tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43397518267685607132024-03-05T18:34:34.736-06:00Happy Kansas CamperThis is the trials, tribulations, joys and challenges of our truck camping experiences.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-89982759529060327252015-05-16T16:21:00.004-05:002015-05-16T16:21:40.517-05:00Hero Truck Camper Saves<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Saturday morning the residents at the end of the
cul-de-sac woke up to a disturbing emergency. Mr. and Mrs. Gish had a family
breakfast to attend at 9am across town and there was no hot water. Their
2006 Lance 1030 Truck Camper rushed to the rescue by providing hot water and
safety for morning showers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-NvBVF-lazXHPPF6n7WZguVubmBHPq0luyq7HsV1BKZmWL2idbPC0Mf_DzBa_GT-s9nue1s-9BUtvXh0Qv4-ZiCwHO0hrBmU8LlAr8FyquqUgJGocKvGqTCQm-5t8QCbyWVLO7YBBS4/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-NvBVF-lazXHPPF6n7WZguVubmBHPq0luyq7HsV1BKZmWL2idbPC0Mf_DzBa_GT-s9nue1s-9BUtvXh0Qv4-ZiCwHO0hrBmU8LlAr8FyquqUgJGocKvGqTCQm-5t8QCbyWVLO7YBBS4/s320/IMG_3581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“I was beside myself,” Mr. Gish said when prompted
for a statement, “I just could not go to breakfast without a shower and a
shave. It would have been too embarrassing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">During the night, the aged water heater in the home had sprung a small
leak that let all the hot water out. The offending unit was located next to a
drain, which contributed to the success of resolving the emergency. Later
inspection revealed little to no damage to personal items or property other
than the water heater itself. The offending water flow was terminated at the
outer wall of the basement. Arrangements have been made for a new unit to be
installed Monday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“I need to drive down to the local camp ground and dump the tanks,” Mr.
Gish conveyed “then we can boondock in the driveway until Monday.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Gish seemed unphased by the whole event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Thanks go out to the truck camper once again for making a family
emergency seem like a non-event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-56062274473714052192015-05-14T21:07:00.000-05:002015-05-14T21:13:54.704-05:00Graduation WeekendWe took a little trip of about 180 miles so I could take a little walk and pick up a piece of paper. Saturday the 9th I walked across the stage at commencement and picked up my Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance degree from Kansas State University - Salina.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-f3Q_HQBastu2huriChzRob_mlb8nbKBGJrOwNlZgIs7Tc_Ni_ImhRbxpJuB9sSQfWcWhs6GV5F0J5WbGdlB5i5Qs4QmY5hGOQSgIQiVzF0F8YAfdek4AQHqNTOK8InbMH2qMvfVVs/s1600/IMG_4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD-f3Q_HQBastu2huriChzRob_mlb8nbKBGJrOwNlZgIs7Tc_Ni_ImhRbxpJuB9sSQfWcWhs6GV5F0J5WbGdlB5i5Qs4QmY5hGOQSgIQiVzF0F8YAfdek4AQHqNTOK8InbMH2qMvfVVs/s640/IMG_4083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I headed out first thing Friday morning to make a 1pm commencement practice. My mom went with us as it was Mothers Day weekend and her birthday. I am the first of her kids to earn a degree. It was great to be able to bring her along. Reservations were made at the KOA in Salina, Kansas. I booked a deluxe cabin for my mom and a 30amp site for our truck camper. Debbie joined me late Friday night after work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKf3XwMoaxWjqRFXtkWxbB9XS0Nu76VNt6NX1_KiPS9lS1REhuCpzewgDzf0nl4evHS6xd6kogqgxCLVqtV30jM2o4BE58PyJpwAdxaWp-okkY_RlJITMach-bhZepfC54MSR2ajOHU/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKf3XwMoaxWjqRFXtkWxbB9XS0Nu76VNt6NX1_KiPS9lS1REhuCpzewgDzf0nl4evHS6xd6kogqgxCLVqtV30jM2o4BE58PyJpwAdxaWp-okkY_RlJITMach-bhZepfC54MSR2ajOHU/s640/IMG_4131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The campground has been continuously managed for over 50 years. I lived there for two years in our fifth wheel camper while I attended school. The owners are wonderful, easy to get along with and will do anything to make your stay enjoyable. It is at exit 252 on I-70. I would highly recommend it if you are passing through.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGdAI0avm6T0Mc6s3wxnMir061KPELwpxCCQbb3w1oHqvzaIYiWuww2ieV2VCf8U7Ewcp9hdOrVN3Jo-stX_QLI5-EIBFpQH7uZMkr54HNmSZxmhTbuStRoxBnMP33PjCK1ljZc0gd_M/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGdAI0avm6T0Mc6s3wxnMir061KPELwpxCCQbb3w1oHqvzaIYiWuww2ieV2VCf8U7Ewcp9hdOrVN3Jo-stX_QLI5-EIBFpQH7uZMkr54HNmSZxmhTbuStRoxBnMP33PjCK1ljZc0gd_M/s640/IMG_4132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6mEvAxWb9wdkQFnjhZAyVQVgcoB32Pe2WqMSi4QGyux1hsyKR70sm7fvqoqKE88HBoC_1j4yUtcSHZs6cdo10E6fCcIMddDMMWMn0l0ruRM8SGFFCql8NsZEdRtTUREqIRZZ9eDQiqU/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6mEvAxWb9wdkQFnjhZAyVQVgcoB32Pe2WqMSi4QGyux1hsyKR70sm7fvqoqKE88HBoC_1j4yUtcSHZs6cdo10E6fCcIMddDMMWMn0l0ruRM8SGFFCql8NsZEdRtTUREqIRZZ9eDQiqU/s320/IMG_1298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXzCbDXOgf_hz7ooF2aC572Va60wyfYg6KAh-Q9Op8W_Vq05xsP4ttzEdGmqAdYm5mabDjvVxqIBNG8cLy35vf0yYq0gm5rfqqTfdPnhNdbWkAZLSRDlRy0T2fjtDFOGeM9ozcZuRLIA/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXzCbDXOgf_hz7ooF2aC572Va60wyfYg6KAh-Q9Op8W_Vq05xsP4ttzEdGmqAdYm5mabDjvVxqIBNG8cLy35vf0yYq0gm5rfqqTfdPnhNdbWkAZLSRDlRy0T2fjtDFOGeM9ozcZuRLIA/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCF-sHsqAeplNUckL8jPuZ0FATiZ-we48OCAWo05ViSueut1N1wniIHj1bT5iRPmd9eypzQh2lauOwJ7m0wR_jux_hwbeaOF6x6mDDMLOBV6-yyFXFqm7lTISxMUzPEtYPWHAzlRWgo/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCF-sHsqAeplNUckL8jPuZ0FATiZ-we48OCAWo05ViSueut1N1wniIHj1bT5iRPmd9eypzQh2lauOwJ7m0wR_jux_hwbeaOF6x6mDDMLOBV6-yyFXFqm7lTISxMUzPEtYPWHAzlRWgo/s320/IMG_4128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkmq55cZZvlSoRvAthoqD3IXGiwXMUrjot5_Y26t1j066Dgp9f5cQacPFRUVcbjhI-PVgqcexI3hut-sZL9tuJqbOYEBd2ohrjDG5XM3PH53126NIUWJo3e6lpRGozaPoyu__gX1l3Lo/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkmq55cZZvlSoRvAthoqD3IXGiwXMUrjot5_Y26t1j066Dgp9f5cQacPFRUVcbjhI-PVgqcexI3hut-sZL9tuJqbOYEBd2ohrjDG5XM3PH53126NIUWJo3e6lpRGozaPoyu__gX1l3Lo/s320/IMG_4127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdWNMkkx6LFEmj48TtFxrPqpdtbgbr0MRImOwhaNAMPPwH0trWdLveett9pH0CwVPKgGPJirrZffNmPl49N1xxL1beRaYJpjjFVgmyUxohJgFmH5H1ljrE-wFxSdblIZsuEHPlM9kljY/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdWNMkkx6LFEmj48TtFxrPqpdtbgbr0MRImOwhaNAMPPwH0trWdLveett9pH0CwVPKgGPJirrZffNmPl49N1xxL1beRaYJpjjFVgmyUxohJgFmH5H1ljrE-wFxSdblIZsuEHPlM9kljY/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Across the road from the KOA is the Central Kansas Flywheels Museum. It is worth a visit. This is a video I made during an open house event they had while I was staying there. If you like antiques and old tractors and such it has some neat rare WORKING steam equipment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1L4lGCDXEyA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1L4lGCDXEyA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I spent two years in taking classes, then finished my requirements online over the last two semesters. We had fun seeing old friends and catching up with my professors. The fifth wheel got sold when I moved back to Olathe. We just had no where to store it and no plans for any immediate traveling. We just picked up this truck camper last month. We really missed have our get away home. We have lots more adventures planned. Friend us and check back in to see what we are up to. Here's a hint... we leave for Florida in about 6 weeks for a two week trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-60623141166898009272015-05-14T06:36:00.000-05:002015-05-14T21:13:13.983-05:00A Weekend at Hillsdale Lake<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOzEXdiqqOn2LhhAVw84desLpPhIkx1h1YcxlrKsoZ8gsOQgU_6BwEO5glf4RvNq7ZKplT1LYQl0r7TqfmKd9sUFMiENkcUo2eiG6PTQr1uANKPUZl-GissUFEMoGFsmxfbOb3rGyKYU/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOzEXdiqqOn2LhhAVw84desLpPhIkx1h1YcxlrKsoZ8gsOQgU_6BwEO5glf4RvNq7ZKplT1LYQl0r7TqfmKd9sUFMiENkcUo2eiG6PTQr1uANKPUZl-GissUFEMoGFsmxfbOb3rGyKYU/s640/IMG_4057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This was actually two weekends ago, I have been so busy I am just now getting around to putting this post together. We packed a few goodies into the camper and made the 30 minute drive down to the marina at Hillsdale Lake. We found a place right in front to back into and proceeded to stealth camp for three days. Off the grid baby, yep, boondocked. We had heat, running water, cold beer and hot food in-between rain showers, boat rides and fish catching. You can see the dock where our boat is parked through the trees behind our truck camper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l2TWYPUgQV8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l2TWYPUgQV8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
The first night we had an awesome sunset that Debbie captured for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX98nE0llfSBCB-op5KaXwcHvQbKrES-IVvOjtuhkGMfw9YZv1ROZ7bpCHlDkRZRBsrcQoQcvKXuMuSwfVt6mTVO84-HwCuQn9vsIGkyPAQjl0_oYh6DgOugPET2avtaZT6Q2sjf8DvY/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX98nE0llfSBCB-op5KaXwcHvQbKrES-IVvOjtuhkGMfw9YZv1ROZ7bpCHlDkRZRBsrcQoQcvKXuMuSwfVt6mTVO84-HwCuQn9vsIGkyPAQjl0_oYh6DgOugPET2avtaZT6Q2sjf8DvY/s640/IMG_4058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning I made breakfast after a bit of morning fishing.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1629992163"></span><span id="goog_1629992164"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJwZ5SJ8cOqvf2BiW_bis1E7z3A3Ty6uIZPo7cXzmNFJtzp3ruVYgzvqbbXhphHEYTQ2TtxsM7rku69AXxaoyQpzb89K7YBtNn7ZjTqbKeJTLw0zVLx1jb7knkzA7sTs_lcXGb2TkQ4w/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJwZ5SJ8cOqvf2BiW_bis1E7z3A3Ty6uIZPo7cXzmNFJtzp3ruVYgzvqbbXhphHEYTQ2TtxsM7rku69AXxaoyQpzb89K7YBtNn7ZjTqbKeJTLw0zVLx1jb7knkzA7sTs_lcXGb2TkQ4w/s640/IMG_1255.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The fishing was not spectacular, the rain and storm system kept them spooked the whole weekend. I did end up catching a few, two White Bass, two Drum, one Walleye and one Crappie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPL4KzP4K3JRQOor9wxyn9xmMp6g1a-hMA3HmSm9YGQH1xT65rPeIWDJ5pnrpXthPzsyAJ8PW61kELfwz6gU_u_hQ0MHZzjFrEY6w61eMygKfE6DnRif9OrPI8yc4YxA8MsWoOTDE03A/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPL4KzP4K3JRQOor9wxyn9xmMp6g1a-hMA3HmSm9YGQH1xT65rPeIWDJ5pnrpXthPzsyAJ8PW61kELfwz6gU_u_hQ0MHZzjFrEY6w61eMygKfE6DnRif9OrPI8yc4YxA8MsWoOTDE03A/s640/IMG_4063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3Oi_mDRcpd87h_S0SsTrsIk41yyTML-ks5Kvz5-g2O11SKOoVs1nYp7dQ8XmGt_Og9YnvyFkKPqxnCvwmYPpfTPlhQGcUus1dHxqr8358R3rLgLQdzHqo6LRLGVNs8-K5cg84DYRwqk/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3Oi_mDRcpd87h_S0SsTrsIk41yyTML-ks5Kvz5-g2O11SKOoVs1nYp7dQ8XmGt_Og9YnvyFkKPqxnCvwmYPpfTPlhQGcUus1dHxqr8358R3rLgLQdzHqo6LRLGVNs8-K5cg84DYRwqk/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was the first weekend we really got to get the boat out and it ran great. We had some work done to it in the fall and are glad we did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvvFyDHoKxHQlasuCbElndtmMhfojm63FmtrLOhGbuDZixVcVzsR8AthTQMtQnmjuMh4Vf-c105v9XM8xL6U7jdXpgm7v1rcqhwGgMLvOPyof5wdnyz1wlzEGHpz9PeifD_xNcFoVF28/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvvFyDHoKxHQlasuCbElndtmMhfojm63FmtrLOhGbuDZixVcVzsR8AthTQMtQnmjuMh4Vf-c105v9XM8xL6U7jdXpgm7v1rcqhwGgMLvOPyof5wdnyz1wlzEGHpz9PeifD_xNcFoVF28/s400/IMG_4069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday we stopped at K&M BBQ in Spring Hill, KS on the way home from the lake. The Deluxe Dinner with ribs, brisket and sausage filled the bill for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv4rg1oZAgeclQNa3IULuJZtfERM7uNWX1qqfkTTIltPxLCEL91CpmJdoAAiPdOqoX807YTt7F9NlgPM4qP9Cov4W15kdra73q6zoHx9hiuvSMDG4ylZOrRz0CALkOqeOf6Cn1daqAPk/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv4rg1oZAgeclQNa3IULuJZtfERM7uNWX1qqfkTTIltPxLCEL91CpmJdoAAiPdOqoX807YTt7F9NlgPM4qP9Cov4W15kdra73q6zoHx9hiuvSMDG4ylZOrRz0CALkOqeOf6Cn1daqAPk/s400/IMG_4068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-63782340945896321912015-05-03T21:53:00.000-05:002015-05-03T21:53:19.011-05:00Parkville Microbrew Fest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s9vn1xM8DjOp0HabMmX_hXOYmputFzxOi9qbX16DT7brDRO0jc72YzJ4ELVe9L-5pLGvRxHxBevNNwgr67vfgCoW2MCtTsC4llBnHhoxJwH3YOerfoP5QJE_g9rMk87XFywNqWJZHVw/s1600/cropped-2015-parkville-microbrew-fest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s9vn1xM8DjOp0HabMmX_hXOYmputFzxOi9qbX16DT7brDRO0jc72YzJ4ELVe9L-5pLGvRxHxBevNNwgr67vfgCoW2MCtTsC4llBnHhoxJwH3YOerfoP5QJE_g9rMk87XFywNqWJZHVw/s1600/cropped-2015-parkville-microbrew-fest.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I belong to a microbrewers club. We call ourselves the Johnson County Brewing Society. The majority of us live in southern greater Kansas City. We are home brewers who get together and share ideas and recipes. April 25th we participated in the annual Parkville Microbrew Fest. The event was located at English Landing Park situated on the Missouri River in downtown Parkville, Missouri. Our club provided and served 9 kegs of beer at the event. The event invited almost 100 brewers, commercial and individuals to showcase their wares for the general community.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA58yO1j0hFAO12szkhT_qSF4z4MFplyN7j4IUnjRTc7KhmufKd-WS8rKNUkItmVJrTBCl9e0SeuqszwWHgGAxsT9xsMw5MdpVqdcuF32iIZ3H4CkmnTUGiVF1KUrOhem8hoErjQGNops/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA58yO1j0hFAO12szkhT_qSF4z4MFplyN7j4IUnjRTc7KhmufKd-WS8rKNUkItmVJrTBCl9e0SeuqszwWHgGAxsT9xsMw5MdpVqdcuF32iIZ3H4CkmnTUGiVF1KUrOhem8hoErjQGNops/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Over 1000 people bought $35 tickets to sample beers for four hours on a Saturday afternoon. The event was a wonderful success. We had a couple spits of rain as the gates opened but for three hours the sun shined and fun was had by all.
I provided the club hauling services for the Jockey boxes (mobile tap units), supplies and kegs. We decided to take the truck camper as well as it provided a "no line" clean restroom facility for us to use. We had about 12 members show up and help pour our special offerings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/IfQAzCdRmaU/default.jpg?sqp=CKy6m6oF&rs=AOn4CLBXPPnSAyM8UUpfbEYvdfXk75jUfA" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfQAzCdRmaU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_507330604"></span><span id="goog_507330605"></span><br /></div>
Check out the video of our fun and camaraderie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1h-8SZKTA7takM95jVqjVXNmSQKVAcEdVp2oHPg0v3owxKRpe_amoA55APea3uru3VZybL4-6XggCzCzXqdw2mLjrSopzNWE3Qoz7uFXoYRHfiKHzdI4jL75_wb6wmzjmy5V_0H0dIw/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1h-8SZKTA7takM95jVqjVXNmSQKVAcEdVp2oHPg0v3owxKRpe_amoA55APea3uru3VZybL4-6XggCzCzXqdw2mLjrSopzNWE3Qoz7uFXoYRHfiKHzdI4jL75_wb6wmzjmy5V_0H0dIw/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwG5TS3rnNO-mp6euFb4clkho5zMDsKzmYuyUjXOqVGdIVOfSG6hBZmyQhmdI_o2FhP-nkP0SvYI8kTiNfN4371AAtCaqVMeOulQ3RbL9MsJ78p-Y9XjZqNYB8GorHrcUowpCW0030po/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwG5TS3rnNO-mp6euFb4clkho5zMDsKzmYuyUjXOqVGdIVOfSG6hBZmyQhmdI_o2FhP-nkP0SvYI8kTiNfN4371AAtCaqVMeOulQ3RbL9MsJ78p-Y9XjZqNYB8GorHrcUowpCW0030po/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBoh8jfbvcwBgNF69bf28aLpIwKiACGhIG7zB_iRWTBIo5QbR4tJ3cIVsMdcNvckXRY3Opu1OcduEY3HUX3L4S79qWI_9nMmSQbSKbBB39h-1JBRWeEK4OlRYT0ApauKYL1bPUyJY1Sg/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBoh8jfbvcwBgNF69bf28aLpIwKiACGhIG7zB_iRWTBIo5QbR4tJ3cIVsMdcNvckXRY3Opu1OcduEY3HUX3L4S79qWI_9nMmSQbSKbBB39h-1JBRWeEK4OlRYT0ApauKYL1bPUyJY1Sg/s1600/IMG_4028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A fine crew put on a highly successful event for us. Thanks to all those who participated!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0Olathe, KS, USA38.8813958 -94.81912849999997738.6836668 -95.141851999999972 39.0791248 -94.496404999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-87503941905821109192015-04-20T06:05:00.001-05:002015-04-21T18:49:42.952-05:00Wasp Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was out puttering around the camper the other day and saw a wasp hanging around the vent on the water heater. I thought to myself "that guy is looking for a place to build a nest". A couple days later I found him and a small nest started in the corner of the opening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhQI-noef_olG2hBUrDRd-qnC_wQP1LbEu_Ff_9bZ4wqLaG4vlaE0h8W17viEK-JlCRWSdn8JXBBCC-yxODj5jFJslU5DId9sVTO86ipu_fHSKrBvraFpZ3Z6BcQLHcAeTdx2pfo1qfs/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhQI-noef_olG2hBUrDRd-qnC_wQP1LbEu_Ff_9bZ4wqLaG4vlaE0h8W17viEK-JlCRWSdn8JXBBCC-yxODj5jFJslU5DId9sVTO86ipu_fHSKrBvraFpZ3Z6BcQLHcAeTdx2pfo1qfs/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
He had helped himself by squeezing in these tiny louvers in the door.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggscvnjMSC7hkRzNXL7W4df4HTkjyvcdalLeZXvcTvWElcw-1vouryJSrjeKuDK4USPgTNMsyyLQu72KJFAtU6l28hsc5gt35jxR4lAcWwcDwaS_UgKQfduYlmdSTHnynXoXr1mUGXwtQ/s1600/IMG_3738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggscvnjMSC7hkRzNXL7W4df4HTkjyvcdalLeZXvcTvWElcw-1vouryJSrjeKuDK4USPgTNMsyyLQu72KJFAtU6l28hsc5gt35jxR4lAcWwcDwaS_UgKQfduYlmdSTHnynXoXr1mUGXwtQ/s1600/IMG_3738.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgJiKL4eYXFN6t_Ixf7ycVRYi9mw-9yFpGHSI6-Y8EBssY1Yt-tqE5fj56cPinXA0Z9qF0PJrBsfm9U0MxCaUri-awHYr2de3GLvsWBP-UKYkRS4apDosjdElTTUintGLAjuZU3kW63A/s1600/IMG_3739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgJiKL4eYXFN6t_Ixf7ycVRYi9mw-9yFpGHSI6-Y8EBssY1Yt-tqE5fj56cPinXA0Z9qF0PJrBsfm9U0MxCaUri-awHYr2de3GLvsWBP-UKYkRS4apDosjdElTTUintGLAjuZU3kW63A/s1600/IMG_3739.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XbAUfU3P-YwAycOYtvnBUBphqpjFea1z7Dzi__V6QoVFlC4nWtTGxpJZ4R8ypH4xjq_zNj5E3-FLUZKahHnPcjutDvHv-SaHvmeW26bxRsu1k1ce1RRdsAJaH0XYcpgi0Te96c_ZZAU/s1600/IMG_3741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XbAUfU3P-YwAycOYtvnBUBphqpjFea1z7Dzi__V6QoVFlC4nWtTGxpJZ4R8ypH4xjq_zNj5E3-FLUZKahHnPcjutDvHv-SaHvmeW26bxRsu1k1ce1RRdsAJaH0XYcpgi0Te96c_ZZAU/s1600/IMG_3741.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hapkancam-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005VQ2HWM&asins=B005VQ2HWM&linkId=V3G3OOMC7EVSNEUM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hapkancam-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005VQ2HWM&asins=B005VQ2HWM&linkId=V3G3OOMC7EVSNEUM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe></a></div>
My solution was a piece of cheap aluminum screen. I bought a roll of screen from Home Depot for about $6, it was the smallest repair screen they offered.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xhdfg8XjLaC7_85yBDG-BRMgYrzWL4HRApsP_sdpijgfFcy1l-MzzfZvBkfUv1efGKX2WJ4GHukQ102zY89-tgcZNerHCR9vV0sjcUPAqA90mBDrCX8R7cn7AY1BG7r31f9hBQSqZJ0/s1600/IMG_3742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xhdfg8XjLaC7_85yBDG-BRMgYrzWL4HRApsP_sdpijgfFcy1l-MzzfZvBkfUv1efGKX2WJ4GHukQ102zY89-tgcZNerHCR9vV0sjcUPAqA90mBDrCX8R7cn7AY1BG7r31f9hBQSqZJ0/s1600/IMG_3742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hapkancam-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000FW2NB2&asins=B000FW2NB2&linkId=ZVGQ7VSPFOYCIGRA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hapkancam-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000FW2NB2&asins=B000FW2NB2&linkId=ZVGQ7VSPFOYCIGRA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=hapkancam-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000FW2NB2&asins=B000FW2NB2&linkId=ZVGQ7VSPFOYCIGRA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I used RED high temperature RTV because this door will get very hot and any other silicon will break down and fail.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhddF9fiE7tyVp2rkXQ2Ipy0nfdQ9NAYox0Sip8zOE7vk6iGFthhpsG8rNzRYMq2Yg6f-x85L2kS1-OcqXSl2Xlj1lv7J25R5Od15IndQJ6fDezppfd9ETKaPixdbQLlKOX3799hma4E/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhddF9fiE7tyVp2rkXQ2Ipy0nfdQ9NAYox0Sip8zOE7vk6iGFthhpsG8rNzRYMq2Yg6f-x85L2kS1-OcqXSl2Xlj1lv7J25R5Od15IndQJ6fDezppfd9ETKaPixdbQLlKOX3799hma4E/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: right;">I made and outline with tape, then make the inside box. I cut the screen down to fit inside the white line. I then took the inside masking tape box off in one piece and centered it on the screen. I held the screen in place with one hand and applied the RTV with the other until I had a nice glob all the way around.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_ezqeghc4-yJBmWdbE8I3MAo3N0lE3bdJ-UqEi0wSF-HfnIAcKFeUB89mIVviNNUT_n4hOx63GJm4DsM2z2haY7oiZW3N3MzJqPaTFw4s_6-qRqmJND3rmfKgyW0-7tohc6JHN9zEUA/s1600/IMG_3748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_ezqeghc4-yJBmWdbE8I3MAo3N0lE3bdJ-UqEi0wSF-HfnIAcKFeUB89mIVviNNUT_n4hOx63GJm4DsM2z2haY7oiZW3N3MzJqPaTFw4s_6-qRqmJND3rmfKgyW0-7tohc6JHN9zEUA/s1600/IMG_3748.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I timed a one hour wait before I pulled the tape off. In retrospect I might only wait 30 minutes next time. The RTV had dried too much and wanted to come off on the tape. Razor cutting the edges did help get the tape off. The wasps will not be making next in our water heater any longer and no holes in the door to look at.<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cBk6yp-1ct4%2FVTTa5myIcQI%2FAAAAAAAAAtc%2FnSaXBBkk2Fg%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3741.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XbAUfU3P-YwAycOYtvnBUBphqpjFea1z7Dzi__V6QoVFlC4nWtTGxpJZ4R8ypH4xjq_zNj5E3-FLUZKahHnPcjutDvHv-SaHvmeW26bxRsu1k1ce1RRdsAJaH0XYcpgi0Te96c_ZZAU/s1600/IMG_3741.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-27929293523881619232015-04-12T22:06:00.001-05:002015-04-12T22:06:19.916-05:00Dewinterization of the Lance Truck Camper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzXHAbWexOwU68Pk-Ge7kLkZorCeRRrwF0I2BpZ9sbup9a6pUsCKtU0qKXwGKARKjcerHXWHI_ho9JOvP5tXmnz9GO4m_7JGOHuWDXQsph9x-sRleJtx079SHV87iU5X8Secvh8imSx8/s1600/9305_10206194215032000_8398582499584676969_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzXHAbWexOwU68Pk-Ge7kLkZorCeRRrwF0I2BpZ9sbup9a6pUsCKtU0qKXwGKARKjcerHXWHI_ho9JOvP5tXmnz9GO4m_7JGOHuWDXQsph9x-sRleJtx079SHV87iU5X8Secvh8imSx8/s1600/9305_10206194215032000_8398582499584676969_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday brought a nice day to be outside and get some work done on the camper. I dewinterized it by flushing the water system and filling the tank and lines with fresh water. I also installed two new Trojan brand Group 27 AGM batteries. One in the slide out battery tray and the other is located in the optional generator compartment. The original owner did not include the generator option, instead deciding to have storage the storage. Somewhere along the way two extra batteries were added to the system along with the solar panels and 3000 Watt inverter. I had Trojan brand batteries before and they lasted longer than I owned the unit they were in. I was very happy with them.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Ix7oeaPCQjPYpcKx3UZLRJftvTsCIrJQ3dMiBh88EmehWPqkGap9gJF-u8FitPFZ3uAP_y32etOZR5NNp6yQpLt6lav-kBYtEh4WU6aNdQtQ4K4WLe_swBfDbd5s0Ry1LOHGfZ-1SQ/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Ix7oeaPCQjPYpcKx3UZLRJftvTsCIrJQ3dMiBh88EmehWPqkGap9gJF-u8FitPFZ3uAP_y32etOZR5NNp6yQpLt6lav-kBYtEh4WU6aNdQtQ4K4WLe_swBfDbd5s0Ry1LOHGfZ-1SQ/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVys-VvROUAvN9sW9eSW2EixLEjzkBJh4WuR8khW-8tIJq0MFcgBehXpjE0Yhp-fA8IDfCfiiL7i7nvHdc1QNd6rFFBtzS51hVDXmFECH2ZQZQDiC1v4sIBTfq-Glgx5TzJMOY6DHaWxc/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVys-VvROUAvN9sW9eSW2EixLEjzkBJh4WuR8khW-8tIJq0MFcgBehXpjE0Yhp-fA8IDfCfiiL7i7nvHdc1QNd6rFFBtzS51hVDXmFECH2ZQZQDiC1v4sIBTfq-Glgx5TzJMOY6DHaWxc/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The interior checkout went well, all water faucets work and are leak free. The bath features all work like new. The fans are fantastic and the windows all work. The foam seal around some of the windows is old and deteriorating but I believe I have found a replacement product I can install myself. Lowes has a 3/8 x 3/16 weather stripping that should work perfect, only they did not have it in black. I may need to order it online to get the color I want. I will do a post when I undertake that project.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61IDqWZ9DI1rsFmrgAWtC3Bsv2HrZIlbVbZfAlarwc944SosAdz-SUdGJaqKoenwH2r54tyeSWZdzDDl0avQuY_dmdPRqyUUDehBZ-BrQ8PyV7E6u3OuDqLvpUQDotHvMWLgsjt_jW_g/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61IDqWZ9DI1rsFmrgAWtC3Bsv2HrZIlbVbZfAlarwc944SosAdz-SUdGJaqKoenwH2r54tyeSWZdzDDl0avQuY_dmdPRqyUUDehBZ-BrQ8PyV7E6u3OuDqLvpUQDotHvMWLgsjt_jW_g/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The water heater and all the gas appliances fired up just fine. The microwave worked when plugged in to 110 volt power. the power and water system monitoring station systems all seem to be working like they should.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GyNbQVQMP5hqOFmJDtTftB5yWkna7oDp0VjO_kpHxr-67bUBc-aPmcsG1gkF7fie5bXPg5KBPoYPCts5B_XD5PwnM2Bv8pY07eTB8uVoNpgl_SoLfSM6TDVSnAjxLB5LPt1A240zbSY/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GyNbQVQMP5hqOFmJDtTftB5yWkna7oDp0VjO_kpHxr-67bUBc-aPmcsG1gkF7fie5bXPg5KBPoYPCts5B_XD5PwnM2Bv8pY07eTB8uVoNpgl_SoLfSM6TDVSnAjxLB5LPt1A240zbSY/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizIaZibdy6NqpsNg9t37nI8MLtBr9vguC2mYv3gLoEwlOsIOAE1mEJl0Ggewk5ar0tkQb8xZ2GA2G_ZzPpxJWt4t2sIg-tYE0HIcxpA3LgFxKhzB3a51vGCyMBmgNMkNAnrPkBfwzxXU/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizIaZibdy6NqpsNg9t37nI8MLtBr9vguC2mYv3gLoEwlOsIOAE1mEJl0Ggewk5ar0tkQb8xZ2GA2G_ZzPpxJWt4t2sIg-tYE0HIcxpA3LgFxKhzB3a51vGCyMBmgNMkNAnrPkBfwzxXU/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I examined every gas connection I could find and all were checked for leaks and tightness. I hooked up an external propane tank and chilled down the refrigerator. I also ran the refrigerator on shore power for a while and the electric side also worked great. There was a wasp hanging around while I was working that gave me the notion to plug some entries. I went to Lowes and picked up some screen to make covers for a couple of vents that could be trouble areas. The vents behind the refrigerator and water heater are notorious places wasps like to build nests in. The screen project is on my list to do sometime this week.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsP6513HqW84hU1PwqiJhDLXtWMMpSItjoNJk14Dd5kjKRczbRdABTJk5ZqBf3JY_2ljaj4Mpb1YynsKQ5oXMnhPplFNt-xy1Qc68qxb6PWcjIPl6VFt6iQ1ROyBXoHZqabQ9CwJ2EsM/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsP6513HqW84hU1PwqiJhDLXtWMMpSItjoNJk14Dd5kjKRczbRdABTJk5ZqBf3JY_2ljaj4Mpb1YynsKQ5oXMnhPplFNt-xy1Qc68qxb6PWcjIPl6VFt6iQ1ROyBXoHZqabQ9CwJ2EsM/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOQvpLMirXmtVldQbLpdJ4H-p62FaOIpRTQu3bTRo_RLhmJbPKaUphQ3LKxPSrF92lmt6xQONDwQvcj1ZMSddlkbqvxjHiG8-vtrbOjJIdrKvuUiik5wjDig1IehCd9wggK650QFJov4/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOQvpLMirXmtVldQbLpdJ4H-p62FaOIpRTQu3bTRo_RLhmJbPKaUphQ3LKxPSrF92lmt6xQONDwQvcj1ZMSddlkbqvxjHiG8-vtrbOjJIdrKvuUiik5wjDig1IehCd9wggK650QFJov4/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday was also brew day at my house. I am a home brewer. I brew beer in five to six gallon batches in my basement. Today I made a basic India Pale Ale, one of my favorites. It will sit in the carboy and ferment for a week or so, then I will transfer it to another carboy, add more hops, and let it enjoy another week or so of secondary fermentation. This will mellow it out and really make the hops pop on the pallet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal-S8giKwwBhuMoM8AOmPxikTC33cjLUfDo7iaUSu7wLiSOPykaybLWXJY26NfDnn4cOfgRjJ4IlrQDtHUT5DuJvyOikqITFAm6iabrA5Eb6dXb8nJur1vyrsK0Fg8-VDktKlRlQFTt4/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal-S8giKwwBhuMoM8AOmPxikTC33cjLUfDo7iaUSu7wLiSOPykaybLWXJY26NfDnn4cOfgRjJ4IlrQDtHUT5DuJvyOikqITFAm6iabrA5Eb6dXb8nJur1vyrsK0Fg8-VDktKlRlQFTt4/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqwwPqYyRUyxjznYyeWsdsxwLtS968EAsrOXv8v5xSuy1f8BZsVFcfhz8fBRWMLEjeoOD3xhXyX713WSYVpsvAcyGz5aKrXQ-7oWyHVJ_woCIcRM38C5CIwt0FdyAtd3ouBaaNIvGtv4/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqwwPqYyRUyxjznYyeWsdsxwLtS968EAsrOXv8v5xSuy1f8BZsVFcfhz8fBRWMLEjeoOD3xhXyX713WSYVpsvAcyGz5aKrXQ-7oWyHVJ_woCIcRM38C5CIwt0FdyAtd3ouBaaNIvGtv4/s1600/IMG_1808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiLt6nFpca9cdtb7t-RCES5l9k8jDn1xfHT-3wT7bNidYO6FC1HF_YnWUI9twoPto9UU0J9UUFvjuRcVM2D2L_VDhcZQPv_yxpar0MYiJPAk4l5L5vRVkvy3t6tPnu4UzxYh6h_Dl_v0/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiLt6nFpca9cdtb7t-RCES5l9k8jDn1xfHT-3wT7bNidYO6FC1HF_YnWUI9twoPto9UU0J9UUFvjuRcVM2D2L_VDhcZQPv_yxpar0MYiJPAk4l5L5vRVkvy3t6tPnu4UzxYh6h_Dl_v0/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-75257834250384117712015-04-06T17:39:00.004-05:002015-04-06T17:39:54.317-05:00Spring Launching of the Boat<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is finally that time of year again. Time to peal the winter away and bring our 22 foot Aqua Patio pontoon boat back to life.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileUDVOozmddYi0_vQhEt_WZghURqqRgVkWT2U7ZJVN4PswhuifQgahDvhCB33gB2AyE_k9PumQaLNrbvSWViF-0Ayk2FMuH4z7LS1cw887MOdYKqXsrV2ZYnoqKxqYDFZVVxYXLgDkrM/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileUDVOozmddYi0_vQhEt_WZghURqqRgVkWT2U7ZJVN4PswhuifQgahDvhCB33gB2AyE_k9PumQaLNrbvSWViF-0Ayk2FMuH4z7LS1cw887MOdYKqXsrV2ZYnoqKxqYDFZVVxYXLgDkrM/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I rose early for a Saturday <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and began checking off a mental list of things to do in preparation to launching the boat. I knew the boat battery would be dead so I had charged up the backup unit. I also new the trailer had two flat tires so I had obtained an extra air bubble in addition to the small portable air compressor. I had unloaded the truck camper Friday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">night and still needed to install the truck tailgate to ensure these items remained in place during the trip. I spent the better part of an hour loading up for the day. Nephew Woodie arrived mid morning and we piled into the pickup truck and headed towards Hillsdale Lake.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnZmBiLDxxafMKMVtCvb2AP9_ouEfp5WIe85zke28Kn2yGG35CQ4wt6gZNUQjVk_lS3pdaSxxpZOLHaSEJQN3p33Od0MapQ6dUCDWqmKBiguLKmdnr8ILcadOL8U9zfM-xlAMh-GY7No/s1600/IMG_3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnZmBiLDxxafMKMVtCvb2AP9_ouEfp5WIe85zke28Kn2yGG35CQ4wt6gZNUQjVk_lS3pdaSxxpZOLHaSEJQN3p33Od0MapQ6dUCDWqmKBiguLKmdnr8ILcadOL8U9zfM-xlAMh-GY7No/s1600/IMG_3681.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDAII2QB2MuaRYcrmLHqs3Kb2n1rrIAyQ-mU2q3SCvpr5reP4TIYYij-liK-skhwcy-dyzfOdh4qeCSdUDqgFzaIQ3ZL8Hs0ITTMewB5B7j6PSYcu_WJJaW6VVtsZBhCNKAC9u5v-BTA/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDAII2QB2MuaRYcrmLHqs3Kb2n1rrIAyQ-mU2q3SCvpr5reP4TIYYij-liK-skhwcy-dyzfOdh4qeCSdUDqgFzaIQ3ZL8Hs0ITTMewB5B7j6PSYcu_WJJaW6VVtsZBhCNKAC9u5v-BTA/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We stopped at Lake-n-Dale and ate Pancakes and Sausage until we were bloated. Then we pushed on to the lake. The boat had survived the outdoor storage none the worse for wear. The first order of business was to check for power and ultimately installing the backup battery. With power assured I turned to the two flat tires. The first took air and rose to the occasion. The second was not so cooperative. The ten year old tire had given up the ghost. The sidewalls were cracked clean through, the air escaped as fast as it went in. A new tire was going to be required.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-oQF__t5d48U1T857bW0pmLggXWsvbAsnCz0XQuWBtFGFviqeOCL8MJcEaC97T-eJEvjq3oNkJOww0rQWwDmGlvmDOOUoRCVfAfxh02ZScyrPXLCoQFdQuqk0I4doDnEPXfBPywXgnw/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-oQF__t5d48U1T857bW0pmLggXWsvbAsnCz0XQuWBtFGFviqeOCL8MJcEaC97T-eJEvjq3oNkJOww0rQWwDmGlvmDOOUoRCVfAfxh02ZScyrPXLCoQFdQuqk0I4doDnEPXfBPywXgnw/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtSaoAc-yXXdIXi6m0wJQFz3Bc-lbfH3547KGZ6Jh7IV_zEBEvAGcmH74A5XgiGt9x6M0Hdn5xFOCuHj9IJaceZmVAMQ55lNo3AM7eSXJ8PutfKoO9DRp3h3wOZLetqmu9KxRrMk4Xf4/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtSaoAc-yXXdIXi6m0wJQFz3Bc-lbfH3547KGZ6Jh7IV_zEBEvAGcmH74A5XgiGt9x6M0Hdn5xFOCuHj9IJaceZmVAMQ55lNo3AM7eSXJ8PutfKoO9DRp3h3wOZLetqmu9KxRrMk4Xf4/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Debbie got on the phone and started calling around looking for a tire. Walmart and Tractor Supply were no help. Big O tires in Gardner saved the day and came through with a new tire. We headed to town. They were fast and friendly, our experience was great. I must recommend them. We will be buying three more tires later in the summer as they all are 10 years old.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiAUe4FXVAu22RwYxTPqq7_IjnSKysx-t1M_jr7nQ1pE6zt63khI5ZAknLJkJeh0T32Ey_sP0CN_WMaElRt9EWgO6SUFteWbDGUYziV2klqNxG98dfZm3Y_t2oL5EH7BSF_9qmTgaZ8/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiAUe4FXVAu22RwYxTPqq7_IjnSKysx-t1M_jr7nQ1pE6zt63khI5ZAknLJkJeh0T32Ey_sP0CN_WMaElRt9EWgO6SUFteWbDGUYziV2klqNxG98dfZm3Y_t2oL5EH7BSF_9qmTgaZ8/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMGJOlCSN7VPZMYfOuvU2MxF2IhYUS8SyzUgOExbsIvh3y_7I8ZUPea6uowoI_703iuqx4RqGZNk_nLxFn8Jnk0gVdlZX9Wy1kb7aJ7mtGL1MYyoSbbeH4E6DOTukZHjvREmiHGTq7K8/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMGJOlCSN7VPZMYfOuvU2MxF2IhYUS8SyzUgOExbsIvh3y_7I8ZUPea6uowoI_703iuqx4RqGZNk_nLxFn8Jnk0gVdlZX9Wy1kb7aJ7mtGL1MYyoSbbeH4E6DOTukZHjvREmiHGTq7K8/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Returning to the lake we had the tire on in short order. Woodie assisted by installing the lug nuts. I tightened them up. We removed and stowed the boat cover, hooked up and headed for the boat ramp.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm_vrmq4DCP26YtdGjdqfmhv08tm_quBO2L_OkH6Gu5GHO0_1MIoc7L_CxS6qJJIXbL2XbHJGhFs7tOh23rztk2GLGnrYdPKrM1FWbyXHVHPRW71V8SXPNotl1GOS7Jjbrf3diDpIpf4/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm_vrmq4DCP26YtdGjdqfmhv08tm_quBO2L_OkH6Gu5GHO0_1MIoc7L_CxS6qJJIXbL2XbHJGhFs7tOh23rztk2GLGnrYdPKrM1FWbyXHVHPRW71V8SXPNotl1GOS7Jjbrf3diDpIpf4/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We rent a slip at the marina boat docks year around. The cold icy winter months find our boat in open storage behind lock and key, the summer enjoying the warm summer waves. The weather was a bit cool so the first trip around the lake was cut short but warmer days will show up shortly.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ-ndH1JyH0iyNWn07mwwMA3KCvXa5NGBkadQVCnU2AN-TTbRcDJyIMEHAgTACm3InlKSUdaF1CP7QpDTyBMTxAVxjIyzpE4CZzF05tgIbr3QzEKbjAttb8en5TVSkpxAJoyfHR4Jx3M/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ-ndH1JyH0iyNWn07mwwMA3KCvXa5NGBkadQVCnU2AN-TTbRcDJyIMEHAgTACm3InlKSUdaF1CP7QpDTyBMTxAVxjIyzpE4CZzF05tgIbr3QzEKbjAttb8en5TVSkpxAJoyfHR4Jx3M/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We can’t wait to bring the truck camper down and spend some time. Fishing, floating and relaxing during the days, camping and enjoying the day’s catch in the evening is in our future. The camper is self contained enough we can boondock from the parking lot next to the docks.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfRPop5y3rGd7YC5_UyaogvnMdTocggE8dtBquV8VmPIs22s6FV_OdEgE3TOLg33u4ssaa-NWtRy88-UXiWYKlX9bX9Gs3pskWfbwnHuCMVuf_z1PjhzNNUtirDWHP7H8XsyG4Rh0_yk/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfRPop5y3rGd7YC5_UyaogvnMdTocggE8dtBquV8VmPIs22s6FV_OdEgE3TOLg33u4ssaa-NWtRy88-UXiWYKlX9bX9Gs3pskWfbwnHuCMVuf_z1PjhzNNUtirDWHP7H8XsyG4Rh0_yk/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Stormy weather the next week and busy days will keep us from the camper. I have made arrangements to pick up two new Trojan brand Group 27 Deep cycle AGM batteries for the camper next weekend. I have a sneaky suspicion I have a slight gas leak somewhere to track down. The gas alarm goes off when the unit is locked up and the windows closed for any length of time. It quickly resets when I open the door and let fresh air blow in. I have made arrangements to get it into the shop on the 20th for an operational inspection. In the meantime, I will keep fixing things that I can. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-61093357206619581842015-03-29T20:26:00.001-05:002015-03-29T21:07:43.009-05:00Catching up... We are Happy Kansas Campers again!<div class="MsoNormal">
Time flies when you are having fun. The old saying we have
heard for years on end has proven itself again. It has been years since I last
put an entry on this blog. I am at a new place in life and we (not I) are
starting another adventure. The urge to write bug has bitten again due to more
than one reason. Let me briefly fill you in on my whirlwind life the last four
years and catch you up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo4GQ8unj_HKqqyuoGF728lovcGx9L0RC87oaLvgCohwGW2JhUZgJ6YizmadewXtmVSMPai1-6Rz40WuIHtDTTAP5Kq8geiL0jxHRww1YGX5C_8SG78O07LMEAGXEhyphenhyphenAcTchJGXEVirY/s1600/323243_4125648377199_2016914417_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo4GQ8unj_HKqqyuoGF728lovcGx9L0RC87oaLvgCohwGW2JhUZgJ6YizmadewXtmVSMPai1-6Rz40WuIHtDTTAP5Kq8geiL0jxHRww1YGX5C_8SG78O07LMEAGXEhyphenhyphenAcTchJGXEVirY/s1600/323243_4125648377199_2016914417_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFadnDW-p9gQUdbs9TKSQQSti-ibq_uoAHhwrf1MBQJpB2zGybuiCQLQSJlRN4H-pkQxiH2pFA-FY2XTutyezdSH2nuswmtje2QGwbnoZh3Ak3kiWH5xpd4pEifXskV400cgicWyQl5lE/s1600/291673_4203076632857_1183736240_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFadnDW-p9gQUdbs9TKSQQSti-ibq_uoAHhwrf1MBQJpB2zGybuiCQLQSJlRN4H-pkQxiH2pFA-FY2XTutyezdSH2nuswmtje2QGwbnoZh3Ak3kiWH5xpd4pEifXskV400cgicWyQl5lE/s1600/291673_4203076632857_1183736240_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last you knew my camper had been damaged in a hailstorm,
repaired and returned to service. In the fall of 2011 I began dating a young
lady who caught my eye and we hit it off. Debbie is a teacher and in the summer
of 2012 we had the opportunity to take a six-week vacation, meeting up with
family in Orlando for a week of fun. We had half heartedly looked at 5<sup>th</sup>
wheel campers a while and one day we stumbled upon an immaculate 2006 Keystone Laredo.
We traded the 1998 Lance truck camper for the Laredo and took to traveling. We went
straight to the east coast, spent some time on the Space Coast and St.
Augustine, Orlando, eventually making our way to Pensacola for a week of fun.
In August of 2012 I started college at Kansas State University in Salina,
Kansas. I lived at the KOA in the Laredo and was quite content. I commuted home
every other weekend, Debbie commuted from Kansas City. We traded weekends
making the 400 mile round trip. In June of 2013 we were married. I took the
camper and went to Lincoln, Nebraska for 10 weeks for an internship over the
summer. Debbie came with me. In May of 2014 we bought a home, I finished my program at K-State
and came home to Kansas City and went to work. We decided to sell the Laredo in
June of 2014 rather than let it sit and rot as we paid storage on it. Extended
travels were not in our near future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k8iTony_Tz7LqHPsGdX3ddnAGKHgifLnnTFhjviFFE9gpL_SarsVTGUle6WmpZr8EwiUqTQvtnWH61ON0DqQsDucax8Hb5pJRI3vm6AOjXQUl42zs_v43xMLQfOjChbDwtJ5eC-uYOY/s1600/2012-07-30+19.38.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k8iTony_Tz7LqHPsGdX3ddnAGKHgifLnnTFhjviFFE9gpL_SarsVTGUle6WmpZr8EwiUqTQvtnWH61ON0DqQsDucax8Hb5pJRI3vm6AOjXQUl42zs_v43xMLQfOjChbDwtJ5eC-uYOY/s1600/2012-07-30+19.38.56.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We never wanted to sell the
Laredo but logistically and economically it made no sense to keep it. Debbie
often perused the Craigslist ads and began hinting that maybe a truck camper
was what we needed. It could stay on the truck all the times in the driveway.
We could use it for quick getaways on the weekends. We could also slip down to
a nearby lake and campground where we have a pontoon boat in a marina slip and
spend the day and night when the fish were biting. She was planting seeds; I
was skeptical. One day she found one she seriously wanted to look at. We drove
40 miles to look at a Lance on an RV lot after the dealer told us it was still
there. As we drove in a couple was digging around in it, they were the new owners. A little more searching craigslist ads turned up this unit in Valley Falls, Kansas. We made the two hour journey to see it and negotiated what we feel was an excellent deal.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMM6FIPNRaaT6508yXvuxLJg1nr2LakqVuQ3boaT-FdS2pKoCIPvx_X1CTZV4R8vZgdaix7IGlvCzhDLMZt2FdAq7aQnCZwRHKsvR16hwvqClyM3Id9r-IgvaDZ6Mh1oGQfBtDLWBsruI/s1600/9305_10206194215032000_8398582499584676969_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMM6FIPNRaaT6508yXvuxLJg1nr2LakqVuQ3boaT-FdS2pKoCIPvx_X1CTZV4R8vZgdaix7IGlvCzhDLMZt2FdAq7aQnCZwRHKsvR16hwvqClyM3Id9r-IgvaDZ6Mh1oGQfBtDLWBsruI/s1600/9305_10206194215032000_8398582499584676969_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWakZRQCJfKnX7sfTDq48EYXh7_vTQ-5vMoSv3pxazTmRQi4ULoyCKNl0xY7GN860oFbGDjNQUeHlaSRg3ES1UxxpElmCrvGogin55Vlg1E-USJK3v9KMVXqTulQH_fDTbuurulKAkK0s/s1600/11113351_10206194247192804_2027052682530179713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWakZRQCJfKnX7sfTDq48EYXh7_vTQ-5vMoSv3pxazTmRQi4ULoyCKNl0xY7GN860oFbGDjNQUeHlaSRg3ES1UxxpElmCrvGogin55Vlg1E-USJK3v9KMVXqTulQH_fDTbuurulKAkK0s/s1600/11113351_10206194247192804_2027052682530179713_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8XP7EQ64kgV3YA2LmasKe-Vji1SebAbyc-IqjYjilSIDZbgNexjpfdznUTNhLPiQtjk30oq4LFA_MaNMjp3jbX5KfC9V5MWM6kP6wzwhi53cxCzi6T7l5MyQBJK50nGfwK0qBc1DzyY/s1600/11080900_10206194247952823_3228547620934826847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8XP7EQ64kgV3YA2LmasKe-Vji1SebAbyc-IqjYjilSIDZbgNexjpfdznUTNhLPiQtjk30oq4LFA_MaNMjp3jbX5KfC9V5MWM6kP6wzwhi53cxCzi6T7l5MyQBJK50nGfwK0qBc1DzyY/s1600/11080900_10206194247952823_3228547620934826847_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This 2002 Lance 1030 is sweet, clean little unit with a two
panel solar set up and electric jacks. Those two things I did not have on my
older Lance. It is no longer I, but we and we are Happy Kansas Campers again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-9452118797162226312011-05-28T17:11:00.001-05:002011-05-28T17:11:30.310-05:00Its Home<p>I am so happy, my camper is home from the hospital. The doctors did almost kill it, and I did almost kill the doctors a few times, after 2 months of repair surgeries and recovery, it was well enough to come home. We now have 6 new marker lights, a new in/out remote fan where the bunk escape hatch used to be, a new air conditioner cover and new hatch covers in the bath and kitchen area.</p> <p>I had a moment yesterday, after no calls and another week going by, I called them. “Mr. Gish we are working on it right now, it will be ready by noon.” At 9am it was raining. You ever get one of those feeling that something is just not right. I got in the truck and drove the 10 miles out to OlatheRV to see if just by chance they had removed the cracked escape hatch and left it open for the rain. Much to my non-surprise the hatch was tilted open, the back door was propped completely open, not a sole in sight, and it was raining in the door on the rug and their tools. </p> <p>I spoke rather bluntly with the service manager and left as quick as I could.</p> <p>They called me at 7pm and said it was done, the repairs had been done outside in the rain, and I could come get it. On a good day it takes me 90 minutes to load it (hand crank legs) and tie it down, so I told them I’d be in this morning. The work is cosmetically very good on the inside, they still never cleaned out the bathroom. The sealant is still soft, I got it home and it has rained all day so it has not hardened yet. Maybe in a day or two.</p> <p>I have some more repairs I want to do, but guess where I’m NOT going to get them done.</p> <p>If the sun comes out tomorrow, I’m going out to the state park and purge and fill the water system for the summer.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-44497925924855265602011-05-27T09:10:00.001-05:002011-05-27T09:10:43.359-05:00Still No Camper<p>Another week has passed, another round of storms, two more 3 day weekend have passed, it is now Memorial Day weekend and still no camper. I guess is time for a Letter to the President of Olathe FordRV in Olathe Kansas.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-36203760346343462172011-05-17T22:03:00.001-05:002011-05-17T22:03:19.671-05:00Hail Repairs<p>In late March we had a bad hail storm come through the Kansas City area. The camper received extensive damage to all the plastic covers on the roof and a few hundred dents on the front, side and top. The insurance company, yes I had the forethought to insure it, paid a fair sum and totaled it. I chose to keep it and make the weatherproofing repairs and live with the dents. The unit is 19 years old and the interior is in excellent shape so why not keep it and get a few more years out of it. OlatheRV is the only professional repair facility nearby, they bid the repairs and I agreed to allow them to proceed. Repairs consisted of replacing 5 marker light assemblies, a kitchen fan cover, a bath vent cover, the air conditioner cover and the bunk area escape hatch cover. I took it in to them in early April, a full 3 weeks before my scheduled weeks vacation from work. I had called them a couple times trying to get them to start on it. It’s now May 17th and I still don’t have it back.  They called 3 days into my 7 day vacation (May 2) to tell me it was ready for pick up. When I went to get it, I was very disappointed, there was trash in the unit, broken pieces of plastic shards all over the place, tape and parts in the sink and on the floor. I climbed up to inspect the roof, I had used duct tape to secure broken pieces for transport, their tech has used roof sealant to seal the edges of the duct tape I had on escape hatch lid. They could not find a replacement cover for the hatch, this was their idea of a repair. I was not happy.</p> <p>I got the service manager and expressed my displeasure, he personally cleaned out the inside of the unit. I showed him the hatch cover, he was speechless. Total repairs came to less than two hours labor and less than $350, it took over 3 weeks to get to this point, ruining my vacation plans in the process. He offered to replace the roof hatch for free and get it back to me as soon as they could. That was May 2nd, today I called them and the service manager said, would you consider allowing us to install a 14x14 fan in the opening instead of an escape hatch? I’m thinking, now at what point were you going to call me and ask me that? I agreed and said call me when its ready. I think when I pick it up, that’ll be the last time I’m ever at OlatheRV in Kansas City, for anything.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-41976341770058296322011-05-15T07:42:00.001-05:002011-05-15T07:42:24.340-05:00Been a long road… home<blockquote> <p>It’s been many a moon since I had an entry here, it’s been many a moon since I spent a night in the camper. The summer of 2010 came and went, in October I put in for a transfer, went through an interview process and was selected to a store in the metro Kansas City. In November I came home, and so did the camper.</p> <p>The camper got winterized and it sat in the driveway all winter as I settled into my new position at got reacclimated to sleeping at home again. </p> <p>Sping of 2011 and it’s time to do some camping.. here’s where one of the tribulations part comes in (from the title). In April, we got hit by a real bad hail storm and long story short, the camper got hit hard. The insurance company totaled it. As with insurance claims on cars, I was given the option of keeping it and receiving less of a reimbursement. I kept it, have had some repairs done on it, and am getting some more done. It should be ready to hit the road again soon. We have lots of short trips planned this summer, and intend to take a week long trip in July. We’d planned a trip the first week of May, but the service center did not get the unit repaired in a timely manner.</p> <p>Our trip to Oklahoma and Arkansas last summer went off without a hitch. I must get a story together one of these days about the trip.</p> <p>Its been a long winter and I can’t wait to get the camper back on the truck and do some overnighters. </p></blockquote> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-17388153199448713602010-07-01T19:21:00.001-05:002010-07-01T19:21:50.880-05:00Great News<p>If no news is good news, I have great news. Nothing’s broke, nothing’s wrecked, other than topping off the air in the tires there’s been nothing to maintain over the last month. Camping 4 days out and 4 days home is routine now, all the park rangers at the lake know me by now. My odd hours confuse them, I pull in at 8:30 am and leave for work at 6pm, I can come and go and some days I never see one. </p> <p>Our week long trip to Oklahoma, Arkansas and back through Branson, MO is now just 3 weeks away. Going to swing in for a fluids change tomorrow at the local dealership, hope that goes well. I’m pretty sure they can fit me in with the camper on, I’m going to try it.</p> <p>I plan to take lots of photos and blog our trip, it will be fun, can’t wait.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-35543904471355188992010-06-10T21:40:00.001-05:002010-06-10T21:40:46.594-05:00No Leaks Again – Future Planning<p>I’m so excited, we had a really hard rain for 20 minutes the other day and NO ROOF LEAKS. I got the the marker light fixed, it was a bad bulb. Did run through the U Wash It and sprayed off the truck, it was getting some mud around the edges. Still get a little dribble in around the window, but not bad.</p> <p>I got myself added to: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=112381365502993870657.000469299e420ec0f12fe&ll=48.224673,-103.359375&spn=90.962822,158.027344&z=3" target="_blank">Truck Camper Enthusiast Map</a> this is a map of TC owners around the country who may be able to help a passer through with a place to park for a night or just some local directions. We are all on RV.Net in the Truck Camper Forum.</p> <p>Spent the day cleaning out the garage, cleaning the gutters and clearing off the back porch. We are currently making mortgage payments on two places so the decisions been made to sell the 3 bedroom single family and move into the townhouse. It will allow me to start saving a substantial amount toward our planned early retirement. I have lots to do to get the house ready for market. Next week its trips to the hazmat drop off, recycler, Goodwill and more items for eBay. I have a bit of foundation work, paint inside and out, carpet and some minor plumbing to do this summer. I think I’m going to look for a 10-12 foot enclosed trailer, everything I intend on keeping will fit in one.  I’ll be leaving a lot of the furniture with the house. It feels good to have a plan and a direction to get where I want to be.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-887848587777188532010-06-08T10:04:00.001-05:002010-06-08T10:04:28.428-05:00Google Earth<p>If you have never experienced Google Earth and maps I’d like to bring it to you attention. Look up almost anyplace on the earth that’s got paved roads and zoom all the way in. You will find yourself in a virtual picture of where in the world you are at. </p> <p>It’s raining, I have a bulb out on a marker light on the camper. By the way my new lights and window seal came in. So I’m killing time surfing Google Earth.</p> <p>It’s like taking a mini-vacation to some far off place you’ve only heard of. I was reading a post on RV net and this person was talking about their 6 months traveling around Mexico in a truck camper. They had posted 2 photos but no more. I quick mapped where they had been and spent the last hour lost in space, following the roads through the Mexican countryside. Now it has me wanting to learn Spanish and get a passport. This little adventure started out at “Hotel Play De Cortes” a great little spot on a bay. I can’t help wonder if the cost of living is actually that much cheaper, this area in particular has some nice homes. </p> <p>We would love to spend some serious time in Florida in the future. I have spent hours cruising the mapped roads up and down the Keys scoping out the RV parks and sites.</p> <p> If you have some time to kill and want to take a mini-trip without leaving your easy chair, check it out.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-44148716826777824572010-06-01T14:26:00.000-05:002010-06-01T18:31:00.487-05:00Ottawa Kansas<p>Thirteen hours into a 12 hours day, 9am rolled by as the parking lot came into view. Walmart night shift management works 4 on, 4 off, 12 hour shifts. I was in the middle of a 4 day stretch. I was finally done for the night. Today I had to make a little trip about 20 odd miles south to a little town called Ottawa, Kansas to take a 2 hour Food Safety Management exam at a company distribution center. It started at 1pm, I had to be back at my store at 8pm to start my next shift.</p> <p>I couldn’t have invented a more disruptive schedule had I tried. I more or less grew up around Ottawa so I’m familiar with it. The plan was to find a city park I used to frequent as a toddler and try and catch some winks before I needed to drive the last few miles to the testing site. Didn’t quite happen.</p> <p>As I’m making my way south I find myself in unfamiliar surroundings. The road I knew is no longer in use and the new one sends me veering off to the east. To my surprise, it dumps me out at I-35 on the north east corner of town. The first exit, less than a mile into I-35 puts me 1/2 a mile from the distribution center and right in front of a large parking lot filled with RV’s.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnpYOYO9i81MiKj03ExfFyFQBWuhr8EfyBE8WUaES6ApET2CCrhRj09iOvBQbRK2U-_e1EJC9zSeh2W2FBW72vzINrGIrCa6-UYIm44YtUZio13_JWFaJd3XvcwC0jff0z27ftVOnZlA/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20055%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 055" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe0pPwwII/AAAAAAAAALo/MLxL2Sa8778/Ottawa%20Trip%20055_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="466" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe03Td8AI/AAAAAAAAALs/NeIRmIUbqqs/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20056%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 056" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe1KmN67I/AAAAAAAAALw/FNh3quSaDBU/Ottawa%20Trip%20056_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Turns out to be Crist’s Auto and RV. Years ago, when I was a kid, this was Underwood's John Deere, one of, and might have been the largest John Deere dealer in eastern Kansas.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63wJvLJvSlUzLE53EhNk7Keb3tSmohVgE44bdgPDdk0e-pM2efziJnFHzcrn4cRTFYpN7OqAJswGPeituuNFPDmigTezM0yXv3HP9JZBA71iefeB9BdIvE2LQsVMph9h_LXAeUGwQntE/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20052%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 052" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe1wEbz9I/AAAAAAAAAL4/eyTzIq7EjcI/Ottawa%20Trip%20052_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I had a fleeting thought as I rounded the corner, I took a quick right and pulled in, heading for the sales floor. I thought to myself, this would be perfect, I am 1/2 mile from my test site, never hurts to ask. They were more than obliging, I could stay as long as I liked (although I only needed a few hours). So off to the back of the back of the back line behind the building I went.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8MEiWtSmp6jzyo2CV_fsLcf93SSxVgewhlbMydOXrjj6K8zA6fPLWPKL9kn6uqEns5fAzTar5z-glz_hFHSVT3QV_6rH3ZX9FqWcOZTfE4J3Ard_5hyRV3AuaNWoZTOkkBM0lOp-ZRI/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 048" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe2v4D6kI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_m3PYg-Yg3U/Ottawa%20Trip%20048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="366" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>The view I had was great. There was a Killdeer upset with my presence, but he settled down after a while.</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:93c8450f-9bb6-4f04-8c19-688f85ba7799" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-79e93876d971c224.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=79E93876D971C224!113&ct=photos"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Camp Friends" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs282AK1aRRMjrQlqhVbvVtORf-YYuH28jnT8twV3NVhWDIMo9h0cg5JrQWCkziufJ5fZ5ohLYqhQ7ZOT9RyStcox4fg9LzKrvTzHmXLsvkYt5hdSA4aO1hsOzwMlJttnPnJ6huT5cnPc/?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:643px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-79e93876d971c224.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=79E93876D971C224!113&ct=photos">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p></p> <p>I fired up the generator, flipped on the air conditioning and got a good solid 4 hours sleep before I left. The guys were great for letting me catch a few winks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe3Xuiu5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/MhzXAIgtw0I/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20059%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 059" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 059" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BYLpRw-vF7UKsZXrmc8mpIBJ-2hXnPfb-yQA9cIeaqkUzGSeREY69D28RjEoWVKRrQqj2NejdRx7wnp1Pn8Bz08yYss5VKTMnW_WAUCU0VQNzmy7ELXa6NfGrRLXtPL9cpjZM3pLVTo/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="437" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I arrived, somewhat refreshed, tired, but awake and ready to give it my best. I feel the test was a success, results are not in yet.</p> <p>Afterwards I decided to take the old road back north and do some “Drive by Shootings” on the way. Folks from all over the country read this, so thought I’d take a few snaps of a typical small town Kansas and the surrounding areas. I shot mostly older homes, because that was what I drove by, those were what were build along the main roads 100 years ago.</p> <p>First thing that caught my eye was this extra large bottle of Corona. How cool is that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe35XqksI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ZgbcaGgtY5Q/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20061%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 061" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe4Di86xI/AAAAAAAAAMU/cIlEaPz02Bs/Ottawa%20Trip%20061_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="366" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>This house is just one of a few nondescript 100 year old homes available for not much at all.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QKbclZXdNmKjYKTZr7WAmDqRu7XCN6ryMYBSqsYO5SvY_BxmGtQGNLHUZHVAZyEOM0nRVC7CzsRayVuR4ysJatctL_QSNtC_aYSTPE_Og23mZdubybsfPllfqt6hyrPDCLiDEY5mrc0/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 064" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 064" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe4zUaGeI/AAAAAAAAAMc/wnxRr3WdXwU/Ottawa%20Trip%20064_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="448" /></a> </p> <p>This one had actually been restored and was in really nice shape.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe5VknduI/AAAAAAAAAMg/IlLnQE8FRDc/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20065%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 065" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TkxUpu3Ly-7QzykxOdRWintffG8TtdGgEnW9YRa9z-XdozME0ExsHlR5A_dYS1ESVkh-aB97cjjrcBEpDfoY5wcguT37HX4Wtdz53kWyrDIN9FyS6GXHrXlTETk3iUhhBe3AYySDYLc/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="407" /></a> </p> <p>This is a typical grain elevator. Kansas grows a lot of grain, these tall white silo’s are a market for farmers to sell the grain at. The grains are stored in here until it is sold to buyers and shipped out by trucks and trains to mills around the country for processing. Most of them have been around since the 1950’s and before.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRF3mN_DImLwu92j-LADzEmpBSfk9PgO3yuWAiCWdlL-x3A5QRl5pvQrm_ASOSo5TpHpHATH2wwu-v9UAsx6XFjgRCX5fcq4DBjsTF5VDFMKBSFPWsPors8pne5myDFRC6lAwvx3ekKU/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20066%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 066" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 066" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe6QpFIoI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Gv8a2i-d7vk/Ottawa%20Trip%20066_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="343" /></a> </p> <p>Here’s another typical small home, I’m guessing WWII timeframe.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGeQ2Baw05Mu_9nkjqo2W-92rBxbRuPrvmcpHzlpVU2sg5eDV-CVzP9sWttkUBhiIu32uA-8b8eMsgYjtcURgExN6XAJs0zLJUQcKrZ38jxwWeO1Qe_YYb0E7qN36UTOWf1irhu4cSL0/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20067%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 067" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 067" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe7ONJRMI/AAAAAAAAAM0/9HoaADuwDow/Ottawa%20Trip%20067_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="392" /></a> </p> <p>This one might be a bit older.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe7pPWxcI/AAAAAAAAAM4/9TzVVVkD1t8/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20068%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 068" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe7-q6REI/AAAAAAAAAM8/mMieSo0v3o8/Ottawa%20Trip%20068_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="428" /></a> </p> <p>Heading out of town, I cross a bridge over an industrial area. Sure looks flat doesn’t it. But a beautiful Kansas day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe8UZc18I/AAAAAAAAANA/4vVYdjw5IXg/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20072%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 072" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m2uKOzgm5IApiUEXcVDuivDCgzGm15XlUnwXkYcJ1ckpHU1Las4WKOIqys7SUtfTihC8aWuCyRRKLPzZ5XZQjdEU6_l6xP__6MZ_ImcD2CsnmNHsJ3zC3DJ9tt_DwNhU_GxgrdselPA/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364" /></a> </p> <p>There are rolling hills in Kansas, but you need a ladder to see them in this part of the country.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe8xu60cI/AAAAAAAAANI/fsSJfZbuf9k/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20073%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 073" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe9DlfaFI/AAAAAAAAANM/RQA28yDg2ww/Ottawa%20Trip%20073_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="363" /></a> </p> <p>After a while, the old road I was on ran out and I found myself on a little gravel one linking me to the new 4 lane.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUoiWXMqWFoD0z4weKfPUk_vPriL3mZLGkM1Rv8C5O4ewGbWyhkG7APulWrL2-Kc2BdCdF1N6Nz8UUywRZrc_sfhck3_6iJsUga-eI10rcNHRMptGN6tbNImlV9xvq0llpGtQSsXY4qo/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20075%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 075" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 075" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLcPsZkFI445tbl0T2nFKlXxvEDNhr-uojFxOgZiRM44ftUQPOdEz7eNbmYLw71-_r-DZYF_9lIyzG7dmsiOaF-BRCxX9SNokvmbcaq-JmqdQJarCdRy8H3dbWlDZ4PsFJwP38B8y3OE/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="374" /></a> </p> <p>This old house caught my eye. I do a little relic hunting and coin shooting with my metal detector from time to time. An old place like this can yield neat finds. I may try and find the owner and get permission next fall when the grass is down before the snows fly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe-EM_iLI/AAAAAAAAANY/HkGNBHPPp24/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20076%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 076" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l0jtMSqgy5PmoezykV369js1amW-Y2n7PHIX0-UXBmt-SMd-dhtyns4mNncsGPcSxsWzt-quiAQ7h6ngVYEFUUkP7E2sSMIGGuH-tPK8uyp__SBD032JDCYzq1KZIjorA61RaYq4lDA/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="383" /></a> </p> <p>A little house on the prairie.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe-s3-YaI/AAAAAAAAANg/56j2C3HN45M/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20078%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 078" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 078" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQW10ZuxIaAuQpZiCBgijb_TmcuO3jAz74rp21kf95D8vcTlNpmwrwSz9sFr_Xu491DZW2qwbsS0HmNgam9CrRGP9E_ypR2nnNbkjViMA47TANjRgi9kkA3cdLqqWibIfFQ5KHIBvryo/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="443" /></a> </p> <p>I ended up following this half a house for 15 miles into Lawrence, KS. It would not be worth mentioning except for his poor driving. As we went through a construction zone, the driver hit cones with both sides of the house and I got to play dodge the cones behind him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe_fDCteI/AAAAAAAAANo/9vvp3eRZu5E/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20079%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 079" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVe_1CTLbI/AAAAAAAAANs/vgj6dgdtzFQ/Ottawa%20Trip%20079_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="484" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I got back to Lawrence about 4pm, made my way out to my site at the lake and grabbed another 2 hours sleep before heading back to work.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVfAUMpRAI/AAAAAAAAANw/mJj5MkCoy6Y/s1600-h/Ottawa%20Trip%20080%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ottawa Trip 080" border="0" alt="Ottawa Trip 080" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/TAVfA5VZlAI/AAAAAAAAAN0/hBqHLmlYh4Q/Ottawa%20Trip%20080_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="326" /></a> </p> <p>Was a long day, but the adventure part of seeing old places and taking some photos made it all worth while. Guess I’ll sleep when I’m dead.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-16344350112024430982010-05-24T08:02:00.001-05:002010-05-24T08:02:24.166-05:00Rain Rain Go Away<p>I haven’t blogged in a few days. Mainly because I have nothing exciting to report. Its rained every day for so long I had to go hunt down my sunglasses when the sun finally came back out.</p> <p>I ordered a new 12v fan to replace one that squeals like a stuck pig. The bearings are shot. I guess I don’t know what I expected, but what I got is a fan with a cigarette lighter plug in on the end. Well the fan I have is hardwired in. I hope I can just cut the plug off and wire the new fan into the camper electrical system. I’m electrically challenged.</p> <p>I got a new leak with all the rain, its around the fan above the kitchenette. I got some new sealant, weatherman says I have 2 days to fix it all, then another round of rain will be here. </p> <p>Actually got to 80 degrees yesterday, I ran the air conditioning on shore power all day and it got right chilly inside. I’m very pleased with the a/c unit now.</p> <p>Need to make a trip to the post office, sold a few eBay items this week. Wow my week has been boring, lol. I guess boring is good once in a while.</p> <p>**********</p> <p>Quick update: I got the new fan installed and it is functioning. I did cut off the plug and then hardwired it in. I also got the roof resealed around the vent fan so the new leak should be fixed. </p> <p>Started planning our July vacation trip last night. Tentatively: 3 days at Beaver Lake, AR near Eureka Springs, then a night at Fort Smith, AR where Cheri spent time as a child, then back up to Branson and Table Rock Lake for 4 days, then a night at a winery in MO before making our way home. After many many years of no vacations, its hard to believe it’s only 8 weeks away.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-2370757220665150662010-05-17T13:51:00.001-05:002010-05-17T13:51:06.322-05:00Ebay Store<p>Karen asked about my Ebay store and how that was working out. It has it’s pro’s and con’s. I have sold probably 300 items over the last 5 years since Ebay came to be. Just recently I made the jump to having a Store. What do I sell? The answer to that is as varied as the stuff in my life. I’ve sold books, used clothes, crafted items, model rail road parts, car parts, motorcycle parts, antiques, collectable coins, electronic items, old magazine collections, lumber, tools and much more I’ve long forgotten about. At one time I was hitting small town auctions and garage sales specifically to find things to sell on EBay. Have I gotten rich, no, but I have had a few exciting finds and sales. I bought a silver serving tray for $20 once and sold it for $200 to a buyer in Singapore. I found a set of 4 8x10 prints from the 1960’s of Mexican dancers at a garage sale, gave $2 for them, an individual opening a Mexican restaurant bought them for $40 for wall decorations. You just never know.  I always offer to do business overseas. I do use Turbo Lister, the free store management software. It may take several hours to photograph, type copy and upload a batch of items, but with 4 day weekends, I have time on my hands. Having the store has been a good thing, I do not have to monitor and relist every 7 days so once an item is listed, its hands off until it sells by setting the time to “Good Til Cancelled”. I use Photobucket to host my ad photos, which works good. I always use large photos, photos sell items. And I’ll be honest, I charge about $1-3 packaging and handling fee to cover costs like bubble envelopes, boxes, tape, paper, batteries for the camera, store fee, eBay's cut and gas to drive to the post office. Depends on the item and packing requirements. I charge a few dollars for overseas shipping because I must do the special customs paperwork and beef up the packaging. I print my shipping labels online through EBay. Am I getting rich, no… am I cleaning out my house, yes, and I am building a nice little savings account at PayPal that I don’t touch.</p> <p>How can I make this work on the road, don’t know yet. It will have to be something small, some ideas we have are, quilting patterns, coins, small collectables, fishing lures, pens, watches, fabric, pet rocks… people will buy anything. Used children's clothes is a big market. Space is really the defining issue, hence we may tow a 10-12 foot trailer to haul the stuff in. There is always the drop ship scenario which is widely used, just have to figure out how all that works and decide what to specialize in. If anyone does eBay with drop ship let me know.</p> <p>If anyone else eBay's give me a shout we can compare notes.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-52061128526276837262010-05-13T19:16:00.001-05:002010-05-13T19:16:51.497-05:00Stormy Weather<p>Wow what a few days of storms. Its been raining non-stop for days now. Dealership finally called my window seal came in.. great timing huh. Oh the leaks aren’t too bad. Turned the bad window away from the direction of the rain and put a towel under it. I’ll be glad to get that new seal in. I hope it fixes ALL the leaks in the front of the cabover.</p> <p>Been running the furnace for 3 nights, the batteries are down to 90%, so that is encouraging. </p> <p>Found a secret spot to hang out. Now don’t try this in your 30ft 5th wheel of pulling your Airstream… I can pull into one of the parking spots fairly close to the Dillon's Grocery store and pull in their WiFi in the camper. Yey Kroger & Co. I run in, grab something to eat from the deli and eat in the camper and catch up on my email. </p> <p>I always get a grin when I get an email from ebay that someone bought some little thing I have in my store there. I have photographed over 50 items I need to write copy for and get listed. I’d like to figure out a way to make a few dollars with ebay when I retire and hit the road full time. Should be small things, things I can pick up on the road and auctions/sales. I may tow a small 2 wheel trailer. I have time to figure that all out, right now its giving me a way to declutter my house and life in preparation. And a few bucks to fix up the camper here and there.</p> <p>Anywho.. its my Friday, headed home after work tonight. Stay dry all.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-77695465160489815032010-05-07T06:55:00.001-05:002010-05-07T06:55:23.743-05:00No Utilities<p>With electrics working, I decided to get a camp spot with no utilities for 4 days and see how it goes. Found a spot way away from the crowd, back away from the main roads private and under some shade trees. Well it was until I got neighbors.</p> <p>Monitoring the battery usage, I started with 13.7 volts, brand new batteries . The first day used the furnace for 2 hours in the morning, then the small fan for 3 hours in the afternoon, at  the end of the day I was at 12.9 volts (still above full). Second day I didn’t need the furnace, but only ran the fan for 3 hours, at the end of the day I measured the batteries at 12.8 volts. Not going down very fast. </p> <p>I purposely haven’t used the radio, water pump, or refrigerator. I do have a generator with me now so I could recharge if I needed to. Its amazing what you don’t need when you put your mind to it.</p> <p>All is well, that nice man came by and mowed my lawn again, rode his tractor clean around my truck camper in the middle of my night. I went right back to sleep when he was done.</p> <p>Tonight's the last night here, I’ll head back to civilization when I get off work tomorrow.</p> <p>*******</p> <p>Back home, final usage check tells me the batteries are down to 12.65 volts. I had used the fan for 4 hours again in the afternoon. From what I’ve gathered, 12.6 volts is considered full, so I don’t know what to think.</p> <p>I must say the absolute best part of this trip was the time NOT spent loading and unloading the camper. Even though I had to haul it the 6 miles to work everyday, it gave me a place to get away for a few minutes, change clothes after work before going to breakfast and just not having to deal with all that's involved with the unloading/loading. The boondocking (camping without services) worked well, I never once needed anything I didn’t have with me. And I saved $27 by getting a “no utility” camp site. That alone paid for the fuel for the commute from Kansas City to Lawrence.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-6842679886387078242010-05-02T09:54:00.001-05:002010-05-02T09:54:49.150-05:00Generator X<p>Another day off, another project complete. I picked up a $60 Hitch Haul from Walmart and a locking hitch pin yesterday and got to assembling. All went well. I have a very very very old Craftsman generator I picked up from my dad. I think he said it went through the Missouri floods back in 1991, so it was under 20 feet of water along with the rest of his farm. He dried it out, cleaned it up and what do you know it runs again. Its 2000 watt and runs my roof air conditioning unit just fine. It will also charge my batteries. I bolted it to the Hitch Haul and bungeed a trash bag over it for the time being. I’ll get some sort of waterproof cover soon. I’m thinking maybe an upside down plastic tub just sat over it would work fine.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP_B74ONlAz6okvGQUE6MGnY3VOWtb2N9IsXCSA4LwePVUgGAz51I8bYJvyfP62O39THDkgdFn40ksIhNTe2vkHbY69HtFQ0XJiR0N-JvU6ObXCw8uaopCgdPkdPRN2GYc4rI7SVAyO4/s1600-h/HitchHaul%20002%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="HitchHaul 002" border="0" alt="HitchHaul 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S92SNzbk_kI/AAAAAAAAALg/2BkWgYeUXmM/HitchHaul%20002_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>The folding steps even fit right down over the platform with the generator sitting to one side.. Its about half way to the door so even makes a very usable step for quick trips in and out on the road. Need to get a small gas can now to carry a bit with me. </p> <p>I think I’m going to get a non-utility site tonight when I go back to the lake and boondock the next 4 days and see how it goes. Its not hot enough yet to need A/C.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-9178421078022740872010-04-30T00:38:00.001-05:002010-04-30T00:38:39.375-05:00Happy Birthday to Me<p>Yep, that time of year again. I just have to share this… plastic pink flamingos have been around since the 1950’s and are typically associated with Floridians and Rednecks as tacky yard ornaments. Well, we don’t live in Florida. Cheri got me a pair of plastic pink flamingos to decorate my camper with while camping. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9ps0nkxpcI/AAAAAAAAAKE/UKiaaV4XSTU/s1600-h/Flamingos0013.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Flamingos 001" border="0" alt="Flamingos 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9ps1IA3t8I/AAAAAAAAAKI/qbkawJXvaho/Flamingos001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Too funny. She also decided we needed a coffee table book for the camper, so suitably she got me a copy of this for the camper. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAce4i2NG6CGn2OmU89ySj7OGEaCKIWHKCXCtXFWx8Te4Vi_eEp7AGAKxSiXM38sWf6hzHON71uHAoVZEAnkYt4cs0QxFTWZruSlqLLTL6vjVM5ETmeRSLpU0MHc153LPzSh1I4kd-ik/s1600-h/0016.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BBY-iAgKvgmBmELiWu88FH-S4XwyaOikGASDLfJRId_2NMhqYSdEWkkKDBh7rtV94-zw8OImN_UB_ujJHGxkkok1Urx7m7yKQmNwJUCq4GoKuU1NNa_ks66YXCQ1P7XWR-tpORUvVr8/?imgmax=800" width="627" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>It was suggested that we photograph the birds in the various venues our camper takes us to in the coming years. Should be lots of fun.</p> <p>She also got me a bunch of Jeff Foxworthy books and Larry the Cable Guy book. Last year she got me tickets to see Larry the Cable Guy live at the downtown theater, it was a hoot. She knows what I like.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-16725177497621333412010-04-30T00:06:00.001-05:002010-04-30T00:35:34.024-05:00Wet and Wild Milestone<p>Ok, maybe not so wild, and only a little wet, but a Milestone none the less. This week I bought a specialty hose and put water in the campers tanks for the first time ever. What works: The water pump YEY (even shuts off when water pressure is built up, double YEY), kitchen sink (no leaks either side), toilet 2 stage fill and swirl, and the flush part both work, fresh, grey and black water level indicators on the control panel work YEY, pump switch on the control panel, both grey and black dump valves slide relatively easily and work as they should and the shower drain works as advertised.</p> <p>The wet and wild (tribulation) part, there is a hose that attaches to the back of the Thetford toilet that is leaking where it attaches to the top back of the unit. This is where the fresh water actually enters the toilet. The line actually goes thru a hole in the floor of the bath/shower, which is not caulked shut so it dribbles on the ground. I need to somehow get this hose off, hopefully it is just a gasket. This looks like it could be a simple fix, we’ll see.</p> <p>I have found no leaks internally to the plumbing system, Super YEY!!!</p> <p>*********** Update ***************</p> <p>I replaced the leaking line on the back of the toilet, only to discover that what appears to be a flapper valve type seal inside the toilet is not seating fully allowing the water to continue to run. I will seal the hole in the bottom of the floor/tray this will force the overflow to the drain and grey water tank. I don’t know if replacement parts are available for this old unit. Thetford is made in England but is the best RV toilet available. To change the seals I would have to remove the entire unit. There is no way to get any tools behind it to disassemble it.  I’ve priced a brand new one, $120 at <a href="http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-toilets-tanks/83-1514pp.htm" target="_blank">PPLMotorhomes.com</a>, that may just be the way to go. Grrr I hate spending money, but it will fix it and I’ll be done with it.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-5098293846829758682010-04-29T11:08:00.001-05:002010-04-29T11:08:46.050-05:00First LP Gas Fill<p>One day into this past 4 day stay at the lake I ran out of propane. Temps were in the low 40’s every night so it was COLD in the camper when I came home to go to bed every morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9mvCitPW6I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Q0lCLJMPSCo/s1600-h/Flamingos%20008%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Flamingos 008" border="0" alt="Flamingos 008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9mvDVHdQgI/AAAAAAAAAKA/li_qfPlNBII/Flamingos%20008_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Good news and bad news here. I have 2 20 gallon Propane tanks, not sure how much I started with but finally drained them both after 4 weeks at the campground. I went to a local shop to get them filled and they would only fill 1 of them. Apparently one of the tanks has an old style valve on it that the state of Kansas via some government funded study has dubiously determined is hazardous to everybody's health and outlawed refilling any tanks with this valve. Where in the Constitution does it say the government has the right to tell me what is good and safe for me and what is not. This tank is perfectly fine. I’m so sick of this stupid government wanting to control everything in everyone's lives. There has yet to be a system of government last forever… and this one is going down the tubes fast. With the way they want to tax, control and direct our day to day lives, the end won’t be pretty. Even the very powerful and mighty Roman empire went down in flames because of over controlling of the peoples. Mark my words, it will happen if things don’t change.</p> <p>Sorry, where was I… anyways guess I’ll have to find a place that can change the valve on the left tank tank. At least I have heat again, geesh.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339751826768560713.post-8479699447492108232010-04-29T05:49:00.001-05:002010-04-29T05:51:05.584-05:00The MOST Amazing Thing<p>Anyone following this blog knows I’m really liking my new home away from home. Yesterday the most AMAZING thing happened. I woke up in the afternoon (I work nights) and a good Samaritan had MOWED MY YARD!  How cool it that! Not only mowed, but trimmed as well. I am absolutely loving this. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9lkIBQ5esI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/cuq0WR2Pzek/s1600-h/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20002%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Free Lawn Mowing 002" border="0" alt="Free Lawn Mowing 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1S-uCa4WzPSKCtvzS7PEucYagT-U-sTH-sIByfQ9EoIPNCX9pz6EFH38VqLCPVKp6ITvnS873iFoIcNUOOjvj5nPof_qh_YP50i2P1W9RZn8JroIDZ1qdi8faLiGJrMbgHGqFQVNiL8/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9lkJPUv8MI/AAAAAAAAAJY/1QP8BQ9A-hc/s1600-h/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Free Lawn Mowing 004" border="0" alt="Free Lawn Mowing 004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9lkJytC-MI/AAAAAAAAAJc/GJpE8nBDfpo/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5t7Y81JxGn7tX5M9vYetKhy7Av91CMb3wotfX5qPadJ7UNgT6nATz3H_vDe1FlCr730JYPWlxmHu0E8z2QXquKG_OcM-qQTWHtT4KBg8oX6lqsrA0MLWNI7eifV07W1qHH_xFeag1sM/s1600-h/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Free Lawn Mowing 006" border="0" alt="Free Lawn Mowing 006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9lkK8LRW0I/AAAAAAAAAJk/_04ocknrBt0/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V79w6sWg39uNZqerO29tXdYylz79r-80bGWBDwuiEK6C6nPym80AQ-qo0MuUd_zcXTmm4LxajXSx2FffvBr-1-xiqT5X7a-OMP1oweBaXT25niYfCIGVyESx_yRJ0l40Tn4npt5kzQs/s1600-h/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Free Lawn Mowing 009" border="0" alt="Free Lawn Mowing 009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NRASV2TrJ5k/S9lkMWw20JI/AAAAAAAAAJs/A7gJSS6KkfA/Free%20Lawn%20Mowing%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> Nobody has ever mowed my yard for free before, without me asking even. It must be my birthday :)</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599745896891182696noreply@blogger.com0