Daily Archives: July 9, 2016

Shades of Gators . . .

Although we have a lot of shade here, we still get a lot of sun in the windshield from noon on through the afternoon.

So I’m thinking about putting my outside solar shades back up. But there’s a problem.

Colorado River A23

Long time readers will remember my constructing my own version of Magne Shades last year while we were out in Arizona.

Magne Shade Dog

I had to go through a couple of iterations to get the right number of magnets necessary to hold the shades in place during strong winds.

I found these very strong Neodymium magnets 1/2” in diameter and 1/4” thick on Amazon that did the trick, although I did have to add some additional magnets later.

Neodyminun Magnets

I positioned the magnets in the solar screen by making slits in the folded over edge and holding them in place with Black Silicone Adhesive.

Magnetic Shade magnets

The magnets on the windshield were held in place using 3M VHB double-sided tape, which really held them in place.

But after using them a number of times last year with no problems, that came to a quick stop with our rig’s blowout in May of 2015. Toward the end of our two month sojourn in Prescott, AZ for the repairs, the repair place broke our passenger side windshield while jacking up the rig.

We had to stay in a motel while they replaced the windshield, but I told them before we left to save the magnets off the old one.

Guess what? They didn’t.

But no biggie. The magnets were not expensive, so I would just order more. But as it turns out, Amazon doesn’t stock them any more.

I did find some other places online, but either they were very expensive, or sold in large quantities.

So now I mulling over a couple of ideas. I’ll keep you informed.

image

Brandi, Lowell, and Landon took in an Astros’ game this afternoon, and it looks like everyone had a good time.

Landon at the Astros Game 1

Landon at the Astros Game 2

When we were down in Key West back in 2009, we noticed that the chain link fence lined both sides of the highway when were were driving through the swamps and marshlands.

Key West Chain Link Fence

So I wondered what the deal was with these signs.

Croc Crossing 4

Do they actually think alligators and crocodiles can climb fences?

Well, as it turns out,  they can.

Florida even has Tree Gators.

Tree Gators

And as far as the whole fence-climbing thing . . .

Yikes!


Thought for the Day:

Don’t worry about walking a mile in my shoes. Just try spending a day in my head.

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