As most of you know by now, Gene Teggatz passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 6th, from a massive stroke.
Sandy, his beloved wife of 51 years, is hoping to continue this blog eventually, but she's a bit overwhelmed at the moment as she learns all the ins-and-outs of the mechanical side of the RV. As her daughter said the other day, "If the key to keeping the brain from atrophying is to continue to learn new things, Mom will be in good shape for years to come."
Stop back here in the future to see insights into the world from Sandy's perspective.
--written by the younger daughter
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Rockwell, IA on the Fourth of July
We really didn't want to travel today, but the schedule just seemed like we ought to. So we arrived here today and found a nice level camp site down by the river. It had been vacated by another party who came for the Fourth, saw the fireworks last night and decided to skip the rest and go back to the house where I'm sure the temperatures are much more moderate. (There are 12 empty spaces out of 40.)
We stopped here for two reasons: a) Sandy has a brother here in the care center and b)It is the last place before the Mason City Walmart with a hookup for our air conditioner. Sandy said that we would park where there was AC to power the air conditioner.
After getting parked this afternoon, we went to the care center only to find that her brother was out for the day. That is really good news meaning that he is well enough to be out and about some. So it was back to the park where we pretty much hibernated in the camper and kept cool. We'll go back to the care center to see Buford in the morning.
Our stop at Walmart is to fuel up our rig plus to lay in a supply of food for the full timers rally that we're hosting next week. Since prices are much better at Walmart, Wally gets our business to the extent that we can plan. We'll still buy plenty of stuff in Forest City.
Before we left the farm, Sandy and I hung a blanket up behind us with the intention that it would retain more cold air up front around us. However, as we neared Rockwell, I told Sandy that I didn't think the engine air conditioning was working very well. However, once we had parked the rig and I stepped back into the living room area, I decided that the engine air conditioner was working well. The temperature at the kitchen area was a cool 92 degrees and definitely warmer than where we were sitting. Once we were plugged in, it didn't take long for the coach air conditioning to make it livable inside.
After visiting with her brother tomorrow morning, it is on to Walmart to fuel up the motorhome, lay in a supply of groceries and then head on up the road to Forest City. Hopefully there will be space at the Visitor's Center for us, otherwise we'll have to pay good money and stay in the city park for two nights before we check in. At least we'll be off of the road as all of the Holiday travelers burn up the rubber.
Gene
We stopped here for two reasons: a) Sandy has a brother here in the care center and b)It is the last place before the Mason City Walmart with a hookup for our air conditioner. Sandy said that we would park where there was AC to power the air conditioner.
After getting parked this afternoon, we went to the care center only to find that her brother was out for the day. That is really good news meaning that he is well enough to be out and about some. So it was back to the park where we pretty much hibernated in the camper and kept cool. We'll go back to the care center to see Buford in the morning.
Our stop at Walmart is to fuel up our rig plus to lay in a supply of food for the full timers rally that we're hosting next week. Since prices are much better at Walmart, Wally gets our business to the extent that we can plan. We'll still buy plenty of stuff in Forest City.
Before we left the farm, Sandy and I hung a blanket up behind us with the intention that it would retain more cold air up front around us. However, as we neared Rockwell, I told Sandy that I didn't think the engine air conditioning was working very well. However, once we had parked the rig and I stepped back into the living room area, I decided that the engine air conditioner was working well. The temperature at the kitchen area was a cool 92 degrees and definitely warmer than where we were sitting. Once we were plugged in, it didn't take long for the coach air conditioning to make it livable inside.
After visiting with her brother tomorrow morning, it is on to Walmart to fuel up the motorhome, lay in a supply of groceries and then head on up the road to Forest City. Hopefully there will be space at the Visitor's Center for us, otherwise we'll have to pay good money and stay in the city park for two nights before we check in. At least we'll be off of the road as all of the Holiday travelers burn up the rubber.
Gene
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Back on the Farm, another Hot afternoon
The rally was over today and we headed back to the farm. It was a pleasant drive, only about 84 miles and we arrived shortly after noon. Near Albia, we met several pickups, each pulling a heavy duty utility trailer carrying an old restored tractor. There was a bit of an urge to return to Albia so that I could admire all of the restored tractors.
It has been 3 or 4 days since the last blog and there were events that I was intending to remember to write about. But here it is, and I don't remember a thing that we saw, talked about or what ever. During my employed years, I used to carry a couple 3 by 5 cards in my pocket to make notes on. Perhaps I ought to do that again.
Saturday was spent touring the Iowa State fish hatchery by Lake Rathbun. Afterwards we toured some of the lake surroundings before returning to the motorhome. One of the items I wanted to see was the "Resort" park that Iowa built about 10 years ago. The Chamber of Commerce lady said that it had been good for Albia. I'm not sure that it has been good for the State of Iowa. (Sometimes it has been referred to as a Money Sink!)
A few years ago, I was told that the original rules for the C.O.E when they developed the adjoining campgrounds was that one of them had to be free. There is indeed a free campground on Lake Rathbun. It had 3 tents and a church youth group using it. In other words, not busy with only 5 sites out of 35 being used. The other campgrounds were packed with wall to wall campers. I guess most of the campers wanted to have AC so that they could use the air conditioning!
Gene
It has been 3 or 4 days since the last blog and there were events that I was intending to remember to write about. But here it is, and I don't remember a thing that we saw, talked about or what ever. During my employed years, I used to carry a couple 3 by 5 cards in my pocket to make notes on. Perhaps I ought to do that again.
Saturday was spent touring the Iowa State fish hatchery by Lake Rathbun. Afterwards we toured some of the lake surroundings before returning to the motorhome. One of the items I wanted to see was the "Resort" park that Iowa built about 10 years ago. The Chamber of Commerce lady said that it had been good for Albia. I'm not sure that it has been good for the State of Iowa. (Sometimes it has been referred to as a Money Sink!)
A few years ago, I was told that the original rules for the C.O.E when they developed the adjoining campgrounds was that one of them had to be free. There is indeed a free campground on Lake Rathbun. It had 3 tents and a church youth group using it. In other words, not busy with only 5 sites out of 35 being used. The other campgrounds were packed with wall to wall campers. I guess most of the campers wanted to have AC so that they could use the air conditioning!
Gene
Thursday, June 21, 2012
A real Mouse Trap tour
We're at a rally in Albia, IA at the fairgrounds. For our RVing friends, this is a super fairgrounds (level, 50Amp, and water) but sadly, no dump. They don't really have a building. However, they just finished building a new swine building and poured the floor last week. So guess what we used.
Today we toured a local factory that has been around for 75 years, and is still wholly owned for the founders offspring. It makes mouse traps, lots of them. It employs about 50 people, which is a fair number for the small town of Albia. Their popular snap trap is fantastic. It is a one hand setup. I'm really impressed. You can release the dead critter and reset it via one hand.
What really impressed us was that when the tour was over, everyone on the tour was given a unit. It isn't often that you see a business doing that. They have several traps of different sizes. The largest live trap is suitable for wily coyote. However, they sell very few of them because the shipping cost is just too much for a box the size of an adult coffin. In the mouse size, they have a large live trap that can catch up to 20 rodents in one setting. The next size can catch 7 critters before it has to be reset. On the single mouse size, that have a simple rocking trap that catches one critter and then it has to be reloaded. Most of their traps are only sold by small vendors. They don't sell via big box stores because big box stores want too many custom changes, such as packaging, size, etc. The product name is Kness. They have some concealed cases that allow resturants to use the traps without making it obvious. The case looks like an air vent cover.
Okay, let's see how well we did this time. Sandy gave me a small at-ta box for the last blog posting. So after about 3 or 4 years, one finally passed!! Something must be wrong. I'm sure there are one or two minor errors here, but I think you'll get the message just as well.
Gene
Today we toured a local factory that has been around for 75 years, and is still wholly owned for the founders offspring. It makes mouse traps, lots of them. It employs about 50 people, which is a fair number for the small town of Albia. Their popular snap trap is fantastic. It is a one hand setup. I'm really impressed. You can release the dead critter and reset it via one hand.
What really impressed us was that when the tour was over, everyone on the tour was given a unit. It isn't often that you see a business doing that. They have several traps of different sizes. The largest live trap is suitable for wily coyote. However, they sell very few of them because the shipping cost is just too much for a box the size of an adult coffin. In the mouse size, they have a large live trap that can catch up to 20 rodents in one setting. The next size can catch 7 critters before it has to be reset. On the single mouse size, that have a simple rocking trap that catches one critter and then it has to be reloaded. Most of their traps are only sold by small vendors. They don't sell via big box stores because big box stores want too many custom changes, such as packaging, size, etc. The product name is Kness. They have some concealed cases that allow resturants to use the traps without making it obvious. The case looks like an air vent cover.
Okay, let's see how well we did this time. Sandy gave me a small at-ta box for the last blog posting. So after about 3 or 4 years, one finally passed!! Something must be wrong. I'm sure there are one or two minor errors here, but I think you'll get the message just as well.
Gene
Sunday, June 17, 2012
It is our big day anniversary
Here it is June 17 and Sandy and I are both inside the RV with the A/C running. Something about keeping cool or being lazy. Actually, it is keeping cool for Sandy and being lazy for Gene.
It was 51 years ago today when we were married in northern Iowa. I think it was about as hot then as it is today! But we made it. Of course, there isn't too much I really remember of it. Sandy remembers the details like what gift someone gave us.
We both have had our annual physicals and I think we've passed with flying colors. At least Sandy is cleared and I'm waiting for the blood test results. (I'm not sure if they'll call no matter what or only call if there is a problem.) So far, no call.
Last weekend I attended a conference on solar and wind power. As a result, I'm hot to add some more solar to my solar farm on the roof top. Prices have come down dramatically since we first started adding solar. My heart burn now is that I really need only one more panel and the shipping cost is about half of the cost of a panel. Perhaps it will become a winter project when we're back in Florida and there will not be a shipping cost.
I don't remember if I told you about our need for a new waterheater. The old one did a "back burn" when wind blew in the exhaust. The result was that it melted some of the wires together and knocked out the controller. I wanted to hire someone to replace it, but the RV shop I was going to use went out of business, so we decided to do it myself. It involved a fair amount of laying on my back, but we got it done.
The next day the local electric service came to replace our power pole and they left the old pole for me to burn. So naturally I needed to start the chain saw, which went pretty well. We cut a number of sections and then I split them for easier burning. Then when I was going to restart the saw, I pulled something in my left shoulder. and quickly decided that we'd done enough cutting for a while. I guess I'm just not as agile as I used to be. (The bummer is that they gave me 4 other posts to burn and they need to be cut up.)
It is very dry here on the farm, as it is in the rest of the Midwest. We have been blessed with two recent showers of a quarter of an inch of rain each, which has been a blessing to the crops, which really need about 2 to 4 inches more. I guess we'll let the Lord take care of it for us. In the past, it always seem to arrive a day before it is too late.
Gene
It was 51 years ago today when we were married in northern Iowa. I think it was about as hot then as it is today! But we made it. Of course, there isn't too much I really remember of it. Sandy remembers the details like what gift someone gave us.
We both have had our annual physicals and I think we've passed with flying colors. At least Sandy is cleared and I'm waiting for the blood test results. (I'm not sure if they'll call no matter what or only call if there is a problem.) So far, no call.
Last weekend I attended a conference on solar and wind power. As a result, I'm hot to add some more solar to my solar farm on the roof top. Prices have come down dramatically since we first started adding solar. My heart burn now is that I really need only one more panel and the shipping cost is about half of the cost of a panel. Perhaps it will become a winter project when we're back in Florida and there will not be a shipping cost.
I don't remember if I told you about our need for a new waterheater. The old one did a "back burn" when wind blew in the exhaust. The result was that it melted some of the wires together and knocked out the controller. I wanted to hire someone to replace it, but the RV shop I was going to use went out of business, so we decided to do it myself. It involved a fair amount of laying on my back, but we got it done.
The next day the local electric service came to replace our power pole and they left the old pole for me to burn. So naturally I needed to start the chain saw, which went pretty well. We cut a number of sections and then I split them for easier burning. Then when I was going to restart the saw, I pulled something in my left shoulder. and quickly decided that we'd done enough cutting for a while. I guess I'm just not as agile as I used to be. (The bummer is that they gave me 4 other posts to burn and they need to be cut up.)
It is very dry here on the farm, as it is in the rest of the Midwest. We have been blessed with two recent showers of a quarter of an inch of rain each, which has been a blessing to the crops, which really need about 2 to 4 inches more. I guess we'll let the Lord take care of it for us. In the past, it always seem to arrive a day before it is too late.
Gene
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
A quick trip North to Mason City (by toad)
About a month ago, I got myself in deep trouble when I told our Escapee Chapter President that we would host a July rally if no one else came through for him. One little detail I forgot was tell Sandy about it. So for the last couple of weeks, I've been suffering from verbal abuse because we don't have our rally planned and "what are we going to do?". So today we changed that. We took the Honda and drove to Mason City.
All went well really. It is a long drive, but we survived it well. On the way (nearly there), we stopped at a care center to visit with Sandy's brother. He had stroke last summer and he is what he is. At least he can talk, which is a blessing..
Then on to Mason city where we located an eating establishment, then a Frank Lloyd Wright hotel and bank building (together) and a FLW house. On the way to the hotel, we also said, Yep, there is Music Man Square which we'll also tour (Meredith Wilson memorabilia). It looks like we'll have enough tours for the rally.
We then headed north to a County Nature Center to see if it was high on our list of "we need to tour it!" However, after spending 30 plus minutes there, we decided that it didn't measure up. It does have lots of stuffed water birds and birds of prey, but nothing really pulled our chain.
It was then on to the county park that we intend to use. It was as expected and if we can occupy the sites near the shelter, it also will be ours for the duration. (No reservations allowed.)
Then it was a long drive back to the farm. I gave up part way and turned the job over to Sandy and I guess I sacked out. I did take over the driving later. We are home, safe and both of us are very tired. We'll sleep very well tonight!
Gene
All went well really. It is a long drive, but we survived it well. On the way (nearly there), we stopped at a care center to visit with Sandy's brother. He had stroke last summer and he is what he is. At least he can talk, which is a blessing..
Then on to Mason city where we located an eating establishment, then a Frank Lloyd Wright hotel and bank building (together) and a FLW house. On the way to the hotel, we also said, Yep, there is Music Man Square which we'll also tour (Meredith Wilson memorabilia). It looks like we'll have enough tours for the rally.
We then headed north to a County Nature Center to see if it was high on our list of "we need to tour it!" However, after spending 30 plus minutes there, we decided that it didn't measure up. It does have lots of stuffed water birds and birds of prey, but nothing really pulled our chain.
It was then on to the county park that we intend to use. It was as expected and if we can occupy the sites near the shelter, it also will be ours for the duration. (No reservations allowed.)
Then it was a long drive back to the farm. I gave up part way and turned the job over to Sandy and I guess I sacked out. I did take over the driving later. We are home, safe and both of us are very tired. We'll sleep very well tonight!
Gene
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Water Heater is replaced
The title says it all!!!!! I was able to replace the water heater today. I removed the bad one and installed the replacement and quit at 3 pm. I have some minor things to put back, but nothing serious.. To top it off, I think the heater works on both gas and electric. That is what I'm really thankful for since the origin of the package was a bankrupt motorhome factory. When I say package, I should say that it was an "un-packed" stock item. So there is always the possibility that it didn't work for the first user. However, looking at the unit, it has never been installed or wired in. I think I picked up a winner!
I do need to give credit to Winnebago for the way they installed the unit. The two water lines were not quick disconnects, but they were reasonable to access. What a joy to have that task out of the way.
We are patiently waiting for a good spring rain. Sadly, the weather man isn't giving us much hope for any moisture soon. But as I've told a local, it always has rained at least the day before it is too late. We'll leave it to the Lord again for us.
Yesterday was Cedar Rapids for a physical for Sandy. Tomorrow it is Cedar Rapids for a dental appointment for both of us. They Friday it is again Cedar Rapids for Sandy for a heart check up. Perhaps that will be it until fall when I let the doctor have a shot at me.
Gene
I do need to give credit to Winnebago for the way they installed the unit. The two water lines were not quick disconnects, but they were reasonable to access. What a joy to have that task out of the way.
We are patiently waiting for a good spring rain. Sadly, the weather man isn't giving us much hope for any moisture soon. But as I've told a local, it always has rained at least the day before it is too late. We'll leave it to the Lord again for us.
Yesterday was Cedar Rapids for a physical for Sandy. Tomorrow it is Cedar Rapids for a dental appointment for both of us. They Friday it is again Cedar Rapids for Sandy for a heart check up. Perhaps that will be it until fall when I let the doctor have a shot at me.
Gene
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day Weekend
I had this entry about 80 percent written and I think that I took a short cat nap. Anyway, presto, what was written is no more. What a revolting development.
We finished the light pole project on Friday. The REC folks insisted that we needed to have a new replacement pole because they felt that the old pole was too rotten. They did that part of it for free. However, I have to pay for the local electrician's time to remove and replace the wires. When they were done, I then finished the ground level hookups and then we had to clean up the area. But it is done.
Later this week, I need to get the replacement water heater installed. We wanted to take it to a local RV repair shop nearby but on Friday when I tried to visit with him, we found out that he is out of business. So I'll save my dollars and do it myself. We'll blog it when I'm done (I hope).
Before I lose this copy, here it is!
Gene
Friday, May 25, 2012
Ready for the weekend
Isn't it amazing how time flies! I just wrote the last blog and here it is a week later. But who should complain, we're healthy and wise! The asparagus is still producing fresh tender shoots, the sun continues to shine and mother nature gave us a brief shower yesterday evening to calm our fears of an impending drought for the summer.
Going back wards, yesterday was a busy day on the hilltop. A month ago, the REC inspectors treated our yard light pole and then condemned it for replacement. So yesterday, the REC shows up with 3 bucket trucks and the local electrician shows up with one bucket truck. But in about two hours time, they had stripped the old pole, pulled it, planted a new pole and had it fully restored. Now I'm in charge of restoring some of the little stuff that seems to grow around the pole. But we can handle that.
Earlier in the week, the local ditch digger was here to repair a field tile. The tile has probably been in the ground for 50 years and now it decides to break, then collapse and impede the flow of water. Of course when there is more water higher up, it naturally rises around the blockage and creates a mud hole that can't be farmed. It is now fixed!
(Yes, we have a backhoe on our tractor, but crawling back and forth from the tractor to the bottom of the tile hole just isn't fun any more. It is just too easy to ask Hopp (the local fixer) to fix the problem and send me the bill.
Today is laundry day for us. While Sandy is doing the laundry, I'm going on to a neighboring town to see about getting the local RV repairman to install our new water heater. Yes, I'm sure we could do it. But again, laying on my back, under the motorhome working on the water lines through a 8 by 12 inch hole for an hour or two is just not something that this old guy looks forward to. So again, we'll see if money talks and he'll do it for us. (Of course, it will be after a dozen others that want it done yesterday!) At least we have no departure schedule to work around!
It is 5:43 and the sun has just cleared the horizon. It looks like it will be a bright shinny day today.
Gene
Going back wards, yesterday was a busy day on the hilltop. A month ago, the REC inspectors treated our yard light pole and then condemned it for replacement. So yesterday, the REC shows up with 3 bucket trucks and the local electrician shows up with one bucket truck. But in about two hours time, they had stripped the old pole, pulled it, planted a new pole and had it fully restored. Now I'm in charge of restoring some of the little stuff that seems to grow around the pole. But we can handle that.
Earlier in the week, the local ditch digger was here to repair a field tile. The tile has probably been in the ground for 50 years and now it decides to break, then collapse and impede the flow of water. Of course when there is more water higher up, it naturally rises around the blockage and creates a mud hole that can't be farmed. It is now fixed!
(Yes, we have a backhoe on our tractor, but crawling back and forth from the tractor to the bottom of the tile hole just isn't fun any more. It is just too easy to ask Hopp (the local fixer) to fix the problem and send me the bill.
Today is laundry day for us. While Sandy is doing the laundry, I'm going on to a neighboring town to see about getting the local RV repairman to install our new water heater. Yes, I'm sure we could do it. But again, laying on my back, under the motorhome working on the water lines through a 8 by 12 inch hole for an hour or two is just not something that this old guy looks forward to. So again, we'll see if money talks and he'll do it for us. (Of course, it will be after a dozen others that want it done yesterday!) At least we have no departure schedule to work around!
It is 5:43 and the sun has just cleared the horizon. It looks like it will be a bright shinny day today.
Gene
Friday, May 18, 2012
On the Farm, catching up on stuff
Okay, as you can see, we're not the most prompt of writers. But then considering the pay, it is about right.
We returned from the Don Williams County Park last Sunday to the farm, where we found all of the corn and beans planted. Now we need some rain, which has really been turned off for the last two weeks. However, it will happen in time. Trust mother nature (all farmers do.)
Now that we're back on the farm, it was time for me to get serious on fixing our water heater. We found out while at Don Williams that the controller was shot, so Monday we dug into the problem. The fire that had erupted on the outside of the heater had melted some of the wires and there was a black mess. We separated the wires and attempted to use the gas heat. It refused to work. So we probably cremated the controller (another $150 bucks). Secondly, we learned that after the wires were separated, the electric heating element also wouldn't work. So we fiddled around and was able to enabl e the heating element relay manually and presto, we have hot water. What a relief!
So now we have it fixed. If we turn the water heater AC switch on about 45 minutes before we need hot water, it works. Doing it that way also removes the internal thermostat, so we have to remember to turn it off after 45 minutes. That we can handle with the help of a timer.
So after considering our options Tuesday and Wednesday, we finally looked for a source of a replacement controller or water heater. The second RV salvage yard we called had a brand new water heater of the same model as we have. We thought about it for a night and called him this morning and bought it. It ought to be here next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Getting it installed will likely be a real challenge also. The problem (or challenge or opportunity) is that all of the connections are in the back and must be worked through a 10 by 15 inch opening from beneath the heater. We start the task, but if the going gets too rough, I just may call on the RV repair shop in a neighboring town and ask him to finish it (if he will)! But digging in is how we learn. Since all of it is outside under the RV, it is almost certain to start raining next week. So I have to wait a week? I can handle that!
Gene
We returned from the Don Williams County Park last Sunday to the farm, where we found all of the corn and beans planted. Now we need some rain, which has really been turned off for the last two weeks. However, it will happen in time. Trust mother nature (all farmers do.)
Now that we're back on the farm, it was time for me to get serious on fixing our water heater. We found out while at Don Williams that the controller was shot, so Monday we dug into the problem. The fire that had erupted on the outside of the heater had melted some of the wires and there was a black mess. We separated the wires and attempted to use the gas heat. It refused to work. So we probably cremated the controller (another $150 bucks). Secondly, we learned that after the wires were separated, the electric heating element also wouldn't work. So we fiddled around and was able to enabl e the heating element relay manually and presto, we have hot water. What a relief!
So now we have it fixed. If we turn the water heater AC switch on about 45 minutes before we need hot water, it works. Doing it that way also removes the internal thermostat, so we have to remember to turn it off after 45 minutes. That we can handle with the help of a timer.
So after considering our options Tuesday and Wednesday, we finally looked for a source of a replacement controller or water heater. The second RV salvage yard we called had a brand new water heater of the same model as we have. We thought about it for a night and called him this morning and bought it. It ought to be here next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Getting it installed will likely be a real challenge also. The problem (or challenge or opportunity) is that all of the connections are in the back and must be worked through a 10 by 15 inch opening from beneath the heater. We start the task, but if the going gets too rough, I just may call on the RV repair shop in a neighboring town and ask him to finish it (if he will)! But digging in is how we learn. Since all of it is outside under the RV, it is almost certain to start raining next week. So I have to wait a week? I can handle that!
Gene
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Don Williams County Park (Odgen, IA)
Sandy and I decided to move to the May Rally site a day early. I'm not sure why, but we're here with lots to do. It's called "Make work", since nothing is schedule really until Saturday's Luncheon. But this gives us more time to visit with all of our friends that we haven't seen since last fall.
It is a nice park and in the area we're in (I think there are about a 100 sites), it has or will have about 10 members of our group and 3 or 4 others. To put it another way, There is lots of room! But I like it this way.
There seems to be no end to our trials and tribulations with something on our motorhome. A week ago, we had a back flame in the water heater compartment and it burned the safety fuse after scorching several of the wires in the compartment. The day was saved when the safety fuse opened and shut the gas off.
So we obtained a replacement 2 days ago along with a new thermostat. However, being a bit skittish on just turning it on, we've been using a timer when we enable the electric heating element. So yesterday when we arrived, I told Sandy to turn it on, since we're not billed for our electric usage here. Well, guess what. After a couple of hours, water suddenly started to spray out of the temperature/pressure relief valve on the side of the tank. The heater was stuck on and was boiling the water, thus over pressuring the system. So we put a quick end to that. We'll not do any testing until we get back to the farm. Then we'll try to determine why the new thermostat didn't shut the system off properly. At least my water pump continues to work!
Right now, lunch is over and it is time to get outside to make sure I don't miss any of the latest news
Gene
It is a nice park and in the area we're in (I think there are about a 100 sites), it has or will have about 10 members of our group and 3 or 4 others. To put it another way, There is lots of room! But I like it this way.
There seems to be no end to our trials and tribulations with something on our motorhome. A week ago, we had a back flame in the water heater compartment and it burned the safety fuse after scorching several of the wires in the compartment. The day was saved when the safety fuse opened and shut the gas off.
So we obtained a replacement 2 days ago along with a new thermostat. However, being a bit skittish on just turning it on, we've been using a timer when we enable the electric heating element. So yesterday when we arrived, I told Sandy to turn it on, since we're not billed for our electric usage here. Well, guess what. After a couple of hours, water suddenly started to spray out of the temperature/pressure relief valve on the side of the tank. The heater was stuck on and was boiling the water, thus over pressuring the system. So we put a quick end to that. We'll not do any testing until we get back to the farm. Then we'll try to determine why the new thermostat didn't shut the system off properly. At least my water pump continues to work!
Right now, lunch is over and it is time to get outside to make sure I don't miss any of the latest news
Gene
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Puttering along
Okay, I had no intention of writing an entry this noon, but when searching on information about myself, the "blogger" entry came up. So here I am.
For starters, I yak about the "new face" of Blogger, which I don't like. It seems like a disease of the computer world that after something has been out and in use, they have to give it a new face. (Windows is the first one on my list.) I suspect that it is a new crop of programmers who are really justifying their existence.
We had a big family gathering for my mother last Sunday which I really enjoyed. She is at the ripe old age of 101 and hanging on. She is ready to meet her maker any time. I didn't think that she'd be up to it at the care center, but my sister went to see her and the next thing we knew, they wheeled her in. It is very difficult to converse with her as her hearing is shot and she won't wear a hearing aid. (Sandy can converse with her but my voice tonal range is out of her hearing range.) What I especially enjoyed was visiting with all of the nieces and nephews that made it. What a diverse group of people.
We're perched here on the hill top where the wind seems to never die down much. It used to be a gentle breeze but not lately. Of course the way we're parked on the lawn, with trees on the east and the west gives a southern breeze a straight shot to us. Perhaps it even acts like a funnel to the wind! But it is good clean fresh farm air (no livestock to help it out).
It is a great day to out and about.
Gene
For starters, I yak about the "new face" of Blogger, which I don't like. It seems like a disease of the computer world that after something has been out and in use, they have to give it a new face. (Windows is the first one on my list.) I suspect that it is a new crop of programmers who are really justifying their existence.
We had a big family gathering for my mother last Sunday which I really enjoyed. She is at the ripe old age of 101 and hanging on. She is ready to meet her maker any time. I didn't think that she'd be up to it at the care center, but my sister went to see her and the next thing we knew, they wheeled her in. It is very difficult to converse with her as her hearing is shot and she won't wear a hearing aid. (Sandy can converse with her but my voice tonal range is out of her hearing range.) What I especially enjoyed was visiting with all of the nieces and nephews that made it. What a diverse group of people.
We're perched here on the hill top where the wind seems to never die down much. It used to be a gentle breeze but not lately. Of course the way we're parked on the lawn, with trees on the east and the west gives a southern breeze a straight shot to us. Perhaps it even acts like a funnel to the wind! But it is good clean fresh farm air (no livestock to help it out).
It is a great day to out and about.
Gene
Saturday, April 28, 2012
I'm very late posting again
Woh, here it is Saturday and I haven't posted for a week or more. All was going fairly well until this weekend, when the bottom fell out of the temperature range Plus we've had a few wrinkles to get worked out.
In reverse order, last night when the wind was blowing like crazy against the side of our RV ,where the water heater is, the water heater failed. Because of the wind, I assumed that it wouldn't stay lit. However, this morning, it was quieter and still no gas heater action. I did some checking and found that we did have a problem. Eventually, we found a schematic and determined that the high temperature thermostat was blowing. So we jumpered around the failed unit and presto, we now have some hot water. The bad part is that we have to warm the water by time verses using the thermostat. The good news is we have a replacement part on order already.
It was then to Cedar Rapids for our weekly grocery run before returning to the farm. We didn't waste much time outside, as the weather has changed to cold and windy! Today, colder and windy still.
I was thrown a curve this evening when I tried to get into Blogger. It let me read it, but didn't want me in to create another posting. The real problem is that Google has a new face on Blogger and I don't like it. But we eventually got in and here we are.
Have a great day.
Gene
In reverse order, last night when the wind was blowing like crazy against the side of our RV ,where the water heater is, the water heater failed. Because of the wind, I assumed that it wouldn't stay lit. However, this morning, it was quieter and still no gas heater action. I did some checking and found that we did have a problem. Eventually, we found a schematic and determined that the high temperature thermostat was blowing. So we jumpered around the failed unit and presto, we now have some hot water. The bad part is that we have to warm the water by time verses using the thermostat. The good news is we have a replacement part on order already.
It was then to Cedar Rapids for our weekly grocery run before returning to the farm. We didn't waste much time outside, as the weather has changed to cold and windy! Today, colder and windy still.
I was thrown a curve this evening when I tried to get into Blogger. It let me read it, but didn't want me in to create another posting. The real problem is that Google has a new face on Blogger and I don't like it. But we eventually got in and here we are.
Have a great day.
Gene
Saturday, April 21, 2012
It is Friday already!
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
We're at the Beed's Lake State Park campground and until today, we were the only customer for about 70 sites. Traffic is not too plentiful. However, today we've seen a massive influx of customers, perhaps 5 or 6 other RVs. We welcome the company and everyone seems to want their space, so no one is crowding in on us.
We came here so that Sandy could have lunch with a distant relative who finally arrived yesterday afternoon. So today we met them at a local diner for a good meal and lots of conversation. Marty is on her spring travels I guess, as she was in Houston earlier and now Iowa, followed by Minnesota. She puts on a number of miles each year, both with her car and with air travel.
While here at Beed's Lake SP, I've walked around the lake twice. It is a two mile path and fairly level except when it crosses the outlet creek. The outlet has a unique spillway that is about a 100 feet wide and perhaps 30 feet high. The lake level is such that it spills over the dam across the entire 100 feet and then cascades down a stair step sandstone spillway. Needless to say, it makes a lot of racket and today was even worse with yesterdays rain raising the lake level by an inch or more, not counting the inflow to the lake.
The trail crosses the upper end of the lake using a causeway which is really the original dam. On this causeway, there were 3 pairs of nesting geese. Needless to say, they let it be known that my presence was not welcome. But they didn't attach me either. One pair abandoned the nest for the water while a second nest was vigorously defended by a hissing mother goose who stood her ground at the nest. I walked on the other side and I didn't waste anytime passing by.
Tomorrow we head for Williamsburg again. I don't think they've had the rain that we've seen here in northern Iowa, so we should be able to park on the lawn in our regular spot. And a week later, we join Gene's mother for a celebration of her 101st birthday. We have a while before we get even close.
Gene
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Moving again (We think)
We've been here at McIntosh Woods State Park for 3 days and already we're getting itching feet. Actually, there are more opportunities to visit relatives if we move. So we're planning to move to Beed's Lake State park near Hampton this afternoon. It would have been in the morning, but Sandy's cousin just suggested that we go out to dinner with her in Clear Lake. So in the PM, it will be.
There was great news on the home front yesterday. We're not even really settled in since our winter travels yet, but it is always time to make travel plans for next year. So yesterday, we got an email from a couple wanting to rent our lot in a park in Arizona. So naturally we responded and before the sun went down, the lot was rented. So I guess we won't even consider going to Arizona next winter. That is good news as far as we're concerned.
We didn't do much yesterday. I did go for a couple of short hikes in the woods, but nothing in the open. the bitter cold wind from the NW was just too much. In the late afternoon, we went to see Sandy's brother in the care center in Rockwell for a nice visit. On the return trip, we got our Walmart fix. Gas at Murphy's was only $3.40 yesterday. Diesel was $3.80, a very good price. So when we leave today, do we fill it up, or gamble that fuel prices will continue on downward?
I think it is time to get some fresh air.
Gene
There was great news on the home front yesterday. We're not even really settled in since our winter travels yet, but it is always time to make travel plans for next year. So yesterday, we got an email from a couple wanting to rent our lot in a park in Arizona. So naturally we responded and before the sun went down, the lot was rented. So I guess we won't even consider going to Arizona next winter. That is good news as far as we're concerned.
We didn't do much yesterday. I did go for a couple of short hikes in the woods, but nothing in the open. the bitter cold wind from the NW was just too much. In the late afternoon, we went to see Sandy's brother in the care center in Rockwell for a nice visit. On the return trip, we got our Walmart fix. Gas at Murphy's was only $3.40 yesterday. Diesel was $3.80, a very good price. So when we leave today, do we fill it up, or gamble that fuel prices will continue on downward?
I think it is time to get some fresh air.
Gene
Saturday, April 14, 2012
It is spring in Iowa and time for a Thunder storm or two
We left Forest City this after noon with overcast skies and a light wind from the SE. Of course, we were headed south, so it was a head wind again. Tonight we're safely parked in a woods near Clear Lake, IA. It is actually a state park with developed sites and electricity. So while I write this, we have spent the last hour watching the Lawrence Welk Saturday evening program. Of course, we need to keep the TV on so that we get the latest weather updates. (We also have a Wx Radio.)
We took our time leaving Forest City so that we could visit a winery just out of town. Would you know it that they were closed. We had trouble finding it because the road signs pointing to winery were not in place. Once we found it, it was obvious why the signs were down. They are closed during the off season! Had I called them yesterday to discuss our plans, it would have worked out better for us. Next Time I will call first!
Our plans are to relax here at McIntosh Woods State Park near Clear Lake for 4 or 5 days. Or at least until Sandy's cousin blows into town so that they can have some face to face time. Then we'll probably head south to the farm again. Mother's birthday (101) is two weeks from tomorrow and we intend to be there to help her celebrate. (I'm not sure how much celebrating she will do, as she can hardly stay awake to eat her meal!)
Gene
We took our time leaving Forest City so that we could visit a winery just out of town. Would you know it that they were closed. We had trouble finding it because the road signs pointing to winery were not in place. Once we found it, it was obvious why the signs were down. They are closed during the off season! Had I called them yesterday to discuss our plans, it would have worked out better for us. Next Time I will call first!
Our plans are to relax here at McIntosh Woods State Park near Clear Lake for 4 or 5 days. Or at least until Sandy's cousin blows into town so that they can have some face to face time. Then we'll probably head south to the farm again. Mother's birthday (101) is two weeks from tomorrow and we intend to be there to help her celebrate. (I'm not sure how much celebrating she will do, as she can hardly stay awake to eat her meal!)
Gene
Friday, April 13, 2012
We haven't blown away yet!
Here we sit in cool, breezy, wet Forest City, waiting for some nice spring sunshine. But it won't happen today. A front has moved through and the word is "button down the hatches!" Our main awning is in, but there is an awning over each slide out and they are taking a beating in this wind. Plus they create a lot of noise so it makes us think that the place is going to fall over or something.
Our reason for coming here was to get the motorhome serviced and to make firm plans for this summers' rally of a fulltimers club which we are chairman of for the year. Sandy and I discussed our tentative plans with the current past president who also was here earlier in the week. Then it was up to us to resolve our differences. I think we've worked it out okay and we have three or maybe 4 tours on tap plus 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
This afternoon we visited an office that has been a good supporter of club activities and while talking with the receptionist, she mentioned that her children were in high school. I then asked her what she knew about the wind generator that the school has on their property. I was floored when she told me that she was on the school board and the wind generator was a very good investment. In fact, at the last board meeting, they voted to install another generator as soon as they can get one.
The generator they have is a reconditioned Belgium unit purchased directly from Belgium. They have had their name on the list for a second unit for some time and still have no idea when they can get it. Apparently the rule is that once it is removed from service in Belgium, it can not be re-installed. The Belgium's are no dummies, they want the newest and best unit re-installed to generate more power. So the old units are available for reconditioning and our applications.
I'm assuming that the school has records detailing the cost, and the return. Obviously, since they have ordered a second one, they must like it. It would be very interesting to hear it from a user of wind power.
Gene
Our reason for coming here was to get the motorhome serviced and to make firm plans for this summers' rally of a fulltimers club which we are chairman of for the year. Sandy and I discussed our tentative plans with the current past president who also was here earlier in the week. Then it was up to us to resolve our differences. I think we've worked it out okay and we have three or maybe 4 tours on tap plus 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
This afternoon we visited an office that has been a good supporter of club activities and while talking with the receptionist, she mentioned that her children were in high school. I then asked her what she knew about the wind generator that the school has on their property. I was floored when she told me that she was on the school board and the wind generator was a very good investment. In fact, at the last board meeting, they voted to install another generator as soon as they can get one.
The generator they have is a reconditioned Belgium unit purchased directly from Belgium. They have had their name on the list for a second unit for some time and still have no idea when they can get it. Apparently the rule is that once it is removed from service in Belgium, it can not be re-installed. The Belgium's are no dummies, they want the newest and best unit re-installed to generate more power. So the old units are available for reconditioning and our applications.
I'm assuming that the school has records detailing the cost, and the return. Obviously, since they have ordered a second one, they must like it. It would be very interesting to hear it from a user of wind power.
Gene
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Keeping Warm in Cold Northern Iowa
We sure walked into this one this year, it is cold HERE. We moved to Forest City yesterday to the Winnebago Industries Visitor's center. Thankfully, they have 30 Amp connections for us to plug into. (So we're using an electric heater for keeping warm.)
The drive yesterday was one of the worst days we've had on the road in many months, perhaps years. We had a strong wind out of the northwest and all of our driving was either west or north. But we made it by slowing. Most of the time, we were in the 45 to 50 mph range. But we're here!
We're here at Winnebago to have the motorhome serviced and to make plans for next summer's all Winnebago Rally. We're committed to doing a seminar on fulltiming and a second seminar on boondocking (no hookups) with some emphasis on using solar power. In addition, we're the current president for the fulltimer's sub-club in the group. So with that obligation, we're lining up 3 tours and deciding on three breakfasts and two dinners for the group. Traditionally, the group has not had any tours. But Sandy and I agreed that we need to do something besides eat and talk!
We went to the customer service desk this morning and expressed our desired to have the coach serviced, if they could work on it this week. We were told to have the coach in the parking lot in one hour to be on standby for service. At 10:15, they called to tell us they were ready. I had also asked for them to do a few other small items (I thought) and tonight, they are only half done. I guess re-sealing the roof is a bigger job than I expected! But it needs to be done.
They returned the coach to us at 3:30 pm so that we can use it tonight. The bummer is that we have to return it to the service center at 7 AM tomorrow morning. But then we're good to go for another year.
Gene
The drive yesterday was one of the worst days we've had on the road in many months, perhaps years. We had a strong wind out of the northwest and all of our driving was either west or north. But we made it by slowing. Most of the time, we were in the 45 to 50 mph range. But we're here!
We're here at Winnebago to have the motorhome serviced and to make plans for next summer's all Winnebago Rally. We're committed to doing a seminar on fulltiming and a second seminar on boondocking (no hookups) with some emphasis on using solar power. In addition, we're the current president for the fulltimer's sub-club in the group. So with that obligation, we're lining up 3 tours and deciding on three breakfasts and two dinners for the group. Traditionally, the group has not had any tours. But Sandy and I agreed that we need to do something besides eat and talk!
We went to the customer service desk this morning and expressed our desired to have the coach serviced, if they could work on it this week. We were told to have the coach in the parking lot in one hour to be on standby for service. At 10:15, they called to tell us they were ready. I had also asked for them to do a few other small items (I thought) and tonight, they are only half done. I guess re-sealing the roof is a bigger job than I expected! But it needs to be done.
They returned the coach to us at 3:30 pm so that we can use it tonight. The bummer is that we have to return it to the service center at 7 AM tomorrow morning. But then we're good to go for another year.
Gene
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Another Water Pump down the tubes
Okay, things have been just going great as we've settled down here on the farm. Actually, we're quietly looking forward to heading north to Forest City to have the motorhome serviced and make plans for a summer rally that we're hosting just prior to the Winnebago Grand National Rally (GNR). After all, we've been parked here for 2 weeks and hitch itch is beginning to set in.
So we jerked into reality this morning when I attempted to get some water out of the sink faucet. Zero, nothing, not even a drop of the wet stuff. Our brand new Shurflo water pump wouldn't supply even a drop. Believe it or not, I was actually hoping that the problem was an electrical connection problem. But it was not to be. After breakfast, we suited up (it is cold outside) and went outside to check it out. However, all was well with the connections, so we replaced the pump with my backup pump, and all is now working. My only regret is that I don't have a diary of all of the issues I've had with our water pumps in this coach.
Thinking back on it, we have been in this coach for 6 plus years and have been averaging a pump problem about once every year. Interestingly, in our first 12 years of fulltime living, we had two different RVs and we never had a water pump problem. All three pumps were manufactured by Shurflo, about the only manufacturer for RV water pumps. Did somebody say that Shurflo has value-engineered their water pump line?
Today ought to be a relaxing day. We're getting ready to travel on Monday and Sunday we're going to Amana to see my mother in the care center. We've then decided to go on to Cedar Rapids to the spring flower show in Knollridge Park, something we've heard about for 40 plus years. I don't think it will hurt us to tour just a little bit.
Gene
So we jerked into reality this morning when I attempted to get some water out of the sink faucet. Zero, nothing, not even a drop of the wet stuff. Our brand new Shurflo water pump wouldn't supply even a drop. Believe it or not, I was actually hoping that the problem was an electrical connection problem. But it was not to be. After breakfast, we suited up (it is cold outside) and went outside to check it out. However, all was well with the connections, so we replaced the pump with my backup pump, and all is now working. My only regret is that I don't have a diary of all of the issues I've had with our water pumps in this coach.
Thinking back on it, we have been in this coach for 6 plus years and have been averaging a pump problem about once every year. Interestingly, in our first 12 years of fulltime living, we had two different RVs and we never had a water pump problem. All three pumps were manufactured by Shurflo, about the only manufacturer for RV water pumps. Did somebody say that Shurflo has value-engineered their water pump line?
Today ought to be a relaxing day. We're getting ready to travel on Monday and Sunday we're going to Amana to see my mother in the care center. We've then decided to go on to Cedar Rapids to the spring flower show in Knollridge Park, something we've heard about for 40 plus years. I don't think it will hurt us to tour just a little bit.
Gene
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Keeping Busy on the Farm (Doing what?)
We've been back on the farm for about a week now and loving it. Sitting on the hilltop, we get lots of fresh air and a steady breeze (Sandy says a strong wind.) But I love it. We had to jumper the lawn mower to start it, but we've mowed the lawn twice already. However, it is nice to see it green.
We had wanted to burn the old stalks and leaves off of the asparagus, but there is just too much wind. Perhaps if we had a real water pressure system, I'd risk it. But with the old windmill pump jack that pumps a half gallon per minute with no pressure tank, it would be a lost cause. The reason to burn the asparagus is to blacken the soil so that it warms up faster and the new shoots sprout forth faster. But I guess we'll wait.
Actually it is almost too late now. We're leaving on Monday (after Easter) to go to Forest City to take care of some items at the Winnebago service center plus meet with the WIT club representatives. We're the elected leader of the full timers subgroup and plans need to be finalized for 2012. When we finish those items, it is head south 50 miles to visit with some of Sandy's relatives.
We have a minor problem trying to work out our schedule. All of the county parks that we have used in that area are still closed for the winter. It may be an early spring, but they are not encouraging residents to use the county parks. (All we really need is weekly access to the water supply and the dump station.) Our ability to live without hookups during the winter in Florida will serve us well there also.
Gene
We had wanted to burn the old stalks and leaves off of the asparagus, but there is just too much wind. Perhaps if we had a real water pressure system, I'd risk it. But with the old windmill pump jack that pumps a half gallon per minute with no pressure tank, it would be a lost cause. The reason to burn the asparagus is to blacken the soil so that it warms up faster and the new shoots sprout forth faster. But I guess we'll wait.
Actually it is almost too late now. We're leaving on Monday (after Easter) to go to Forest City to take care of some items at the Winnebago service center plus meet with the WIT club representatives. We're the elected leader of the full timers subgroup and plans need to be finalized for 2012. When we finish those items, it is head south 50 miles to visit with some of Sandy's relatives.
We have a minor problem trying to work out our schedule. All of the county parks that we have used in that area are still closed for the winter. It may be an early spring, but they are not encouraging residents to use the county parks. (All we really need is weekly access to the water supply and the dump station.) Our ability to live without hookups during the winter in Florida will serve us well there also.
Gene
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