Some cleaning, cooking and reading....

Our Location: Saddle Mountain BLM, Tonopah, Arizona

A cooler start to the day this morning. I slept soundly last night and didn’t hear anything until after 7 am this morning. I like those kinds of nights. I checked the temps this morning Dad and it was 35F/1.6C, does that make you feel better yet? 

 

Ernie & Debbie's rented rig, from up on the roof of the Igloo

I turned on our buddy Mr. Heater, the little guy, and he heated up the Igloo pretty quickly. Riley was awake already and roused out of bed before 8 am. We had no real plans today and so we just kind of putzed around doing  a few things. After our hot chocolate we discussed a number of things including the thought of moving to avoid the cold that’s coming. We’ve decided to stay put. A couple of cold nights and a bit cooler days won’t be too bad and maybe the cooler air will make it feel a bit more like Christmas. It’s hard to know. 

 

A bit different view from up on the roof of the Igloo..

I paid a couple of bills on line, registered my Lynx blocks for their ten year warranty, and checked out the weather. After that I looked up a recipe for turkey/sausage meatloaf. Can you guess what we had for lunch?

 

I found my Inukshuk a better arm.

I started making the meatloaf immediately as I wanted to let it rest for a while to kind of firm up before cooking. In fact I wrapped it in saran and put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes. It firmed up very nicely by the way. Riley made our salads and the mixed veggies so they would be ready to just pop on the Weber whenever we got around to cooking lunch. I kind of cleaned up the fridge a bit while we had so much stuff out. The crispers needed a bit of wipe, and the bottom shelf of course, along with one of the shelves in the door. So while those things have been tidied a bit, I’ll have to defrost the fridge in the upcoming weeks anyway but at least it looks a bit better. 

 

Can you see the dust in the air? 

Riley and I have been debating about the replacement for the love seat. We chatted about a number of different options we have. We’ve settled on something a bit different than our original plan.  In fact the results have been enough to allow us to have more space for our replacement options. In fact we’ve decided on two separate chairs along with a table (having at least 2 drawers) in between. I think we’ll really like this much better.  The solution was easy, we just moved the table.

 

The sun setting on the mountains. 

A short few minutes later.

After our interior fix we both sat down to read. I’m enjoying my book but I was extremely restless today and so the book couldn’t hold my attention. Instead I wandered outside looking for something to do. It was too cold in the shade, too hot in the sun, add a sweater, take it off, move here, move there. You get the idea. I came up with the idea of cleaning some of the dust off the door screen which of course at my height means I need the 6’ step ladder. While removing the blue boy and the step ladder I realized just how sun faded some of the bungees are, I’ll be looking for some more new ones in the near future. 

 

A few minutes later again...

With the ladder off and the screen door cleaned I grabbed some paper towels and proceeded to do the kitchen window, then my bedroom window. As they weren’t in the sun, eventually I moved to Riley’s bedroom window, and two small windows in the slide. I stopped with 3 more windows to go as they were too heated from the sun to attempt any kind of cleaning at that point. I’ll have to do it another day. After finishing the windows I climbed up on the roof and cleaned the solar panels as well. I have to tell you, I don’t think I”m going to worry about them not having the ability to tip. With the four panels flat on the roof they reached full charging capacity before noon. Since we don’t use a lot of power I think I”ll just leave them alone, flat seems to be working fine. 

 

The setting sun shining on the front yard mountains.

 

As the sun set dropped the mountains changed.

Down the ladder and things put away it was time to think about cooking lunch. I turned on the Weber letting it heat up for about 5 minutes, then placed the meatloaf on a small sheet of aluminum foil, just big enough to fit under the actually meatloaf. In hind sight I should have sprayed it but, oh well, next time I’ll try to remember. Once placed on the small piece of foil, I placed the meatloaf in the centre of the grill with the heat on low. I spent the next 45 minutes putting up our Christmas Decorations, reading and taking in the views. At about the 30 minute mark I inserted a meat thermometer taking a reading of about 115 in various places. At that point I added the mixed veggies to the grill and shut the lid again. After about 15 minutes I checked everything again and while the numbers were getting pretty close to the desired mark, I added the cauliflower in a separate packet. I also used the brush to apply some sauce to the entire exposed surface of the meatloaf, including the sides. Not too thickly but to ensure it was covered and wouldn’t allow the meat to dry out. With the lid once again closed I left it for another 10 minutes before once again brushing the remaining sauce on, and turning the veggies and cauliflower. Another 5 minutes I pulled the meat loaf onto a small plate, closed the lid and let the veggies continue to cook. Inside I let the meatloaf stand for about 10 minutes while I finished up outside. By the time everything was ready to come inside the meatloaf was ready to be sliced. Everything was excellent. I didn’t get any pics but trust me, we will be doing this again. A little less black pepper next time. We use fresh ground pepper and it’s much stronger than regular shaker black pepper. So note to self…..less damn pepper. 

 

Ernie and Debbie pulled out while we were enjoying lunch. Meeting them was very nice and the way it happened was certainly entertaining. We hope to met up with them again and become better acquainted at some point. Safe travels to those Saskatoon folks. 

 

After finishing the dishes and cleaning up outside Riley and I grabbed our walking sticks, and shuffled our feet all the way to Courthouse Road and back. Didn’t take long, and I’m sure we’ll do it again in the near future. It’s a nice quick, walk but the closer to the road the more noise you hear.

 

Back home, time to write my post, edit my pics and catch the sunset. Those things I usually do all at the same time. I’m talented that way!!! But I couldn’t chew gum while doing all those things, that would tax me beyond my capabilities. It’s good to know one’s limits. 

 

Just seconds after the picture above but the light is turning fast....

Riley and I have been discussing our future camping plans, and have come up with a couple of tentative ideas that include Joshua Tree area for some or most of January. A couple of reasons for that location. Close to Aunt Janet (Riley’s Aunt), and also gets us away from the crowds. We like both of those things, so that’s kind of the plan at this point, although it could change at any time. 

 

That’s it, our quiet day. The kind we like, with no drama, loud folks, loud noises, barking dogs and most of all it was a peaceful, amuse ourselves type of day. It’s a good life and we are enjoying it very much.

 

As I walked around taking sunset pics a new rig came in taking Ernie and Debbie’s spot. Didn’t stay empty more than a couple of hours. 

 

It's slipped away again ....

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed your visit. Feel free to drop a comment. A quick note for my Dad, temps

reached 77F/25C this afternoon but it was chilly in the shade. Just thought you might want to know that!!!

 

Until next time, take care, be safe…


Deb

Appointments, apologies, and a longer stay....

Our Location: Walmart Front Lawn, Hamilton, Ontario

 

(sorry no pics today)

The overnight was cool but then again it's April in Canada so it could have been a lot worse. The day started off cool as well but eventually warmed up to about mid 50F/10C with a wind off the lake which of course makes it seem like a few degrees cooler. 

We had hoped to be departing Hamilton late this afternoon but it wasn't in the cards. We'll be here a couple of more days, had I known we'd be here this long we would have parked at Fifty Point Conservation area with full hookups. However this at least gives us a chance to use our new solar panels, which we had installed in early January in Georgia. It's the first that we've used them and we're still used to dry camping with out them which means we are a bit stingy on turning on lights instead of using our LED lanterns, etc. I know it sounds odd but it's true, we are so used to doing things a certain way when we dry camp that it's difficult to change. I have no doubt we will but it's just odd to find ourselves doing things without realizing we don't have to be quite so diligent  about it. 

Our morning started off with a trip to the storage unit where we will be returning tomorrow for a bit more work. We are combining two lockers into one and will hopefully get that finished tomorrow. We worked there for a couple of hours and managed to accomplish about half of what we started out to accomplish but half is better than none. After a couple of hours and the amount work we were both tired and ready for a rest. 

Back to the Igloo by 11 am we were just relaxing when the local Gynecologist office called to discuss forwarding Riley's paperwork to the new referral. Long story short with some trepidation they convinced us to come down to their office this afternoon and they would see her TODAY but that the doctor felt it was somewhat of an urgent matter. Explaining we had two appointments this afternoon and couldn't possible reach the office before 4 pm they assured us that would be fine, they would be there until all patients were seen by the doctor. We added that appointment to our list. 

 

Lunch was a quick bowl of soup, not the best soup as it came out of a can but it was good for a quick fill up and warm up as well. We both kind of just relaxed for the next hour knowing the rest of the afternoon would be busy. Climbing in to the Dogsled we headed up the hill to see our fantastic dentist, Dr. Larry Yaksich. He's actually retired and sold his practice but still comes in a couple of days a week, we lucked out having him there today. He's been our dentist for many years and we always feel like family when we are there. The ladies in the front office are amazing, MaryAnne and Lisa work magic slipping folks in for appointments and truly make us feel as if we're their best friends. It's a gift they have and it serves them well. Lisa is recovering from a battle with cancer and is doing wonderfully, she looks great, her usual semi short, spiky blonde locks are extra short, extra dark and curly. MaryAnne is always her usual chipper self, quick with a smile, a quip and sparkle in her eye. Truly these two women are special people and we're very lucky to know them.  

Our appointments went well but we need to return tomorrow morning as they are going to fit Riley with a mouth guard for sleeping. She's having some issues with her jaw clicking at various times. Dr. Larry thinks the mouth guard may help with that problem. He says its from clenching/grinding her teeth while she sleeps. I wonder if it's hereditary as Bradey also has the same issue. 

From there we headed back down the big hill to Hunter Avenue East, coasting to a stop in front of Dr. Dube's office at about 3:50 pm. Putting a couple of bucks in the meter (paying time ends at 6 pm) we headed off for Riley's appointment. The office was full with a few folks sitting outside as it can quickly become hot in the waiting room with too many people. We waited for about an hour and a half before being shown into the room. After discussing the problems with ultra sounds and office visits with Zena on the front desk, next with Rosemary the nurse, we received many, many apologies for the troubles and were assured it's not the norm. Finally after about 20 minutes of sitting in the little exam room the doctor made an appearance. We once again discussed the issues and were assured that it wouldn't happen again. In fact the doctor wrote specific notes on the file regarding HER expectations of how this should be handled. So we'll see how it goes. Eventually we finally got down to the issues. The cyst on Riley's right ovary has grown larger and needs to be taken out. It is showing signs of twisting and is the reason she is having so much discomfort and pain at times. Dr. Dube requested specific blood work, some standard, some specialized  that we have to pay for ourselves. She wanted it down as quickly as we can, so we're having it done tomorrow. Dr. Dube is going to refer Riley to a gynecologist that the doctor knows personally in North Bay. She is also requesting an MRI from this doctor. The referral request will go out tonight from the doctor herself. So we can't fault the lady for not picking up the ball and getting things moving for us. After the blood work and the MRI they will decide the best course to take. In 2 weeks I'll contact Dr. Dube or her nurse and get the results from the blood tests (specialized test take a bit longer than regular tests).

 

We finally left the office at 6:25 pm and headed home. Both of us were extremely tired but glad we went, it's helped answer a number of questions and also helped to ease our minds about exactly where things should to go in the near future. Riley is somewhat relieved and I think given a couple of days she'll be more so once things settle down a bit. Riley dislikes answering the questions that are asked in these situations and will just look at me indicating I should answer them. It's difficult enough for her and at this point I'm more concerned with just getting the information delivered to the doctor than about encouraging Riley to speak for herself.  I know sometimes it seems as if I'm overbearing but at this point in the process I think Riley has enough stress without adding any more. 

 

We stopped at the pharmacy on the way back to the Igloo but only picked up my script as the doctor didn't think Riley should continue with her script. It was a quick in and out which surprised us both as it usually takes a while. 

 

Home sure looked pretty inviting when we arrived but we headed off into Walmart to buy dinner instead of cooking. We were both just too tired to think about cooking never mind actually doing it. ~laugh~ Of course we're both stress eaters and so we didn't really make good choices but that's okay, it's one meal and we all need comfort at times. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

 

After we finished eating it was time to do the dishes that have been accumulating and so armed with the knowledge that we HAD to do dishes it went pretty quickly. Truly it wasn't THAT bad, everything managed to stay under cover in the sinks, so if you visited you would never know we had a sink full of dirty dishes. ~laugh~ 

 

After that chore was complete I called my dad to explain we'd not be seeing him as early as I thought. I explained we had a few things come up that were going to take a few extra days and didn't want him to worry when we didn't show up in the next day or two. He assured us that next week is going to be quite chilly up there on the Rock and staying here a bit longer isn't a bad idea. I've looked at the long range forecast and since we'll be approaching mid May shortly the weather is promising to be nicer and nicer. We can handle that!!!!

 

After that it was a matter of heading in our own directions and doing our own thing. It feels good to just kind of unwind and settle down. 

 

So there you have it, our day here in Hamilton, Ontario. Appointments, apologies, and some work. Tomorrow we have a few things to do that will keep us busy for the day and out of trouble. So on that note, until next time...be safe, take care...

Solar Panels on the roof.....

(We are currently in Foley, Alabama but have been without internet for the past few weeks. I will continue posting my blog posts in order, posting a few a day until I get caught up. Sorry for the long dry spell. ~laugh~ )

Our Location: Coastal Solar Parking Lot, Hinesville, GA
(Jan 5, 2017 Post)

A nice evening last night, not cold but cool enough. I slept well, the place is pretty quiet and except for a few noises but I didn’t hear much.

This  morning at 6:00 A.M. the morning wake up call at the nearby military base was loud enough for me to hear and cause my eyes to open. We’ve heard different ‘timed’ military base notes throughout the evening yesterday and today. On my drive to pick up some diesel today I actually drove past the base, it’s not far away, maybe a mile at the most.

Jason (orange sweater) and Cody (?) on the roof of the Igloo laying out the panels

Bright blue skies with a few white wispy clouds were the order of the day. The temps reached into the mid 60’s F/15.5 C by this afternoon. Warm enough to keep the big door open all day.

Our morning started off with me cleaning out a closet in the front of the Igloo to allow cables to be run down the inside so as to keep them hidden. After that we were up, chores complete, breakfast finished and a bit of reading in before 8:15 am. I had the door open for a bit as it was warmer outside than inside. Jason from Coastal Solar was here bright and early to start work. He appeared with a smile on his face and a fantastic attitude that never left him all day. He is an extremely conscientious young man, very polite, very knowledgeable and a truly happy person. I felt very much in good hands with him doing this work.

 

Looks like they know what they are doing, doesn't it?

Riley and I left for a walk just as he was getting started. Nothing worse than someone looking over your shoulder when you’re trying to work, so I felt it was in HIS best interest at the time and MY best interest in the future for me to leave the area and let him do this thing. Riley and I walked for a couple of blocks West but had to retrace our steps as we ended up on a dead end street. We turned around walking back those same couple of blocks, adding a few more until we had completed a small loop of the area.

Jason and his buddy, (I think he said Cody) spent a bit of time on the roof top laying out, installing the 4 panels (100 watts each), running the cables, and fastening everything tightly. After a very quick lunch only Jason returned to finish up and to do the dreaded drilling of a hole to run the cables into the Igloo. Jason is from the Northwest regions of the USA where it rains a great deal, he worries about water leaks and I think drilling the hole was probably the toughest part of the job for him.

Monitor panel (black box), Charge controller (silver box) and connection from batteries to charge controller (left under black box)

Various times throughout the day folks dropped by to see how the install was progressing. One or two climbed up on the roof to have a look, take some pictures and just to ensure things were going well. All great people that work here, friendly, knowledgeable, warm, and generous.

There are 4 of these up here, 100 watts each, should keep us in power with no problems. 

I don’t have a lot of pictures of the actual work or each step taken, I felt it was more important to stay out of the way and leave the man alone to do what I asked him to do than it was for me to document each step. I will over the next number of months learn more about the entire system and give updates as to how I like the system, how well it works to cover our needs, any extra we add on and I’ll add pictures of the various pieces and parts of the system. I truly won't know much until we get back to Canada and actually start using our new system. 

Suzanne was a huge help as well. An extremely nice lady, more than understanding about things, friendly with a ready smile, she adds a certain zest to this team.

I can’t say enough about the fantastic way we were treated, how professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and kind the people of Coastal Solar here in Hinesville, Ga have been to us. I would not hesitate to recommend them for any of your solar needs. They do mostly much bigger installations but were more than happy to do our small job. We were the first RV install for them, and I think the first install of the new year as well. We wish them continued success in the years ahead.

I told you I had 4 of them!!!!!

After Jason finished the install, Riley and I spent some time putting things back in order (the closet), enjoyed reading our books and just relaxing. Around 5 pm we headed outside to hook up the Dogsled, and get everything outside secure for our travels tomorrow. We are heading to Gunter Hill Campground near the city of Montgomery, Al. According to Phoebe (RV GPS) we are 345 miles away, which should be 6.5 hours but i think it will be more likely to be about 8 hours drive time.

Dinner tonight was spaghetti with oregano chicken and veggies. It was excellent, easy, and quick. Dishes finished, some reading and then it’s time to head off to bed. As I write this in bed, it is less quiet than last night but still nice.

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment. Until next time…be safe…take care.