TIPS OF THE WEEK – again, many are from email this week
A-- Marilyn and Arnold from Chicago relayed everyone should add ‘ICE’ or ‘In Case of Emerg’ to your cell phone address list. In an emergency, rescue personal will know who to call for help from family or friends.
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B-- Matthew found a great iAntenna that he feels alleviates the problems and aggravations many RVers have when receiving signal at some WiFi locations. Matthew is very pleased with his acquisition – however costs for this convenience can run into a few $100.’s.
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C-- Kevin from California uses an Internet based mail forwarding that he loves. This is a new US Mail Online-Service Check it out, Kevin says its the greatest mail system he has used to date.
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D-- Bonnie from Ontario relayed that with her Membership Park System that she can cancel some of the annual fees of some portions without jeopardizing your membership. We are not using the C2C (Coast to Coast) portion of our system these days so we called our park and we are now going to let that portion lapse. We do however enjoy using the RPI (Resorts Park International) portion so we will keep that one updated along with our low home park fees as well. If down the road we want to reinstate C2C we can simply add it again through our home park,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PROMOS THIS WEEK
A-- RV Living.net is a WAL*MART AFFILIATE and if any sales go through our banner on our home page, we receive a small affiliate fee. My last purchase using my Cdn Credit Card was not accepted because they wanted me to enter a USA ZIP code. However a Wal*Mart store card, purchased by my Cdn MC was accepted.
In response to this post, website visitor Carol, relayed that in December 2007 she bought something online at Wal*Mart in Daytona using her Canadian Credit card. The sale was successful. However two days later, they cancelled her order via e-mail stating that they don't take Cdn Credit Card – and not just because of the zip code.
NOTE: When we recently purchased our Fireplace on line at Wal*Mart (my camera too in the past) I used a store card and the sale went through with no problem. There are several companies that do not accept Credit Card from another country for on-line shopping such as Verizon etc. Maybe it is time John, I and others add a BofM US$ credit card to our repertoire. We do have a Discover card but I find it difficult to make payments to their accounts – especially while we are in Canada. We only use it occasionally.
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B-- RV Shows are in full swing. If you are a Cdn buying a new RV be sure to check the Insurance rates for Wayfarer Insurance. They are the Canadian Insurance experts. Read this story at first. Those buying an American registered unit should check out the many insurance links.
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C-- DISCOUNT CAMPING CLUBS - most memberships run less than $50. per year – stay 4 nights and you have saved enough to pay for the cost of your membership. Use it more often and your savings accumulate big time. Check each of them out and decide if one or more is right for you. Again RV Living.net receive a small affiliate fee if you join through these links
#1 As a result of very minimal exposure (I think it was on the Forum answering Q) many readers have been subscribing to PASSPORT AMERICA 50% Discount club. They contacted us and there is now a new PA banner link on our home page – Details Here
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#2 RECREATION USA offer two discount camping clubs - $10.00 per night club and a 25% Discount Club – some Big Rig sites included. Join one and enjoy an access to both of them. Details Here
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#3 HAPPY CAMPER 50% Discount Camping Club is similar to PA but they offer a different selection of parks – now over 1000 parks. HC also features a CD plus an interactive RV Scrapbook as part of the package. The Scrapbook allows you to share photos, chat, write Blogs, IM and so much more. Details Here
Sunday, January 27, 2008
OUR HOUSE IS SO EMPTY!!!
OUR HOUSE IS SO EMPTY!!! Issue 4- Newsy Portion
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version Here
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Hi All: Most of you know John and I have always travelled with two four-legged babies. When our 18-year old ‘mom’ died 2 years ago, her ‘kid’ was so happy being Top Dog in this household – we just could not bring another pet into the Luxor. She was coping well with a large growth on her spleen that could burst anytime – due to her weak heart the vet could not operate. But meds kept her heart ticking away for another 2.5 years. She was 14 when she died but we did not expected her to last 6-months after diagnosis.. We called her our ‘Energizer Bunny’ because she usually perked up and kept on ticking after an occasional bad day. Unfortunately this week she quietly slept away late Wed afternoon. We are thankful we did not have to make the decision to send her off to be with her mom, nor did we have to deal with her growth that could have ruptured at any time. During a trip to Valley Animal Hospital in Pharr early Thursday morning the staff offered us com
passion and a reasonably priced cremation service. Nothing we do from extensive shopping to participating in park activities seems to minimize the pain.
Having one dog was not the norm for us and now I know why. This house is so EMPTY it is devastating. It’s the first time since 1980 we have not had a ‘baby’ to love and care for. In the past we at least had one to care for while waiting for another to join us. Our breeder in Ontario has had two more registered Dachshunds (a mom and her daughter) waiting for us since Maddie (Katie’s mom) passed on 2-years ago – these two will become fulltime RVers as soon as we return to Canada mid April. However both John and I are so lost right now – I even had problems getting this Diary out.
It is unbelievable what impact these canine friends have on our day-to-day world. We know the time will drag to be a long 2.5 months. I do not like dealing with puppies, so our new ‘babies’ will be in the 4-7 range – a perfect age for us to take them into retirement. Flying new dogs in to join us is not an option – it would add unnecessary stress to them and to us. Guess in time we will learn to cope, but as most pet-owners already know, to say life is lonely with out a pet is a major understatement.
_____________________________________
EXCITEMENT THIS WEEK
Last Tuesday we visited Progresso on a picture perfect day. FYI, daytime temps have been variable since. I had my teeth cleaned for a mere $10.00 and I’ll return next Tues for a white filling, but N. Progresso is such a busy place right now, so I’m waiting till our return in Nov to have new 4-unit permanent bridge created.
I did however pamper myself with another $5.00 stylish haircut and an $8.00 pedicure – followed by lunch/dinner at our favourite Garcia’s restaurant.
_____________________________________
INTERNET SAT DISH
Last December my Internet Dish took a major tumble during a very strong wind – it was anchored at the time. The Dish continued to offer good signal till the rain came a week ago. Guess the ‘arm workings’ got wet in a hairline crack from the fall. My friend Bonnie is a very knowledgeable Dish user and she came down several times to help with diagnosing my problem. To make a long story short and after a lot of testing things, we determined that my ‘Transmit Arm’ and the ‘Dish” itself had both been cracked in the fall. My supplier Armand and I worked out a solution and the two more pieces will be here in a day or so.
Hubby Doug came with Bonnie and while we were working on the Dish, Doug helped John reset our main coach door that has not closed right for months. He simply turned the ‘Pawl’ (large knob) on the frame. This correction solved a very annoying problem of a door not seating for a long, long time. The four of us followed with lunch at Harold’s Country Kitchen.
Bonnie had joined the ‘Datastorm Users’ website www.datastormusers.com (I have not done that as yet). Through it, she discovered that Dick Scheit is a workkamper for cable, TV and Computer problems at Alamo Palms. He lives on site. To shorten another long story, on Friday Dick stopped by and since he is not using his Dish in this park because he is on a cable modem, he graciously set his Dish up for me to use till my replacement parts arrive. He did this mainly out of the goodness of his heart. I owe you big time Dick – many thanks. One point he did share is to always set a Dish up AS WIDE AS THE TRI-POD WILL ALLOW - this adds stability to the set-up. Dick had even removed the support chains on his tri-pod. When my system arrives we plan to have our new Dish ‘skin’ painted in Mexico and then Dick will revisit to help me put things back together.
_________________________________________
KEEPING BUSY ADDS SOME JOY TO OUR EMPTY HOURS
On Thursday we stopped in at the Collision Centre to offer the number of our paint colour we got from Winnebago and to verify a few points with owner Ben. Painting is booked from 12-14 Feb. He is being more than accommodating – besides being able to live in our motorhome during the painting, he is allowing me to use his WiFi. What more can we ask for?
On Friday we touched base with Bill and Sue at Tropic Star RV Park. This twosome bought a park model last spring and in November they began major renovations – mainly on their Texas room. They wanted to enlarge and personalize it as their own. The final result will be beautiful guys. Bill was installing a ‘Murphy Bed’ when we arrived. Although the task seems huge, we know you’ll be ready before your company arrives in 3-weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Our visit was short because John had to return for a Billiard tournament – I went shopping to take my thoughts off Katie – didn’t help much, but kept me busy. Dick was waiting for me when I returned to offer help with my Dish.
___________________________________________
FINAL THOUGHTS
As RVers we all face good, bad and sometimes ugly times during our travels. Our past week falls into the last category. Just like the sun eventually shines everywhere, we too will cope with our upsetting week and April be here before we know it. Maybe we’ll eventually return to the MH without looking for Katie or to think about feeding her. Life does goes on.
All Explorer RV Club Members who in the Rio Grande Valley – please remember the LUNCHEON is this Thursday the 31st Jan. Email me for details. Travel safe all. P&J
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version Here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: Most of you know John and I have always travelled with two four-legged babies. When our 18-year old ‘mom’ died 2 years ago, her ‘kid’ was so happy being Top Dog in this household – we just could not bring another pet into the Luxor. She was coping well with a large growth on her spleen that could burst anytime – due to her weak heart the vet could not operate. But meds kept her heart ticking away for another 2.5 years. She was 14 when she died but we did not expected her to last 6-months after diagnosis.. We called her our ‘Energizer Bunny’ because she usually perked up and kept on ticking after an occasional bad day. Unfortunately this week she quietly slept away late Wed afternoon. We are thankful we did not have to make the decision to send her off to be with her mom, nor did we have to deal with her growth that could have ruptured at any time. During a trip to Valley Animal Hospital in Pharr early Thursday morning the staff offered us com
passion and a reasonably priced cremation service. Nothing we do from extensive shopping to participating in park activities seems to minimize the pain.Having one dog was not the norm for us and now I know why. This house is so EMPTY it is devastating. It’s the first time since 1980 we have not had a ‘baby’ to love and care for. In the past we at least had one to care for while waiting for another to join us. Our breeder in Ontario has had two more registered Dachshunds (a mom and her daughter) waiting for us since Maddie (Katie’s mom) passed on 2-years ago – these two will become fulltime RVers as soon as we return to Canada mid April. However both John and I are so lost right now – I even had problems getting this Diary out.
It is unbelievable what impact these canine friends have on our day-to-day world. We know the time will drag to be a long 2.5 months. I do not like dealing with puppies, so our new ‘babies’ will be in the 4-7 range – a perfect age for us to take them into retirement. Flying new dogs in to join us is not an option – it would add unnecessary stress to them and to us. Guess in time we will learn to cope, but as most pet-owners already know, to say life is lonely with out a pet is a major understatement.
_____________________________________
EXCITEMENT THIS WEEK
Last Tuesday we visited Progresso on a picture perfect day. FYI, daytime temps have been variable since. I had my teeth cleaned for a mere $10.00 and I’ll return next Tues for a white filling, but N. Progresso is such a busy place right now, so I’m waiting till our return in Nov to have new 4-unit permanent bridge created.
I did however pamper myself with another $5.00 stylish haircut and an $8.00 pedicure – followed by lunch/dinner at our favourite Garcia’s restaurant.
_____________________________________
INTERNET SAT DISH
Last December my Internet Dish took a major tumble during a very strong wind – it was anchored at the time. The Dish continued to offer good signal till the rain came a week ago. Guess the ‘arm workings’ got wet in a hairline crack from the fall. My friend Bonnie is a very knowledgeable Dish user and she came down several times to help with diagnosing my problem. To make a long story short and after a lot of testing things, we determined that my ‘Transmit Arm’ and the ‘Dish” itself had both been cracked in the fall. My supplier Armand and I worked out a solution and the two more pieces will be here in a day or so.
Hubby Doug came with Bonnie and while we were working on the Dish, Doug helped John reset our main coach door that has not closed right for months. He simply turned the ‘Pawl’ (large knob) on the frame. This correction solved a very annoying problem of a door not seating for a long, long time. The four of us followed with lunch at Harold’s Country Kitchen.
Bonnie had joined the ‘Datastorm Users’ website www.datastormusers.com (I have not done that as yet). Through it, she discovered that Dick Scheit is a workkamper for cable, TV and Computer problems at Alamo Palms. He lives on site. To shorten another long story, on Friday Dick stopped by and since he is not using his Dish in this park because he is on a cable modem, he graciously set his Dish up for me to use till my replacement parts arrive. He did this mainly out of the goodness of his heart. I owe you big time Dick – many thanks. One point he did share is to always set a Dish up AS WIDE AS THE TRI-POD WILL ALLOW - this adds stability to the set-up. Dick had even removed the support chains on his tri-pod. When my system arrives we plan to have our new Dish ‘skin’ painted in Mexico and then Dick will revisit to help me put things back together.
_________________________________________
KEEPING BUSY ADDS SOME JOY TO OUR EMPTY HOURS
On Thursday we stopped in at the Collision Centre to offer the number of our paint colour we got from Winnebago and to verify a few points with owner Ben. Painting is booked from 12-14 Feb. He is being more than accommodating – besides being able to live in our motorhome during the painting, he is allowing me to use his WiFi. What more can we ask for?
On Friday we touched base with Bill and Sue at Tropic Star RV Park. This twosome bought a park model last spring and in November they began major renovations – mainly on their Texas room. They wanted to enlarge and personalize it as their own. The final result will be beautiful guys. Bill was installing a ‘Murphy Bed’ when we arrived. Although the task seems huge, we know you’ll be ready before your company arrives in 3-weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Our visit was short because John had to return for a Billiard tournament – I went shopping to take my thoughts off Katie – didn’t help much, but kept me busy. Dick was waiting for me when I returned to offer help with my Dish.
___________________________________________
FINAL THOUGHTS
As RVers we all face good, bad and sometimes ugly times during our travels. Our past week falls into the last category. Just like the sun eventually shines everywhere, we too will cope with our upsetting week and April be here before we know it. Maybe we’ll eventually return to the MH without looking for Katie or to think about feeding her. Life does goes on.
All Explorer RV Club Members who in the Rio Grande Valley – please remember the LUNCHEON is this Thursday the 31st Jan. Email me for details. Travel safe all. P&J
Sunday, January 20, 2008
TIPS, HINTS & PROMOS ARE COMBINED in Issue3
TIPS, HINTS AND PROMOS ARE COMBINED THIS WEEK – they come from many email we received.
Larry has compiled a U.S. MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ON CD-ROM. It’s the most current and complete information available reference military campgrounds - includes monthly updates. Details Here
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Tom from Florida just installed a new ATWOOD 10-GAL ELECTRIC/PROPANE WATER HEATER – partly because he wanted a choice of heat source – but partly because his 6-gal tank was leaking. He shares the following TIP about a nylon drain plug from his former 6-gal Atwood heater. A leak developed when his plug dried and cracked six months ago. His neighbour gave him a brass ½” plug (threaded male ½”) to stop the leak. However he found out over time that brass interacts with aluminum – causing corrosion. Experience has taught him that ATWOOD WATER HEATERS CAN ONLY USE ½” NYLON PLUGS. Suburban Water heaters, on the other hand, have steel tanks, so a brass plug is not a problem. To be on the safe side of leaks, Tom added a Schedule 80 PVC plug to his new Atwood 10-gal tank - it’s stronger than the standard Schedule 20 or 40 plugs. Atwood agreed – because it contains no metal.
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Christopher from Ontario shared info about a Blog by Frank & Lucy Spence – they are fulltimers, workcampers and avid 4-SEASON RVERS. Each year this twosome present seminars at several places in Ontario to highlight the wonders of 4-Season RVing. Christopher feels the Spence’s provided such an excellent resource for his family; he wanted to share their link with others.
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George, a frequent website visitor, relayed this info about RECOGNIZING A STROKE - it is definitely worth repeating (I chose not to relay the symptom about a crooked tongue because Snopes.com suggest that point may not be decisive). The following 3-STR-Steps are positive indications of a stroke – a lack of awareness of these signs can spell disaster.
S * Ask the individual to SMILE .
T * TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg "It is sunny out today").
R * Ask him/her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .
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Several weeks ago I relayed a ‘1-800-GOOG-411’ number to locate FREE CONTACT INFO for business/residential access in the USA. This week Penny from Texas shared another # to access FREE INFO. ‘1 800-FREE-411’ – for USA business/personal access. Both these numbers do take time to find the information you may want, but since they are FREE if you dial after-hours, the time may come out of your free minutes.
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Bill from California shared info about a NEW Scam that makes it easy for a CAR JACKERS TO STEAL YOUR CAR. A note will be placed on your rear window – you may not see it until you back out of a parking lot. If it restricts your vision, you are tempted to leave your car running while you get out of the car to check on it. This leaves a perfect opportunity for ‘crooks’ to get behind the wheel and drive off. If the car owner is a women, there is a good chance that her purse with house keys, credit cards and full identity is sitting on the floor – not to mention the bags of stuff she just bought that could be in the back seat. If you see such a note on your window make a concentrated effort to wait till you get home to remove it. Please pass this info on to others.
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Diane from Ontario shared this new JURY DUTY SCAM - it has even been highlighted on Snopes.com I haven’t heard of too many Cdns who’ve been called for Jury Duty but no matter what country, province or state you’re from NEVER share personal info on the telephone or in an email.
In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official/jury coordinator. They threateningly relay that a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for Jury Duty.
If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the Scammer asks for your Social Security Number and date of birth to verify info so they can cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. NEVER share any personal info with those you do not know – it is just a new way to steal your identity. The FBI and Federal Court System have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about this latest fraud.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eileen from Ontario shared this link that takes you to a FANTASTIC JUKEBOX that features a variety of songs from 1950 to 1982. It will even play in the background while you work on other computer tasks or websites. This one is a keeper – why not add it to your favourite lists - As you will see when you click on this site, there is a JUKEBOX- but it is no ordinary jukebox. It will play all of your favourite songs from 1950 to 1982. Each year, scroll a drop down box that shows the great songs for that year. Most years list over 40 songs.
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Kevin from California – after he read and complimented me on how much he enjoyed reading RV Living in the 21st Century he shared info on an EASY TO USE ON-LINE MAIL SERVICE – it provides a convenient option to using US postal service.
Larry has compiled a U.S. MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ON CD-ROM. It’s the most current and complete information available reference military campgrounds - includes monthly updates. Details Here
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tom from Florida just installed a new ATWOOD 10-GAL ELECTRIC/PROPANE WATER HEATER – partly because he wanted a choice of heat source – but partly because his 6-gal tank was leaking. He shares the following TIP about a nylon drain plug from his former 6-gal Atwood heater. A leak developed when his plug dried and cracked six months ago. His neighbour gave him a brass ½” plug (threaded male ½”) to stop the leak. However he found out over time that brass interacts with aluminum – causing corrosion. Experience has taught him that ATWOOD WATER HEATERS CAN ONLY USE ½” NYLON PLUGS. Suburban Water heaters, on the other hand, have steel tanks, so a brass plug is not a problem. To be on the safe side of leaks, Tom added a Schedule 80 PVC plug to his new Atwood 10-gal tank - it’s stronger than the standard Schedule 20 or 40 plugs. Atwood agreed – because it contains no metal.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Christopher from Ontario shared info about a Blog by Frank & Lucy Spence – they are fulltimers, workcampers and avid 4-SEASON RVERS. Each year this twosome present seminars at several places in Ontario to highlight the wonders of 4-Season RVing. Christopher feels the Spence’s provided such an excellent resource for his family; he wanted to share their link with others.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
George, a frequent website visitor, relayed this info about RECOGNIZING A STROKE - it is definitely worth repeating (I chose not to relay the symptom about a crooked tongue because Snopes.com suggest that point may not be decisive). The following 3-STR-Steps are positive indications of a stroke – a lack of awareness of these signs can spell disaster.
S * Ask the individual to SMILE .
T * TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg "It is sunny out today").
R * Ask him/her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Several weeks ago I relayed a ‘1-800-GOOG-411’ number to locate FREE CONTACT INFO for business/residential access in the USA. This week Penny from Texas shared another # to access FREE INFO. ‘1 800-FREE-411’ – for USA business/personal access. Both these numbers do take time to find the information you may want, but since they are FREE if you dial after-hours, the time may come out of your free minutes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bill from California shared info about a NEW Scam that makes it easy for a CAR JACKERS TO STEAL YOUR CAR. A note will be placed on your rear window – you may not see it until you back out of a parking lot. If it restricts your vision, you are tempted to leave your car running while you get out of the car to check on it. This leaves a perfect opportunity for ‘crooks’ to get behind the wheel and drive off. If the car owner is a women, there is a good chance that her purse with house keys, credit cards and full identity is sitting on the floor – not to mention the bags of stuff she just bought that could be in the back seat. If you see such a note on your window make a concentrated effort to wait till you get home to remove it. Please pass this info on to others.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Diane from Ontario shared this new JURY DUTY SCAM - it has even been highlighted on Snopes.com I haven’t heard of too many Cdns who’ve been called for Jury Duty but no matter what country, province or state you’re from NEVER share personal info on the telephone or in an email.
In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official/jury coordinator. They threateningly relay that a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for Jury Duty.
If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the Scammer asks for your Social Security Number and date of birth to verify info so they can cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. NEVER share any personal info with those you do not know – it is just a new way to steal your identity. The FBI and Federal Court System have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about this latest fraud.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eileen from Ontario shared this link that takes you to a FANTASTIC JUKEBOX that features a variety of songs from 1950 to 1982. It will even play in the background while you work on other computer tasks or websites. This one is a keeper – why not add it to your favourite lists - As you will see when you click on this site, there is a JUKEBOX- but it is no ordinary jukebox. It will play all of your favourite songs from 1950 to 1982. Each year, scroll a drop down box that shows the great songs for that year. Most years list over 40 songs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kevin from California – after he read and complimented me on how much he enjoyed reading RV Living in the 21st Century he shared info on an EASY TO USE ON-LINE MAIL SERVICE – it provides a convenient option to using US postal service.
EVEN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY GETS COLD Newsy Part-Issue3
COLD DAYS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary on line Here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: One thing none of us Snowbirds hope to experience during our southern sojourns is cold weather. But much of this week, it not only rained for the past 5-days, our daytime temps dropped to the high 40’s and low 50’s (I know this is not the sub zero temps that northern residents are coping with, but when we are used to 70’s and 80’s – it’s cold). Thankfully our cold seems to be waning a bit; today it is bright and sunny – still cool, but pretty. Sorry for my complaining and I do know it is winter, but I really want my cake and eat it too. Guess we just have to be thankful for small mercies and appreciate that it has taken till now for the temps to drop – frequently cooler days arrive in this location late Dec and stick around for several weeks or a month. Maybe all of us will be lucky and our cold weather will pass in a day or two. Enough for now
______________________________
OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
This has been a quiet few days for us. Monday we visited the VALLEY TRUCK AND VAN COLLISION CENTRE to confirm a mid February appointment to have the bottom portion of our LUXOR painted and restored Owner Ben came out to the park to give us an estimate and to assure us he can restore the Luxor to her original beauty. The paint and clear coat is peeling off on the driver’s side – mainly from wind and weather. But I blame John for polishing it too much. He does look after our beautiful 12-year old classic
We had planned to visit Mexico on Wednesday for DENTAL Work. We each need a cleaning (perfect chance to assess our chosen Dentist’s technique and overall office procedures etc) plus I need an assessment reference replacement of a permanent 4-unit bridge that broke last summer. Dentistry in Progresso, Mx is less than a ¼ the price of similar services in Canada and the USA. Service is of a very high standard because competition is high plus many of the Doctors and Dentists are trained in USA or Canada. For instance, the cleaning/exam is a mere $10.00 (lost leader); but what is attractive is one gold crown is only $100.00 (I need 4 to repair my bridge) and to replace my lost white filling (of any size) is a mere $50.00. I know that our dental insurance pays the majority of filling restorations but when it comes to crowns we users must come up with 50%. It is more appealing to shell out 50% of a $100 (times 4 units) rather a thousand per unit elsewhere. BUT we put off a Mexican visit till next week – hopefully it will be warmer. I cannot wait too long because we are only here for another 1.5 months.
As a substitute to Mexico, we attended the Free 15TH Annual WINTER TEXAN EXPO & HEALTH FAIR. (16-17 Jan). A very impressive presentation inside McAllen’s classy new Conference Centre beckoned us to visit. Numerous free medical screenings were available for attendees and just about all Valley services were represented – from diabetes, to feet, to sleep care, to heart screenings, to local pharmacists, investment opportunities and, and, and. Information and fund raising for the non-profit ‘Comfort House’ was a main feature – the Comfort House were also searching for volunteers to assist in day-to-day activities. This House is a no-cost home for those who are dying, and/or it also provides support to help families care for loved ones on their own during their final days. Several Music Stars from Branson and local Valley Dance groups entertained the crowd – even though I didn’t win the $2000.00 diamond ring or the $1000.00 shopping spree, it was an interesting outing. What we found most interesting was actually how healthy we both are – we were unaware of what most of the featured health services were, let alone suffering from them.
Thursday friends Doug and Bonnie visited – Bonnie to help me find some LOST PC FILES and Doug to assist John on installing our new FANTASTIC VENT parts. In Dec, the rain sensor on our bathroom vent kept cycling off and on during humid days – our vent motor was not working well either. Soooo we called FV – part of the RV ‘Good Guys’ – and they sent us a completely new system all at no cost. Any RVer with these amazing Vents in their RV should always call this company first for parts and a suggestion (rather than call a repair facility). In most cases if you have any problems FV will come to the rescue. Frequently they will ship new no-cost or low-cost parts to make it work. Minimal labour charges may be covered if needed, but it was easier (more fun to) to ask a friend to help rather than to call in-park service. Monday, via prepaid UPS we will ship the old parts back. For details about this outstanding & fantastic company or call 810-724-3818 or 800 512 0298. You can also visit their plant in Imlay City, Michigan en route north and south.
__________________________________
PARK ACTIVITIES
On the good side of things – no matter what the weather at parks in the south, activity schedules are very busy. So the majority of snowbirds simply don a jacket and head over to the Club House to join in the fun. Some parks also attract name entertainers at evening (sometime dinner) shows. If your park does not feature this type of show, just look at the Events Calendar line-up in the weekly WINTER TEXAN News or on local TV – tickets are frequently available to visitors from other parks.
John is thoroughly enjoying is weekly billiard tournaments and I enjoy the exercise classes but other than that we frequently entertain ourselves.
__________________________________
FINAL WORDS
NOTE: The address of the EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON on the 31 Jan was listed in error. CORRECT Street Address is 6013 N 10th St, McAllen, Tx. Sorry for any inconvenience. Hope all Cdn RVers in the Rio Grande can join us.
Whether RVers enjoy a quiet week or taking part in busy activities – no matter where a southern snowbird lights there will be something waiting for everyone to enjoy. Creative activities such as crafts or woodworking or stain glass or quilting or, or, or are popular - but so is sitting beside the pool with a good book. No matter where you winter, the name of a retiree’s game is to have fun and follow your wishes. Life is short, so make each day count. Those who are just heading out, or in between destinations, please travel safe. P&J
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary on line Here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: One thing none of us Snowbirds hope to experience during our southern sojourns is cold weather. But much of this week, it not only rained for the past 5-days, our daytime temps dropped to the high 40’s and low 50’s (I know this is not the sub zero temps that northern residents are coping with, but when we are used to 70’s and 80’s – it’s cold). Thankfully our cold seems to be waning a bit; today it is bright and sunny – still cool, but pretty. Sorry for my complaining and I do know it is winter, but I really want my cake and eat it too. Guess we just have to be thankful for small mercies and appreciate that it has taken till now for the temps to drop – frequently cooler days arrive in this location late Dec and stick around for several weeks or a month. Maybe all of us will be lucky and our cold weather will pass in a day or two. Enough for now
______________________________
OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
This has been a quiet few days for us. Monday we visited the VALLEY TRUCK AND VAN COLLISION CENTRE to confirm a mid February appointment to have the bottom portion of our LUXOR painted and restored Owner Ben came out to the park to give us an estimate and to assure us he can restore the Luxor to her original beauty. The paint and clear coat is peeling off on the driver’s side – mainly from wind and weather. But I blame John for polishing it too much. He does look after our beautiful 12-year old classic
We had planned to visit Mexico on Wednesday for DENTAL Work. We each need a cleaning (perfect chance to assess our chosen Dentist’s technique and overall office procedures etc) plus I need an assessment reference replacement of a permanent 4-unit bridge that broke last summer. Dentistry in Progresso, Mx is less than a ¼ the price of similar services in Canada and the USA. Service is of a very high standard because competition is high plus many of the Doctors and Dentists are trained in USA or Canada. For instance, the cleaning/exam is a mere $10.00 (lost leader); but what is attractive is one gold crown is only $100.00 (I need 4 to repair my bridge) and to replace my lost white filling (of any size) is a mere $50.00. I know that our dental insurance pays the majority of filling restorations but when it comes to crowns we users must come up with 50%. It is more appealing to shell out 50% of a $100 (times 4 units) rather a thousand per unit elsewhere. BUT we put off a Mexican visit till next week – hopefully it will be warmer. I cannot wait too long because we are only here for another 1.5 months.
As a substitute to Mexico, we attended the Free 15TH Annual WINTER TEXAN EXPO & HEALTH FAIR. (16-17 Jan). A very impressive presentation inside McAllen’s classy new Conference Centre beckoned us to visit. Numerous free medical screenings were available for attendees and just about all Valley services were represented – from diabetes, to feet, to sleep care, to heart screenings, to local pharmacists, investment opportunities and, and, and. Information and fund raising for the non-profit ‘Comfort House’ was a main feature – the Comfort House were also searching for volunteers to assist in day-to-day activities. This House is a no-cost home for those who are dying, and/or it also provides support to help families care for loved ones on their own during their final days. Several Music Stars from Branson and local Valley Dance groups entertained the crowd – even though I didn’t win the $2000.00 diamond ring or the $1000.00 shopping spree, it was an interesting outing. What we found most interesting was actually how healthy we both are – we were unaware of what most of the featured health services were, let alone suffering from them.
Thursday friends Doug and Bonnie visited – Bonnie to help me find some LOST PC FILES and Doug to assist John on installing our new FANTASTIC VENT parts. In Dec, the rain sensor on our bathroom vent kept cycling off and on during humid days – our vent motor was not working well either. Soooo we called FV – part of the RV ‘Good Guys’ – and they sent us a completely new system all at no cost. Any RVer with these amazing Vents in their RV should always call this company first for parts and a suggestion (rather than call a repair facility). In most cases if you have any problems FV will come to the rescue. Frequently they will ship new no-cost or low-cost parts to make it work. Minimal labour charges may be covered if needed, but it was easier (more fun to) to ask a friend to help rather than to call in-park service. Monday, via prepaid UPS we will ship the old parts back. For details about this outstanding & fantastic company or call 810-724-3818 or 800 512 0298. You can also visit their plant in Imlay City, Michigan en route north and south.
__________________________________
PARK ACTIVITIES
On the good side of things – no matter what the weather at parks in the south, activity schedules are very busy. So the majority of snowbirds simply don a jacket and head over to the Club House to join in the fun. Some parks also attract name entertainers at evening (sometime dinner) shows. If your park does not feature this type of show, just look at the Events Calendar line-up in the weekly WINTER TEXAN News or on local TV – tickets are frequently available to visitors from other parks.
John is thoroughly enjoying is weekly billiard tournaments and I enjoy the exercise classes but other than that we frequently entertain ourselves.
__________________________________
FINAL WORDS
NOTE: The address of the EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON on the 31 Jan was listed in error. CORRECT Street Address is 6013 N 10th St, McAllen, Tx. Sorry for any inconvenience. Hope all Cdn RVers in the Rio Grande can join us.
Whether RVers enjoy a quiet week or taking part in busy activities – no matter where a southern snowbird lights there will be something waiting for everyone to enjoy. Creative activities such as crafts or woodworking or stain glass or quilting or, or, or are popular - but so is sitting beside the pool with a good book. No matter where you winter, the name of a retiree’s game is to have fun and follow your wishes. Life is short, so make each day count. Those who are just heading out, or in between destinations, please travel safe. P&J
Sunday, January 13, 2008
TIPS & PROMOS Issue 2
TIPS OF THE WEEK are from my RV Packing Tips E-Book
*** Eliminating Magazine Clutter and finding a place for large books such as an atlas can be a challenge. Consider storing them under the dinette cushions or under the couch cushion (if placed on top of ¼” plywood, the sofa becomes more comfortable).
*** Design a separate Working Area For Sewing Or Crafts, Etc. – cut the two back legs off a folding card table so the table will rest over your knees and sit on the back of the couch. Be sure the top is level when the two front legs rest on the floor.
*** Adding a strip of Heavy-Duty Velcro (Needle Side) To The Underside of the throw rug will help to prevent it from ‘walking’. RUBBER BACKED RUGS frequently leave a stain on acrylic and hard surface floors.
*** Short Narrow Cutlery Trays Sitting On The Medicine Cabinet Shelves will keep small prescription bottles firmly in place. Fill the gap between the tray and cabinet wall with flat bottles or boxes. The advantage of using these trays is nothing lands in the toilet when the medicine cabinet door is opened after a rough ride.
*** One friend Added a 3-Inch Wide Strip Of Plexiglass in front of each medicine cabinet shelf. For tall bottles, she placed a Spring-Loaded Bar Across The Shelf. Other RVers attach Strips Of Elastic Across These Shelves - it avoids an avalanche from ending up in the toilet when the door is opened at destination.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PROMOS THIS WEEK
### Bill shared a new product he found that easily eliminates bugs from the front of tow vehicles and motorhomes. Read all about Bugs R Of here
### Bonnie & Bill Neely, Webhosts of Realtraveladventures.com wrote about Quebec’s 400th Anniversary. Worth a read and maybe a summer visit
### Cdn Military & RCMP Veterans are fighting to restore our Financial Dignity and stop the unfair ‘Claw-Back’ Of Our Pensions when we reach age 65. In 2008 the organizers hope to drastically increase the numbers who signed the Veterans petition. They request that each Canadian (even non military/RCMP members) sign this petition to show support.
### New CDN RV Manufacturers will re-hire the many workers from closed Fleetwood plant in Lindsay, Ont. Good news for Lindsay and for the entire RV Industry,
### RVEduction101.com produce a extremely educational monthly newsletter w/technical answers. To peruse this informative website go here.
### Insights from this week’s informative RV Travel.com Weekly Newsletter are below.
*** A New Forum has been added to RVTravel for RVers who served or are currently serving in the military.
*** December RV Recalls -- Many units/manufactures are involved. Click links for recalls for November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June
*** Turn some Cell Phones Into a Hand Held GPS. Read the entire article here
*** New listings of Wal*Mart NO Camping Sites according to states
*** Eliminating Magazine Clutter and finding a place for large books such as an atlas can be a challenge. Consider storing them under the dinette cushions or under the couch cushion (if placed on top of ¼” plywood, the sofa becomes more comfortable).
*** Design a separate Working Area For Sewing Or Crafts, Etc. – cut the two back legs off a folding card table so the table will rest over your knees and sit on the back of the couch. Be sure the top is level when the two front legs rest on the floor.
*** Adding a strip of Heavy-Duty Velcro (Needle Side) To The Underside of the throw rug will help to prevent it from ‘walking’. RUBBER BACKED RUGS frequently leave a stain on acrylic and hard surface floors.
*** Short Narrow Cutlery Trays Sitting On The Medicine Cabinet Shelves will keep small prescription bottles firmly in place. Fill the gap between the tray and cabinet wall with flat bottles or boxes. The advantage of using these trays is nothing lands in the toilet when the medicine cabinet door is opened after a rough ride.
*** One friend Added a 3-Inch Wide Strip Of Plexiglass in front of each medicine cabinet shelf. For tall bottles, she placed a Spring-Loaded Bar Across The Shelf. Other RVers attach Strips Of Elastic Across These Shelves - it avoids an avalanche from ending up in the toilet when the door is opened at destination.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PROMOS THIS WEEK
### Bill shared a new product he found that easily eliminates bugs from the front of tow vehicles and motorhomes. Read all about Bugs R Of here
### Bonnie & Bill Neely, Webhosts of Realtraveladventures.com wrote about Quebec’s 400th Anniversary. Worth a read and maybe a summer visit
### Cdn Military & RCMP Veterans are fighting to restore our Financial Dignity and stop the unfair ‘Claw-Back’ Of Our Pensions when we reach age 65. In 2008 the organizers hope to drastically increase the numbers who signed the Veterans petition. They request that each Canadian (even non military/RCMP members) sign this petition to show support.
### New CDN RV Manufacturers will re-hire the many workers from closed Fleetwood plant in Lindsay, Ont. Good news for Lindsay and for the entire RV Industry,
### RVEduction101.com produce a extremely educational monthly newsletter w/technical answers. To peruse this informative website go here.
### Insights from this week’s informative RV Travel.com Weekly Newsletter are below.
*** A New Forum has been added to RVTravel for RVers who served or are currently serving in the military.
*** December RV Recalls -- Many units/manufactures are involved. Click links for recalls for November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June
*** Turn some Cell Phones Into a Hand Held GPS. Read the entire article here
*** New listings of Wal*Mart NO Camping Sites according to states
LIFE IN THE RIO GRANDE IS GOOD
Life as a Southern Snowbird can be fun!!! Issue 2
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: Today we visited the RV Show in Mercedes – It’s such a change to visit a show instead of working one. I know this is Diary Day but it wouldn’t be a winter in the Rio Grande without a visit to their annual RV Show. Forgive me if it is a little late. The Valley show is never as large as many others in the nation but it is always fun to see what is new and to touch base with so many RVers we have met over the years. John and I are not buying a new unit now or in the future but we just have to satisfy our curiosity to see what is new. Although the trip wasn’t a complete waste because we came home with a grab bag of ‘stuff’, including some $199.00 per month coupons for next winter. These are directed to first time visitors to a specific Sun RV Resort in (Florida and Texas) – good for any month but Feb. However each individual park has also posted specials on their resorts websites – some special are only for summer but others list savings for fall. Go to Sun RV Resorts for periodic updates on all their parks.
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BUSY TIMES ARE BACK AGAIN
It seems that about 3-4 times per week, we have to fit in a visit to Wal*Mart to pick up something. There are 13-Supercenters in this general area, so no matter where we are, a store is never far away. I know RVLiving.net is a Wal*Mart affiliate but John and I still spend a lot of time in their stores – being an affiliate means whenever anyone clicks the banners/text links on our site and they buy from Wal*Mart on-line, we receive a small pittance. (Note: Cdns credit cards are not accepted because we have no ZIP code, but a store purchase card will work). However I still think if I had shares in the Wal*Mart stores I would be rich by now.
John and I are almost free of coughs and colds, but since almost everyone we meet has a cold or cough, it is difficult for the bugs to completely disappear – at least we have managed to have some fun this week. RV Parks in the sunny south overflow with numerous enjoyable activities to keep everyone busy. Most parks feature way too many activities for anyone to participate in all of them – from exercise classes to entertainment to jam sessions to lessons of all types, to dances w/lessons, to a variety of fun activities plus educational stuff such as stroke prevention and more helps to keep life interesting. It would take an entire page to list the entire schedule. In a word, ‘snowbird life’ in the south is good. An added plus – we still have not had the general cold mid-winter days in the 30’s and 40’s. A few dropped to the 60’s but most have stayed in the 80’s & 90’s. Now if we could only tame and redirect the wind it would be a perfect winter. Yesterday, neighbours checked in behind us – so at least our wind tunnel has leveled off a bit.
On Tuesday we joined our fellow neighbours for a monthly ‘Street Party’ – everyone is invited to gather in a specific local restaurant for dinner so we can get to know each other better, great socializing idea and the first time a park has done something like this.
We spent much of that day enjoying a trip down memory lane. Over the years John and I have stayed at about 20 of numerous parks in the Valley – sometimes for a week, or maybe a month, at other times for an entire season. What an interesting way to spend our day. We even accidentally combined our visit with a Craft Sale at one park. The main purpose for these visits was to drop off flyers for JANUARY’S EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON at the Sun Palace Buffet, in McAllen on the 31st Jan. If you’d like details – send us an email and I’ll forward a flyer. Come have fun with other Cdn RVers - Everyone is welcome - planning is easier if we know how many to expect.
Wednesday I received an early morning call to work the Park Craft Show. Someone cancelled at the last minute. I love participating in these events – all I sell is my individual and creative Antique Jewellery plus my book – but it is such fun to meet and touch base with other RVers. This past show I was asked to create personalized pieces for two ladies. They chose the broken pieces out of my ‘cache’ and I crafted their treasures.
Friday, John and his partner Ivan won their games in the Parks Weekly Pool Competition against Casa Del Sol. In fact this week the entire team won. Not always do we stay in parks where pool tournaments are a weekly thing – it’s just an added plus that John is enjoying. However at Alamo Palms, many tournaments from shuffleboard to tennis to golf to bike outings and more keep residents busy – plus cards, bingo, dances, exercise classes, and a well attended church services add a few extras to round out the week.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are really enjoying our time in the south this winter – especially since last years adventures were vastly interrupted. If the Good Lord willing we will continue to enjoy the Rio Grande till March before moving on to Georgia and Florida until we return mid April. Take care all! Those on the move please travel safe and those up north we hope your intense winter storms are over for the majority of the 07/08 season. P&J
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: Today we visited the RV Show in Mercedes – It’s such a change to visit a show instead of working one. I know this is Diary Day but it wouldn’t be a winter in the Rio Grande without a visit to their annual RV Show. Forgive me if it is a little late. The Valley show is never as large as many others in the nation but it is always fun to see what is new and to touch base with so many RVers we have met over the years. John and I are not buying a new unit now or in the future but we just have to satisfy our curiosity to see what is new. Although the trip wasn’t a complete waste because we came home with a grab bag of ‘stuff’, including some $199.00 per month coupons for next winter. These are directed to first time visitors to a specific Sun RV Resort in (Florida and Texas) – good for any month but Feb. However each individual park has also posted specials on their resorts websites – some special are only for summer but others list savings for fall. Go to Sun RV Resorts for periodic updates on all their parks.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BUSY TIMES ARE BACK AGAIN
It seems that about 3-4 times per week, we have to fit in a visit to Wal*Mart to pick up something. There are 13-Supercenters in this general area, so no matter where we are, a store is never far away. I know RVLiving.net is a Wal*Mart affiliate but John and I still spend a lot of time in their stores – being an affiliate means whenever anyone clicks the banners/text links on our site and they buy from Wal*Mart on-line, we receive a small pittance. (Note: Cdns credit cards are not accepted because we have no ZIP code, but a store purchase card will work). However I still think if I had shares in the Wal*Mart stores I would be rich by now.
John and I are almost free of coughs and colds, but since almost everyone we meet has a cold or cough, it is difficult for the bugs to completely disappear – at least we have managed to have some fun this week. RV Parks in the sunny south overflow with numerous enjoyable activities to keep everyone busy. Most parks feature way too many activities for anyone to participate in all of them – from exercise classes to entertainment to jam sessions to lessons of all types, to dances w/lessons, to a variety of fun activities plus educational stuff such as stroke prevention and more helps to keep life interesting. It would take an entire page to list the entire schedule. In a word, ‘snowbird life’ in the south is good. An added plus – we still have not had the general cold mid-winter days in the 30’s and 40’s. A few dropped to the 60’s but most have stayed in the 80’s & 90’s. Now if we could only tame and redirect the wind it would be a perfect winter. Yesterday, neighbours checked in behind us – so at least our wind tunnel has leveled off a bit.
On Tuesday we joined our fellow neighbours for a monthly ‘Street Party’ – everyone is invited to gather in a specific local restaurant for dinner so we can get to know each other better, great socializing idea and the first time a park has done something like this.
We spent much of that day enjoying a trip down memory lane. Over the years John and I have stayed at about 20 of numerous parks in the Valley – sometimes for a week, or maybe a month, at other times for an entire season. What an interesting way to spend our day. We even accidentally combined our visit with a Craft Sale at one park. The main purpose for these visits was to drop off flyers for JANUARY’S EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON at the Sun Palace Buffet, in McAllen on the 31st Jan. If you’d like details – send us an email and I’ll forward a flyer. Come have fun with other Cdn RVers - Everyone is welcome - planning is easier if we know how many to expect.
Wednesday I received an early morning call to work the Park Craft Show. Someone cancelled at the last minute. I love participating in these events – all I sell is my individual and creative Antique Jewellery plus my book – but it is such fun to meet and touch base with other RVers. This past show I was asked to create personalized pieces for two ladies. They chose the broken pieces out of my ‘cache’ and I crafted their treasures.
Friday, John and his partner Ivan won their games in the Parks Weekly Pool Competition against Casa Del Sol. In fact this week the entire team won. Not always do we stay in parks where pool tournaments are a weekly thing – it’s just an added plus that John is enjoying. However at Alamo Palms, many tournaments from shuffleboard to tennis to golf to bike outings and more keep residents busy – plus cards, bingo, dances, exercise classes, and a well attended church services add a few extras to round out the week.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are really enjoying our time in the south this winter – especially since last years adventures were vastly interrupted. If the Good Lord willing we will continue to enjoy the Rio Grande till March before moving on to Georgia and Florida until we return mid April. Take care all! Those on the move please travel safe and those up north we hope your intense winter storms are over for the majority of the 07/08 season. P&J
Sunday, January 6, 2008
TIPS OF THE WEEK - Issue 1
TIPS OF THE WEEK - (No Promos this week) - Issue 1
SATELLITE TV AND RADIO INFO
MB Wilson, owner of Wagon Trains RV Tours.com shared this tip with us. For those who own Satellite TV or Satellite Radio, they found a new and very interesting website. It may answer some of your questions on US & Canadian Satellite Service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WORKING OR ‘VOLUNTEERING’ IN A COUNTRY OTHER THAN YOUR OWN
I recently read a forum post relaying that a Canadian RVer could not cross the border because they told the border agents that they were helping to build ‘Habitat for Humanity Houses’.
At the RV School last summer one of the American instructors was denied entry to Canada the year before because she relayed to Customs that she was presenting a seminar – she was not get paid for the seminar but it did not seem matter to the agents. They considered she was working.
Bottom line is NEVER share with agents at any border that you will be ‘volunteering’ or ‘working – in any way even without pay’ in a country other than your own. They feel you may be taking a job away from a resident. To legally ‘work’ as a non-resident you do need complicated visas. I am not insinuating anyone lie but if you are not being paid for a service it may be wise not to relay your plans.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CAN I WALLPAPER RV WALLS?
Gloria sent me this Q. With more and more RVers hanging onto their rigs longer I thought it might help someone add a face-lift to theirs. “We just purchased a used Class C RV (which is our first) and it needs sprucing up pretty bad. I loved your idea of adding wallpaper. Do you have any suggestions as to how difficult this is? Does it stick well or does it have a tendency to pull loose? One more question. What did you do about the paneling strips (strips that cover wallboard seams) on the wall? Did you cover over them?” Thanks for your help.
MY ANSWER
Gloria: I have WALLPAPERED many walls in our RV's – you just cover the strips as if they are one wall with a continual piece of paper I use ‘vinyl to vinyl’ glue that is designed to secure borders on wallpaper - it will stick for a loooooong time, I wallpaper as normal but I pre-paste the vinyl wallboard with the border glue before I added the wet pre-pasted Wallpaper. It is not difficult but there is more cutting than in a house.
I also have added pre-pasted lightweight FLOOR TILES to my kitchen walls - they look very classy. A few tiles are not sticking as well as I would like but if I add a drop of liquid nail to the corner of the tile it seems to hold better. One tech at Lowe’s suggested I add a primer, which I didn’t do. I began with the wall behind our couch that we removed and then went to the stove area – eventually I did the entire Kitchen. Looks very classy or sure. See pictures of our renovations Here It is also easy to remove the frame of windows so they go over the edge of the tiles or the paper making your update have a 'clean' appearance. We have renovated all our coaches’ big time - they no longer look like a normal RV. A friend added a wall of LONG MIRROR STRIPS (6” wide) behind where her slide came in. It really looked classy – but harder to keep clean. If you want to redecorate, go for it!!! Your RV is home away from home.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
411 NUMBERS – Compliments Of Fulltimer Chapter Newsletter
John: (Diary Reader) shared that the 800–GOOG-411 that I reported last week only works in the USA AND it is only available to locate Business info. Good to know but not as great as I first thought. Sorry for misinformation.
SATELLITE TV AND RADIO INFO
MB Wilson, owner of Wagon Trains RV Tours.com shared this tip with us. For those who own Satellite TV or Satellite Radio, they found a new and very interesting website. It may answer some of your questions on US & Canadian Satellite Service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WORKING OR ‘VOLUNTEERING’ IN A COUNTRY OTHER THAN YOUR OWN
I recently read a forum post relaying that a Canadian RVer could not cross the border because they told the border agents that they were helping to build ‘Habitat for Humanity Houses’.
At the RV School last summer one of the American instructors was denied entry to Canada the year before because she relayed to Customs that she was presenting a seminar – she was not get paid for the seminar but it did not seem matter to the agents. They considered she was working.
Bottom line is NEVER share with agents at any border that you will be ‘volunteering’ or ‘working – in any way even without pay’ in a country other than your own. They feel you may be taking a job away from a resident. To legally ‘work’ as a non-resident you do need complicated visas. I am not insinuating anyone lie but if you are not being paid for a service it may be wise not to relay your plans.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CAN I WALLPAPER RV WALLS?
Gloria sent me this Q. With more and more RVers hanging onto their rigs longer I thought it might help someone add a face-lift to theirs. “We just purchased a used Class C RV (which is our first) and it needs sprucing up pretty bad. I loved your idea of adding wallpaper. Do you have any suggestions as to how difficult this is? Does it stick well or does it have a tendency to pull loose? One more question. What did you do about the paneling strips (strips that cover wallboard seams) on the wall? Did you cover over them?” Thanks for your help.
MY ANSWER
Gloria: I have WALLPAPERED many walls in our RV's – you just cover the strips as if they are one wall with a continual piece of paper I use ‘vinyl to vinyl’ glue that is designed to secure borders on wallpaper - it will stick for a loooooong time, I wallpaper as normal but I pre-paste the vinyl wallboard with the border glue before I added the wet pre-pasted Wallpaper. It is not difficult but there is more cutting than in a house.
I also have added pre-pasted lightweight FLOOR TILES to my kitchen walls - they look very classy. A few tiles are not sticking as well as I would like but if I add a drop of liquid nail to the corner of the tile it seems to hold better. One tech at Lowe’s suggested I add a primer, which I didn’t do. I began with the wall behind our couch that we removed and then went to the stove area – eventually I did the entire Kitchen. Looks very classy or sure. See pictures of our renovations Here It is also easy to remove the frame of windows so they go over the edge of the tiles or the paper making your update have a 'clean' appearance. We have renovated all our coaches’ big time - they no longer look like a normal RV. A friend added a wall of LONG MIRROR STRIPS (6” wide) behind where her slide came in. It really looked classy – but harder to keep clean. If you want to redecorate, go for it!!! Your RV is home away from home.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
411 NUMBERS – Compliments Of Fulltimer Chapter Newsletter
John: (Diary Reader) shared that the 800–GOOG-411 that I reported last week only works in the USA AND it is only available to locate Business info. Good to know but not as great as I first thought. Sorry for misinformation.
A BRAND NEW YEAR - Issue 1
A BRAND NEW YEAR - Issue 1
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary here
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi All: Can you believe that we are already into 2008. Heck I remember planning rallies and RV events for the Millennium (2000) like it was yesterday. Although looking back it also seems like it was eons ago. Life does move forward at a rapid pace. Hope you each were able to celebrate New Years Eve in grand style. Unfortunately our plans to dress up in our ‘Sunday-Go-To-Meeting’ clothes and dance the night away were squashed because both of us are fighting our annual bout of a bad cold/cough. It even stopped John from competing in a pool tournament yesterday – that doesn’t happen often. But thankfully it is only a cold, not flu, so we have no reason to believe that our good health will not return in a day or two.
Our quiet celebrations this year ended way before midnight, but we had time to reflect on past New Years Eve’s – the scenario below proves our Guardian Angels always travel with us. During our early fulltiming adventures, my sister Shirley spent many months in our motorhome – in Mexico as well as in the southern USA destinations. Unfortunately this great lady died in Nov 95 after a battle with lung cancer. That New Years Eve John and I enjoyed a special Surf n’ Turf dinner – we followed with relaxation on the couch to listen to Big Band music. We toasted everyone we met over the years – just as we toasted sister Shirley; the light over our head went off and on again. Her spirit was with definitely with us in the motorhome that night, the entire winter and maybe beyond.
Repeat note: The complete selection of our 2007 pictures are finally posted HERE Best to view these as a Slideshow – just hit the ‘X’ at end of each show/gallery and click on the next one.
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OUR QUIET WEEK OF RECOVERY
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES
We spent a quiet few days recovering this week. Since daytime temps dropped to the low 60’s earlier in the week, it made it easy for us to hibernate inside cozy warm with my fireplace. (I know that this is not cold for those in the north but when the wind blows it does become unpleasant here). On the 1st January, even if we were not feeling great we managed to take down ALL my Christmas Décor – it’s not packed away as yet, too cool – thank heavens it has finally turned warm and pleasant. We simply threw everything into our temporary shed – the back of our car. Putting it away will be Sunday’s chore – that is always my catch-up day. This week our house also needs a ‘major clean-up’ or ‘a Sunday Routine’ as we called it in the military. I love to string lights and add lots of decorations for Christmas, but by New Years Day I cannot wait to take it down. Now it is over for another year.
On Wednesday we visited a few places to research a PAINT facility. We need to add a new finish to the lower half of the LUXOR. The wind is pulling the paint off the driver’s side – John says it is because of the wind – I jokingly tell him he polishes it too much. Our 12 year-old classic diesel pusher still looks real great but her few flaws need periodic attention to keep her in pristine condition – this old gal still has a lot of life left in her for sure.
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NEXT EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON - JANUARY 31st
The Club Luncheon (Canada’s Answer to Good Sam) for the last Thursday in January is BOOKED!!!! We haven’t eaten at this super clean attractive place but it comes highly recommended by several Club Members – thanks guys. I will be mailing the flyers out early this week and hope to post them in some parks early next week.
January’s event is at the SUN PALACE BUFFET (Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, Sushi, - I also saw tasty salad choices on their display – over 200 items) 8103 N. 10th ST, McALLEN, TX. Meet at 12 Noon (Alcohol Bar is available). Attendees pay their own meal/drinks on entry – (Replenish your plate at your leisure – No delay for meal service). Credit, Debit, Cash accepted – no cheques. Cost - regular drinks, buffet meal + tax is less than $8.00p/p. Everyone is Welcome – Come socialize with fellow Canadian Snowbirds and with Explorer RV Club members. “Non-members too are welcome”. Why not bring a friend? This is a FUN gathering – a time to socialize with other Cdn RVers! Very minimal intro ref Club facts, plus short comments. Club TV Shirt is the door prize!
IMPORTANT: It helps if we have some idea as to how many to expect. Jan and Feb we will reach over 100. PLEASE let John and I know by phone 850 384 4835 OR by email
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FINAL THOUGHTS
As we begin 2008, our life once again is shaping up to be exciting. I just got word I will be presenting my RV Travel to Canada seminar at ‘THE RALLY’ FOR GOOD SAM in Perry Georgia several times between 14th and 19th March. If any of you will be in that area this is a fantastic rally ‘One-Of-A-Kind-Gathering’ for sure. On their website and in some stores, Camping World Presidents Club members can join Good Sam for $12.00. The day we joined they also gave us a $10.00 coupon to spend in the store. Great deal.
We will leave Alamo Palms the 7 March to head over to Georgia. After ‘The Rally’ we hope to spend a week in Bushnell, Florida so we can touch base with my sister Nancy, hubby Bud and other RV friends. We will then slowly travel north to be home by 14th April. One thing about the RV lifestyle, there is always something exciting around the next bend. No matter where you winter, we wish everyone a good year. Take care P&J
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read a different version of this Diary here
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Hi All: Can you believe that we are already into 2008. Heck I remember planning rallies and RV events for the Millennium (2000) like it was yesterday. Although looking back it also seems like it was eons ago. Life does move forward at a rapid pace. Hope you each were able to celebrate New Years Eve in grand style. Unfortunately our plans to dress up in our ‘Sunday-Go-To-Meeting’ clothes and dance the night away were squashed because both of us are fighting our annual bout of a bad cold/cough. It even stopped John from competing in a pool tournament yesterday – that doesn’t happen often. But thankfully it is only a cold, not flu, so we have no reason to believe that our good health will not return in a day or two.
Our quiet celebrations this year ended way before midnight, but we had time to reflect on past New Years Eve’s – the scenario below proves our Guardian Angels always travel with us. During our early fulltiming adventures, my sister Shirley spent many months in our motorhome – in Mexico as well as in the southern USA destinations. Unfortunately this great lady died in Nov 95 after a battle with lung cancer. That New Years Eve John and I enjoyed a special Surf n’ Turf dinner – we followed with relaxation on the couch to listen to Big Band music. We toasted everyone we met over the years – just as we toasted sister Shirley; the light over our head went off and on again. Her spirit was with definitely with us in the motorhome that night, the entire winter and maybe beyond.
Repeat note: The complete selection of our 2007 pictures are finally posted HERE Best to view these as a Slideshow – just hit the ‘X’ at end of each show/gallery and click on the next one.
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OUR QUIET WEEK OF RECOVERY
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES
We spent a quiet few days recovering this week. Since daytime temps dropped to the low 60’s earlier in the week, it made it easy for us to hibernate inside cozy warm with my fireplace. (I know that this is not cold for those in the north but when the wind blows it does become unpleasant here). On the 1st January, even if we were not feeling great we managed to take down ALL my Christmas Décor – it’s not packed away as yet, too cool – thank heavens it has finally turned warm and pleasant. We simply threw everything into our temporary shed – the back of our car. Putting it away will be Sunday’s chore – that is always my catch-up day. This week our house also needs a ‘major clean-up’ or ‘a Sunday Routine’ as we called it in the military. I love to string lights and add lots of decorations for Christmas, but by New Years Day I cannot wait to take it down. Now it is over for another year.
On Wednesday we visited a few places to research a PAINT facility. We need to add a new finish to the lower half of the LUXOR. The wind is pulling the paint off the driver’s side – John says it is because of the wind – I jokingly tell him he polishes it too much. Our 12 year-old classic diesel pusher still looks real great but her few flaws need periodic attention to keep her in pristine condition – this old gal still has a lot of life left in her for sure.
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NEXT EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON - JANUARY 31st
The Club Luncheon (Canada’s Answer to Good Sam) for the last Thursday in January is BOOKED!!!! We haven’t eaten at this super clean attractive place but it comes highly recommended by several Club Members – thanks guys. I will be mailing the flyers out early this week and hope to post them in some parks early next week.
January’s event is at the SUN PALACE BUFFET (Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, Sushi, - I also saw tasty salad choices on their display – over 200 items) 8103 N. 10th ST, McALLEN, TX. Meet at 12 Noon (Alcohol Bar is available). Attendees pay their own meal/drinks on entry – (Replenish your plate at your leisure – No delay for meal service). Credit, Debit, Cash accepted – no cheques. Cost - regular drinks, buffet meal + tax is less than $8.00p/p. Everyone is Welcome – Come socialize with fellow Canadian Snowbirds and with Explorer RV Club members. “Non-members too are welcome”. Why not bring a friend? This is a FUN gathering – a time to socialize with other Cdn RVers! Very minimal intro ref Club facts, plus short comments. Club TV Shirt is the door prize!
IMPORTANT: It helps if we have some idea as to how many to expect. Jan and Feb we will reach over 100. PLEASE let John and I know by phone 850 384 4835 OR by email
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FINAL THOUGHTS
As we begin 2008, our life once again is shaping up to be exciting. I just got word I will be presenting my RV Travel to Canada seminar at ‘THE RALLY’ FOR GOOD SAM in Perry Georgia several times between 14th and 19th March. If any of you will be in that area this is a fantastic rally ‘One-Of-A-Kind-Gathering’ for sure. On their website and in some stores, Camping World Presidents Club members can join Good Sam for $12.00. The day we joined they also gave us a $10.00 coupon to spend in the store. Great deal.
We will leave Alamo Palms the 7 March to head over to Georgia. After ‘The Rally’ we hope to spend a week in Bushnell, Florida so we can touch base with my sister Nancy, hubby Bud and other RV friends. We will then slowly travel north to be home by 14th April. One thing about the RV lifestyle, there is always something exciting around the next bend. No matter where you winter, we wish everyone a good year. Take care P&J
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