TEXAS WIND-DOWN HAS BEGUN …!!! - Issue 10 from March 7th

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line HERE

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Hi Guys: One thing is certain. The caravans heading north have begun. There are so many empty spots in the parks right now – it looks like it did last November. Between 13-20 departed every day during the past week. No matter where you drive in the Valley, RV’s are on the roadways.

Many Canadian Snowbirds must still be here because notices continue to arrive for the EXPLORER RV CLUB LUNCHEON at the ‘Golden Corral in Weslaco’ on the 19th Mar – if you’ll be in the Valley please join us. EMAIL Guests are welcome. Drop a note for more details – however for planning it’s important we know if you can join us. Those heading out - we hope you have a safe journey.

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TIPS THIS WEEK

More on the ZIP CODE at the gas pumps for Cdns –
As a follow up, Bernie sent this – “I am so excited it worked”. He fuel up at a Shell Station in Desert Hot Springs, AZ and inserted in his visa – when asked for his ZIP Code he entered the #’s in his Cdn postal code (PC) in the exact order plus two zeroes – i.e. his Code is: V8L 4X6 – he entered 8-4-6-0-0. Amazingly it was ‘Authorized’. He plans to test at a different station before he declares it official.

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Bonnie shared this site to identify where an unknown PHONE NUMBER comes from. At this site HERE you simply type in the number that keeps calling you to find details of who the telemarketer is. You can also report a bad number. Bonnie has book marked it for future reference.

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COFFEE FILTERS are extremely useful – buy a 1000 in the $$$ store – 6 tips of 14 are below – more to follow…
1. Coffee filters make excellent covers for bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.
2. Coffee filters are Lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect china by separating your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. If you break the Cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish by balling up a lint-free coffee filter.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

RV SHOWS continue to be extremely popular this year – super savings are waiting for those who wish to upgrade or to get into this fantastic lifestyle. What a perfect Buying Time - if you have access to cash flow? Many shows also feature a wide selection of used units as well. If the one in your area does not include used units, then meet your local dealer and visit them later. US/Cda show listings are HERE - & Cdn HERE…

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There is also no better time than now to purchase Les Doll’s ‘GUIDE TO BUYING A USED RV’. Les explains problems you may not see on your own and also what to look for that can cause potential problems down the road. Read all about it HERE Be Aware before you buy.

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Recent RV RECALLS for January – List is short for January and sorry but February listing has not been posted. – Links to previous recall p/month are listed on the left.

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Very Informative PERIODIC RV NEWSLETTERS you may wish to read…
#1 – ‘Mark Polk’s’ mini newsletter arrives Monday’s – last week covers ***Accurate Tire Pressure Gauges ***Tires *** Why batteries boil plus battery care *** Mark's RV Garage Video Tip – How to improve Fuel Efficiency & more… Read it HERE
#2 – Receive ‘RVEducation101’ monthly blurb HERE – scroll down to RV Newsletter from links on left.
#3 – ‘RVTravel.com’ arrives each Sat HERE. Although this week includes many positive tips and info highlighted below – I detest the latest Gloom and Doom of many RV newsletters (TV news already does that) but the positive input below is worth a read. This recession will eventually turn around even if it may be a bit of a rough go in the meantime. I sympathize big time with those who lost their jobs - try to hang in there for better days ahead.

# a – Russ and Tina De Maris are Boondockers who highlight survival rules for ‘RVing in the Desert’.. HERE
# b – On this Post they offer information reference future ‘Solar Panels’ that will be thin as cling wrap.
# c – In this day and age where many RVers are ‘Repairing or Remodeling RV’s’, this Article by Russ and Tina on “How to repair your RV with putty tape?” may be also be beneficial…
# d – RVTV will not renewed on cable's Outdoor Channel – After 5-yrs, the ‘RVTV Show’ will no longer air on the Outdoor Channel, they did not renew the show for 2009 – Looking for more options.
# e – Gary Bunzer discusses how to deal with mice in an RV HERE
# f – Mark Polk discusses battery care… HERE
# g – Read how ‘Highway Hostesses’ kept US gas stations clean in the ‘30’s HERE