Veterans, We Thank You

This is a photo I took of the Shanksville, PA - United Flight 93 crash site on 9/11.  It was a moving experience to stand there and consider what the citizens on that plane chose to do in service to our country.  That day's events helped to usher in a new era of commitment by our Armed Services.  To all of you who are serving now, to all of you who have served in the past, THANK YOU.  To those of you who have lost a loved one by virtue of their service to our country, we owe you OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE.  To those of you who gave the ultimate sacrifice, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN. 

Moving Tomorrow - Domicile Discussion

If you are like us, you spent considerable time figuring out this RV lifestyle perspective --- domicile.  It is a primary concern for full timers, those that live their life completely from an RV.  I wanted to pursue that lifestyle, a FULL TIMER, before I met my wife.  I would have been perfectly happy to have hauled a trailer around behind my Durango and see the country, no roots.  As it turns out, Jan shared my dream -- sort of.  She wanted to travel and see the country to, but she likes having a traditional house and could not make the leap to full timing.  As a compromise we have developed a PART TIMER concept for RVing.  I follow lots of blogs and forums.  There is such good insight and education there.  In the end we had to consider some traditional concepts.  Proximity to family, fair weather, fiances and a fixed structure.  For us, Florida fit the plan.  So we bought a little place to call home....our DOMICILE.  Texas was a close second.  The plan during the winter is to hang our hats at the little place above.  The reality is that, if full timers, we probably would have been parked for extended periods in Florida anyway.  We formalized it by buying a little place to part the RV with a house included.  I really think it will work out well.  We are beginning the move there tomorrow, arriving Sunday.  After depositing the small amount of stuff we have left within our new S&B, we will head back to the RV in Virginia as we finish up our careers by Thanksgiving.  Having spent most of my life in Virginia, Part Timing from Florida will be an interesting adventure!  On more step into the new American dream.

The Daily Walk

Walking.  Healthy on so many levels.  I need to do more of it.  I have made it a point to walk every day now. Rain? No problem, carry an umbrella.  Cold? Put on a coat. Mental health, physical health and you even get to meet nice folks.  Today I met a fellow and had a nice chat in the roadway.  He is also named Mike, retired, has a nice F450 and 5th Wheel (That was my second option of RV).  Guess what?  He is recovering from OPEN HEART SURGERY of 3 weeks ago!  He is out for his walk.  He has located here to be close to the hospital.  The RvBurg is convenient!  Put the house near the hospital until you are recovered.  Easy access to your bed, fridge, TV, bathroom and exercise regimen.  So, go for a walk - for health sake.

Easy Move in the RvBurg

So where else in America can you move your WHOLE HOUSE in one hour? The RvBurg! I got up yesterday morning and had my coffee, watched the TODAY show, and enjoyed the peace and quiet.  I noticed some rapid activity out my window.  We are staying in the 'extended stay' or long term section of the Campground.  My neighbor told me he might move; several 'long term' site holders had departed and he had previewed a new campsite.  Around the corner is a site with an already built deck.  Guess what?  It is easier to move the HOUSE than the deck.  So within an hour my neighbor had relocated; backed the RV right in next to his new deck.  Then moved the shed, grill, etc.  How easy!

Verizon MIFI Internet Access

MIFI - I have to give this device 2 Thumbs UP. I used it in our 2800sf house before moving into the RV, any room, 4 people, no problem. I have used it on the road and used it on the battery mode. It provides essential access to the internet, staying in touch with family and friends, blogging, etc. Connection speeds have been completely adequate. For sure, a land based cable internet connection is great; no data limit and cheaper. But for portability and ease of use, I am satisfied.

Yet to be determined, functionality on fringe or remote areas related to Verizon cellular coverage.

Heating Discussion

We are in Hampton Roads VA right now. The temperature at night has been between 39F and 51F for the past weeks (43F now - 9am). I like it cooler at night for sleeping. We turn the thermostat down on the gas heater and let it run. Propane use seems to have been light at these temps. I have a 28 gal. tank and very little used so far and that includes cooking use. When we get up or get back to the house we bump the heat up just to take off the chill. Then we use 2 of these heaters.

During evening and morning leisure time around the house we have been using two ceramic heaters to keep the place more 'toasty'. They are set on low (750 watt mode). Having a small fan built in they are quiet and distribute heat surprisingly well. They keep the bathroom warmer. They keep the gas unit from kicking on. They are portable and can be place nearby for instant warmth. The electric bill so far is about $10 week for all electric use @ .14 kwh. This did include some record temps where we had the AC running rather than heat.

Overall, this seems to be a good option for specific use heating.

TV Antenna Issues

Out of frustration I had to try some options with the crank up antenna. I tried on two occasions to sign up with Direct TV. The first installer refused to put a HD dish on a tripod. I then (after some months) called back and wanted to get SD using a tripod. This tech, after standing me up during the '8am - 12pm' arrival, showed up at 1pm. He said there were too many trees. I think he was tired of being late and did not want to commit the time for tuning it in. Some stuff about a 2 year guarantee and the trees would fill in and block the signal. What a bunch of horse hockey. My neighbor is having no problem receiving the signal through the tree line. He calls his supervisor...sorry, no can do. I have gotten somewhat disappointed with Direct TV already. My neighbor said she had to call 3 time and complain to get it done. I am not hear long enough to fight that battle right now.


So, I went and bought this addition to my antenna for $30 at a local RV store...it was their only item available. I asked 'how have folks liked it' and they say 'have not had any returned'. Well, it is a really cheap piece of plastic, easy enough to install, but wow, can it possible do anything? My opinion? Waste of money. I apparently am in a fringe area and I am dealing with the wooded tree line adjacent to the campground. I was not able to improve my reception. I still was getting only CBS and a few other not too useful channels. CBS was not reliable and would break up. Gee, all I wanted was some morning and evening news and some occasional other programing.(Updated note: this was a non amplified Winegard product, a KEY issue)


I then went to a different local RV store. I saw and asked about this antenna. Same thing...'never had one returned'. Ut oh. Could it be that is is not worth the gas to bring it back? Well, for $50 I decided to give it a try. It was equally easy to install. It has a separate power supply for a signal booster. Guess what? NICE. 2 thumbs up. I now have clear and uninterrupted programing from all 4 major networks, and 14 additional channels. Plus it is smaller and lighter than the equipment replaced.

So, if you do not want to invest in Satellite right now, or if you want to have an effective back up for programing, give the Jack TV Antenna a shot. For me, it worked. I have been watching NBC all morning, not available from my site before, and uninterrupted all morning. Happy camper.