Soup's on the stove so I'll catch up with the journal entry while we wait for it to simmer to perfection. We watched a cooking show last night on CreateTV on PBS and the lady made a wonderful looking soup, for which I have all the ingredients!
No journal entry yesterday - just didn't have anything to say. We stayed home because it was Black Friday and didn't want to face crowds and traffic - besides we didn't have anywhere to go!
We read, we napped, I crocheted, Rog listened to his audio book. Those vigorous activities were interspersed with walks with Maggie. I had a backache all day - the worst muscle spasms I've had since after my surgery. Not sure what I did to deserve them except I remember picking Maggie up early in the morning to put her on the bed. Just strained it, I guess, lifting her the wrong way. Today, I'm fine. Muscle relaxers are a wonderful thing.
We had discussed packing a lunch today and heading to Red Rock Canyon and a state park in the same area. Well, that didn't pan out. The furnace did it's little fun and games again last night, so Rog was up and outside in the cold starting about 3am checking propane tanks. Then, of course, he couldn't get back to sleep thinking about what was going on and how he was going to fix it. I was awake off and on, as well, so we both were very tired this morning.
Rog messed about a little with the furnace - as in taking the cover off and looking at the innards trying to figure out what was going on. The problem is sporadic - it worked fine for two nights - and nothing was obvious. This is not something he feels he can fix. Because it is intermittent, it's hard to diagnose, but the fan turns on and we wait to hear the fire light, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. It does light immediately after turning the furnace off and back on again. Furnace? Ignitor? Thermostat? Propane feed? Hmmmm.
Rog did discover in his middle of the night wanderings that one propane tank had emptied and the other had very little in it, so we went out this morning looking for a place to refill. We found a U-Haul store about 5 miles away and filled up. There was a restaurant across the street, so, it being noon, we stopped and ate before returning home. We haven't been able to figure out when we used all that propane, since the leak was fixed in August. Rog always keeps a good eye on the propane levels and when one tank goes empty he immediately fills it. So, that's another mystery. We're pretty sure we don't have a leak, as that issue was resolved on our summer trip. All the parts that could leak have been replaced.
Driving around North Las Vegas is very depressing. It's a very low income neighborhood with run down homes and businesses. There are a few nice looking apartment buildings right around the base and there's a large section that is very nice base housing, but a block away it's like being in an economic disaster area.
Again today, we spent the afternoon reading (I will include Roger's audio book in that category) and napping. We are expecting some weather this evening and in the morning - the outside band of the storm in Northern Nevada which, as I write this, has been dropping snow up there and chains are required over Donner. We will have wind and possible rain overnight. Let's hope the furnace works.
We are less than five miles south of the Las Vegas Speedway. Need I say more? Apparently there are events this holiday weekend. The planes from Nellis have taken the time off, but the race cars have filled the noise void!
Not sure what tomorrow will bring. We are hoping to do some exploring if the weather is cooperative.
Nevada beat UNLV today, 45-10 and the Fremont Cannon is coming home to Reno!!!! Go WolfPack!
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Thursday, November 24, 2016
A Very Quiet Thanksgiving Day
We hope everyone reading this, and all our friends and loved ones had a stress free day and are stuffed to the gills with good food!
The day was totally uneventful for us. We did not have furnace problems last night and so, among lots of other things, we were thankful for that!
The sun was shining, it was mid sixties, but the wind kept it too chilly to spend much time outside today.
Maggie made friends with a little Chihuahua named Petey at the little fenced in grassy area here in the park set aside for dogs. They chased each other all over and when Maggie was tired of him sniffing her backside, she just sat down and gave him THE STARE!
Again, we hope everyone is well and had a good holiday.
The day was totally uneventful for us. We did not have furnace problems last night and so, among lots of other things, we were thankful for that!
The sun was shining, it was mid sixties, but the wind kept it too chilly to spend much time outside today.
Maggie made friends with a little Chihuahua named Petey at the little fenced in grassy area here in the park set aside for dogs. They chased each other all over and when Maggie was tired of him sniffing her backside, she just sat down and gave him THE STARE!
Again, we hope everyone is well and had a good holiday.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
It Was A One Dog Night
Seriously, it got quite cold last night. For some reason during the night the furnace decided to be cranky. The fan was running but was blowing cold air, not warm. The temperature in the RV went down to 57 degrees. This prompted a middle of the night visit by Roger to the propane tanks. Everything seemed as it should be so, Rog reset the furnace at 5am and turned it on and set it at a high enough setting to pump heat, which it did. Further investigation in the daylight this morning revealed no apparent cause for the furnace's quirky behavior. We talked nice to it and hopefully it will behave tonight.
Maggie was curled up in a tight little ball in her bed so we brought her up on top of the covers between us. It only took one dog to get us warm (with the help of the furnace) and she seemed happier, too. I got back to sleep eventually, but I don't think Roger did, and of course, reveille started playing over the base loud speakers at 7am.
We took our morning walk around 9am and then Rog and I went to check out the BX - shopping for entertainment. Nothing of interest. They were setting up for Friday and it looked as if there were going to be some good sales. Nothing that we need or want. So, back to the RV for lunch.
I spent the afternoon washing windows and dusting venetian blinds. These windows are huge and there are a lot of them. Roger did the laundry while I was busy with the cleaning. It was a productive day.
I tried to take Maggie for another walk mid afternoon, but she was being stubborn about where she wants to go. If I head in a direction she doesn't like (such as to the walking path) she stops and puts all four feet down and backs up. I tried to gently nudge her forward, but it wasn't a happening thing this afternoon. If I let her lead, then she is OK. Shall see where she takes us tomorrow. Tonight she is being a pest but finally settled down to help me with the blog.
Maggie was curled up in a tight little ball in her bed so we brought her up on top of the covers between us. It only took one dog to get us warm (with the help of the furnace) and she seemed happier, too. I got back to sleep eventually, but I don't think Roger did, and of course, reveille started playing over the base loud speakers at 7am.
We took our morning walk around 9am and then Rog and I went to check out the BX - shopping for entertainment. Nothing of interest. They were setting up for Friday and it looked as if there were going to be some good sales. Nothing that we need or want. So, back to the RV for lunch.
I spent the afternoon washing windows and dusting venetian blinds. These windows are huge and there are a lot of them. Roger did the laundry while I was busy with the cleaning. It was a productive day.
I tried to take Maggie for another walk mid afternoon, but she was being stubborn about where she wants to go. If I head in a direction she doesn't like (such as to the walking path) she stops and puts all four feet down and backs up. I tried to gently nudge her forward, but it wasn't a happening thing this afternoon. If I let her lead, then she is OK. Shall see where she takes us tomorrow. Tonight she is being a pest but finally settled down to help me with the blog.
It was 66 and sunny today. Another beautiful day.
Tomorrow will be a quiet one for us. Hope your day is Great!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Already Enjoying the Sun and Warmer Weather
After another good sleeping night (we are getting used to the bed again), the Air Force jets woke us at 7am. They must sit down at the end of the runway until then and all take off at once when the clock strikes 0700! They are noisy, but we have to expect it when we stay at an air base. Not complaining, mind you.
Maggie and I took a long walk this morning after breakfast. It felt good to get a proper walk in after three days of sitting. The path around the perimeter of the park is one mile. Rog, Maggie and I walked it again mid afternoon. My goal is to walk it three times a day. We shall see how that goes. It's time to set some fitness and diet goals as we have been misbehaving for the last week or so.
We sat in the sun this morning waiting for the propane guy to come around, but finally gave up after lunch and left for the commissary. When he did show up, just as we got back, we didn't end up getting the tank filled. It is partially full and he charges for a whole tank and not the amount he puts in, so we will just take the tank somewhere and have it filled as he won't be back again before we leave.
Wow, was the commissary busy! Pre-Thanksgiving shoppers. Lots of turkeys, baking stuff, and vegetables were loaded in the carts. I overheard one woman say to her companion that she needed three and a half pounds of squash. Wonder what she was making? The parking lot and aisles were full, but checkout was a breeze - amazingly there was only one person in line in front of us and that was an active duty guy with a couple of items so we let him go ahead of us. So, we now have groceries and Maggie has some treats. I made a decent meal tonight instead of cobbling together the few things we brought with us and eating junk food.
Tomorrow is window washing and laundry day. Exciting, huh?
We have decent over the air TV and fairly decent wifi here. The wifi gets very slow and cranky in the evenings as people are streaming movies - even though at check-in we had to sign something that said we wouldn't stream.
Yesterday Maggie was just impossible - so needy. She wouldn't leave us alone for a minute and had to be in someone's lap no matter what we were doing. She's settled down a bit today and spent some time not in our laps. She should be getting more comfortable in the next day or so and be back to her normal pesky self. I hope. Maybe the walks helped and the fact she didn't have to get in the truck?
Mid 60s today with sunshine today. Lows in the 40s overnight. Same tomorrow they say. So glad we got out before the winter storms are due to hit at home later this week.
Maggie and I took a long walk this morning after breakfast. It felt good to get a proper walk in after three days of sitting. The path around the perimeter of the park is one mile. Rog, Maggie and I walked it again mid afternoon. My goal is to walk it three times a day. We shall see how that goes. It's time to set some fitness and diet goals as we have been misbehaving for the last week or so.
We sat in the sun this morning waiting for the propane guy to come around, but finally gave up after lunch and left for the commissary. When he did show up, just as we got back, we didn't end up getting the tank filled. It is partially full and he charges for a whole tank and not the amount he puts in, so we will just take the tank somewhere and have it filled as he won't be back again before we leave.
Wow, was the commissary busy! Pre-Thanksgiving shoppers. Lots of turkeys, baking stuff, and vegetables were loaded in the carts. I overheard one woman say to her companion that she needed three and a half pounds of squash. Wonder what she was making? The parking lot and aisles were full, but checkout was a breeze - amazingly there was only one person in line in front of us and that was an active duty guy with a couple of items so we let him go ahead of us. So, we now have groceries and Maggie has some treats. I made a decent meal tonight instead of cobbling together the few things we brought with us and eating junk food.
Tomorrow is window washing and laundry day. Exciting, huh?
We have decent over the air TV and fairly decent wifi here. The wifi gets very slow and cranky in the evenings as people are streaming movies - even though at check-in we had to sign something that said we wouldn't stream.
Yesterday Maggie was just impossible - so needy. She wouldn't leave us alone for a minute and had to be in someone's lap no matter what we were doing. She's settled down a bit today and spent some time not in our laps. She should be getting more comfortable in the next day or so and be back to her normal pesky self. I hope. Maybe the walks helped and the fact she didn't have to get in the truck?
Mid 60s today with sunshine today. Lows in the 40s overnight. Same tomorrow they say. So glad we got out before the winter storms are due to hit at home later this week.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Beatty to Nellis AFB today
My main complaint about the RV lifestyle when one has a dog is that opening the door at bedtime and sending the dog out to pee on her own is not an option. Maggie has to go out on a leash and I usually have the evening duty while Roger takes her out first thing in the morning. As I said before, the RV park was dark last night(no street lighting) and it was cold out there. So, I dressed appropriately, including my headlamp! Such a cute outfit, don't you think? Fortunately we didn't run into any critters, but this morning when Roger had her out, a roadrunner wandered by the site and made Maggie's day! She didn't chase it, but was on super high alert and didn't take her eyes off it for a second as it slowly wandered through the RV park.
We got some extra sleep this morning and it felt very good. The RV park was dark and quiet and we were tired from fighting the wind on the drive there. We were about an hour behind our usual schedule, but since we had such a short distance to go, that was OK. We spotted some wild burros just outside of Beatty but that was it for wildlife today - burros and a roadrunner. The weather was cool and cloudy but there was no wind, thankfully. We made good time and good mileage today.
The fun started when we got to the FamCamp. They assigned us the worst site in the place for backing into. Now, Roger is pretty much a pro at backing in after eleven years of practice, but this site was pretty daunting. The camp host tried to guide him in and was not very good at it, so there was a lot of jockeying back and forth and at one point driving around the circle and starting over. (The sites are in a circle with the outside sites being pull through and the inside sites being back in.) The site had four obstacles. It now only has three. No, we didn't take out anything with the RV, but they had a maintenance guy come and trim branches off a tree that would have scratched up the side of the RV. So we sat in the middle of the street while he did that. There are two poles and a guy wire at the front of the site to maneuver through, a narrow street with a fire hydrant and parking directly across from us, so no room to straighten out and come into the site at the proper angle. What a pain. The site was built for smaller rigs, but like what happened to us at the Air Force Academy this summer, they put us in a short site for some reason. At least, here, they have the correct electrical service. Sorry, I digress. Anyway, after a long, frustrating time, Roger got the rig into place but we overhang the cement pad in the back by about five feet. We had to back up that far so our sewer hose could connect as they put the drain way, way in the back. Good thing we carry several sections of hose. It wasn't fun this afternoon, for sure, but we are now set up and everything is working. Yay.
The place is full, as they are ripping out some old sites and making way for 125 new sites to be constructed in the next six months. There are quite a few active duty folks here but also lots of snowbirds. Not sure what these folks do all winter here other than stay warmer than they would at home, wherever that is.
We went out to eat tonight and tomorrow we will go make groceries. The propane guy is coming tomorrow, too, so we should be all set for our two week stay here. I'm anxious to get out and get a proper walk as the weather will be nice and there's a designated walking path around the perimeter of the park. Maggie and I are tired of being cooped up and not walking because of the wind and cold.
Time to settle in for the night and catch up on my WORDS games.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Not as Much Wind as Yesterday - Only with Sand
Yesterday we did get naps but we had to use the couches as the wind was still whipping the tree branches onto the front of the RV. I finished my mystery book club book. (I read my two book club books even though I'm not going to be around for discussions.) Rog watched some Ted Talks and YouTube videos.
We woke this morning to sunshine peeking into the back window and no wind! We were expecting rain, but we were pleasantly surprised to not have any as we hooked up. It was cold, though! We could see the steel gray storm clouds descending into the valley and we knew we had to leave!
We had no wind from Sparks to Hawthorne where we stopped for lunch, but then the wind picked up and was pretty fierce at times. Not as bad as yesterday and the highway signs that flash with high wind warnings and an admonition for trucks and high profile vehicles were not flashing. Mostly it was a strong head wind we encountered and the truck sucked up the fuel at a rate that put our average MPG under 10; normally it's 14-16. On most trips south on 95 we get all the way to Beatty before having to refuel, but we had to stop in Tonopah and put some fuel in. We didn't fill up as it was $3 a gallon, but put in just enough to ensure reaching our destination.
About 20 miles north of Tonopah, we encountered a wall of sand which we drove through all the way to the city limits. Rog was being sick thinking of the new and very expensive paint job on the truck and what that sand might be doing to it. It was pretty thick in spots. Like fog, only gritty. As you can see, the mountains were obscured. All you could see for miles was sand suspended in the air
There was quite a bit of traffic today going both north and south. We did see a lot of RVs heading south. Must be that time of year - plus next week being Thanksgiving folks are taking the whole week off to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.
We are staying in the Beatty RV Park. A very small park just off the road about 4 miles north of Beatty. It's clean and the woman running the place is quite friendly and it's only $25/night. We have full hookups with 50amp service in a pull through site. Don't need anything else for the one night stopover. We are getting some road noise right now, but that will hopefully subside as it gets later.
The wind is calm and the temperature is about 50. We had a very nice sunset, but now it's VERY dark out but the stars are beautiful.
Maggie is having trouble calming down this evening. She had to be drugged this morning with her usual half of a pill, but as it wore off this afternoon she insisted on sitting in my lap to shiver and shake. I don't mind so much but I worry about what would happen if the airbag inflates. Tonight she is just hyper. We've had her outside a couple of times and the place is full of critter smells like rabbit scat and Roger saw a field mouse (dead) so Maggie's nose was working overtime.
It will be a quite night and tomorrow we will go on into the FamCamp (that's Air Force speak for an RV park on the base) at Nellis AFB in North Las Vegas. It's about a three hour or so drive for us so we don't have to get up and get moving too fast. Were are both ready for a little extra sleep time.
We woke this morning to sunshine peeking into the back window and no wind! We were expecting rain, but we were pleasantly surprised to not have any as we hooked up. It was cold, though! We could see the steel gray storm clouds descending into the valley and we knew we had to leave!
We had no wind from Sparks to Hawthorne where we stopped for lunch, but then the wind picked up and was pretty fierce at times. Not as bad as yesterday and the highway signs that flash with high wind warnings and an admonition for trucks and high profile vehicles were not flashing. Mostly it was a strong head wind we encountered and the truck sucked up the fuel at a rate that put our average MPG under 10; normally it's 14-16. On most trips south on 95 we get all the way to Beatty before having to refuel, but we had to stop in Tonopah and put some fuel in. We didn't fill up as it was $3 a gallon, but put in just enough to ensure reaching our destination.
About 20 miles north of Tonopah, we encountered a wall of sand which we drove through all the way to the city limits. Rog was being sick thinking of the new and very expensive paint job on the truck and what that sand might be doing to it. It was pretty thick in spots. Like fog, only gritty. As you can see, the mountains were obscured. All you could see for miles was sand suspended in the air
There was quite a bit of traffic today going both north and south. We did see a lot of RVs heading south. Must be that time of year - plus next week being Thanksgiving folks are taking the whole week off to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.
We are staying in the Beatty RV Park. A very small park just off the road about 4 miles north of Beatty. It's clean and the woman running the place is quite friendly and it's only $25/night. We have full hookups with 50amp service in a pull through site. Don't need anything else for the one night stopover. We are getting some road noise right now, but that will hopefully subside as it gets later.
Maggie is having trouble calming down this evening. She had to be drugged this morning with her usual half of a pill, but as it wore off this afternoon she insisted on sitting in my lap to shiver and shake. I don't mind so much but I worry about what would happen if the airbag inflates. Tonight she is just hyper. We've had her outside a couple of times and the place is full of critter smells like rabbit scat and Roger saw a field mouse (dead) so Maggie's nose was working overtime.
It will be a quite night and tomorrow we will go on into the FamCamp (that's Air Force speak for an RV park on the base) at Nellis AFB in North Las Vegas. It's about a three hour or so drive for us so we don't have to get up and get moving too fast. Were are both ready for a little extra sleep time.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Our Wintering Adventure Has Started
Well, sort of. We should have been half way to Beatty, NV as I write this at 11am. We are still sitting in the Sparks Marina RV Park. The RV is fine. The weather is not. We are rocking in the wind.
We had seen only good weather predictions for today or we would have left earlier in the week. I think this front surprised the weather guys. During the night the wind came up. The tree next to the RV banged on the front right over our heads all night, resulting is a major sleep deficit this morning for both of us. The wind is still howling at about 35-40 mph with gusts up to 60. Not a good day to be on the road in a high profile vehicle - especially when the wind would be a crosswind. We didn't want to end up on our side in the middle of the Nevada desert, so we are staying put and will leave in the morning (fingers crossed!). We will probably get a nap (if the wind stops rattling us) and be rested for the drive tomorrow. Rog has a few chores he can do outside - it's windy but fairly warm. I can go through the cupboards and straighten things out from where I just threw them in yesterday. It'll keep us busy today.
Roger under packs and I over pack, so it's a good thing we are staying, actually, as we had time to go back to the house and retrieve Roger's underwear and socks that he had forgotten to bring!!! That's some serious under packing! He had left 3 days worth in the RV from our last adventure for some reason and when he noticed the oversight yesterday, he figured he'd just buy some when we got to Las Vegas. This way he is saving some money and it gave us another something to do. I even took stuff back to the house that I had overpacked. I do get carried away.
We started preparing a couple weeks ago and made two trips to the RV with clothes and food so we didn't have to do it all in one day. It helped, but we still had a lot to load yesterday.
After we got it all in the RV yesterday, and I was heating some soup for dinne, Roger went out and bought a chocolate cake for my birthday. We had friends stop by to wish us good travels and birthday salutations and Mike and Erica stopped by last night bearing presents. It was a busy and tiring, but nice day and the chocolate cake with a cup a tea at the end of the day just hit the spot!
Roger had an adventure setting up yesterday. Seems there's always something.
When we got home from our summer trip we "winterized" the RV by putting special antifreeze in the water lines. We were surprised when we did it that it took so much. We pumped in five gallons and we weren't sure it was all done, but that is what we had. We thought we only used three or four in the past so it surprised us when it just kept sucking up the antifreeze.
Well, Rog found out why yesterday. He opened the water heater to drain it and put in fresh water. As he loosened the plug the pressure behind it shot the plug out and a stream of antifreeze shot straight out soaking Roger from head to foot. Then we spent half an hour looking for the plug. It must have hit Rog and bounced back near the tire but we were looking everywhere else figuring it went flying. He got it cleaned up, the tank empty, flushed, and refilled. Apparently the by-pass valve that is supposed to keep that from happening malfunctioned. Something to fix this winter.
I think it's going to be a day or so, though, before we stop tasting antifreeze coming from the hot water tank. It looks fine, but, we aren't trusting it yet. We stopped and bought a couple gallons of bottled water for tea/coffee, drinking, rinsing our toothbrushes, etc.
The sun is shining, the temperature is in the mid 60s (not expected) but that dang wind just keeps blowing, so just short walks around the park with Maggie today.
We had seen only good weather predictions for today or we would have left earlier in the week. I think this front surprised the weather guys. During the night the wind came up. The tree next to the RV banged on the front right over our heads all night, resulting is a major sleep deficit this morning for both of us. The wind is still howling at about 35-40 mph with gusts up to 60. Not a good day to be on the road in a high profile vehicle - especially when the wind would be a crosswind. We didn't want to end up on our side in the middle of the Nevada desert, so we are staying put and will leave in the morning (fingers crossed!). We will probably get a nap (if the wind stops rattling us) and be rested for the drive tomorrow. Rog has a few chores he can do outside - it's windy but fairly warm. I can go through the cupboards and straighten things out from where I just threw them in yesterday. It'll keep us busy today.
Roger under packs and I over pack, so it's a good thing we are staying, actually, as we had time to go back to the house and retrieve Roger's underwear and socks that he had forgotten to bring!!! That's some serious under packing! He had left 3 days worth in the RV from our last adventure for some reason and when he noticed the oversight yesterday, he figured he'd just buy some when we got to Las Vegas. This way he is saving some money and it gave us another something to do. I even took stuff back to the house that I had overpacked. I do get carried away.
We started preparing a couple weeks ago and made two trips to the RV with clothes and food so we didn't have to do it all in one day. It helped, but we still had a lot to load yesterday.
After we got it all in the RV yesterday, and I was heating some soup for dinne, Roger went out and bought a chocolate cake for my birthday. We had friends stop by to wish us good travels and birthday salutations and Mike and Erica stopped by last night bearing presents. It was a busy and tiring, but nice day and the chocolate cake with a cup a tea at the end of the day just hit the spot!
Roger had an adventure setting up yesterday. Seems there's always something.
When we got home from our summer trip we "winterized" the RV by putting special antifreeze in the water lines. We were surprised when we did it that it took so much. We pumped in five gallons and we weren't sure it was all done, but that is what we had. We thought we only used three or four in the past so it surprised us when it just kept sucking up the antifreeze.
Well, Rog found out why yesterday. He opened the water heater to drain it and put in fresh water. As he loosened the plug the pressure behind it shot the plug out and a stream of antifreeze shot straight out soaking Roger from head to foot. Then we spent half an hour looking for the plug. It must have hit Rog and bounced back near the tire but we were looking everywhere else figuring it went flying. He got it cleaned up, the tank empty, flushed, and refilled. Apparently the by-pass valve that is supposed to keep that from happening malfunctioned. Something to fix this winter.
I think it's going to be a day or so, though, before we stop tasting antifreeze coming from the hot water tank. It looks fine, but, we aren't trusting it yet. We stopped and bought a couple gallons of bottled water for tea/coffee, drinking, rinsing our toothbrushes, etc.
The sun is shining, the temperature is in the mid 60s (not expected) but that dang wind just keeps blowing, so just short walks around the park with Maggie today.
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