Revelations... In wifi connecting

At times, I am called upon for assistance in the utilization of computers.  I am what is often referred to as a power user.  In non-computereze, that mean that I am a computer equivalent to a backyard mechanic. - no formal tech training, but have an aptitude and general understanding of how it runs "under the hood", both in hardward, and software.

On this particular day, my neighbours wanted to learn how to forward that spring-deer piece I posted yesterday.  (They are new to email, and wanted to go beyond the basic composition).  Once I demonstrated the process, we then moved on to discussions of other things that can be done in the ever-increasing rv pads that include hard line, or wifi access.

I have a skype account which allows me to have video calls with others I know that have skype as well.  (free to sign up) It allows me especially to keep in touch with my parents when they "fly south for the winter" because I don't have long distance US minutes.  I digress...

So my neighbours were curious what skype was, and for sake of ease, I just brought my laptop next door and launched it on the off chance that Mom was home.  She was, and they were appropriately impressed.  However, so was I.  The reception at their place - 30 feet from my own, was the clearest it has ever been.

At my own place, I often have voice and picture break-up and we now have figured it out.  We have always had on again off again service, and just figured it was the site's router letting us down.  That combine with my parents' sporadic connection, we just resigned to its status as sketchy at best.

So here is the key to good reception at wifi sites at rv parks - try to have a direct path between you and the building housing their router.  Our reception is encumbered by the fact that our absent neighbour's fairly large and tall 5th wheel is providing a signal block for our receiver.  A few feet make a phenomenal  difference.  Next door, reception is between 4 and 5 out of 5 bars.  Ours on a good day is 4, but most often, rides around 2 - 3.  Downloading can be slow.  We get as low as 1 - 50 kb/s and on rare occasions, can have as high as 300 - 400 kb/s.  

We are a bit slow, but now we can see if there is any way the park can compensate for the shortcoming.  I will let you know if there is any solution short of changing our site. (not practical - we are rather trenched in until moving day)

Anyway, dinner is required in the home, and it just isn't doing itself. (Dash it all!!)

And so I bid you,

Adieu

I couldn't resist the humour of this email I received...

Hang in there Canada, 

Spring is almost here...

We can now see the deer wandering around.

Thoughts Out For A Meander...

Today is pleasant enough. The sun is out, but there is a thin veil of cloud preventing a full and proper blue to the sky. The temperature is hovering just above 0, my walking pal and I have finished the stroll, stretched out, and returned home. Amazingly enough, we are only on day 2 of the yoga, and are already bending a bit more than yesterday. I still find my belly is my biggest interference on some of my bending, but that should take care of itself if the program works as it should.

I am endeavoring to keep my boys' lives separate from my blog life in respect of their space and privacy, but I am gearing up to a spring get together, and can't help but say it will be truly wonderful to see them.

On other fronts, Ken is now lubing and prepping the generator, and I hear him attempting the first turn overs. (I haven't heard a full firing yet, so an holding my breath, and trying not to be obviously staring while whispering quite prayers). I have no doubt that it will fire and run well, but being its maiden run, the fluids must work in, and the familiarity with settings, chokes and what-have-you need to be given time.
SUCCESS!!! Yeah, I knew he could do it!! It sounds... well, like a generator... Not stunningly quiet, but then again, it is a diesel. At least it sounds no noisier than any of the other ones I have heard run on occasion. I am content, and Ken will putter some more. He likes outside business, which is why we have the utility trailer. It acts as a portable workshop, and although it is still quite cool, it is better than it has been for a couple months, and he is making the best of it.

It lets me get the housework done anyway. The new washing dryer does an awesome job. Today I ran my first load with an item that I had to remove before the dry cycle, so I set it to wash only. I have to say that the 1200 RPM spin out of the rinse does an awesome job on extracting excess moisture. Hung in the shower stall, it should be dry in no time. I quickly broke out the manual to figure out how to run a dry only cycle to complete the rest of the load. It was easy enough, I just set the wash dial to PermaPress dry, set the timer, and turned it back on. The book notes that on other dry settings (4 different wash types) it does a rinse first, so the Perma-press dry will go straight into the drying. It is happily spinning now.

I glanced over at the couch where I was hearing sounds of mischief, and apparently Voyage Critic II (Glory) had dug up some residue from the previous occupants of this home. They must have had a granddaughter visit, because extracted from under the bedroom slide, under the washing dryer compartment, she had retrieved the greatest treasure any cat could glean. A 3" plastic Polly Pocket-ish looking figurine with a kind of rubbery removable dress. She looks quite pleased with herself, and has packed it around quite a bit. Currently, she sits in her kennel, giving said dolly a motherly review, and repositioning. It is too cute, I have shot her. :-)
Sharing shot in 3,...2,....1.

I digress...

So back in reality, the driver for the pick-up of the old washer is 20 minutes away, so shortly it shall drift into the oblivion of the forgotten past, replaced shortly with a cheque for appropriate compensation for the hassles and chaos that it provided in our life. (insert satisfying sigh) and all was good it the slightly chilled, but pleasantly bright valley known as Oliver.

The day has been satisfying enough to post. ...and I think that is just what I will do. :-)

And so to you weblanders, I bid you,

Adieu.

A New Day

Today was definitely an improvement.  The sun shone brightly, and it was fairly warm too!  (I began to doubt that both could be accomplished at the same time here) We went for a 2 mile walk and then changed into some stretchy clothes and met a couple other gals at the club house for a new experiment - yoga for weight loss.  

The gal that suggested the program has a disk that she follows, and says that after a year of using it, she was nearly able to do the splits, and fold practically in half.  More importantly, she lost a fair amount of weight as well.  The disk is easy to follow, and has 4 gals modeling different levels of skill.  What I really like about it is that it doesn't require a lot of space, so I have ordered a copy so that when we reach spring break-up, I can continue with it on my own.

As for the rest of the day, I was out chipping ice off the driveway.  Currently, the ice has build up so much in front of the red truck that we can go anywhere in 2 wheel drive, but for the last 2 feet, we need to go into 4X4.  If we can just get a couple days above 0 we can break it up and clear it.

We were also supposed to have the Majestic washer picked up today, but we got a call from the shipper around 3:30 saying that the truck is encountering difficulties down around Omak Washington.  He will be here tomorrow, apparently.  We weren't going anywhere yet anyway.

The final accomplishment of the day was to unload and uncrate the generator.  It is pretty :-)   It was shipped dry, so Ken is reading the manual thoroughly before adding any oil and fuel.  We had a group of guys gather to unload and observe the new gadget. (You know boys and toys...)  Ken has promised them that he will assemble all to demonstrate it's inaugural run.  I did note that it has 2 remote starters.  I have to admit that I am somewhat "wow"ed by its appearance.  We shall see when it actually goes 'vrmmmm'.

The sun is starting to set, and the temperature, as usual, is dropping dramatically.  Any puddles that formed from melting are now resolidifying, but tomorrow is hopeful, and I plan to do a bit more on ice removal after the walk, stretches and lunch.

For the first time in several days we have just heard the geese fly over.  (apparently, between fog and cold, the squadron was grounded).

  All that fresh air and what I have now come call "making ice butter" has definitely created an appetite in me.  (Making Ice Butter - I figure it is an appropriate term for it, the motion with the ice chipper is quite similar to the old fashioned butter churn - don't you think :-)  ??)  So now, my thoughts have turned to the next round of caloric input on the schedule, supper.  

With that I bid you,

Adieu.

And now for the final chapter...

Just dropping a quick blirp.  The dealership co-owner is about to talk to his partner. 

(I'm back)

Yeah!!!!

So the final deal is that we ship the Majestic back, C.O.D. and once they receive it, they will send a cheque or direct deposit - whichever we prefer - the sum of $900.  (If we brought it back, it would be $1000, but as Dunmore Alberta is the side of Alberta that we are not likely to return to, the loss of $100 is acceptable.

Finally, a resolve.  Like I said before, don't ever accept "no" from someone who doesn't have the authority to give you a "yes".

Nuf sed.

I may be back later with other thoughts, but for now,

Adieu.

Brrrr!!!

Since the New Year, my neighbour and I have gone for daily walks with only a few exceptions.  Today was one.  The temperature was a cool -6 and the sun was out for the second in 3 days.  We are sturdy, and not easily detoured, but the wind was brisk, and the bite in it was just beyond our range of tolerance.

Tomorrow is supposed to match today, and I think we are going to brave it this time, but in an abridged form.  Fortunately, due to the necessity of catalog shopping when living in the isolation of Cereal Alberta, I discovered Sears carried (in men's only of course) a line of thick denim jeans that were lined with polar fleece.  My husband and I each have some, and they are wonderful when the weather refuses to be snowbird friendly.  When I forget to wear them, I return home with legs that are numb with cold.  When I do wear them, I fair much better.

I continue to be extremely please with the new washing dryer.  I still have a final verbal duel to endure with the dealership, but whatever they do decide to contribute will now just icing the cake.

We are waiting until about Wednesday (predicted to actually break the + temperature range) to remove and uncrate the new generator, as we really don't want to play in the cold.

It is not overly pleasant to deal with the drop in temperature again, but I have to say, seeing the sun again has an undeniable uplifting affect.  I just want to be able to go out in it!!  Oh, and we have a bit of snow forecasted.  Apparently the current stale stash of it (which, apparently up until now, never lingers more than a couple days, or a week at the most - but hasn't left for over a month...) needs to be freshened.

Well, enough for tonight, I bid you,

Adieu

Flying Photography in Canadian Rockies.

As promised, I am uploading some of the On The Fly photography as we blazed  through the Rockies along Highway 1.  But wait, if you click now, we will add for no added cost, today's shots of our trip to Kelowna.  (Okay, we got sun crazy.  It was gorgeous, and we couldn't resist going for an outing.)

It was fun, and we had a good day.  It was still cool, but the sun made an amazing difference to the mood and atmosphere of the day.

Now, off to make dinner.  So I bid you,

Adieu

Phenomenal Cosmic Power..In A Litty Bitty Living Space:-)

Long story short, we drove 9 hours from Oliver to Calgary, got a room, slept, woke, collected the generator, fueled up, picked up 2 other minor needs free of PST, then headed home - slightly longer than 9 hours.  

I am not sure what the cause was, but our estimated return home (8:30 pm) was delayed in the same location that was plagued around the end of October - start of November by a complete road closure North of Summerland, BC.  We had a long line of vehicles stopped by road crews for about 20 minutes or more just when we were beginning to taste closure to the arduous task.

Sideline to the trip - we got to witness an unusual phenomenon much akin to one mentioned in Travels With Miranda.  There was a strange blueness in the sky that I vaguely recall from some time long ago (about 5 - 6 weeks, best guess) and something resembling a large wattage bulb style light.  Apparently, it is shy and was frightened away by the mountains of Golden where it vanished behind the familiar gray-white covering that the sky has taken an unhealthy obsession with.  

I did manage to snap some "on the fly" shots through the rockies.  I will post some tomorrow.  There may be some window smirch on some shots, but we didn't have the time for a pull-over, so they literally were "on the fly" :-)  ... but I digress...

Secondary sideline - an oops discovered.  October was a very befuddled month, with the closure of the farm sale, transfer of our stored items, prepping for the road move, closing utilities, etc.  So naturally, when the plate stickers for the trucks needed renewing in the same month we apparently slipped up somewhere.  We did pay the renewal, and got the sticker placed on the one truck, but for some distracted reason, the completion of this complicated task was beyond our ability to duplicate for the second truck.  

Naturally, the vehicle to take on an 18 hour round trip through 2 provinces would NOT be the correctly tagged one, what would Murphy say!!  No, we were good toadies to our friend Murphy, and took the other one.  Fortunately, the officer took our word and the presence of the correct paperwork as enough, and let us off on that offense. (It was only 3 months past its marking, one can't rush these things!!)

Back at home the sticker still eludes us, so some time next week we will journey again into the Alberta region to replace the lost sticker.  

But after all, it does help to alleviate cabin fever.... ... .

The generator is still in its packing crate since we arrived as the weather dipped again and the concept of hanging out in the cold doesn't appeal to us right now.  It is safe, secure, and not going anywhere easily by any would-be acquirer of unattended items.

We are quite pleased with our new addition, and look forward to a much more satisfying prospect in any future dry camp outings.

Well, time for me to bid you...

Adieu

On The Road

Well, we are bound for Calgary tomorrow.  (Without the rig).  We need a break from the weather, and the generator we decided on is in.  It is a diesel, and is supposed to be quite, so friendly for an RV park setting.

It is a DP7500RDS which should have plenty of power for the 50 amp 5th wheel, and the welders.  We should be back on the 22th.  I will bring my computer, but am not certain that I will have connection.  If not, I will be back online by Friday morning.

Until then, 

Adieu

In Other News..

Quickly, the new machine is in and running.  1200 RMP spin cycle instead of 900 on the old machine, I think the drum is slightly larger, and it states a usage of 176 Kwh/year based on 8 loads a week.  So based on 8.03 cents per Kwh, they say it would cost $15 per year to run it. That is the sticker claim.  If it is accurate, I think it is worth its investment.(Keep in mind that the 8 loads listed are only about 4-6 pounds of dry laundry.)  If the dealership coughs up any contribution to the replacement machine, I will let you know.  Otherwise, let's bury the matter.

New topic - I'm guessing that if you are tagging in regularly, you might be tiring of the washer issue - I sure am!!  :-)

We have seen the sun once in the last 2 and perhaps 3 weeks.  The temperature hovers just under or just over the 0 C or 32 F.  Nonetheless, my friend next door and I have on all but 2 days in the last 2 weeks walked 4 - 5 miles daily.  It is nice to break up the cabin fever and try to lighten the Christmas add-ons.  We had a route that took us along some lesser roads of Oliver, but we changed our route yesterday to try a local foot path.  I think it is part of the Trans-Canada Trail as it wanders up near Vaseau Lake, and down to the northern head of Osoyoos Lake.  (a significant mileage that we might brave on an extremely adventurous day when the snow is melted,the temperature warms, ....... and when a possible pick up on the end of the route might be coerced with a phone call)  It meanders alongside the channel, so is a picturesque stroll.

On the to do list is revisiting the Model Train Museum in Osoyoos, and take a first trip to the Observatory just north of Okanagan Falls.

I'm off to cook a roast - fairly adventurous for me in modern times, but it should be a nice change of pace.

So I bid you,

Adieu.

  

......

... some degree of conclusion to the washer saga is hoped for by Monday. We have decided to get the new washer tomorrow. We are tired of the disorder that accommodated the removal of the old machine, and the last word from Majestic is that they couldn't find a repairman here, and he was going to call the dealership to inform them first hand that Majestic didn't have a repairman available to me. (And as expected, didn't get around to it. I have been repeatedly told that someone would call me back, and 3 times it was I who initiated the calls. When I called the dealership, the Majestic fellow had apparently not tagged in.)

I have given the dealership the name and direct line of the fellow to whom I have been speaking and requested that they call him Monday, and then to call me so that we can discuss what the cost sharing arrangement will be.

I heard it said once, "Never accept no from someone who doesn't have the authority to grant you a yes." I believe it, and live it.

I am often challenged by the receiver of my issues that I am "the first one to complain about it" like somehow that negates my issue. This is not a valid argument, and don't ever accept it as relevant to any issue worth discussing.

Politeness is important, but firmness and strength is also required. Also remember that if you are discussing matters of ill taste for a business, and you are talking to a subordinate, that they are only the messenger of the policy. Keep them free of personal attack, and be clear that you know it is not them personally that you are frustrated with. Having been front line for many years, I can tell you that alienating the gate keeper gets you no where...I digress.

We will install the new machine over the weekend, and I will get from the dealership what I can later, but as my husband and I have agree, even if in 2 years we are right back where we are now with the new machine, at least with it, we know we can get parts. Not so with the Majestic.

It is my hope to close this matter and get on with the rest of life. Hopefully I will post on it one more time. So for now,

Adieu

All Awash In Chaos..

Well, we went to Penticton to pick up a new washer for the gaping cavity in our rig. (the laundry is minorly behind, but $4 in coin should cure it tomorrow... but I digress...)

What transpired in Penticton was at least hopeful, though a bit delaying. We went to an RV dealership that we have come to trust with various requirements.

They told us that they had a Splendide washing dryer on hand, (and they did) but as we discussed the purchase and the problems leading to its necessity, he brought us to their installation expert to discuss it and consult with us on our plan of attack. He let us know that the set up (as per my digital camera display) was acceptable and should work. (It was somewhat of a relief, considering we were looking at cutting another hole in the rig and then trying to cover the old one.)

As we were preparing to finalize the purchase of the new machine, the gentleman we were speaking to came away from the phone and handed us a card with a contact number. He was trying to save us buying a second new machine by giving us "one last ditched effort to save the other machine".

The number was a direct line to a person at Majestic in the technical assistance department. We danced a bit with a couple gents there (I had spoken a couple months earlier with someone else with minimal affect). The long and the short of it was that they were going to give us any parts at 15% off, and would call us back (when the computer came back online) with the closest repair agent in our area.

As I had already covered the yellow pages unsuccessfully to find an appliance repair company, I accepted the wait time to see what the repair person would do - especially since I am still duking it out with the selling dealership over them accepting the responsibility of some of the cost. They will be more willing to partake of a repair cost than a replacement.

So I sit again waiting out my options coming to some form of fruition...

With any luck, we might be able to repair the Majestic after all. (Though I am not holding my breath, I figure, what the heck - it couldn't hurt, and the coin laundry is handy enough to buy some time in experimentation...)

By the way, the Majestic tech informed me that I should be vacuuming the dryer hose through the outside vent every month or so .... It would have been nice if someone had mentioned that sooner, don't you think???

Please stay tuned as the saga continues ..... :-)

But for now,

Adieu

All Awash In Chaos..

Well, we went to Penticton to pick up a new washer for the gaping cavity in our rig.  (the laundry is minorly  behind, but $4 in coin should cure it tomorrow... but I digress...)

What transpired in Penticton was at least hopeful, though a bit delaying.  We went to an RV dealership that we have come to trust with various requirements.  

They told us that they had a Splendide washing dryer on hand, (and they did) but as we discussed the purchase and the problems leading to its necessity, he brought us to their installation expert to discuss it and consult with us on our plan of attack.  He let us know that the set up (as per my digital camera display) was acceptable and should work. (Somewhat of a relief, considering we were looking at cutting another hole in the rig and then trying to cover the old one.)

As we were preparing to finalize the purchase of the new machine, the gentleman we were speaking to came away from the phone and handed us a card with a contact number.  He was trying to save us buying a second new machine by giving us "one last ditched effort to save the other machine".

The number was a direct line to a person at Majestic in the technical assistance department.  We danced a bit with a couple gents there (I had spoken a couple months earlier with someone else with minimal affect).  The long and the short of it was that they were going to give us any parts at 15% off, and would call us back (when the computer came back online) with the closest repair agent in our area.  

As I had already covered the yellow pages unsuccessfully to find an appliance repair company, I accepted the wait time to see what the repair person would do - especially since I am still duking it out with the selling dealership over them accepting the responsibility of some of the cost.  They will be more willing to partake of a repair cost than a replacement.

So I sit again waiting out my options coming to some form of fruition...

So with any luck, we might be able to repair the Majestic after all.  (Though I am not holding my breath, I figure,  what the heck - it couldn't hurt, and the coin laundry is handy enough to buy some time in experimentation...)

Please stay tuned :-)

But for now, 

Adieu

Oh, What Fun...

We have been having an interesting series of days.  The washing machine mentioned in a previous post, has been removed from the rig and stored under the nose behind the skirting. (Ken would like to look at it and see if it can be repaired).

In the removal of said machine we discovered part of the issues causing malfunction.  We enter dealership matters rather highly at this point....

Most significantly, the dryer vent was installed too low, so when the machine spins out, the water easily spills out of the dryer hose as well as the normal drain hose. Because of this, the lint, which would normally drain with the water, clots in large soggy mats around the dryer hose port, preventing proper venting.  This would be why it took 3 cycles to dry anything...

The lesson is to ensure that you have your vent higher than the port on your washing dryer.  That way, any water that attempts to leave via the dryer hose will back wash into the drum, and out the proper drain.  A normal dryer doesn't have this issue since the bulk of the water is removed before the air tumble begins.

The dealership, who expressed grudging willingness to split the repair cost in half, is balking heavily because we are choosing to replace the machine.  They figure that if we reconnect the machine now that we removed the soggy lint clots, it should run just fine.  My response was that it wouldn't solve the grinding that the drum does when it struggles to reverse the tumble direction.  Also, with all the effort it took my husband and I to pull the machine out of the compartment (rather like delivery of a baby ... breach), I didn't appreciate them implying that the matter was resolved.  Are we supposed to pull it out every couple months???

... We will hear tomorrow if they will spring for half the cost of the new machine. 

I called the manufacturer today and confirmed that the vent hole was cut after it was shipped to the seller.  This confirms that yet again incompetence of the dealership facilitated the problem.

We will pick up the new machine tomorrow, and hope for a partial refund of the cost by the dealership.  Either way, we are getting the machine.  When we install it, we will be adding a bit of length to the dryer hose to ensure a high point so we won't re-encounter the drainage issue.  I know that ideally, one should use as short a length as possible to reduce the catching points of the lint that does enter the hose as it is highly flammable.  In the spring we will have the vent raised and then patch the lower hole, or (the manufacturer suggested) perhaps put in a spot light to utilize the hole and cover the error in a less expensive format.  Once the vent is at a higher point, we can shorten the hose to a better length.

As for the weather, it has been overcast and dips below 0 C nightly, but it does edge above 0 in the daytime, and my neighbour and I have gone for the last 4 days on a 4 mile walk that takes about 1-1/2 hours to walk.  The roads have been rather mushy, slushy, and icy, but we do get through and feel quite refreshed for the effort.  Usually we go in the morning, but tomorrow I hope we will go in the afternoon on account of our need to get the machine in the morning.

Because of the dips at night, the thaw is taking a bit longer, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to see the unslicked asphalt very soon and hope that it remains exposed for what's left of the season.

I will let you know how the dealership leans on taking their share of the cost on the replacement of the washing dryer.

It has been a long, but productive day, and I bid you...

Adieu

What Do You Get When...?

... you have a ton of snow, a one day thaw, and then freezing the next day??

That would be a skating rink - in this case, on a slope - just to make things interesting.

So yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, and sunny.  I went with a friend for a really long walk (pedometer says 9500 steps), then went out to clear the snow as the melt was making it more movable.  Neighbours questioned the logic, saying it will melt on its own you know...  

And then the mercury dipped during the night (a few spills resulted from people returning from games night at the club house) and the entire complex is nearly completely covered in black ice.  Fortunately, as I shoveled the snow, I also dug a trench into the roadway in so that the water would at least run off my driveway.  

This morning, my friend and I did go for the same walk today, but there were road patches where, short of the very middle of the lane or the tire tread space, there was no traction at all.  I think we added 15 minutes to the time it took to the walk circuit ....  but I digress ...

I then braved carrying a large arm load of laundry up the slippery slope to the on site laundrymat to get caught up.  ....  Which leads to my next matter of consideration.

A post or so ago, I mentioned washers, dryers, and combination machines.  I also mentioned that though many disagree, I prefer the all in one.  This opinion remains the same, however, I am noting that in Canada, there are apparently 2 main producers of these machines.  One I am told is a good option (Splendide) within their capabilities. The other, through the mistake of again trusting the dealership to make a wise decision for us, we discovered to be a very less favourable option.  (Majestic)

There are lemons in every product, no matter how reputed the item in question is.  The problem with the one we were provided in our purchase of the rig is that it did defect on us, but even though we have used it only 3 months, we have owned it for more than a year so - the warranty expired.  We attempted to find a repairer, but no one can get parts. The Splendide has a reasonable reputation, but more importantly, parts are readily available, so warranty, or not, it can be repaired.

So off we go, and we will be picking one up in the next couple days. - Hopefully at least half covered by the dealership.  

(& BTW, the proper repair of the roof will wait for proper drying of the underneath components.  the temp is holding well)  :-)

So that is my world at this time, I bid you...

Adieu

Sitting On Top Of My World

If you caught the comments back and forth between Raven and I recently, you will notice that today's post was a planned episode.  This facilitated by God's planning my day for me. (lol)

Today was indeed catching up with the elusive beautiful thaw that we have been anticipating since a week before Christmas.  In honour of the day's arrival, we were informed the night before that we needed to spend time outside and on the roof.  How was said message conveyed?  Well, a dripping ceiling was the primary cue to that affect.

So first thing this morning (in positive integers - YEAH!!) I got up on the roof to clear the snow and ice off the roof and slides, as well as the eves troughing, and awning roll. (The awning was not extended, but ice and snow collected in the pocket behind the roll.)  We used gentle brooms, and windshield brushes as we did not want to add to the problems in the rubber roofing.  

Also note well, the roof was extremely slick, being wet and icy.  I mostly worked kneeling to reduce my sliding.  Kneeling assisted me in 2 ways:

1. It lowered my center of gravity, making me more stable.
2. It also distributed my weight more, reducing the direct weight application on any given spot.

Remember, you need to work on your roof at varying times and for varying occasions, but over all, the roofs are not meant to take a lot of excess weight over an extended period of time.  The less time on top, the better for extending the roofing life expectancy.

Having cleared the debris we inspected the roof, and wonders of wonders, the leak appears to have come from right above the leak. (For those unfamiliar with leaks in trailer roofing, it is almost NEVER that easy to find.  The source is usually on the far side of the roof following some obscure crack through nooks and crannies and eventually through no logical means, reaches the spot which revealed the problem).

We cleaned and dried off the location (just above the eves trough, in the rubber portion, but right where the rubber meets the gelcoat.) and covered the quarter sized tear in the rubber with Red Green's favorite tool, Duct Tape.

Hole temporarily covered, we dashed off to the nearest trusted RV shop for a patch kit.  We now have the kit, but will do the repair tomorrow when we can properly clean, prep and patch the hole at a warm enough temperature to allow proper sealing of the gluing agent.

Never under-estimate the handiness of the old duct tape and bailing wire.  It has rescued us from many a bind  over the years, until proper repairs can be completed.  Also good advice is to carry an 8' X 8' tarp with string.  It takes up minimal space when folded properly, but can be anything from a cover over, to a sheet underneath in unforeseen dilemmas.  

So today was very fruitful, and general activities beyond the roof involved movement of snow and ice in general.  It was a wonderful day to be out .... and tomorrow, it promises to continue the same.  Glory be!  (and about time !!)  :-)

Now off to cook dinner, so I bid you,

Adieu

Tantalus In Charge!

Think back to your school days....Do you remember studying mythology?  I have a flashback to one lesson, a fellow being punished for some crime I forgot.  His punishment was to be placed where the aroma of fruit was overwhelming, but every time he reached for it, it would remain just out of reach......

The scene is now set for my scenario.  Since about a week before Christmas, Oliver's weather forecast has had a thawing trend looming in the close future. (about 3 - 4 days out)  Although we did have one day - New Year's Eve slightly above 0, the actual thaw has eluded us, and still remains at least a day out.

One does begin to wonder if one is walking around with a personal rain cloud after a while.   Before taking on the full-timer title, we had been living for 2 years on a farm in a tiny community in Alberta called Cereal.  (Half way between Calgary and Saskatoon - Population 200)

After living many years in Victoria, it was quite a change.  The summers were very hot, the winters very cold, and the wind nearly never stopped.  Yet while there, every season we arrived at, the local folks always said," This is very unusual weather" so in theory, after 2 years, we still had no idea what the weather was "usually" like,  but I digress...

To hold us over until the warming trend hits (in a day or so......) we are being given the weather channels now common occurrence, the Red Screen Of Death.  In computer circles, most users are familiar with the Blue Screen Of Death - the recovery from which lies in total system reboot. 

In the weather world, the Red Screen Of Death means hold still, and go no where.  We are again under snowfall warnings (and unfortunately, no reboot option available).  I think it hasn't left for more than a day for the last 3 weeks.  I suppose when the thaw comes, it will give the warmth a job worthy of its arrival.

Several of our site mates have headed for southern climes across the border.  I still stand by our choice though.  Looking nation wide, the weather all over Canada is no better, and short of crossing the 49th parallel, we could not have landed any better for a wintering spot.  Even Vancouver and Victoria had it worse - and without the proper equipment to clear the snow.

We are now fully prepared for hunkering down, and we look forward to the elusive warming trend.  With all the winter boots, coats, scarves, gloves, hats, long underwear, shovels, space in the rig is at a premium.  It will be nice to see bare asphalt again, and truth be told, I could really use a good walking regiment re-instated - the holidays did me now favours.  :-)

Anyway, the snow continues in preparation for a thaw out there in the realm of Tantalus.  Maybe tomorrow ....  But for now, 

Adieu.

Seeking of Ultimate Power - The Quest To Find A Generator

Well, last night was supposed to be a hum-dinger of a storm with snow and wind enough to concern the locals about if their generators were ready in case of power outage.  

... so we had about 4 or 5 cm of snow, and the wind did kick up a bit, but to all intents and purposes, it rather fizzled.  But it does bring our mind to a focus of our next major addition to our set up.  

The Generator

Our generator hunt continues now.  We want to know that if we dry camp - winter or summer, we are prepared to power our needs, and with a 36 foot 5th wheel on 50 amps, it can be thirsty, depending on what you are running.  My husband is working with the theory that he would rather over shoot than miss the mark. 

Since our set-up includes a workshop for Ken (a utility trailer with his tools for pottering and such - a retired millwright does not easily step into idleness), we need a power source that can run his welders as well as standard power tools.   Also, we want a diesel generator for a few reasons.

1. The truck is a diesel and so we only have to store 2 fuels (diesel and propane)
2. Diesel generators don't need spark plugs
3. They have no carburetor or distributor (with points to deal with)
4. They run slower, so they last longer and are more efficient with the fuel 
5. They have less maintenance downtime by far

In general, diesel motors are a better workhorse (whether for truck, or for generators).

Some would argue that diesel is now more expensive that regular gasoline.  I think you will find that the general descriptions above will in the long run, result in lower cost over time to run the diesel.

Whatever you choose, it is important to remember that preventative maintenance is the key to cost efficiency in all machines.  If you are going to go full-time, the effort and time will definitely be well spent.   The old adage of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure truly is applicable.  Only then can you truly attain the Ultimate Power - at least for your personal section of the world... 

Again, the day beckons, so I bid you,

Adieu

Break In The Weather

We are having a reprieve from constant snow, and the temperature, although not in the positive integers yet, is acceptable enough with the sun to allow for a decent walk.  Now back at the roost, it seems to be warm enough under the rays to allow for the sound of snow chunks and such breaking off the structure.  It is a reassuring sound, to be sure.  For now, I can humour myself into thinking it is spring thaw.  The weather network negates that illusion, but I can dream.....

So a matter of consideration that is on my mind right now is an appliance of great value to a full-timer - a washing machine, dryer, or combination machine.  Apparently, the RV industry, or at least the representatives I have spoken to, are leaning toward the installation of 2 separate machines.  Apparently there is a lot of dissatisfaction by owners with the washing driers.  For my part, I have a washing drier, and (although I am debugging it right now and am looking forward to correction) am very happy with it.  The problem with both is that you loose yet again more storage when you have 2 machines. 

The main complain people have with the single machine is that the clothes come out too wrinkly, and it takes too long to run a load.  Although I understand the argument, I still prefer it.  (For one thing, I am not fussy enough to care about a couple wrinkles - I live in an RV - if it matters that much, get an iron, or find a dry cleaner.)  

With being only 2 people, I have no problem keeping up with the laundry doing it every day or 2.  If I start the load at the start of the day and just ignore it until later in the afternoon or evening, what do I care if it takes 3 hours to do a load?  It isn't like I have to hang around to remember to transfer it to the next machine.  Also, since it is a small compartment, putting the load away takes 5 minutes, taking your time.

The machine can only hold about 4-6 pounds of dry material, depending on how much water it absorbs, but it is enough to do as much as a set of sheets, 1 winter outfit (jeans, cotton long sleeve shirt and under garments) or that level of load, but I don't have that much in my wardrobe anyway, and to save up enough laundry to run a $2 wash + $2 dry (which is usually damp at the end) I would nearly be going in my bathrobe.

All in all, for our money, I am content with sacrificing enough storage for 1 machine, and settling for the convenience of having my own facility.  The thought of running to a laundromat or sink scrubbing is just not in my ken.  My friend has a device that rather reminds me of a lettuce spinner.  It is a practical alternative for a single person in a much smaller space.  However for my situation, it is too little for 2 people, and takes up too much space for me when I am more likely for the time and effort to just run my machine.  Also, it is only a 110 V plug, so not to thirsty on the power bill.

Anyway, I hear the call of the kitchen (lunch time), so I will bid you...

Adieu

Welcome to 2009!

I just had a quick thought of 2 items to share.  One is relevant to RVers, and the other is a funky discovery that applies to anyone fighting a cold.

For the RVers, as space is limited, gift season of any kind is challenging.  More things in general is not a helpful idea, but in this case, we found a wonderful mutual gift. We got a nice wood grain framed digital picture frame.  That way, you can have all your favourite pictures in a single frame.

Now as for the funky discovery, I got an email a while back about a bizarre answer to the incurable cough.  Last night I had the unclearable "eh-hum" throat.  I finally figured, what the heck, couldn't hurt...  So as per the directions, I rubbed some mentholated petroleum jelly on the soles of my feet, put on some socks, and tucked in.  Within 5 minutes it was cleared.  Amazing.  It  works the same on any cough, apparently.  

Anyway, Happy New Year and..

Adieu