Saturday Afternoon

[Colliemom]

Good Afternoon. Thought I would stop by, nobody here, so will leave a message and be one my way to mow my yard. Cool and cloudy are the words for the day. 67° with a good breeze blowing. Sun not having much luck staying out. Rained yesterday afternoon for about an hour and that was it. But enough to give things a good drink.

Have been up to Farmers Market, Meijer and back home. Ran the vac and just finished lunch after doing some painting on my deer. Want to get it done this weekend hopefully.

Off to the mower. Catch you later.

[Irmi]

Hi Sue and all that check in!

Sue, as you said yesterday, your temperatures are beginning to fall along with days getting shorter. The temperatures you have are probably perfect for you to work outside. Anita, I wish your brother the best. Sheila, your family is so fortunate to be receiving the afghans and winter hats you make for them. Sharon, I hope your grand daughter continues to improve. Karen, have a fun trip to the coast. Martha, your weather is a little warmer than ours in central FL. Barbie, as you found out, it is difficult to live on social security alone, so while you're working, you might want to stash some of your funds away to support you while you're full timing. Peggy, will you be going to Mexico again this coming winter? Carol, I'm so happy that Bill is seeing better and continues to improve and I wish your weather was cooler, too.

It is 93 degrees right now with humidity down to 65% from the 96% it was this morning. Our electric bill is much higher than it's ever been, but we have both the casita & motorhome with a/c's running. We turn the a/c off in the casita when we go to bed and turn it on early in the afternoon in the motorhome so we can sleep there. But it is what it is. The park here is still sort of empty since the snowbirds don't return until Sept. or Oct. We have a Farmers Market that is open on Saturday's and Monday's that we have bought lots of fresh produce and veggies from. Our country store in town is like a very small grocery store and has just about anything we need, so we often go there, too. It's only a couple miles from us. Everyone please stay safe, cool and hydrated.

[asirimarco]

Good Morning to All - yes it is still morning here 10:30 - we are finally having cooler weather. If you call 98/99 cooler. But it is humid now as it is monsoon time. We get the sticky part, but so far only a few drops of rain in our part of town. I can actually count the drops on the sidewalk.
I need some advice - For the last 20 years I have probably only driven less than 300 miles in the car. Since getting home in March I am the Driver as Bill's eyes are not good enough for him to drive. I am still a little nervous even driving my car around. Haven't been on a freeway yet, no reason to. But I am being kind of pressured to learn to drive the RV. By both our sons and Bill. Unless there is a miracle with Bill's eyes he probably won't pass his driver's license renewal in October. If I don't drive - the RV will not be used. I will be 85 in November. Still have good sight, brain and movement. But I am very leery of trying to drive the RB - it is a 30 foot Class C and will be towing the Jeep. Should I put on my big girl panties and do it? Our son said he would ride with me and I could take it down the highway onto the freeway and into AZ and turn around and come back. By then he thinks I'd feel confident. The route would have city traffic on a straight and wide highway, some good - as in not torn up - freeway driving. Maybe before that go to a parking lot early Sunday morning and get the feel of it. All this without the Jeep attached. There is an RV driving school here but not until October. two days four hours each for $600. I CANNOT have Bill in the RV when I'm learning. He Bill , is getting very depressed with staying home all the time. Wants to see a few things before he passes - he will be 87 in Oct. He too is in good health, except for eye and long covid, which seems to be getting better. I know I sound like a wimp but really nervous about it.
Any way...

[avalen]

Afternoon everyone!!
Have finished the first week of school. It was rough to say the least. New equipment is a pia and reminds me I'm not very techie.
The move is progressing still, down to the last bit of stuff in the old yard like dismantling the deck. Son is working on that on his days off and during the cooler parts of the day.
Organizing here is still a work in progress but progressing better as I feel I'm doing some healing from my fall off the ladder. Seems like it was a long time ago but really has only been a couple months. I did get some of my plants in the soil and hope they survive. It's questionable but I think they will come back.
Patrick finally has the doors figured out! He knows now there are three that lead him out to poddy area.
Guess my belly is grumbling for a snack. Have a great day and I'll check in again another time.

[Cougarfan]

Good morning everyone,
Getting ready for the trip to the coast next week. It's going to be 100+ degrees at my house while I'm gone so I couldn't have timed this trip any better. It will only be in the mid 70's where I'm going.

Carol, I have no doubt you can drive the RV. You just need to get comfortable doing it. I think the parking lot idea is a good one along with the extended drive with your son to AZ and back when you're ready. The more you drive it, the more confidence you will have doing it. Once you're comfortable with the RV, you can add the Jeep and practice with that.

Alice, glad to hear that you're almost all moved. I know from experience it is not a fun thing to do but once you get settled, you will be able to just relax and enjoy your house!

Okay, I better get moving. Everyone have a great day!

Laura

[OregonLuvr]

Good morning....still for a bit. Got my errands done, laundry in, Henry did his job. Got a pot roast in the crockpot for dinner today and tomorrow. It is just a small one, enough for two meals....perfect. Having some yellow and zucchini squash with it and maybe a roasted potato.

I am pretty excited about our coast trip. Like Laura we could not have picked a better weekend to get out of the heat. I am pretty sure this will be our last HOT spell but you never know here in Oregon. I wont even complain about the wind at the coast. Whenever it is hot inland it is windy at the coast.

Carol driving the RV really isnt hard, you just need some practice to build up your confidence. However, if it just stresses you out too much that is not good either. Sometimes I think renting a place to stay is a much better idea and at times I miss my RV but think I made the right decision. I will be staying in a Motel at the coast and I am fine with that. I will be "Day Camping" at Lauras RV ha ha so the best of both worlds.

Time for some lunch.

[Acadianmom]

Sue, when I read your title "Saturday Afternoon" I thought it can't be afternoon but it's 1:00. I can sure waste a lot of time. About the only things I have done is feed the outside cats and eat lunch. I did water the plants on the old carport and fill the cat water bowls. By the time I got back in the house I had to get a towel to wipe my face. I need to go back out with a can of wasp spray. Sugar's yard needs to be mowed but that will have to wait until much later, it 100 degrees already.

Carol, taking the RV driving school is a good idea. Some of the RV clubs also have driving schools but they might not be in your area. I know RVing Women and Escapees have one. FMCA might have one. Starting out in a parking lot would be good. At least you have your son to help you. The part of driving an RV that worries me the most is changing lanes. I look several time because there are blind spots and some people are so rude. You can be signaling to change lanes and instead of letting you get over they will come around you. I was complaining to a friend one time about people pulling out in front of me in the motorhome. Can't the see a house coming down the road. She said it's because they have been behind you before.

I need to go through a bag of mail I brought in from the car and make sure I didn't miss any bills. I try to put the bills in my purse. Most of the mail ends up in the car because I go to the post office or stop at the mail box when I pass.

Martha

[chalet05]

Good morning,

Carol, the parking lot would have been my suggestion. Go for it! Sue, people here are wishing for your weather as we have another heat warning. Irmi, there are a couple of small stores here that I am going to have to get used to using for somethings. I was spoiled having Safeway across the street at the last place. Alice, sorry about the rough week, but I hope it gets better! Nice that you could spread your move out over time. I know Laura and Karen will have a great time - I'm just a bit envious of a trip to the coast. Sheila, Irmi is right about how lucky your family is to receive your handiwork. Martha, I'm 9 1/2 years older than my brother who was a bit of a juvenile delinquent with a temper so our getting along hasn't always been the case. I walked on eggshells around him for a long time! He finally grew up - sorta! He was my rock after Steven died. And, yes, people do not want to get behind RVs!

Almost noon and still in my pajamas - nothing new there. Will tend to some chores and a little laundry. Entertainment later will be former pitcher being inducted into Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame before the game. Haven't decided if I want to do a road trip after the Hells Canyon visit, but I need to decide before I pack. I plan to go to the big Slingshot event in North Carolina the end of May. Thought I'd drive, but considering the Amtrak $499 pass that will get me there and back with a stop to see my Kansas aunt.

[JudyJB]

Carol, I am 80 and still driving my RV. I would strongly suggest that you get more practice driving your car first, however. You need to just go out for rides and get used to the freeways, maybe taking regular roads until you get out of town, etc. Then try driving the RV, but without the car attached! In fact, I would suggest you take a short trip somewhere, like a few days even at Willow Beach Marina, but with no car. There is no place you need to go once you are there, and if you do need to go somewhere, you can take the RV, as I do. Make this a 2-3 day trip so you won't need groceries or anything. (No cell service there, but there is good internet and you can set your phones up to use internet for calls.)

In a few weeks or even months, when you get used to driving without the toad, you can add it then.

Rain last night and just started again today. It was sunny this morning and until about 3 pm, so a lot of people were at the beach, but I saw a lot returning just before the rain. And a couple of families left for home since it is going to rain for the rest of today and maybe tomorrow morning--no sense in staying if you cannot be outdoors.

I have a question for all of you--has anyone had thyroid or parathyroid surgery? They found a very small nodule in my latest test and it may be the cause of my slightly higher parathyroid numbers. I don't think any of this is very serious, but it may have been causing my kidney stones, although i have not had any lately. High parathyroid can also cause muscle weakness and tiredness, which are two things bothering me for the past couple of years. I want to know what the recovery was like for your surgery if you had it, and whether you had regular or minimally invasive surgery. Also, did you have stitches and when did they come out??

I have not yet talked to an endocrinologist but have a virtual in a couple of weeks. Trying to get it sooner.

[BarbaraRose]

Good afternoon gals!

When I checked this earlier, I was also surprised by the "Saturday Afternoon" title. It was only 9:18 am here!

Carol, would you consider buying a smaller RV to be more comfortable driving it? Maybe try driving with your son and see how it goes and then decide. As far as towing the Jeep, I think it just follows along behind. You just have to take it into consideration when changing lanes, turning, and merging. (Says me, who has never towed a car before!! ). That will all be a learning curve for me too once I get my Class C and tow a car behind. I am assuming towing a car is easier than towing a trailer. So take my advice for what it is worth...not much!

Not feeling too motivated today. Just eating brownies and watching golf. I have one more sloppy joe to eat. I am really over the whole sloppy joe thing! I don't mind leftovers for a day or so, but 5 days is a little too much! It will be 6 months before I feel like having another one!

Olive Garden has their buy one entree and take one home for $6 deal now. I wish I knew someone to go there for lunch or dinner soon, so I can take advantage of that. Hate to go alone but I could do a take-out meal and then add the $6 deal too. I usually get their fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti. Yum! Their salads and breadsticks are amazing too.

Our new Texas Roadhouse will be opening soon nearby. Anyone have an opinion on that place?? I have heard good things about it in the past.

Martha, on hot days when I have to be outside at all, I keep a wet washcloth in my fridge and wipe my face, neck, etc with that when I come inside. Really feels refreshing and cools me off quickly!

I have been sleeping better now that I know I have a job and some money coming in. 8 hours without waking or moving all night!

Well, back to golf and some reading and some lunch. Have a good day and stay cool!

[Othersharon]

Afternoon all. I finally got my backyard mowed after a very brief rain. Just as I was ready earlier to go pull the mower out of the garage it started. Talk about timing! It was sunny and very warm when I was out mowing but figured if I didn’t get it done now it wouldn’t happen. Just about the same time I had an alert that we are under a tornado watch so who knows what’s happening later. So now I’m inside and cooling off and started messing with my phone and resetting some things since the new update last night messed up a few things. I had to google a few things to see how to reset. Not my finest hour! But at least I’m cooling down! Went to the drug store last night a bit after 6 and after our walk only to see they close at 6 on Friday and have shorter hours on the weekends. Not a prescription I need yet so not in a rush to pick up. Next week is soon enough. I went on a rant this morning about businesses saying they’ll get back to you and then not doing it. I’m still waiting for the trainer for Buddy and the furnace guy. I’ve given them over a week and messaged them again so I’ll see what happens. Lousy customer service. But I do try to remember they are small businesses and probably already have a full schedule. I suppose I should decide something for dinner soon. Think it’ll be leftovers. Easy to reheat in the microwave! Still need to try to get out and do some edging but that’ll happen only when the yard is shaded. And of course our walk in the woods later. If it doesn’t rain again! Been thinking about Carol and her dilemma on driving the rv and have to agree that the parking lot I a good idea. I never liked driving DH’s GMC we got but knew in an emergency I could do it. And I remember the dealer handing me the keys to test drive Lola I was scared but after a couple of miles I felt comfortable or at least more comfortable! Just told myself I can do this. So Carol, I bet you can do it too. And it’s nice your son has offered to go with you when you drive it the first few times. Karen, you trip to the coast sounds Ike fun. The cooler temps will be nice for you. Barbie, hope it works out for you working again. New manger may make l the difference and hope something happens for you to be able to sell your house. I still think the 9 month rule is crazy and wonder how they can possibly enforce it. ??? Some much happening here and don’t mean to slight anyone by not commenting! Please just know I think about this group all the time and love reading about everyone’s activities! So now off for a walk since it’s cooler in the woods! Have a great rest of the day!

[IrishIroamed]

I have a question for all of you--has anyone had thyroid or parathyroid surgery? They found a very small nodule in my latest test and it may be the cause of my slightly higher parathyroid numbers. I don't think any of this is very serious, but it may have been causing my kidney stones, although i have not had any lately. High parathyroid can also cause muscle weakness and tiredness, which are two things bothering me for the past couple of years. I want to know what the recovery was like for your surgery if you had it, and whether you had regular or minimally invasive surgery. Also, did you have stitches and when did they come out??

I have not yet talked to an endocrinologist but have a virtual in a couple of weeks. Trying to get it sooner.

Judy~ My Mom had a parathyroid gland removed 15-20 years before she passed, so my memory may be a bit foggy, but I think it was outpatient (or only 1 night hospital stay). Minimal number of stitches, and they may have even been dissolving ones. She did have to be on thyroid medication afterwards, which played havoc with her BP and kidney meds. But the surgery itself was no big deal.

[Cudedog]

I need some advice - For the last 20 years I have probably only driven less than 300 miles in the car. Since getting home in March I am the Driver as Bill's eyes are not good enough for him to drive. I am still a little nervous even driving my car around. Haven't been on a freeway yet, no reason to. But I am being kind of pressured to learn to drive the RV. By both our sons and Bill. Unless there is a miracle with Bill's eyes he probably won't pass his driver's license renewal in October. If I don't drive - the RV will not be used. I will be 85 in November. Still have good sight, brain and movement. But I am very leery of trying to drive the RB - it is a 30 foot Class C and will be towing the Jeep. Should I put on my big girl panties and do it?

Hello, Carol.

Since you asked for a few opinions, I guess I will share mine. And this is my opinion, only. I don't mean to cast shade on you or on anyone else.

Doing the math, if you have only driven less than 300 miles in your car in the last 20 years, this means that you have driven your car only about 15 miles per year.

If I am reading this incorrectly, and what you really mean is that you have only driven 300 miles per year over the last 20 years, this means that you have driven only a total of 6,000 miles over the last 20 years.

This really isn't much driving experience.

To give some kind of comparison (this is not a criticism) I have personally driven my own various vehicles at least 250,000 (two-hundred-fifty-thousand) miles over the last 20 years. I know this because I am the sole driver of my vehicles, so it is an easy thing for me to just go out and look at the odometer on these vehicles.

Try a Google Search on "How many driving miles make for an experienced driver?" You might find that 15 miles per year, or even 300 miles per year, over a period of 20 years, might answer this question for you.

This is not solely a question of having "good sight, brain and movement". It is also very much about having a bone-deep knowledge and understanding of "the rules of the road". That is to say, the laws and regulations that govern driving in each state.

In California, we have a booklet that one can study when one needs to take the California driver's written test.

I see that there is one for Nevada:

https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/dlbook.pdf

I respectfully suggest that you carefully read over all of the sections of this booklet. To be a safe driver, a person needs to know how to do all of these things, what all of the road signs mean, basically everything listed in this booklet - intuitively - before that person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, and takes that vehicle out on the road.

A safe driver needs to know how to react in unexpected situations, by not only having "good sight, brain and movement", but also by being able to put these laws and regulations into practice - instantly, from memory, in any unexpected situation.

Because driving a vehicle, probably more than most anything else in life, is 100% about encountering unexpected situations.

A person learns to do these driving things intuitively, first, by reading, understanding, and putting into practice the rules and regulations outlined in booklets like this one. Secondly, one learns to do these things intuitively by having driven literally tens of thousands of miles down the road.

I would also respectfully suggest that if you are being pressured to do something that you are not comfortable doing - you should consider not doing that thing (whatever it might be). Only you know what you are comfortable doing, what you feel safe in doing (or in not doing).

Very Bad Things can happen incredibly fast when one is driving a vehicle - these kinds of Very Bad Things happen even to those who have had years and years of intensive driving experience, even to those who have driven hundreds of thousands of driving miles.

Inexperienced drivers are definitely at a disadvantage when unexpected situations occur. And unexpected situations always happen while driving.

I, personally, would not wish to be expected to "graduate" from a small car to a 30-foot motor home towing another vehicle without a LOT of previous, intensive, years-long, driving experience.

For myself, maybe not even then.

It is your decision, of course.

The decision rests with you.

Anne

ON EDIT: Carol, I don't know the total specs of your rig, but in addition to the above, you may also need a special endorsement on your current driver's license to be able to legally drive your motorhome and tow:
https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/dlbookabj.pdf

[chalet05]

Sheila, I forgot to answer your question about the Sling. I lost the muffler the last year in Arizona - wasn't going in the weeds to look for it. Most comments have been things like It sounds like a Ferrari or some such. My brother doesn't like it - not nearly as loud as the Harley he had. He ordered a part to quiet it down. Nothing big.

[snowball]

Before Larry passed away I had never driven the truck towing the 5th wheel.. my brother offered to teach me he drove off the parking lot (I still have someone drive it off the driveway it's a hill ) however when we got to the highway (a two lane road) I got into the driver's seat and brother gave me hints of what to do and we took off to SLC almost 400 miles away or maybe it's 300 not sure at the moment my sister in law drove behind us for awhile when we got on the freeway she would drive in the other lane if I had indicated that I was going to pass someone that way no one could come up on the side of me... it helped our back up camera no longer worked...after we got to SLC I was on my own and I still had a lot of miles to go by far the scariest part was Vegas and that entrance from 15 to 95going south... white knuckled it although I didn't do that the first year went via the road out by lake mead then found myself in the wrong lane which was taking me north toward Vegas someone on her told me you are the biggest they will move I took the chance signaled and started moving over the person behind me dropped back and let me go ... and then I was on the right lane to get to my destination.... I'm sure that when I go to tow the 5th wheel again I'll be a nervous wreck ... but I think you can do it... the idea of practicing in a large parking lot is good driving out to Seachlight and back would be good .. I have had a thought and haven't mentioned it but if you worry too much would your son drive you down and fly back home and then fly back down and bring you back up??? Just another suggestion... I took simply couldn't learn with Larry in the truck with me and I rarely drove with him with me either... too bad Dan and Jenny are up in PNW he teaches rv driving
Martha when you make jambalaya do you put some file powder in it?
after my long winded story have forgotten what all I was going to reply to...
that is good that they got pads for you guys to stand on Barbie wasn't that part of the problem when you left before? Is this a different store?
I did a round on the little kids hat last night and found out that I had 1 to many stitches so this morning counted again and still had 1 to many stitches so too it out and found the problem two stitches in one in the first first stitch so did the row and finished up the round on the other hat...
went to the store had called in a rx for mom for her thyroid the other day hadn't heard that it was filled so went to that store and got a couple tablets will need to call Monday and see if they will call the pharmacy with refills.. then proceeded to get the stuff that I'd planned on getting and then some
I'm drawing a blank so calling it a good night
sheila