Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 Will Soon Be History

Our beautiful LUXOR won Alamo Palms RV Park Award for BEST Lights - 2008


2008 - One Enjoyable Year - Issue 51.5

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this week's FULL Diary Post on line HERE

TIPS & PROMOS of this issue are posted Below.

Happy Holidays Everyone...Despite a very busy schedule I have managed to add 12 new Dec PICASA ALBUMS plus I have added a few more to previous albums such as the Luxor Décor etc. Take a look when you have some time. All the best for 2009.



TIPS This Week!!!

Many new RVers have set up BLOGS but the URL’s get lost even if we do get a card from each of you. Please add your URL to my FORUM - it’s designed for this purpose. Mary and Rod added their post this week – take a look at what their doing and please add your Blog address. We know many of you have set Blogs up and it would simplify it we all can periodically follow what’s going on in your world too. Try also adding it to your email signature, that helps too.

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Rod shared several tips on CONTROLLING THE SPAM POSTS a while ago. I’ve used a few of his posts in the past - Here’s another. Email that relay, “Send this email to 10 people and you'll see something great run across your screen.” Sometimes they promise something really cute will happen – No, it’s won’t – the same promises continue to circle for years. Ignore threats of bad luck – all email are only words.

Before you forward Amber Alerts, or a Virus Alert, or Urban Legends that seem too good to be true – check them out before you hit forward. Most are junk that's been circling the Net for years! Just about everything you receive that’s in question can be checked out at Snopes.com. Type in topic to find if its a real threat or not – if not, please don't pass it on.

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Bill has a REX-HALL motorhome and he shared this PAGE OF VALUBLE RV TIPS specifically he likes the one near the bottom under ‘Miscellaneous’ ref ‘Driving In The Wind’. The entire list on the left is loaded with beneficial info. Take a look.

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Bill also shared a FREE WAY TO ACCESS AN 800 NUMBER from Google. Worth adding this number to your cell phone, or your home phone’s ‘speed dial’: “1-800-goog411”. It’s an awesome FREE service from Google – great if you’re on the move. Watch video for details.In the example, the search is for a Golf Course number - the voice on the phone asks, "City &State." you say, " Garland, Texas." Next Q, "Business, Name or Type of Service." you say, Firewheel Golf Course." Voice says, "Connecting" and Firewheel answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free! Not sure if it works in Cda.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

I love my Verizon phone and find our family plan very economical. But if you are interested in a PAY AS YOU GO PHONE this interesting article is also from Bill. Go HERE to check it out.

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SPECIAL – “A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR EACH OF YOU”
It's easy to let the state of the economy get you down, but fortunately there are things that you can do NOW to ensure that you still have an exceptional 2009. My friend Michael Green has written a new e-book to help you navigate your way through this downturn – It’s FREE.

”HOW TO BEAT RECESSION -- 101 'MUST HAVE' RECESSION-BUSTING HINTS & TIPS” Normally Michael's toolkits retail for a fortune (his products typically range from $247 to $500, but on this occasion he has been kind enough to offer a copy of his new book for a limited time to my readers without charge - only if you download your Free copy right now!I've read much of this excellent new e-book (haven’t finished it yet) and would guess that even if you implement just a handful of the 101 recession-busting ideas during 2009, you'll be laughing. Download it now from: http://www.HowToBeatRecession.com/peggiandjohn before Michael realizes that he should be charging for these types of ideas!Merry Christmas from Michael, John and I.

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When RVers are travelling it can sometimes be a problem FINDING A HOSPITAL to suit your needs – GO HERE for the answer. I’m not sure who shared this tip.

***First step is to “Find and Compare Hospitals.”.
***Either by “General Search” or a specific problem.
***Next click on the “ZIP code” button. And then Distance
***Next, choose between three hospitals to review data. (However possibly only one or two hospitals will appear, depending on the area) Click the box beside the hospitals you want to check out.
***Scroll down to the bottom, skipping over data on ‘Hospitals Care Processes and Outcomes’ to read “Survey of patients’ hospital experiences.”

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

I SIMPLY LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON


Post from Dec 20, 2008 – Issue 50

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read Full post of this week's Diary ref dances, park events and more HERE


Matt (8 yrs) and Bratt (3 yrs) are ready for the season
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TIPS THIS WEEK

Warning.- New SCAM for drivers. I have received this from Bill and again from Rex. It is long so I’m editing for space. If you see a paper on your back window DO NOT STOP TO REMOVE IT. The ‘bad guys’ want you to get out of your car when you are leaving a parking lot. Instead just drive away – remove the paper later. Be thankful that you read this info. This applies to both women and men – it’s new way to do car jackings (it’s not a joke). Be aware and pass this on.

SCAM works like this - you start the engine and shift into reverse, and look in the rearview mirror when you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the window blocking your view. So, you shift into park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is). When you reach the back of your car, the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money & your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!

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Anne had problems while she was still in Canada trying to determine if herTD DEBIT CARD WORKED FOR CASHBACK. She even called the local Wal*Mart and HEB with NO satisfactory results. Good News Anne: Our friends parked across the street use their TD Debit Card on a regular basis - they take $100 Cash Back frequently at Wal*Mart's in the Rio Grande Valley. We have used a BofM debit card for CB/purchases for over 5-7 years and I have had clerks tell me my card won't work because the card from the next state does not work. My advice is to ask if you can do a 'test'. If you talk to the bank staff in Cda they probably do not know either. We occasionally use our Royal card, but they charge a $1.00 fee transaction – BofM does not and our friends said the TD does not. In reality these days MOST Cards seem to work.

FYI
HEB has reduced their CB to $50. per transaction but I have at times divided my order in 2 so I can take CB twice. Also in our case John's numbers are different than mine are so we have at times taken CB 1/2 on his and 1/2 on mine. I cannot tell you how to verify this info, but all I can say is our friends use their TD Debit on many occasions and we live by CB from Wal*Mart - usually $100.00.

FYI #2, The Cdn $$$ exchange has killed us since Nov. It is a bit better today - only $1.24 but last week I paid as much as $1.36 one day on a Cr Cd purchase. So in closing I would not worry about Cash Back - In an emergency there is always ATM's but I am sure your TD will work.

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Ethel sent this informative website for those in the RIO GRANDE VALLEY.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

It’s time for RV shows to begin. This is a perfect year to buy if your budget will allow a purchase – due to the downturn in the economy many new and used RV’s are waiting for you to drive them away. When it comes to RV Insurance you should ONLY deal with the experts.

In Canada that is WAYFARER RV INSURANCE. They are the RV Experts and in the USA - EXPLORER RV seems to be a favourite. No matter who you are with, just be sure to ask a few Questions. This is a sample but there may be more.

Do they offer Fulltimers coverage? Do they include content insurance for Fulltimers? If an ERS is included - does it include your vehicle plus RV or car plus motorhome? If you breakdown on the highway will they dispatch TWO tow trucks if needed? Do they offer a seniors package and further discounts if you are accident free? Do they have variable deductibles? Are both the Pilot and Co-Pilot insured to drive the rig?

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Topic highlights of RV TRAVEL.COM NEWSLETTER
***Suggested INTERNET EQUIPMENT to stay connected on the move.
***Many RVers flock to warm climates – for those in the frozen north, this video on HOW TO APPLY TIRE CHAINS may help - Go
HERE
***List of EMERGENCY PET HOSPITALS could come in handy. But when Katie died a year ago we found needed info via the Internet yellow pages. Go HERE
***INFO ref CROSSING THE MEXICAN BORDER
. While crossing back from Mexico to the USA in your car or RV, when asked if you have anything aboard that Border Agents should know about, be careful what you say. Don't make a funny joke, like "just my drugs," when referring to prescriptions.
*** Jim Twambly discusses Hearing Aids and Optometry in PT 5 of his series on Mexico medical & dental treatment HERE
***Great tips for those planning to attend an RV show to look for your dream home on wheels.



DENTAL & CHRISTMAS OVERFILLED THIS WEEK


Tips and Promos from 13 Dec 2008 POST Issue 49

Diary published weekly since 2001 -
Read this weeks full post of my Dental services and Decor HERE

See all my Picasa Albums HERE

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TIPS THIS WEEK


Mark Polk of RV Education101.com shared this RV TIP OF THE DAY – “Always inspect the exhaust system on a generator before using it. Never run your generator while you’re sleeping! Even with a carbon monoxide detector. You cannot see, taste or smell Carbon Monoxide. CO2 is deadly!

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A NEW SCAM – JURY FRAUD… From Mary - the caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.

The fraud has been reported so far in 11-states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado. This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the Federal Courts have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud - HERE. NEVER SHARE ANY VITAL INFO WITH ANYONE IF YOU DID NOT MAKE THE CALL.

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Bill shared this… Do you have a PACEMAKER or an IMPLANTED DEFIBROLATOR? If so, do not keep your iPod Ear-buds in your shirt pocket or draped around your neck - even when they're disconnected. A study finds that some headphones can interfere with heart devices if held very close to them. They might even prevent a defibrillator from delivering a lifesaving shock, say doctors who tested them.

Dr. William Merisel, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a heart device consultant to the federal Food and Drug Administration stated “Headphones contain magnets, and some of these magnets are powerful – I certainly don't think people should overreact to this information," However it's smart to keep small electronics at least a few inches from implanted medical devices, and not let someone wearing headphones lean against your chest if you have one.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

SAVE MONEY---LIMITED TIME ONLY JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS The RV Education 101 BARGAIN room is now ready. Click following link below - be sure to scroll down to the BARGAIN Room on the left for a lower price - Go HERE

RV Eduaction101.com has lowered prices on their already discounted bargain sets! Buy something for yourself or your favorite RVer! One such special is – RV SEMINAR DVD 6PACK is now offering an additional $5.00 discount PLUS the Bonus DVD increases the total to a 7-DVD SET.

NOTE: If you plan to search this complex site PLEASE use the link above. This way RV Living.net receives an affiliate fee on every sale.

***To receive your FREE RV Orientation DVD by itself, a $24.95 value at No-Cost (please add $5.95 for S/H) go HERE. Please use this link for the Free DVD and the link above to search the RVED101.com site. This is one of their most popular DVD titles in their library (previously only available to RV Dealers) – RVEd101.com is GIVING IT AWAY FREE. This DVD is 54 minutes long and packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. Mark & Dawn added a bonus chapter on RV safety features along with some bloopers to make it more entertaining. It applies to all types of RV's, except pop-ups.

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Highlights of this week’s RVTRAVEL NEWSLETTER

*** Buy THE ABCS OF RVING FOR $1! ‘Dollar Sale’ this Saturday And Sunday Only!
*** Eliminate HOLDING TANK Odors
*** Replace your RV'S FUSE PANEL with a low-voltage breaker panel
*** Recalls for November RV RECALLS The latest round of recalls on RV’s include Monaco, Prevost, Fleetwood and Winnebago.
*** Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor addresses solutions for LOW VOLTAGE AT RV PARK SITES.
*** BOON DOCKING TIPS on many aspects by Russ and Tina De Mares
*** Flushing and CLEANING YOUR HOLDING TANKS by Mark Polk of RVEd101.com


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Friday, December 12, 2008

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS Issue 48 - Dec 06 post

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read the Complete entry of this Diary on line HERE



TIPS THIS WEEK

This is another tip from Dianne reference ORGANIZING THEIR BATHROOM MEDICINE CABINET as she packed for their Fulltiming experience. Theirs was quite large so she organized like items together into used Nestle chocolate milk yellow plastic containers she had saved from when her granddaughter was little. Their oblong shape sits neatly on the shelves. She marked each one, such as "grooming tools" (nail clippers, tweezers, etc.), "Pet medicines," "Pain Relievers" etc. Now they see at a glance what’s where, instead of a jumble. This was her husband's favorite tip.

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Carol shared this info reference STORAGE OF SPICES from 29th Nov Diary reference the tip re Storing Small Amounts Of Infrequently Used Spices In Film Canisters. As a result of a report she read several years ago, she shares this info – I am passing it on but I have no way of checking it for verification. The use of ‘Film Canisters’ for food items may and may not be recommended. Years ago Carol read some Traveling Tips that recommended using them for small quantities of prescription pills/over the counter medications. Not long afterwards – a follow-up report stated it was NOT advisable to use them for anything that would be ingested. The plastic containers weren't recommended for edibles because chemicals could leach out into the contents. Washing them out did not make them safe. It is your choice.

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Bill shared this warning of a VIRUS for FACEBOOK USERS - HERE. “Koobface wants to be your friend on Facebook” – Don't let it!!! If you accept, you’ll be taken through a variety of links, a Virus will launch – it may also be a security threat. The post is too long to list here but if you’re a Facebook User, you should definitely read this.

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Adrienne Kristine from RV Travel.com newsletter wrote about a neat tip FOR CHECKING INTO A CAMPGROUND. (I edited for space) “This great idea came from Fulltimers she met… In large type, print your name; mailing address and phone number; type of RV; license number and State/Prov; type of tow car (if applicable): license number and State/Prov; any club name(s) such as FMCA, Escapees, Good Sam etc.; and membership number(s) on a half sheet of paper. Highlight the info and laminate the page at a Kinko’s or other copy center. Now when checking into a campground or RV park, hand the ‘card’ to the hard-working clerk so they have all the info needed to get you to your site in a timely manner”.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

RV Education101.com have launched a super Christmas Give Away Promo. Details follow…
They are offering one of their most popular DVD titles in our library (previously only available to RV Dealers), and GIVING IT AWAY FREE. The name of the DVD is "THE RV ORIENTATION." The RV Orientation is 54 minutes long and it’s packed with information on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. We even added a bonus chapter on RV safety features and some bloopers to make it more entertaining. It applies to all types of RV's, with the only exception being a pop-up.

Their thought behind this FREE product offer is that it will benefit the RV Consumer – especially now during the holiday season, and it will benefit RVED101 by showcasing their information packed products which will in turn get their name out to more RVers and let them know about RVEd101’s other educational DVDs and books.

For the Christmas holiday season RVED101.com is offering two separate promotions for the RV Orientation DVD available for a limited time. 1…Get the RV Orientation DVD by itself, a $24.95 value for free plus $5.95 for S/H. OR2…Get the RV Orientation DVD free with the purchase of our set. The RV 6-Pack includes, RV Campground Basics, RV Care & Maintenance, EZ RV Upgrades, RV 6-PACK DVD Safety Features, Tips & Tricks, Deep Cycle Batteries and RV Awning Use, Care & Accessories. The RV 6-Pack Set is a great Christmas gift idea for any RVer.

Please use this LINK to read their many free articles, see details of the 6-PACK DVD SET and take a look at all their great DVD’s, Videos, Books, and e-books that Mark and Dawn have on their website. Using the above link means if you decide to buy any item RV Living.net receives an affiliate fee.

This week’s newsletter and a video about the RV Orientation DVD is available HERE

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NOTE: I received this email last week but when I checked them out on line today I could not see this promotion. You may have to call the number below to check for details…

*** SPECIAL FOR 2009 FLORIDA RESORTS. Stay Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 from $750 for all 3 months!! BOOK NOW FOR FALL 2009 AND SAVE!! Available at some Sun RV Resorts! 877-877-3843

Friday, December 5, 2008

WEEK OF SOCIAL FUN & LESSONS Issue 47 - 29 Nov 08

Diary has been published weekly since 2001
Read the complete Diary Post on line
Here

TIPS THIS WEEK


Tips on how to deal with DOOR CRASHER SALES AND SPAM EMAIL are part of this weeks Newsy Portion. Read all about this week’s experiences. Guess we never stop learning - do we?

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A Newbie and new Fulltimer Diane shared 3-MORE OF HER MEGA PACKING TIPS. She offered many hints after she read my Packing Tips E-Book. This girl is organized for sure.
*** She uses her Food Saver to vacuum pack opened packages of chocolate chips, etc. for travel.
*** Empty plastic peanut butter jars make superior storage for rice, specialty flours, etc. They’re lightweight plus they keep moisture and insects out. She tapes cooking directions to each jar.

*** Diane didn’t want to be without her bread machine. She even makes hamburger buns and pizza crust with the dough cycle. By replacing her original large machine with a small lightweight model she freed up space. The small loaves are a better size for the two of them.

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Al and Kelly shared "An easy way to FOLLOW THEIR BLOG or anyone else's too, or to access a favourite website” – add an Icon on your desktop. Open the website and hit ‘File’ in the top left corner, then ‘Send’. Follow one of the options that open up. If you share the site by email – a formatted email will appear. No more rummaging around looking for the website address.

You can also save to your Favourites, but at times – saves to Favourites can be hard to locate unless you organize that list in folders. Read Al and Kelly’s Blog Here

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

Chris of GEEKS ON TOUR sends a very informative monthly newsletter. A few of this issues video topics relate to members only, but the majority of topics below are Free videos, articles and tips posted for November Here
***Picasa Tip: Moving folders to a USB Hard Drive
***In-Flight Wi-Fi
***Translating Foreign Websites
***Picasa Tip: Automatic Updates
***Picasa Tip: Add a Watermark to your photos
***Picasa Tip: Make your own Photo Holiday Cards
***Wi-Fire Long-range WiFi Adapter
***Picasa Tip: Save Edits and Resize with Export
***Listen to Radio Online


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The RV TRAVEL NEWSLETTER is again loaded. If you’re not a member - a few highlights include…
***Wintering in Arizona and facts about Quartsite.
***Covering up interior damage from water leaks.
***And finding an exact sized special RV Mattress by Gary Bunzer “Do It Yourself RV Care”
***Boondocking Tips about how to easily refilling freshwater tanks.
***Winterizing Tips by Mark Polk of RVEducation0.com
***How to test the accuracy of your campsite's 50 amp electric service by Jim Twambly
***Are you apprehensive of having Dental Treatment done in Mexico? Read Jim’s 2nd post (5-part series) Here.

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Ron and Brenda and Joe each shared the fact that the ‘POSTCARD VIRUS’ is again circulating. Although Snopes says this is a Real Virus, it’s not new and according to them it’s NOT the worst identified by CNN. They say it may do damage but it won’t likely burn up your hard Drive. I just caution everyone to check for Spam in any email with a link – Hover your mouse over the link – if it comes up in the TaskBar with different site than the words on the link, it’s probably Spam or worse. Be cautious if you receive a card that appears to come from a friend. DON’T CLICK THE LINK to pick up that card – instead GO to the website by typing the URL in the Address Bar. Search for the place to add the card pick-up #. One last point, ALWAYS be cautious of any link you are asked to open. Read this full story Here

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Bill receives a VACATIONS TO GO CRUISE NEWSLETTER that he loves – We too receive a copy, but going on a cruise is not in the cards for us this year. Since Cruise prices are very low right now, this may be a good time to add variety to your RV Adventure. Save up to 75% on last minute Cruises at this clearinghouse for Discount Cruises.