Yesterday started out with a series of irritating events, but the day improved exponentially! I have 3 kids and one sister who live in the Sacramento area, and they have made it a practice during the past year to gather at one or the other's homes for dinner once a month. The family who is doing the dinner keeps the menu secret until the folks arrive, and from what I understand they usually do something fairly elaborate - and delicious! My sister Amy and her husband, John, had the dinner last night. John is a very good cook and prepared Chicken Dijon (the sauce was made from scratch) served over linguini, a salad, roasted potatos, asparagus, and an excellent angel food cake (also made from scratch) served with strawberries & blueberries over it and topped with whipped cream (you guessed it, made from scratch). I didn't think I'd be able to eat as much as I did because of the variety of appetizers before the meal.
Earlier in the afternoon I drove the dogs & me to Jeannie & Donald's house, where we spent the night. That way I didn't have to drive in the dark, and this morning Jeannie and I were able to spend time talking and catching up on various things. She was missing Ara who left yesterday to return to college in PA. Ara had called her and said she got off the plane to the shock of bitter cold! Any parent out there who has had grown children stop by with their dirty laundry will appreciate this - I TURNED THE TABLES! I took my laundry to Jeannie's house (and I didn't even ask first). Once in a while it's fun to reverse the roles of parent/child.
Jeannie also gave me their phone Yellow Pages book, which is something I miss having. Now I can look up places that might fix my laptop, or at least figure out if it is worth saving. I much prefer the local pages rather than looking businesses up online - for one thing the ads usually give more info such as address. This is helpful when a small business doesn't have its own web site. The biggest problem will be to find a place to store it.
I think it's going to be a warm day, but the inside of the RV is chilly. I hate to waste propane on running the furnace, so I put on a fleece pullover - does the job but my hands are still cold.
I got another email from someone at Lassen this morning. It sounds like cell phone reception in the park is very sporadic, so I probably won't have much luck with the air card either. I will just have to wait for occasional visits to town to use the computer, and as my oldest son reminded me, "You didn't have a cell phone or a computer on the Appalachian Trail for over 3 months, and you did just fine."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The subject is dogs....again
This morning on my way to the doggie walk I passed a man holding two of his own on leashes, and who was talking to another man. One of his dogs began acting very aggressive, which just brought on trouble as my larger dog responds to this by barking and pulling on her leash. The man's dog must have slipped her collar, but at first I thought he let it loose and did I ever go ballistic! He had a very hard time getting it restrained again. He was still there when I came back but this time he was making his dogs sit in their good dog poses, as if the one isn't a *#$@/^$ little troublemaker! At one time I thought pets would be fine in the RV lifestyle but now I'm not so sure. Possibly if you have one of those little yappy ones who bark at everything and everyone and scare the heck out of the big dogs - they would be easy to just pick up and carry out of the way. My pets had their own perfect lifestyle on the side of that mountain in NC with the entire woods to roam, and I wonder what they think of their current situation. I know they've settled in to the 5th wheel like its their own, but the walks outside are certainly stressful for me.
The wheels started rumbling over the gravel before dawn again. This must be the opening day of the sportsmen's show; I looked out my window in the pre-dawn hours and saw a big flatbed with ATV's on it. It's more activity than I prefer.
I need something pleasant to happen today to make up for all the negativity so far!
The wheels started rumbling over the gravel before dawn again. This must be the opening day of the sportsmen's show; I looked out my window in the pre-dawn hours and saw a big flatbed with ATV's on it. It's more activity than I prefer.
I need something pleasant to happen today to make up for all the negativity so far!
The cost of surgery
I saw the eye surgeon this afternoon, really late this afternoon. My appointment was at 3:40, and I could have kicked myself for taking an appt that late. I was put in a small room and waited until 5pm, then went over and opened the door to the exam room just as the doctor was walking up. I told him I was getting claustrophobic as well as stressed out about having to drive home in the dark. He kicked up the pace a couple of notches.
He told me that there is a new implant on the market that is excellent and that corrects distance as well as close up vision. This lens costs $2300 and insurance doesn't cover it. He gave me a pamphlet to read all about it before I decide, but according to the pamphlet Medicare covers some of the cost. I have very good Blue Cross coverage to pick up after Medicare, so I don't understand why I would have to pay the whole $2300, which I can't do, so I will have to call BCBS on Monday to get the real info. I'm torn, because I need to have some things checked out and serviced in the 5ver that will cost $. Surgery is set for Feb. 10th, and I'm thinking I really need to have the 5ver work done by the middle or end of May in order to drive it up to Lassen. Until then I can probably "make do" because I don't use the generator anyway, and heat the water with propane rather than electric as it is. There are some other repairs, but nothing that couldn't wait for a couple of months. With really frugal living, maybe I can spare money from Feb & March for part of the cost of the lens, and then devote Apr & May towards the service on the 5ver. I would really love to be able to read without glasses. I was thrilled with contacts for the years I could wear them and would love to just toss the glasses into the trash.
After I washed dishes this evening I noticed that all the water didn't drain out of the sink. In my pj's and bathrobe, carrying a flashlight, I went outside and released some of the water from the galley tank. I'm surprised that it filled up as quickly as it did. Now that I have hot water I use and wash more dishes, and probably use more water than when it's icy cold. Tomorrow I will have to go drain all the tanks. I'm using the city water connection which is great in that I don't have to listen to that water pump every time I turn on the tap, but I'm wondering if the water in the fresh tank will stay decent until I need it. I suppose I can always wait until I'm ready to move, disconnect city water, and then drain the fresh into the sink.
The racetrack is lit up again tonight and once in a while I hear the loudspeaker - nothing noisy though. One thing I do hear from before daylight and way into the night is the sound of vehicles driving over the gravel in this parking lot. Sometimes it's the trucks & cars while other times I can tell that it's an RV as well. I suppose that over in the other lot which is cement you couldn't hear the comings & goings as acutely. I like the gravel lot because it is definitely roomier for pull thru, and it is much more level. Since I'm on the end I just pull my truck cross-wise in front of the 5ver, and there is plenty of room to swing around when driving the truck out. I hear experienced fulltimers talk about "hitch itch" and I think I'm beginning to understand how it can develop and grow on a person. While I'm happy with this park and couldn't find a better location, my mind is already preparing to pull up stakes and move on to the next place - hopefully one with friendly RVers who clean up after their pets.
He told me that there is a new implant on the market that is excellent and that corrects distance as well as close up vision. This lens costs $2300 and insurance doesn't cover it. He gave me a pamphlet to read all about it before I decide, but according to the pamphlet Medicare covers some of the cost. I have very good Blue Cross coverage to pick up after Medicare, so I don't understand why I would have to pay the whole $2300, which I can't do, so I will have to call BCBS on Monday to get the real info. I'm torn, because I need to have some things checked out and serviced in the 5ver that will cost $. Surgery is set for Feb. 10th, and I'm thinking I really need to have the 5ver work done by the middle or end of May in order to drive it up to Lassen. Until then I can probably "make do" because I don't use the generator anyway, and heat the water with propane rather than electric as it is. There are some other repairs, but nothing that couldn't wait for a couple of months. With really frugal living, maybe I can spare money from Feb & March for part of the cost of the lens, and then devote Apr & May towards the service on the 5ver. I would really love to be able to read without glasses. I was thrilled with contacts for the years I could wear them and would love to just toss the glasses into the trash.
After I washed dishes this evening I noticed that all the water didn't drain out of the sink. In my pj's and bathrobe, carrying a flashlight, I went outside and released some of the water from the galley tank. I'm surprised that it filled up as quickly as it did. Now that I have hot water I use and wash more dishes, and probably use more water than when it's icy cold. Tomorrow I will have to go drain all the tanks. I'm using the city water connection which is great in that I don't have to listen to that water pump every time I turn on the tap, but I'm wondering if the water in the fresh tank will stay decent until I need it. I suppose I can always wait until I'm ready to move, disconnect city water, and then drain the fresh into the sink.
The racetrack is lit up again tonight and once in a while I hear the loudspeaker - nothing noisy though. One thing I do hear from before daylight and way into the night is the sound of vehicles driving over the gravel in this parking lot. Sometimes it's the trucks & cars while other times I can tell that it's an RV as well. I suppose that over in the other lot which is cement you couldn't hear the comings & goings as acutely. I like the gravel lot because it is definitely roomier for pull thru, and it is much more level. Since I'm on the end I just pull my truck cross-wise in front of the 5ver, and there is plenty of room to swing around when driving the truck out. I hear experienced fulltimers talk about "hitch itch" and I think I'm beginning to understand how it can develop and grow on a person. While I'm happy with this park and couldn't find a better location, my mind is already preparing to pull up stakes and move on to the next place - hopefully one with friendly RVers who clean up after their pets.
Friday, January 16, 2009
End of another week
TGIF, I would have said a few years back. Now it doesn't make a bit of difference to me, and I love Mondays just as well. It was a bit warmer when I took the dogs out this morning - not exactly warm, but not as cold as some mornings have been. (Again, this morning I said a lot of bad words about dog owners who don't clean up after their pets in a crowded RV park.) I'm back inside, drinking some wonderful coffee and listening to flocks of geese go by. They can sure make a lot of noise.
I'm a little bummed out that I don't see the eye surgeon until 3:40 this afternoon. That will turn me out into Friday afternoon commuter traffic with dilated pupils! The time before when my eyes were dilated I drove home via Folsom Blvd rather than the freeway, and I feel much safer there. I don't have to stop at all the lights, but at least everyone is driving at a slower pace and I can leave some space after the vehicle in front of me without some fool zooming through to cross 3 lanes of traffic. I may continue this post after I find out what the situation is with my eyes, but for now that's it.
I'm a little bummed out that I don't see the eye surgeon until 3:40 this afternoon. That will turn me out into Friday afternoon commuter traffic with dilated pupils! The time before when my eyes were dilated I drove home via Folsom Blvd rather than the freeway, and I feel much safer there. I don't have to stop at all the lights, but at least everyone is driving at a slower pace and I can leave some space after the vehicle in front of me without some fool zooming through to cross 3 lanes of traffic. I may continue this post after I find out what the situation is with my eyes, but for now that's it.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Maintenance & expense records
I have been looking for quite some time for a log book or sample pages I can print from the web, for keeping mileage, fuel & CG costs, as well as maintenance records. It seems that everyone has gone to keeping their records on a computer spreadsheet. This is not the best way for me, for while I will write something down when it happens, I don't always have the discipline to fire up the computer, call up my spreadsheet, and then transfer numbers and info to a program, save it, etc. When I think about it, I would be allowing the computer to create more work for me, or at least to turn an easy chore into a lot of extra steps.
I love computers and have been using them since the early 80's. I also was the recognized spreadsheet wizard in my job as a budget analyst with the Corps of Engineers in my former life. But there is a difference in using computers & programs perform complex computations for you, and in typing in a bunch of info that you have to write down in the first place (mileage, for example). So I thank each and every person who has responded to my dilemma, in the RV-Dreams chat room, on the forum, and to this blog. I am taking Speedy's suggestion and have created several different spreadsheets for mileage/fuel/campground, maintenance, and misc purchases & expenses, and printed them out. I can now fill in the blanks in pencil, and if I ever have a block of time that I can't seem to fill, I can always sit down and enter the info into the computer.
I also want to thank all the individuals who have commented to posts on this blog. Your interest makes me feel really good!
I have been researching small radios with a weather alert function, and am zeroing in on one that I really like the description of - will go to Target today and see it for myself. I think I will also look at a small ceramic heater that I can use in the evenings when I'm at the computer, rather than turning the heat on and using propane, at least where I have an electric hookup. To those of you who are considering/planning for the full time RVing lifestyle, I can advise you to add some extra $ in your first year's budget, because you will come upon a zillion things you didn't think about before but that you need for your comfort and safety.
I love computers and have been using them since the early 80's. I also was the recognized spreadsheet wizard in my job as a budget analyst with the Corps of Engineers in my former life. But there is a difference in using computers & programs perform complex computations for you, and in typing in a bunch of info that you have to write down in the first place (mileage, for example). So I thank each and every person who has responded to my dilemma, in the RV-Dreams chat room, on the forum, and to this blog. I am taking Speedy's suggestion and have created several different spreadsheets for mileage/fuel/campground, maintenance, and misc purchases & expenses, and printed them out. I can now fill in the blanks in pencil, and if I ever have a block of time that I can't seem to fill, I can always sit down and enter the info into the computer.
I also want to thank all the individuals who have commented to posts on this blog. Your interest makes me feel really good!
I have been researching small radios with a weather alert function, and am zeroing in on one that I really like the description of - will go to Target today and see it for myself. I think I will also look at a small ceramic heater that I can use in the evenings when I'm at the computer, rather than turning the heat on and using propane, at least where I have an electric hookup. To those of you who are considering/planning for the full time RVing lifestyle, I can advise you to add some extra $ in your first year's budget, because you will come upon a zillion things you didn't think about before but that you need for your comfort and safety.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Test of the Windows Live program
This is a test to see if I can write my blog offline and then post the entries when I have internet access. I won’t be using it this way until I am at my summer job in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
New tires
I just had 4 new tires put on the truck, and am just under $1k poorer! I'm relieved to have them, plus the two in front have only about 32-3300 miles on them. Now I need to save for a set of 4 for the 5th wheel. I'm sure that sitting in one spot for over 2 years hasn't done them any good either. I don't think this ever ends - you get one thing in good shape and then there is always something else. I definitely want the generator checked out before I move to Lassen, as well as some other electrical connections.
The Sportsmen's show at Cal Expo must be coming up soon as the park is filling up quickly. Maybe it's the park and maybe it's the people, but I have noticed that the legendary friendliness of RVers is absent for the most part. Yesterday afternoon I was walking back with the dogs when a golf cart carrying 4 passengers met me - I waved to them but only the driver waved back. The others all just stared at me, without even a smile. This morning I was walking out and passed several people to whom I called "Good morning", and again was met with silent stares. I'm a friendly person and I'm sure it shows in my expression, and I can't figure out why it is that so many people just stare and refuse to wave or answer back. Not everyone is like this, but enough people that I wonder if it's going to be the norm. I certainly hope not.
I'm relieved to have propane again. I believe there is a leak somewhere, because when I open the door to the propane compartment I can smell the gas. Not really strong, but enough to be obvious. I'm hoping the regulators might improve the situation, otherwise I need to get that checked also. I certainly don't want to have to buy new tanks, but maybe the hoses can be replaced?
I downloaded and am trying to install Windows Live, a program that should allow me to compose blog entries offline and then submit them when I have access to the internet. I wrote a test blurb to see how it works, so it may or may not be visible to the reading public.
That's all for now.
The Sportsmen's show at Cal Expo must be coming up soon as the park is filling up quickly. Maybe it's the park and maybe it's the people, but I have noticed that the legendary friendliness of RVers is absent for the most part. Yesterday afternoon I was walking back with the dogs when a golf cart carrying 4 passengers met me - I waved to them but only the driver waved back. The others all just stared at me, without even a smile. This morning I was walking out and passed several people to whom I called "Good morning", and again was met with silent stares. I'm a friendly person and I'm sure it shows in my expression, and I can't figure out why it is that so many people just stare and refuse to wave or answer back. Not everyone is like this, but enough people that I wonder if it's going to be the norm. I certainly hope not.
I'm relieved to have propane again. I believe there is a leak somewhere, because when I open the door to the propane compartment I can smell the gas. Not really strong, but enough to be obvious. I'm hoping the regulators might improve the situation, otherwise I need to get that checked also. I certainly don't want to have to buy new tanks, but maybe the hoses can be replaced?
I downloaded and am trying to install Windows Live, a program that should allow me to compose blog entries offline and then submit them when I have access to the internet. I wrote a test blurb to see how it works, so it may or may not be visible to the reading public.
That's all for now.
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