A little of this, A little of that

It's been an interesting week. The weather turned cooler and we had trouble starting the pickup (Scooby) on Sunday morning as we headed out to breakfast. Later in the day it was fine. Final errand stop, nada, nope, nothing. Stu walked to the nearby auto parts store and got a couple nuts/washers and a the tool to clean the battery posts. Started just fine. Stu put it on the battery charger overnight, next morning it still wouldn't start.

We had errands to run, when we got back he started working to see if he could figure out if anything else was wrong (battery cables, loose connection, etc) but with the batteries being 4 1/2 years old, we decided to replace them. After pricing at three places (online), he opted to order them from Sam's Club. We had errands to run in the Annapolis area, so that worked.

Errands run, batteries picked up and back home. New batteries in - nothing, nada, nope. Time for more detective work. After pulling the starter, bought new at Pep Boys in Annapolis back on 2012, he found the problem. At installation (by Pep Boys), they had over tightened a connection and it had finally given way. Good news, there was a lifetime warranty on the starter!

In the meantime he had ordered a new backup camera setup for the Freightliner and fifth wheel. We bought this one back in 2008 or 9 and it's served us well. But the monitor was all but dead and we figured the newer technology couldn't hurt. Prices have gone down (a good thing) and he picked a unit with four cameras (back of the Freightliner, back of the RV and the two side ones on the Freightliner for using the directionals).

After looking at the wiring and cables, he feared he might have to completely rewire the setup. Eeep! Good news, after a little finagling, he got the monitor and one camera (on the back of the Freightliner) installed and functioning. Once the starter is installed and Scooby is back in working order (we hope), he will install the one of the back of the fifth wheel. Since this setup doesn't work with the directionals, he will save the other two cameras as backups.

In other news, the medical issues continue to get tested - Stu got an ultrasound of his aorta. He said the good news was he had a heart and he wasn't pregnant. I got my annual mammogram and once again, thank you, the results were good.

Next week Stu gets vision and hearing done and I get some blood work done (to see about continuing current new meds/dosages). Then we both get our annual dermatology screening for skin cancer. Final test is Thursday - I get a colonoscopy. Not a fan of the prep but it's necessary. Sigh...think of me Wednesday and Thursday. LOL!

I also picked up my new glasses. It's so nice to be able to see more things clearly - I was wearing a pair that had a 3-4 year old prescription. I love the frames we got! Heck, I even like my selfie (and I hate photos of me most of the time...LOL).

Yesterday we headed into Annapolis to pick up the new starter, see a movie and have our Thursday dinner. I'd been having trouble sleeping, so I had slept in and not eaten. We opted to try out the Tilted Kilt at Annapolis Mall. We had seen an episode of Undercover Boss featuring the business and it intrigued us, what with our Scottish heritage and all. ;)

We had a good lunch and enjoyed chatting with our waitress, Sylvia. She is from Bogota, Colombia and moved to the states 18 months ago with her husband. We talked about South America, how good her English was, how different the cultures are, etc. Very enjoyable time and a sweet girl (and good waitress).

 [click any photo for a larger view] 

I especially enjoyed the equal opportunity dress code! Yes, he was wearing a kilt.

Here are a couple more photos - we would definitely go back! They've only been open 2 months, so give them a try if you are in the area. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Oh, and the small gift shop is fun but we had already ordered pint glasses online. Love them!

After splitting a lunch entree, we went to see Deepwater Horizon. OMG!!! Intense, edge of the seat action. I was close to tears more than once. Based on a true story, it was very well done.

In other (author) news, I finally finished the first draft edits (on paper) of my middle school fantasy book. Now to type them in, clean it up and send it out for the next round of edits. Here is the tentative cover...what do you think?

Ciao for now!

Maintain, Fix and Repair

I am so lucky to have such a mechanically inclined husband - and he enjoys it! Earlier this month he replaced the fuel bowl drain valve on the diesel engine in our F250 pickup, Scooby.

Now he is working on getting the A/C fixed in our Freightliner (Freddie).

He changes the oil in all our vehicles, changes the brakes, and does basic maintenance and repair as well. He has done several on-the-road repairs that still stagger me to think about them. Tire changes on the 41' toy hauler, brakes lines and shackles, too. He's replaced belts on the Freightliner, taken care of fuel filter issues, too. There are many more things but my lazy brain just doesn't remember them all.

Then factor in all the carpentry work he has done - work on our shed and pavilion back in TN as well as outfitting our new cargo trailer for optimum storage.

Say, maybe I should have saved this for a Father's Day tribute. Oops!

Ciao for now!

Rolling right along....

No, the RV isn't rolling along but our daily life. We have:

• enjoyed visiting family & friends
• seen a couple of good movies movies (No Escape & The Martian)
• eaten out less than usual (a good thing)
• completed 80-85% of our doctor/dentist/ophthalmologist appointments
• escaped the wrath of hurricane Joaquin
• done some rehab on the inside of the RV and the outside of our pickup
• made some RVing plans for 2015 (including going to the 56th Escapade in Essex Junction, VT at the end of July)

We haven't done much motorcycle riding due to the amount of rain and wind the last week. So much, in fact, that the annual Red Helmet ride was cancelled. A disappointment for sure but a huge safety issue for the riders.

This week we take care of Stu's feet, both our epidermis, hopefully get the carpet in the RV shampooed and take delivery on a new loveseat, have a couple more meals with family and then move the RV to Greenwood, DE.

We are definitely enjoying the fall colors starting to show, the Halloween decorations popping up everywhere and the familiarity of the familiar. (Yes, that is exactly what I meant to say!)

All in all, it's been quite a satisfying visit.

   

A glamourous life?

Whenever we meet someone new who is NOT an RVer, we hear, "You live such a glamorous life." Yes, we are blessed to be able to do this and we don't take it for granted. But between trips to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Bisbee and Tombstone AZ, etc. there is still the everyday living.

For example, the last several days have been spent doing laundry, cleaning house, paying bills, getting the new (to us) truck worked on, etc. Yup, real glamorous....LOL! Stu has even done repairs for tire blow-outs, frozen wheel bearings, shackles, serpentine belt, radiator hoses, brakes and more - many of these while traveling. (I love my mechanic....)

Stu is ready for his knee surgery, he had to finally call his doctor and get a second Rx to help with the increased knee pain he's been experiencing. His surgery is now scheduled for March 27th and we plan to be back in Maryland around March 10th for all his pre-op appointments.


I've started doing the Biggest Loser Challenge on the Wii. Bob Harper is kicking my butt...big time. Phew! I'm also tracking my calories, my target range was confirmed as correct. I just have to get the protein up and carbs down. The cruise was the final straw for my weight struggle. Now the only struggle is to fit into my clothes!

Our new (to us) truck is coming along nicely. New tires, shocks, tie-rods and alignment are done. The engine and transmission are running smoothly and we don't anticipate any issues. Ah, that just reminded me...Stu, when you proof read this, check all the belts and hoses. (Don't you love how we communicate....snicker.) He has a name now...since we feel he's loyal, hard working but a little goofy, his name is Scooby!

Sadie is....well, Sadie. She wrote about her tough life today. [giggle]

Finally, please read my other blog and consider turning off word verification on yours. It's no longer necessary and it's become a real hassle for most of us. Thanks!

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna and Stu

PS> Stu plans to work on his dive photos and videos today so hopefully we will have something for you before the weekend is out. We'll also tell you about the camera he used.