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.