Thursday, February 5
Another sunny and warm day at our camp in the desert on Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California!
Having read many suggestions from readers about what might be the problem with my refrigerator, I tinker a little with it this morning. I give the outside compartments another cleaning. I also adjust the thermistor inside the refrigerator so that it’s no longer hanging off the fins. That has helped somewhat.
The freezer continues to keep everything frozen.
The refrigerator is cooling. Not as cool as I’d like. Enough that salad greens, a carton of milk for my coffee, and cooked meat for Bridget’s breakfasts are refrigerated sufficiently.
I should take the Best Little Trailer to an RV service place for a refrigerator tune up. After all, it’s been over three years. At least it’s no longer an emergency situation.
I didn’t take any photos today. The photos in this post were taken a few days ago.
Thanks to everyone who jumped in with troubleshooting advice and good luck wishes.
Not only did readers teach me a lot about refrigerators, I also learned from my reading on the subject that these camper freezers are not designed for freezing stuff. Rather they are for keeping stuff that’s already frozen, frozen. (I never thought I’d write a sentence with “frozen, frozen” in it.)
I’ve repeatedly packed the freezer with unfrozen stuff. I’ve been abusing the Best Little Trailer’s refrigerator!
Okay, back to our day . . . .
Bridget and I make a little trip into Yuma. The day is very warm, mid-eighties. One of my goals is to visit my bank. Before leaving camp, I research and write down the bank’s two locations in Yuma.
A simple errand, right?
Not so. I drive up and down and over and across Yuma and no bank.
A “golden hour” photo that I hesitated to post because it’s hard to believe!
Traffic is heavy. At one point I wheel into a Carl’s Jr and pick up a teriyaki chicken sandwich. I drive us over to the nearby Yuma Palms Mall parking lot.
Bridget and I share the sandwich. I put her in her black suit and walk her around the shady islands in the lot. Gee, there’s the PetsMart store. As long as we’re here . . . .
I go inside PetsMart and stride directly to the adoption center at the back.
Soon I’m walking my disappointed self to the PTV.
I continue to search for my bank, which happens to bring us near the Humane Society of Yuma. Well, might as well take a look . . . .
Again, no new crew member is found.
On the way out of the facility I ask a retired gentleman where my bank is.
“Oh, that bank isn’t here any more. Not since last Spring.”
Information I can use!
I stop at the Wal-Mart on Pacific Avenue and pick up a carton of milk, salad greens, and a package of flat bread. I hurry out of the store and across the lot.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Bridge. We can go home now. I’ve had enough of Yuma for one day.”
Another “golden hour” pic!
As we barrel down the interstate in rush hour traffic, I make a decision.
So long, Yuma. Tomorrow we’ll look for a new camp!
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON HERE!
Here are links to a few of the products readers recently purchased. You can use these links for entering Amazon to do your own shopping.
UPEASY Seat Assist
Heros Of The Sky Gift Set
ARB Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart
Nine West Women’s Sillygoose Nubuck Riding Boot
Sourcingbay® Tracking Drive Vehicle Tracker System
3 FlareAlert 9.1.1 LED Emergency Beacon Flares with Storage Bag
Hi Sue,
I love reading about your adventures and your photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing so much with your readers 🙂
You’re welcome, Bette in Oklahoma City…. Congratulations on being first today!
Probably would help if you posted the make and model of your fridge. Most RV fridges if used on gas all of the time need to have the burner cleaned at least every six months.
Every six months! Wow! This fridge is way overdue!
That’s my guess! C’mon up our way…I’ll do it for you.
Thanks… I’m not going that way. I’m on my way to look in some animal shelters. Nice of you to offer!
Did you visit animal shelters when in CALIF? There was to be a good selection, I remember reading. I must have missed some posts.
I haven’t gone to any animal shelters in CA yet. Our camp is just over the AZ border, only a few miles into CA. Mostly empty desert around here. We will move to our next camp before visiting any CA shelters.
Good! Certainly, the great state of CAL-EYE-FOR-NYE-EH can come up with one darling little rat terrier anxious to hit the road with you & HRH! Shirley MacLaine got her rat terrier in California, and her rat terrier is royalty — in earlier reincarnations!!! LOL!
Hi, Gayle… I should be able to find the right guy in CA.
I’m still into the “golden hour” pictures. That “hard to believe” one is great. Not asking for specifics, but are you going somewhere near an RV repair place.
Hi, Calvin,
I’m pretty sure there will be an RV service place available. This part of the country is covered with RVs and RV parks. After fighting Yuma traffic today, I’m ready to leave.
I’m pleased you like the golden hour photos. That hard to believe pic came off my memory card like that. Pretty amazing!
Isn’t a freezer a freezer? Who ever heard it’s only for already frozen food. I think someone’s pulling your leg!
Glad you got it to a point that it’s functional….for now! Maybe it has a freon leak? Does it even have freon in it? Hahhhhh. The shop will figure it out!
Looking forward to the next journey! Hmmmm…is it almost laundry day?
Have a great night!
Oh my gosh, laundry day was last year I think! Haha! That’s something I HAVE TO DO SOON. 🙂 That’s another reason to leave Yuma… No good laundromat in a handy place.
The freezer is tiny. It can’t handle big jobs.
Sleep well!
Rv fridge of this gas/electric type use ammonia, not freon.
Thanks….wasn’t sure!
A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used in refrigerators, air conditioning and propellant for aerosol dispensers (ie hair spray) were commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon. These were phased out of use by the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” which took effect on 1 January 1989.
Absorption type refrigerators, like what Sue has, never used Freon and as Velda in Roseville Ca said they use ammonia – as did the first home refrigerators.
Hi again Sue.
It’s good to hear your RV refrigerator problem is improving. The things are SO DAMNED EXPENSIVE. Before I knew anything about them, I had an RV Service convince me that my failing/failed unit had to be replaced. Now I’m VERY doubtful. The First thing to know is that an RV refrigerator has no moving parts! There are only about 4 things that can go wrong. 1) The compressed gas system has sprung a leak (highly unlikely). 2) The propane burner is dirty or plugged (likely). 3) The computer control board has failed (possible) . And 4) The “Heater Element” has failed (it’s only used when plugged into shore power). I recently ordered a replacement Heater Element from Ford RV for my refrigerator just in case mine fails (about $60 including shipping).
So with all that in mind here’s 2 more informative videos for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f79ry49dnTw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwJ8Mmu_oLY
LOVE YA!! Love your blog! Larry
You are my hero, Larry. Love you, too! I’m sure there are readers other than myself who appreciate all you share on this topic.
Of your list, I’m guessing #2. I plan to ask specifically for the propane burner to be cleaned.
Thanks for the video links. I’m glad you love my blog.
A couple of other quick items. I’m sure you know that you don’t want anything obstructing your refrigerator vent, and that whenever possible you should park with refrigerator side facing north. That’s it for now!! 🙂
Got it. The vent is clear and it’s facing north! 🙂
Camping near Yuma has its pros and cons. It’s big enough to have everything I need (though a Cabela’s would be nice) but the snowbird traffic gets me yelling at my windshield. It’s worse in some of the stores. Oh well. I’ve moved on to less crowded places, though I had to pass through Quartzsite, which got me yelling at the windshield again. Have fun wherever you’re going.
I’m with ya’, Al, when it comes to Yuma. I have a love-hate relationship with this town. It has everything I need. Well, it did until my bank moved out of town.
I don’t know why I find the streets so hard to navigate. Every time I go to Yuma I end up making wrong turns and having to backtrack. Today the traffic was terrible. You know how those big trucks carrying boxes of escarole block your view so you miss the street sign and.. . . errrgghh!
You have fun, too, Al, wherever you land.
Sue,
Not to be overly picky but I doubt that you were behind a big truck carrying boxes of escarole. It was more likely lettuce, broccoli or cauliflower; Arizona ranks second in the country in the production of all 3 of those but is not a big producer of escarole.
I do need to try and keep your posting as factual as possible. HA
I imagine it takes a lot more energy to freeze something than it does to keep something frozen. Still, I would never have given it a thought if the dealer didn’t point it out 🙁 Love the golden shots, they are just magical! When you’re not feeling a place, it’s time to move on 🙂 Safe travels, and good hunting.
Yeah, it’s time to move on. I have other errands to run and they would be easier to accomplish somewhere else. I hope to visit more shelters, too.
Golly! Did I make it to the top 20 ???? lol!
Sorry about the fridge problems! Chuck keeps a little fridge minder thing in ours, like a small fan in a box! It keeps the air circulating and we don’t need to defrost as often!
We got the slide fixed yesterday! Still debating about trading the MotherShip!
Love the golden glow image! I got one like that at Canyon Dr Chelly, the cottonwoods were autumnal gold anyway, then the sun hit them! BOOM! Looks so fake you know only God could have made it happen like that!
Good luck with the pooch search!
Hi, Geri,
You must be very relieved to have your slide fixed. I can understand you being hesitant to sell the MotherShip. It’s a very comfortable fifth wheel and looks nice, too.
One thing about this fridge, it never needs defrosting. At least it hasn’t in almost 4 years. No room for ice to build up in it anyway!
I bet that photo is brilliant. The golden hour photo I posted could use some photo-editing to tone it down!
Take care… Hi to Chuck and the canine gang.
Isn’t it frustrating when things just don’t work out? You do your homework to find the bank locations, you drive in crazy traffic, you have a mission to accomplish, and it’s just gone. Without updates to their website. Ugh.
My husband is having similar issues with Verizon as we ‘speak’.
On the bright side, I like your golden hour photos. And your fridge is not kerplunk. Hopefully the move will help you get back on track.
Hi, Lolalo,
I empathize with your husband. I hate having “issues” with phone or internet companies. I wish him lots of luck.
Yeah, the fridge isn’t dead yet! And neither am I so I’ll get things done that need to be done… eventually.
We need to move. A cluster of motor homes is beginning to form.
Oh Sue!
It hurts my heart knowing you are walking those isles out of the Petsmart on your own… dang it. I wish we could help… part of me wants to put a ‘wish’ out there… you know… but I don’t want to overstep. I am a good butter-inner… so am trying to not do it!
Sending good thoughts your way. They say we have more flooding rains coming in. Scared to death at this point. It has been 1 month to the day. People are still displaced (and some will never see their homes again…) and it just — it stinks. The mud… oh the mud. 🙁
Glad the fridge is better. Maybe someone needs to realize that some people ARE full-timers and have a 2 choice fridge offer, one for part and one for full time!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Hi, Barb,
More rain? I didn’t think about the mud. It must be very wearisome for you Hoquiamers. I hope the weather forecasters are wrong about the flooding.
Oh, don’t feel bad about me walking out of Petsmart empty handed. I’ll keep looking and sooner or later the right dog and I will connect. It’s bound to happen, especially once I get out of pit bull- chihuahua-ville.
Wishing you dry days with no clouds!
Bulla-huaha land! LOL
Yep. We lost an entire hillside-I wish I could add a photo here but don’t know how. Homes off their foundations, down the hillsides, in the middle of the streets. Mud thick water 6-8 inches deep covering entire neighborhoods. They highways coming out of Aberdeen and out to Ocean Shores were both closed due to mudslides for 3 days. We still have people clearing out, and homes being condemned due to mold and such… And, NO FEMA. We have been VERY well cared for by Home Depot, Team Rubicon and blessed by the Red Cross for weeks. The church I bought my home from is very active (this was the office and parsonage for many years) in helping and it is wonderful… But yes, it is bad. I swear (not kidding) each scoop of mud weighed at least 10 lbs. It is awful–reminds me of tornadoes that went through the Tilly Mill neighborhood outside of Sandy Springs (GA) years ago… just devastation. Sorry–didn’t mean to vent. 🙁
Hugs to you. I know the right baby out there is waiting for you!!!
Barb in Hoquiam
Gee, Barb, I had no idea it was that bad! What a disaster. Why no FEMA?
I’m going to look for pictures online to see what you’re talking about. (Readers can’t post photos in comments.) I don’t blame you for venting your frustration. I’m glad there are people helping.
Meanwhile I pray the rain clouds pass over and you are spared more rain.
FEMA has to have a certain number of cases–this is a big question mark for our community. We knew that number was high–the wildfires in Eastern WA were not covered by FEMA last summer and that was over 300 homes. It is a convoluted MESS. We had a mudslide here in Hoquiam that took out 7 homes (more being condemned all the time) and over $800,000 in work just to restore 1 road to ‘passable’. UGH. It happens all the time in communities around the country, I know. And we had no loss of life (one of our local officers crawled into a home that slid down the hillside and rescued an 80 yr old woman and her golden lab-at 4:30 in the morning). We are lucky in many many ways.
If you look up the Daily World (newspaper) or KOMO or KIRO news you may be able to see… KIRO lost one of their vans to the flood (sort of an LOL). Hoquiam lost 2 police vehicles. Just hard to recover from it when resources are so strapped to start.
Back yard is flooded. No idea what is to come but the winds are up. It is nearly 60 degrees though–at least we are not freezing. I know many around the country are dealing with so many issues… I feel bad for being as scared as I am.
Thanks. 🙂
Barb
Your backyard is still flooded? Well, you say “the winds are up.” Wind can be a good thing, maybe will help dry things out.
Don’t feel bad for being scared. Your feelings are understandable. I hope you can distract yourself from becoming too nervous about the future. I’m praying for you and your neighbors, Barb.
Oh sorry… no. The yard has flooded again due to this current storm. We were pretty good for about 3 weeks… but of course the ground is saturated. I have heard of one tree down over a road… I have a feeling it could be an interesting weekend 🙂 Thanks my dear Sue for your understanding in my fears… Appreciated more than you know!
Time to hit The Google to find out the current locations of your bank. Such an aggravation… hope the next place has an RV service place nearby to look at the fridge.
I googled before leaving camp. I can’t remember what “locator” I used. Obviously out-of-date info. From now on I’ll go to my bank’s website.
My Born Free had a fridge with a separate freezer, which was good for all freezing functions. My Tiger’s fridge has a very small freezing compartment and, while it keeps meats and almost everything else solidly frozen, it will not keep ice cream firm. It’s been a tough adjustment for me to give up my daily ice cream. 🙁
That would be tough. There are times when one has to have ice cream!
I wouldn’t worry about “packing the freezer full of unfrozen stuff”. It’s either a freezer or it’s not and if it IS one, then it should be able to freeze stuff. The catch is that it will just take longer. I put unfrozen stuff in our freezer all the time although I usually don’t start with it empty and load it up with unfrozen stuff. The owner’s manual does say not to put hot stuff in the fridge part. So I usually make a pitcher of brewed tea (the instant stuff isn’t tea) in the evening, let it cool down to room temperature and then put it in the fridge overnight. The key is that the fridge is an appliance that facilitates the life you choose to live. It’s worth the cost should you have to replace it a bit earlier if it enables you to live the life you choose. But it would probably be worth the cost to have someone clean the burner but get referrals from other folks. Don’t just choose an RV place at random if possible.
Okay. Good advice, Reine. I probably should have the service done in Yuma but I’m not up to maneuvering through that town again and with the BLT.
You make sense, as usual. I do load up the freezer when it’s empty with unfrozen meat. And I do mean LOAD.
The way you say “It’s worth the cost should you have to replace it a bit earlier”… That’s the way I feel about my AGM batteries. If they don’t go up to full charge every day and subsequently they don’t last as long, well, I’ll accept that. I’ve had them for 3 years now and they’re still doing great!
Oh, Sue,
You sound lonely. All of us blogorinos are there with you every minute.
You have given us such beautiful photos of your desert. Thank you. I will never experience what you were able to capture. Like pictures of heaven.
You assure us that you will frankly describe your unique life. Thank you for your honest depictions. The life you’ve chosen is as difficult as any one else’s. You do us all an invaluable service.
God speed Sue and true crew, Bridget.
Thank you, Diann, for that sincere message to me. I’m saddened by your statement that you “will never experience what you were able to capture.” I wish I could fix that for you. It doesn’t seem right that you cannot have what you yearn for.
I sound lonely? I’m disappointed that finding our new crew member isn’t as easy as I thought it would be, but I’m not lonely. I’ve never been lonely. Those neurons don’t fire in my brain. 🙂
I intended to write a little bit about the book I’m reading now and then it didn’t seem to fit. Maybe I should have, because it makes me laugh out loud. I’ll write about it in a future post.
Maybe my tiredness came through … All is well. You have a good night.
I have been reading for a few weeks (ever since you made the “top 10 vandwelling bloggers” list. My heart hurts to hear of you hunting so hard for a crew member, best wishes there.
But I decided to post a note after I nearly spit my coffee laughing….over “frozen, frozen…” English is a hoot….
PJ
Hi, PJ,
Good to hear from you again (or are you another PJ?). I didn’t know anything about that list. I don’t even dwell in a van… I should be disqualified! Ha!
No, I am probably another PJ..I play the fiddle??. I will find the article and post it here if you want. (on a mission now…)
PJ
When you come back… um… Don’t know how to ask this without being blunt… Are you male or female?
I’m sorry. I’m female. A little shy on the internet, but I know its not like a million people read RV blogs.
Pam
🙂
Hi again Sue,
I had to go over to the Vandwellers facebook page and ask for someone to remind me where to find the article, but here it is.
http://travelingtroy.com/2014/top-10-most-inspiring-van-dwellers-2014
I got your blog from the list. I appreciate being able to follow the adventures of other people until such time as I can stop living vicariously and do it myself. I really appreciate how transparent you are in talking about the financial side of your adventures. the biggest stumbling block is trying to decide how much savings is enough to take the leap 🙂
(I hope I have set aside any worries that I am a poser!!!)
Pamela J (hence, PJ) in NM
I appreciate the link, Pam. Thank you.
I’m working on my financials, bit by bit, and hope to have them current soon and in a better format! It’s good to know someone is helped by my sharing that info. Best wishes as you plan for your future.
Sue I think you may have said you have Blue Cross/anthem to back up your Medicare health insurance. If you have not seen news, you need to know they had a major breech of their systems and names, addresses, email address, SSN, etc if 80,000,000 members have been stolen. Go to their Anthem site to read. They advise changing email passwords and placing fraud alert via the credit agencies immediately and then wait for a letter from them (difficult for full time RV’ers). Signs per news tonight they say point to Chinese hackers.
Hi, Velda,
Thank you for thinking of me! When I opened up all the mail that was forwarded to me, I realized that I had changed back to United Healthcare last year. (I’m not kidding when I say I repress anything having to do with insurance.)
Boy, I’m glad I switched! What a mess for everyone. . . .
Be aware that even if you switched to another carrier, the hackers even stole old information so you may still be at risk. Best to put alerts in place with the credit reporting agencies.
Yep, I agree there! And a tip I heard a while back that is still valid: there are 3 main credit agencies, and each must give you 1 free credit report per year. If you go to one every 4 months and check your report, you will cover the year free. Hubby went tonight to one and put a fraud alert on his account. Tomorrow I’m going to one of the others (since our reports should basically mirror each other with all joint accounts) and print my report there and put fraud alert in place. Fraud alerts are free and last 90 days. When you place a fraud alert at one of the 3 agencies, they notify the other 2 agencies so you are covered. Tonight they said on news, basically anyone whose
info was part of this will be at risk for identity theft for decades to come. DECADES!!!!!
On the other hand….
The major cards, like Visa, are really good at detecting fraud. My card has been compromised 4 times in the last ten years and EVERY time Visa called me within 24 hours to say ‘did you use your card yesterday in Decatur Georgia?’ No, never been there. Each time they cleared any fraudulent charges and sent me a new card.
In my opinion the best things you can do are
1. Have your card with a major carrier like Visa. Visa is the best at this by the way.
2. Use prepay cards linked to your credit or debit. If you download small amounts to your prepaid card and use it for all online transactions, restaurants, etc you greatly minimize the chance of your actual card being compromised. The only money ever in jeopardy is the small amount you have downloaded to your prepaid card.
Oh, Yuck and Double Yuck! I hate having to fool with this stuff!
I hate fridge problems! A freezer just freezes, that’s what it does. If the food is already frozen there is just not much heat to take away, I wouldn’t worry about that. I’ll bet it’s an electronic problem….
Someone mentioned the snowbird traffic in Yuma, I haven’t thought of snowbird traffic since we left Rockport last spring. I don’t miss it!
Good luck with your hunt for another pup, I’m sure he’s out there waiting for you to find him.
Thanks for sending good luck, Rob.
If the fridge had electronic problems, wouldn’t that be apparent on the electronic display board?
The freezer is cold so the machine is not ‘broken’ but the refrigerator is not as cold as it should be.
(I bought one of those indoor/outdoor electronic thermometers to keep an eye on it when I was having problems.)
My guess is the thermostat in the fridge is having troubles.
Thanks, Rob.
My hubby (read him what Sue has said) says because it was uneven cooling with no frost and all Sue has done, he is betting on either low ammonia or a bubble or blockage in a line which circulates ammonia. We shall see, or at least Sue will ( while we virtually watch over her shoulder ), LOL
I am going to be so well informed when I take this baby in for fridge service! I appreciate this additional bit of info!
You should stay at least one more day in Yuma. They have a great consolidation of RV Repair places. If you don’t want to stay, try Quartzsite. It may have died down there but they still have good repair facilities.
Hi, Dave,
Oh, now I’m doubting my decision to leave. I’ll see what I can find online about what’s available up the road . . .
Great to see you here!
This is true….RVers go out of their way to get to the good RV repair, or update places down there.
You don’t wanna get stuck with like Camping World, or somebody like that.
Good point, Cindy.
Sue Google says there are something like 29 banks in Yuma (3 Wells Fargo alone). As to driving in strange towns, I LOVE my GPS! I would look up a RV repair place while you are still in the Yuma area as you will have more choice than a smaller town. One time in Las Vegas I heard a woman blackjack dealer tell a man who walked up to her table (which had no players) and say in a friendly way “you look lonely”, she gave him an icy stare and replied “I am alone but not lonely!”
Hi, Jim,
Maybe the proliferation of banks in Yuma is why my bank pulled out. As for RV service places… I’m vacillating on whether to stay here or move camp.
About the “you look lonely” story…. I remember when I was a young woman . . . On occasion I would walk into a bar and order a cold beer on a hot day. All I wanted to do is sit in a dark, cool place with my glass of beer. Couldn’t do it. Every time some man would think I was lonely and I’d be interrupted. A man can sit by himself and that’s okay. A woman is “looking.” It really irritated me. I guess I’ve always chafed against restrictions.
On the other hand, I’m blessed that loneliness is something I don’t experience. It seems to be a condition that makes people miserable and prone to making bad decisions.
Fingers are crossed that California is the place for the new crew member. That golden hour photo is really good, the dark cloudy sky and the golden light on trees and mountain really works well together. Also hoping the fridge problem is an easy fix.
Hi, Lisa,
That golden hour photo with the tree lit up is strange. The colors don’t look real. I’m not sure I like it or not. I’m glad you and others do!
I may open my mind to other possibilities than a rat terrier for a new crew member. I have to be careful not to subconsciously look to replace the Spikester, because — as I’m sure anyone would agree — that guy can never be replaced. Surely I’ll find the right one in CA!
Sue, I’m sure you have heard a ton of responses concerning your fridge. I am a member of several RV groups & clubs…someone posted in one of them the same problem you are having with yours. The responses overwhelmingly were saying: that a tube runs from freezer to lower part of fridge, this sometimes collects ice in it and results in blockage causing lower part to not be as cold while freezer is fine. One cause is unlevel parking or change in weather etc. If the blockage is thawed the fridge may work just fine after. Just passing along the majority answer from another RV club posting. Hope this helps.
Concerning your new to be Crew member, you will find the right one in time. I just know it and we will all rejoice when you do.
Love seeing the light in your pictures! Take Care Sue & Bridget
Thanks, Diane, for passing along that tip. I’ll check the line between the freezer and the fridge.
I don’t understand what “tube” from the freezer to the refrigerator the majority answer from another RV club posting might be talking about. The freezer and the refrigerator are cooled by ammonia flowing through ‘tubes’ around the freezer and the refrigerator compartments. Ammonia freezes is about -80 degrees C; that would be one VERY cold freezer/refrigerator.
An unlevel condition can cause a problem but you have addressed that.
The only tube I find is the one connecting to the thermistor.
California here we come.
Sure not where we started from.
Our puppy………he’s out there………we know that is.
Don’t worry………we’re comin’……….it’s Sue and the Bridge.
A cute little Rattie said don’t be late.
That’s why we can hardly wait.
So open up those Golden Gates.
California here we come.
🙂
Love it!!
Wonderful!
I’m singing your song! Cute!
Hi, Sue,
Another reader here wanting to chime in with more thoughts regarding your too warm fridge. So if your freezer section IS freezing, then most likely the burner is working correctly. You would have noticed black soot in the back (outside) area if the burner was out of adjustment or an insect built a web/nest in the orifice. Or you may have smelled propane that didn’t get ignited. Have you been using a lot more propane lately? You mentioned that the fridge section door gasket was loose or hanging off. And you have been loading both parts of the units up with un-pre-chilled food. Also, you are now in an area that has a higher temperature. It sounds like your unit is getting overwhelmed. Refrigerators don’t add cold; they take away heat. Most RV units are ammonia absorption systems. The ammonia is heated to change it’s state. AC, or house refridges, have compressors that pump refrigerant (Freon) to change to change it’s state. Those are in essence, more powerful, efficient and faster getting rid of heat. SO… if you cram it full of warm food and the door gasket is letting 80* plus air in, it probably is trying to do it’s best and taking a long time. The gasket should be an easy fix unless it is torn. If you plan to stock up with unfrozen items, ask the store if they, or someone nearby, sells dry ice. Get just a small piece. It should come wrapped in heavy paper. It should only cost a few dollars. Put it in the freezer section. Cold air falls. That will compensate for the added heat and evaporate away in a day or two. When you travel with the BLT, do you shut off your propane at the tanks? If so, this down time is probably why you don’t have much or any ice on the evaporator fins. And that the desert is arid. You may have helped it ‘get well’ when you repositioned the sensor for the thermostat. Here is where you could use a thermometer so you can monitor if things are going ok. Allowing space between items for better air flow is also advantageous. If it doesn’t maintain lower temps now that you’ve reduced it’s load and made adjustments, you may want to get it to a ‘doctor’. Or just slap it one good one. I may be way off here. Just took a SWAG. Your mileage may vary.
Lots of important information and good advice! I recently rearranged almost everything inside the BLT. I emptied all the cabinets of stuff that had accumulated since August of 2011. Now I’m having a devil of a time trying to find my refrigerator thermometer! I’m not sure, but I think the fridge is rising from the dead. I should call it Lazarus if it does!
Interesting idea about dry ice….
It is interesting what just the right angle of the sun can do to a scene, huh? I have a small mountain within walking distance of my backyard. In winter, if I can get out there juuuust at the right moment in the evening, the setting sun turns the whole thing the most amazing rose color. But who would believe that I didn’t color enhance it? Well, anyone who knows me would, I suppose….since they’d know I wouldn’t have a clue as to how! 😉 Have fun scoping out your new camp. Love from VA!
I appreciate the love, MB! Rose-colored snow… We do live in a world of wonders.
Gee,it sounds as if Yuma’s best offering was a mall’s parking lot- to walk Bridget into a shady spot or two after a sandwich eaten in the PTV.While it’s always nice to hear that you manage to give her what she needs,you can and do accomplish that for her anywhere.Returning to that city wouldn’t be something I’d be inclined to do either.
Especially as you feel that your campsite is losing it’s appeal by virtue of other people camping in the area.It seems almost like the circumstance prevents your being able to go on enjoying the world outside the BLT’s door in the ways you prefer to, and the closest community is difficult to navigate and offers nothing you want or really immediately need .I’m glad that you had chosen that camp when you did though,seen and felt it’s beauty and shared it with us-the golden hour photo is simply gorgeous.
Hope the milk stayed cold enough for you to put in your coffee 🙂 Before I began drinking mine black,at times I used the powdered milk or cream substitutes in a pinch rather than chance bad dairy or the ridiculous idea of not having any at all.Wonderful to have the truly important things everyday-morning Light’s renewal, warm things on us and in our cup,fresh starts,lil’doggie hugs…
Hi, weather,
Yes, the milk is cold! I’m very hopeful! I’m hopeful that the situation is resolved and it’s simply taking a long time to lower the temperature due to the warm days and nights we are having.
This camp is still a good one. Everyone who has moved in here has their rig’s door facing another wash, which means the back sides of our rigs face each other. I’m not aware of them most of the time… Only when the women come out, squealing over a pretty rock found or yakking loudly when taking a walk. The rigs are far enough away that the generators are barely heard from here.
However, I see a familiar phenomenon in its early stage. It’s like I’ve developed an intuition about these things. Once a few big rigs gather, even when the dispersed camping area is huge, a cluster mentality takes over. Unless the folks already here leave, others will be drawn in. It’s only a matter of time.
I had Cremora in my coffee yesterday morning which gave me the ambition to drive into Yuma for milk! 🙂 I reread your comment — As always, you understand me. Doggie hugs and canary kisses!
Ha!Love the expression “cluster mentality”!How like you to come up with that,thanks for the laugh and your last two sentences,well,really-your whole reply 😉
Today’s plan includes lunch with my grandson in the city somewhere,because that’s where the university is.As a second year student that lives in a dorm he doesn’t have wheels so it’ll turn out to be a large part of my day given the long drive both ways.Just wanted to say Hi,Sue as I begin to get ready,and tell you that I hope your day includes simply having fun!
Have a lovely day with your grandson, weather!
Thanks for the lovely day wish,that’s how I intend to let my own other life issues be best resolved 🙂 I’ve realized again that fun is part of the message we were both meant to carry .Putting that in a day defeats cloud shadows 😉
Out the door in a few minutes,woo-hoo!
I always enjoy give un-working machines a good swift kick, it sometimes works!! Just kidding of course you may break a toe trying to kick a fridge–but you could stop just short of impact it would make you feel empowered! The awesomeness of saying “I’m outta here,” comes through loud and clear…I get that feeling at least twice a day..lol BUT I’m still here!! Doesn’t mean I haven’t said and done it though..and am fully capable of doing it again. Gotta insert this story:
Every day on the way to work I drove past this dilapidated mobile home last in line in a down on your luck trailer park. The voice in my head always said “that could be me if hard times were to fall my way,” and I felt bad for the little dilapidated trailer dweller stuck there among all the debris and barking dogs on chains, a sad place to be. One day I was zooming my way to work harried and late, got to the spot where the little trailer had sat for years, IT WAS GONE!! The only thing that remained was the steps that led up into it and the overgrown grass outline where it had been….that’s when I realized, The joke, my friend, was on ME for assuming I had it better…boy that was a good lesson for me!!
Interesting observation, Sondra… about the trailer. The lesson you learned from it is valid. I would have received a different message from seeing the trailer gone. I would’ve thought the person living in that same spot in the trailer park had passed away. Maybe he/she had no choice but to live out his/her last years in that place. Lots of folks are in that situation. How fortunate are those of us who can move to a better place and are willing and able to make the changes that lead to a better life.
We’ve been to Yuma 3 times since we arrived in Q…yeah. We love Fry’s, Tacos Mi Ranchito, cheap diesel, the fruit & veg stands along 95 coming into town & parking lots with shade (for Ari). We un-love the traffic. It very nearly cancels out the loves. Sorry your bank left town. Hope you find a soothing spot to land with a top-notch RV repair shop in town.
Hi, Dawn,
Thank you. Yuma does have a lot to offer. . . . which is why a billion people are here!
Gee Sue, looking to move to a place that is warmer still?
Good luck with the frig.
Thanks, Bob. I want warmth! This is my time to enjoy summertime. In the summer I have spring in the mountains with an occasional winter day thrown in. It’s confusing. 😉
Isn’t the “green desert” delightful? I’m happy you chose to camp there. Plenty of wildlife and birds for your camera!
We had wasps build mud nests in our burner.Watched the guy clean it and see that they really clog up.Also had chewed hickory nuts from chipmunks in there…and some chewed beer bottle labels (that’s on me)
Ha! You silly boy!
Good Morning Sue, well the saga continues, refridgerator, dog hunting, traffic…whew…need I say traffic again…I hate that you have to deal with that part of it. I am still here in So. Cal if you need any help navigating through the mess of traffic…or an extra hand getting to and from a Shelter….I do not envy your vision quest but myself and others are always available to assist if needed…Enjoy your coffee and your traffic free vistas for as long as possible…safe travels out and about….I will be thinking of you this weekend as you deal with all things good and bad. I myself will be picking my daughter up from the airport this Saturday, yipee..she moved to Boise last Thanksgiving and I have missed her dearly….just a short visit, taking her back to the airport on Tuesday. The visit will be short, but very sweet. I hope your visit to California will be the same! (raising my coffee mug).
Hi, Shirlene and good morning!
I’m happy for you…. Your daughter is coming for a visit! I wish you much “sweetness” together. 🙂
Thanks again for offering to help with The Search. At this point my strategy is to move within range of a few animal shelters and visit them often. If that doesn’t work, I’ll turn to the rescue organizations. I’m going to focus on county shelters first to avoid “you don’t have a back yard?” and other scrutiny that makes for a drawn-out process.
I’d say “Have a great weekend” but I know you will anyway!
Ya know I work within 2 blocks of the Orange County Animal Shelter, but I never go there, I just cannot take myself to go there and leave without taking all the dogs….but I belive that they do have online pictures…if there is one there I can run over and put it on hold..just saying..good luck, sounds like a good plan…
That’s very thoughtful of you, Shirlene. I’ll keep that in mind!
Morning desert women!
Hoping today will bring you sun, smiles, no new “incidents” and a new backyard!
Hey for adoption purposes…you do have a “backyard”….does a cattle guard constitute a fence?
Just fixed the best sammich compliments of trader joes. Melted Havarti cheese, CA avacados and alfalfa sprouts on a pita!
Happy Friday to those who haven’t made it to “this side”of the fence! Every day is one step closer!
And to those who are on “this side” of the fence…Are we in Feb? 😉
Good morning! Are you in California?
Gosh, that sandwich. . . oh my.
Nope snowy NY…..
Went shopping at trader joes….they had CA avacados!!!!!!
Top of the morning to you. Sandwich needs a sausage or ham.
Yeah, we got a little el nino going and it is pushing warm air up the coast and into the SW. Here in GJ it is supposed to be in the 60’s all week.
Sue, glad to hear your frig is on the mend. They are almost useless creatures and like attention. You have to do maintenance on them or they bite you.
Oh no! No meat in this puppy! This was a veggie pita.
I’ll put sausage or ham in yours! 🙂
I wish I could eat Cindy’s sandwich. Woke up surprisingly nausea free but had to drink protein drink…here it comes. Due at work at noon so almost time to go. Yuck I wish I would get past this!
No traveling for me for a few weeks. Working every weekend. Guess I’ll have to ask to get two days off in a row. I want to go to Algodones for glasses and visit Big Q.
For now….back to the bathroom. Have a nice day all.
Glad to hear the nausea is gone….
Might it be the temperature of the protein drink that is upsetting your stomach.
Sounds gross but maybe a room temperature drink won’t be so shocking to your already tender stomach.
They do have anti nausea suppositories……..less trauma to your tummy…Ya know!
Good morning, Ginger. I’m wishing you a very good day!
Just a thought: I recently sold a small freezer to a guy in an RV and he was thrilled. It was 2x2x2 in size but held a LOT. I think they are popular with the Rv folks. Realizing of course space is at a premium. Like I say, a thought. I got it at walmart cheap floor model.
PS: I LOVE your blog and don’t miss a minute of it.
Thanks, D. It’s not at the point of replacement….
Glad you love my blog!
Hi Sue,
Did you see Martin at Rock star Rescue in Phoenix? I know you don’t want to go there but he might be worth it!
We’ve made our way down California and we’re now in the desert near Yucca Valley, Ca. Its a Joshua Tree National Park CG so we have the senior rate. Beautiful place, lovely weather. You and Bridget have a wonderful day.
Hi, Marilu,
Have fun at Joshua Tree. We stayed in Belle Campground which is one of the smaller ones. It was nice there.
Yes, I’ve seen that rescue. Thanks.
I can’t wait for news that you found the right pup/dog for you and Bridge. And what a lucky fellow he will be (I’m assuming you want a male of course). Three’s a charm :).
Yes, three is a charm. We are missing one of our sails.
The internet is good at keeping outdated information around for a long time.
Give the Bridge a hug and a kiss for me. Easy homework!
You’re right about the internet, Linda. I should’ve been more careful. I didn’t think a big national bank would disappear like that.
Homework done! 🙂
Our fridge freezes stuff we put in the ice compartment. But Mrs Rattlesnake makes sure to keep the ice build up to a bare minimum. Our Little House is a 2005 model and we have had no problem with the fridge at all. I do try and keep the fridge air vents clean and in the shade by putting up the awning. I also put screens on the inside of the air vent doors to keep the insects out. For some reason the smell attracts bees and wasps. You might want to check that you don’t have a wasp nest in your air vents or inside the back of the fridge. We use electricity when at an RV park so maybe that makes all the difference.
Hi, Joe,
I’m in the habit of parking so the refrigerator side is in the shade. I’ve cleaned the vents. Screens are a good idea.
Sue, my friend wrote this evening that they are headed tomorrow to Casa Grande. No idea if that is way too far from you…but noticed that the city has as part of their site, a subsite called Adopt a Pet….
Thanks, Elizabeth. I’ve seen it. I appreciate you wanting to help.
GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY!
Many of you have made suggestions where to look or go for a new crew member. The delay in finding him is due to other life issues, not because I don’t know where to look. I’ve looked at all the county facilities and humane societies in a 500+ mile radius of Phoenix, across three states. I’m extending that through California. I’ve been familiar with Petfinder since it’s beginnings many years ago, also Petango, Petstew, Adopt-a-Pet, etc.. I also frequent the rat terrier rescues, Jack Russell rescues, other breed rescues, as well as the general state rescues, local rescues, and little in-home rescues. I don’t do Craigslist.
Thank you! He will be found!
My bet is that he will come to you out of the blue in some unexpected way. He is looking for you.
My neighbor lugged the mattress box inside and offered to help me wrestle it onto the bed, and get rid of the existing one. She’s very nice. Unfortunately I don’t have a day off till next Wednesday. I can’t sleep in my current bed. Mattress too firm. I sleep in recliner. So I’m hoping this new latex foam will work better. Mainly because I miss sleeping with Chloe. She won’t sleep in the recliner.
Well our beautiful AZ weather has returned. Sunny and warm. In the 70s and low 80s. I am enjoying it so much. And, knock on wood, this is the first winter in years (5?) that I haven’t had pneumonia. Yippee!
I don’t have 2 days together off for weeks and weeks. I can actually go to Algodones in just one day….leave very early. But I’d rather have 2 days so I can also visit Quartzsite. Oh well.
All in all I think things are looking up. I hope to get off the oxygen soon, I think the nausea is improving slightly. I’m earning money…a little. Weather is nice. Hmmmmm…yeah. Getting better and better, inch by inch.
Glad you have your mattress inside and that you are feeling better!
I haven’t read all the responses about your fridge but my twenty cents (two adjusted for inflation) worth is that your jet is partially clogged. Un bolt the jet with a 10 millimeter wrench. Drop it in a cup of alcohol for an hour. Blow the extra alcohol off and replace. Light the fridge and flame should be pure blue. If not, then repeat process. RV Places usually want to replace the jet (or tell you they did) to make more money. Propane has oil in it so over time it gathers on the ruby inside the jet. Running your tank down to empty can hasten this. Your fridge manual will have a diagram showing where the jet is but I can tell you if you follow the trail back from the flame, it is right next to the valve assembly. You will be able to easily slip a 10 mm box wrench on it and unscrew it. This will only take a couple minutes and save you $75.00. Sorry if someone already posted this and hopefully better than me.
Like I have a 10 mm box wrench lying around here somewhere. …
I’ll use the info you’ve given me to make sure the service people do the job right. I can’t be bothered with shopping for a wrench in a store several miles away, etc. Thanks, Stan. The fridge needs a tune-up/cleaning anyway.