Monthly Archives: July 2015

Neglected KIA

Spending more time indoors!! Playing “catch up” with neglected projects. This morning, filed yesterday’s receipt with all my KIA paperwork.  I’ve used the car infrequently (and the insurance is costing me a fortune). In twenty months–since I left North Carolina–I’ve driven 4,550 miles. Actually, I would have thought even less mileage. Other than the trip to Little George Havens Cowboy Camp Meeting in 2014, my travels are limited to twelve to fifteen miles round-trip to Livingston.

Furthermore, the total mileage on my 2006 KIA Sportage is just shy of 79,000. When I purchased… in late 2007, it already had 39,000 miles. (Forgive me, I’m mulling over some basic arithmetic.) In 2010, I traveled over 9,000 miles on a remarkable nine month trip through the New England states, Canada, and some Eastern states. 

No symbol signChanging the subject: Have you noticed that “customer service” is a thing of the past? I paid over $44.00 for oil change and lubrication but the windshield wiper water was not filled. ~~ In North Carolina, I got awesome service–and a complimentary car wash–for $29.40. ~~ Living in Texas is a strange unique experience!! ~~ (I filled windshield wiper water reservoir this morning from a gallon of commercial fluid.)

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You're never ready poster

 

Curious circumstances !!

Bird seedWent into Livingston–Tractor Supply–for bird seed. My fine feathered friends go through about fifty pounds of seed every two weeks. Granted, I’ve spoiled them; they know where to find the “bird seed Golden Corral.” Today, I’m exceptionally generous because I’m not “flat broke.” It’s “party time”!!

My KIA was long overdue for a car wash. I was “stuck in line” for about twenty minutes because the car wash had broken down. Even with the car air-conditioner on highest setting, it was extremely hot in the car!!

Railroad crossingI had hoped to get an oil change and lubrication but was pushed to tomorrow.

En-route home, I was the first car stopped at the railroad crossing, and counted sixty-nine train cars and two locomotives.

Spilled iced teaHome again, prepared a big glass of iced tea. Promptly spilled it and had to get down on my hands and knees to clean up!!

So an out-of-the-ordinary morning!!

Ninety-seven actual degrees outdoors in the shade as I publish this at 1:20 PM. Add another eight or nine degrees for “feels like” temperature!!

 

Attractive gift !!

Many years ago, I heard a story that sticks in my mind and frequently repeated in my conversations.

An individual died and went to Heaven. Jesus gave a lengthy tour before taking the individual to their mansion. Inside the remarkably beautiful structure there were mountains of beautifully wrapped packages. The new resident questioned the host: “What’s this?” Jesus answered: “These are the gifts the Father and I wanted to give you on earth but you never unwrapped them.”

It has been my desire to unwrap the gifts from my Heavenly Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For now, I’ll spare you the long list of awesome gifts and focus on my most recent.

Lorraine and MaryGratefully, we have new volunteers each month. CARE residents are blessed to make their acquaintance and exchange narratives of similar life experiences and RVing trips. Earlier this month, I walked into the Dining Room and heard an exclamation: “She’s wearing a long skirt.” The reference was to me and I quickly became engaged in conversation with a lady wearing a long skirt. The bond was instantaneous!! We had (have) so much in common!! “Marvin, take our picture” was the request of my new friend, Mary.

The next day–when I walked into the Dining Room–Mary’s opening comment: “Do you have relatives in Ohio?” I acknowledged that I have. “Do you have ‘Studebaker’ in your family?” I was astonished because she/they were so new they wouldn’t know I spent years doing genealogy, or that I had “cousins” in the Miami Valley of Ohio. “Yes, I have Studebaker as a collateral line.” I’ll spare the reader the entire conversation. We’ve both been to the Studebaker Homestead in Tipp City, Ohio, for Studebaker reunions (different years).

What prompted Mary to ask the question? (So we could dig deeper into unique similarities.) Sometimes we don’t know where thoughts originate. I choose to believe that Mary is a “gift” my Heavenly Father wanted me to unwrap while here on earth. ~~ It has been an enjoyable month; we’ll keep in touch.

One evening Mary and Marvin visited my garden and requested a picture to document the moments. Why? Earlier that day, I walked into the Dining Room wearing a long skirt, and blouse, casually chosen from my closet. Mary was wearing a similar outfit–with the same predominate aqua-blue colors. It’s uncanny; we have the same likes and dislikes. It’s like we are twins separated at birth. (But I am three years older.)

Lorraine and Mary in the garden

Lorraine and Mary close up

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Speaking of gifts: My soul-sister arrived with a memento for my garden.

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Sign gift from Mary

Lorraine’s “in love” — NOT !!

NotPlease forgive my irrational behavior. I’m still grieving the loss of my beloved T@B teardrop trailer.  Yesterday, I searched the Internet for a rock-bottom-price small travel trailer. I saw the Scamp, advertised price was low, sent an email… but have not received a reply.

This morning, I composed a message for my website T@B Teardrop Trailer Travels advising readers of the recent sale.

This morning–before it got too hot–I watered plants, pulled weeds and filled bird feeders. Same old routine!!

Count my blessingsTemperature is headed for triple digits; I’m forced to confine my activities to my trailer home (with limited air-conditioning). ~~ Counting my blessings!! Some people have to work outdoors in this heat!! (Example: Our maintenance workers driving a riding lawn mower across “my” wonderful large “side yard.” My wonderful large side yard that allows birds and squirrels freedom to come and go. Other critters too: Rabbits and armadillo.)

(This is a follow-up to Lorraine’s “in love” published earlier.)

Solo Senior Successfully Scouts Solution

Eureka!! I found it!!

Eureka moment

Breaker box

Remote

A/C in the ceiling

Hotter indoors

Temperature at eight-twelveAfter a hot, sleepless night, I began to check for a solution–within my limited ability. (I’m not going to climb up on the roof of the 5th-wheel trailer.) Changed the batteries on the remote AGAIN. Checked the breaker box and found the A/C needed to be clicked on AGAIN.  Just so the reader gets the full “picture” (lol), I laid on the floor for the picture of air-conditioner grill, etc., mounted in the ceiling. For the record, the indoor and outdoor temperatures. ~~ Eventually, my air-conditioner will need a professional analysis. Hopefully that can wait until A/C professionals aren’t booked with service calls?!?! ~~ Oscillating fanIt is 81 degrees inside my trailer home as I type this (9:40 AM) but air is moving and I’m reasonably comfortable. (Kudos to SSSSS?!) When all else fails, I have a reliable three-speed fan. 

Bird on fountainFurthermore: Plants have been watered and bird feeders filled. Especially important: Fresh water in the fountain for the birds. It is a delight to see them splashing in the top.

Lorraine’s “in love” !!

Scamp for saleOnce an RVer, always an RVer?!

Hundreds of things I should be doing inside my air-conditioned twenty-seven foot Carriage 5th-wheel trailer. However, this afternoon, I’ve spent hours searching the Internet for a reasonably priced small travel trailer. Lady with fingers crossedI’m waiting for an answer from the owner of this Scamp. ~~ I’m very familiar with this type of light-weight fiberglass trailer because I had a Trillium many years ago. ~~ Keeping my fingers crossed!!

See follow up: Lorraine’s “in love” — NOT!!