Daily Archives: October 19, 2022
Winter Is Nigh . . .
We got our first real taste of winter yesterday with a high of 55° and a low last night of 43. Then a 66 today and a 47 tonight.
Cold enough to turn one of our electric heaters on for the first time this season.
But after this initial tease, tomorrow it’s back to 81° tomorrow, and days in the low 80’s for the rest of the week.
That’s Texas weather for you.
A while back I posted a photo of this old truck that was parked in the new area of our RV park where the new sites are going in.
It was left over when the previous occupants moved out. And until recently there was a tree growing out by the rear axle.
Several readers suggested that Rob keep it as a yard decoration, and that’s what he plans to do. Not going to do anything to it. Just leave it as is.
If he was going to get rid of it, I was thinking my son Chris might want to take a shot at it.
This is a previous project of his.
It’s a 1977 18 ft. Century Arabian that also had a tree growing out of the hull when he got it. A friend gave it to him, probably just to get it out of his yard.
It took him two years, but he rebuilt it from the keel up, including rebuilding the 351 Windsor inboard drive engine, boring it out and adding a hotter cam.
Besides repairing the hull and completely repainting it, he also reupholstered the interior.
It’s a great ski-boat, but it’s also nice for just putt-putting around the lake.
Not exactly sure where the name “Little Thunder” came from. Maybe “Big Thunder” was already taken?
Just think what he could do with a old truck.
I mentioned a while back about the new epilator machines we’re importing from Poland. I designed the customized faceplate for the units, and I was anxious to see how they were going to look.
The initial shipment came in today and I’m really happy how they turned out. And even more important, my client was very happy too.
Thought For The Day:
Remember when we had to smack the TV because the channel wasn’t coming in clearly?
Sometimes I feel that way about way too many people.
October 19, 2009
A Job Complete…
I wanted to spend the day finally getting the bathroom faucet changed out so we ate a lunch of leftovers.
It took all afternoon and two trips to Lowe’s, but I finally got the old one off.
And, ironically, the Lowe’s trips didn’t help.
It just took a lot of brute force, I.e., a screwdriver and a big, honking hammer.
It turns out all I had to do was just beat the crap out of it.
Finally getting the old one out, I got the new one in and working in only about 10 minutes.
Here’s the result.
The old one was a two handle model that couldn’t be repaired when it started dripping. This one can be fixed.
About 6 pm we headed out for dinner at Ryan’s, dropping off a bag of garbage at the dumpster on the way out of the park.
We got back home a little after 7, ready to enjoy our new faucet.
It’s Still Raining In Elkhart, IN
October 19, 2011
Man the Lifeboats . . .
We seem to be on day 3 of the 40 days and 40 nights of rain. I expect Ark building to commence momentarily.
It’s the Lord, Noah!
Right!
For a real laugh, check out Bill Cosby’s take on Noah and the Ark.
After coffee, and later lunch, I headed back over to the RV/MH Hall of Fame. I think I’m finally on the downhill run on this, and hope to finish Friday, or Saturday at the latest, unless I run into something else unexpected.
Getting home about 5pm I found our daughter Brandi had sent us this new Landon picture. Wonder if he’s also wearing the cowboy boots we bought him?
Nick was head down trying to finish up the latest issue of the Gypsy Journal, so by the time he was finished and uploaded it to the printer, it was almost 8, so we wanted to eat close by. And our choice was King Wha and their great Chinese food. And they were really on their game tonight with a great meal.
Getting back to the rig, the pond surrounding our rig is getting bigger and deeper. If this keeps up we’ll have to break out our waders.
October 19, 2012
The Post Office Does Something Right . . .
Wednesday afternoon I sent off our absentee ballot requests to the registrar in Madison, SD via a Flat Rate Priority Mail Envelope. And lo and behold, it was delivered this morning at 8am.
Maybe the Post Office should just ship everything Priority Mail. Two days from Virginia to South Dakota is pretty good.
We had planned to drive down to the Gloucester area and sightsee. But when we got up about 8am it was pouring down rain and had been for an hour or so. So confirming the weather said it would rain all day, we went back to bed. We’ll try it again tomorrow
Only to wake about 10:30 and find it bright and sunny outside.
WTH?
Oh, well. There’s still tomorrow.
For lunch Jan fixed cheese toast, and then we finished it off with a couple of Cranberry Nut Muffins.
A little later, Charlie Kitchens walked over from a nearby site to say hello. His wife reads our blog and they actually stopped off here due to our blogging, although they thought we had already moved on.
About 3:30 I called the Bass Lake RV Park in Dillon, SC to check if they would have a couple of sites available for us on Sunday night. This will be our stopover point on our way down to Savannah.
It’s also only about 5 miles away from South of the Border, a famous tourist trap since 1949. Never let it be said that we would pass up a place like this. The name refers to the fact that the place is just south of the North Carolina / South Carolina border.
South of the Border does have an RV park, but it’s almost twice as much as the Passport American park right down the road.
We headed out for dinner about 4:30. On our way over to Colonial Beach we checked out the local Moose Lodge to see if they had any RV parking available. There were two RV’s parked there but no hookups, so no such luck.
Our destination for dinner was the Dockside Restaurant, the same place we ate our first night here.
After checking the menu I ordered the Andouille Sausage appetizer with Creole Mustard. Very spicy and very good.
After that Jan and I split the Fried Seafood Platter because we wanted to have room for desert – the Pumpkin Cheesecake for Jan and the Whiskey Glazed Apple Cake for me.
And I’m glad we did. Both were really delicious, especially my Apple Cake. As much as Jan likes pumpkin anything, I think she was gazing wistfully at my Apple Cake.
Tomorrow we’re going to try our Gloucester trip again, so we’ll see how it goes. The weather is supposed to be better, but of course they were wrong this morning so who knows.
October 19, 2014
Good Stuff . . .
Our vehicle count seems to have settled down for now, with today’s count of 181 pretty much the same as yesterdays. We’ve been told that our last remaining frack still has a few more days to go. But we’ll see. Everything always seems to take longer than planned out here in the oil patch.
For the first time since we’ve been at this gate I heard coyotes (the 4 legged furry kind) about 5am this morning. I used to hear them every morning at last year’s gate. They sounded like they were right across the road, and probably were. But I never saw one.
We talked to our son Chris today about his bike trip out west. He and his fireman buddies went all the way out to Monument Valley in Utah. His best description of the trip was “Cold”. Cold on the bike, cold in the tent.
I finally remembered to ask one of the computer support guys for the password to the rig’s Wi-Fi network. My Verizon data signal here is sometimes iffy, so hopefully this will help.
For dinner tonight we had more delicious food from Ama’s catering. Frack Food, as we call it. This time it was really good Beef and Cheese Enchilada’s with Rice and Beans. And one more thing that made it even better.
This past spring when we were orbiting back and forth between the Lake Conroe Thousand Trails and the Colorado River Thousand Trails, we met up with Greg and Lynette McHenry. And somewhere along the line Greg McHenry gave us a jar of his homemade hot sauce. Well, as can happen, the jar was put in the refrigerator and slowly worked its way to the back, while we were dealing with all of Jan’s breast cancer stuff.
But recently Jan was trying to clear room in the frig for all the Ama’s we’re getting and came across the jar of hot sauce. So we’ve been using on all the Mexican dishes we’ve been getting, including tonight’s enchiladas, as well as the fajitas a couple of nights ago.
And this is some Good Stuff. Really good, as in ‘Greg should bottle and sell this stuff’ good. We’re really sorry we didn’t find this earlier. Of course we would have already run out by now.
So, never mind.
October 19, 2015
Lights and Sheets . . .
Another quiet day, even apparently for the frack up the road. The water guys weren’t around, the frack pond pumps weren’t running, and the big blue hose was flat.
Since they just started fracking last Monday, I doubt they’re finished up, but probably just switching over to the second hole. Neither of these wells are as deep as any of our three were, so they might possibly be finished up next week.
Other than that, we had some tankers coming in hauling out water, and some other trucks hauling out some other stuff.
Later in the afternoon, I started filling our water tank from the well hose. I tried hooking up the hose directly to the rig, but with only about 20psi, it didn’t work out very well. So every week or so I just fill up our 500 gallon tank. Of course with the low pressure it takes two to three hours to top it off.
I’ve noticed a number of y’all still buying the Striped QUEEN Sateen Sheet Sets we mentioned a while back. We came across these a year or so ago and bought two sets.
They’re still very soft, with no pilling or wearing, and they still look great. They come in 9 different colors, and even better, they’re inexpensive (cheap). Only about $25 per set.
Several readers had asked me about how I liked the new Camco Bright White Light LED Bulb that I got for our shower after the old one burned out and blew a fuse.
After a little over a month it’s still working great. One thing I’ve noticed about this one is that there’s been no fade. Many LED lights, especially cheaper ones, tend to dim noticeably during the first few months. But I measured the output of this one when I first installed it, and then again a couple of days ago, and found no discernable difference. The same goes for the LED Strip Lights that I use as fluorescent bulb replacements.
And speaking of the LED strips, I mentioned a couple of days ago that I was going to use these strips to replace the 4ft fluorescent tubes in our kitchen when they died.
And of course, today die they did. At least one of them did, and they won’t work with just one bulb. So I dug into my storage bin and discovered I only had five strips.
I decided to do just a quick and dirty hookup until I could get some more strips. I had planned to use four on each side, but five would have to do for now.
After cutting the 12v wires going into the ballast, I wired up the strips using wire nuts. Like I said, quick and dirty.
I then used clear packing tape to fasten them to the diffuser panel. And when it was all closed up, it looked like this.
Based on the light output, the five strips shown here are brighter than the tubes they replaced. So I’ll just add one more strip when I get some more in. Although the point source effect of the lights doesn’t bother Jan or I, when I get the new one, I’ll stick them to the top of the fixture using the furnished adhesive tape, which should diffuse the light even more.
I didn’t get to my laptop repair today because I couldn’t find one of my two soldering irons. I did find both of my soldering guns, but they’re too big for this fine work. I guess they must both be out in one of the bays, so that’s where I’ll look tomorrow.
October 19, 2016
Gas Buddy Lies . . .
Today being a travel day, Jan was up about 7:30 while I slept in until 8:30. Since I always get my shower at night, this gives Jan time to get her shower and then get dressed.
While Jan got the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuits ready, I started the coffee and then went outside to stow some more things away.
It had been foggy earlier and the dew was on everything, including this spider web covered in dew drops.
Pretty neat!
We were hooked up and on our way a little after 11. Friend and Park Ranger Barbara Spade even got a picture of us hitching up before we headed out.
Our first stop was at the halfway point, which turned out to the Buc-ee’s near Luling for Kolache’s for lunch, and Cranberry Nut Muffins for breakfast tomorrow. Oh, and also a large Coffee / Cinnamon Buns / English Toffee Cappuccino for me and a small Coffee / Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino for Jan.
Then a few miles past Luling, we turned south on SR 80 for the last 60 or so miles. I was actually going a few miles out of the way to make a diesel stop at the Stripes Truck Stop coming into Karnes City, rather than cutting directly over to Kenedy.
The trip down SR 80 was smooth and scenic . . . until we got to the last 20 miles or so. Which consisted of two 10 mile long one lane sections. We had to wait for a pilot truck to lead us through each 10 mile stretch, but that wasn’t the real problem.
That was the fact that that had the pavement completely torn up for repaving, and we were just driving on dirt and gravel. And because they were watering the dirt and gravel to keep the dust down, we arrived at the Lone Star RV Park #2 covered in a hard coating of brown mud.
I wanted to top off our tank before we parked for several months, and Gas Buddy said that Stripes had diesel for $1.96 a gallon, noticeably less than the $2.08 – $2.09 at the nearby stations.
I checked Gas Buddy again this morning and it was still $1.96 this morning as well. But when we got there about 1:30, it was now $2.08, but I was there so I filled up.
But to further rub my nose in it, when we actually got in Kenedy, the HEB had diesel for $1.94, and Gas Buddy didn’t even list it at all.
Some Buddy!
After we got parked, I called Nancy Christian, the park owner, to let her know we were here and what site we were in. Then a couple of hours later she showed up at the rig to ‘officially’ welcome us and give us a folder with all the park info.
She said to see how things are going to work out and then we’ll settle up. According to the info packet, the rate is $500 per month which includes electric, Wi-Fi, DirecTV cable with HBO, and a free laundromat.
Not bad at all.
After supper I emailed Todd to let him know we were here and ready to go. He said we’ll get together tomorrow for an hour or so at the local McDonald’s to go over things.
So hopefully we’ll be up and running soon.
October 19, 2018
Got The Last One . . .
Wanting to get a really early start, we were up at 6:00 and pulling out of our site at the Seasons In The Sun RV Park in Mims, FL at 7:30am
Sunrise was 7:27am.
We circled through the propane fill-up area to hitch up and were pulling out on the main road a few minutes before 8. We were on our way so early for two reasons.
One, with all the hurricane cleanup workers in the area, it was dicey as to whether or not we would be able to get a site at the Beaver Lake RV Park in Quincy. They don’t do reservations and it was first come, first served.
Two, if we didn’t get a site here, it would be another 130 miles to a park in Holt, FL.
We hit a few rain squalls between Mims and Jacksonville, but nothing for very long. An then it was clear and sunny west from Jax. And with temps in the low 80’s, it was really comfortable, even cool enough to turn off the dash fans for a while.
We were about 40 miles out of Jacksonville before we started seeing any hurricane damage, but it was mostly downed trees out at the tree line, none of which looked like they would have ended up on the roadway.
I called the Beaver Lake RV Park (with neither a lake nor a beaver to be found) when we were about 20 miles out and was told that they had one site left, but it was still first come . . . well, you know.
We pulled into the park and I ran into the Marathon station to see if the site was still open. I did notice that there was a work truck parked at the entrance to the RV park area, but didn’t see anyone around it.
When I got inside I got the last site, paid the fee, and also bought Mega-Million tickets for tonight $1 Billion drawing. Coming back out, a 5th wheel pulled past our rig and up behind the work truck.
Turns out that the work truck and the 5th wheel were together and apparently didn’t know that they were supposed to check in at the Marathon station, and instead, were wandering around the RV park beside the station looking to check in.
So we really lucked out.
For dinner tonight we had the Sonny’s BBQ that we picked up yesterday morning just for this meal.
Tomorrow we have a short 188 mile run to Robertsdale, AL. Riverside RV Park is right off I-10 with an easy in-easy out. It really didn’t make sense to make the 40 mile round trip down to the Escapees Park since we’re only staying one night.
We had a fantastic time seeing everyone again. Long-time friends, Carol and Charlee, Bill, and Monica. We won’t wait for another ten years to come down here again.
I told Jan that there was only one thing that could have made this visit better. She asked, “What?”
I said, “Two more weeks.”
Then she said, “Yeah, but it still wouldn’t have been enough.”
And that’s the truth!
Now for the Recap:
Wednesday, Oct 17
There was a Atlas-Centaur launch from the Cape scheduled for about 12:15am. Checking I found the launch streaming online, and as soon as I heard ‘Ignition’, I went outside and scanned the trees, not knowing what I would see. But then rising through the tree limbs, I saw this.
It was a couple of minutes before I heard the deep rumble, more like distant thunder echoing on for several minutes.
Nice but not nearly impressive as the Shuttle launch we saw when we were here in 2009.
With that one you actually felt the physical ‘push’ when the sound hit you a few seconds later.
For dinner that night we made a second visit to the SeaShack up in New Smyrna Beach. Just as good as the first time.
Later, coming back to the rig we decided to check out Frisbee’s Ice Cream Stand. In the daytime it looks like this.
But it’s even more impressive at night.
Jan got a delicious Pumpkin Parfait, with Caramel and Pecans,
while I got the Coffee. Both really good.
BTW the name of the place, “Frisbee’s’ is not named for the flying disc, but it’s the name of the family that owns and runs the place.
A neat place.
Thursday, Oct 18
First up this morning we drove into Titusville to pick up a to-go order from Sonny’s BBQ to have Friday night after we’re back on the road.
After sitting around talking for a while, we headed up to the Daytona Beach area. Jan and I were up here several times when we were dating, but except for the Speedway, there was nothing really recognizable to us.
Our first stop was at Hankster’s Hot Rods, a classic hot rod / muscle car showroom / museum.
Now that’s a engine – A 426 cu.in. 425hp Hemi.
Pretty much all the cars here are for sale, with prices ranging up to $70,000. So if you’ve got the bucks, that Hemi ‘Cuda you were drooling over when you were 16, could be yours.
I mean, the Mega-Million’s is up to $1 Billion tonight.
Finishing up, we checked out a Chinese place, the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffett, just down the road from the Daytona Speedway. Really good, and one of the largest selections we’ve ever seen.
October 19, 2019
Up In Katy Landon/Dogsitting Most of the Day
while Brandi, Lowell, and Lowell’s sister and parents all went to a family wedding.
L to R. That’s Lowell’s sister Sherry, Lowell’s father, Lowell’s mother, Brandi, and Lowell.
Later in the afternoon Landon, Jan, and I all headed up Mason Rd for a few things at the HEB and then supper at Chick-fil-A.
Tried to get Jan to stick her head in the scarecrow, but she wasn’t having any part of it.
So since we didn’t get home until almost 10pm, this is all you’re getting for today.
See you back here tomorrow.
October 19, 2021
Twin Peaks, Again . . .
Jan and I had lunch at Twin Peaks once again, with Jan getting her usual Spicy Chipotle Chicken, with a cup of Tomato Basil soup.
Since they still haven’t brought back my Venison Chili with the Wedge Salad, I had the Green Chicken Chile and 1/2 a BLT, with Sweet Potato Fries.
Delicious as always, and of course there’s the nice ‘scenic views’.
The last week or so I’ve made good use of Amazon’s Next Morning or Same Day Delivery options.
Last night a little before 11pm I placed a order that said it would be delivered this morning between 7am and 11am. It showed up a few minutes after 6am.
Then this morning I placed an order a few minutes after 10am, that said it would be delivered between 2pm and 6. It showed up about 3pm.
Very nice!
