Hi All: Can you believe it? During Wed and Thu the heavens opened up again. It all began late Tue evening. Days like this are so depressing. When the paved roads of this park resemble rapid moving rivers, it is very easy to hibernate. Good thing we are parked on pavement. However early Friday morning, all clouds disappeared and brilliant sunshine launched the day. It was so funny during our morning dog walk and my afternoon bike ride; everyone was outside laughing, visiting or just enjoying the warm rays of this perfect day. The pool was packed. It was like we were all given a pass to break out of confinement. It is amazing how much different bright sunshine adds. 
All my bitching about the climate this winter is so self serving. A short time ago it was California that was suffering horrible weather and now it is dealing with mudslides. Last week Oklahoma was buried by an ice storm and this weekend Washington DC and Newfoundland are stranded in record high snowfall. BC on the other hand needs the snow for the Olympics and to ensure they have enough; trucks are bringing it down from the high mountains. In Google RV Daily Alerts this week an RV Park in Black Canyon City in Az and a park in La Feria Tx both are dealing with major flooding. We have had little pleasant climate as well. What can any of us do ? it is winter and this seems to be a year of screwed up climate. Let?s hope it returns to somewhat normal for all of us real soon.
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WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Today SATURDAY, Alamo Palms hosted a PARK WIDE PATIO SALE. After our early morning dog walk where I stopped at a few sale offerings I took a long bike ride along each street to see what I missed. Our dogs were not happy walkers with all the traffic. Plus I walk with mom Matt and she hates it when I stop to shop. At the end of my trek all I bought was 3 plastic Glad containers ? I really do not need anything else. This evening, the popular Cruisers Band (50?-60?s music) played for their special monthly Sat night dance. Another good night. I?ll get this out before I crash, Good thing I started it last night.
Last SUNDAY one more time was my catch-up day. John decided to take a break from Ice Cream social but I enjoyed the company of everyone. However I did stay legal with my cake and ice cream choices. This coming Sunday is ?Alamo Palms 50th Anniversary Party?. This park goes all out to celebrate this special milestone for any couples who reached that pinnacle in the past year. Following that celebration, the regular Ice Cream Social follows.
Our monthly trip to the La Plaza Mall in McAllen beckoned on MONDAY ? I love that place but we mainly had to visit Sears. Following that stop we met friends Bonnie and Doug at the classy Furr?s Buffet beside the K-Mart. Wish that eatery could accommodate our Jan/Feb Luncheons ? it is a super place and their menu is outstanding. It is always fun to spend time with these good friends. Following lunch it was time to again refill the LUXOR larder at Wal*Mart.
Early TUESDAY, John and I headed to Mexico. The weatherman promised rain, but I was on a mission ? thankfully the rain held off till late that night. For the past few years I have wanted to have the outline of my mouth tattooed with an outline. Mexico promotes this procedure big time plus eyeliner (top and bottom) and eyebrows too. I ?ve decided to hold off on the eye area for now, but the older I get the more the outline of my mouth seems to fade into infinity. Yes I routinely added a line with a lip pencil and fill in with colour, but I eat that topical application off. NOTE… I only mention this in case there are other ?older? ladies who sometimes winter in the Rio Grande Valley with a similar problem. I selfishly trying to show others how brave I was.
Our first stop was at the Elegante Boutique for a great $9.00 pedicure. It gave me time to think about putting my wishes into reality. While there I decided to bite the bullet and request an appointment with Alma, the Tattoo Artist. To give me an idea what she planned to do, she first outlined my mouth with pencil. Since it looked very natural I agreed to the Tattoo. The procedure took about 30 minutes.
For those who do not know how this comes down. Alma injected a freezing solution to the two central-side portions of the top and bottom inside lip area. She then began tattooing a fine line to the outline of my mouth with a light plum colour. I admit that I did have a minor bit of discomfort during the procedure and for the first couple of days after I left her chair; but thanks to a prescribed cream, it was not an unpleasant experience. Five days later, I cannot believe how extremely natural my mouth looks. Only downside is my outside lip area still feels a bit dry ? so I still must continually use a lip gloss. That too is slowly changing. I chose to only have the outline ? without the fill-in colour. My appearance or smile is slightly different but now when you meet me, I at least have a subtle upper lip outline. Would I do this again? You bet! FYI cost was $75.00 and all hygienic actions were taken. (with fill-in colour included, cost is slightly over the $100.) I look at this slight modification as simply a necessary evil to getting older. Not everyone is affected the same way but very few of us are even close to perfect.
Mid week I did little but complain because I was P?eed off at the weather. I guess every day can?t be perfect but the wet icky days add such a downer. This park offers many happenings but when the heavens open up I just want to hibernate.
Each FRIDAY morning John helps to clean the pool tables and by noon the park team gathers for their weekly tournament. They played against Casa Del Valle (I screwed up ? last week they played Casa Del Sol in ValVerde, Tx). Alamo Palms won 27 to 22 (John & his partner Larry won 2 of 4 games so they are happy). But John also had a ball socializing yesterday. We spent a month at Casa Del Valle a few years ago and he knows many of the players. Best of all, he also played against good friend Howard who John first played pool with in Bushnell, Florida 4-5 years ago. This RV World is a very small place.
Between his trips back and forth to the pool hall he also found time to strip and sand 6 of 7 drawers ? he saved the last one for Sat. The sanding part of the job has to be completed outside and our time in Alamo is getting short – by the looks of the long range forecast our bright sunny days may also be limited ? so he had to act when he can. At least now the staining and varnishing can be completed inside. He sanded the last one Sat morn. Bright sun today but the day started in the high 50?s.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I also sent notices out to all Explorer RV Club Members I have on my list. As a reminder we will meet for LUNCH at Lin?s in Weslaco 25 Feb ? let us know if you can join us. My new check-in procedures should eliminate lengthy lines during Jan and Feb when our attendee numbers reach approx 130. Another bit of good news? it also looks like there will be a luncheon in March. Although John and I will be in Florida, two others have stepped forward to host that gathering. I really appreciate this guys. Details to follow.
In closing I send a prayer that all of us will be able to enjoy perfect weather till spring ? maybe even a proper summer this year. Must go for now if I want to get this out today. At least the dance only goes from 7-10 PM. Sun is bright, so I am a very happy camper Travel safe all. P&J
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TIPS THIS WEEK
John, a Club member, who is wintering in the Rio Grande is searching for anyone who can RE-STRING day/night blinds? Any suggestions? Send me an email if you have any input.
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Bill shared a link that turns TEXT INTO SPEACH. Looks very interesting. Check it out. http://www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/t … hp?sitepal The eyes of the graphic follow the mouse and when you write something in the space just voice ?Say it?
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Bill receives regular newsletters from Web MD. This week was a valuable topic of 12 Possible HEART SYMPTOMS Never to Ignore. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/feat … hyp_020410 There is something for everyone on WebMD.
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With all the rain many of us are experiencing I?m sharing these TIPS to combat ?dampness and condensation? from RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
1. Open containers of ?DAMP-RID? in your RV removes excess humidity. This crystal type dehumidifier/ desiccant sold in U.S. Home Improvement Stores or RV dealers; ?NO-DAMP? is the same – sold at Cdn RV dealers. DRI-Z-AIR is similar in a fancy container.
2. KITTY LITTER has much of the same effect. Place containers of crystals in choice spots.
3. Desiccants also come in POUCHES to control moisture and humidity in closets or in a tow car to remove odours resulting from wet rugs stowed while moving from place-to-place.
4. Pouches also eliminate a MOULDY ODOURS from a water leak in hard to reach areas.
5. If windows accumulate moisture ? add a TOWEL or SHAM-WOW to the window sill between blind and glass.
6. For EASY HAND-WASHING while on the move, try placing a bucket of soapy water in your shower – add your undies before departure. The agitation created during driving washes the clothes; simply rinse and dry when you reach your destination.
7. Travelling with your WATER PUMP TURNED OFF is wise. RVing friends in Mexico learned this the hard way ? a bumpy road jiggled their motorhome shower open while pump was on. On arrival, an attach? case of papers ? stored in the shower ? was floating.
8. Unattended WATER LEAKS cause numerous problems including wood rot. A drip in one place may be the result of a leak from an opposite corner. Recently our water pump ?check valve? began making noises ? we chose to ignore it until a check valve on our china bowl toilet gave way. We called in-park service and the tech discovered the water pump leak accumulate near electrical wires. Don?t let these things go. We were lucky this time.
9. Leaks near FRONT OR BACK WINDOWS could be the result of broken seals of roof mount running lights, been there, done that!
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PROMOS THIS WEEK
Explorer RV Club Members going to Newfoundland this summer are invited to join the Explorer NEWFOUND CLUB on a unique CARAVAN to see ?The Rock? in a whole new light – guided by true Newfoundlanders. Caravan runs from June 26th in Holyrood to Corner Brook July 13. This would be a trip of a lifetime for us CFA?s (Come From Away). Send me an email ? I?ll share the basic details and contact info. I don?t know price.
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Another VIRUS WARNING from George and Donna? This one has been around for a while but the e-mail is titled ?Mail Server Report ? Do Not Open It!? If you get this virus it destroys everything. Read the full story here. http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/mailserver.asp
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GOOGLE DAILY RV ALERTS reported?
*** Country Coach from Oregon have been liquidated ? including 10 high-end rigs for pennies
*** Simon Rice RV Holdings from Nashville also filed for Chapter 7. Although…
*** Balance of manufacturers show positive sings of growth from hiring to filling back orders.
*** A spattering of new RV Dealers are also opening throughout the country.
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VALUABLE WEBSITES and/or NEWSLETTERS worth perusing this week…
*** RVTRAVEL.COM… http://rvtravel.com/issue415.shtml report RV RECALLS for late model Keystone, Newel, Spartan, Winnebago, Fleetwood. Tiffin and Foretravel. Some defects are serious? Pay for May 14th at any KOA and stay next night free? Fleetwood RV towable products have new owners but old Fleetwood warranties will not be honored? Welcome Center in Amarillo Tx, encourages free parking with clean washrooms and available coffee plus more.
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*** RV UNIVERSITY .com http://www.rvuniversity.com/article.php … 1105232278 highlights PERSONAL SECURITY ISSUES while traveling by RV. One scenario of how an occupied RV parked for service is burglarized http://gypsyjournal.net/blog/2009/12/05 … encounter/ Read measures you can take to keep your guard up and travel safe in your RV? http://www.rvuniversity.com/staticpages … curity_101
(NOTE?RVLiving.net is an affiliate ? if you buy, we receive a token?(To EXPLORE RVEd101, please go to this link http://rveducation101.com/cart/shopaff.asp?affid=12.)
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RVERSCORNER.COM http://www.rverscorner.com discuses simple principles that relate to lead acid batteries used in the RV http://www.rverscorner.com/info/batteryfaq2.html Last week Les highlighted Reminder Tips to alert TV Antenna or power cord etc. Those with a towable unit use a ?reminder spot? near the door? http://www.rverscorner.com/rvremindertip.html Sign up for your weekly Tips.
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GEEKSONTOUR.COM http://www.Geeksontour.com offer online courses ref RV Computer Education with a series of videos. Many videos are FREE ? last week?s Newsletter covered Wi-Fi, computer Back-ups, plus 5 Picasa Tips. Access to all is only $39. p/year
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PEGGI’S BOOKS
WOW We are into our 25th year of life on the move and it is still a joyful way to live. To relay that we have ?been there, done that? in most situations is an understatement. My Print Book/E-Books offer mega tips and hints to simplify your getaways. Details on http://www.rvliving.net
**** RV LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY the Essential Reference Guide For ALL RVers ? it is a ?must? for everyone. This is not a book on Fulltiming instead it features mega tips on ?How to RV?? 21st Century is loaded with info from buying your first RV to going away for short or extended getaways or even info for Fulltimers.
**** NOTE Several Dealers in SW ONTARIO have autographed copies of my books in their part stores as well as the RV SERVICE CENTER in Alamo, Texas. Ask your dealer to contact me if they are out or don?t stock this helpful publication. No shipping or waiting if buying direct.
**** My E-Books ? RV TRAVEL TO CANADA 2009 will become your best friend during your visit; and/or RV PACKING TIPS; RV LIFE LESSONS PLUS EASY LIVING HINTS – 3 E-BOOKS IN ONE another comprehensive publication loaded with timeless ?must-have? info.
WQW!!! Into our 25th Year of F/T Life on the Move & Still Counting!!!
Peggi and John McDonald
RV Lifestyle Consultants
Author of ‘RV Living in the 21st Century’
& ‘Spirit of the Open Road’ (out of print)
PLUS E-BOOKS –
#1 RV Travel to Canada UPDATED 2009)
& #2 RV Packing Tips, RV Life Lessons, Easy Living Hints
*** See http://www.rvliving.net for Book details
*** Sign-up http://www.rvliving.net/home.htm TO RECEIVE P&J’S WEEKLY DIARY delivered to your inbox each weekend,
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