tuesday.
A little after lunch, a fifth wheel pulled up in the site next to me, and as Jim was outside, said "hi" and talked to the couple about their site for a minute.
At that time, he didn't think they were very friendly, but they were busy getting set up.
Later, Jim was outside again, and the man asked Jim if we were from South Dakota? Jim told him that we were full-timing and used SD as our state of residence.
The man looked at Jim and told him that he and his wife were full-timers also and that Texas and South Dakota were, "No d**n good"!!!
Huh???? Where did that come from????
He went on to say that when he registered his trailer and truck in Texas, the price for the plates was so high that he moved back to Wisconsin for his state of residency.
When Jim asked him about taxes and insurance cost in WI. compared to Texas, the man said that he didn't mind paying taxes, as it helped the state.
Huh??????
Jim sensed that this was going to be a no-win situation, so he just walked away!!
This man did not seem happy at all. He evidently has a problem of some sort, but who knows what the real problem is? I don't know how long this couple have been full-timing, but I can't imagine them being out on the road for too long, as they won't have any friends with an attitude like that!!!
I'm glad we're leaving here this morning. I wouldn't want to spend much time parked next to them.
Later in the afternoon, Jim dumped my tanks and put all the hoses away. Then, he hooked CLT back to to me. They were forecasting possible rain showers for this morning, and he didn't want to have to do a bunch of stuff if it was raining.
I think this next CG that we will be staying at has wi-fi, but I'm not sure. It's also quite a way from any large cities, so I don't know if I'll be able to hook up with the air card either. So, if I don't post for awhile, keep checking, I'll post whenever I can.
Did you know that on this date in 1868 - Alvin J. Fellows patented the tape measure?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
May Have Found The Problem
Bakersfield, CA.
55 deg. clear, NW wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 72F. Winds from the NW at 10 to 15 mph.
About 10:00 yesterday morning, Jim raised my front end with my leveling jacks so that he could get under me to check out my electric steps. Once under me, he started by checking wire connections, and one of the first ones he checked, he found a corroded pin in the connector.
After checking other connections, and cleaning the corroded one with contact cleaner, he put it back together. When he came out from under me, he opened and closed my door a bunch of times, and the steps worked every time.
I think he may have found the problem! ; )
As long as the front of me was raised up, he decided to lube all the pivot points on the steps right away too. It had been quite awhile since that had been done.
After finishing with the steps, he opened my generator compartment and checked the fluid levels on the generator. Then, as long as he was at it, he checked my engine levels too.
The rest of the day was spent just doing "stuff". You know, doing laundry, reading, playing with the computers, taking naps and taking a walk around the park.
Did you know that in Los Angeles it's against the law to lick a toad?
55 deg. clear, NW wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 72F. Winds from the NW at 10 to 15 mph.
About 10:00 yesterday morning, Jim raised my front end with my leveling jacks so that he could get under me to check out my electric steps. Once under me, he started by checking wire connections, and one of the first ones he checked, he found a corroded pin in the connector.
After checking other connections, and cleaning the corroded one with contact cleaner, he put it back together. When he came out from under me, he opened and closed my door a bunch of times, and the steps worked every time.
I think he may have found the problem! ; )
As long as the front of me was raised up, he decided to lube all the pivot points on the steps right away too. It had been quite awhile since that had been done.
After finishing with the steps, he opened my generator compartment and checked the fluid levels on the generator. Then, as long as he was at it, he checked my engine levels too.
The rest of the day was spent just doing "stuff". You know, doing laundry, reading, playing with the computers, taking naps and taking a walk around the park.
Did you know that in Los Angeles it's against the law to lick a toad?
Monday, April 2, 2012
More Trip Plans and Steps Working Now?
Bakersfield, CA.
46 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecasts = Clear. High of 68F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim has been refining our trip plan from here up to Portland, Oregon to see Jeff and Heather. (Jeff is Jim's son).
As you can imagine, seeing Jeff and Heather is the main reason for this whole trip. The last time Jim and Linda have seen them was when they were out here way back in 2008 and both agree that it's been way too long!!!!!
The trip plan right now, shows us heading North from here, then somewhere North of San Francisco, heading West over to US 101. Then, following it North up through the Northern part of California, into Oregon and all the way up to Astoria, where we'll turn East and head to Portland.
Now, that's the way Jim and Linda would like to go. That doesn't mean that that's the way we will go. A lot will depend on the weather along the coast. In 2008, they were going to come South on 101, but the weather was so bad out there, that they ended up heading inland to I-5, and heading South on it.
The weather right now is not too good out there, but the hope is that by the time we get up there, it will improve. We're actually too early in the year though, so it's hard to tell what it'll be like. : (
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I've never been out there along the coast and I hear it's beautiful, so I'd really like to go.
Jim watched the NASCAR race on TV yesterday. I think he enjoyed the race, but was kind of disappointed in how the last few laps turned out. : (
Then, when it was over, he took a nap. ; )
Oh, I don't think I told you, my electric steps started working again!! There's evidently a bad connection or something and today, Jim's going to try to find out what the problem is. If he can't find out what's wrong, he got a recommendation for a mobile RV repair service from the gal up at the office, and will call them to see if they can come here to the park to find the problem and repair it.
On another note. I received a comment the other day that the park looks empty. Well, lots of people stop here for the night. That photo was taken in early afternoon and the overnighters hadn't come in yet. Usually this part of the park is about 1/2 to 3/4 full by the end of the day, but then clears out in the morning again.
Did you know that Bakersfield is one of the cities with the most number of clear days in the U.S. (averaging 191 days a year)?
46 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecasts = Clear. High of 68F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim has been refining our trip plan from here up to Portland, Oregon to see Jeff and Heather. (Jeff is Jim's son).
As you can imagine, seeing Jeff and Heather is the main reason for this whole trip. The last time Jim and Linda have seen them was when they were out here way back in 2008 and both agree that it's been way too long!!!!!
The trip plan right now, shows us heading North from here, then somewhere North of San Francisco, heading West over to US 101. Then, following it North up through the Northern part of California, into Oregon and all the way up to Astoria, where we'll turn East and head to Portland.
Now, that's the way Jim and Linda would like to go. That doesn't mean that that's the way we will go. A lot will depend on the weather along the coast. In 2008, they were going to come South on 101, but the weather was so bad out there, that they ended up heading inland to I-5, and heading South on it.
The weather right now is not too good out there, but the hope is that by the time we get up there, it will improve. We're actually too early in the year though, so it's hard to tell what it'll be like. : (
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I've never been out there along the coast and I hear it's beautiful, so I'd really like to go.
Jim watched the NASCAR race on TV yesterday. I think he enjoyed the race, but was kind of disappointed in how the last few laps turned out. : (
Then, when it was over, he took a nap. ; )
Oh, I don't think I told you, my electric steps started working again!! There's evidently a bad connection or something and today, Jim's going to try to find out what the problem is. If he can't find out what's wrong, he got a recommendation for a mobile RV repair service from the gal up at the office, and will call them to see if they can come here to the park to find the problem and repair it.
On another note. I received a comment the other day that the park looks empty. Well, lots of people stop here for the night. That photo was taken in early afternoon and the overnighters hadn't come in yet. Usually this part of the park is about 1/2 to 3/4 full by the end of the day, but then clears out in the morning again.
Did you know that Bakersfield is one of the cities with the most number of clear days in the U.S. (averaging 191 days a year)?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Long Travel Day For Us
Bakersfield, CA
54 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy in the morning, then overcast with a chance of rain. High of 77F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
We left Tecopa Palms just a little after 10:00 and headed back South on Rt. 127 to Baker. There, we turned West on I-10 and followed it to Barstow where I figured we'd stop for the night.
We didn't though, and instead, continued West on Route 58. I knew that Jim had marked an RV Park in Boron, but when we got close to there, Jim pulled me off onto a gravel area along the side of the road to take a break, and check tires and the tow bar. He also checked the map and then he and Linda decided that they didn't want to stop yet, so we continued all the way here to the Bakersfield Palms RV Park here in Bakersfield.
It was 2:15 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we were on the road for about 4 hours and 10 minutes and covered 233 miles.
A long travel day for us.
For the most part the roads were in pretty good condition but we did have some areas of construction and a few rough stretches. There was a lot of traffic, (probably week-end traffic), and I think that Jim thought it would only get worse, and that's one of the reasons he just kept driving. (Didn't want to deal with Saturday traffic).
So, , , , , , , here we are in Bakersfield. Jim and Linda have been to this park twice before. They didn't have the new section of sites built yet when they were hear last time, so we're in a different part of the park than they were before.
The new part is nice, with cement parking pads, paved streets and full hook-ups with 50 amp electric. But, whoever designed the layout didn't do their homework when it came to laying it out for 45' Motor homes. : ( Even though they're pull-through sites and plenty long, in order to get me into my site, Jim had to "jockey" me around because the turn into the site was too sharp and the entrance to the site too narrow.
I'm sure Jim will take some photos, so you'll be able to see what I'm talking about.
Jim and Linda don't want to be out on the road over the holiday, so the plan is to stay here until after Easter. I am now registered for 1 week, and Jim will go back up to the office and register me for the additional days a week from now.
Oh, one small problem. When we pulled up in front of the office and Jim went to go out of me, my electric steps wouldn't extend when he opened the door!!! They worked fine when we stopped in Boron, but now they won't work at all. : (
Maybe it's just a fuse or a loose wire.
Jim was too tired to check it out yesterday, so today or tomorrow, he'll see if he can find the problem. In the meantime, he has a step stool out there to use.
Did you know that Bakersfield was founded by Colonel Thomas Baker in 1869? It was located near (part of it "in") one of the forks of the Kern River, in reclaimed swampland. At one time called Kern Island, the city became known as Bakersfield after Colonel Baker's residence and field, which was used as a stop over for travelers (called Baker’s Field).
54 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy in the morning, then overcast with a chance of rain. High of 77F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
We left Tecopa Palms just a little after 10:00 and headed back South on Rt. 127 to Baker. There, we turned West on I-10 and followed it to Barstow where I figured we'd stop for the night.
We didn't though, and instead, continued West on Route 58. I knew that Jim had marked an RV Park in Boron, but when we got close to there, Jim pulled me off onto a gravel area along the side of the road to take a break, and check tires and the tow bar. He also checked the map and then he and Linda decided that they didn't want to stop yet, so we continued all the way here to the Bakersfield Palms RV Park here in Bakersfield.
It was 2:15 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we were on the road for about 4 hours and 10 minutes and covered 233 miles.
A long travel day for us.
For the most part the roads were in pretty good condition but we did have some areas of construction and a few rough stretches. There was a lot of traffic, (probably week-end traffic), and I think that Jim thought it would only get worse, and that's one of the reasons he just kept driving. (Didn't want to deal with Saturday traffic).
So, , , , , , , here we are in Bakersfield. Jim and Linda have been to this park twice before. They didn't have the new section of sites built yet when they were hear last time, so we're in a different part of the park than they were before.
The new part is nice, with cement parking pads, paved streets and full hook-ups with 50 amp electric. But, whoever designed the layout didn't do their homework when it came to laying it out for 45' Motor homes. : ( Even though they're pull-through sites and plenty long, in order to get me into my site, Jim had to "jockey" me around because the turn into the site was too sharp and the entrance to the site too narrow.
I'm sure Jim will take some photos, so you'll be able to see what I'm talking about.
Jim and Linda don't want to be out on the road over the holiday, so the plan is to stay here until after Easter. I am now registered for 1 week, and Jim will go back up to the office and register me for the additional days a week from now.
Oh, one small problem. When we pulled up in front of the office and Jim went to go out of me, my electric steps wouldn't extend when he opened the door!!! They worked fine when we stopped in Boron, but now they won't work at all. : (
Maybe it's just a fuse or a loose wire.
Jim was too tired to check it out yesterday, so today or tomorrow, he'll see if he can find the problem. In the meantime, he has a step stool out there to use.
Did you know that Bakersfield was founded by Colonel Thomas Baker in 1869? It was located near (part of it "in") one of the forks of the Kern River, in reclaimed swampland. At one time called Kern Island, the city became known as Bakersfield after Colonel Baker's residence and field, which was used as a stop over for travelers (called Baker’s Field).
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
New Electric Heater Dies and Plans
Maricopa, AZ
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 61F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the NNE in the afternoon.
I don't know if you remember or not, but back on the 2nd of March, Jim went to Home Depot and bought an electric space heater to replace the old one that had died. Well, now the new one died!!! : ( Sunday evening, we had a power outage here at the park. It didn't last long, but when the power came back on, the little red light on the heater didn't come back on, and in fact, nothing on the heater would work at all.
Jim called the customer service number and talked to a nice lady who asked him some questions. One of the questions was, "Do you know if you had a power outage or a surge"? Jim told her we had the power outage and she told him that that is more than likely what messed up the heater. She asked where Jim had bought it, and told him to just take it back to Home Depot and they would refund his money.
Now, all of you RVers out there know that the power in many RV parks is not real reliable and there are power outages at times. So, , , , if you're looking for an electric space heater, I don't recommend that you buy a Lasko heater with digital readout, as it seems like the electronics can't tolerate interruptions in service.
Jim and Linda really liked the heater and it did a fine job of heating the inside of me, but if it's that sensitive, it's probably not well suited for RV use.
So, yesterday morning, Jim and Linda took the heater back to a Home Depot in Casa Grande, and they refunded the money without hesitation. Jim then asked the lady at customer service if they had any other heaters in stock? She told him that they hadn't had any left for about 3 weeks!! : (
Jim really wanted to get another heater, so on the way back here, they stopped by an ACE Hardware Store and Jim went in to check. Well, they had some left, but not any tower heaters like he had. But, they did have some "Pelonis Safe-T-Furnace Ceramic Heaters", so Jim bought one.
This is a much smaller heater, but it sure puts out the heat!! : ) It's been running all night, the temperature outside is down in the 30's but it's 72 degrees inside of me!!!
I think it's going to be just fine!!! : ) And, it doesn't have all the electronic readouts and controls, so a power outage shouldn't bother it. ; )
We're leaving here this morning and because of where we'll be going, I doubt if I'm going to be able to post every day for awhile. In fact, I doubt if I'll be posting much at all in the near future.
Here are the plans for the next couple weeks.
From here in Maricopa, we'll be heading to Quartzsite for a few days to do a little book-docking. Like I said yesterday, that will be a new experience for me, but I have confidence that I can handle it, for a few days at least.
From "Q", (as it's known in the RVing community), the plan is to head up to the Needles, CA area. There's an RV park up there that Jim and Linda have been to before, and if things go according to plan, we'll stay there for a day or two.
From there, we'll be heading to Tecopa, CA which is just outside of the Death Valley NP. Jim has found a park there that can accommodate me and has made a reservation for 1 week, starting on Sunday, the 25th of this month, (which is less than a week from now). The name of the park is Peterson's Tecopa Palms RV Park and has very good Reviews on RV Park Reviews. It is however, far away from any large towns or cities, so cell / Internet service may not be available.
From this park the plan is for Jim and Linda to take CLT and explore Death Valley on day trips.
Jim had originally planned on taking me into Death Valley and to one of the NP Campgrounds inside of the park, but one of the Campgrounds is closed for maintenance, and there are length or generator restrictions in some of the others. Also, it seems like this is one of the busiest times of the year for visitors to Death Valley, (because of the weather and "spring break"), so many of the campgrounds inside of the park will more than likely be full.
Now, I know some of you are wondering why on earth Jim and Linda would want to go to a place like Death Valley. There's nothing to see there, it's hot, it's dry, it barren, there's nothing growing there, no wildlife, and did I mention, it's Hot and Dry????
Well, Jim and Linda have wanted to see DV for quite some time now, (especially Jim), since it's one of the National Parks that they've not been to, and Jim seems to think that there are quite a few things to see. He's done quite a bit of research on the park and has come to the conclusion that it's worth spending some time exploring.
So, until April 1st, at least, I have no idea if I'll have any kind of Internet connection. In fact Jim and Linda are not sure if they'll even have cell phone service. So, you may not hear from me or them for awhile.
Have no fear though, I'll keep track of my wanderings and what's going on and will up-date you as soon as possible. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to post as usual! : )
Did you know that at one time camels were used to transport goods across Arizona?
38 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 61F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the NNE in the afternoon.
I don't know if you remember or not, but back on the 2nd of March, Jim went to Home Depot and bought an electric space heater to replace the old one that had died. Well, now the new one died!!! : ( Sunday evening, we had a power outage here at the park. It didn't last long, but when the power came back on, the little red light on the heater didn't come back on, and in fact, nothing on the heater would work at all.
Jim called the customer service number and talked to a nice lady who asked him some questions. One of the questions was, "Do you know if you had a power outage or a surge"? Jim told her we had the power outage and she told him that that is more than likely what messed up the heater. She asked where Jim had bought it, and told him to just take it back to Home Depot and they would refund his money.
Now, all of you RVers out there know that the power in many RV parks is not real reliable and there are power outages at times. So, , , , if you're looking for an electric space heater, I don't recommend that you buy a Lasko heater with digital readout, as it seems like the electronics can't tolerate interruptions in service.
Jim and Linda really liked the heater and it did a fine job of heating the inside of me, but if it's that sensitive, it's probably not well suited for RV use.
So, yesterday morning, Jim and Linda took the heater back to a Home Depot in Casa Grande, and they refunded the money without hesitation. Jim then asked the lady at customer service if they had any other heaters in stock? She told him that they hadn't had any left for about 3 weeks!! : (
Jim really wanted to get another heater, so on the way back here, they stopped by an ACE Hardware Store and Jim went in to check. Well, they had some left, but not any tower heaters like he had. But, they did have some "Pelonis Safe-T-Furnace Ceramic Heaters", so Jim bought one.
This is a much smaller heater, but it sure puts out the heat!! : ) It's been running all night, the temperature outside is down in the 30's but it's 72 degrees inside of me!!!
I think it's going to be just fine!!! : ) And, it doesn't have all the electronic readouts and controls, so a power outage shouldn't bother it. ; )
We're leaving here this morning and because of where we'll be going, I doubt if I'm going to be able to post every day for awhile. In fact, I doubt if I'll be posting much at all in the near future.
Here are the plans for the next couple weeks.
From here in Maricopa, we'll be heading to Quartzsite for a few days to do a little book-docking. Like I said yesterday, that will be a new experience for me, but I have confidence that I can handle it, for a few days at least.
From "Q", (as it's known in the RVing community), the plan is to head up to the Needles, CA area. There's an RV park up there that Jim and Linda have been to before, and if things go according to plan, we'll stay there for a day or two.
From there, we'll be heading to Tecopa, CA which is just outside of the Death Valley NP. Jim has found a park there that can accommodate me and has made a reservation for 1 week, starting on Sunday, the 25th of this month, (which is less than a week from now). The name of the park is Peterson's Tecopa Palms RV Park and has very good Reviews on RV Park Reviews. It is however, far away from any large towns or cities, so cell / Internet service may not be available.
From this park the plan is for Jim and Linda to take CLT and explore Death Valley on day trips.
Jim had originally planned on taking me into Death Valley and to one of the NP Campgrounds inside of the park, but one of the Campgrounds is closed for maintenance, and there are length or generator restrictions in some of the others. Also, it seems like this is one of the busiest times of the year for visitors to Death Valley, (because of the weather and "spring break"), so many of the campgrounds inside of the park will more than likely be full.
Now, I know some of you are wondering why on earth Jim and Linda would want to go to a place like Death Valley. There's nothing to see there, it's hot, it's dry, it barren, there's nothing growing there, no wildlife, and did I mention, it's Hot and Dry????
Well, Jim and Linda have wanted to see DV for quite some time now, (especially Jim), since it's one of the National Parks that they've not been to, and Jim seems to think that there are quite a few things to see. He's done quite a bit of research on the park and has come to the conclusion that it's worth spending some time exploring.
So, until April 1st, at least, I have no idea if I'll have any kind of Internet connection. In fact Jim and Linda are not sure if they'll even have cell phone service. So, you may not hear from me or them for awhile.
Have no fear though, I'll keep track of my wanderings and what's going on and will up-date you as soon as possible. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to post as usual! : )
Did you know that at one time camels were used to transport goods across Arizona?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Fort Stockton to Van Horn, Still A Blowin’ and Big Problems
Van Horn TX
34 Deg., overcast, NE wind @ 6 mph.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy, high temp. 52 deg, a 20% chance of rain, East wind @ 10 to 15 mph.
Just before we pulled out of the Fort Stockton RV park at , the wind started to blow again. It wasn't blowing too hard, so I thought it would be OK. As we were heading to the next exit where there was a gas station, I thought the wind may be picking up a bit, but it still wasn't too bad.
Well, by the time Jim had filled my tank with good old #2 diesel and we headed back out onto Westbound I-10, I knew it was going to be a tough travel day. You see, the wind had switched to the NE and was hitting me pretty much broadside at about 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts!!! : O
Now, I’m pretty heavy and wind doesn't bother me a real lot, but Jim had to “stay on the ball” to keep me from wandering off course, which meant that he couldn't really relax at all.
We stopped at one rest area and one picnic area along the way. Once to just relax a bit and the other time to relax and check tires and tow bar. So, with getting fuel and stopping the 2 times, it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel the 123 miles here to the Eagle's Nest RV Park in Van Horn , TX
This is a pretty nice park with fairly large pull-through sites and full hook-ups, with some sites having 50 amp electric. There wasn't anyone in the office when we pulled in, so Jim did the "self registration" thing and soon I was parked in site #3.
Yesterday morning, the wind had died down some, so Jim and Linda thought they'd get an early start. Well, as you know, the best laid plans don't always work.
By about 8:30, Jim and Linda had everything ready go go, so Jim fired up my engine and it started right up and then promptly stopped!!!! He tried to start it again but it would crank over but not start!!! : O
Now what to do???? He went out and checked to see of there was anything visible wrong but couldn't find anything, tried to start my engine again, but it still wouldn't run. : (
So . . .. . . A call to Road Service was in order.
After talking to the friendly and sympathetic people at Road Service for awhile and giving them a bunch of information, it was decided that the best thing to do was to send a tow truck out and have me towed to the nearest facility, which is about 100 miles away in El Paso.
After about an hour so so, they called back and said that they had found a towing service that could handle me, but it would be between 3:00 and 5:00 before they could get here. : (
So, , , , , nothing to do but wait, and if you know Jim, waiting for something like that is not one of his better attributes. : (
Anyway, about 3:30, the phone rang and it was the Road Service telling Jim that the tow truck had problems and wouldn't be able to come and tow me to El Paso until Monday!!!!! : ((
But, , , , , , , , , , Just after that call, the man from the tow truck company called, asked some questions about me and asked if anyone had looked at me? He was told that "No, the Road Service had determined that the thing to do was to tow me to the facility in El Paso". He said that since his tow truck service was in Van Horn, and he had some time, he wandered if it would be OK if he came over and had a look at me?
In about 10 minutes he arrived, checked a few thing out, and then he and Jim tried to start my engine. Again, it would not start, so the man got out some starting fluid and while Jim was trying to start me, he sprayed some into my engine air intake.
My engine fired up and in a short time was running fine on it's own!!! : )
So, what's the problem? Well, he thinks that there is a small leak somewhere and my fuel system is loosing its prime. In another words, after sitting, the fuel runs out of my fuel lines and back into the tank and without a little help, the pump will not pull it back up.
I've noticed my engine running a little rough after starting a few times, but I just blamed it on the cold weather, as that seemed to be when it happened. But now, I've got an idea that there was a problem for some time now, and it finally showed up here when the temperature was down to near freezing.
Being that it was too late to head to El Paso, it was decided that we'd stay here for the weekend. Jim called the Road Service and told them to cancel the tow and then called the repair facility in El Paso and arranged for me to go in to be checked out Monday.
Oh, and that man from the tow truck company? He wouldn't accept any money for stopping by and instead, apologized for having a problem with his tow truck and not being able to tow me.
But, you know what? I'm glad that he had a problem with his truck!!! I didn't really want to be towed and if Jim can get my engine started Monday morning, he can drive me to El Paso to see what the problem is.
Did you know that Van Horn was named for Lt. James Judson Van Horn who commanded an army garrison at the Van Horn Wells beginning in 1859? Lt. Van Horn's command was relatively short-lived as the post was seized by Confederate forces in 1861 and Lt. Van Horn taken prisoner.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Surge Suppressor and More On Mardi Gras
Summerdale, AL.
64 deg. cloudy, rain.
Forecast = Overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. High of 75F. Winds from the SSW at 5-15 mph. Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.4 in. possible.
Linda put a load of laundry in my washer/dryer as soon as she got up yesterday morning. Then, after eating breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed for the Camping World store in Robertsdale, (which is the next town North of here on Rt 59).
Now, those of you that have been following this blog are probably saying, "I know why they're going to Camping World. They are going to buy those chairs that Jim has been wanting"
Not!!!!! The reason that they went was to look for a new surge suppressor to protect my electrical system when I'm plugged into the campground's power pedestal.
You see, lately, the surge suppressor that Jim bought for Myrddin way back in 2001 or 2002, has been giving him some trouble. Awhile back, when he went to use it, it made a chattering noise when he plugged it into the outlet on the post. The next time he tried it, it worked fine and in fact worked well for about another month. Then, at another CG, it acted like it didn't want to energize, (after it's normal delay), but finally did. When we got here to the Plantation, he plugged it in and after it's delay cycle, it just sat there and hummed and wouldn't energize to let the power flow into my system.
So . . . . . .he and Linda talked about it, and decided that it was time for a replacement.
Now, these things are not cheap!! The one that Jim bought for me at Camping world was right at $400, so the lawn chair purchase had to wait!!!! : (
Why do I need a surge suppressor? Well, normally a surge suppressor is not needed, but if you don't have one and you get a surge of electricity, (from lightning or a outlet that is mis-wired or goes bad), it can fry anything electric in an RV, especially printed circuit boards.
In fact, I've learned that's exactly what happened to Myrddin shortly after Jim and Linda bought him, when an electrical outlet at a CG shorted out and zapped him with 240 volts!!! He had a lot of damage and it even burned up some of the circuit breakers and wires in his 120 volt electrical box!!
So, now I have a new surge suppressor with high and low voltage protection, and I don't have to worry about being zapped. : )
After they got back and Jim had me plugged in, using the new suppressor, he took a few photos of me in my site here at the Plantation, and one of the suppressor.
Isn't it cute?? It has a digital read-out and everything!!!!
I'm learning more and more about this Mardi Gras thing. Jim and Linda have a brochure from the park and it looks like there is going to be a lot going on from this Friday, all the way to next Tuesday. There are going to be a couple of breakfasts, a lunch, an ice cream social and a couple of dinners during that time. There will also be a selection of a King and Queen, a parade, costume judging, and parties at the clubhouse.
Sounds like it should be an interesting and fun time!! ; )
Did you know that Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday"?
Some say the term alludes to the over-indulgences of the day. Others explain that the word "fat" refers to a fattened ox that was paraded through town before being sacrificed at a mid-winter, pagan fertility celebration.
64 deg. cloudy, rain.
Forecast = Overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. High of 75F. Winds from the SSW at 5-15 mph. Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.4 in. possible.
Linda put a load of laundry in my washer/dryer as soon as she got up yesterday morning. Then, after eating breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed for the Camping World store in Robertsdale, (which is the next town North of here on Rt 59).
Now, those of you that have been following this blog are probably saying, "I know why they're going to Camping World. They are going to buy those chairs that Jim has been wanting"
Not!!!!! The reason that they went was to look for a new surge suppressor to protect my electrical system when I'm plugged into the campground's power pedestal.
You see, lately, the surge suppressor that Jim bought for Myrddin way back in 2001 or 2002, has been giving him some trouble. Awhile back, when he went to use it, it made a chattering noise when he plugged it into the outlet on the post. The next time he tried it, it worked fine and in fact worked well for about another month. Then, at another CG, it acted like it didn't want to energize, (after it's normal delay), but finally did. When we got here to the Plantation, he plugged it in and after it's delay cycle, it just sat there and hummed and wouldn't energize to let the power flow into my system.
So . . . . . .he and Linda talked about it, and decided that it was time for a replacement.
Now, these things are not cheap!! The one that Jim bought for me at Camping world was right at $400, so the lawn chair purchase had to wait!!!! : (
Why do I need a surge suppressor? Well, normally a surge suppressor is not needed, but if you don't have one and you get a surge of electricity, (from lightning or a outlet that is mis-wired or goes bad), it can fry anything electric in an RV, especially printed circuit boards.
In fact, I've learned that's exactly what happened to Myrddin shortly after Jim and Linda bought him, when an electrical outlet at a CG shorted out and zapped him with 240 volts!!! He had a lot of damage and it even burned up some of the circuit breakers and wires in his 120 volt electrical box!!
So, now I have a new surge suppressor with high and low voltage protection, and I don't have to worry about being zapped. : )
After they got back and Jim had me plugged in, using the new suppressor, he took a few photos of me in my site here at the Plantation, and one of the suppressor.
I'm learning more and more about this Mardi Gras thing. Jim and Linda have a brochure from the park and it looks like there is going to be a lot going on from this Friday, all the way to next Tuesday. There are going to be a couple of breakfasts, a lunch, an ice cream social and a couple of dinners during that time. There will also be a selection of a King and Queen, a parade, costume judging, and parties at the clubhouse.
Sounds like it should be an interesting and fun time!! ; )
Did you know that Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday"?
Some say the term alludes to the over-indulgences of the day. Others explain that the word "fat" refers to a fattened ox that was paraded through town before being sacrificed at a mid-winter, pagan fertility celebration.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Little Jury-Rigging and Denny And Bev Arrive
Thonotosassa, FL.
50 deg. clear, wind NE @ 3 mph.
Forecast = Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s near the coast and in the mid 70s inland. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Since we've arrived here at Southern Aire, Jim hasn't been able to get my TV antenna booster to work, so he got out his multimeter and discovered that there was no electricity going to the switch that turns it on. He checked all the fuses and they all tested good, so yesterday morning he jury-rigged a wire going to the switch. It's now working and my TV is getting a whole bunch of channels off of my antenna. : )
There's either another fuse someplace or a wire is broken, but for now, this works. He'll keep looking for another fuse, (possibly under the dash someplace), or maybe he'll find someone who has an idea of what is wrong.
A little after noon yesterday, Jim took his bike and rode over to the site where Denny and Bev are parked when they come to Southern Aire. To Jim's surprise they were already here and Denny had their Winnebago Brave mostly set up. Now, everyone is here except Gordy's wife, Dorthy. : )
After talking for awhile to get caught up about their trip down here from Illinois and saying "Hi" to Bev, Jim came back here and took his nap.
Then, about 3:30 there was a knock at my door. It was Denny and he was here to say "Hi" to Linda and to talk some more. Then at 4:00 he and Jim both headed over to Gordy's for "happy hour".
Oh, I almost forgot!!!! Jim also installed that new "Family Tree Maker" program for Linda yesterday morning. Now, she has to learn how to use the program to enter all the family data that she has obtained throughout the years. She worked on it for quite awhile yesterday and she's getting it, but it'll take some time to figure everything out.
The evening was spent reading, watching the Pro-bowl and working on the computer.
Did you know that today is "Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day"?
pop!!! pop!!! pop!!!
50 deg. clear, wind NE @ 3 mph.
Forecast = Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s near the coast and in the mid 70s inland. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
Since we've arrived here at Southern Aire, Jim hasn't been able to get my TV antenna booster to work, so he got out his multimeter and discovered that there was no electricity going to the switch that turns it on. He checked all the fuses and they all tested good, so yesterday morning he jury-rigged a wire going to the switch. It's now working and my TV is getting a whole bunch of channels off of my antenna. : )
There's either another fuse someplace or a wire is broken, but for now, this works. He'll keep looking for another fuse, (possibly under the dash someplace), or maybe he'll find someone who has an idea of what is wrong.
A little after noon yesterday, Jim took his bike and rode over to the site where Denny and Bev are parked when they come to Southern Aire. To Jim's surprise they were already here and Denny had their Winnebago Brave mostly set up. Now, everyone is here except Gordy's wife, Dorthy. : )
After talking for awhile to get caught up about their trip down here from Illinois and saying "Hi" to Bev, Jim came back here and took his nap.
Then, about 3:30 there was a knock at my door. It was Denny and he was here to say "Hi" to Linda and to talk some more. Then at 4:00 he and Jim both headed over to Gordy's for "happy hour".
Oh, I almost forgot!!!! Jim also installed that new "Family Tree Maker" program for Linda yesterday morning. Now, she has to learn how to use the program to enter all the family data that she has obtained throughout the years. She worked on it for quite awhile yesterday and she's getting it, but it'll take some time to figure everything out.
The evening was spent reading, watching the Pro-bowl and working on the computer.
Did you know that today is "Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day"?
pop!!! pop!!! pop!!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
A Little Surprise and My New Filter Is Here
DeBary, FL.
41 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
After spending some time working on the computer, he got on the phone and called the Deland Truck Center to find out if that new engine air filter for me had come in. Well, Dennis, the parts manager said that it had come in and that Jim could come and pick it up anytime.
So, after lunch, Jim took CLT and headed over there. But, on the way, he stopped by an Office Max store to check on something he had been researching for quite awhile on the Internet.
It was a surprise but I guess I can tell you what it is now, because Jim has already given it to Linda.
It's a new "Family Tree Maker" program.
You see, Linda has become very frustrated with the old one she had been using. You may not remember, but the old one is a shareware program that is no longer being supported. Greg, the computer guy who Jim and Linda bought the new computer from, tried his best to get the old family tree program to run under Windows 7, but it just wasn't working, the latest problem being with trying to print out information once it was entered.
So, after Jim and Linda had talked about it, it was decided that the only way to really have access to the information was to get a new program and re-enter all the information. : ( Now, this means a lot of work for Linda, but she enjoys doing family tree stuff, so it may not feel so much like work at all. : )
After doing the research and looking at reviews, Jim determined that this new program had the most features that Linda would like and was one of the easiest to use, so he thought he'd surprise her and buy it here before we started traveling.
The new program hasn't been installed yet, but she's been reading the book that came with it, and is excited about all the features. : )
After stopping at Office Max, Jim went to the truck place and picked up the new air filter. I think he's going to install it today.
Laura stopped by for awhile again yesterday. She has to work all weekend, and knows that we'll be leaving on Monday, so she's been stopping by whenever she gets a little time.
Did you know that today is "International Fetish Day"?
41 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
After spending some time working on the computer, he got on the phone and called the Deland Truck Center to find out if that new engine air filter for me had come in. Well, Dennis, the parts manager said that it had come in and that Jim could come and pick it up anytime.
So, after lunch, Jim took CLT and headed over there. But, on the way, he stopped by an Office Max store to check on something he had been researching for quite awhile on the Internet.
It was a surprise but I guess I can tell you what it is now, because Jim has already given it to Linda.
It's a new "Family Tree Maker" program.
You see, Linda has become very frustrated with the old one she had been using. You may not remember, but the old one is a shareware program that is no longer being supported. Greg, the computer guy who Jim and Linda bought the new computer from, tried his best to get the old family tree program to run under Windows 7, but it just wasn't working, the latest problem being with trying to print out information once it was entered.
So, after Jim and Linda had talked about it, it was decided that the only way to really have access to the information was to get a new program and re-enter all the information. : ( Now, this means a lot of work for Linda, but she enjoys doing family tree stuff, so it may not feel so much like work at all. : )
After doing the research and looking at reviews, Jim determined that this new program had the most features that Linda would like and was one of the easiest to use, so he thought he'd surprise her and buy it here before we started traveling.
The new program hasn't been installed yet, but she's been reading the book that came with it, and is excited about all the features. : )
After stopping at Office Max, Jim went to the truck place and picked up the new air filter. I think he's going to install it today.
Laura stopped by for awhile again yesterday. She has to work all weekend, and knows that we'll be leaving on Monday, so she's been stopping by whenever she gets a little time.
Did you know that today is "International Fetish Day"?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A New Machine and The Swamp House Grill
DeBary, FL.
66 deg. clear, SE wind @ 3 mph.
Forecast =
Monday, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Mall in Sanford. They needed to pick up the moccasins that they had taken to the shoe repair shop. After picking up the shoes, Jim went into the Sears store that was right next to the shoe shop.
The reason for going to Sears was to try to find a VCR/DVD Recorder to replace the VCR unit (that no longer works), in my overhead cabinet next to the TV.
You see, over the years, Jim and Linda have recorded many things off of the TV on tapes and now since everything has gone to DVDs the tapes have become obsolete. Well, with this machine, it will be possible to transfer many of those tapes to disks and also record new programs off of the TV.
There is one little problem though. Although there is enough room in the cabinet for the machine, the faceplate that covers the opening around the VCR unit will not work with the new combination unit. : (
So, the original faceplate will have to be extensively modified or a new one made. I don't think Jim has decided what he will do yet, but he says he should be able to install the new machine for now and worry about that later.
About 4:00 Monday afternoon, Laura stopped by for awhile. No special reason, just wanted to visit.
Yesterday not much happened except that for dinner, Jim and Linda went over to the Swamp House Grill, which is part of this park, the Highbanks Marina and Campground. Although it's convenient and a neat place, (overlooking the St. John's River), Jim and Linda don't often go there because it tends to be a bit more "pricey" than the places they usually go to eat at. But, for Christmas, Ashley and Anna gave Jim and Linda a gift card for the restaurant, so last night they decided to go.
Linda had large garden salad with chicken, and Jim had the fish and chips. Both were still talking about how great the food was when they returned. : )
Today, I think Jim and Linda are finally going to take down the rest of the Christmas decorations. Jim took down the ones outside the other day, but the tree is still up, and I have bows and wreaths still hanging inside of me. It shouldn't take too long, but it's one of those things that has just been put off.
Did you know that more than 90% of all fish caught are caught in the northern hemisphere?
66 deg. clear, SE wind @ 3 mph.
Forecast =
 | A chance of showers through mid morning...then widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of rain 80 percent. |
Monday, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Mall in Sanford. They needed to pick up the moccasins that they had taken to the shoe repair shop. After picking up the shoes, Jim went into the Sears store that was right next to the shoe shop.
The reason for going to Sears was to try to find a VCR/DVD Recorder to replace the VCR unit (that no longer works), in my overhead cabinet next to the TV.
You see, over the years, Jim and Linda have recorded many things off of the TV on tapes and now since everything has gone to DVDs the tapes have become obsolete. Well, with this machine, it will be possible to transfer many of those tapes to disks and also record new programs off of the TV.
There is one little problem though. Although there is enough room in the cabinet for the machine, the faceplate that covers the opening around the VCR unit will not work with the new combination unit. : (
So, the original faceplate will have to be extensively modified or a new one made. I don't think Jim has decided what he will do yet, but he says he should be able to install the new machine for now and worry about that later.
About 4:00 Monday afternoon, Laura stopped by for awhile. No special reason, just wanted to visit.
Yesterday not much happened except that for dinner, Jim and Linda went over to the Swamp House Grill, which is part of this park, the Highbanks Marina and Campground. Although it's convenient and a neat place, (overlooking the St. John's River), Jim and Linda don't often go there because it tends to be a bit more "pricey" than the places they usually go to eat at. But, for Christmas, Ashley and Anna gave Jim and Linda a gift card for the restaurant, so last night they decided to go.
Linda had large garden salad with chicken, and Jim had the fish and chips. Both were still talking about how great the food was when they returned. : )
Today, I think Jim and Linda are finally going to take down the rest of the Christmas decorations. Jim took down the ones outside the other day, but the tree is still up, and I have bows and wreaths still hanging inside of me. It shouldn't take too long, but it's one of those things that has just been put off.
Did you know that more than 90% of all fish caught are caught in the northern hemisphere?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sleep Number Mattress and Dinner With Laura And Lindsey
DeBary, FL.
45 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Areas of dense fog with visibility one quarter mile or less at times early in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
Another slow day here yesterday. Jim took CLT and headed over to Wally World yesterday morning, but they didn't have what he was looking for. On the way back here, he stopped by the CG office and found out that UPS had delivered a package that he and Linda have been waiting for.
Now, if you're like me, you're wanting to know what was in that package. : ) Well, it was a new control/pump unit for their Sleep Number mattress.
It seems that lately, it has been more and more difficult to read the numbers on the controls that you use to inflate or deflate the mattress to the desired setting. One by one, the segments of the display numbers have quit working and now on one of the controls, it's almost blank. : (
Well, Jim called Select Comfort about a week or so ago, and ordered a new one. There is a warranty on the unit, but being that the mattress was purchased way back in 2005, (two Motor Homes ago), the price was pro-rated and he had to pay about 1/2 of the cost. Jim and Linda both thought it was worth it though, because they really like the mattress and a new good mattress of any kind would cost a lot more.
So, today, I think Jim is going to change the control/pump unit. Linda wants to wash the sheets anyway, and while the sheets are off of the bed, it would be a good time to do it.
Oh, by the way. The new control/pump unit is different from the old one. The old one had 2 controls with wires running to them from the pump unit. The new one has one wireless remote control that is used to change the settings on each side of the mattress and the pump unit is somewhat smaller.
Jim and Linda decided that they wanted to go out to eat last night, so they called Laura and Lindsey to see of they wanted to go too. Well, they did and it was decided that they would meet over at the Perkins Restaurant in Orange City around 5:00.
Jim and Linda were gone for quite awhile, so I'm pretty sure that besides having a nice meal, they sat and talked for quite awhile. : )
Did you know that January is "National Soup Month"?
45 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Areas of dense fog with visibility one quarter mile or less at times early in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.
Another slow day here yesterday. Jim took CLT and headed over to Wally World yesterday morning, but they didn't have what he was looking for. On the way back here, he stopped by the CG office and found out that UPS had delivered a package that he and Linda have been waiting for.
Now, if you're like me, you're wanting to know what was in that package. : ) Well, it was a new control/pump unit for their Sleep Number mattress.
It seems that lately, it has been more and more difficult to read the numbers on the controls that you use to inflate or deflate the mattress to the desired setting. One by one, the segments of the display numbers have quit working and now on one of the controls, it's almost blank. : (
Well, Jim called Select Comfort about a week or so ago, and ordered a new one. There is a warranty on the unit, but being that the mattress was purchased way back in 2005, (two Motor Homes ago), the price was pro-rated and he had to pay about 1/2 of the cost. Jim and Linda both thought it was worth it though, because they really like the mattress and a new good mattress of any kind would cost a lot more.
So, today, I think Jim is going to change the control/pump unit. Linda wants to wash the sheets anyway, and while the sheets are off of the bed, it would be a good time to do it.
Oh, by the way. The new control/pump unit is different from the old one. The old one had 2 controls with wires running to them from the pump unit. The new one has one wireless remote control that is used to change the settings on each side of the mattress and the pump unit is somewhat smaller.
Jim and Linda decided that they wanted to go out to eat last night, so they called Laura and Lindsey to see of they wanted to go too. Well, they did and it was decided that they would meet over at the Perkins Restaurant in Orange City around 5:00.
Jim and Linda were gone for quite awhile, so I'm pretty sure that besides having a nice meal, they sat and talked for quite awhile. : )
Did you know that January is "National Soup Month"?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Aaaarrrrgggg!!!!!
DeBary, FL.
60 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecast = Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Aaaarrrrgggg!!!!!
Wouldn't you know it? I've got things to post this morning and now this Internet connection is so slow that I can't get anything to work!!!!
I've got some pictures of Laura and Ashley decorating me and some nice pictures of the end product, but I can't get any of them to load this morning!!! : (
Laura and Ashley came about 11:00 yesterday and in about an hour and a half, all the decorations were up, Laura and Ashley had already left and I was looking good. : )
The afternoon was spent doing normal things and then for dinner Jim cooked brats and hot dogs out on the grill.
Well, I'd better quit for now, I've already been knocked off of the Internet twice.
Did you know that on this date in 1908 - At the University of Pittsburgh, numerals were first used on football uniforms worn by college football players?
60 deg. scattered clouds, no wind.
Forecast = Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Aaaarrrrgggg!!!!!
Wouldn't you know it? I've got things to post this morning and now this Internet connection is so slow that I can't get anything to work!!!!
I've got some pictures of Laura and Ashley decorating me and some nice pictures of the end product, but I can't get any of them to load this morning!!! : (
Laura and Ashley came about 11:00 yesterday and in about an hour and a half, all the decorations were up, Laura and Ashley had already left and I was looking good. : )
The afternoon was spent doing normal things and then for dinner Jim cooked brats and hot dogs out on the grill.
Well, I'd better quit for now, I've already been knocked off of the Internet twice.
Did you know that on this date in 1908 - At the University of Pittsburgh, numerals were first used on football uniforms worn by college football players?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Groceries and A Leak Next Door
DeBary, FL.
66 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy early in the morning...then a chance of showers late in the morning. Mostly cloudy with numerous showers and isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Windy. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent.
As soon as Linda was up and had finished her breakfast, she and Jim took off and headed to the Winn Dixie Grocery store that is just down the road from here. They were gone for quite awhile so I knew they would be bringing back a bunch of groceries.
Well, I was right and by the time they got all of them put away, my cabinets were bulging! ; )
Oh, I almost forgot!!! Before Linda got up, Jim was sitting outside, drinking a cup of coffee and spotted water dripping out of one of the compartments in the motor home that's parked next door to me!
Now, anyone who has an RV knows that water dripping out of a compartment is never good!! : ( So, he went around to the other side of the MH and told the couple inside, (Alan and Teresa), what he had noticed.
Alan came out right away and after some investigation, it was determined that the leak only occurred when the city water was turned on and not when the pump was turned on and they were running off of water from their fresh water tank.
So, today, Alan will call a repair place that comes here to the park to fix RVs and set up an appointment. In the meantime, they can put water in their fresh water tank and run off of that for a few days.
Nothing much happened the rest of the day, just normal things. I'm beginning to think that there may be days while I'm here at Highbanks that I won't have anything to write about, so if I don't post every day, you'll know what's going on.
Nothing!!! ; )
Did you know that on this date in 1925 - The Grand Ole Opry made its radio debut on station WSM?
66 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy early in the morning...then a chance of showers late in the morning. Mostly cloudy with numerous showers and isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Windy. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent.
As soon as Linda was up and had finished her breakfast, she and Jim took off and headed to the Winn Dixie Grocery store that is just down the road from here. They were gone for quite awhile so I knew they would be bringing back a bunch of groceries.
Well, I was right and by the time they got all of them put away, my cabinets were bulging! ; )
Oh, I almost forgot!!! Before Linda got up, Jim was sitting outside, drinking a cup of coffee and spotted water dripping out of one of the compartments in the motor home that's parked next door to me!
Now, anyone who has an RV knows that water dripping out of a compartment is never good!! : ( So, he went around to the other side of the MH and told the couple inside, (Alan and Teresa), what he had noticed.
Alan came out right away and after some investigation, it was determined that the leak only occurred when the city water was turned on and not when the pump was turned on and they were running off of water from their fresh water tank.
So, today, Alan will call a repair place that comes here to the park to fix RVs and set up an appointment. In the meantime, they can put water in their fresh water tank and run off of that for a few days.
Nothing much happened the rest of the day, just normal things. I'm beginning to think that there may be days while I'm here at Highbanks that I won't have anything to write about, so if I don't post every day, you'll know what's going on.
Nothing!!! ; )
Did you know that on this date in 1925 - The Grand Ole Opry made its radio debut on station WSM?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Four "Ifs", A "May" And A "Might", A Great Lunch With Great Friends and A Surprise Visit
Lakeland, FL.
64 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then a chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s near the coast and in the lower 80s inland. Southwest winds around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Dan, took my furnace apart yesterday morning and found out that there were some bearings worn out and the little 12 volt motor was bad.
So, parts were ordered and "if", (and it's a big "if"), the parts come in today, (One day overnight delivery), and "if" all the parts are correct, and "if" Dan gets it put back together and "if" there aren't other unforeseen problems, my repairs "may" be completed today, and I "might" be able to leave here today and go to to DeBary in time for Thanksgiving!!! : )
Now, many things can go wrong with all of this, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but it's really hard not to. I have to remember that it's a very good possibility that Jim, Linda and I will be spending the holiday right here in this parking lot. : (
A little before noon, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Bob Evans Restaurant to meet up with their long time RVing friends, Roland and Louise. From what I understand, they had a very nice meal and a very nice visit with them. After eating and catching up on what has been happening since they came to visit Jim, Linda and me up in Rantoul this past summer, they all came back here and visited for awhile longer!!
What a great surprise!!!! I really didn't think I'd get to see them!!!
After talking for awhile, Roland and Louise had to leave as they had another stop they wanted to make before heading back down to Frostproof where their Motor Home, ( Big Herb), is parked for the winter.
So, today, we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, things will go right and tomorrow morning I'll be posting on this blog from DeBary.
Did you know that age is a determining factor in the taste of turkey? Old, large males are preferable to young toms (males) as tom meat is stringy. The opposite is true for females: old hens are tougher birds.
64 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then a chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s near the coast and in the lower 80s inland. Southwest winds around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Dan, took my furnace apart yesterday morning and found out that there were some bearings worn out and the little 12 volt motor was bad.
So, parts were ordered and "if", (and it's a big "if"), the parts come in today, (One day overnight delivery), and "if" all the parts are correct, and "if" Dan gets it put back together and "if" there aren't other unforeseen problems, my repairs "may" be completed today, and I "might" be able to leave here today and go to to DeBary in time for Thanksgiving!!! : )
Now, many things can go wrong with all of this, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but it's really hard not to. I have to remember that it's a very good possibility that Jim, Linda and I will be spending the holiday right here in this parking lot. : (
A little before noon, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Bob Evans Restaurant to meet up with their long time RVing friends, Roland and Louise. From what I understand, they had a very nice meal and a very nice visit with them. After eating and catching up on what has been happening since they came to visit Jim, Linda and me up in Rantoul this past summer, they all came back here and visited for awhile longer!!
What a great surprise!!!! I really didn't think I'd get to see them!!!
After talking for awhile, Roland and Louise had to leave as they had another stop they wanted to make before heading back down to Frostproof where their Motor Home, ( Big Herb), is parked for the winter.
So, today, we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, things will go right and tomorrow morning I'll be posting on this blog from DeBary.
Did you know that age is a determining factor in the taste of turkey? Old, large males are preferable to young toms (males) as tom meat is stringy. The opposite is true for females: old hens are tougher birds.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
One Problem Repaired and Waiting On The Second
Lakeland, FL.
67 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early in the morning. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
As soon as Lester came in to work yesterday morning, Jim went into the office to talk to him. Lester was busy getting everything ready for the work day, so Jim didn't stay long. He did, however, tell Lester exactly what my problems were and how my furnace and alternator were acting.
Glen, (the shop foreman) came out about 8:00 and backed me into a spot along side of the building and plugged me into electric, but being that Lester had kind of squeezed me into the schedule, no one was able to start work on me until about 2:30 in the afternoon.
It was then that Dan, (the head mechanic and the one who had done almost all the work on me when we were here before), came out and started checking out my alternator problem. It took him about an hour to find out what was wrong, and then another hour to fix the problem.
What was the problem? Well, lets just say that two mistakes were made, one by the mechanic where Jim and Linda bought me in Illinois, (that started the whole problem), and another one when my alternator was removed and rebuilt about a month and a half ago here at Creative Coach.
The mistake has been rectified and it will not cost Jim and Linda anything for the repairs. : )
After the alternator problem was fixed, Dan took a look at my Aqua Hot furnace. He finally got it to try to light and it appears that the bearings in the fuel pump have gone bad. He didn't have time to take the furnace apart yesterday afternoon, but by the noise it made, that is the assumption.
This morning he'll take it apart and find out exactly what the problem is. Then the parts can be ordered and the repairs made.
Now, that brings up another problem. Today is the day my reservations at the Highbanks Marina and CG begin. Needless to say, I won't be able to make it and won't know until the parts are ordered and the Aqua Hot place tells Lester when they can ship them. Even then, (from past experience), it's hard to figure out just when the parts will get here, and then be installed, so Jim is hoping that the CG will work with him and hold a site until I can get them there.
There's also the little thing about Thanksgiving. Marv and Inez, (Lindsey's parents), will be having a big meal that Jim and Linda are invited to, but unless everything goes really well with my repairs, we won't get there in time. So, Linda will have to call Laura and Lindsey and tell them what's going on and tell them that she don't know if we'll be able to make it or not. : (
So, that's what's going on here. I hope all your Thanksgiving plans are not "up in the air", like they are for Jim and Linda. The "not knowing" is the worst part, and they won't know for sure until the parts actually arrive and the furnace is repaired. : (
Today, Jim and Linda have made plans to meet up with Roland and Louise, (long time, very good RVing friends), for lunch at a Bob Evans Restaurant here in Lakeland. They always enjoy getting together with them and are looking forward to seeing them again. They're wintering down in Frostproof, FL. and will drive up here for lunch. : )
Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving? That's one sixth of all turkeys sold in the U.S. each year.
67 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early in the morning. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
As soon as Lester came in to work yesterday morning, Jim went into the office to talk to him. Lester was busy getting everything ready for the work day, so Jim didn't stay long. He did, however, tell Lester exactly what my problems were and how my furnace and alternator were acting.
Glen, (the shop foreman) came out about 8:00 and backed me into a spot along side of the building and plugged me into electric, but being that Lester had kind of squeezed me into the schedule, no one was able to start work on me until about 2:30 in the afternoon.
It was then that Dan, (the head mechanic and the one who had done almost all the work on me when we were here before), came out and started checking out my alternator problem. It took him about an hour to find out what was wrong, and then another hour to fix the problem.
What was the problem? Well, lets just say that two mistakes were made, one by the mechanic where Jim and Linda bought me in Illinois, (that started the whole problem), and another one when my alternator was removed and rebuilt about a month and a half ago here at Creative Coach.
The mistake has been rectified and it will not cost Jim and Linda anything for the repairs. : )
After the alternator problem was fixed, Dan took a look at my Aqua Hot furnace. He finally got it to try to light and it appears that the bearings in the fuel pump have gone bad. He didn't have time to take the furnace apart yesterday afternoon, but by the noise it made, that is the assumption.
This morning he'll take it apart and find out exactly what the problem is. Then the parts can be ordered and the repairs made.
Now, that brings up another problem. Today is the day my reservations at the Highbanks Marina and CG begin. Needless to say, I won't be able to make it and won't know until the parts are ordered and the Aqua Hot place tells Lester when they can ship them. Even then, (from past experience), it's hard to figure out just when the parts will get here, and then be installed, so Jim is hoping that the CG will work with him and hold a site until I can get them there.
There's also the little thing about Thanksgiving. Marv and Inez, (Lindsey's parents), will be having a big meal that Jim and Linda are invited to, but unless everything goes really well with my repairs, we won't get there in time. So, Linda will have to call Laura and Lindsey and tell them what's going on and tell them that she don't know if we'll be able to make it or not. : (
So, that's what's going on here. I hope all your Thanksgiving plans are not "up in the air", like they are for Jim and Linda. The "not knowing" is the worst part, and they won't know for sure until the parts actually arrive and the furnace is repaired. : (
Today, Jim and Linda have made plans to meet up with Roland and Louise, (long time, very good RVing friends), for lunch at a Bob Evans Restaurant here in Lakeland. They always enjoy getting together with them and are looking forward to seeing them again. They're wintering down in Frostproof, FL. and will drive up here for lunch. : )
Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the U.S. at Thanksgiving? That's one sixth of all turkeys sold in the U.S. each year.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Repairs Coming Along Nicely, But An Unexpected Expense
Lakeland, FL.
65 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Dan, one of the mechanics here at Creative Coach has been doing a lot of little things to me. I had a couple compartment doors that needed adjustment and he adjusted them, my right windshield wiper linkage was worn, so he removed it and has new linkage on order, my inverter/converter remote didn't work so he repaired it. As far as major items, he has worked on my kitchen/living room slide and has it working, worked on my main awning and seems to have that working, (except for a minor adjustment that still has to be made), and yesterday, changed the fan belt on my big Onan generator, (Which was a very big job).
One big item that neither Jim nor Linda were expecting was that upon inspection, sidewall cracks were found in 4 of my tires. : ( Now, the reason that this was unexpected is that when I left Rantoul, there were absolutely no cracks in my tires. This is known because before Jim and Linda even purchased me, Jim checked the date codes and did a very good inspection of the tires.
The consensus seems to be that because I sat for quite a long time on the dealers lot, out in the sun, the tires dried out and once we started traveling, they cracked. : (
Jim and Linda decided that they didn't want to take any chances of having a blow-out while driving down the road and possibly doing major damage to me, or even getting into an accident. So . . . . . it was decided that they would buy all new tires for me.
It's going to cost them a bundle, but they think that the safety factor of having new tires is well worth the cost.
Jim has been watching and learning about me as the mechanics have been working on me. They don't seem to mind when he watches and asks questions and in fact Dan seems to welcome him being there and occasionally helping out by holding a part in position or getting a wrench or bolt for him.
Jim has taken a few pictures in the last few days, and I'll try to get a few posted here but for some reason the Internet connection around here is very flaky. Some times, like so far this morning, everything goes along nicely, but then all of a sudden I'll lose the signal. Sometimes I can get right back on but other times I can't and have to wait until sometime later to get reconnected. : (
Did you know that by the time the first Spanish conquistadors arrived, there were over 250,000 Native Americans living on the peninsula which is now Florida?
65 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Dan, one of the mechanics here at Creative Coach has been doing a lot of little things to me. I had a couple compartment doors that needed adjustment and he adjusted them, my right windshield wiper linkage was worn, so he removed it and has new linkage on order, my inverter/converter remote didn't work so he repaired it. As far as major items, he has worked on my kitchen/living room slide and has it working, worked on my main awning and seems to have that working, (except for a minor adjustment that still has to be made), and yesterday, changed the fan belt on my big Onan generator, (Which was a very big job).
One big item that neither Jim nor Linda were expecting was that upon inspection, sidewall cracks were found in 4 of my tires. : ( Now, the reason that this was unexpected is that when I left Rantoul, there were absolutely no cracks in my tires. This is known because before Jim and Linda even purchased me, Jim checked the date codes and did a very good inspection of the tires.
The consensus seems to be that because I sat for quite a long time on the dealers lot, out in the sun, the tires dried out and once we started traveling, they cracked. : (
Jim and Linda decided that they didn't want to take any chances of having a blow-out while driving down the road and possibly doing major damage to me, or even getting into an accident. So . . . . . it was decided that they would buy all new tires for me.
It's going to cost them a bundle, but they think that the safety factor of having new tires is well worth the cost.
Jim has been watching and learning about me as the mechanics have been working on me. They don't seem to mind when he watches and asks questions and in fact Dan seems to welcome him being there and occasionally helping out by holding a part in position or getting a wrench or bolt for him.
Jim has taken a few pictures in the last few days, and I'll try to get a few posted here but for some reason the Internet connection around here is very flaky. Some times, like so far this morning, everything goes along nicely, but then all of a sudden I'll lose the signal. Sometimes I can get right back on but other times I can't and have to wait until sometime later to get reconnected. : (
Did you know that by the time the first Spanish conquistadors arrived, there were over 250,000 Native Americans living on the peninsula which is now Florida?
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