March is Moving along

[Colliemom]

Good Morning on this last Thursday of March. Cloudy but mild morning here in northern Michigan. Snow is really going down here, even seeing bare patches here and there What we need now is a gentle all day, all night rain, but none in forecast other than a passing shower possible today.

But now that the temps are holding fairly steady in the 40’s and even 50, I’m starting to get into outside projects again. Yeah, I can hear you all laughing But you know how it is when you move into a new S&B or even an RV, takes time to get things the way you want. This time it’s my garage work area. I have the basement one done, so it’s that one’s turn. So yesterday I started to Clean it up from this winter’s pile of stuff I had out there from cutting wood and so forth for the basement project. Wound up cleaning and organizing my shed as fall weather prevented me from doing it last fall. It now has a new scrap wood storage bin area and a trash can full of cut scrap wood for campfires all ready to take with me. Not the whole can full of course Today is going to be some errand running, so won’t be working out there. But I also got into my trailer yesterday, removed a cupboard door to take over to RV dealer to get two more ordered and took down some mini blinds that need replacing. Then snugged the cover back down again for awhile. Took a couple measurements of the battery box holder on the A frame. Trying to find a battery box that holds two batteries is a big pain. Been doing a lot of searching.

Beth, thanks for getting the coffee on yesterday. Guess we were all busy. You know I was Off to the shower here, wash hair etc., and get on the road to town. Have a great day all.

[Shirlv]

Morning All,
The sun is shining so it is a good day. Dealing with life’s challenges so handling one at a time. Safe travels

[Acadianmom]

Karen, sorry you had a breakdown and had to change your plans. As long as it takes me to load for a trip I wouldn't want to have to unload in a hurry. At least they sent a big wrecker. The only time I was towed they sent a wrecker that was too small. Wait 2 hours for a wrecker and then wait some more. That was my complaint with Good Sam Road Service. It didn't seem like they listened to what I would tell them. Or who ever they would send wasn't getting the information.

Sue, I don't think I have ever seen a battery box that would hold 2 batteries but I have never looked for one. Maybe you could find a smaller tool box that would work. I would like to get a small trailer for my golf cart and put a box on it for storage. I'm just afraid a trailer would be too heavy for me to move after I got to a campground.

I'm not getting much done today. CC thinks I should hold him so he can take his morning nap. Tomorrow is trash day so I should go around the place and pick up things that need to go in the trash. I can hear the wind so it must be windy. I am almost out of cat food for the outside cats in case I need an excuse to go to town. lol

Martha

[Bethers]

There definitely are battery boxes for two batteries. I'm always surprised that manufacturers still try to foist single batteries on anything but possibly the smallest of rigs.

I'm supposed to, in my mind, be inflating my kayak. I'm so lazy and it'll be hotter than I want shortly. The major problem is the dang no see ums... They've been going in my ears, up my nose... Forget talking to anyone, I hate knowing how many I've probably swallowed. And they seemed to be at their worst this morning. I looked for a scarf to tie around my nose and mouth but could only find something too heavy. And, yes, I'm a wimp lol.

Karen, I hope you're on the way to the dog show and I know you'll not stop this from allowing you to enjoy it and time with your bff. That said, it does suck!

[Acadianmom]

Sue, I saw a double battery lockable aluminum box on one of the RV sale sites. It was by Power Armor Maxx. Nice looking box but a little pricy. The guy selling it is in Ohio so that wouldn't help you.

Martha

[Redetotry]

Wow Karen so sorry for all that happened! You were lucky however to find a room close to the dog show.

It has not been a good day here, Mitzi and I were picking up sticks in our yard after our walk and ALL three dogs from across the street got out and attacked Mitzi!!! . She is ok but I am afraid of dogs and thought I was going to pass out. I did grab a stick and tried to hit the biggest one. It was horrible. Three men ran out and they finally got them away from us but it seemed to take forever. It was one of my worst nightmares as I am pretty terrified of strange dogs. When it was over I thought I was going to pass out, Had a little bourbon and did some deep breathing to calm myself. I know accidents happen but they get out rather frequently. You would think someone would come an apologize and ask if we are ok but doubt that happens.

[BirdbyBird]

BJ, I can only imagine your fear. We try so hard to protect our dogs and keep them safe. Perhaps if your neighbors realized what it could cost them in medical costs and fines in the future if a child, adult or a pet (on his/her own property and/or under proper control) were to be injured by their dogs getting out and trespassing on someone else's property.......

[Bethers]

Oh, BJ, I can't imagine 3 at one time . I was a basket case when 1 came after Ty. Same when 1 came after Peaches. I'm so glad you're both ok, but yikes !

[snowball]

glad you and Mitzi are ok BJ. it would be so scary.... Something rattled through my brain while reading and now I can't remember what it was. oh well probably doesn't matter...
Alice left today... will miss her but it's time she rejoined her family. Still not sure what my plans are
depending upon who I talk to it changes.. not heard from my sister. but did talk with my 2nd daughter and she suggested that I take the 5th wheel up and store it on the farm which doesn't have snow and they still do... and stay with my eldest daughter and take one of their cars to Vegas .... oh thing has merit will talk with my eldest see if that is a doable as I would be using one of the granddaughters rooms my fear is that the 5th wheel will gain un welcomed guests if stored there.. saw a thing advertised that wondered if it works much to think about and of course not heard from my sister so don't know the timing there... I would like to be here next week leave on the the 9th of April but we will see if I do that will go to Ogden take things to my daughters house find a day care for my plants if they went to dd's they would die before I got home.. then drive up to Blackfoot meet sil and store trailer and trade cars if that works if not take the truck to Vegas but diesel has gone up 20 cents in a very short while... so their car is sounding good.
today was busy got taxes done but forgot check book to have it automatically deposited so need to go back next week to do that then a show and tell this afternoon so interesting to see what people do to kill time some to sell some to give away some to keep... was enjoyable
then home and nap time but dishes did get done
sheila

[monik7]

So sorry Karen for your MH problems. Hope all gets fixed soon. I’m glad you’ll still have the fun of being at the dog show with Laura. Please say, “Hi” for me.

Also so sorry for your awful experience today BJ. So glad you and Mitzi are OK. People like your neighbors make me so mad and invariably they never say they’re sorry. Maybe you need one of those zappers.
Sandi

[OregonLuvr]

Thanks for the well wishes and we made it to the show, hospitality today and show starts Friday morning. Hotel is fine, just a basic Super 8 BUT they have coffee. Emma was a little disconcerted thru the night (kept jumping off the bed) kept waking me up to help her back up. But she is more settled today. MANY dogs staying here and that also kind of threw her for a loop LOL Doesnt matter to her if they are big or little, they are scary LOL Expensive weekend for sure between the RV spot I reserved and paid for that they wont refund because I didnt cancel the WHOLE reservation when it started before 24hrs. I call BS but it is now owned by corporate so you all know how that goes. This room for 3 nights really isnt too bad but it is what it is financially. Dont even want to think about my MH bill. Already paid $400+ dollars for the alternator, labor and fluids. BUT thank goodness they did find my coolant was almost gone, radiator leaking, a blessing in disguise as I sure dont need a siezed up motor. Now just waiting for a radiator and at least 6hrs of labor charges plus whatever else it needs so this will be pricey. I havent had to spend a dime on this engine tho in 12 years other than routine maintenance so guess I am lucky for the radiator and alternator. Darn good thing for Visa Platinum LOL

Martha all in all the time was about 4 hours from time I called to arriving at the RV repair place. I told FMCA when I was on the phone to make sure they send a BIG truck LOL And they did, I was a bit shocked they listened to me as I have heard the horror stories from others. And yes unloading it was NOT fun. But I was there when they opened in the morning and started unloading food, clothes, etc that it took me 2 days to load. To confess I didnt unload ALL the clothes and stuff as I was now not going to be camping for a week. I was in a hotel for 3 nights much less stuff and NO food.

Laura bought a locking battery box for her 2 batteries after they were stolen right off her rig. Her RV place had to make some modifications so maybe she will chime in.

Oh BJ that is always scary when those dogs charge. I can't imagine with 3 of them coming at me. I do have my taser/flashlight with me BUT you still have to touch the dog for it to be effective. I am hoping the noise alone it makes will startle and scare them off. So far I havent had to use it but I keep it charged when I am camping or traveling but not at home.

Thanks for all the well wishes on the MH but just a bump in the road. Just a friggin' inconvenient time for it to happen. And it just couldn't have happened at a better place. 12 miles from home. But this will be behind me soon and I will just be RV'in ON.

[Cougarfan]

Like Karen said, I had both my BRAND NEW batteries stolen while it was in storage. I found this https://www.etrailer.com/Battery-Boxes/TorkLift/TLA7708R.html It is pricey but worth it. I haven't had any issues with access to maintain the batteries and no worries about them being stolen. The rv shop had to cut the rear vertical piece in the battery tray to get the box to fit. It may fit in your tray the way it is. I think it all depends on the frame manufacturer.

The whole incident cost me abut $700. Two sets of brand new batteries and the box. I think I paid less than $300 for the box at the time so the price has definitely gone up.

Laura

[OregonLuvr]

UPDATE

I just got an email from the RV park I had paid upfront in NOVEMBER for the week I was going to stay here. I knew it was Spring Break AND the dog show so I booked early and they charge you right away. (which kind of shocked me but oh well) I am a Happy NON-camper today.

THEY REFUNDED ME 6 NIGHTS YAY YAY YAY

[BirdbyBird]

KAren, like you, when I have difficulty with my RV this past winter I balanced the inconvenience with realizing that it was the first time in 15 years that I had actually had to be towed and I was in civilization when it happened. And the repair shop was near a Motel 6 that accepted dogs. We knew these rigs were going to cost us money when we bought them.

Enjoy your dog show. Tibetan Spaniels are small. You might need a second one!

Josef and the pack are driving off in the RV this afternoon to another UKC show, this time just east of Lexington, KY. On another topic, I got a call yesterday from the scoring center asking if I would accept a position as Scoring Director for a small 2 week project that runs the end of May. I knew to expect something this spring but I was so hoping that they would put me on a project as an Assistant Scoring Director first. It means that my "vacation"/retirement will end a few days earlier than I expected as they requested that I head in as soon as possible to start reviewing this new project material before I have to return on Thursday, April 4th for the one from Georgia. I told them that this week was booked already! So I see some "deep breathing" exercises in my future to keep my stress levels within bounds. I didn't even remember to ask them what the pay rate is. I do know that it is more than than of a Team Leader and it will all help replenish my saving account. I keep looking at up coming dog shows and then some (we can dream) international trip possibilities just to motivate me to responsibly commit to the next couple of months of work.

Tina

[Redetotry]

Karen that is wonderful that they refunded you 6 days, it will help with the repair expenses! Tina hope the Director position pays more.
I had two batteries in my other RV but this 2010 only has a space for one. I bought one of the sealed kind as I did not want to mess with checking batteries.