How annoying

Feb. 7 - 16, 2014 (10 days)

David Crockett State Park - Lawrenceburg, TN

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"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be" 

Abraham Lincoln

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CONTENTS

RV LIFE

RV PARK REVIEWS

HOUSE HUNTING

PETS

BROWSING THE WWW

MOVIE REVIEW

RESTAURANT REVIEW

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RV LIFE:
Surprisingly, while living in a 5th wheel, both hubby and I can spend hours away from each other. Scott is a TV watcher and I like quiet. I watch TV when I get into bed at night, but during the day, I like quiet. Scott turns on the TV as soon as he wakes up and he'd leave it on all day, but he knows it bothers me.
Usually we are in our "own space" during the day. If it's nice outside, I spend the day outside. Yes, I'm still sitting on my as..oops butt, but at least I'm outside. With this especially cold Winter, we are spending weeks inside with only going outside to walk the dogs. Yet we still spend hours away from each other. This is very easy to do. I start my day "downstairs" in the living room in my easy chair. Scott wakes up and turns on the TV in the bedroom until about 11a.m. Then we switch places. He comes "downstairs" to cook breakfast (lunch for me by this time). And of course, the TV in the living room is turned on. I get to stay cozy upstairs in bed. The bedroom stays much warmer than the rest of the RV. Our bedroom is my little den. I'm set for the day. A book, my computer, some knitting and the dogs all together.
As I type this, it is 8:45 a.m. I'm am in the living room and Scott is awake in bed watching the Olympics. He is obsessed with watch Curling. Grrrrr, how annoying! Normally, I can slide the door closed and it amazingly does keep the noise down, but with this cold weather, we have a heater up in the bedroom that also helps heat the downstairs, so the door can't be closed. My quiet time is being interrupted by the screaming of the Curling teams. Oh----my----gosh! How annoying to hear this screaming during my quiet time.
Time to put the headphones on and listen to some acoustic guitar!!!!

David Crockett SP has two campgrounds. #1 is closed for the Winter, but #2 is open all year. We are the ONLY campers here! It's wonderful! Scott is a little nervous not having anyone around, but I feel very comfortable. Scott carries his taser with him when walking the dogs at night. I guess that's a good idea. We are not sure what wildlife is around besides deer in abundance. Because we are in a very wooded (yeah!!!) park and the only people here. We've seen deer all around and they are quite comfortable with our presence. They stay away, but not out of sight. I wish it were warm enough to spend my days outside. It's so cold, that even Devin doesn't want to stay outside sitting in his blue chair.
Since we have the campground to ourselves, I want to let Devin off leash for some training. Because there are mainly deciduous trees, the forest is easy to navigate and see through. It's wonderful to once again walk through the crispy fallen leaves. This makes for a good area for Devin to be off leash and somewhat safe. If it ever warms up somewhat, I'll give it a try. Shhh. Don't tell Scott. He is a much more protective "parent".
I am so at peace here. Some people are desert people, not me, some people are ocean people, not me, even though I was brought up within 5 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. I am a woods and lake person.
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So let's do a quick catch up of the places we stopped on our way to Tennessee.
RV PARK Mini REVIEWS:
Midessa Oil Patch RV Park - Odessa, TX
Our rating 2 out of 5   $30./night
Overnight.
Decent park with mainly pull thrus.
FHU
We were told we couldn't use the water for drinking or cooking, but ok for washing. They have a bad well and this has been going on at least since the Summer of 2013. They gave us a case of bottled water and said just ask if we need more. Would have rated this park 3 out of 5 if they did not have this water problem.
There was a decent sized dog park. But it was so cold that we spent little time there.
This park is mainly long time residents. The park is kept clean and the permanent sites were neat.
Sites were close together but was fine for a night or two.

Traders Village RV Park - Grand Prairie, TX
No rating, since this was a quick overnight. $31.50/night w/Good Sam discount
Mainly pull thrus
FHU
2 dog limit. Oops, did Dina count? She's a foster dog.
Dogs can only potty along ONE fence line along the driveway entry/exit. I hate when we are limited to where to walk the dogs, but even though it was only a 3' wide strip, it was long enough for the dogs to do what was needed.

Downtown Riverside RV Park - North Little Rock, AR
Yeah!!!! Finally out of Texas.
Our rating 3 out of 5 $11.50/night with Passport America discount (reservation & cash only)
This is basically a parking lot. BUT, it is right on the Arkansas River and in the middle of things to do locally. At night, the bridges on either side of the park are lit up and really give the area a festive feel.
There was a nice little grassy area to walk the dogs with pooper scooper and bag provided.
Walking distance to Bill Clinton Memorial Library.
FHU
Decent WiFi
Key code gate for security.
If you want to sightsee in Little Rock, this is a good spot to stay. This is not a park to "vacation" in, but a good place to be amid the local happenings.
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HOUSE HUNTING:
Well here's a new category!
I think we are pretty much set on settling down in Tennessee. We are no where "desperate" to settle down, but I'd like to be sitting in front of a wood stove this time next year.
The good news: We drove by our "dream property" and are still thrilled with what we saw "in person". It lived up to the photos we saw on line. I can tell Scott is really excited. After 20 years together, I can feel his subtle emotions.
There is a sheep farm, Belfair Farm, across the street. My first thought was "Cool! I can pick up some roving to try spinning wool!". But this farm seems to be more for meat.
We drove around the neighborhood. About a mile or two away there are some junk yard trailer properties, but surrounding us, the homes and properties seem fine. There is a mixture of fancier homes, small ranch homes, and some mobile. But the important thing is that the houses are kept up and the yards are not full of junk.
There are guard dogs at the farm. Akbash dogs are a new breed to me. These dogs are to guard and protect the sheep from predators. I also saw three dogs on "our property". We did see a distant neighbor with 3 or 4 dogs in an outside kennel. Too small for so many dogs, but they looked healthy and happy.
The bad news: We made contact with the realtor. But, there is an offer on the house and a back up offer also. There is a problem with the first offer that is trying to be worked out. The realtor said we can still take a tour of the house and property in case the offers fall through. I'm hoping we may be considered since we can put over 1/2 the amount of house as a down payment, so we can easily be prequalified. And our time line is flexible. You want out fast? Fine. You want to take your time packing up? Fine.
So hopefully, we'll be able to see the house in the next day or two. Then onto the Eastern park of Tennessee where there are quite a few places we want to look at.
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PETS:
I REALLY miss Dina, although her name is now Emma. How annoying. She will always be Dina to me. Her all volunteer transport went fine. So far her new Mom is thrilled with her. I am quite upset over a few things. She changed her name to Emma. I like the name Emma, but I really liked the name Dina and the name Dina had a specific meaning for her "heritage". Dina was a version of Dineh, which is what the Navajo people prefer to be called now. You know how politcally correct I like to be....NOT! Dina was rescued as a stray from the Navajo reservation. Then I just found out Dina is not allowed on furniture, including the bed. Grrr, how annoying. One of our favorite times was cuddling with Dina in bed at night. She did not bother us or move around. She just settled in between us and she slept all night.
Of course these changes are not abuse and Dina/Emma will adjust I'm sure.

It totally breaks my heart to see her tail down like that. That is how she looked when we first saw her on the reservation. As she started hanging out with us and then coming along while walking our own dogs, her body language changed. Her tail was up and she had a bounce to her walk. To see her tail lowered again is just too sad to dwell on. I'm sure she'll adjust.

Dina/Emma meets her new sibling. I hope she plays nice. Dina can play somewhat rough. Of course 75# Devin could handle her.
She was a really bright personality in our quiet household. Even though our Irish/English Setter, Devin can be a wild child, for the most part, he just lays around inside the RV, preferring to be with us, but not near us. The same goes for our English Setter, Lyla. She wants to know where we are, but not particularly touching us. Dina watched us constantly. Waiting for any sign that she would get some attention. She followed us from room to room (we only have two rooms). When we would settle, she'd come over for pets or lay next to us for physical contact. Sigh. I miss you Dina. Yep, the tears are now flowing. This is the difficult part about fostering. Many times you absolutely fall in love with your foster dog and it's difficult to let go. Can anyone take as good care and give as much love as we did? Of course they can, but we never think so. But to give up your foster to an adopter opens up to new opportunities to help another dog in need.

In her new dog bed. Miss you sweety.

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BROWSING THE WWW:
Since we have a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), we rarely watch  commercials. And even if we don't fast forward through commercials, we take those 3-5 minutes to read our books. But I did see this Beneful commercial on line.
The commercial is cute and interesting, but I must let you know, I in no way would recommend Beneful dog food to anyone.
Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and it's value from the Dog Food Advisor website.
First ingredients is corn meal. This is a very cheap way to increase the protein percentage. Would YOU consider corn a good source of protein?

"No dog food product can ever be magically better than the ingredients that were used to make it"

Mike Sagman, Dog Food Advisor Blog

Of course you can't believe everything you read on the internet, but for 15 years I have researched and read about dog food ingredients, so I'm quite particular about what kind of dog food I feed our dogs. I agree with Dog Food Advisor's rating system.
Here is another break down review of Beneful's ingredients at Feeding Fido and Fluffy.
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MOVIE REVIEW:
The Call - Thriller  2013
My rating 4 out of 5
Halle Berry
Abigail Breslin
I watch a lot of reality crime TV. This movie was like watching true crime but also seeing the action behind the 911 calls.
I think Halle Berry's beauty and talent were wasted on this movie. I would have liked to have seen an unknown in the 911 operator's role. Halle did not add anything special to her character, but probably drew an audience to the movie because of her fame.
The acting of both Halle and Abigail were great. I sucked in all the info on what to do if I'm ever stuck in the trunk of a car.
This definitely kept me on the edge of my seat...well at least sitting upright and attentive in bed. I couldn't even knit! Not so much because I had to watch what was happening, but more because the suspense just kept drawing me away from my knitting.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW:
Subway - Chain
Our rating 4 out of 5
30 years ago, I would have never thought I'd give this chain such a high rating. Being originally from New Jersey, we have great subs (grinders, hoagies, etc.). While going to Northeastern Bible College in North Jersey, I stopped in a Subway with fellow students. Ugh! You call this a sub? I never returned to any Subways until... Scott tried one out of desperation while we were traveling. He HAD to eat. He tried the tuna flat bread sandwich and the rest is history!
Scott usually orders from Subway, while I stay in the truck with the dogs. But on our last trip, we were kind of in a hurry, so while Scott was filling up with diesel, I went in to "simply" order a tuna flat bread. What a traumatic experience!
I order two flat bread tuna sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and onion and this is what followed.
S-ubway #1: What size?
D-eb: 6"
S#1: Do you want that toasted?
D: Yes.
S#1: Do you want the cheese toasted also?
D: Yes.
S#1: What kind of cheese?
D: What kind do you offer?
S#1: American, cheddar and pepper jack.
D: One with American and one with pepper jack.
S#1: Do you want extra cheese?
D: No
S#1: Do you want extra tuna?
D: Um, no.
S#1: What else do you want on it?
D: Lettuce, Tomato and onion.
S#1: Do you want crispy bacon?
D: (Did I ask for that?) Yes, sounds good.
Now I decide to also order a breakfast sandwich for Scott. The menu board says it's a 3" flat bread sandwich.
D: Could I also have a egg, cheese and bacon flat bread breakfast sandwich?
A second employee (S#2) helps me with this order.
S#2: What size? A foot long?
D: (Doesn't the menu state 3"?) No, just a small one.
S#2: Do you want extra cheese on that?
D: No
S#1: What kind of dressing do you want? (on tuna)
D: Oiy! you ask too many questions! At least you guys are nice and patient.
S#1 and S#2: I know, we HAVE to ask the questions.
D: (Isn't there already dressing IN the tuna?) Nothing.
S#1: Nothing? No mayo?
D: Oh, ok. (Do I really need more mayo in my tuna salad made with mayo?)
I head to the register and decide to get some cookies.
D: Could I get a dozen cookies? (Great cookies!) Do you have more in the back? I don't want to leave you with none.
S#3: We bake them all day. Order as many as you'd like.
The tuna sandwiches are done and brought by S#1 to the register.
The breakfast sandwich (6" even though I asked for a small and the menu states 3") is done and brought by S#2 to the register.
My cookies are packed by S#3.
S#3: Do you want anything to drink with your order?
D: No (as I chuckle).
How annoying! Oh my gosh! Questions coming at me from 3 different people. So many options when I just want a simple sandwich. So many item choices on the menu board. I can't handle the stress of ordering. Never again! Let Scott do the Subway ordering. Scott laughs at the recounting of my "ordeal" and says I'm getting old. How annoying!

5 Warning Signs you're getting old - Warning, foul language included

Do not regret growing old, it is a privilege denied to many. 

Great Escape from Ft. Stockton

Wed., Feb. 5, 2014

Traders Village RV Park .Grand Prairie, TX

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
BROWSING THE WWW
BOOK REVIEW
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RV LIFE:
We are still in Texas and it's 27°!!!!!
FINALLY, we are on our way. We got our truck back at 6 pm on Monday. Scott drove it around a bit and all seemed fine. We decided to take off the next day on Tuesday. Our trip was to be 250 miles, but...
I'll let Scott explain (from his Facebook page)
Scott wrote on Tuesday: "OK, we've left Ft Stockton on our way to Tye RV Park, near Abilene, TX. 250 miles. Our re-manufactured by Ford, 6.0 Diesel engine, is running great. It really is as close to a new engine as you can get. It included EVERYTHING, almost. :( About 80 miles into our trip, we heard a slight pop, and then it sounded like a big fan was blowing in the engine compartment. Not the normal fan noises, but another fan. Power dropped, not good. We're on Rt 385, heading to Odessa and I-20. We've seen nothing since leaving Ft Stockton. Seems we've experienced this before, not long ago. Can we make 25 miles to Odessa, TX? I pull over and check everything I can. No leaks, no obvious problems, and no extra fan noise. I have Deb rev engine, all seems normal, so back on the road to Odessa and the nearest RV park and Ford dealer. (2 year unlimited warranty on engine.) I'm noticing a lack of power and "fan noise" when turbo hits about 10 PSI, it won't go higher. I pull over again and check turbo plumbing problems. Nothing obvious, but I'm thinking turbo problems. We make it to Odessa and an RV park that can only accommodate us for 2 nights. I called Fernandez Auto Repair, they did our engine replacement. He said to really check the 2 blue hoses that led from the turbo to the inter-cooler for leaks. I found holes, got replacements from the local Ford dealer, installed them. PROBLEM SOLVED!!! About the only thing that wasn't included with the engine had failed. But, an easy fix, and back on the road again tomorrow towards Tennessee , and Dina's transport to her new forever home. I hate to say it, but I'll miss her. She's a good dog."

See the blue piece just left of the top center?

Time for a new one.

Scott wrote on Wednesday: "Yesterday, after my 1st attempt at installing the 2 turbo hoses failed with a loud "shotgun" blast and blown tire sound. I re-did the connections and tightened them a bit more, over torque warnings be damned, and we hit the road today heading for Sunnyvale, TX. 354 miles away. (gotta get Dina to Nashville Saturday :( ) I was really sweating as the turbo pressure climbed to about 28PSI. But, it held. Maybe we will make it to Sunnyvale. Deb called for reservations. Sorry, we're full. Damn, now where do we go? Using our RV WIFI, DC powered, (we're cheap, we don't have those fancy phones), we search for RV parks along the route and find one in Dallas / Ft Worth area, and they have openings. We pull in about 4:30PM. We made it. The truck ran fine, my repairs held, and everything seems good in the engine compartment. I wasn't looking forward to driving around Dallas/Ft Worth at evening rush pulling a 35' RV, but it wasn't to bad. I guess that commute up the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike around NYC has paid off, finally. :) These other cities with their traffic complaints should come to NJ / NYC area. :)"
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BROWSING THE WWW:

My brother likes to fool around with photo editing. I think this one is hilarious!

"Scott come forward"

I joined Book Crossing when we started full time RV'ing. This is a site that you register books that you've read and leave at different places. When someone picks up those books, they will see a link to the Book Crossing website to submit that you picked up this book. In theory, this is a cool concept. I'd like to see where my books end up. I usually leave them in the RV park laundry or bathroom, unless they have an actual book exchange. After almost 3 years, I have yet to have one of my books show up as picked up. I give up.
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BOOK REVIEW: Kindle Edition
Murder At The Rocks by Jill Paterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just an average murder mystery. Seemed a little drawn out. I should have counted how many times Detective Chief Inspector Fitzjohn introduced himself using that full title.
It is worth the read and the ending is a surprise.

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Keeping it short today. Long day for Scott driving and I knitted, as usual. If all goes as planned, we'll be in Arkansas tomorrow (Thur) and Tennessee on Friday. I must admit, I'm looking forward to heading South after that and to hopefully warmer weather. I truly love Winter time, but not in an RV.

I have a headache...

Jan. 13 - ?, 2014

Fort Stockton RV Park, Fort Stockton, TX

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
BEVERAGES
PETS
CRAFTS
LIFE HACK
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RV LIFE:

I have a headache and feeling down.

Well, our engine ordeal has finally gotten to me. We've both dealt with it quite well, until now. Scott seems to still be doing ok. I would probably feel better if I didn't have a deadline to be in Tennessee on Feb. 8 for Dina's transport to NJ for adoption. That can be changed, but this transport involves at least a dozen different volunteers all working together and giving of their time and gas. I'd really rather not cancel.

Our engine did arrive on time on Wednesday, Feb. 29. Fernandez said it should take 1.5 days to get the engine installed. We were told, hopefully Friday or Saturday we'd have our truck. Well, it's been 3.5 days and now Sunday with no truck. I am beaten down..

The dreary, overcast, cold day doesn't help

Too add to my depression, our Eng Setter Rescue is having multiple issues to deal with. Our rescue has grown quite large, with not the increase in volunteers to help with our expansion. I think many of us are getting burnt out. I'm retired and I feel like I spend too much time doing Rescue work. Most of our volunteers work full time and some are single ladies too. Oh my gosh! How do they find time in the day?

Another added stressor is our consideration of buying a house again.

We were so relieved when our NJ house sold and the  lack of responsibility.

But, I think a big part of the relief was because of the expense of living in NJ and that we hated our house and closeness of our neighbors. Not so much the responsibility. 

Scott is constantly working on things in the RV. There is always some small or larger problem to deal with this house that is shaken, not stirred while we travel. Right now our main overhead living room light does not work. It's not the bulb. The fan (same combo unit) is not working either. It was working just the other day and now it's not. Scott emptied the basement, tried to follow the correct wire, checked the breakers etc. Everything else works on the same breaker. So the wire is interrupted somewhere. 

I truly feel like a "kept woman". I see him cleaning the roof, trying to find the problem with our electric, cooking dinner, grocery shopping, etc. All the while, I'm on the computer or knitting. Life is still good in spite of the crap that we've got to deal with.

What the hell do I have to be depressed about? It will all be dealt with, BUT, I still have a headache, a baaad headache.

I don't have too many friends (by choice). I have ...

friends that are family

friends that I knit with (or used to)

friends on the internet with common interests

friends that I consider close in spirit, but unfortunately physically far.

Right now I miss my close friend, PETRA!!!!!! You know who you are. Petra is an animal lover, like me. Petra is very open with her thoughts and emotions to me. Petra & I have a great time just hanging out together, especially when we drink, get more than just a buzz and just let loose whatever is on our minds. Petra is someone I can just grab and ask for a hug and she'll gladly do that for me. I'm not a huggy person with friends nor family, but Petra is such a comfort with just her presence. I miss you. 

Enough of the "woe is me: crap. I think I'll have to cross stitch this. I like decorating with interesting, funny, thoughtful, sarcastic items. This should be my mantra. Sort of like the serenity prayer for AA. 

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BEVERAGES:

Hmmmm, it's after 12 noon. Will a glass of wine relieve my headache? I don't know, but I'm gonna try. Feel free to join me.

My everyday beverage of choice is water. I prefer that over juice and soda. Although I do crave a seltzer water also. Seems that as soon as we leave the East, seltzer is difficult to come by. And of course, you crave what you can't have. Scott has been searching for seltzer for me during his grocery shopping outings. He picked up club soda. Hmmm. What's the difference? I drank a bottle of the club soda and couldn't tell any significant or really any difference. And what is tonic too? I know that tastes different, but still wasn't sure what it was. So the internet to the rescue! From Askville, "Club soda and seltzer water are essentially interchangeable.  Strictly, seltzer is just water and carbon dioxide (made by pressurizing water with CO2) and club soda may have some other minerals added (like salt).  It's more like the difference between Aquafina and Dasani: yeah, there's a difference, but nobody really cares.

Tonic water is genuinely different.  It's really a soda, since it has sugar as well as carbonation.  The key flavor in it is quinine, which is bitter.  (That's why they added the sugar in the first place.  The point was to get you to drink your quinine, which helps prevent malaria.  These days, there's not enough quinine to help with malaria, and it's just for flavor.)"

Which leads to what is quinine?? It is "a bitter crystalline alkaloid C20H24N2O2 from cinchona bark used in medicine" 

Which leads to what is a Cinchona tree? It is a plant, shrub, small tree found in the Andes in South America. And that my friends is how you surf the web.

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PETS:

Here's a uplifting video...sort of. It's from the Lake Cty? SPCA. Unfortunate, that we have so many animals needing home, but thankful for the staff and volunteers that try to help. Check out this cute video, that took a lot of thought. 

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CRAFTS:

I've started my first sock. Yes, I gave in. Knitting socks is the big fad and I got sucked into it. I have a skein of sock yarn that I think is U-H-GG-A-L-Y!!!!!! So what else am I to do with it? I can make socks. It will give me a new challenge and if they turn out, they can be useful, but barely seen. 

This is Knit Picks Stroll hand-painted sock yarn. Now of course, sock yarn can be used for many other projects. It's a great weight yarn for shawls or decorative scarves and to try your hand at lace knitting without using that oh so thin lace weight yarn. I have the book, Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks! , which is full of great projects using just one skein of sock yarn.

What a difference in length!

I've also fixed the arms on my favorite comfy sweater. I have no problem eating leftovers or wearing second hand clothing. When we were living in NJ, I volunteered at the local SPCA. I would also bring donated items there. So a co-worker, Phil aka "Stealth" (because he was a quiet guy and would just come up beside you unnoticed), would donate his old clothes to their thrift shop. Well, I would check out the items and Scott took a couple of pairs of jeans and I took one of the sweaters. Now Phil is a tall guy and this sweater is BIG, with long arms. The sweater is a dark grey (one of my favorite "colors"), made of cotton & ramie. So it is machine washable and dryable and very durable. Plus it is toasty warm! The problem is, the arms are so long and loose that I need to put hair bands around my wrists to keep the sleeves from getting in the way. I have put up with this for three years. Well, I FINALLY put an end to that annoying situation. No, I did not just cut the ends off. Although that would have worked and then just put masking tape as a hem holder. You'd be surprised how well masking tape works for a temporary fix to hems. I've even washed the masking tape hem and it survived a couple of washings before having to actually sew the hem. Back to my sleeves. I unraveled the sleeves to above the length I needed. I then rib knit the sleeves. Turned out perfect! I will probably have this sweater until I die or it wears out, whichever comes first. Have I told you how much I LOVE THIS SWEATER?????

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LIFE HACK:

Simple and effective. We tried this and works great. Better than folding end down.

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End on a good note:

Let's see, the good ...

I "only" have a bad headache. I'm not sick like Beluga Sue has been. I hope you're feeling better.

The truck IS being repaired, even though slowly.

I have a wonderful hubby who leaves me be when needed.

I have a wonderful hubby who is low maintenance, meaning he is not a needy person.

Dina is getting adopted, although I will truly miss her. She is the only dog on the bed with me in my time of woe.

I have a wonderful hubby who likes to cook and is making comfort food (chili) today.

I'm retired with a decent pension.

I'm fairly healthy.

My future options are wide and varied.

And....

my headache has subsided. Still here but manageable.

The RV life is still good.

Update: Scott just informed me that he does windows also. Yes he does. He used his new squeegee to clean the outsides of our RV windows. Thank you dear. 

Fickle Finger of Fate

Jan. 13 - ?, 2014

Fort Stockton RV Park, Fort Stockton, TX

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
RV TIP
PET PEEVE
CRAFTS
PETS
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Texas is cold too!

RV LIFE:

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...Alcoholic lemonade that is!

The weather has been all over the scale. The other day it was near 80°. Today it was 29° this morning and may not get out of the 40's all day. This is my own homemade adult lemonade. Some simple syrup, fresh lemon, true lemon powder, grapefruit vodka and tonic.

When I use up a bulky item, it makes me happy. Living in an RV, every little bit of extra space helps. With our truck engine woes, I have been enjoying more alcoholic beverages than usual. My norm is probably 2-3 glasses of wine PER WEEK. But these past 3 weeks, I've been adding Irish Cream or Frangelico to my coffee. I've been having wine more often and later in the evening. And, my hard liquor consumption has risen. With that, my large bottles are disappearing. My bottle of gin is now gone and my bottle of Absolut Ruby Grapefruit vodka is also now gone. Ahhh, some vacant space in the cabinets! Since we don't have a vehicle and are dependent on the  kindness of others to take us into town, we dare not also request a stop to the liquor store. That is not a necessity at all. Besides, I've still got 4 bottles of wine left.

I'm sure you can deduce from my above drinking habits, that the truck is still not fixed. Although Fernandez Auto may not be the fastest, you can't blame this delay on them. We had to order an engine and get it delivered. We are hoping it will arrive tomorrow and they'll start working on it. The mechanic picked me up today to bring me in to pay for the engine. Sigh....$5000.00 on my personal charge card and $9400.00 on our joint charge card. Sigh....and that's just for the engine (+tax). Scott has been researching online all about the engine troubles. There have been MANY cases and the price we paid is the general going price everyone else has paid. This is JUST FOR THE ENGINE! I think we'll have to do what Carla, of Cozy Be Gone has been doing. Just stay in one spot that offers a monthly rate. We'll save on park fees and diesel gas fill ups.

From Scott's Facebook: "Just found out that we missed out on a Ford 6.0 diesel engine class action lawsuit by 3 weeks. 3 of the things in the suit we've had. Papers had to be filed by 12/31/13. Guess the Fickle Finger of Fate (how many remember that?) has decided to poke us a bit. Poke, poke, poke."

So because of this engine dilemma, our plans have drastically changed.

Corpus Christi-Cancelled

Galveston-Cancelled

Alabama Gulf Coast & meeting up with Carla, of Cozy Be Gone-Cancelled

New Orleans visit with Mickey and her great Cajun food-cancelled

Dina's adoption transport-Cancelled by a week

So we just wait, keep working on our state of mind to deal with all this and go on. RV life is still good.

Since today is on the cooler side, I think I'll make myself a comfort drink...hot chocolate with fluff in it! Maybe I'll add a little Frangelico to it, maybe not.

And since cocoa comes out of a tree, that makes it a plant, therefore chocolate counts as a vegetable right? That means cocoa is really a veggie drink! OK, I know, I'm stretching.  I'll have my real salad later, but for now I'll relax with my hot chocolate.

By the end of the week, it should be in the 80's again. 

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RV TIP:

I've mentioned this newsletter before and I'll mention it again... Roadtreking Here is a very handy tip for those that driveway camp. You can use the stick & brick house sewer to empty your tanks. Check out the how to here. Maybe we'll try this out while we're in NJ staying in my in-law's driveway, in the Spring. I'll update if we try it.

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PET PEEVE:

I thought of something else that I was missing. Good coffee. I just ran out. Scott's light roast is ugh. While Scott was at the grocery store the other day, he picked up Starbucks Sumatra. Starbucks? You picked up Starbucks????!!!!! My eyes grew wide and flames started seeping out. Scott started trembling because he could see the "wrath of Debbie" was about to be thrown on him. My mind is whirring. Starbucks! How could he? But at least he tried, with the little choices he had. What a guy. He gathered our groceries and got almost everything on the list. Calm... easy... quiet... Deb. Ok, I'm good. The dragon has been contained.
"Thank you honey. I'll give it a try. I hope it's better than your coffee. I love you." 
Why you ask? Why does the word Starbucks have such a negative effect on me? Do you know what you are asking? The dragon is about to come out and rant!
I am not a "label" watcher. I do not pay the extra money to show off a label. In fact, I'm just the opposite. I am anti-label. I did not buy Calvin Klein jeans in the 70's/80's. I will not ride a Harley Davidson, I could not care less about "Coach" bags. I do buy name brand items if I like the quality, usefulness, design & no hype.
While I was still working, I went out for a cup of coffee on a cold Winter's day to the local Starbucks shop about 4 blocks from work. Having never been there, I was almost too overwhelmed by the strange language, but decided to order a cappuccino with whipped cream. I walked back to work thinking about the yummy drink I'll partake while on my break. I get to the lunch room with a good book and take off the lid.
Ugh Grrrrrrosssssssss! There was a 1/4 inch layer of OIL on my cappuccino! Bull crap! I paid all this money only to be given fake cream???? I have boycotted this establishment ever since, which adds up to at least 10 years. Their practices may have changed, but with all the hype of how wonderful Starbucks is and the snobs who order  their fancy worded beverages, I have no use for Starbucks. (Unless I'm stuck in Fort Stockton, with no other coffee available.)
For those that enjoy Starbucks coffee,but need help ordering. Here is a how to guide.
Choose a size. Starbucks is known for having their name-specific sizing. Fear not getting the sizes down is "easy" Yea, right. .
Short is the equivalent of 8oz
Tall is the equivalent of 12oz
Grande is the equivalent of 16oz
Venti is the equivalent of  20oz
Trenta is the equivalent of  24oz
 ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!!! Don't you think small, medium, large, extra large, giant would work???
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CRAFTS:

This is what our rig and truck will soon look like if I don't curb my yarn purchases!!!

We had our mail sent here and I received more yarn and an assortment of beads. I already have a use for this yarn. None of my stash yarn was right for my February Mystery Knit-a-long, so I HAD to buy yarn.
It is getting to the point, that I am knitting just for the pure challenge and enjoyment. I'm really enjoying knitting with speciality brands of yarn, instead of big box craft store yarns. There is nothing wrong with big box craft store yarns. They are less money and usually more durable, but more generic. I am realizing I LOVE silk blend yarns and mohair. The silk gives a slight sheen and drape to the fabric. But it's gotten to the point that I don't know what to do with my knitted items. My recent projects are made with quality fiber that needs hand washing. Who wants to deal with that, unless you are a fiber enthusiast? I will continue to knit and continue to try to sell my beautiful (yes, I'm proud of my work) items, or if the opportunity comes along, I'll give them away to an appreciative recipient.

Doris, in Illinois, wearing her sweater I made for her. Keep warm sweetie.

I've finished my Indian Feathers shawlette. I used up the beautiful mohair, wool, silk yarn from the lace scarf I recently made. I really really love this Luna yarn. It feels like a cloud. Hmm, do I know what a cloud feels like? You know what I mean. This shawlette which is really an arched scarf is so light, lofty, soft, squishy and beautiful! Too bad I have no reason to wear it. I'm lucky to get out of my PJ's these past few weeks. This scarf is for sale for $60. Yep, big bucks, but it IS SILK AND MOHAIR, plus the time it took for me to knit it. 

Can you see the Indian feathers on the bottom?

Unfortunately, I have yet to take a photo that shows it off correctly. It is beautiful! It has just a few blue beads near the points of the feathers on the bottom.

When blocking the shawlette/scarf on the picnic table, it was soooo windy, I had to use all kinds of items to hold it down and keep it from blowing away.

This was all the yarn I had left over. 

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PETS:

Where is Devin's head? It's on the arm rest on the left side of the photo. Devin covered his eyes with his feet when I turned on the light when I got out of bed. I guess he wasn't ready for the day to begin.

Somedays I spend my days in the bedroom. The reason is usually because it's so cold outside and the bedroom is the warmest and coziest spot in the RV. The other reason is shown above. There's no place for me to sit! So I head to the bedroom and within minutes, all 3 dogs are upstairs joining me.

A run of bad luck...or the exclamation mark post!!!!!!!

Jan. 13 - ?, 2014

Fort Stockton RV Park, Fort Stockton, TX

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
FOOD
BROWSING THE WWW
LIFE HACKS
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RV LIFE:

We have our blog address in big white vinyl letters on the back of our RV and on the back of our truck. For being such a private, shy, and semi-nonsocial person, that is an odd thing to do. But having our blog "advertised" is an easy social opener for someone to approach us and start a conversation. It is also a great way for our neighbors to be "nosey" and learn about us without approaching us. To me, these are not bad things. But, I've realized there are a couple of downsides to my rig and truck advertising.

Susan has mentioned problems she is having with her current neighbor and she is free to write about it and let her frustration out without consequences. Now if I were to write about my neighbors, there is a good chance they may end up reading it, because our blog addy is very visible. Also, if I'm going to give a bad RV park review, I wait until we are gone from that park before posting. Again, I don't want the "offended party" to retaliate. 

So, I guess anyone following our adventure is wondering about our truck? If you've been to Scott's facebook page you already know, the news is not good.

From Scott: "I got a ride into town today with the camp host to pick up supplies. Also stopped by the mechanic to see the damage done by a piece of metal the size of my pinky fingernail, that broke off of the fuel injector and rattled around in the cylinder. Not pretty."

See the hole? How can you miss it?

More damage.

Poor truck! POOR us!

I know, I know, you all fee bad for us. But inside you're thinking, "Phew! I'm glad that's not us!". Yes, this really sucks, stinks, blows, etc. Now for the REALLY bad news...a reconditioned engine from Ford is going to cost us $13,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, those zeroes are correct, $13K. I must say, some things happen for a reason. Haven't figured out what our reason for truck problems are, but I'm thankful for the neighbors we had last night. Ft. Stockton RV park is mainly just an overnight stopping spot. Around 2pm the traffic begins and by 4pm, there is usually a small line of RV's waiting to register at the office. In the morning, the park is quiet again. So almost every day we have a new neighbor. I've mentioned many times that I am a loner, not a socializer, etc. So with each new neighbor, I just keep to myself and knit. I turn off my audio book in case new neighbor speaks to me, but I don't initiate conversation, EXCEPT FOR YESTERDAY. What got into me???  Our neighbor pulls in and is setting up. I know when we are setting up, I really don't want to talk to anyone, until the slides are out and the dogs are secured. I am in my usual sunny afternoon spot, knitting and making sure the dogs don't bother our neighbors (like Susan's "bad dog" did. Wink, Wink). Next thing I know, I ask if they are only staying overnight! I NEVER initiate conversation! I must have been taken over by the spirit of our dead engine! They say yes and I then continue to talk! My mouth is not my own! I state we were supposed to only be overnight, but now it's been 8 days. His answer is Oh, you must like it here. Of course I say no way! That's how the conversation about our truck and his truck came about. They have a 2008 Ford 350 truck. Ours is a 2006 Ford 350. They had to have their engine replaced. Total cost for engine and labor....$17,000.00!!!!! Noooooooo! This was prior to us hearing our estimate. About 1/2 hour later, our mechanic calls with the $13,0000.00 engine replacement cost. If I had not spoken to our neighbor, I would have thought we were being ripped off. I was thinking $5K to $10K. So it's a very good thing that I spoke to our neighbors. Not only because we now knew the $13K was a "reasonable" price, but also to know someone else had to go through this and dealt with it and continued on. 

Oh what a waste. Both Scott and I keep thinking that if we had or could have stopped earlier, the damage would have been minimal. But we were 1.5 hours away from El Paso on Hwy. 10! Anyone who's driven this stretch of the USA, knows there is NOTHING here. No RV parks, no Ford dealers, no civilization, until you reach Ft. Stockton. And even here, there is little to choose from. So whether we turned back to El Paso or continued on, the damage would have been done. This too shall pass. Our needs are few. We have pretty much what we need here. Enough dog food for another 7-10 days, decent internet, direct TV, 50 amp electric, space to tie out the dogs, space to walk the dogs, enough yarn to keep me busy, & enough wine to keep me happy. Only a couple of things I'm missing...good whole grain bread and natural peanut butter for my breakfast. I only have enough PB to last maybe 3 days. Oh no!!! While Scott was out gathering groceries, he looked for my PB but with no success. Yes, this is a rinky-dink town, with no SUPERmarkets, just a grocery store.

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FOOD: 

Yesterday I was sitting outside wearing short sleeves. Today I'm inside "nesting" in the bedroom snuggled under the covers. Temps have dropped to only reaching 45° today with a frigid wind. Dina is my constant companion. I'm sure going to miss her after she is adopted.

Now the we have restocked our pantry and fridge, Scott can enjoy making comfort food on this chilly day. Chicken and Dumplings will fit that need. Depending on where you were raised, dumplings can mean different things to different people.

I'm from Central/North Jersey. I was brought up with the basic Bisquick dumpling. As an adult, I now add some onion powder and dill weed to the batter.

Scott is from South Jersey aka "Mayberry". His version of dumplings are the flat pie crust or noodle type. I prefer my childhood memories Bisquick dumplings, but there are times when the noodle type will do also. After all, Scott is the cook, so he gets the 75% of the voting ratio.

Biscuit dumplings

Chinese dumplings

So, Scott not only is cooking the chicken stew, but he is also making the flour noodle type dumplings from scratch!

Courtesy of my bro, Rob.

As I've said before...what a guy! I'm very lucky to have him in my life.

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BROWSING THE WWW:

Black Hills Simple Life  is an on line magazine I subscribe to. The interest began when we were in Custer, SD and looking at property. I found the "Farmer's wife" article interesting and enlightening. The article spoke of the freak snowstorm, called Atlas Blizzard in late Oct. This was the reason we had to leave SD. Otherwise, we may have stayed and bought property.  I am feeling much more comfortable about buying property in more familiar Tennessee. 

Anyway, Rancher's wife is a great article giving 1st hand knowledge of life on a Ranch. I only thought of the snow coming early was unusual and never gave it a 2nd thought. But for the ranchers this was devastating. The cattle free graze during the summer months and then as Winter nears, they are gathered up from acres and acres of land. This is no small task and can take days to get all the cattle corralled for the Winter. In Winter, the cattle are fed hay by the ranchers since there is not enough grazing areas once snow falls. Thus, the panic of the unexpected blizzard. I think (as a non rancher). "Well, gee, they have 4 or 5 days to plan for this blizzard".  That's time enough for us to pack up and leave, but for a rancher to prepare the corralls, gather enough hay, get the help on quick notice to help bring in the cattle spread out over the vast land is just not enough notice. 

Many cattle were not able to be brought in to safety and died of hypothermia. Some ranchers lost over 50% of their herd! Devastating! It's going to be a hard winter after this loss. 

Just brings to mind the "easy" life I've had with a steady job with good pay and benefits. Even with our engine woes and the huge hit to our checkbook/savings/emergency fund/house fund, it does not affect our livelyhood. We will continue to get our pension checks each month. I am very thankful.

OK, enough downers.

I subscribe to Paw Bonito Best Animal Videos. Every day or two, I get a link in my mailbox to open doggie videos that are sure to bring a smile to any dog lover. Of course videos of cats, etc. also.

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LIFE HACKS:

Hunter-Gatherer

Jan. 13 - ?, 2014

Fort Stockton RV Park, Fort Stockton, TX

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
PETS
CRAFTS
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RV LIFE:

Scott receives the hunter-gatherer award this month. Scott took the 5 mile bicycle ride into town. He picked up a catfish dinner for me, checked on the progress of the truck and caught a bobcat!

Check out the photo below to show some perspective at the size of this cat.

This cat may be as large or larger than Dina!

It's one thing to be told there are coyotes, wild cats, etc. around, but now having seen one, you realize the danger around us.
We think Dina, being a loose dog on the reservation was well aware of what this animal was. She was very cautious until she realized it was dead, then she was more curious.
Goofy Devin just thought it was something to play with..."Oooh, a big cat! Let's play!". You can see me leaning back trying to hold Devin away from the cat. Devin's leash is wrapped around my waist for more strength.
Today, my husband will once again go into the populated area and gather food for us. He bartered for a ride into town. As we were paying for another 2 days here, Scott mentioned he rode into town on his bicycle. The camp host offered to drive him in. She mentioned she was trying to ride her bicycle also, but her brakes didn't work. Scott lubed up her chain and adjusted her brakes. He took a test ride and all are working. What a guy!
Ahhh, you may be wondering why we had to book another 2 days? Because we need a new engine! Oh crap! Money, money, money. I figure we're feeding some families pretty good this week, with what we'll have to dish out. Ugh! Now we hope we can find a refurbished diesel engine within a reasonable amount of time.
From Scott's Facebook page: "Well, looks like we'll be stuck here in Fort Stockton, TX a bit longer. Engine has piston, cylinder and valve damage. So, I guess we'll be ordering a rebuilt engine."  
So with that news, we both had a quiet afternoon, each trying to deal in our own way, with the delay & the financial hit we are experiencing. I listened to a book on tape and knitted. Scott napped and played a computer game. Surprisingly, we are dealing ok with it. Neither one of us are moping around. What good would that do? It is, what it is and we have to accept and continue on.

No what if's...we had stopped sooner, etc. It's a done deal. We get it fixed, hope Fernandez Auto doesn't rip us off and finally escape from Ft. Stockton. This is not a place I'd want to live.
I asked Scott if he still wanted to head to Tennessee, even though the property is not listed. He said a definite yes. I think he may be ready to settle down again. I think I am.
Anyone considering full timing...it is a wonderful experience, but it is not as easy as it seems. We are so dependent on our vehicles, Scott is always maintaining, fixing or improving something on the RV. Just like a stick and brick house, there's always something. He still has a "honey do" list, but at least he's retired and is not so pressured to get his list crossed off. I thought the "cavalry" had come to save us last night! Two Cedar Creek RV's pulled in. I was hoping one would stop by to say hello when they saw our Cedar Creek RV Owner's Club sign hanging up. But alas, no one stopped by to offer us support in our time of need.
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PETS:
I must confess, we are not the best groomers of our Setters. This blame is spread out 3 ways.              
Scott's fault: I can't speak for Scott, but he rarely brushes the dogs and NEVER brushes their teeth. He will clip their nails when I beg (nag).
My fault : I am not normally a procrastinator, but with the dogs I am. I'll brush them later...then the day is over. But I am the one that does most of the brushing. Scott will cut out mats. I brush their teeth. I THINK ABOUT their nails and end up nagging Scott or bringing them to a groomer or vet for nail cutting.
Dogs' fault: If only they would enjoy the attention of grooming. If only they wouldn't try to bite the brush. If only they wouldn't wiggle out of the way. If only they wouldn't run to the corner and hide.
When I had a Keeshond, she loved being brushed and I loved doing it. It felt very therapeutic. But my Setters have always hated grooming. It is a very frustrating process, so it gets put off, and then they get mats and look terrible. Lyla is always thought to be doodle because she is so curly.
So Debbie's Mobile Grooming Service arrives (idea taken from Susan).

Before

During (Scott is just holding her in place)

What a mess!

Still needs brushing, but she looks thinner.

Before

After.

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CRAFTS:
I've really been enjoying working on the Mystery Knit-a-Longs. They are great to work on in between my own projects.

I'm currently working on a shawlette, which is a small shawl that can be worn more as a scarf. That is much more practical than making a whole shawl. I just want some home made burst of color and beauty added to my blah normal wardrobe.
The current MKAL is called Follow Your Arrow. The reason for the title is because with each clue/set of instructions, there are two options. You can choose whichever option and your shawlette will take on a whole new direction in design.

My felted project bag is essentially complete. I think I will sew in a lining so items won't get caught in the felt.

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WHERE WE'RE GOING & WHEN???
??????