Living and Working Fulltime on the road

Family time

2009-06-14T10:08:00.010-05:00

We got news 3 weeks ago my mother had been sick with the flu. Turned out is wasn't the flu, but a spot on her lung was found. They thought she might have pneumonia. Turns out it was not pneumonia, but non small cell cancer. Not knowing the stage, we took a quick trip to Seattle to visit.

Her strength was down after 4 days of flu symptoms and a week in the hospital. She was still in the Rehab Center, but was released within days of our arrival. Once she got home, she started improving daily. We were able to take a four generations photo.

It was beautiful weather the whole week we were there. Not usually that nice in June. We took a morning to visit the Seattle Waterfront, Pike Place, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Seattle Aquarium and waterfront shops until we decided we'd seen enough. Was nice to be "home" even though I haven't lived there in over 40 years.

HGTV Green Home

2009-04-21T07:58:00.001-05:00

For Snowbirds

Havre de Grace, MD

2009-04-06T10:21:00.012-05:00

We left VA and moved to MD in March. A Beautiful Spring day means it's time to see local sites. It was an April Sunday on northern part of the Chesapeake Bay not far from our RV Park. The Concord Point Light House and Lightkeeper's house are open for viewing. We walked along the wooden walkway following our noses until we came across an outdoor Grille. Watching the sailboats and other boaters is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon eating a hot fish sandwich.

Battle of Bull Run on Henry Hill

2009-02-12T08:54:00.008-05:00

A beautiful windy winter day in Manassas, VA led us to the Manassas Battlefield. Since we were short on time, we started in the Visitor's Center watching a 45 min movie on Henry Hill and the First Battle of Manassas, also known as the Battle of Bull Run. It was the first battle between the North and South.

We had some time before the movie started so we walked around the grounds of Henry Hill. Named after the Henry family. On July 21, 1861 Mrs. Judith Carter Henry old and bedridden was killed in her home during the battle. By day's end, 900 soldiers were also killed on Matthews Hill, Henry Hill and Chinn Ridge.

The house was damaged during the fighting and later used as firewood by soldiers. Mrs. Henry's children rebuilt the house after the war. Her son Isaac and sister are buried beside her in the small family cemetary. The Memorial was built for all those who died during the 1st Battle.

Home Suite Home

2009-01-11T14:47:00.008-05:00

This is our 2nd Suite. Here are a few views of the interior of our 2009 Mobile Suite. We customized a 38TKSB3 to a 38RSSB3 by eliminating the desk at Entertainment Center and turning the U-shape kitchen counter into an extended Island.

We had it built with a fiberglass roof which is standard on the Elites. Because we ordered, we have all the options we wanted and none of those that we didn't feel necessary to make us more comfortable. Other items including adding shelves in the bathroom linen closet.

We have replaced all the furniture with residential grade except the dinette table and chairs. David also added a few changes: silver backsplash wall behind the stovetop, shelving in 3 cabinets.

The table is now our computer table.

DRV Luxury Suites has also come out with more new floorplans for 2009 and many upgrades from earlier models.

Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA

2009-01-05T13:15:00.008-05:00

We took a nice short drive on a sunny Saturday in early January to visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. Museum is Free, but you pay for parking. It's in the Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport. It's located near a large airport so they could fly in planes too big for the one in downtown DC.

Amazing how they can fit so many planes so close. It was more interesting than I expected. Different sections for flight eras. It was much different from the A&S Museum in downtown DC. that we went through in 2007 while in MD.

"Six for the Road"

2008-12-19T10:21:00.006-05:00

TLC has shown a couple of episodes of the Loud family who started fulltiming in an older 5th wheel in October of 2007. It's good to see people on the road who actually choose to downsize and see the benefit of living in an RV fulltime. They homeschool the kids and can see geography and history as they study it.

I was also glad to see they upgraded their 5th wheel to a new customized toy hauler. The old one was becoming unsafe. We've upgraded our 5th wheel, too. Living in one fulltime, it doesn't take long to see the flaws of a floorplan and decide what works best for your family and lifestyle.

Most of the Fulltime RV population is older, retired and don't have anything interesting enough to make a television show about. But having 4 children, Mom, Dad and two dogs being able to move around at will, you're going to have different more exciting experiences.

Hopefully, the episodes will continue, will improve and encourage those who want to do this someday!

Go LOUD Family!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T09:33:00.009-05:00

Another Turkey Day up in Virginia. It's a little harder cooking a big feast for just two, but it helps keep the RV warmer!

This is our second winter in a row in Virginia. We arrived earlier this month after spending time in the south. Since we were in Birmingham doing a project, we could take a few weekends to visit with our kids and grandkids. Now we're in colder part of the US and have already experienced some snow days in the last two weeks!

I think we missed out on fall this year. The leaves were just turning in AL by the time we left on November 7. The nights had finally cooled off. The ride up through GA, SC and NC the trees were brilliant colors. But once up into Central VA, the trees had already lost most of their leaves.

This weekend, we moved into an RV Park that is one mile from jobsite. We're doing our part for Global Warming and keep the price of oil down!

Happy Holidays to all.

RV/MH Hall of Fame

2008-07-09T12:43:00.006-05:00

We had some time to stop in and see the RV museum inside the RV Hall of Fame. They moved to their new much larger building. It was our first time in Elkhart, IN, so it was the first time viewing the various Motorhomes, Travel Trailers and Pop up Campers on display. After looking at what's new and current, they had many interesting older versions on display. Some brought back memories and some looked pretty innovative for as old as they were.

I would definitely recommend it. It's a great self-guided tour showing the Evolution of camping. Upstairs has a fairly large Library of manuals and materials to browse through. It's in a good location at Exit 96 on Interstate 80/90. So if you're headed that way, stop in.

DoubleTree Factory Tour

2008-07-09T12:06:00.007-05:00

Up until now, we thought it wouldn't be worth trading off our 5th wheel for a new one. After all, we have one of the best insulated ones out there. It's taken us through snow days and below freezing weather. And of course through some hot humid summer days.

We took a few days to drive up to Howe, IN on the 4th of July weekend to take a tour of the DoubleTree factory.

They were busy in production , so it was a little noisy. Many other factories were taking time off during the slow time. DT has already been producing some new 2009's. While we saw some on the floor of the plant in various stages of production, we didn't see any finished units. It was too close to the first of the month and they had all left the plant.

We do know the floorplan we have is great, but are looking at one of their others next time. We will try to custom order with a few special features. By the time we order, they may have turned some ideas into an Option. RV dealers are constantly upgrading as they get Customer feedback.

Just a few of What's New for 2009.

New Trailair levelers

Frameless windows

Water softener

Hanging pendant lights over kitchen island/sink

Short shag carpets in darker colors

New darker kitchen flooring

Increased insulation with Arctic package.

A-Pak includes 2 furnaces and tank heaters

We were glad we had the time to check out the Factory from the Inside Out. Quite the place. We had also gone through another brand's MiniTour the day before. Big differences in building structures. We came away knowing DT is still one of the better 5th wheels made.

Eat Mor Chikin

2008-06-27T19:09:00.005-05:00

This is what David has been building the last few months. Those are Union picketers at his jobsite in WV. There's a first time for everything. He sent the Cow out to help them think "Happy Thoughts".

The Wilds in Cumberland, OH

2008-06-15T17:35:00.010-05:00

The Wild's is a 10,000 acres conservation area reclaimed from strip mining the SE Ohio area near Cumberland, OH. Mostly endangered species that can be traded around from zoo to zoo for breeding. The area is mostly grassland. Quite beautiful compared to what it used to be.

We chose to ride the Open Air Safari rather than the enclosed bus in the first picture. Some animals came quite close to the bus, while others were off near water. There were unusual animals, like the Sichuan Takin and two different types of Rhino's. The standard White and one that prefers water. The Cheetah's were added in 2007.

It's quite an enjoyable trip and takes a few hours to go through the park. Stops are included so you can get out and walk closer to some of the animal exhibits. It's much different than the Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR where we could drive our own vehicles. In Ohio, the animals are enclosed in sometimes a series of gates. The buses use a clicker to open to allow us to go through and then they are closed behind the buses.

Dangers of RV

2008-06-05T11:47:00.005-05:00

The dangers are real. This morning, I opened our back curtains to see firetrucks nearly in our backyard. One of the campers behind us had caught on fire and the firefighters were already trying to put it out. It seemed to be centered on the refrigerator area.

No one was home and another RV owner was walking his dog heard a pop and spotted the flames. It is a seasonal camper and the owners aren't there very often. But with highly flammable propane on every camper, it could have had serious consequences for the other campers or those in their RV's like us.

We've seen multiple RV's on fire on the road from overheated engines or in accidents. This is the first campground fire we've seen. Not the best way to wake up in the morning!

Amish Country Winery near Dover, OH

2008-06-05T11:28:00.007-05:00

A few miles East of SugarCreek is one of the many winery's of Amish Country. The Breitenbach Winery is quite colorful. It's in a beautiful setting of green hillsides. This is the view from the winery heading back to main road, Old Scenic Route 39.

Amish Country of SugarCreek, Ohio

2008-06-05T11:04:00.006-05:00

This part of Ohio is just one areas of the country that has a high population of Amish. They are easy to spot because of the traditional clothing . Some were working in the Restaurant. It was interesting, some came using a Horse and Buggy parked in the grassy area near Customer parking lot. Another Amish woman arrived to shop in the Gift Shop in an SUV.

Cemetary view is from the parking lot of the Dutch Valley Restaurant.

New Years Eve at SeaWorld

2008-01-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

Flew down to Orlando airport to take a week to tour Disney World & see SeaWorld FL for the first time. We spent the first two days at SeaWorld. Went to breakfast with Minnie at The Beach Club & took a boat ride to MGM. Then the following days we went to Epcot, Magic Kingdom for lunch with the Princesses & finally the last day at the Animal Kingdom.

It was Chelsea's 7th birthday that week, so it was a memorable birthday for her. The girls got to go to the Bibbidy, Bobbidy Boutique. She met another Great Uncle & even lost a tooth while we were there.

We stayed onsite at DW's All Star Resort. Made it convenient to use Disney transportation to get to each of the four Disney parks. Here's a few pictures to share the fun. First few days were nice & warm. Then it turned windy & bitterly cold.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

2007-09-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

This museum has quite a few exhibits. We really enjoyed going to Cape Canaveral in Florida many years ago. So we thought we should stop at this museum first.

Since the American History Museum is closed for renovations, they have just a small sampling inside the Air and Space. We saw Lincoln's hat, Mary Todd's dress, Geo Washington's uniform, Dorothy's ruby red slippers, the Scarecrow's outfit, Archie Bunker's chair, Sienfeld's poofy shirt. They had the best place to eat, McDonald's, Boston Market and more.

Museum of the American Indian

2007-09-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

The name of the museum is deceiving. There are many Indian exhibits from North America, but also from Central and South America. This is the newest of the Smithsonian Museums. There are so many displays, it feels like it goes on forever. Here are just a few pictures of the many we took.

Two Days in Washington D.C.

2007-09-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

The Castle is the original site of the Smithsonian. It is too small to house everything, so there are approximately 16 different buildings. We spent Day One in The Air and Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian, Botanical Gardens, the National Postal Museum and in Union Station. The rest of the day was touring the city on the Old Town Trolley. Day Two we took OTTrolley to the Lincoln Memorial. From there we walked past the Reflecting Pool to the Viet Nam Memorial, on to the WWII Memorial. On the other side of the reflecting pool is the Washington Monument. We continued walking to the Museum of Natural History. From there it was back on OTTrolley and to Union Station.

Day Two, also starting at Union Station, we spent as much time as we could visiting more free sites in DC. This includes more of the Smithsonian Museums and the Presidential Memorials. Old Town Trolley and our feet were our main transportation. The Metro bus/rail system got us to downtown from Cherry Hill RV Park.

Internet Service

2007-08-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

We spend hours on the computer and need the internet access. Free WiFi isn't always available and other forms of access just haven't been always reliable in the areas we travel. Our PC is used on the road for much more than the normal sending and reading emails. We use it for paying bills online or accessing company website for emails, sending updated pictures or receiving project paperwork.

Plus there's the research: finding new site seeing spots, local restaurants or shopping, potential RV parks for the next project. Maybe even looking at the new features available on other RV's. We love to take quick trips to RV dealers to check out the features that may look great on the internet, but once you get inside, you find a different story. So when we're in an area, we scout out RV dealerships or better yet, RV Shows coming soon!

Using our mobile internet dish on a tripod really helps us stay connected. There are times in heavy rains or sunspots might prevent online access. But it seems to be the safest and most reliable form of internet access while on the road.

2008 Ford F450 with BuckStop bumper

2007-08-09T08:49:00.000-05:00

AFTER PICTURE:

BEFORE PICTURE:

Busy Summer

2007-07-31T08:45:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day weekend we picked up our Granddaughter and took a Delta flight out to the West Coast. Enjoyed visiting with family and seeing the sites: Portland Zoo, Columbia River, Cascade Locks, Bridal Veil Falls and Mt. Hood.

Since then we've also gone to the Natural Bridge Zoo in VA. Very interesting since there were many more animals than I expected. Also, quite a few baby animals that roamed free. Camels, donkey, pot-bellied pigs, bunnies, llamas and more.

After finishing up Culpeper, VA, we've relocated to Bowie, MD. Since it was a slow first week and our last week with Chelsea, we took a trip into D.C., known as the City of Trees. We rode the Metro bus/subway into Union Station.

We then took the DC Duck that enabled us to not only see some of the downtown sites by land, but also some by water. The Duck drove into the Potomac River and gave us an interesting trip down the river and back into D.C. It gave us a good orientation on the layout of D.C. We are planning on taking another Trolley tour that will enable us to get off and on when we see something of interest.

Campground Curse

2007-04-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

We moved less than a month ago from Tallapoosa, GA to Culpeper, VA. It was a nice uneventful two-day trip. Stopped in at our dealer near Hickory, NC and had the furnace fixed. Minor issue, another loose wire.

Things changed once we pulled into the campground. We are nearly convinced that we are in a campground that must be cursed by the ghosts of Civil War soldiers. It is named after a local battle. Just don't know where Cedar Mt. Battlefield is located. But it must be fairly close.

Problems started when we drove through the gates of the CG. A telephone pole that used to hold part of the sign makes it quite narrow to pull in. We were doing fine, but David went slightly off the pavement into the soft dirt. I was watching the RV through the side mirror. The coach was fine the first half, then leaned and BANG, it hit the pole. Didn't see anything until we pulled in farther to look for our site. The pole had hit the awning above the dining slide. The metal cover had been pushed 2/3rds of the way off. Luckily, we weren't on our way OUT of the park. We would have had some drivers waving frantically to us. All though, I may have noticed it on one of the right turns.

The first week was rather uneventful after arriving. Got our internet & DirecTV set up fairly easy. Found out the CG doesn't have any 50 amp sites, so we were trying to make due with 30 amps since this is the closest spot to the new jobsite in Culpeper. But for some reason, after the first week, we started flipping the breaker almost every other day. It also turned colder. We had used the main AC while here, but only for a couple of days.

The first time it happened, David walked over 2 spaces to the main breaker and got power back. The second time, just flipping the breaker didn't get us power. So we thought it was our Franks Voltage Booster. But it was only doing it's job because of low voltage. Once David discovered the 30 amp plug wasn't making a good connection, he used duct tape to attach the plug to the outlet. We were back up and running again.

Thought we had everything under control, when one morning, David came home for lunch. I was using the microwave and had just started the computer. Power went off and we couldn't reboot to pull up windows. After multiple tries, I tried a recovery using the recovery disks. It deleted all programs and took us back to the day we bought the HP. It never asked for disk 2 or 3, so imagine that was part of the problem. Everything had to be redownloaded. It took 2 1/2 days because I had to reconstruct 2 weeks of Quicken in multiple accounts. Thank goodness everything can be accessed online. Lost pictures, but they were on another computer. So really nothing important.

From the beginning, we noticed the water pressure would be quite low at times. This is fairly standard in many CG's, so didn't think much of it. But it started to smell atrocious, especially the hot water. The sink was getting brown stains at the bottom. So we did some investigation and decided it was time to check the water filters. When David opened the outside filter, there was brown slime floating through the water. We couldn't recall if we had changed it since we left Williamsburg, VA last fall, the last time we'd used it. Thought Ooops, have to add that on our checklist when we move.

Then a few days later, we had a good rain start after dark. Around midnight, I got up too warm and realized I had forgotten to turn down the heat. So I lowered the thermostat and went to turn on the radio to go back to sleep. It helps to drown out the noise of the rain, so it's a common practice.

But when I stood there in the dark, I heard the sound of dripping. It sounded like it was right on the dresser at the radio. So I turned on the light. There was water coming out from under the Oreck Air Cleaner, dripping down the side of the dresser onto the Oreck Vacuum. The carpet under the vacuum was saturated and as the water hit it, it was quite loud.

I unplugged everything and cleared off the dresser so I could figure out where the water was coming from. There was just a slight bit of water running down the wall under the electrical outlet. Then while watching closer, the water started dripping out the bottom of the plug. The ground hole was the exit. So I woke David up.

He looked, I looked and finally pulled off the plate. The wall insulation was damp and the water started flowing out faster now that the outlet was hanging lower. Got a bowl, then a bigger bowl. Finally got a big pan since the rain didn't sound like it was going to stop anytime soon. A second smaller leak was found along the woodwork above the TV.

We laid in bed for over an hour trying to figure out where the water would be getting in. He finally got dressed and took the flashlight up on the roof around 2:00AM. I laid in bed cringing listening to him walk up above me. Thinking he could very easily slip off the roof. He couldn't see much because it was so dark, so came back in quite wet.

When he crawled back into bed icy cold, that's when he gave me his Civil War Curse Theory. We laid there for awhile longer talking, laughing and agreeing on his theory. Finally, we went to sleep. Two hours later around 4:30AM, I got up to check on the pan. It was half full by then, but the rain had finally stopped.

David took off early the next day. He got up on the roof and couldn't really see any problems with the caulk. But to be on the safe side, since the Nor'Easter was coming over the weekend, he caulked all along both sides and the front cap. Plus around the vents and antenna. Anywhere that it looks like water could be running into our unit.

Since then, no more leaks, even with the heavier 2 or mo days of rain over the weekend. But we are still experiencing the breaker flipping. Even today, the power turned off and came right back on. Enough of a reminder, that someone wants us out of here.

Fortunately, on Easter weekend, we located a new CG that has a long term spot for us. They do have a 50 amp site. It's not much farther down the road in Madison. We are moving tomorrow after lunch. Let's hope this one is less eventful.

New tow vehicle

2007-04-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

After looking for over a year, we decided it was time to upgrade the tow vehicle. There was an article in the January issue of Trailer Life on the 2008 F450. It looked like maybe this could be the best truck for our needs.

We decided to stop in at a Ford dealership in Bremen, GA on our way to WalMart for the weekly groceries. We were looking for a brochure on the 2008 F450 & hoping they might have one to look at. They had the brochure, but their F450's were still 6-8 weeks away from being shipped. They had a few F250's & F350's. We only looked at the F250. Sat inside, ran the motor, checked over the storage, upgraded features & went home. Much improved from the 1999 F350 model. Engine was extemely quiet. Seats more comfortable & great looking tow mirrors.

At home, I began to do some more online research. It only took us a couple of days to decide. David stopped in at the dealership on his way home from work & asked about doing a search. The power went out just as he pulled up. But after about 20 calls, our salesman found a White 2-tone one in TN. But unfortunately, they couldn't coax them to give it up. So David came home & just after dinner we got a phone call from the salesman. Who knows how many more phone calls were made, but they had located one in the Dark Stone Metallic in AL. It even had a Navigation system, which we've come to rely on during traveling. So we made the deal over the phone. Took delivery on Friday, March 2.

After the purchase, we added remote start, ceiling DVD player, bed liner, tonneau cover & 22k Reese hitch. Time was short as we were heading for the next project before the end of the month.

We put on over 2500 miles on the odometer before we did our first towing. Towing the 18.5k Suite was quite comfortable. No bucking even on the rough roads. David could go 65 easily. In the Silverado, at 65 or higher it made an uncomfortable bucking. I did miss my leather seats in the Silverado at first. But David didn't hear me complain once during our trip. It took us two days & 650 miles to get to our current destination. Quite a good test for the new truck.

Getting the ULSD 15ppm fuel was more stressful than taking the long trip. It was a hit & miss on some parts of our route.

We still think we made "A GREAT DEAL".

Flip That House

2007-01-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Even though we have an interesting life traveling, my choice of television shows hasn't changed much. I still enjoy the same design shows on HGTV or A&E that I did when we lived in a subdivision. I still like to sew and redecorate our new home. It's a much smaller space, so there's only so much I can do.

One show that has caught my attention is "Flip That House" on TLC or HOM channel. This is the 30 minute show where an individual buys a house to upgrade and sell within a short span of time. This usually involves a first time flipper. "Flip This House" is similiar, but involves professionals that are in the business. It is on A&E. I enjoy the novices more.

One episode that I found especially interesting is Montse. In the city of Pasadena, CA, a young woman bought a 670 sf, one bedroom house with only one bath in drastic need of a redo.

Purchase price: $225,000
Her budget: $75,000
Actual cost: $80,000
New sales price: $549,000
Projected profit: $244,000 (subtract carrying costs or selling fees)

It is a great transformation. Very tempting to think that in 6-8 weeks you can make that sum of money. But breaking it down to another level, I noticed a few things. Surprisingly, we have a nearly identical granite counter surface. Our kitchen has nearly identical counter space and just a few less upper cabinets. Our exterior views are definitely better. Plus they change every few months. Every time we move we find we are in a different setting. It is a great experience.

So in a space just slightly larger than our 37' RV, we spent half the amount of her original purchase price. Plus it already had the upgraded finishes. Our RV has nearly everything we need to be comfortable. Just another reason I feel fortunate that we made a good decision to go "on the road" in a Suite.