Gadgets for “Q” and Filly’s

Everyone is a friend, until they prove otherwise. 

I remember a couple of years ago when we had our first winter visit to Quartzsite.  It was amazing all the neat little gadgets you could pick up from one or twelve of the hundreds of vendors there.  We actually discovered some of these little gadgets were a necessity.  Well, knowing that we were soon going to be heading in that direction I picked up a few more little gadgets from the sale bin at Harbor Freight.  Check out the $2 bargain headlamps.  You might think this is funny but it’s not.  When there before all of us bought the little led lights that attached on your cap to make the nightly path to and from the campfire a little easier to see.

I also found another little $2 LED light that could easily be hung on Duchess’ leash for night time outings.  I wasn’t through with my finds though.  Check out this magnesium fire starter for $1. Now I know it probably isn’t as good as one of those butane BBQ fire lighters but heck for the price, why not give it a try?  Besides that was a well spent $1 ‘cuz we were helping out the local economy.  Will we find these things at “Q” cheaper?  Well, maybe but with bargains like this, I didn’t want to chance it.

I wasn’t through with gadgets from the dollar-ish table.   A few times we found that we needed to siphon water from one place to another.  Perhaps, we’d need to do that again. Or, maybe we’ll want to siphon gas from the Jeep and fill a gas tank for the quad or a generator.  There’s nothing like being prepared.

Terry also found some little treasures of his own but his treasures meant he had to do some work on the trailer.  At least with my little finds there was no work required and only a place to stash them until we get down to our next destination.

 

In addition to that the real reason we went to Harbor Freight was to pick up a ramp to load our Vinson ATV on the trailer.  Now that we had all the work done on the trailer so we could side load one of the ATVs, we still needed to get a ramp to actually get it on the trailer.  This is the great ATV ramp we found down there at a great price. We did discover that the width needed a little tweaking.  However, that's the easy part.  The hard part was finding the ramp at the price we wanted to pay.

After our bargains, we just had to take another ride.  We just had to.  I think I enjoy the rides even more than Terry does.    It’s peaceful and there isn’t a lot of traffic or red lights on the trails.  The desert really is beautiful.  However, we did see one thing that we didn’t like.  Someone dumped a load of old tires out there.  Ugh!

We were back to Filly’s Roadhouse on Thursday night for our favorite duo in the area – Brant and Kerry.  Those guys really are fantastic.  We love listening to them and we love going to the places they perform.  Of course, the singing was fantastic but the company was even better. We met Jim and Sandie there.

  

Friday we're off for a long ATV ride up to the Superstition Mountains with a group.  Later in the evening we have reservations at the Arizona Opry.  We’ve always wanted to go there so we finally we will get a chance to.  The problem with coming to this area later in the season and wanting to go is that all the seats are usually booked.  That’s not the case this time of year.

Saturday?  It’s a weekend and we’re taking a little trip to Quartzsite .... maybe.  Well, not to stay but just for a visit.  We rarely get bored and I bet you've already figured that one out.

‘Tis life on the road.

Back to the Shop

Don't tell me worry doesn't help. Whenever I really worry about something it never happens.

One of the outback shots from my little ATV video camera.  Gorgeous scenery is to be enjoyed.

How many times do you read the directions that come with your new toys?  Sometimes I do and other times I don’t.  Sometimes that works out and other times not so much.  The latter was more the case with the new little trail GPS which had unfamiliar waypoints.  I didn’t read the directions.  After all, how many years have we had a GPS??  They are a snap .... or so I thought.   After we had the new trail GPS mounted on the quad, we hit the desert to try it out.  I have discovered a trail GPS is totally (and I mean totally) different than the kind of GPS units you use in your vehicles.

Terry and I rode about ten miles Monday.  By the time we got so far out, all the land markers disappeared.   Thank goodness I have a good sense of direction and knew which way the RV park was or we might have ended up in Flagstaff.  I certainly couldn’t figure out how to read or even route the GPS.    Obviously before we depend on it again, I’ll resort to reading those directions and figuring it out.

 
Terry couldn't decide which flag he wanted so now he has both -- US Navy and the pirate flag ---- >>

I was so thrilled that my sewing machine would be ready for pickup on Monday.  After all, I have projects that need finishing.  The receipt indicated it had been given a “complete sewing machine overhaul”.   I was anxious to try it out. The stitching worked fine and the new bobbin plate was perfect.  However, the embroidery stitching was out of sync.  It was totally misaligned.  So …. back to the repair shop it had to go.  Now how disgusting is that?  At least we kept it long enough so that I could tweak the little flags for Terry’s quad before the shop got it back.

There's never a dull moment with us.  We still had other things that needed to be done.  So on Monday we also dropped off our trailer to have it enlarged.  Remember we bought the trailer then the second quad and not the other way around.  The two quads we have now didn’t fit the trailer.  Thus, we needed to have a little creative welding done.  We had taken pictures, measured and drew up what we wanted.  Tuesday we got to see the finished product.   R & G Welding did a fantastic job of enlarging the front with removable sides and adding a back plate for a storage container.  Just in case you ever need it and are in the area, they also install tow packages and brake systems for RVs and toads at great prices.

The weather is gorgeous in Arizona right now so we have options on outside things to do.  We can either take a long quad ride checking out more Arizona scenery, visit North Ranch or we can do laundry and entertain Duchess. We might even fill up our propane tanks.  I think we're down to the fumes. It's early in the day so decisions haven't been made yet .... well, other than that we're meeting the Dixons this evening to scope out more entertainment in the area. 

‘Tis life on the road!

Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

Money can't buy happiness, but neither can it buy poverty

Discounts are all around.  Sometimes it’s just difficult knowing what stores offer them.  Many senior discounts (from 50+) are not advertised to the public and the only way to know if one is offered is to ask ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. We all want to get the most bang for our buck.  The more bucks we save, the more $$$$ we have for fuel for our RVs.

I absolutely cannot guarantee any of the stores listed below still exist or that the discount is still offered since I just copied them and put them in a table.  However, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.  Also, don’t forget about military discounts.  Many places such as Lowe’s and Home Depots offer discounts to veterans. 

**  Discount varies according to location

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+) ·		Arby’s  10% **
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+) ·		Bennigan’s: **
Bob’s Big Boy ** (60+)		Boston Market: 10% off (65+) ·
Burger King: 10% off (60+) ·		Captain D’s Seafood: **  (62+) ·
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+) ·		Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)		Culver’s: 10% off (60+) ·
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+) ·		Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+) ·
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+) ·		Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+) ·
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) ·		Golden Corral: 10% off (60+) ·
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)		IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)		Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+) ·
Long John Silver’s: various (55+) ·		McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+) ·
Mrs. Fields: 10% off  **  (60+) ·		Shoney’s: 10% off ·
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) ·		Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+) ·
Subway: 10% off (60+) ·		Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+) ·		TCBY: 10% off (55+) ·
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+) ·		Village Inn: 10% off (60+) ·
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+) ·		Wendy’s: 10% off (55+) ·
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+) ·		Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+) ·
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+) ·		Big Lots: 10% off ·
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+) ·		C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) ·
Clarks: 10% off (62+) ·		Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) ·
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) ·		Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location) ·
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week **		Kmart: 20% off (50+) ·
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+) ·		Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off ·
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions ·		Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+) ·
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)		Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+) ·

 Grocery 

Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+) ·		American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+) ·
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) ·		DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+) ·
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+) ·		Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+) ·
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+) ·		Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) ·
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week **		Kroger: 10% off **·
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)		Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+) ·
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

 Travel

·

Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+) ·		Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members ·
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount) ·		Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members ·		Best Western: 10% off (55+) ·
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+) ·		Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) ·
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+) ·		Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) ·
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) ·		Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations ·
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+) ·		Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+) ·
		Greyhound: 5% off (62+) ·
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance ·		Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members ·
Greyhound: 5% off (62+) ·		Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance ·
Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members ·		Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+) ·
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+) ·		InterContinental Hotels Group: ** (65+) ·
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+) ·		Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+) ·
Motel 6: 10% off (60+) ·		Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+) ·
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members		Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) ·
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) ·		Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) ·
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) ·		Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up ·
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)		U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

 

Activities and Entertainment

AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+) ·		Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+) ·
Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+) ·		Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+) ·
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off ·		U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+) ·
Regal Cinemas: 30% off ·		Ripley’s Believe it or Not: $3 off one-day ticket (55+) ·
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

 

Miscellaneous ·

Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+) ·		Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+) *		Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+) ·
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+) ·

RV Park Update – Memory Bank Overflow

Memory is a net: one that finds it full of fish when he takes it from the brook, but a dozen miles of water have run through it without sticking.

 

I’m not sure where to start.  My mind is stuffed with lots of new knowledge and the memory bank is even overflowing. 

It’s amazing what you learn from people doing laundry.  We had lots of loads of laundry and normally that hasn’t been an issue in the past.  We either stuck it in the kids’ machines or inserted quarters.  However, this place has these little cards you have to buy.  The machine only takes $5 bills and you can only do one transaction at a time.  First you have to buy it, then you have to fill it with $$$.  Figuring out how to buy the thing, then adding money to it was a chore in itself.  However, the hardest thing was getting the machines to turn on using this card.  Now I’m a techie person but this was way beyond me without help or some little info sheet to read.  Thank goodness, my new friend, Mary, came to the rescue.

It’s also amazing how many people you meet walking their dogs. The normal thing is to greet and exchange names and site numbers.  Once they walk past I’d already forgotten their names because someone new was approaching.  I wonder if a “hey you” works around here.

 

Next we decided to do the potluck thing that was scheduled Halloween night.  I had lots of things I wanted to find out about quad rides.  I figured that would be the place to track some of the riders down.  Everyone likes to eat.  Remember we still had one to buy since we sold the Ozark in Washington.  Another fella I met in the laundry (pretty popular place, you know) told me not to buy a little one.   I forgot to ask what he meant by “little one” but just knew I didn’t want a BIG one.  So, it was off to the potluck to get some answers to questions. 

One thing we did discover is that the trail riding is usually finalized  when the MEN have coffee at 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM each morning!  You think that’s early?  Have you ever noticed how many people are out walking in these parks even way before that time?  Now you all know I’m out of bed before then but the tricky part is getting ready to get outside.  What is the chance Terry will ever make one of these coffee get togethers to find out where the event of the day is?  That’s an easy answer -- almost zero.  However, we did discover he’s not the only one in that group who doesn’t make them. Why don’t they organize these better and post them?  I bet it’s because they don’t like the commitment thing any better than we do.

We met SO MANY people who had so many different names.  I’ll never remember their names.  Except I remembered Mary and Beverly.  I’m good with association.  Mary rhymes with Jeri so that one was easy.  Beverly?  Well, I called her the dog lady.  She does a lot of pet sitting for people in the park.  I had already heard about her and wanted to chat a bit.  We knew we still needed to figure out if we were driving to Washington over Christmas or flying?  Duchess doesn’t fly.  However, Beverly just might be the answer to leaving her here while we fly.  That would certainly be the easy way.  We like easy ways.

We still had a lot to learn on this quad thing.  Before heading south we tried out the Trail Boss, I really liked it and thought that might be what I wanted.  However, we put the skids on when we got here.  What I really thought I wanted was different from what I learned I should want.  So, now the search is on for a 4x4 and a utility.  I’m not so sure I’m real thrilled with this.  The utility ones are bulkier and heavier. I know I’ll stress when it comes time to pulling the heavy ones north but maybe I can just cross that bridge in a few months.

Another problem I have is that some of these are so ugly.  They look like hunters should own them … ugh!   And, I just can’t buy one that isn’t “pretty”.  Unless I can find another red quad, I’m going to have to buy a different helmet.  Remember my helmet is red.  I certainly can’t wear it on a green or blue quad!

Other than that I also discovered a big calendar on the wall in the North Hall.  The activities are planned out for ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE.  There were even sign up sheets for these activities.  I knew I was in real trouble when I saw that --- commitments beyond 24 hours.  Oh boy … I’m not sure the chalk and eraser work here as well as they do on my own calendar.

Like I said … my memory bank is overflowing with all the recent stuff I’ve had to add to it.  This is a whole new thing to me being on the road  -- staying in an RV park for more than a couple weeks or so. You can tell the trouble I’m in when I've added all these different thought patterns in one little blog.  Yep ….I think I’m definitely in trouble here. 

Great Day – Dilemmas Solved

 

There is no dilemma compared with that of the deep-sea diver who hears the message from the ship above, “Come up at once.  We are sinking.”

 

Thursday was a good day.  Matter of fact, Thursday was a really good day.  We got to put an end to our two dilemmas. Such is life.

First trailer  --- big quads, little trailer.

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Dilemma #1 - This is our story and we’re sticking with it.  By this time you all knew we had made a fast purchase of a quad trailer.  By the time we loaded quads and drove it a bit, we came to the conclusion it wasn’t a good choice for a long road trip.  Thus, we had to replace it.  It was back to the internet and Craigslist to see what we could find.  One of the biggest requirements we felt was good 15” tires for freeway travel.  We also visited several trailer lots and had come to the conclusion that our best bet just might be to have one made.

It's a two-man job.

I found a trailer online that was exactly what we had thought would be perfect.  However, no response from the seller and by Thursday morning we had decided to move on and possibly have one built.  The manufacturer could do it in less than a week so that would work.  Then, we got a call from the Craigslist seller.  The trailer was still available.   We were out of here (with our RV neighbor, Steve) faster  a speeding bullet.  Okay, I may have been embellishing a tad regarding the speed that we were out of here but I think you get the picture.

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Steve's important job was testing quads out.

This trailer was exactly what we would have had built but by buying this one off Craigslist, we would save $500!!  Now $500 would go a long ways towards our fuel purchase heading south.  The online picture made the trailer look brand new and perfect.  As you might imagine, it wasn’t.  The trailer was filthy and needed a paint refresh but everything else was near perfect.  Plus he even had a spare.  Whoopee!  After the negotiating process (Terry does that while I walk away), we ended up saving close to $700!!  Now we still need a little welding job done to tweak it for two quads but we would have had to do that even if we had a new one built.  For now we’re as happy  as two little clams with our purchase and can get that work done when we get to Arizona since we will only be taking one quad to Arizona and purchasing another one down there.

Easier to load -- without a doubt!

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Dilemma # 2 …. on our way to our son’s house to drop off another trailer in his yard, we got a call from a lady wanting to look at the quad we had for sale AND the trailer as a package deal.  She would meet us there.  Yippee!  She plunked down a $200 non-refundable deposit and we smiled from ear to ear.  It certainly turned into a very good day even though we knew we weren't making money on anything.  There was no way either one of us wanted to count the money we were losing.  Those stats we certainly aren't interested in knowing about.  We're happy campers.

Terry and Steve cleaned up the trailer.  Steve tested all the quads for us and then we were off to dinner at Rib City Cafe!  Oh my lands …… ribs to die for.  They were so good, so wonderful and so many.  There were so many ribs to eat that I needed a doggie bag  …  breakfast I thought.   Wrong!!  Terry ate my leftovers before we even left the restaurant.  Next time he can just order his own ribs.

Here's Carol riding the local pig.  Fabulous food and my new black jeans stretched as I pigged out!

It was a great day ….  down to watching Steve’s slideshow later that evening.  Weather looks good next week and California here we come (we think)!

What to Wear? RVing Dress Code

The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they'll sleep at night.

Confused about dress codes?  Well, if so, you're not the only one.  Some folks don't know how to dress and others just think they do.  That's why people watching is so popular I guess.   We all get a chuckle out of watching people who don't conform to how we think they should dress.  If you're concerned about being laughed at by others people watching, then check out the following combinations you'll definitely want to avoid.  If any of these fit you, you just might want to change before pulling into a 5 star RV park. 

Many of us over 50 (and some WAY over 50) are quite confused today about how we should present ourselves. Feeling 'young', we try to conform to current fashions and present a youthful image. Contrary to what you may have seen on the streets, the following combinations DO NOT go together and should be avoided at all costs:

1. A nose ring and bifocals
2. Spiked hair and bald spots
3. A pierced tongue and dentures
4. Miniskirts and support hose
5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads
6. Speedos and cellulite
7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar
8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor
9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge
10. Bikinis and liver spots
11. Mini skirts and varicose veins
And, Most importantly

At some point you have to give up the 'DAISY DUKE' shorts

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I remember when we first started this RVing adventure, I thought there was a dress code.  Well, at least I read something on one of the RVing forums about it. I just tried to go back and find the blog I wrote about my struggle at that time wanting to “blend” with the proper attire but alas I couldn’t find it. 

It took a while for me to discover that trying to dress like someone else just didn’t work.  There is no RV dress code.   I didn’t really have a lot of leisure clothes.  With the onset of business casual in the workplace, that’s what I had.  Out went anything too dressy and out went anything too casual.  The middle of the road was a safe bet for just about everything. I didn’t own a single pair of blue jeans or a single pair of tennis shoes or even t-shirts.  I think part of it was because working for an airline we weren’t allowed to wear those things either at work or traveling on a plane.  So, why have them?

 

After reading the article about the RVing dress code, I went shopping.  I bought a couple pairs of blue jeans but just couldn’t quite do the tennis shoe thing.  However, I’m sure you know there are lots of alternatives to tennis shoes.  Some of those shoes snap and some buckle or slide on.  They really don’t look like tennis shoes.  I got into the Eccos and the Keens.  Besides wasn’t comfort supposed to count?   After my new purchases I was ready to get in our RV and GO or so I thought.  The jeans just weren’t my thing.  My body just was molded the same way those jeans were.  Get the drift?

Other people looked good in jeans but not me.  Before long the jeans were tucked away. I’ve learned to like the capri jeans but the othersI just couldn't adapt to.  I must admit that Terry has the same problem too.   He didn't have a lot of leisure clothes either.  I guess you really can't teach old dogs new tricks.

 

<--- This photo is small for a reason!!  Talk about looking sloppy.  Terry and I look like a couple of slobs.  Lee and MJ look great but we really hit the gutter in this one.  I’m almost embarrassed to post it but it does make a point. 

My style has definitely changed from the work days.  I've moved into the little Adidas and Nike type stretchy thingamajigs and capris.  Those are my clothes of choice I think.  Not only can you dress them up and dress them down, they also stretch with you after a big RVing meal with friends.  In my mind, that's most important --

My daughter has now been on me to buy another pair of jeans … oh no ... not blue jeans but black or gray or something different.  It's a compromise so, I’m going to try again.  After all, they might just be the best alternative when on our quads and for keeping me warm. I've also been told I need a pair of bulkier shoes -- ugh.   However, if I do end up with another pair or two of jeans, this time it’s not because I think that I should conform to someone else’s dress code. I'm just flapping my wings and trying something different .... different for me, that is.

Are we creatures of habits?  We shop the same places and buy what we've been used to buying to wear.  I think the dress code of every place you go should be what you are comfortable in.  Clothes shouldn’t be everything but if you’re not comfortable wearing what you want because you feel you might be not fit in, maybe it’s time to get those wheels moving someplace different.  It's taken a bit but at least now I'm back to wearing what I like to wear and not what someone else may think I should wear.

I have an RV friend who wrote on her blog she had counted the number of items she owned.  She had under 100 ITEMS!  Now that’s everything, folks. Everything!!  That even includes her clothes …. shoes, underwear, socks, boots, pants, tops …. EVERYTHING.  So, let’s see if I do go shopping for jeans  - do you think this will put my belongings over 100?  Well,  if you think that, you are very, very wrong.  I was over 100 before I even started.  What about you?  Have you counted each and every article of clothing you own?

**  Update -- I just know this is important for all of you to know.  I DID buy a pair of black jeans. It took a lot of work but I did it.   I even tried them out by wearing the jeans to dinner with Steve and Carol, our new best RV eating buddies. 

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RV Blogging From on the Road

I think the pleasure of completed work is what makes blogging so popular. You have to believe most bloggers have few if any actual readers. The writers are in it for other reasons. Blogging is like work, but without coworkers thwarting you at every turn. All you get is the pleasure of a completed task.

I know many folks who blog.   Of course, I haven’t had an opportunity to actually meet all the people whose blog I read but it is fun when I can.  The other day we had an opportunity to meet John and Judy.  They keep up a blog that I’ve been reading.  You can check it out here. When I discovered they were close to where we were, we sat up a date and place to meet. Then, we drug our RVing neighbors, Steve and Carol with us. It’s amazing how much you have in common with fellow bloggers and fellow RV’ers. We had a marvelous time and met “new” friends thanks to blogging.

There are hundreds and hundreds of blogs out there for reading.  Blogging has been around since about the mid 1990’s but didn’t take off strong until the end of the 1990’s.   The early bloggers started out posting personal accounts of their life and then it spread to news stories.  Look at it now.  In addition to RVers, it’s now used by politicians, corporations and news media.  Actually, just about every area of interest (or no interest) can be found in a blog.  Blogging has turned into a mighty big business.   And, the blogs are so very different.

The bloggers we know and keep up with are those who blog from the road mainly with their RV experiences and RV tips.  In other words.  RV’ers tend to write blogs geared for readers who travel around in their RV whether they are just weekenders writing about their experiences, snowbirders heading south for the winter or even full-timers who are out to travel and see as much as they can.  Some blogs are very passionate about their topics and others are meant to be easy reading giving RVing tips or just a daily dairy.  Others have a purpose such as posting reviews on RV parks or even giving hints on great places to visit.  After following a blog for quite some time you really feel you have gotten to know people even though you haven’t met.   Well, you have met but just not in person.  And, of course, if you’re reading this, there’s probably a good chance that you’re a blogger too.

Blogs are so different.  Just like the reason for blogging is so different.  Even the pictures vary on blogs from large ones to tiny ones or even none.  Then, there are some folks who write blogs for money.   This must be big business because a lot of blogs have advertisements added to them. I just want to know if it’s enough $$$  to tempt me.   I would think in order to have a dedicated following, writing your blog really would have to be treated like a job in a sense.  You’d probably have to be very religious about posting a blog each and every day.  Then, you’d have to try to be witty at times and be able to pass along interesting information at other times.  In other words, you have to wear a bunch of different hats to pull in different types of readers.  You’d also have to market yourself to other bloggers by reading and posting on their blogs.  Now that’s work!!  I read blogs but usually don’t leave a comment except for a few and others when they have commented on mine because it can be work jogging that old brain into thinking of something cute to say.  I’d have to change my thought pattern.

When I post every day it is usually just to get caught up on our own events and not necessarily to make money on a following.  However, having to do it to promote business is another thing but if a lot of money is to be made, just let me know and I might change my mind.  Blogging is very addictive but it’s also fun.  It gives the writer a chance to express their thoughts.  It’s also good because it keeps that thinker thinking.  I bet the more controversial the topic, the more readers one would have too.  There are many things I’d like to write about but hesitate to do so.  If I were doing it for money, I’m sure I wouldn’t hesitate quite so much. 

“Making money from blogging requires you to do only two things: drive a lot traffic, then maximize the income from that traffic.”

Blogging styles are so very different which is good.  One of the little differences is the use of  Captcha or Word Verification characters that one must decipher prior to posting.  I really dislike trying to interpret those odd shaped characters.  Some of them are really simple to make out and others are difficult. Usually the bloggers who are out to make money don’t have these crazy little characters attached to their blog.  Are they really needed?   

Another difference in the blogs is how the comments are handled.  Sometimes when you leave a comment, you just leave a comment and it ends there.   However, there are bloggers who respond to comments left on their blogs by leaving another comment on their own blog.  I almost never go back to reread a blog where I left a comment to see if there was a response.  Is the added comment just for future readers?  I certainly haven’t been able to figure that one out but if it works for the writer that’s all that really matters and maybe it’s just a note to self for future reading.  After all, it’s their blog and they can do and say whatever they like.  I like to respond to comments via email when at all possible but don’t always have email accounts of the person leaving a comment.    

We all have our favorite blogs.  I have a few favorites and sometimes when we’re so busy it’s difficult to keep up with them.  I guess blogs to me are like keeping up with the news.  Some folks watch CNN and FOX.  I do a few blogs.  Some blogs are perfectly written and easy to read.  Others not quite so easy.  It’s amazing how much a little punctuation and spelling can do to a blog. It makes reading so much easier.  Just like easy listening music, blogs are for entertainment.  Sometimes I like them easy reading style and other times I like them with lots of thought. 

Most blogs are started by using Blogger.com or Wordpress.com.  There are definite differences and bloggers develop a preference.  Blogger is the product of Google. Lots of little add-ons are available making it easy to use including template help, analytics and even photo albums.  Best of all the service is FREE.

Don’t you love the freedom of blogging? A blog is really all about you! There aren’t many things in this old world that are really all about you but a blog can be  … if you have the guts.

 

Take care .. keep the blogging up and write about what you want to write about.

Nehalem Bay, Oregon --- A Fantastic Area

I’ve learned one very interesting thing about money … it doesn’t buy class.

It was moving day.  We had been at the Seaside Thousand Trails park for two weeks.  We were anxious to move to another location on the coast.  So, just about 30 miles and an hour later we pulled into another site.  Even though we had a great site in Seaside, this one was even better.  Our site was fairly private and our view …. well, so much better.  We were sitting right on Nehalem Bay.

There are many special places along the Oregon coast that we love.  Nehalem is just one of them.  The little towns in the area are cute, the beaches are sandy and there are many different ways to entertain yourself.  As you drive along Highway 101, you notice that many of these towns have marinas filled with both individual and commercial boats.  The docks are filled with crabbing nets, small cafes and lots of fishermen who always happen to be telling wild fish stories. 

The dark cloudy sky looked threatening but it wasn't.  A few minutes later the clouds were gone and the sun started to set.

We love walking along the beach or just listening to the sound of the surf.  We especially enjoy sitting in a restaurant with a great view of the ocean or the bay with a plate full of good food in front of us.  There are several places just like this.  The ocean is nice during any season.  Some people plan their time at the coast during the winter.  The storms that hit the coast are beautiful to watch … as long as you stay safe and away from the high waves and winds.

There are seal caves to visit, dunes to ride on, covered bridges to discover, whales to watch, waters to fish in, crabs to catch and lots of sand to sink your toes in.  

Our goal for the evening was to find a different place to try the local cuisine.   The Sea Shack Restaurant in the little town of Wheeler was just two miles down the road and offered bay front seating.  Terry ordered the bison rib steak with potatoes. Duchess got more of the steak than Terry did.  Do the potatoes look appetizing to you?  They looked and tasted like they were cooked last week.  Gordon Ramsey wouldn’t have approved.  However, Terry said the beans were delicious.

I ordered the boiled pot of seafood.  Needless to say, I was a little disappointed not to actually receive the pot of seafood.  My ordered included 5 clams, 4 mussels, 2 pieces of sausage, the meat from probably half a crab leg plus half an ear of corn and the toast.  It was pretty disappointing.

The Oregon coast is a beautiful place to be.  And, that’s just where you’ll find us for a few more days.  We’re sure we’ll find lots of good fresh seafood around.  Of course, we plan on catching some of it ourselves.

Isn’t every park next to a railroad track?  Sometimes it seems that way.  We took a walk down this one.  We knew we wouldn’t be seeing a train.  The train that uses it is for tourists and doesn’t see this part of the track except for the one trip it makes on Saturday.

We’re settled for a few more days.  We have great satellite, internet is better than Seaside and things are good.  Our first day in our new location was coming to a close.  We had a great site snuggled right into a corner with no neighbors except for the seagulls.  After getting set up we enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the water.

Chores and Tacky Award Winner -- Seaside TTN Manager

When your dreams turn to dust, vacuum.

There are always chores needing to be done. Thursday we had to do laundry. If we didn’t, we’d have to go shopping. We did the laundry instead.  Don’t worry I’m not posting a picture of our dirty laundry. 

Laundry wasn’t the only thing on our list of chores. We had housecleaning to do – inside and out. It’s not so hard to do things like this when the weather is cooperating.  It certainly has been beautiful.

Super laundry facilities on the south end of the park.

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Another thing on our list was returning the new wireless printer we bought the day before in Portland. The printer worked fine. The wireless setup was easy but the scanner didn’t work.  On top of that the scanner software for the one that died was better than what was included with the new scanner.  Staples does price matching so we were able to swap for a wireless Epson all-in-one printer at an additional cost of only one penny. Once connected, it worked perfectly and the scanner software is better too.  Isn’t it amazing that we can almost buy a new printer now for about the same price as it costs just to replace the ink?

There is a little BBQ restaurant nestled between Hwy 101 and the river we had been wanting to try. It certainly doesn’t look like much from the outside but many times we find these are the best places. This one certainly was a winner in our book. The barbecue was always outside cooking and the aroma in the air always got our attention when we drove by.  Instead of seafood at the coast, this time we feasted on brisket, chicken and prime rib. Creekside Pizzeria was an awesome place to eat.  Obviously, they serve a lot more than just pizza.  We had a riverfront seat and a super meal to boot.

We had been staying at the Seaside TTN/ LTR park.  It’s a great park and in a super location.  On weekends the manager is in charge of cooking breakfast in their Sand Dollar Cafe.  We heard last week that he used to be a cook but not so sure that’s really true or just what someone thought. Remember --  we ate in the little cafe last weekend too.

The clubhouse was much busier last weekend over the 4th holiday than it was this Saturday.  Matter of fact, there wasn’t even a line.  Our orders were placed.  Mine was for scrambled eggs and Terry’s for one pancake.  However, we were a little surprised to see that our order was put aside to wait while the order for the person who walked in behind us was taken and his 3-egg omelet prepared before ours was even started.  Huh?  The reason according to the manager?  Well, he said it took a little longer to cook the pancake than make the omelet.   How did he know what the person was going to order when he set ours aside?   We had plenty of time to wait.  It wasn’t that.  Could it have possibly been  my gray hair?  (Oops .. I don’t have any thanks to L’Oreal).  The person behind us (who was now really in front of us) was from corporate or so we were told.  We weren't sure how that should make a difference but evidently the manager did.   We actually thought it a little insulting ... or, was it just tacky?

Most of the time I’m giving kudos to great places we’ve been or fabulous food we’ve had.  We've been on a roll for the past few weeks of being able to give rave reviews for restaurants or food.  I hope our luck isn't changing.  We like the good stuff.  However, this time we’re casting our vote to award the manager at Seaside this week’s new “Tacky Award” winner.  (Maybe that would be a great idea for a weekly blog!! – Who gets the Tacky Award this week? ).  Thank goodness we haven't had a winner of this award in quite some time.

I really wouldn’t want to post a tacky award winner each week.  Those who look for fault, usually find it no matter where they look.  I ‘d rather look for the good things.  Wouldn't you?  It’s much more fun to be rewarded with those. 

 

It definitely is a gorgeous park!

I try to respond to each comment that is left but I don't have everyone's email.  Ever notice how some come through without that email attached and others don't.  I wish I could attach every comment with an email but Blogger just isn't set up that way.   

PS -- Regarding the fabric posted the other day --  I have found several different motorhome / rving prints.  The one posted was from Fabric Depot in Portland.  I also found it online.  Here is a link.