Monday, December 29
I awake with no intention of moving today. Bridget and I go for a walk.
We return to our campsite at Roosevelt Lake and laze about.
I surf the web and reply to comments on this blog. Mid-morning I learn that a blast of arctic cold air is expected to move across the West. Tonto National Forest will be hit with cold and rain, maybe snow, by Wednesday.
Hmm . . . maybe we oughta’ move out of here . . .
Breaking my rule of moving camp early in the day . . .
It’s afternoon by the time Bridget and I motor toward Globe on Route 188. While in town I stop at Tractor Supply to pick up a bag of Hill’s Science Diet for Bridget ($32 as opposed to the $64 paid at the vet’s office in Pinedale, Wyoming). Bridget has a potty break at the edge of the parking lot and then we’re off to the Shell station for a fill-up.
For those of you who like to follow along with your map . . .
From there we take Route 60 past Oak Flat, go through Superior and journey on to Florence Junction. It’s a relief to be out of the mountains and into the valley — that stretch between Globe and Superior is pressured driving.
We head south and make a series of right angle turns following Route 287. Then it’s stop-and-go through a series of red lights as we move through Casa Grande to pick up Interstate 8. We go west to Gila Bend.
Bridget sleeps most of the way.
About ten miles beyond Gila Bend, I pull off the interstate at Exit 102. We come up to the back end of a Scamp travel trailer parked at the stop sign at the bottom of the ramp. I wait behind it for a few minutes and it doesn’t move.
Gee, maybe something’s wrong . . . .
I jump out of the Perfect Tow Vehicle to check on the driver.
An elderly gentleman sitting behind the steering wheel rolls down his window. A lady sits in the passenger seat. Both of them hold mostly-eaten sandwiches.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
They smile.
“Oh, we’re fine!” the man replies. “We stopped for a bite to eat.”
I go back to the PTV, planning to drive around them. Before I do, the Scamp moves, crosses the road, and zips up the on-ramp.
Well, that was weird, having a little picnic on the off-ramp of the interstate. . .
Our destination is Painted Rock Campground and Petroglyph Site.
By this time shadows are long and dark across the road. It’s another eleven miles to the campground.
I’m familiar with the campground, having stayed overnight here a couple years ago when traveling to Ajo with friends, Bill and Ann. It’s a no-services, BLM campground ($8 regular/$4 with senior pass).
I drive the gravel road through the campground, looking to choose a site.
Up ahead the road widens. All of a sudden a head pops up out of the road like a jack-in-the-box!
“What was THAT?”
I pull up closer and park next to a hole in the ground. I’m ready with my camera when a face appears.
Quickly the face disappears.
I put the lens cap back on the camera, and set the camera aside. As I’m about to move the PTV forward, out jumps the critter! He runs for the cover of creosote bushes along a wash.
Darn! Missed that shot! I note that his tail has a black tip. Gosh, I love the desert!
I back the PTV into a campsite.
The sun is setting. I get out to check how close the BLT is to being level. I’m not happy with the site — the PTV is on a slope. It will be dark soon. We’re only going to stay one night anyway. This will do fine.
I throw down a block of wood to bring up one side and move the BLT onto it. I get out again to check the level. The block of wood is too thick. I pull out some plastic level blocks that aren’t as thick, set them down, get back in the PTV, and . . . .
Let’s pause here, shall we?
Why do I have a personal rule to move camp early in the day and to arrive at the next camp before mid-afternoon? I’ll tell you why. Because, dear reader, if one drags into a new camp at sundown, something bad is bound to happen. I haven’t conducted a scientific study on this. I don’t need to and neither do you. You can trust me on this.
Okay, where were we? I climb back into the driver’s seat to move the Best Little Trailer forward onto the plastic blocks.
Uh-oh.
I cannot move out of parking gear! The shifter will not budge! Bridget hops around, whining and fussing to get out. (Bridget has an uncanny ability to choose the worst times to throw a fit.)
I stare straight ahead as I arrive at a full realization of our predicament.
Now what am I going to do? Here we are in the outer reaches of The Middle of Nowhere and I can’t get out of park . . . . Maybe the transmission fluid has run out . . . . Maybe the transmission is shot and . . . . No! I’m not going to think of that! I could call Good Sam Roadside Assistance. And be towed back to Gila Bend. Ugh!
“Okay, okay, Bridge! You can get out now.”
She needs exercise before it’s too dark. I put her squirmy body in her black suit, grab the leash, and we walk around the campground.
I’ll check the transmission fluid level in the morning when I can see what I’m doing. No sense fussing with it today. No sense hurrying for a tow either. We can stay here for days, if need be.
I ask a guy with a travel trailer if he has any transmission fluid.
No, he doesn’t.
I ask a guy in a big Class A with two slides if he has any transmission fluid.
“I’m in the van over there and I can’t get it to move out of park,” I explain.
“Have you checked the fluid?” he asks.
I tell him I haven’t because it’s too dark.
“I’ll come over in the morning and take a look at it,” he says. Then he adds, “I’m not a bad mechanic.”
“Oh, thank you! That would be great!
I tell him my name is Sue. His name is Bill.
“See you in the morning, Bill!”
I finish setting up camp, set down a dish of kibble for Bridget, and fix myself a bowl of oatmeal. Well, we’ll see what tomorrow will bring.
To be continued . . . .
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate you going to Amazon from my blog.
I love your stories of moving. I can relate so well.
That’s great, lindale!
I really hope it is just the transmission fluid or something else real simple. I wanted to be first before I read the whole story but I do love the bad as well as the good. It just feels so real and like you are sharing it all with your friends, the problems as well as the joys.
That’s a nice way to put it. I am sharing “it all” with my friends. 🙂
ohhh no !!! I hope all is well !!
Stay tuned, Colleen!
Do my eyes deceive me? Am I first?
Missed it by a minute, Ed!
No…but 3rd ain’t bad.
Good luck with “Park”. My gut is telling me it”s linkage related. Particularly if the trans had been operating fine up til then. If you were low on fluid, I think you would have noticed slipping of the transmission from gear to gear.
Congratulations on being third!!
Good guess… I’m not tellin’ until the next post. 🙂
Oh, great! Another pro lemme with the PTV. Sometimes shaking the gear shift helps. I hope you see more of the Fox. Waiting for the next chapter of this story.
Hi, Marilu…
I’ve decided to be a meanie and not tell what happens next. It’s quite a surprise!
I hope this is the kind of story that’s really funny a week or two later.
Well, Calvin, one thing is sure… It ain’t funny when it’s happening!
oh no! A cliff hanger!
I am so,glad to hear you moved, hopefully to a warmer spot.
I just came in from chores…wow, wind is howling and it is mucho frio!
Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story..somehow that oatmeal dinner sounded good..cozy comfort food!
Hi, Lee J.
It’s been sunny and warm all day here. Yeah, oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar… Got trouble? Eat!
OOOooo!!! I’m holding my breath here….Hope all is A1 & OK – and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR……wishing you many more exciting travel expeditions in 2015…..lesalp.blogspot.com.au
The same to you, Leslie!
BTW, you don’t need to type your blog’s address. Your name is a link to your blog.
Ah!!! thanks for the tip – still learning here….LOL cheers….
Oh no!!!! Have to wait until tomorrow….
Tina
Have some warm milk and cookies before bed and sleep well, Tina… 🙂
Hi, Sue. Since you liked the Gabaldon books, I thought you might like the novels of Barbara Erskine. Same “feel”. http://www.barbara-erskine.co.uk/novels/ Happy new year!
Thank you, laharries. I’ve been looking for another good novelist. I’ll see what her books cost as ebooks on kindle. Happy New Year to you, too!
LATER… Darn! Her books are only in paperback and hardcover.
I get lots of ebooks from the library. I got turned on to Free Library of Philadelphia…you can get a card even if you don’t live there. I’m getting all of my audio and ebooks from there now…except for the unknown authors that offer their books free on Amazon.
Can you apply for a card online?
Yes, you can apply for a card online. That’s how I did it. I live in Northern CA not anywhere near Philadelphia.
Found this listing at Amazon Kindle store and includes Erskine and Susqnna Kearsley, a Canadian like me, whom I have read and enjoyed. The list has other historical fiction suggestion. Maybe something here you can get? Cheers http://www.barbara-erskine.co.uk/novels/
Oops http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Barbara+erskine
OK, no offense intended but you did remember to press the brake pedal before trying to move the shift lever? 🙂
Uh, yeah, Jim …. I don’t think I could keep my foot OFF the brake pedal when shifting, after 51 years of driving. And I still have to put my foot on the brake when down-shifting to 2nd gear on hills… a habit from learning on a stick shift.
OH NO! Oh No! Gosh… now I am going to worry about you all night long!
Ok. You are safe. There are others there, stop the panic. Dang girl! 🙂
Good luck and let us know an update! Geezz and tomorrow is going into the holiday!
AGH!
Hugs from a very crisp Hoquiam…
Barb
Hi, Barb,
Why is it that I seem to have vehicle problems around holidays? The PTV’s door was held up because of Thanksgiving.
Not to worry… I’m here typing on my laptop… Things have a way of working out.
I’m glad you got to a warmer spot for the night. I hope the fluid does the job and you can coast into the New Year!
Hi, Bonnie,
Bridget and I enjoyed the sunshine today. I ate lunch at the picnic table. The sun felt so good on my back! Thanks for the wish… although I’d rather drive into the new year and not have to coast! Haha!
Have someone give it a little push and it will pop out of gear. You will be fine in no time. Love your blog. I know about getting to camp late in the day. There are always problems, probably because I am tired and get in a hurry.
Hi, Doug,
That’s right. Arrive late, you’re tired, you’re hungry, you want to get set up before dark… Not a good situation. I like to leave camp around 9 a.m. and arrive around noon. Short hops from camp to camp. That’s the best way!
Thanks for the advice.
Stress and vehicles don’t work well together. We expect them to run 100% perfectly and get upset when they don’t. I hope it’s something minor.
Kay from KC
Hi, Kay,
“Stress and vehicles”… a bad combo. The drive from Roosevelt Lake to Painted Rock isn’t terribly long. I found it to be tiring, though. Coming down out of the mountains, road curving for miles, and then stoplights, one after another… Again, a late start. If we’d left in the morning, I wouldn’t have felt any stress at all.
Oh, ya got us all worried! But, I am sure you will get out of this fix! It’s what you do best Sue!
Will be waiting to see what happens! Many prayers your way…and rainbows too!
Thanks, Maura. This little episode in our vagabond journey has a surprising twist to it. 🙂
What a cute little feller!
Cliff hanger eh? I’m going to turn blue holding my breath!
Okay just another item you must have next to the extra fuses in the PTV.
Did this happen because the PTV rolled backwards a bit BECAUSE you didn’t set the parking brake before you place it in park? There is a fix…and it won’t cost you a thing. Don’t know if you already tried this…ready?
Step on the brake and insert key in ignition…..turn one click up (toward the dash) but not to the point of starting the engine…and shift into neutral! Once it’s in neutral the PTV should start…don’t get excited just yet…once it starts…shift to drive! Now you can let out that Whhhhhhhoooooeeeeeeeee!
I grew up in SF…SF has hills and if one parked the car but didn’t set the parking brakes BEFORE shifting into P…the car would roll backward or forward and the shifter would get stuck!
Very interesting, Cinandjules. Hmm…. I’ll keep that in mind. (No, I’m not telling!)
People who live in the flatlands don’t normally set their parking brakes EVER!!!! Not directed at you personally so don’t take offense.
The emergency or Parking brakes hold the vehicle from moving…if you don’t set them…then your transmission holds the vehicle….NOT GOOD!
In SF we used to use the P brake on a hill (manual transmission) waiting at a stop light or stop sign so you wouldn’t burn out the clutch or roll backward and hit the car behind you!
I admit it! I used a parking brake when I lived in New York state. Since then… in Florida and Georgia… I stopped using it.
No longer a flatlander, I use the parking brake a lot and, after reading your comment, I plan to use it a lot more. Thanks for the explanation… That makes sense.
I finally learned to use the parking brake while living in Truth or Consequences NM! I believe the only flat piece of land there was WalMart parking lot!
Waiting patiently for the next chapter to what happens next!
We have arrived in Crystal River and or WiFi signal is wonderful!! I have caught up on the last 5 or 6 posts! I did respond on the post about the cost of adopting a shelter dog. About how Radar became our $400 pound puppy and worth every penny! Not sure if you would see it or not!
Stay warm! Hug the Bridget from us!
Enjoy the Crystal River area!
I’ve had manual transmission on my cars for most of my life and got into the habit of setting the parking/emergency brake. If you don’t use it on a regular basis it can freeze up and not be there for you in a real emergency.
Hi Cindy, Happy New year to you and yours.
Sue,
You might also try and chock the wheels on the trailer and disconnect it from the van. This should relieve the stress that is locking up the transmission.
Thanks, Alan!
Hey you!
Same to you Alan! Enjoy roaming around Colorado!
That’s what I was thinking Cinandjules.
Sounds like we were crossing paths today, Sue. I traveled from the Maricopa, AZ area to Gila Bend on the way to Quartzite….dental appointment next week in Algodones, MX. I actually splurged on a campsite with electrical so I could use my little space heater in my van. Brrrrr it’s cold outside!
Yikes!If it were anyone but you telling the story I’d be worried .Because of your track record of handling life well ,and being assisted because good people like you, I’m just going to relax and say “Great Cliffhanger,Sue!” captured your audience again!Love the critter pic and seeing Bridget always make me smile.Clever of you to include just three photos-adds to the feeling of suspense and mystery.Cool post,stay warm!
Hi, weather,
I’m glad you think I was being clever. In truth I was too intent upon arriving at the campground before dark and then facing my predicament that I forgot to take photos. I could’ve taken a pic of the back end of that Scamp parked in the lane ahead of me. . . . .
Yeah, no need to worry. A lil’ ol’ stuck shifter ain’t gonna’ keep me down!
You stay warm, too!
I drove I-10 just a couple of days ago. I was expecting a story about the terrible traffic on the freeway. I’ve driven the route you took. It would be a long drive pulling the Casita. Glad to hear you made it to your destination okay. Hopefully all problems will be solved tomorrow so you can begin the New Year worry free!!
Hi, Reina & “Arrow,”
Some people would drive from Roosevelt Lake all across Arizona to Yuma at the California border in one day and think nothing of it. Not me!
Traffic on I-8 wasn’t too bad, fortunately. I did hear there was a fatal wreck on that road between Globe and Superior, near the Queen Creek tunnel. Gosh, people drive those downhill curves so fast and there are trucks from the mines, I guess, pushing your bumper. If you don’t go 60 mph or more, a line forms behind you… No wonder there was a wreck.
Well, we made it here fine. Thank God. Nice hearing from you again, Reina.
You’re so right about people driving too fast in some situations they shouldn’t. A few days ago I hiked on a primitive high clearance 4WD dirt road in Anza Borrego Desert SP when someone in jeep drove without even slowing down. It would be nice if a driver respected hikers who are forced to eat the dust. Good luck and have a safe, healthy and worry free 2015.
Hi,, R.,
I thought the same thing as I watched a small RV, and later a quad/ATV, come racing into and through the campground. I was eating lunch at the picnic table at the time and was relieved they didn’t drive near us. Several others weren’t as fortunate. I wonder if ATVers ever look BEHIND them to see what they’re doing with dust.
My brother rides those things so I would guess that if they look back and see the dust, covering people and their food, etc. they probably think it is funny!!
Geez I hate cliffhangers. I often read the last few pages of a book early because I can’t take the suspense. But I think you already have the answer and you seem fairly cheerful so I’m going to count on it not being too bad.
Tonight and tomorrow…my last chances to eat. Had pizza for lunch..yummy. Tonight some potato-cheese soup and ice cream. Think I’ll have waffles for breakfast. Got to cram in my carbs. Liquid diet starts Friday.
I have been thinking about my new thin wardrobe, to have something fun to focus on. I have always wanted to have a small, perfect wardrobe with only things I really like, that mix and match, and that I can wear over and over. That’s my goal. Once I lose 60 lbs, I’m going for it. And yes, cowboy boots are on the list. My perfect shoe list includes: black keens sandals (already have), cowboy boots, black keen clogs (already have), winter crocs with furry lining (have), black flip flops (have). All I really need is cowboy boots.
It’s pretty chilly here. Got to take Chloe for her evening walk. Hope everyone is great!
Hi, Ginger,
Great shoe list… I’d add some BearPaws, but then you have the lined crocs…. It’s typical of you to have a plan of action for when you’re the new, slimmer you… I love that! A perfect wardrobe… I’m working on mine.
Your food choices sound delicious. I agree with every one you mentioned!
The cold hasn’t settled in here. We’re in a basin, low elevation.
I looked at the bear paws and have given it some thought….
I’ve enjoyed having them on cold mornings when sitting at my laptop and my feet are slow to warm up.
Hi, DesertGinger,
I know you are excited about the future new “you” and a new wardrobe! If you like spaghetti or lasagne with garlic bread, indulge while you can. I am sending up prayers for you…to have a smooth, troublefree surgery and quick recovery. In no time, you will be shopping for your cowboy boots! I have read that sometimes when folks lose a significant amount of weight, their shoe size goes down, too. You will have time to find the perfect pair of boots for your line dancing! Have a good night and stay warm! Hugs! 🙂
Thanks Denise. Hope all is well with you.
🙂
Good Morning DG! Wow that food list sounds fantastic! Great that you are planning your new wardrobe…smart girl. Since I’ve been on the road I have lost 25 lbs. I knew I needed a new wardrobe when I got up from my chair and my jeans fell down!! Almost died laughing. I want to lose at least 25 lbs more.
I am praying your surgery goes VERY smoothly and that you make it through the liquid diet…are milkshakes and vodka/tonics allowed?
Hi Krystina! You sound like you are having a ball at Wellton.
No….milkshakes and vodka tonic are definitely not allowed! I wish. It’s very boring. Protein shakes mainly.
oH SUE, HOPE ALLS WELL
I know you do, Rusty. Thanks.
boy THAT WAS FAST. I thought I was first, oh well. ,,,,,,,Happy New Year And Be Safe you young Ladies
Okay… you, too.. and keep warm! Good idea to block the drafts coming in around your door.
There be Snow here, but not sticking, just blowing sideways and it’s 33 degrees out and 65.4 in. Not going to town today, no need to, we don’t want to add to the traffic + the end of the year traffic. we can wait till Friday to shop for supplies and it’ll be sunny and warmer and no wind. ,,,,,,,,,,, Have A SAFE HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL YOU BLOGEROOOOOOOS,,,,, see ya next year!!!!! us
Good idea, Rusty, to stay out of traffic today. Happy and Safe New Year to you and Timber, too!
Dear Sue,
I sure hope this nice man can help you in the morning. Saying a prayer for a quick fix. I will remember what you said about stopping early. Tomorrow I’m going to take my sweet little travel trailer back to where I camped on thanksgiving. Looking forward to being in the woods for a few days. This has been the worst year for me and I’m celebrating that its over! Rosie is all better now so she will enjoy our walks and so will I. They have no idea what fun is ahead of them.
Hope all goes well for you. Happy healthy new year. Hugs Deb
Hi, Deb,
The worst is behind you… The best is yet to come! You’re making that happen. I hope your days in the woods are wonderful for you and Rosie. Happy New Year for you… You deserve it!
I wish you and Bridget a most wonderful year ahead. Part of what made 2014 tolerable is knowing you and reading your blog with so many beautiful followers. I truly feel such a warm connection to so many here specially you! Rosie and Lily are ready for the outdoors and so am I. My trailer is packed with everything I will need and if I drove away and never looked back it would be ok. God bless us all in 2015. Safe travels and thank you for all your sharing. big new years hug, Debbie and Rosie and Lily
Dear Lily… I’m sorry I left you out of my comment. You have a wonderful time, too!
Dear Deb, you have a wonderful attitude…Safe travels with your trailer, I know you will be fine, you have an amazing spirit that will take you though anything you come across. Have a good and prosperous new year..
Shirlene is right… You have a great attitude, Deb. I’m sure it isn’t always easy.
You do indeed have everything you need.
A cliffhanger with a surprising twist, I can’t wait!!
Love the picture of the critter poking his head out the hole!
I guess I missed it when we were so busy with work and I couldn’t read all the comments, is Bridge back on dog food rather than all raw?
Hi, Jolene,
Two things happened that led me to put Bridget on a diet of meat and kibble (which the raw food people say shouldn’t be done!). First off, Bridget refuses to eat raw meat. She put up with it when Spike was here scarfing it down. Not any more. She wants it cooked! So I cook it.
She receives a plate of cooked, chopped meat… usually chicken or pork, very lean, for breakfast. In the late afternoon she has a plate of Hill’s Science Diet for Hepatic Health. I had a huge bag of the stuff, bought for Spike. Bridget tended to have loose bowels on meat alone. The kibble in the afternoon stopped that, plus it gives her minerals and other good stuff she doesn’t get from meat.
When I have cooked vegetables, which is often, I share carrots and green beans with her… small bites like treats.
This diet has taken the excess weight off her. She’s bright, energetic, and happy, her fur is thick and shiny, and her eyes sparkle.
I thought about raw meat when Harley was having trouble with a formulation change with his dog food but we really can’t afford to do it with the cost of meat now.
So I did the next best thing because he, like many, Bostons have sensitive tummies. I went to Dog Food Adviser online and searched the 4 and 5 star foods. I finally found a combination that works with Iam’s Healthy Naturals Chicken and Barley which is a 4 star food and because he is picky I mix a tablespoon or two of Pure Balance Canned Food which is a 5 star food, twice a day. We can afford it and his weight stays stable.
Thanks for explaining, I was just curious.
The cost of meat was another factor. It’s outrageous in some of the small town groceries we are forced to shop at. Glad you found the right diet for Harley.
Oh, dear, another hiccup on the road of vagabonding. Can’t wait to hear how this one turns out, although I’ll bet everything turns out okay in the end. I’m glad you have neighbors and one who will come check out the PTV for you. I’m all for fixing things myself, but when it comes to cars I know where the gas goes and that’s about it. 🙂 Oh, and I can change the low beam headlight.
I think the winter storm that is threatening you is headed our way for New Years. Predictions are for a ‘wintry mix’ out west of Fort Worth and (hopefully) just cold and rain for my area. I have no plans to be out and about, and my cupboards are stocked.
Hi, Cari,
I’m surprised by how much I’ve learned about keeping a vehicle in shape and troubleshooting mechanical problems since living on the road. In the past it was easy to turn my automotive issues over to a trusted mechanic I knew for years. Not that I’m very capable now….
Ooh…. “Wintry mix” is a euphemism for really crappy, cold, wet weather. Best to stay in, like you plan to do.
Mercy….sure hope it was not too hard to get out of this situation!! Been in a bit of one today myself….just by appearing someplace. Sometimes I really do not like people!! Time to be a hermit for awhile!! I will be watching to see how this problem gets fixed!!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I know what you mean about “sometimes I really do not like people.” I had a moment like that today. I’m walking to the pay station at the campground and I see a guy has climbed to the top of the petroglyph rocks with his woman friend/wife. He’s pontificating about the lives of those who made the drawings, like he’s a dadburn expert, yet as he’s talking, he’s tracing the petroglyphs with his finger!
Well, Sue, at least you could leave when annoyed….I WISH I could have!!
My personal mechanic, aka my husband, said 99% of the time the steering wheel is turned too far one direction or another when a car won’t shift out of park. That’s his two cents worth.
Pass along my thanks to your husband, janna! 🙂
That’s what I was going to suggest (just reading through first to see if anyone else already had!). I have had this happen and you have to really *crank* the steering wheel all the way over to one side or the other to try to get it loose (same thing can happen with not being able to get the ignition key to turn). Usually with some odd off-angle or on a side hill or something (but maybe the blocks are doing it). Something easy to try, anyway.
Typically with low transmission fluid you would notice the transmission start to slip under strain. It’s hard to imagine you could tow that long a distance with low/no/losing transmission fluid and then have it suddenly become noticeable. Unless I suppose it just started to leak, but then you would likely see it there. At least this seems less likely to me. You probably know this, but you want the engine running when you check the transmission fluid, typically (the manual will confirm though).
Tomorrow is going to be a bit wicked! Cold/cloudy/rainy/WINDY. Glad you are at lower altitude now.
The steering wheel is absolutely straight. I’ll let you know if the wheel cranking solves the problem. Thanks for explaining this. Who knows what reader may be helped in the future!
This reminds me of the time your battery died (I think it was the Dome Rock area near Quartzsite). You said you just sat down and waited for a miracle to happen. And it did! I love your attitude, Sue! While you wait for another miracle, we’ll all wait with you and send up prayers. God bless you!
Hi, Cherie,
I forgot all about that Dome Rock episode and you remembered it! In that case the battery was drained and it needed an all-day slow charge. As you probably know, lots of problems shrink with time…. and some go away! God bless you, too.
Sue: That happened to my van once. Been a while but seems to me I did something with the key.
Happy New Year.
Hi, Wickedlady and Happy New Year!
Two things have influenced my efforts to fix the problem. The old problem I had with the shift cable has me reluctant to do any yanking or forcing. And I had a key break off in the ignition of a former vehicle.
We also have rules when we break camp. Always with a plan to arrive at the next destination before 2:00pm, and try to do less than 200 kms (120 miles) per day. I know the distance rule shouldn’t be a problem for you! But the timing rule gives us a lot of extra time to fix problems should anything go wrong.
Hi, Kevin and Ruth,
That’s pretty much the same rule I have. 120 miles is far enough!
My husband wants to get in his 2 cents worth on your transmission problem. He suspects the parking pawl was engaged under load… the transmission is acting as the brake,,,,,probably due to not putting the PTV in neutral before and setting the brake before selecting park…..(you did say it was on a slope),,,,because the PTV is still on a slope the transmission is under load and thus binding the gearshift lever. Disconnecting the trailer may relieve some of this load for you.. Sound to us like CinandJules knows what he is talking about!
I used to put the car in park and then set the brake, until hubby chastised sooooo much that I had to retrain myself (with difficulty) to first put the car in neutral, then set the brake, and then put it in park.
It must have been simple, or you wouldn’t be in such a good mood!
Tell your husband thanks for the input and also thanks to you for explaining it here. This is valuable information that I will note. I do plan to be a good girl about setting the parking brake in the future.
This is helpful information!
This happened to me once. And in the middle of mcdonalds parking lot. the guy that helped me took a little plastic cover piece off around the shifter to release out of drive. It had something to do with brakes and locking transmission. If I remember correctly. A safety feature on most cars. I think it had something to do with not using parking brake. But I am no mechanic. And this was several years ago. My memory is failing me here. 😉
Ok, on second thought. After reading comments and replys. My columbo guess is…. This has something to do with the critter. While you were watching him he ran out of hole jumped up inside motor area and jammed you up in drive 😉
Update, dad’s surgery went well according to the doctor. Still will have to wait about a week to find out if the ” suspicious” as he called it. Area he removed is cancerous.
Meanwhile, mom has a terrible cold. My day has been very hectic and tiring.
So I thank you for the wonderful read tonight and I thank you too blogorinos
Helps relieve stress!
Wonderful evening to all.
Mert and Asia Mae
Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Mert.
Please take good care of yourself – try to get some rest.
Thank you Denise
Hi, Mert,
I’m glad your father’s surgery went well. Praying the results are good as well.
I wish I’d been online when you and others wrote last night. It seems I wait for comments (well, I bop around the web while waiting) and they stop coming in, so I go offline. The next morning I see a bunch arrived right after I closed the laptop.
I hope coming here relieved some stress and you and Asia Mae had a peaceful sleep.
Thank you. We did. Lol didn’t get up until 10:30 am. Wow very unusual for us.
Any luck on baby brother yet??
Hope you were able to sleep ok last night, Mert and glad your dad made it through his surgery. Hope things will improve. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Thank you Elizabeth. I love you name. That was my grandmothers name as well 🙂
Check your brake lights! If your brake lights are out – THAT is the problem. The vehicle won’t let you shift out of park unless your foot is on the brake – but it only knows that if there is power going to the brake lights. And in addition, the same fuse that does the brake lights also operates the dash lights – as a way of warning you that you don’t have brake lights! And if your brake lights don’t work, it’s likely just a fuse – which could be under the dash or under the hood. In a GM, the under dash panel can usually be accessed by opening the driver’s door and pulling out a small panel. And your owner’s manual should tell you which one is the brake light fuse. Good luck.
Oh no NOT the fuse!
Wait….oh my…I wish I could pull up a lounge chair and watch RVSue as she contorts to locate and access the fuse box! And then try to work that thingymagiggy plastic plyer contraption!
Better yet….I’ll curl up on the blue rug in Bridge’s new bed! Mainly so I don’t fall out of the lounge chair! Who is in charge of the popcorn?
All in fun….desert woman! 🙂
I have Milk Duds and Hershey Kisses to share! 🙂
Cinandjules…just went back to the last post to catch up on blogorino comments. Sounds like you all and other folks up ‘nort will again be bearing the brunt of the frigid temps and heavy snow. Get all your supplies stocked and be ready to ride it out. Did you all get a new snow rake or were you able to repair the one that broke last month? Stay warm and work safe! 🙂
So far so good! It’s cold 12 but currently, I repeat currently thin re is no wind…so we can be outside.
In regards to the rake….we had to get a new one!
Supplies…we are from earthquake country…we are always stocked!
Thanks for thinking about us! Take care and stay warm
🙂
Cinandjules… You remember the conniption fit I had trying to replace a fuse!
I remember everything! Hahhhh….
Sorry! 😉
Hi, Ivan,
A while back I tried to replace a fuse in the fuse box located under the driver’s seat. I can’t remember what the problem was… Gosh, my memory is poor. This blog needs a new name “The Mental Decline of RVSue.” Anyway…
What a struggle replacing that fuse! I hate those things!
I appreciate your input. Maybe you guessed it, maybe you didn’t. 🙂
Let me refresh why you always make me smile
http://rvsueandcrew.net/why-i-hate-auto-mechanickin/
You, Cinandjules, are my librarian!
If it is the fuse there is another way to bypass the cutout. Somewhere on your dash board or on your center console next to the shifter there is a slot that if you insert your spare ignition key will allow you to get out of park. It looks like a keyhole but has a cover on it, just pry the cover off wit a knife or something and then throw it away as it just gets in the way. You have probably seen it and wondered what the heck it was.
Hey… That is intriguing, Alan. If it weren’t raining, I’d check that out this very minute and I haven’t had breakfast yet.
Or maybe I already have checked it out and I’m trying to throw you off the conclusion of my cliffhanger… Hmm….
If you don’t have a spare key our have it with you (for those of us that are not full timers), a thin screwdriver will work, too. I have one in my glove box. I have had to use it three times in the past 30 or so years when a brake switch or whatever it is called went bad. A real lifesaver! 🙂
Good gosh, Sue!
I am reading between the lines and am thinking/hoping/praying that the “park” solution was something simple. I am glad that you found Bill, who will assist you. If you had left at your usual early departure time, you may have ended up at a different location with no help around. Everything happens for a reason… Do you know if Good Sam sends a mechanic to trouble check to rule out a simple problem, or do they just tow one to the nearest repair shop?
When I took Gracie out early this morning for her potty run, we were greeted with dark, gray skies and snow flurries. It was the very fine, spitting kind of snow. It lasted all of maybe 1/2 an hour…pretty to see. I was also treated to see two Hawks sitting high up in a tree in a neighbor’s yard. They were surveying the surrounding yards. It was so still and quiet..usually when the Hawks are present, the birds and squirrels are chattering…sounding the alarm! I ran into the house to get my camera. The conditions were not good to get a decent shot, but at least I was able to see them closer, until they flew off with a powerful “woosh.” By the way…I will never tire of your bird or critter pictures…please keep ’em coming! Is that adorable critter a fox? 🙂
When you get a chance, could you please put a link to the monocular or single scope (or whatever it is called!) that you use for bird watching? I would like to order one.
Hope you and Bridget are tucked in and are warm and cozy! It is in the high 20s here and the temp is dropping. Looks like most of the U.S. and Canada are in for frigid weather for at least the next few days. Bundle up fellow blogorinos – stay warm!
Looking forward to hearing “the rest of the story…”, as Paul Harvey would say! Sending hugs to you and Bridget from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
You mentioned that it was fortuitous that we didn’t get an early start. The late start put us in the campground. Yes, for that I am very glad! On the way here, I saw a Carl’s Jr. at one of the Gila Bend exits. As we approached I changed my mind a couple of times whether to stop for supper or to push on due to the time of day. I would’ve hated to be stuck at Carl’s Jr. for the night!
This is the monocular I have (link below). I’ve been pleased with it. Of course, there is a bit of shake when looking at something at the farthest range. You’ll get that with any monocular like this. I imagine others in the same price category are just as good. I go by the customer reviews when shopping — very helpful! The monocular is under $10 as I type this. I like that it fits in my pocket.
Tasco Essentials 10×25 Compact Roof Prism Monocular (Black)
Usually when someone says the shift lever wont move, the first question I ask is. Did you put your foot on the brake first? You wouldn’t believe the people who just reach in while standing outside the vehicle and try to shift to a gear. Had to ask, forgive me.
Jerry
Jerry…. You oughtta’ know I would remember to put the brake on first… 🙂 I do forgive you for that. You’re like me…. gotta’ say it!
Sue,
Oh my! Hoping all ends well as your cliffhanger unfolds! Now about that suprise twist…um…the perfect stray dog shows up and HRH Miss Bridge takes a special liking to him. You ask around and sure enough, he is unattached! You open the PLT’s door for Bridget to clime in and…there he goes. Up, in and at home like he has been there all along! 🙂 LOL, would that not be just the funniest of suprise twists?
Well, mostlikely the twist does not unfold like that, but it is fun to guess as we await the suprise just the same.
Stay safe and warm and know that everyone is on pins as we wait for an update…fingers crossed for you and Bridge.
Pamela K.
Hi, Pamela,
That would be a wonderful conclusion to my cliffhanger! You give me an idea.
Maybe I should write a cliffhanger when I do find the new crew member. I could end it with . . . I walk down the aisle, dog after dog, no, too big, no, too old, poor thing… Then I notice a little lump of fur in the back of the cage. Our eyes meet… That’s the one! He’s perfect! To be continued . . .
Ooh, that would be mean. 🙂
You were reading my mind Pamela K!
Yes, I so agree, late starts are rewarded with bad results. One of my late starts resulting from procrastination were rewarded with the camp loaded and ready to go and a dead vehicle battery with a completely empty campground. Geez, had a couple more cups of coffee until someone looking for a primo campsite. I offered him ours, and he jumped our battery and we were finally on our way. Hoping yours was a simple resolution. Nothing is more humbling than a lesson we thought already learned. Hoping you are on your way to a Happy New Year!
Hi, klbexplores,
Not being able to move once all the packing up is done would make me crazy. Once I’m ready to go, I’m ready to GO! I’m sure you know the feeling. Good thing someone came along.
Happy New Year to you, too!
You don’t need fluid into tranny in all probability. Do as suggested and I bet it frees itself. Your Welcome. BTW: What’s with this being or trying to be first to reply to your blog. Does the first person replying get a prize? I can just see several, first people , sitting down trying to reply to be first but the keys to their machines keep jamming trying to be first. I’m probably near the last and that is good.
We’re just having fun, Wayne. It’s such a surprise to go to rvsue and see no comments yet that we sttarted remarking on it.
Hi, Wayne D.,
Nope. No prize. My blog simply attracts a highly competitive group. These people will stop at nothing to be first! Get outta’ their way! They’re coming through! Haha!
Had the same problem with my van. The brake light fuse was blown, replaced it and drove away. Hope this works for you. Love your blog, have been lurking for years, but had to comment
Well, hello there, xviiiaman! The PTV had to quit in order to bring you out of lurkdom. That makes this entire episode worthwhile. Glad to meet you here!
As for the brake light fuse… Hmm….
See my comment above. There is a bypass for this.
“To be continued….” You’re killing us. What a way to keep us all engaged in your adventures. Since you’ve already worked it out, and I know nothing about transmissions, I’ll just wait for the resolution.
I love the fox popping out of the road. We have had families of foxes around. They are very playful and fun to watch. I worry, though as they do not seem to have any fear of the road.
Take care, we’re waiting!!!!! LOL
Hi, Applegirl NY,
I was surprised to see a fox hole right in the campground road. I could’ve put a tire in that hole without realizing it. I was also surprised that he stuck his head out again, knowing I was there waiting, and then he comes out of the hole!
Ah, the suspense of the PTV’s failure to shift… What could be the cause? 🙂
I hope it turns out to be just a small blip. Good thing there’s help on hand!
Hi, Marcia . . . . I buy emergency road service and then I hate to use it!
Darling fox face, great catch! I guess travel karma is no different than her sisters…..all are a b….. when called upon to “remind” us of the rules 🙂 Much like the time you were stuck in the sand (Yuma?), at least you and Bridget were together, as were the van and trailer. I applaud your common sense approach to address issues in the light of day – where things generally work out fine 🙂 Happy New Year Sue and Bridget – lots more sights to see in 2015!
Hi, Jodee,
That was Wellton — Coyote Wash — where we were stuck in sand. The thing about having your home with you when there’s a problem…. You can always say “Aw, to heck with this. I’m going inside and fix myself a bowl of oatmeal.”
Happy New Year… I have a feeling 2015 is going to be a memorable year for you!
This is a random remark, but I’ve noticed the people who race to be first with their comments (okaaaaay), have post times that are far earlier than I even receive your email. Just curious as to why that may happen.
Hi, Donna P.,
I’ve suspected that is happening. I couldn’t tell you why. Different internet providers maybe? The Science of Being First on RVSue’s Blog…. 🙂
Usually this service is only run at certain times of the day by the website provider, not immediately. So yes there can be a delay between the post and the email.
Alan,
Thanks for the feedback on your Buddy. Reviews and forum data was mostly non R.V. types. Your information was most timely and pertinent. If you are a partaker, it also performs very well toasting marshmallows. What, about Grand Junction, impels your artistic eye?
Great photo of Kit Fox.
You think it’s a kit fox? I was thinking a grey fox. But what do I know? (Don’t answer that!)
No, it is a kit. They are also called desert foxes. I lived in AZX for 10 years and spent a lot of time in the desert and never saw one. You are blessed.
Sue,
Perhaps that fox was attempting to become your next crew member. There’s got to be some canine in there somewhere.
As you have asserted previously, when your post includes automotive happenings we hear from the lurking menfolk that found a topic they can contribute to and be of help. Now that’s a lot of trouble you go to, causing those vehicular tribulations on purpose just so we all get to hear fresh voices! 🙂 I really get a kick out of the span of people that each finally find something that gets them to jump in the pool. I truly enjoy your talent that provides us all with items to ponder and get involved with. I also hope you view my musings as raves with a tinge of levity.
What a wonderful thing to see! You seem to have a knack for seeing animals that, even if we’re in the same area, we don’t see (like the otters at Red Mountain BLM campground along the Madison River). Fingers crossed the “park” issue was resolved easily!
Hi, Renee,
The trick to seeing wildlife is timing. Those otters appeared for only about 20 minutes each day. Twilight is the best time (when I saw the fox) or very early in the morning.
Regarding the stuck shift lever:
Try turning the steering wheel a little, first one way then the other to as extreme as you can. At each of the two extreme positions, try moving the shift lever out of Park. You may need to apply quite a bit of turning force to release the pressure on the wheel locking point. This is fairly common and may be what you have.
Regarding Tractor Supply and dog food:
Tractor Supply now has an ultra premium dog food as a store brand at about $1/lb, i.e. $35 for 35 lb. Look for the 4Health brand displays. Reportedly it is made for TSC by Diamond and is a close copy of their TOW (Taste of the Wild at almost double the price). In large print on each bag: “No corn, no wheat, no soy.” A big seller is 4Health Salmon and Potatoes. More and more dog owners are avoiding rice due to the arsenic contamination, present in most if not all rice. Brown rice has the highest concentrations. Our FDA recently advised “not to eat too much rice”, vague but scary. Just Google Rice and Arsenic.
The above mentioned choice does have some barley and millet. For a slightly higher price they have totally grain free with the brown colored bag and label. After a year and a half, I found that my greyhound has an allergy to wheat. This persisted even when feeding the 4Health above because I was still giving him MilkBone treats (first ingredient: wheat. Now he does very well since I stopped any wheat containing treats.
You might find this informative.
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/hills-science-diet-dog-food-adult-dry/
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/4health-dog-food-dry/
We too have used petfoodadvisor to determine what might be the best for our fur kids.
We too shop at TSC…if you use 4 health make sure you watch for recalls affecting Diamond. Since 4Heath is a fraction of Diamond…any recalls including Diamond will affect 4health. We went with BlueBuffalo and then Wellness due to Diamonds numerous recalls.
Currently AO eats Annamaet…which is a regional product.
Point well taken on the recalls. I’m stepping up my awareness on this. Thanks for the reminder.
TSC matches price so that may help on pricing too. Being dog friendly, allows my greyhound to happily shelf-surf in their store in their air conditioning a few times a week.
Hi, Jon,
I stated the brand I bought assuming someone would let me know the quality. (I let my readers do the work!) Thank you for taking the time to teach me and surely several others about what to look for and what to avoid when buying kibble for dogs.
The link is fantastic! I wish I’d seen it before I bought this bag of Hill’s. I didn’t see the Hepatic Health type in the list. It would probably be rated similarly.
I’ll use that link to decide what to buy next. Thanks a lot, Jon.
I was using Diamonds Naturals when we had trouble with Harley. I opened a new bag of the same food he had been using and they had changed the formulation.
Jon,
You are right on about the stuck lever, this just happened to me in a parking lot. As you say, I was advised to try and move the steering wheel while as I turned the key. After being stuck there for almost an hour this released it instantly. I was so grateful for the advice. Even if this is not Sue’s problem it’s good information for everyone to know, as I was just getting ready to call a towing company.
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year Too.
So sorry that Murphy had to visit. Even though I don’t have a trailer I was very glad to read all the “fixes”. Hope I can remember them if this ever happens to me. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you, too, Susan! I hope 2015 is free of vehicle problems for you.
Red light in the sky accompanied sunrise here.I took that as a promise ,not a warning.A perfect snowfall danced through without landing as wind carried it by me and away.I love the gentle touch small white flakes give my face,the glitter they add to the view…
The cold wind’s making the lake’s waves roar this morning Sue.Hoping you have more quiet sounds there and that your coffee is good.Expecting the story’s twist you’ll surprise us with soon to be another of winter’s gifts ,I also hope circumstances allow you to post again soon.Until then may peace usher you into a Happy New Year’s Eve day.
Hi, weather,
Ah… the gentle touch of snowflakes on the face. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that sensation. Red sky in the morning… another treat!
It’s rainy and overcast here this morning. Everyone is snug in their RVs. A couple I met yesterday are in a tent. I was glad for them that it didn’t turn cold overnight. They’re a cheerful pair, and I surmise they are quite resourceful, having traveled all the way from their starting point of Ontario.
I chose a campsite closer to the main road than I usually do, because it isolates me from the other campers who avoid being near the road. As it turns out, there’s hardly any traffic on the road, day or night.
Yes, we have peace here, ushering in the new year. I wish the same for you…
Thank you for my happy sigh
weather,
I hurt my brain trying to find the precise condiment you are. Spicy, yes. Common, no. Hmm… a mango walnut cumin chutney, perhaps? Extra dark cocoa mole….. smoked chipotle salsa….? Whichever the ingredients are, you are, no doubt, an original recipe never to be copied. Sparks and all. And NEVER one to be misused on a battery terminal. 🙂
As usual, I love your words. 🙂
🙂
Good Morning Sue, love the post, especially cliff hanging, but I know that you have things under control, as you normally do being the resourceful woman that you are….Had my morning coffee, reading all the comments, whew…there were a lot of them…everybody loves you so…My wish for your New Year is that we all continue to be safe, well and healthy, as we as family here, move into 2015. Thank you all for 2014 and all that contributed to make this the BEST blog in syberspace…Snow in So. California last night, big news everywhere I guess…My daughter moved from Orange County to Idaho and had snow last night, when she just could have stayed here, as it snowed where she used to live last night…oh well…everybody stay warm, there is strong winds and cold coming from West to East…..Love to all the blogorinos.
Never have to find something to worry about when you are full time on the road! I have learned so much from all the above comments…thank you Bloggerinos!! Being the resourceful desert women that you are I am confident that you will figure it all out.
Have a “stress free”, safe,Happy New Year everyone.
P.S. I think a beautiful stray dog wandered into the RV, sat up on the bed and Bridget licked his face…a keeper. 🙂
Hi, Krystina… It’s like an automotive workshop here!
Hi, Shirlene,
I agree… The readers of my blog are fantastic folks, kind-hearted, helpful, loving, supportive…
Thank you for calling my blog the best. I’m happy that people enjoy it and each other.
Your daughter should have plenty of snow in Idaho. That’s quite a shift from Orange County! (I have “shift” on the brain.)
You keep warm, too, Shirlene. Always good to see you here…
Our cat refused to eat any other food once we started her on Hill’s Science Diet. She never tolerated any people food and had Science Diet for at least 12 years of her last. She was in a great physical and mental shape until her last days. She was 20-year old.
I have to add that Bridget seems to be very fit on her present diet, in spite of the poor rating for Hill’s Science Diet. If you saw that photo at the bottom of the post about her new, purple sweater, you can see how healthy, vibrant, and sparkling she is!
Twenty years with the same pet… Wow, it must have been tough to say goodbye to your cat.
You’re in Yuma now!
Hi Sue,
Just wanted to mention that phoenix library has online book borrowing, too. I have a Chandler library card and can use it to download books online. I don’t know if you can get a card online.
Hope everything worked out with the ptv.
Hi, Donna ‘N Girls,
I’m not sure if you’re a new Donna or the one that has commented before… Anyway… good to see you here!
I should look into obtaining a library card when we’re in Yuma. I’ve been wanting to do that and it would be great to access more books for free. Right now we’re surrounded by desert and fields of agriculture… no libraries!
Sue, also check if the library offers Kindle e-books: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/?nodeId=200747550
On a totally different topic, I’ve been meaning to ask this for some time…how often would a 4×4 van be useful to you in getting to a good boondocking location?
Hi, Thor ‘n Drew,
I haven’t needed 4×4 at all in order to go to the primo boondocking spots I’ve shown on my blog over the past three years. The high-lift axle is good to have. The only time I ever needed 4X4 was when the PTV became stuck in sand. Someone else pulled it out. And if I’d been more careful and observant, I wouldn’t have become stuck and wouldn’t have needed 4×4 at all since beginning the full-time lifestyle.
The thing about having 4×4 is it would tempt me to pull the BLT into places it’s better off not going. 🙂
Oh, and I’ve never bypassed a good boondocking site because of the lack of 4X4.
Thanks for the library link.
We are watching it snow in Laughlin! We had a night of extremely strong wind & now snow blowing sideways.
Hoping your ptv issue is a simple fix. So glad you moved south though.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
I heard that the Colorado River valley is receiving the full Monty of this cold/snow/wind blast. Horizontal snow… Ain’t life interesting?
Okay, am I the only one who knows that all will be well with the PTV but can’t stop giggling about the couple who just parked on the of-ramp for lunch. Sitting there without a care in the world, happily munching on sandwiches. I guess they wanted easy off-easy on access. They just kinda made their own rules–too funny. Happy New Year to everyone!
No DeAnne, I also thought, WTH…..hilarious…I was relieved to hear that they were just taking a mental break as well as lunch break…it takes all kinds…and Sue brought it to us with apropriate humor..She is so great at that.
They were funny. Parked smack dab in the middle of the off-ramp lane. I guess they stopped at the stop sign and said, “Hey, let’s have those sandwiches!”
LOL…that makes me giggle over and over….I can see my grandparents do that very thing….they were a hoot and traveled in their truck camper everywhere until they were too old to drive….must be where I get my lust for meandering…
What’s the weather like there now…we had the wind blowing so hard last night I thought there was a Big Bad Wolf trying to blow my house down….but this morning all is calm, all is bright…oh no did I just do that!.
It was pretty cold and dreary first thing this morning. Lots of cloud cover. We had some rain, not heavy. This afternoon the sun is shining and it’s warming up!
Sometimes the steering wheel locks up so it won’ t come out of park. turn it real hard one way or the other at the same time pull shift lever down. have had this happen to me. hope this works. good luck
Thanks, travelman… I’ll post soon and you’ll know if that was the problem.
My friend in Golden Valley AZ, near Kingman, woke to snow this morning. Pretty unusual for there and the little 3700 ft pass between Golden Valley and Kingman is closed due to snow! Very strange. Any of you full timers in the southwest wake to white stuff today? Here in the Sacramento area of CA we had freeze overnight but not enough to do much damage to plants. Now headed to 50’s today them 29 tonight to ring in the New Year.
Happy New Year to Sue, Bridget, and all the Blogerinos.
Interesting, Velda. Happy New Year to you, too!
So, what’s the price of gas out that way? We paid $1.89 this morning in Anderson, SC. That was a real treat.
Be sure to get the right fluid for a GM transmission.
Good point about the right fluid. I’m glad the PTV came with the owner’s manual.
I think I paid $3.29 a gallon for gas in Globe. Gee whiz, $1.89? I hope that price travels westward!
We use Gas Buddy to monitor gas and diesel prices. I just checked and you can being up GasBuddy.com on browser and type in zip code to see prices local to where you are. We use the app instead because it is available for our phones, but knowing its there for computer browser too is useful for future.
Gas at Costco right now listed at $2.259 in Citrus Heights in the Sacramento area of Northern CA. I paid I think 4 cents more a few days ago. But news keeps mentioning a huge new gas tax for CA which may raise prices as early as tomorrow by as much as 60 cents a gallon. Ugh!!
We use Gas Buddy to monitor gas and diesel prices. I just checked and you can being up GasBuddy.com on browser and type in zip code to see prices local to where you are. We use the app instead because it is available for our phones, but knowing its there for computer browser too is useful for future.
Happy New Year, Sue, Bridget, and everyone else. I am confident that all will be well. I’ve learned so much from reading all the responses and I am very grateful that I no longer own a stick shift vehicle. I had no idea how close I was to disaster, given my almost never use of the proper technique with a parking brake. I was an incident waiting to happen.
I think this has been a long, unhealthy year for me and sad for some others of you. May 2015 be filled with love and good health and happiness. I am happy to know you all.
Pat
2014 is almost gone. What a surprise this year has been! I had no idea when it started, where it would go.
Hospitalized in January with pneumonia (again!). Doc told me I needed to get out of NY…winter too cold for my lungs.
In February I spot my future home on the Internet. Decide to fly down to Tucson and check it out. Spend 5 days in Tucson and by my little park model.
Spend the rest of February and March packing up my house in NY and getting it ready to be rented.
Leave April 4th with 16 foot moving van to drive to Tucson. Arrive on the 9th. Spend the rest of April and May moving in and getting settled.
June 10th get my knee replaced and all hell breaks loose in my body. Have a heart attack, kidney failure, urinary tract infection, pneumonia. Spent a total of 11 weeks in hospital. Have an episode of A-Fib followed by a stroke. Have surgery on an abscess in abdomen and have large open wound for months. By November I am finally starting to improve.
I saw the doctor who will do my gastric sleeve today, and he told me something amazing. Compared to his usual patient population, he considers me fairly healthy! So I have come that far.
Last New Year’s Eve I had no idea I would be living in Tucson. Had no idea my health was so fragile. Just had no idea. This has been an eye-opening year for me.
One of the best things has been this blog and the wonderful blogorinos. Denise, Weather, Cindy, Krystina, Mick, Jolene, Alan, Elizabeth, Pen, Deb, Rusty…..whoever I have forgotten…all so wonderful. Such a wonderful group of cyber pals. Shirlene, Kay…what has happened to Kay? I can’t think of the name of the sweet guy in Wisconsin…my Alzheimer’s! Well, I love you all. Oh and Pauline. And of course Sue and Bridge.
I hope 2015 is going to be the best year ever for all of us and that everyone is still here on the blog next New Years eve with great stories to tell about 2015. Peace and love to all.
On bated breath……