SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER (Issue #5 - 31 Jan)

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line HERE...
All Picture Albums can be found HERE...

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TIPS THIS WEEK

TRAVELLING WITH PETS – KOA shared these tips in a Google RV Alert – edited by me for space.

• Ask if the RV Park allows pets on the premises.
• Ask about park's pet rules such as use of pet-pens; or size/breed restrictions; or if # of pets is limited.
• Never lock pets inside an RV without the A/C running or proper ventilation. John and I prefer to use several fans working off our inverter rather than A/C – just in case park power goes out.
• Provide pet with plenty of water. Ours are in their ‘house’ (a cage) when we are gone.
  Never tie a pet to an RV with a metal chain. A power surge or improperly grounded facilities can travel along the chain and injure or kill the pet.
• Check type of metal steps on the RV. Small holes in steps may allow claws to become stuck and cause injury when pets try to free their foot. You may have to cover with carpet for protection.
  
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  I STRESS – ALWAYS READ ALL COMMUNICATION CONTRACTS THOROUGHLY ABOUT ANY SERVICE RESTRICTIONS – CALL SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK QUESTIONS TO VERIFY.
  
  ***Judy from Alberta shared she was using her ‘Sierra Wireless devices for Internet from Telus’ at $99. per month. Her contract stated she had unlimited usage anywhere in North America. She used it last winter in USA and in bigger cities in Northwestern Mexico with great success as far south as Puerto Vallarta. Worked great till 2-days before their recent journey home when service stopped. They called Telus from home in Alberta and discovered that over $18,600.00 (correct amount) in-data calls had accumulated. Apparently Telus no longer included Mexico in their NA plan, but their contract did not state this. Thankfully Telus did waive their charges. Of course the contract she had is no longer available and new ones are much more specific about coverage.
  
  Judy stresses that if you are using one of these devices and are in the Southern US, please make sure you are not bouncing off a Mexican tower, unless you have coverage. It may be wise to keep a record of proof where you used this device if you’re close to Mexico. Several years ago this type of policy change affected John and I with Rogers/AT&T cell phone. At that point Roger’s were charging $4. p/min roaming fee in a small percentage of USA areas – however many restricted areas were in locations where RVers visited such as the Rio Grande Valley. That is when we switched to Verizon.
  
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  ALWAYS WASH ALL POP CANS - regular CANS too. I can’t remember who shared this Serious Caution by email but it is a major concern. Even if the details may be a bit stretched, it is still sound advice that many of us do not follow. I’ve edited it for space. After drinking a can of pop – a lady became very ill – the next day she was in Intensive Care. Unfortunately she didn’t make it and she died two days later. The autopsy concluded she died of 'Leptospirosis' - it was traced to the can of coke she drank from. Tests showed that the can was infected by dried rat urine and hence the disease Leptospirosis. Apparently rat urine contains toxic and deathly substances. It’s highly recommended to thoroughly WASH THE UPPER PART OF ALL SODA CANS - before drinking from them. This applies to regular cans as well. Numerous diseases could be on any can stored in warehouses – none are cleaned before shipping. A study at NYCU showed that the tops of all cans - especially soda cans are more contaminated than public toilets (germs and bacteria). Always wash with water before putting them to the mouth
  
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  PROMOS THIS WEEK
  
  Mark and Don Polk of RVEducation101.com, have added a short weekly post to their informative sister site of RV UNIVERSITY. See #3 - Jan 25, HERE... ***This Week's Journal features... 'Helpful RV Financing FAQ's plus 2 - 'RV Tips - *** #1; Weight Distribution Hitch Tip *** #2; Tires & Load Range Designations on Tires. Plus a variety of more info is in this week’s Post
  
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  TWO INTERESTING FORUMS are on RV Travel– share your thoughts & experiences on RVing in a "CLASSROOM ON WHEELS" while camping with kids. "RVing VETERANS" exchanges information about affairs common to Veterans who also love to travel by RV. Great information, some may help Vets save cash on programs they may not know about.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT - Issue 4 - fm 24 Jan 09

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Full Diary on line HERE:

TIPS THE WEEK of 24th.

Casey passed on another beneficial FREE411 SERVICE at 1-800-FREE411! Just call that number and (unlike goog411) this one can to find business, residential and government listings all at no cost!

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Feb 17th 09 is fast approaching – the date when ANALOG TV STATIONS WILL NOT WORK OFF ANTENNAS. However it won’t be a problem if you have cable or a satellite dish. This excellent story explains Digital TV – High Definition & Blue Ray Technology – Definitely worth a read HERE.

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What’s best - HEATING WITH ELECTRICITY OR GAS??? – Read this complex discussion reference this age-old Question – “Which is the least expensive way???”… by Russ and Tina De Maris Story HERE

Here’s another post by Russ and Tina on “HOW TO STAY WARM IN WINTER”… It features an alternate option to a standard RV Furnace that wastes mega heat through an outide vent. One option may be to consider retiring your furnace and using a localized heat source – either a ‘Catalytic’ or 'Blue Flame' heater – Story HERE

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK shared in an email by Donna ... Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to include PAIN IN A LEFT ARM. Also be aware of intense PAIN IN THE JAW LINE - plus you may never have the first CHEST PAIN during the course of a heart attack. NAUSEA AND INTENSE SWEATING are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep never wake up. Pain in the JAW can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive. ALWAYS call for immediate assistance.

Highlights of a recent second email reference a FEMALE HEART ATTACK include the following symptoms. This post was long so I am only highlighting possible symptoms here. Sensation of major INDIGESTION much like you had rapidly ate a sandwich that was never chewed properly – another sensation was like SQUEEZING MOTIONS racing up your SPINE gaining speed as they continued under the sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when ministering CPR). Next pain gravitated into the throat and branched out into the JAW. Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Even if you are experiencing a false alarm, it’s better to report the symptoms. Sender unknown.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

Mark and Don Polk of RVEducation101.com, also host an informative sister site of RV University. Their weekly newsletter features many short tips. This Week's Feature offers details on a neat RV WEATHER STATION modification - read Journal HERE

Mark also offers 2 RV TIPS – plus how to test your knowledge regarding RV FIRE SAFETY…
***#1: To assist in keeping your WIPER BLADES CLEAN and in top operating condition periodically clean them with some windshield washer fluid.
***#2: When putting your RV in storage add a FUEL STABILIZER to the gas tank. Run the engine and the generator (if applicable) long enough for it to get through the fuel system.

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Short INFO notes from various sources.…
*** See the latest RECALLS OF RVS for December and previous months – www.RV-Recalls.com
*** Since I am very late in posting new show dates on rvliving.net – RV Travel.com lists the 2009 WINTER RV SHOW SCHEDULE for Cda & USA HERE…
*** Does HARD WATER plague your plumbing? Russ and Tiña recommend RVers annually treat all water lines & fittings in your rigs with vinegar. Full story HERE…
*** A simple suggestion on how to clear a CLOGGED BLACK WATER TANK - HERE. Task takes a few minutes to perform and no tools are required.

SERVICES ARE SO REASONABLE IN THE VALLEY issue-3

Peggi Doing what She loves...
(Jan 09)










John doing what He loves...
(Summer 08)








Diary published weekly since 2001
Read the full version of this Diary on line HERE

TIPS THIS WEEK

Norm and Jana shared info about OVERPRICED RX DRUGS – many, even generic Rx, may carry escalated costs. Everyone should always shop around!!! This was a long email so I am highlighting a few tips. Costco is one place that consistently charge very LITTLE over the pharmacy cost for their generic drugs. Their prices are consistent with on-line listings and you don’t have to be a member to buy Rx there. Relay at the door that you wish to use the pharmacy, and they’ll let you in. I am also sure that Wal*Mart, Walgreen's, Sam’s Club and several others also sell at reduced prices. Bottom line is YOU MUST SHOP AROUND!!! Do not buy in the first store you stop. Read the full story on overcharging HERE.

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David shared info about a new VIRUS. Please do NOT open any emails with the subject line "OBAMA ACCEPTANCE SPEECH" or variation of this subject. It contains a Trojan Horse attachment that steals all passwords and user ID’s. Delete the email and all attachments and then go into your Delete File and eliminate it again. Go HERE

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In this week’s Google RV Alerts that I receive each day – a new law signed by the Governor affects RV PARK UTILITY RATES in Arizona. Residents should get a break on amounts parks can charge…Full story HERE

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

RV University is RV Education 101's ‘SISTER SITE’ where RVEd101.com stores a great deal of content for all RVers. They have launched a short and to the point weekly e-newsletter with an RV University theme – this is in addition to the regular RV Education 101 monthly newsletter. Dawn and Mark are aware how much everyone hates receiving weekly e-mail notifications that are nothing more than sales ads. This publication will not fit that outline. "RV UNIVERSITY THIS WEEK" is a short newsletter offering an interesting RV article, tip, trick, video clip or valuable RV advice.

Read their Premier Issue HERE To sign up for your weekly copy plus their regular monthly Newsletter - go HERE and scroll down to ‘Free Newsletter’ on the left.

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FLYING J RESTRUCTURING… Last week I reported that – “many have read info about Flying J being in Chapter 11. I’m happy to relay that Flying J Truckstops are NOT closing”. Full story link explains that Flying J's will REMAIN OPEN AND CONDUCT BUSINESS as usual during the restructuring of their parent companies. Read story HERE...

John H recently sent this update – It’s true that Flying J may not be going out of business, but for the last few months it seems like the gas stations are on a suicide mission. John has been up and down I-75 (Ontario to Florida) three times this winter – he was disappointed to find that the FLYING J GAS PRICES were almost always higher than the competition several exits away. Besides that, their computers are 15 years old and he had to line up inside for a receipt. Here's a tip. On driving days if you'll be passing a Flying J, check prices HERE – FLYING J LISTS IT'S GAS, PROPANE AND DIESEL PRICES FOR ALL STATIONS. This way you can compare gas prices as you head down the interstate. Loyalty has its price – the lowest price!

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Several highlights from this week's RV TRAVEL.COM Newsletter… many more tip/hints were featured.
*** Excellent video of easy day-to-day creative RV HOUSEHOLD CLEANING TIPS…
*** Jaimie Hall highlights a 6-session series (begins Jan 24th) from WORKAMPER UNIVERSITY for RV job-seekers...
*** New CALIFORNIA LAW limits GPS placement on windshield. It's may be illegal to drive with your GPS. Read story HERE...
*** Video on HOW TO DRIVE a Motorhome or other large RV – it’s different than driving a car…
*** RV RECALLS issued for December… (listings are available back to June 08).
*** 2009 WINTER RV SHOW SCHEDULE - I am very late in updating this page on my site. Shows in USA & Cda listed.

LIFE IN THE VALLEY - Issue 2

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Full Diary on line HERE


TIPS THIS WEEK

Dennis shared a cute cartoon of ‘BC and Wizard of ID’ from John Hart Studios

*** THE BEST EXPLANATION TO RETIREMENT – “Whatcha doing today?” “Nothing!” “You did that yesterday”. “I know I wasn’t finished!”.

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Adrienne Kristine writes for RVTravel.com. A week ago, she shared these tips to CONTROL CREEPY CRAWLIES out of your RV.

*** “Take a half cup of petroleum jelly and stir in two heaping teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Smear the goop over every possible opening into your RV. The ants hate it because it sticks to their feet, ditto for spiders and mice can't stand the taste”.
*** “Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the ground around your tires and you'll keep most bugs away”. *** “For mud daubers or hornets, light a sage wand and use it as a smudge stick to disorient them while you knock down the nest.”

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This came from Bill - If you see signs highlighting 501 Service along the highway, this is what it is about. It started in 2005 and they expect the service to be nation-wide by 2010. Brief description is

***What is 511? 511 is the national 3-digit telephone number for travel information. Like 411 and 911, it is an easy to remember way to access important information, in this case info on highway conditions, transit agencies and other important travel information. Only some states are in use. Details.

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Jana and Norm were searching for a GPS SYSTEM that would list RV Campgrounds. They found the ‘MAGELLAN 1412 MODEL GPS’ that includes some KOA and some Good Sam Parks. Although the parks are not all there, nor is it as user friendly while driving as others they tried, it gives enough of the info they wanted.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor, is a well-known RV author and the host of ‘RV Roadtrips’, the DIY Network cable television show.
*** He answers a Q reference if it is a good idea to add utility protection devices such as an external surge protector to protect my electrical system, an external water pressure regulator to protect my water system and an external water filter to clean my water.
*** Of course Gary said “Yes” - but I was surprise when he also suggested adding an ‘HUGHES AUTOFORMER’ to regulate power input in older RV Parks or when a park is overbooked on a weekend. These are not bargain basement in cost but it is very frustrating being in a park with a 30Amp plug when you can’t even run the Micro because power access was so low.
*** Gary’s A. Here...

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Mark Polk explains why he puts WOOD UNDER RV TIRES during storage... HERE

Read Mark & Dawns COMPLEX NEWSLETTER… Order your FREE Rv DVD Offer – ‘The RV Orientation’. The 54 min is packed with info on campground setup, LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. Plus a bonus chapter on RV safety features and some bloopers for interest - a 24.95 value for FREE.

To search their site to see all they have to offer please use our affiliate link. Their Multi-pack BARGAIN PACK Promos on sale HERE…

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FLYING J RESTRUCTURING

Many of us have read info about Flying J being in Chapter 11. I’m happy to say the Flying J Truckstops are NOT closing. Full story…“On December 22, 2008, Flying J Inc. and its Big West refining and Longhorn Pipeline subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filing was made with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
***The scope of the filing is limited to these operations only. It does not apply to other business units or affiliates, or the company's Canadian operations. In all cases, including those subsidiaries covered by the filing, Flying J's operations will REMAIN OPEN AND CONDUCTING BUSINESS as usual. Read Story HERE

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VALUABLE RV BOOKS on RV Living.net – Full details HERE:

A few examples *** U.S. Military Campgrounds Directory-CD-Rom - includes monthly updates; *** Guide to Buying a Used RV (A must if buying a USED RV); ***The RV Book (RV Terminology, components, weights, towing, safety & more); ***Malia's RV Check List - ( 'WHAT-TO-DO' in every Situation); *** Recipes from the Road (Stovetop creations!-Travel Adventures!); & Let's Get Grillin' w/Cooking Ladies - Home Hardware (Canada); *** Live Your Road Trip Dream (Travel for a year for cost of staying home); *** Along I-75; & Along Florida's Expressways - (They turn a Bland Trip become an adventure)

CELEBRATING IS OVER Issue 01

NOW IT’S TIME TO WORK, YUK!!! Post of the 03 Jan 08

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this weeks FULL Diary on line HERE

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TIPS THIS WEEK

I received this email a while ago but it is especially appropriate during the start of a New Year. Not sure who shared it with me, but it is kinda cute… a look at the ‘LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE’.

COMMENTS MADE IN THE YEAR 1955 - 54 years ago!!
*** 'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.'
*** 'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.'
*** 'If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous. NOTE: I did quit when they went to $.35 cents a pack in 1963.
*** 'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'
*** 'If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.'
*** 'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost $.29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'
*** 'Kids today are impossible. Those ducktail haircuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'
*** 'I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in ‘Gone With The Wind’, it seems every new movie has HELL or DAMN in it.’
*** 'I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call ‘astronauts’ preparing for it down in Texas '
*** 'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'
*** 'I never thought I'd see the day that all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.'
*** 'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.'
*** 'It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.'
*** 'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more - Hollywood stars get divorced at the drop of a hat.'
*** 'I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.' *** 'Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Gov’t takes half our income in taxes’. *** 'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they’ll ever catch on.'
*** 'There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha any more for a weekend -- it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.'
*** 'No one can afford to be sick any more; at $35.00 a day in the hospital, it's too rich for my blood.'
*** 'If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it!'

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Cathy shared these tips a while ago – I have NOT tested any…
*** Honey remedy for SKIN BLEMISHES… cover blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
*** Cleaning liquid that doubles as BUG KILLER… if menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets are a pest and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
*** Hunt's Tomato Paste BOIL CURE... cover the boil with Hunt's Tomato Paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
*** Vinegar to HEAL BRUISES... soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

This week’s RV Travel newsletter featured many positive tips and hints – To read more of the good, bad and ugly in the RV Life, go HERE and click on ‘current newsletter’.

Must read info to me is included below…
*** A short video about CHOOSING AN RV GENERATOR by Mark Polk of RV Education.com. See this Video Tip as well as several others.
*** RENT A SMALL NEW RV for as low as $ 24. – p/night from Cruise America beginning in March – worth a look.
*** Want to supplement your travels with WORKAMING? Take a look at a new online 6-session workshop – Workamping 101. Details HERE…
*** MAINTENANCE for RV STEPS – HERE both electric and manual.
*** A new device helps drive your RV in small lanes without hitting or scraping something. Wish John had one in place on the bridge crossing into the USA last Oct when the truck pushed us over. The RV Toy Outlet has the 'LANE SEEKER' on sale for $9.95 (reg $49.95). It looks like a neat accessory that we are considering. See video HERE…
*** I am late in posting the RV SHOW SCHEDULE for the 2009. Until I do you can read them all HERE… This is a super time to buy a new RV!
*** This story was in my RV Alerts this week as well as in the RV Travel.com newsletter. NUWA is no longer going to making ‘HitchHiker, Snowbird, Stow-A-Wa 5th Wheels’. The company stresses it is NOT going bankrupt and will continue to meet warranty claims of its customers. It will complete units in progress and keep the ‘Service Center’ open until at least 2010.

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Last week I provided a link to a Free ‘HOW TO BEAT RECESSION E-BOOK’. Several readers sent me an email thanking me and telling me they enjoyed it - while others felt it was Spam. If you are enjoying it, that’s super – but if you downloaded it and don’t wish to receive more email from the author Michael Green - either ‘black-list’ him or ‘block’ his email. In Outlook Express I simply go to ‘Message’ and hit ‘Block Sender’. It still comes in, but it goes directly to your ‘delete’ folder. At first look, the ebook looked valuable – although the majority were happy, some were upset that I shared the link. I will be more careful what I pass on in the future. If I offended anyone I apologize.