Settling in

Though not a full house move, the first week of settling in here in Yuma has been busy. There were boxes and bags to be unpacked, and items that were packed away last March, brought out and set in place. 

The most immediate problem was illustrated in Wednesday's photo. We had a heavy rain overnight and into the morning on Sunday. I woke about 5 a.m. to the sound of dripping water. After following the sound, I discovered that the fan at the rear of the trailer was leaking. I had brought a collapsible bucket with me, and that was placed on the sofa, while a pot was commandeered to catch the other drips. There was a bit of water on the floor that I cleaned up and placed a towel, just in case.

The rain finished about noon, but the drip continued into the afternoon. I dared to climb the ladder on the exterior of the RV, but only to look over the roof top. (I will NOT ever be seen on top of the RV). It was clear to me there was a puddle around the fan. Since there was no more rain in the future, I decided to wait until Monday to call the park maintenance man, Jose. He deserves his weekend off - I texted him at 8 a.m. on Monday, and he was at the unit in just over 30 minutes! He went up on the roof and said it needs to be resealed. He said he could come on Tuesday after 6 p.m., or Wednesday morning. I chose Wednesday because it starts getting dark around 6:30 p.m. 

In the meantime I had to pick up the roof sealant at Home Depot. The bucket is so heavy, I had to ask for help getting it into the cart, and then into the vehicle. Here, unlike at home (in the city), they have people out in the parking lot whose job is to load or unload for the customers. I can't tell how many times I've had to wrestle something into my own vehicle or ask a passing fellow to help.

Since I was going to be out and about, I went and picked up groceries, as well as a food safe container. The latter is for the flour I purchased and finding the container took far more time than it needed to as I couldn't find the product on the shelf...the lids were there but not the buckets. However, eventually an intrepid Lowe's customer service person came by and found the buckets in the rafters of the shelves and brought down a stack of buckets for display. While there, I stopped at their garden center. Nothing, and I mean nothing, inspired me to purchase any of the plants. 

Back at the unit, I unpacked my portable washing machine and got it set up in the shower pan. I ran a load of clothing and it worked so well, especially the spinner. The clothes were almost dry! I hung them out on the rack and it didn't take long in the sun for the drying process to be complete.

Tuesday was a busy day at the unit. After breakfast, I started prepping some items for meals for this week. I boiled a couple of eggs and seasoned chicken. (which came first?) I fired up the BBQ and it cooked the chicken while I swept and then mopped the outdoor patio area. With the rain came dirt and debris, and it was a real mess. Plus, at some point in the next few days, I was hoping Jose will have time to put up the gazebo. It's far bigger than the one we have at home, so more than I think I can manage.

The sheets I used to cover the furniture needed to be washed, so the little washer/spin dryer did another load. The rack I use for drying is too small, so I wandered over to my neighbour's, to use her lines. 

Then it was time to relax for a bit. We have large hot-tub (more like a small pool) here in the park, where I planned to go for a soak. As I was getting ready, I heard a noise, and thought a squirrel had run across the roof. But no, my neighbour, H came over and asked if I was okay - we had experienced a small earthquake! I carried on, going over to the tub, and the jets felt so good on my back, legs, and feet - no aftershocks felt there. After a shower, I headed home for my lunch. 

It is so wonderful to be able to sit outdoors and enjoy a meal. It will be even better when the gazebo is set-up. That will be delayed for a bit, as Jose's first order of business was to clean off the roof and dry it. After he dropped by on Wednesday morning to start the process (I thought), I was off to Home Depot, again, to pick up an RV and Marine hose. I'd discovered a leak at the main valve, just a slight one, and showed it to him. Further along there is a split in the rubber, so the whole thing needed to be replaced. Unfortunately there weren't any in stock, so I ordered on-line for pick-up early next week. Just like any home, there always seems to be necessary maintenance.

Before he arrived, I'd managed to clean the back window, as well as the windows on the west side. I'll hold off on the east side until a later evening, to avoid streaks if I can. Another task completed was sorting through a container of odds and ends left behind in one of the storage containers. Most everything will go to the garage sale, a few items hit the garbage bin, and a few tools were tucked away in the tool box. 

On my way home from HD, I stopped in at the little Walmart store nearby to pick up tinfoil and paper towels. $30 later, I walked out with those and few more items. 

Oh, I forgot to mention at Home Depot, I picked up some annuals to plant in containers. Last year, I planted very late and went with some less than spectacular (in other words, almost dead) plants. This year, I spent a little more since I'll be here until March. I've got marigolds, mums, creeping jenny, and a new to plant, a miniature African daisy. 

Later in the day, Roger dropped by. He is the fellow who has installed several mini-splits here in the park. In fact, when I told him my unit number and mentioned I lived across from F, he remembered him. Sadly, it doesn't seem that F will be here this winter as he was hospitalized last winter due to health issues. We're all hoping to see him again soon.

Roger was here for about an hour, first determining where the mini-split outside unit and the inside unit could be placed. My 5th wheel is small, but it will work. Since he was here, and I agreed to the price (about what everyone else said they paid last year) he went ahead and got the electrical work completed. He'll be back on Saturday morning to finish the work! The issue with the RV a/c is two-fold. First, it isn't hooked up to the thermostat so when turned on, it runs until I manually shut it off. That means, I can't leave it running if I leave the unit for any length of time, it will really cool down. Once I left it when I went to Happy Hour and it dropped to 63F/17C. The other issue, it is LOUD! The mini-split, on the other hand, is both programmable and quiet. Plus it provides both heating and cooling. 

My goal is to eventually remove all of the appliances that use propane including the stove, the water heater and the furnace. I've already added a Breville oven that I've placed on a large ceramic tile on top of the gas stove - at some point, the gas oven will be removed and the Breville will go in it's place. I also have a two burner stove that I use on the counter. The mini-split will replace the furnace so I'll be left at least for a while, the small hot water heater. Others in the park have on demand hot water unit, so that's on the list for next year. I'm hoping that the propane powered appliances can be pulled at that time, and I'll have a little more storage space. I still have the BBQ and an air fryer that I use outdoors, so I have lots of options for my meals.

Thursday morning was our first week for our coffee meeting in the clubhouse. We had a few more people arrive this week, so we numbered fourteen. It was a time to catch up with those who'd recently arrived and a few of the permanent residents of the park. After the meeting, I headed out to pick up coffee supplies. We'd done a BYOC (bring your own coffee) and a couple of the residents were kind enough to bring treats. That included H, who isn't feeling well but who had clearly dropped by the clubhouse before we arrived to drop these off. She's usually a firebrand, so it was odd not to see her. 

Meanwhile, back at the RV, Jose was busy cleaning, drying and applying patches and painting the first few coats of the sealant. When I stopped in, he came down and showed me several photos of the shape it had been in - not good. In fact, I'd figured that out when I returned as there were pieces of old sealant that had peeled off and he'd swept off the roof, all laying about on the patio. My next job on Friday was to clean this up!

On Friday morning, I got a few more chores done, including planting the annuals and watering them in well. I needed drinking water so took a trip down the street to the water station. It costs 50 cents for a gallon of water or $1.50 for 5 gallons. I don't think I could manage a five gallon container, I have four one gallon jugs that I keep on a shelf. Around the corner from the water station is Food City, a local grocery store. They have better fruit and veg than Walmart - I got peppers, green onions, and apples. Each pepper and the green onion were a mere 69 cents each! I did stop at Walmart too, to pick up some things I need for a planned project, more on that next week. 

As I sat out on the patio before I lunch, I couldn't help but think, how fortunate I am to be here. The weather has been simply wonderful, and I'm grateful I arrived on Saturday, so I didn't walk into a real mess later in the week. I'm been using the mornings to get things done, most mundane but still enjoyable as I settle in to my winter home. The afternoons are my quiet time, as it is quite warm here, at least for me. So I settle in to watch a bit of television or read, until it is time for Happy Hour. 

Thanks for reading this lengthy update.  YHave a great week ahead everyone!

Friday Funny

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

I have arrived!

This post will be sweet and short, just like today's travel day. I left the hotel just around 7 a.m., picked up fuel and breakfast in Bullhead City. For some reason, I never realized it is literally across the river from Laughlin. I found it odd that gas was so much less expensive so close by.

Nothing exciting happened on the trip. I did stop at the Walmart in Parker to pick up a few essentials (peanut butter, bagels, deli meat and cheese - I can sustain myself on these until I have time to do a good shop. I did bring down some canned items, tuna and soup, so I won't starve for the next few days. To be honest, I can probably live on peanut butter and bagels.

S met me at the unit and we had a quick chat before I switched on the electricity. She wasn't able to locate the pole (not her issue, my description was based on a shaky memory). I also turned on the water. I currently don't have propane turned on, but can heat up water with my kettle.

The table, counters, and shelves were dusted and the items on top given a wipe down. It wasn't as bad as I though it might be, and all of the jugs of water I'd left in the unit were still, at least, partially full. S said none of the ones they left at their place were. Of course, their place is much bigger than mine - it's a park model.

I left messages for the adult children to let them know I was here safe and sound, and unpacked the clothing I'd brought with me. Those bags, and my groceries were the only items I brought in initially. The rest can be moved in over the next couple of days.

Currently, I'm listening to the radio for the CFL Western conference semi-final. Our Riders are leading at the half, but the BC Lions seems to be finding their groove. It will be a tense two quarters to the end. 

Happy Hour is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the gazebo. I can either celebrate or drown my sorrows. I'm looking forward to seeing all who have arrived thus far. It will be fun regardless of the score in the game. :)

I'll leave you with a couple of photos from this morning's drive.

Excuse the dash in the last photo....I was excited to see the palm trees.

Oh, and before I forget Happy Halloween!

Travel Day 3

 It's late, nearly 10 p.m. as I sit down to write this. No, my drive was not nearly that long. Rather I woke this morning at 3 a.m. and could not go back to sleep. On the road by 6:30 a.m., I arrived in Laughlin, Nevada about 4 p.m. After an early dinner, I lay down and fell asleep, waking after a nearly a 2.5 hour nap. Honestly, I feel as though I could crash again but am forcing myself to stay awake for a couple of hours.

If you are wondering why I was awake so early, I didn't take a nap after arriving in Wells, and was asleep by 8:30 p.m. As my daughter reminded me that's 7.5 hours of sleep. Anyway I'm not making that mistake twice.

Today's drive was mostly overcast with short bursts of heavy rain, leading to potential and actual flash flooding, a thunderstorm near Vegas, and a detour due to an accident on the secondary highway I was on.

Here are a few photos from the day:

I stopped in Ely for fuel ($4.299 per gallon) and breakfast as I'd left too early for the hotel's continental breakfast.

My plan was to avoid Vegas and travel through the Lake Mead recreation area. However my GPS had me accessing the park where I would not be able to purchase the necessary pass. My fault likely, as I wasn't specific enough. After it re-calculated, I turned and made my way to Longdale-Overton.

There were signs indicating water over the road but these were mere puddles when I went through. I continued happily travelling along and enjoying the views. And yes, I even stopped for these.

The last three were taken at Red Rock canyon. It was spectacular and if I hadn't been anxious to get to Laughlin, I likely would have stopped more frequently for photos.

I was a mere 20 miles from my next turn-off when a police car came towards me with lights flashing and siren sounding. As I slowed it did a u-turn and sped off. Down the road and through a downpour I spotted another police vehicle blocking the road ahead. I assumed, incorrectly, there may have been a bit of flooding on the road. However after a wait the fellow in front of me walked up to the officer. As he returned to his vehicle he signaled we all needed to turn around. There were a number of us lined up at this point. 

Fortunately we were at a junction and after the u-turn were able to head to Vegas(oh yippee). We met a emergency vehicle on this highway so I'm assuming there was an accident on the other road. The incident was down in a valley and far enough ahead I couldn't be certain. 

In any event, my desire to avoid Vegas traffic was thwarted by this detour. However the GPS came through. I asked for a route with no toll roads and no highways. It may have taken longer but it came through for me. All of my travel through the city was on streets with two lanes on either side, top speed of 35 mph (about 50 km). As I left Vegas I did have a short drive on the I-15 before accessing Highway 95. 

There were periods of heavy rain along the way and some thunder and lightning.  As I neared Laughlin, I got an advisory on my phone of flash flooding in the area.  Arriving in Laughlin it was evident it had happened earlier in the day as some streets had mud, rocks, and debris. My trip took nearly 9.5 hours, almost 90 minutes longer than originally planned. Oh well, it was certainly entertaining. 

I'm at the Golden Nugget Casino and hotel for the night. They have a great restaurant here, and the rate wasn't too bad. It definitely wins over the last two nights. Dinner was a half-order of Cobb salad...I was craving vegetables! It was delicious and filling.

At a reasonable time in the morning, I'll be on the road again for a short'ish drive to Yuma, about 4-5 hours. This is the route I took last year so will seem familiar, I'm sure. I am so ready to settle in for the winter!

Thanks for following along. Much of this info is meant for me to look back on for next season. I know I'll never remember all of it!

Friday Funny

 

Travel Day 2

It turned out the highway traffic noise was a bit more than I originally thought. After watching the final game of the World Series, I was kept awake for a few hours before I could tune out the noise...or maybe the traffic slowed down.

In any event I was up and down to breakfast just after 6 a.m. it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. After a chat with my daughter I was in the car and heading out of the parking lot by 7:30 a.m.

I had chosen the route through Ennis as it looked less "moutainy" but my GPS switched me to the 91 which had me driving through Yellowstone National Park. It definitely had some twists and turns but didn't make me feel we were constantly climbing or descending. I kept under the posted speed limit as did those in front and behind me and never felt concerned. It is a pretty drive, with the forest and mountains on either side, following the meandering Yellowstone River.

At one point the GPS announced "welcome to Wyoming ". I thought what??? That's not the direction I want to take. It only lasted about 10 or 15 minutes when I heard "welcome to Montana". I took exactly one photo as I was leaving West Yellowstone. 

From there I took highway 20 to Idaho Falls, the I-15 to Twin Falls. I know that Idaho has some lovely natural areas but the highways are pretty boring. I did see a sign for a potato museum but chose to drive on.

My next stop was Twin Falls where I found gas at $4.219 per gallon at the Fred Meyer Fuel Stop. Most other stations were $4.55. Any savings were likely erased when my GPS took me north and west and finally south of the city before connecting me with highway 93 to Wells.  

I'm spending the night at the Sure Stay by Best Western.  Ot won't win any rewards for beauty but seems clean. It too offers a continental breakfast...we'll see how it compares to the Microtel. 

P.S. a note for Kim and anyone else who may be curious.  Yes, Kota has taken over Sage's crate. Sage only stays in the crate when my son and his g/f are away for work or running errands. Otherwise she prefers to hang out on the couch. :)