Dec 11th – Issue 50 ? A MERE TWO WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS.

Hi Guys: Hope everyone is almost ready for Christmas. My shopping for John is done but not sure what he has acquired for me, but since I do not want for much this year finding something could be challenging. I love opening presents so he has to find something. We have most d?cor up but 3 windows still need trimming and by 10:30 Friday we gave up in disgust ? whatever we did the wind undid just as fast. I hoped to add last year?s canopy to our large palm tree, but climbing the ladder almost became a safety challenge. Each Dec John and I always host a Holiday Happy Hour at our site and this year we have such a huge patio that it is a perfect spot ? if???? we can find a day when we will not be blown away. Days like that do exist but they are rare. Party Day may take place with little warning. With luck I will soon have campsite Christmas Pics posted.

Last week I had problems posting to my forum plus it was loading so slow no one could read anything. My Gallery of our many travel Pics from pre 2006 was not much better. I am happy to relay that both programs are now up and running as normal. This is all thanks to Billy C ? the Support Manager from my comprehensive Web Server at SuperWebHosts.com Their support team work overtime to address all client problems ASAP. The last few weeks I had several issues with my mail program and on my website that were not working well. Billy patiently worked through each of them for me. My website & sending email are once again up and running like they should. Most assistance comes under their general helpful support. My technical knowledge is limited and SuperWebHost added all missing links for me. If my requests are over and above what is covered under their generous Tech service ? extra rates are very reasonable. Anyone searching for a compatible WehHost should contact http://www.superwebhost.com (604 294 2995). They offer a full spectrum of support and a complex selection of Web Host features all at very reasonable rates. Thanks Billy for getting me operational again ? I owe you big time.

On Friday we received a surprise $335. bonus in our bank account. Last July, Ontario added a new tax called HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) which combines Sales Tax and GST (Federal Tax) to a total of 13%. Although that is the same amount as it was before, HST is now charged on many more items than we paid full tax on pre July 2010. To soften the blow, Premier McGuinty is paying (bribery) each family with $1000. over three instalments of $335 during Jul & Dec 2010 and June 2011. Single residents receive $100 per payment. We can not do anything about the HST ? it has passed, but this bonus in early Dec was appreciated. Although BC protested their HST and their Premier is stepping down over the anger of BC residents ? I do not think much has changed. We Ontarioites just accepted it and now we are appreciating our mini 3-instalment bonus.

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EVENTS OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY I added a few more decorations but Wednesday when the wind changed directions it blew one of our Sheppard?s Hook down ? killing the lights on that post. John was able to reinforce it on Thursday and Friday I replaced the lights. MONDAY after the Park Meeting we were off to the PO, Sears to pick up John?s compressor and of course grocery shopping one more time.

John and I were still searching for a venue for the January Explorer RV Club Luncheon. So we joined Bonnie and Doug at the Crazy International Buffet in east McAllen on TUESDAY. This is quite an impressive eatery and Francis the manager said they can accommodate our 120 -140 numbers ? so we booked it for the 27th January. It is a similar place to last years Sun Palace but their selections and overall menu items seemed to be much more abundant. They also feature a BBQ Grill plus a Mongolian Grill to accompany additional menu choices. The Address of the CRAZY INTERNATIONAL BUFFET is 400 W Nolano Drive, if anyone wants to try it out sooner. Our visit went smooth so we feel confident the Club Luncheon will too.

On WEDNESDAY we stopped in at Alamo Palms for their Craft Show. What a warm welcome we received. I had worked this show for the past 4-years so I knew many of the vendors. I came close to requesting a table for this one but since I am working Southern Comfort show (our park) this coming Tuesday I was afraid I would run out of supplies. While I was at the show John visited the Pool Hall ? he got such a warm welcome he kind of felt bad he wasn?t playing with those guys. It always takes several months to be accepted on a park pool team and there he had already served his time. As more residents return he is finding it a bit more challenging in our park and eventually his expertise will also be appreciated at Southern Comfort. But in a new park he frustratingly always has to prove himself which does take time to be on the competitive teams.

THURSDAY John took the car to Wal*Mart for an oil change and the techs suggested we have an alignment because the tread of one tire was showing signs of deteriorating. I went to lunch at Furr?s in McAllen with 18 Park Ladies. After Lunch we gravitated to Old McAllen to peruse their unique Mexican style stores. A wide variety of everything from Junk to quality china and from formal wear to shoe stores is available within 3-4 blocks. What a fun place to spend some time.

FRIDAY we tried to finish adding lights to the windows but once again a strong wind surfaced. Soooo since we needed new front tires (John always replaces both tires at the same time) we were off to Wal*Mart. Of course we stocked up on Wal*Mart goodies while waiting. Guess our Government ?$335 Tax Windfall? didn?t last long. Next stop was to our favourite Mechanic ? the Alignment Masters ? in Alamo. We booked an alignment appointment for next Thursday.

On Friday before the wind picked up we finally finished adding lights/garland to the two passenger side windows but we quit before we were able to deck the last 3 or to string our canopy lights around the giant Palm tree beside our driver?s door. Still very breezy this morning so window completion will have to wait. There is a possibility those windows may not get finished. Park Christmas parade is Wed. I plan to add decor the inside tomorrow. Decorating this year has been very frustrating when everything blows around so much ? not nearly as much fun as most years.[/i]

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FINAL THOUGHTS

At least the sun is very warm and brilliant. High is scheduled for the low 80?s today. We are in sympathy of Northerners who are dealing with so much snow. Each summer we live 20 miles from London and on Canada AM last week Jeff H stood beside a 6? Christmas tree. He said the snow that fell was higher than the tree. John and I are not really missing that much pretty white stuff. Half the city is shut down as they dig the city out. I think there is more on the way as well. Soooo everyone everywhere ? please travel safe whether by vehicle or by RV. The holidays are coming ? a stay in the hospital does not add to season festivities. Take care ? Merry Christmas all. Remember that Christ is the Reason for this Season. May each of you have a very happy holiday surrounded with numerous family and friends? Till later P&J

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TIPS THIS WEEK

Bill F shared info reference a book that every RV owner with a dog should read: ?How To Teach Your Dog To ?POTTY? ON COMMAND? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeCKUNahHWI

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Tip from John C and verified by my techie friend Bill F. Next Tues MICROSOFT will have 17 download UPGRADES. http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2 … s-ever.ars It?s wise to set your Computer for auto upgrades.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE? We have received a variety of neat cards from several friends this year ? Thanks so much everyone, they made my day. These 3 can be forwarded to friends without signing up to send them.

*** Jan and Bill plus Bill F sent this one to us. http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.a … urce=jl999
*** Tim and Jocelyn plus Bill F shared this one? * If problems opening – this is a safe link * http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/previ … 7/graphic1
*** Bill F. & Bill G. forwarded this super greeting? http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.a … urce=jl999

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

PASSPORT AMERICA MEMBERS can give non members the gift of savings at great rates ? Members get 3 free months. Go here http://www.passport-america.com/members … rship.aspx

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GOOGLE RV ALERTS?.
***RV And Trailer Companies are ?RECALLING SEVERAL NEW TOWABLE MODELS To Fix Wheels?. See if your unit is affected. http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/ … ix-wheels/

*** Space Heater sparks an RV FIRE., http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=369267

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RV TRAVEL Newsletter ? http://rvtravel.com/issue459.shtml Free Directv for your RV with home service – 150+ channels – $29.99/mo p/yr? Survival tips for safe hiking? Safe travel in Mexico? Selling your home to go F/T? Selection of Gary Bunzer?s videos? Trailer and Fifth Wheel users should include a suspension inspection in your annual safety check? Forum highlights ? MH won?t start; Using Free WiFi? propane leaks? plus more.

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RV UNIVERSITY Newsletter http://www.rvuniversity.com/article.php … 42119556... New DVD – Tow your 5th wheel trailer like a pro is on sale for limited time for $19.95? on line programs are on sale? What is a Green Certified RV?… battery Quick Tip Video… testing for RV Propane Leaks? see their new site RV Videos on Demand? illegal dumping in a landowners sewer? winter camping? post spill boom for Gulf Coast Resort towns?

*** Many DVDs ? single and packaged units make good STOCKING STUFFERS. On sale till 20th Dec ? Be sure to take a look. Http://rveducation101.com/cart/shopaff.asp?affid=12 Order by the 15th ? use coupon code? ?christmas?.

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*** RV LIVING IS AN AFFILIATE for that outstanding program plus everything on the RVEd101.com site. The RV lifestyle is so much more enjoyable when you understand the ins and outs of your RV. The additional line of DVD?s, E-books and Videos from RVEd101.com cover every known RV subject. Full info?www.rvliving.net/RVEducation101contestpage.htm

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PEGGI’S BOOKS

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