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.

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.”

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.