...way to think up things to keep yourself occupied. When you've got no tv reception and no car, you walk a lot. You do laundry again. You make lists of things to either get or do. I'm on the pc a lot (thank all the little tech gods for my aircard reception), either blogging or messaging. I will say this: the people here in Hondo are ten times friendlier than the folks I met in Brookshire. I think the folks in Brookshire were either passing through or worked somewhere in the area (there are a lot of what look like permanent structures, i.e., eyesores). These folks here in Hondo are either snowbirds or they live here; they're all retired. And friendly! Everyone waves or stops to say hello. I had inquired about a message board system in the Park, so I could bum a ride to Walmart. While the dogs and I were walking yesterday afternoon, a couple drove up and offered me a ride. How sweet they are: Larry and Marie. They're dog people, too. I swear, I've met more dogs and their owners here than I have in a month of going to the Katy Bark Park. Anyway, they took me to Walmart where I got some much needed grocery items. It was short-sighted of me to run so low and I should have taken care of it before I arrived in Hondo, but I was excited to get to my next destination.
I've been trying to talk to Dish Network and DirecTV about satellite coverage for the RV. I must have been dreaming when I thought tv reception was going to be as good anywhere as it was in Brookshire. The folks at the internet forum where I visit a lot have been extremely helpful in this endeavor. One of them is a satellite tv expert and I'm going to go with his advice. That's the trouble with fora: too many opinions. Dish Network says that in order to receive local network programming at the city where I reside, I'll have to call Dish and change my zip code every time I move. I want local stations ("local" meaning wherever I am right now), in order to get their local news. Forum members say whoever I talked to at Dish doesn't know the straight poop and I should continue to ask until I get someone who knows what they're talking about. What a pain in the butt, frankly.
I also need to call Enterprise in Hondo and get a car to drive while I'm here. They're closed on Saturdays, which I find odd as hell. I would think weekends would be big business for car rental agencies. I've got an alert out with Carmax for a small, cheap, manual transmission car to tow. Again, I was kidding myself about not needing a car: hooking/unhooking every time I want to go somewhere is another pain in the butt. Geez, any more of these, I'm gonna need medication.
While walking yesterday, I heard geese honking and, sure enough, there were two large flocks going over, low. I'm seeing more fauna. Behind the RV park is a...farm? Dunno, but there's a donkey whom we've visited every day, and several pygmy goats, which I fall in love with every time I see. I gave the donkey two apple halves this morning, but he turned them down. I think his olfactory senses are damaged: he didn't react to them at all. He does like a nice scratch behind the ears and on his cheeks, tho. Sweet animal; he's had some awful mishaps, it look like: scars on his face that look like his bridle was made of barbed wire. Yech...
What will this day bring? Yesterday was a gorgeous day; sunny, clear, brisk. The air is clean. Tomorrow's supposed to be rainy. I better get that car rented and a dish installed, or I'll either go nuts sitting right here, or will pull up stakes and see what's next.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
On the Road Again...
Ha! Shades of Roger Miller!
I'm now in Hondo, TX; the Lone Star Corral RV Park, to be exact. I'll always think of them as "One Tar Oral" due to the missing letters in their name on their mailbox. Nice place, and I'm surprised by how pleasing the terrain is. It reminds me a lot of Bandera (not far away from here), where I took Jordan for her sixth birthday. Hill country, indeed. Lots of ranches here. Quite a bit of farmland, too.
The Park is very well laid-out and very, very clean. It's a co-op Park and you can tell people work at making it a nice place to live. Miles away from a good grocery, tho'. The good news is that I'm getting five bars on my Verizon aircard and phone reception is good, too. I'm told that my site is better positioned for Verizon reception than a lot of others here. The bad news is that I can get only one channel on my tv antenna, and it's cartoons. Next stop: Camping World. I've got to get a low-profile satellite antenna for the RV. I don't watch much tv any more, but there are few programs I really want to see. Also, national news programs. It irks me that I'm gonna have to subscribe to another version of "cable tv", but there you have it: I must have my entertainment.
The drive from Houston was mostly uneventful. Dogs dozed the whole way, and I only stopped once. I do love my own personal ladies' room, just feet away from the driver's seat. There was one detour: just east of Columbus, there was an accident and traffic on I-10 westbound was routed about a mile around the accident. I never saw any evidence of it. Tex-DOT was johnny-on-the-spot with traffic cones and personnel to route everyone around Columbus back onto I-10. Very efficient bunch.
More as the days progress...
Hondo, TX Elev: 930'
I'm now in Hondo, TX; the Lone Star Corral RV Park, to be exact. I'll always think of them as "One Tar Oral" due to the missing letters in their name on their mailbox. Nice place, and I'm surprised by how pleasing the terrain is. It reminds me a lot of Bandera (not far away from here), where I took Jordan for her sixth birthday. Hill country, indeed. Lots of ranches here. Quite a bit of farmland, too.
The Park is very well laid-out and very, very clean. It's a co-op Park and you can tell people work at making it a nice place to live. Miles away from a good grocery, tho'. The good news is that I'm getting five bars on my Verizon aircard and phone reception is good, too. I'm told that my site is better positioned for Verizon reception than a lot of others here. The bad news is that I can get only one channel on my tv antenna, and it's cartoons. Next stop: Camping World. I've got to get a low-profile satellite antenna for the RV. I don't watch much tv any more, but there are few programs I really want to see. Also, national news programs. It irks me that I'm gonna have to subscribe to another version of "cable tv", but there you have it: I must have my entertainment.
The drive from Houston was mostly uneventful. Dogs dozed the whole way, and I only stopped once. I do love my own personal ladies' room, just feet away from the driver's seat. There was one detour: just east of Columbus, there was an accident and traffic on I-10 westbound was routed about a mile around the accident. I never saw any evidence of it. Tex-DOT was johnny-on-the-spot with traffic cones and personnel to route everyone around Columbus back onto I-10. Very efficient bunch.
More as the days progress...
Hondo, TX Elev: 930'
Monday, January 21, 2008
After Further Review...
I'm thinking of heading south instead of west. It's been so dreary and cold here in Houston, and I'm thinking Hondo is west, not south, so what're the chances of getting warmer weather heading west? If I didn't have the dogs with me it wouldn't matter so much, but I've got to be able to get them out more often and I can't when it's this cold. I'm such a wimp; I really can't tolerate weather extremes any more. I know I despise this humidity: I've got heat rash from perspiring so much. I emailed an inquiry of availability to a park in Rockport, TX, this morning but haven't heard from them yet. Ah, well, I could have worse problems.
I've got, Got, GOT to go get the oil changed in the SUV. Even if it's not going anywhere but to park at Cynthia's, I'll feel better knowing I'm leaving it in good condition and on maintenance schedule. There's a Pennzoil garage in Katy (7 miles away) that's rarely busy. Better get it done today.
Speaking of Cynthia, I checked in at her house Saturday and got my mail: the meds and the pants arrived, so I'm cleared to leave. I guess now I'll worry about the damn 1099s until they get to Houston, get forwarded to me, and sent to the accountant. If it ain't one thing, it's another, huh?
This weekend was clear, sunshiny, and cold. The RV Park was pretty soggy from recent heavy rains. Every time you walk on the grass, you sink in to water. My feet were cold all weekend. I had bought a little space heater and it's pretty much worthless. I guess the manufacturer made sure it wouldn't start a fire, because it won't heat me unless it's about 12" from me. Pretty much worthless, like I said. Its cord is short, too. Definitely not made for use in a place where all the electrical outlets are at least three feet off the floor. Bummer. A poster from the online forum I talk to frequently suggested I check Lowe's or Home Despot for a decent heater and I think I will.
On my way back from Camping World last Friday, I saw a huge flock of geese in a field on the north side of I-10 just east of Brookshire. Rice used to be grown in this area and the local fields (I don't know what they raise now) had been plowed. What with the recent rains, it must have looked like a lake from the air. There were hundreds of geese. I also saw three deer in a small wooded area between I-10 and Hwy. 90 the other day. Poor darlings, they were caught between two open fields. I can't imagine how they survive.
PM/PS: Note to self: Ford Focus, manual shift, is suggested as a good toad. Check into something called the "Superbumper". Woodall's latest issue has an article about it.
I've got, Got, GOT to go get the oil changed in the SUV. Even if it's not going anywhere but to park at Cynthia's, I'll feel better knowing I'm leaving it in good condition and on maintenance schedule. There's a Pennzoil garage in Katy (7 miles away) that's rarely busy. Better get it done today.
Speaking of Cynthia, I checked in at her house Saturday and got my mail: the meds and the pants arrived, so I'm cleared to leave. I guess now I'll worry about the damn 1099s until they get to Houston, get forwarded to me, and sent to the accountant. If it ain't one thing, it's another, huh?
This weekend was clear, sunshiny, and cold. The RV Park was pretty soggy from recent heavy rains. Every time you walk on the grass, you sink in to water. My feet were cold all weekend. I had bought a little space heater and it's pretty much worthless. I guess the manufacturer made sure it wouldn't start a fire, because it won't heat me unless it's about 12" from me. Pretty much worthless, like I said. Its cord is short, too. Definitely not made for use in a place where all the electrical outlets are at least three feet off the floor. Bummer. A poster from the online forum I talk to frequently suggested I check Lowe's or Home Despot for a decent heater and I think I will.
On my way back from Camping World last Friday, I saw a huge flock of geese in a field on the north side of I-10 just east of Brookshire. Rice used to be grown in this area and the local fields (I don't know what they raise now) had been plowed. What with the recent rains, it must have looked like a lake from the air. There were hundreds of geese. I also saw three deer in a small wooded area between I-10 and Hwy. 90 the other day. Poor darlings, they were caught between two open fields. I can't imagine how they survive.
PM/PS: Note to self: Ford Focus, manual shift, is suggested as a good toad. Check into something called the "Superbumper". Woodall's latest issue has an article about it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
My Friend Murphy
Murphy's Law. Don'tcha love it?
Today started out badly enough: the pitter-patter of rain on the roof woke me around 6:AM. I thought, "OK, it'll surely die down by the time I'm ready to get up". Around 7:30, I finally rose, and, sure enough, things had subsided to a light sprinkle. I took the dogs for a very quick walk (it was freezing!) and fed them. I had my oatmeal and blueberries (fresh!) and checked my email. By 9:AM I was ready to get things going for my appointment at Camping World.
I disconnected the dehumidifier and stowed it under the dining table. I packed up everything that was lying loose: the laptop, some magazines I'm making my way through, the fan, the trash can up in the alcove. I turned off the refrigerator. Next, I headed outside to the basement (outer storage area of the RV) and got my vinyl gloves on. I disconnected the electrical line and stowed the 50-to-30 amp adaptor inside the rig (I knew I'd be needing it again in just a few hours), then disconnected the water and stowed the line in the basement. I emptied the grey and black tanks. I disconnected the sewer hose at the RV end, and tied a plastic bag to the hose and left it connected to the sewer. I had seen another Park resident do this when he made a run in his RV while connected, so I figured that's a good way to do it for short hauls when you know you'll be back in a few hours.
I moved the Murano to the back of the RV lot and took one last, good look, inside and out, to make sure I was ready to move. Everything looked good and I was feeling confident.
That's when Murphy smiled at me.
As I was rounding the first corner of the lane that led to the Park office and exit, it hit me: the antenna! I had forgotten to lower it! Momentary panic hit, then I remembered that I still had to stop at the office and let the manager know where I'd be, so I could stop there and lower the antenna. OK. Not so bad.
I stopped at the office and talked to the Manager, then went back to the RV to crank down the antenna. Murphy smiled again and, this time, gave me little wink. Never, never crank down your antenna too tightly. The crank will break. It takes very little force. Evidently, where antenna cranks are concerned, better too loose than too tight. "Well", I thought, "good thing I'm on my way to Camping World".
Managed to get to Camping World (which is maybe a couple of miles away from the Park) without further mishap. Pulled in to the entry and let them know my name and appointment time. It was exactly 10:AM, my appointment time.
I took the dogs to the waiting area and watched MSN. Dogs were being good and were getting lots of attention from employees and other customers. Around 10:45, I thought I'd go see if the RV had even left the entry. As I was leaving, Murphy grinned and flipped me the bird. I thought I heard him giggle a little. The RV was just then leaving the entry, headed for the bay doors. What's the use of an appointment system if it's not honored? This is one of my pet peeves, but what're ya' gonna do?
At 11:15, the service guy told me to come see the technician. I had requested that I be there when they started work on the outlet that wasn't working, to see if maybe it was something I could have fixed myself. The dogs and I went to the service bay and the technician had a puzzled look on his face. He took me into the RV with a doodad that he plugged into the outlet, and said there was nothing wrong with it. He had the generator powered up, so I asked him if it mattered whether there's a difference between the generator and shore power relating to the outlets, and he said no. Don't you hate it when you go to the doctor for a sinus infection and by the time you get there, your infection has cleared up? That's what happened to the outlet. And yes, I felt foolish.
We left the bays and went back to the waiting area to wait for the antenna crank to be fixed, which I figured would be a quick job. Little did I know that Murphy was in the RV and by this time he was in high dudgeon, screwing up my schedule for the day.
At noon, exactly 12:00 noon, the service guy (not the technician) comes and says, "You're all set! He's finished. All I have to do is get your paperwork finished and you can go." I'm thinking "Alright! Things are moving along!" when Murphy moves in for the kill. I'm watching the service guy go to wherever service guys go to finalize a repair, when this other guy, who's obviously senior to the service guy, beckons him over and they walk away. The service guy looks back at me and says "Sorry!".
Thirty minutes later, neither my paperwork nor the service guy has shown up. I ask around. No one can find the service guy. My impatience must be all over my face, because people start moving, trying to find the RV, the service guy, and my paperwork. Finally, another thirty minutes later, someone says, "Your RV is in the entry way; we'll clear up any paperwork. You can leave if you like". Uh, yeah. I like.
In retrospect, not a big deal; not really. I didn't have anything else to do. I'm not on a clock any more. But I really dislike the disrespect I feel when this kind of thing happens.
To top off the whole event, by the time I got to back to the Park, the temperature had fallen to 39 degrees F, and it was raining. I had to move the SUV back into position, park the truck, and hook everything back in, in the cold. And in a bad mood. I hope Murphy catches pneumonia.
Today started out badly enough: the pitter-patter of rain on the roof woke me around 6:AM. I thought, "OK, it'll surely die down by the time I'm ready to get up". Around 7:30, I finally rose, and, sure enough, things had subsided to a light sprinkle. I took the dogs for a very quick walk (it was freezing!) and fed them. I had my oatmeal and blueberries (fresh!) and checked my email. By 9:AM I was ready to get things going for my appointment at Camping World.
I disconnected the dehumidifier and stowed it under the dining table. I packed up everything that was lying loose: the laptop, some magazines I'm making my way through, the fan, the trash can up in the alcove. I turned off the refrigerator. Next, I headed outside to the basement (outer storage area of the RV) and got my vinyl gloves on. I disconnected the electrical line and stowed the 50-to-30 amp adaptor inside the rig (I knew I'd be needing it again in just a few hours), then disconnected the water and stowed the line in the basement. I emptied the grey and black tanks. I disconnected the sewer hose at the RV end, and tied a plastic bag to the hose and left it connected to the sewer. I had seen another Park resident do this when he made a run in his RV while connected, so I figured that's a good way to do it for short hauls when you know you'll be back in a few hours.
I moved the Murano to the back of the RV lot and took one last, good look, inside and out, to make sure I was ready to move. Everything looked good and I was feeling confident.
That's when Murphy smiled at me.
As I was rounding the first corner of the lane that led to the Park office and exit, it hit me: the antenna! I had forgotten to lower it! Momentary panic hit, then I remembered that I still had to stop at the office and let the manager know where I'd be, so I could stop there and lower the antenna. OK. Not so bad.
I stopped at the office and talked to the Manager, then went back to the RV to crank down the antenna. Murphy smiled again and, this time, gave me little wink. Never, never crank down your antenna too tightly. The crank will break. It takes very little force. Evidently, where antenna cranks are concerned, better too loose than too tight. "Well", I thought, "good thing I'm on my way to Camping World".
Managed to get to Camping World (which is maybe a couple of miles away from the Park) without further mishap. Pulled in to the entry and let them know my name and appointment time. It was exactly 10:AM, my appointment time.
I took the dogs to the waiting area and watched MSN. Dogs were being good and were getting lots of attention from employees and other customers. Around 10:45, I thought I'd go see if the RV had even left the entry. As I was leaving, Murphy grinned and flipped me the bird. I thought I heard him giggle a little. The RV was just then leaving the entry, headed for the bay doors. What's the use of an appointment system if it's not honored? This is one of my pet peeves, but what're ya' gonna do?
At 11:15, the service guy told me to come see the technician. I had requested that I be there when they started work on the outlet that wasn't working, to see if maybe it was something I could have fixed myself. The dogs and I went to the service bay and the technician had a puzzled look on his face. He took me into the RV with a doodad that he plugged into the outlet, and said there was nothing wrong with it. He had the generator powered up, so I asked him if it mattered whether there's a difference between the generator and shore power relating to the outlets, and he said no. Don't you hate it when you go to the doctor for a sinus infection and by the time you get there, your infection has cleared up? That's what happened to the outlet. And yes, I felt foolish.
We left the bays and went back to the waiting area to wait for the antenna crank to be fixed, which I figured would be a quick job. Little did I know that Murphy was in the RV and by this time he was in high dudgeon, screwing up my schedule for the day.
At noon, exactly 12:00 noon, the service guy (not the technician) comes and says, "You're all set! He's finished. All I have to do is get your paperwork finished and you can go." I'm thinking "Alright! Things are moving along!" when Murphy moves in for the kill. I'm watching the service guy go to wherever service guys go to finalize a repair, when this other guy, who's obviously senior to the service guy, beckons him over and they walk away. The service guy looks back at me and says "Sorry!".
Thirty minutes later, neither my paperwork nor the service guy has shown up. I ask around. No one can find the service guy. My impatience must be all over my face, because people start moving, trying to find the RV, the service guy, and my paperwork. Finally, another thirty minutes later, someone says, "Your RV is in the entry way; we'll clear up any paperwork. You can leave if you like". Uh, yeah. I like.
In retrospect, not a big deal; not really. I didn't have anything else to do. I'm not on a clock any more. But I really dislike the disrespect I feel when this kind of thing happens.
To top off the whole event, by the time I got to back to the Park, the temperature had fallen to 39 degrees F, and it was raining. I had to move the SUV back into position, park the truck, and hook everything back in, in the cold. And in a bad mood. I hope Murphy catches pneumonia.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Some Notes
Forgot to mention that I bought a four-foot fiberglass ladder for the RV. When I was trying to line the window of the front door with something to shade it, I couldn't get near high enough. I borrowed the Park's ladder but figured in the future, I might be somewhere where no ladder is available, so... I lashed it to the RV ladder permanently mounted in the rear outside the RV. It's tight! It's going nowhere. I hope I can get the damned thing off when I need to.
I'm washing rugs today, and have to go get just one more. On these rainy days, the dogs are "accidenting" a lot, on the rugs, thank all the little gods.
Did a little maintenance this week: vacuumed the RV using my little seven-pound Oreck canister. Man, I love that thing! It's got attachments for getting into Very Small Areas, is lightweight, and stores well in the dining area bench seat. Did some investigating into humidity, how it can damage an RV, and how to mitigate those damages. Chatted with a mechanical engineer, a biochemist, a woman who's got a doctorate in HVAC, and a former Navy submariner, all who explained, in language I could grasp, all about humidity. I noticed that, when I boiled some water for tea one day, every window in the RV fogged up, big-time! I learned that I should be venting the RV, even in a climate like Houston, to prevent humidity from getting to harmful (i.e., damaging) levels in the RV. I had been keeping every vent closed to prevent humidity. Live and learn....
Will visit with Camping World tomorrow to get that kitchen outlet fixed and make sure the tires are at proper inflation levels for the trip next Friday. Chatted with Cynthia and arranged to take the Murano to her house next Wednesday. Am still waiting for my meds and one other package to arrive at Cynthia's. Hoping....
I'm washing rugs today, and have to go get just one more. On these rainy days, the dogs are "accidenting" a lot, on the rugs, thank all the little gods.
Did a little maintenance this week: vacuumed the RV using my little seven-pound Oreck canister. Man, I love that thing! It's got attachments for getting into Very Small Areas, is lightweight, and stores well in the dining area bench seat. Did some investigating into humidity, how it can damage an RV, and how to mitigate those damages. Chatted with a mechanical engineer, a biochemist, a woman who's got a doctorate in HVAC, and a former Navy submariner, all who explained, in language I could grasp, all about humidity. I noticed that, when I boiled some water for tea one day, every window in the RV fogged up, big-time! I learned that I should be venting the RV, even in a climate like Houston, to prevent humidity from getting to harmful (i.e., damaging) levels in the RV. I had been keeping every vent closed to prevent humidity. Live and learn....
Will visit with Camping World tomorrow to get that kitchen outlet fixed and make sure the tires are at proper inflation levels for the trip next Friday. Chatted with Cynthia and arranged to take the Murano to her house next Wednesday. Am still waiting for my meds and one other package to arrive at Cynthia's. Hoping....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Travel-ready
I've emailed the website for "room at the inn" in Hondo, TX, and am preparing to leave Houston.
In anticipation of all that fulltime rv'ing entails, I've done a few improvements/enhancements:
I ordered and received a 15' x 3' sheet of dark grey clingwrap for some of the windows of the RV; it's been getting too warm, some days. The only window, in this location, that's needed covering is the passenger side door of the chassis. Works great; the dogs can't see through it (and neither can I!), but it sure cut down on the light/heat from that side of the truck. I'm facing east, and as the day progresses, the sun really beams down on the south side of the truck. Most days, I have to close the blinds on all the windows on the south side. I put a small sheet of film on the RV door as well, but it won't cling because of the texture of the glass there. I put a spot of water-soluble glue on it.
I've got an appointment for Friday the 18th to get that one electrical outlet fixed; it's the one in the kitchen that I would love to use for the coffee maker. It worked when I was in Louisiana during Thanksgiving, but when I tried to use it after checking in here in Brookshire, the silly thing wouldn't work.
I ordered my three-month prescriptions and am hoping they arrive prior to my planned departure of Jan. 25.
Unfortunately, my habit of taking the dogs to a local Bark Park is gonna backfire badly. Today, for instance, is very grey and rain is predicted - lots of rain and for the entire day. I anticipate several "accidents", and I'm glad I've got the RV floor practically lined with rubber-backed washable rugs. Initially it was to provide some traction for the dogs; they don't do well on slick vinyl floors.
I've got a couple of those "stair-stepper" thingies to use as a stepstool inside the RV. Stacked one on top of the other, the dogs and I use it to get up on the bed. I use the thinner step as a platform for the laptop, to raise the screen to a level where it's more easily viewed.
The Murano's going to be stored at Cynthia's house, under a cover. I just can't justify carrying two vehicles around. I'm sure gonna miss it; I know it's gonna be inconvenient as hell, having to hook and unhook the electrical, water and sewer lines every time I want to run to the store or do some sightseeing. Oh, well....
I'm becoming quite the old experienced hand in hooking up/unhooking, and emptying the black and grey tanks. So far, so good: no line leaks, no clogs, no bad smells. Propane use rate is good; of course, the weather's been reasonably warm and few nights have required the furnace. Propane is delivered from a supplier about a mile away; you just call and he's there in about 45 minutes. Everything, in fact, is working well, which is a Very Good Thing for me, because I'm mostly helpless when it comes to anything mechanical and/or electrical, although I did go to Camping World and bought several extra lightbulbs for the RV. The porch light burned out while I've been here in Brookshire (I had been leaving it on all night - WHY?).
The microwave and stove top are operational. I have oatmeal almost every day: it's good for the cholesterol, and have fried some sausage and eggs for breakfast a couple of days. Oh, yeah! The smoke alarm works beautifully! I used the park's oven to bake some chicken breasts I marinated; I'm afraid to use the RV oven. I'll get to it. Lunch is either a salad or sandwich, and supper's usually a Lean Cuisine or similar frozen entree.
Storage space, at a premium, is well-used. The large bag of dry dog food is on one of the bench seats in the dining area, and my large butt is usually on the other. Bottled water is on the floorboard in front of the chassis passenger seat. The area above the chassis, which I call my "alcove", is loaded with stuff: a laundry bag, my printer (don't laugh: you'd be surprised how many people carry their printers with them, and mine is small compared to a lot of others), my hobby stuff (making note cards: it fills time); the alcove ladder, a tote for all things related to the dogs (leashes, collars, meds, treats) and the trash can. Yes. The trash can is up there because the dogs can't keep their noses out of it.
The RV doesn't stay as toasty warm as a stix-n-brix, so I've had to acquire some long-sleeved shirts and a jacket. I've got rain gear, on a just-in-case basis. I've got a little dehumidifier and it's pulling out about a cup of water a day, but I anticipate not having to use it when I head west.
I haven't used my new Lorem GPS yet. I have to have an unrestricted view of ...what? the ether? My windshield is pretty well covered by the RV cab overhang and I'm not sure I can get that clear view the instructions say I have to have. Whatever. Using a Rand/McNally Atlas and the directions on the Lone Star Corral's website, I'm confident I can find my way to Hondo. The park doesn't take reservations, which gives me an uncomfortable feeling (since I've never boondocked), but the manager says if I call the day I'm leaving Brookshire, they'll hold a spot for a day. Wish me luck, and stay tuned.
Post Script: It has rained all day, starting just short of noon. The dogs have been in the RV all day and have had the expected accidents. Better get used to it, I suppose. The weather's not always going to be perfect. That's why I have washable rugs.
The sound of the rain on the roof makes for great napping.
In anticipation of all that fulltime rv'ing entails, I've done a few improvements/enhancements:
I ordered and received a 15' x 3' sheet of dark grey clingwrap for some of the windows of the RV; it's been getting too warm, some days. The only window, in this location, that's needed covering is the passenger side door of the chassis. Works great; the dogs can't see through it (and neither can I!), but it sure cut down on the light/heat from that side of the truck. I'm facing east, and as the day progresses, the sun really beams down on the south side of the truck. Most days, I have to close the blinds on all the windows on the south side. I put a small sheet of film on the RV door as well, but it won't cling because of the texture of the glass there. I put a spot of water-soluble glue on it.
I've got an appointment for Friday the 18th to get that one electrical outlet fixed; it's the one in the kitchen that I would love to use for the coffee maker. It worked when I was in Louisiana during Thanksgiving, but when I tried to use it after checking in here in Brookshire, the silly thing wouldn't work.
I ordered my three-month prescriptions and am hoping they arrive prior to my planned departure of Jan. 25.
Unfortunately, my habit of taking the dogs to a local Bark Park is gonna backfire badly. Today, for instance, is very grey and rain is predicted - lots of rain and for the entire day. I anticipate several "accidents", and I'm glad I've got the RV floor practically lined with rubber-backed washable rugs. Initially it was to provide some traction for the dogs; they don't do well on slick vinyl floors.
I've got a couple of those "stair-stepper" thingies to use as a stepstool inside the RV. Stacked one on top of the other, the dogs and I use it to get up on the bed. I use the thinner step as a platform for the laptop, to raise the screen to a level where it's more easily viewed.
The Murano's going to be stored at Cynthia's house, under a cover. I just can't justify carrying two vehicles around. I'm sure gonna miss it; I know it's gonna be inconvenient as hell, having to hook and unhook the electrical, water and sewer lines every time I want to run to the store or do some sightseeing. Oh, well....
I'm becoming quite the old experienced hand in hooking up/unhooking, and emptying the black and grey tanks. So far, so good: no line leaks, no clogs, no bad smells. Propane use rate is good; of course, the weather's been reasonably warm and few nights have required the furnace. Propane is delivered from a supplier about a mile away; you just call and he's there in about 45 minutes. Everything, in fact, is working well, which is a Very Good Thing for me, because I'm mostly helpless when it comes to anything mechanical and/or electrical, although I did go to Camping World and bought several extra lightbulbs for the RV. The porch light burned out while I've been here in Brookshire (I had been leaving it on all night - WHY?).
The microwave and stove top are operational. I have oatmeal almost every day: it's good for the cholesterol, and have fried some sausage and eggs for breakfast a couple of days. Oh, yeah! The smoke alarm works beautifully! I used the park's oven to bake some chicken breasts I marinated; I'm afraid to use the RV oven. I'll get to it. Lunch is either a salad or sandwich, and supper's usually a Lean Cuisine or similar frozen entree.
Storage space, at a premium, is well-used. The large bag of dry dog food is on one of the bench seats in the dining area, and my large butt is usually on the other. Bottled water is on the floorboard in front of the chassis passenger seat. The area above the chassis, which I call my "alcove", is loaded with stuff: a laundry bag, my printer (don't laugh: you'd be surprised how many people carry their printers with them, and mine is small compared to a lot of others), my hobby stuff (making note cards: it fills time); the alcove ladder, a tote for all things related to the dogs (leashes, collars, meds, treats) and the trash can. Yes. The trash can is up there because the dogs can't keep their noses out of it.
The RV doesn't stay as toasty warm as a stix-n-brix, so I've had to acquire some long-sleeved shirts and a jacket. I've got rain gear, on a just-in-case basis. I've got a little dehumidifier and it's pulling out about a cup of water a day, but I anticipate not having to use it when I head west.
I haven't used my new Lorem GPS yet. I have to have an unrestricted view of ...what? the ether? My windshield is pretty well covered by the RV cab overhang and I'm not sure I can get that clear view the instructions say I have to have. Whatever. Using a Rand/McNally Atlas and the directions on the Lone Star Corral's website, I'm confident I can find my way to Hondo. The park doesn't take reservations, which gives me an uncomfortable feeling (since I've never boondocked), but the manager says if I call the day I'm leaving Brookshire, they'll hold a spot for a day. Wish me luck, and stay tuned.
Post Script: It has rained all day, starting just short of noon. The dogs have been in the RV all day and have had the expected accidents. Better get used to it, I suppose. The weather's not always going to be perfect. That's why I have washable rugs.
The sound of the rain on the roof makes for great napping.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A New Fulltimer
OK. I've been at the West Houston RV Park in Brookshire, TX, since Dec. 28, 2007. Good park: washers/dryers at office are in good shape; lots are a little narrow, but the park is clean, friendly, and reasonably priced.
I have the dogs with me: Spike (4) and Annie (5), miniature pinschers. The dogs seem to like my new lifestyle and have settled in nicely. The weather here has been fine: cool and crisp mornings, warming to around 70 during the days. Only a couple of nights have been cold enough for the furnace to kick in (it works swimingly, thank you), and one morning I found frozen dew (can you call it frost in south Texas?) on the truck's windshield.
I've got my SUV with me but will be relinquishing it in late January when I head west. Plans are to go stay in Hondo, TX, for a couple of weeks, then head for Tucson to attend the Life on Wheels seminar in March.
Cynthia is gathering my snail mail and will forward it sort of an as needed basis. I've finished off the last of the medical tests and received one-year prescriptions for my meds, handled by a mail order pharmacy, so I guess I'm all set to begin a whole new chapter in my life, and I'm excited.
Brookshire, TX Elev: 151'
I have the dogs with me: Spike (4) and Annie (5), miniature pinschers. The dogs seem to like my new lifestyle and have settled in nicely. The weather here has been fine: cool and crisp mornings, warming to around 70 during the days. Only a couple of nights have been cold enough for the furnace to kick in (it works swimingly, thank you), and one morning I found frozen dew (can you call it frost in south Texas?) on the truck's windshield.
I've got my SUV with me but will be relinquishing it in late January when I head west. Plans are to go stay in Hondo, TX, for a couple of weeks, then head for Tucson to attend the Life on Wheels seminar in March.
Cynthia is gathering my snail mail and will forward it sort of an as needed basis. I've finished off the last of the medical tests and received one-year prescriptions for my meds, handled by a mail order pharmacy, so I guess I'm all set to begin a whole new chapter in my life, and I'm excited.
Brookshire, TX Elev: 151'
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