Jonestown, PA
Yea, stupid to feed into this. TECHNOLOGY.
My first computer was a Commodore 64. Anyone remember that? It was all that and more, or so we thought. Next came my desk top. I'm thinking it had Windows 98. Then came laptops. My first was a Acer with Windows XP. That served me well and I was happy with it. Eventually that first laptop got slower. So I bought a Toshiba with Windows 7. Leonard still uses the old Acer but only to play solitaire.
I never really liked the Toshiba. It was in the shop A LOT. I would occasionally use the Acer. Well, what do you know....... Microsoft stopped supporting the XP operating system. Of course, why not when you can not so gently force people to part with more money to update to a newer system. Over and over again.
Last year I got impatient with the Toshiba. I gave it to my granddaughters and bought a Dell with Windows 8. Then came 8.1. Once I got through the learning curve, I liked it. So, what did I do over this last weekend? I downloaded Windows 10. I HATE IT. I can't import pictures. I hate learning curves. I have no patience. I am technically challenged. (Is there a support group for this?) I will have my son-in-law Steve show me how to take it off. After all, he helped me install it. He knows more about these things than I ever will.
And now let's talk about phones. Am I the only geezer with a dumb phone? My Samsung flip phone works just fine. I don't need a phone for a GPS. I have a GPS that came with the truck. More on that later. I don't need a phone to search the Internet. That is a job for my Dell with the useless Windows 10. I just need a phone to make phone calls and occasional text. You won't see me sitting in a restaurant, doctors office or standing in line at Disney playing games on my phone.
Last year for Christmas Leonard gave me a Verizon tablet. It was on sale for $70.00 with a $70.00 debate. He is a real sport. I do like it and will take it in the truck with us while traveling. Helps to find a place to overnight. I had it just about a month when I wanted a cover. We went back to the Verizon store to get one. It had to be special ordered. Reason? My tablet is a 7. Obsolete. They were selling a Verizon 8 so only had covers for a more modern(?)tablet.
We do love a GPS. But even they become obsolete. That's not really their fault is it? Stores close down and move. New restaurants open up or go out of business. There are new bridges and highways. So last year we paid over $150. for the CD's that updated the GPS that came with our 2011 F350. Still takes me to where Walmart or the Post Office used to be.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Upgrades and
Cleona, PA
In September we had heavier axles and springs added to our 2014 Cedar Creek Fifthwheel.
On Tuesday we left NJ headed to spend the month of December at a campground in Jonestown, PA near where my daughter Terri lives. We had made arrangements with the shop which did the work to stop there on the way. They had requested when back in the area to stop by and they would check that the U Bolts were still torqued right.
While still in NJ Leonard noticed the rig was listing to the left a little. When stopping at a convenience store for coffee, he checked under the rig and saw nothing that looked amiss. As we were crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge from NJ to Delaware we heard crashing noises. At that point the trailer turned at a sharp angle to the left. We were hitting plastic barrels on the bridge placed there to block the left lane for bridge work. We knocked over about 10 of them. We slowed down to a crawl with flashing lights until we crested the bridge and got to the other side. Before entering the toll booths there was a turn off used by bridge authorities to make their turnarounds. We could not have gone through a toll booth.....the truck is a dually and trailer leaning far left, we were really wide.
Len looked under and saw the new axle was about a foot back and only the main spring was there and the rest had fallen off.
Here Len had pulled the axle back in line.
What to do. What to do.
Len called the shop They said they did not have a tow vehicle to come get us, we were 1 1/2 hours away. So we called Good Sam roadside assistance. They said they would get back to us.
In the meantime I posted on Facebook what was going on. Len wisely kept the old springs and stored them in a utility trailer we have parked at my daughter Amy's house in MD, about an hour and a half away. I called her. Luckily both she and her husband mostly work from home. Scott was home and would bring them to us. I worried about Leonard getting under the trailer and doing any work, due to still recuperating from knee replacement.
About then my brother called and asked what was going on. My nephew saw my post on Facebook. Right away they offered their help. So about an hour and a half later, son-in-law Scott arrived with the old spring. Then my brother and nephew arrived to help. In the pouring rain.
Then Good Sam called. They said they were having a hard time finding a tow for a 40ft fifth wheel. WHAT? This is what we pay $159.00 a year for = TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL. They offered to send someone to check and see if they could. We told them never mind, we have it handled. We will be having a conversation with them today.
Len and Scott taking the tire off
Nephew JR jacking tire up to replace U bolts and springs
JR replacing U bolts with my brother Norm assisting.
Scott and JR popping hangers back into upright position.
In September we had heavier axles and springs added to our 2014 Cedar Creek Fifthwheel.
On Tuesday we left NJ headed to spend the month of December at a campground in Jonestown, PA near where my daughter Terri lives. We had made arrangements with the shop which did the work to stop there on the way. They had requested when back in the area to stop by and they would check that the U Bolts were still torqued right.
While still in NJ Leonard noticed the rig was listing to the left a little. When stopping at a convenience store for coffee, he checked under the rig and saw nothing that looked amiss. As we were crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge from NJ to Delaware we heard crashing noises. At that point the trailer turned at a sharp angle to the left. We were hitting plastic barrels on the bridge placed there to block the left lane for bridge work. We knocked over about 10 of them. We slowed down to a crawl with flashing lights until we crested the bridge and got to the other side. Before entering the toll booths there was a turn off used by bridge authorities to make their turnarounds. We could not have gone through a toll booth.....the truck is a dually and trailer leaning far left, we were really wide.
Len looked under and saw the new axle was about a foot back and only the main spring was there and the rest had fallen off.
Here Len had pulled the axle back in line.
What to do. What to do.
Len called the shop They said they did not have a tow vehicle to come get us, we were 1 1/2 hours away. So we called Good Sam roadside assistance. They said they would get back to us.
In the meantime I posted on Facebook what was going on. Len wisely kept the old springs and stored them in a utility trailer we have parked at my daughter Amy's house in MD, about an hour and a half away. I called her. Luckily both she and her husband mostly work from home. Scott was home and would bring them to us. I worried about Leonard getting under the trailer and doing any work, due to still recuperating from knee replacement.
About then my brother called and asked what was going on. My nephew saw my post on Facebook. Right away they offered their help. So about an hour and a half later, son-in-law Scott arrived with the old spring. Then my brother and nephew arrived to help. In the pouring rain.
Then Good Sam called. They said they were having a hard time finding a tow for a 40ft fifth wheel. WHAT? This is what we pay $159.00 a year for = TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL. They offered to send someone to check and see if they could. We told them never mind, we have it handled. We will be having a conversation with them today.
Len and Scott taking the tire off
Nephew JR jacking tire up to replace U bolts and springs
JR replacing U bolts with my brother Norm assisting.
Scott and JR popping hangers back into upright position.
We are eternally grateful for JR, Norm and Scott. There is no way Len, still favoring new knee, could have crawled under the rig. Also, having self leveling jacks help.
We make it to Ephrata, PA with no issues. The rig is still in the shop. They will put on new springs, heavier U bolts. We don't know what the cause was......just that the springs fell apart.
Despite the hassles, we were fortunate. We kept the old spring. Scott was home and could bring them to us. JR read my Facebook post. Norm owns his own construction company and they were able to leave the job to offer assistance. We were less than two hour drive to where the original work was done. They are taking full responsibly. Our daughter Terri lives 25 miles from the shop so we have a place to stay while rig is in shop. And even being on the bridge, there was a safe place to pull over before the tolls.
It's always something.....
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Recent days
Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ
We've been visiting and loafing the last couple of weeks. On Tuesday we hook up and go to Pennsylvania for the month of December.
While here we took a couple of new friends that are friends of daughter Terri and her husband Steve up to Pa for a day. Here is Barb and Tony, Terri and Steve and their pup Cane.
Last weekend we had dinner at my brothers house. This is nephew JR and fiance Vadra
My brother Norm, great-nephew Lance and Leonard relaxing after dinner.
Sister-in-law Nora and my sister Debbie with great-niece Hailey in front.
And for Thanksgiving it was at Terri's house near Hershey, PA. Leonard in the red shirt, SIL Steve at the end of the table, Terri in the foreground. Their friends Chris and Bob.....oops, I thought I got a better picture of them.
And here is Grandson Justin with his girlfriend Karlie and Terri again.
This weekend the granddaughters came for a 3 day visit. Here is a picture of Charlotte and Abby taken today sitting for the first time in their Mommy and Daddy's new car.
I hope each of you had a great Thanksgiving and looking forward to a blessed Christmas season.
Until next time......
We've been visiting and loafing the last couple of weeks. On Tuesday we hook up and go to Pennsylvania for the month of December.
While here we took a couple of new friends that are friends of daughter Terri and her husband Steve up to Pa for a day. Here is Barb and Tony, Terri and Steve and their pup Cane.
Last weekend we had dinner at my brothers house. This is nephew JR and fiance Vadra
My brother Norm, great-nephew Lance and Leonard relaxing after dinner.
Sister-in-law Nora and my sister Debbie with great-niece Hailey in front.
And for Thanksgiving it was at Terri's house near Hershey, PA. Leonard in the red shirt, SIL Steve at the end of the table, Terri in the foreground. Their friends Chris and Bob.....oops, I thought I got a better picture of them.
And here is Grandson Justin with his girlfriend Karlie and Terri again.
This weekend the granddaughters came for a 3 day visit. Here is a picture of Charlotte and Abby taken today sitting for the first time in their Mommy and Daddy's new car.
I hope each of you had a great Thanksgiving and looking forward to a blessed Christmas season.
Until next time......
Thursday, November 19, 2015
An update on RV fire
For those asking about the fire here in the park on Monday night.
The woman who lived there has been arrested. According to the local newspaper, the police were called to go to her trailer for a wellness check (Could it be for the gun shots I heard?)
When they arrived, the trailer was on fire and the woman was sitting on the grass across the street from it. They took her to the hospital
After investigation she was arrested for arson and malicious mischief. Then taken back to the hospital.
That's all I know for now. However, two couples who live here in the park are coming in a few hours for Leonards gumbo. I bet I will hear more at that time.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
RV FIRE last night in park
Buena Vista Campground
Buena, NJ
Last night I heard what sounded like gunshots. Then it sounded like an explosion. A short time later I heard sirens in the distance, then closer, then I saw flashing lights.
I looked outside my bedroom window and saw the flashing lights and then flames.
I told Len something awful was happening at the corner of the next street. We walked half way down our street and saw it was an RV fully engulfed.
The tankers kept coming along with an ambulance and police cars.
This morning we walked by. A neighbor told us a woman lived there alone and she was taken to the hospital. I've walked by this RV many times. I always noted that the car parked in the driveway had a bumper sticker that said something like this......If you are upset that I parked in a Handicap spot I would be glad not to take that spot if you will take my MS.
This is what is left of her home.
Her car parked in front is burned
The heat melted the vinyl siding on the trailer next to it.
We've seen State Police come into the park this morning. Probably investigating.
The gentleman we talked with said it is believed the heater exploded. We just don't know at this time. We don't know the cause, we don't know the condition of the resident. We pray she is well and has friends or family to assist her.
Buena, NJ
Last night I heard what sounded like gunshots. Then it sounded like an explosion. A short time later I heard sirens in the distance, then closer, then I saw flashing lights.
I looked outside my bedroom window and saw the flashing lights and then flames.
I told Len something awful was happening at the corner of the next street. We walked half way down our street and saw it was an RV fully engulfed.
The tankers kept coming along with an ambulance and police cars.
This morning we walked by. A neighbor told us a woman lived there alone and she was taken to the hospital. I've walked by this RV many times. I always noted that the car parked in the driveway had a bumper sticker that said something like this......If you are upset that I parked in a Handicap spot I would be glad not to take that spot if you will take my MS.
This is what is left of her home.
Her car parked in front is burned
The heat melted the vinyl siding on the trailer next to it.
We've seen State Police come into the park this morning. Probably investigating.
The gentleman we talked with said it is believed the heater exploded. We just don't know at this time. We don't know the cause, we don't know the condition of the resident. We pray she is well and has friends or family to assist her.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Last couple of days here.....
Buena Vista Campground
Buena, NJ
Our time is winding down here in Buena. Len is on the mend, somewhat. He tires easily. He drove for the first time since the surgery on Friday.
We had our granddaughters here just for Saturday, picking them up Saturday morning and meeting their mother on Sunday morning. Len drove to Newark, DE but was so tired I drove back.
Our plans for this week? Len has Physical Therapy on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I have eye surgery on Thursday. Simple procedure. I have one of those puffy thingies in the corner of my right eye. Caused by cholesterol. Simple to remove, no anesthesia even. I'll be so glad to have that pesty thing removed. The thing on my eye, not Leonard.
Then Thursday night Len is making shrimp gumbo for two couples here in the park.
Friday we pack up and move to what we call Camp Mooneyham. (A friends yard near where we used to live). Will be there until December 1.
We sure have had a slow, easy fall. I must admit we are quite lazy. Biggest thing around here is watching the many cats and squirrels living in the park. Got talking to a couple a few rigs down. They trap them, have them chipped, neutered, given rabies shots. The cats, not the squirrels.
Buena, NJ
Our time is winding down here in Buena. Len is on the mend, somewhat. He tires easily. He drove for the first time since the surgery on Friday.
We had our granddaughters here just for Saturday, picking them up Saturday morning and meeting their mother on Sunday morning. Len drove to Newark, DE but was so tired I drove back.
Our plans for this week? Len has Physical Therapy on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I have eye surgery on Thursday. Simple procedure. I have one of those puffy thingies in the corner of my right eye. Caused by cholesterol. Simple to remove, no anesthesia even. I'll be so glad to have that pesty thing removed. The thing on my eye, not Leonard.
Then Thursday night Len is making shrimp gumbo for two couples here in the park.
Friday we pack up and move to what we call Camp Mooneyham. (A friends yard near where we used to live). Will be there until December 1.
We sure have had a slow, easy fall. I must admit we are quite lazy. Biggest thing around here is watching the many cats and squirrels living in the park. Got talking to a couple a few rigs down. They trap them, have them chipped, neutered, given rabies shots. The cats, not the squirrels.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Let's bring proper English back PLEASE.
Buena Vista Campground
Buena, NJ
Okay ..... first I am going to admit my English is not always proper. I've find myself saying AIN'T. Growing up we were often told that AIN'T is not a word. I know, I know. I am catching myself and correcting myself. I promise to do better.
At one time AIN'T seemed to be the only affront to proper grammar. BUT..... gosh, in my old age I find poor grammar is getting more prevalent. And my ears hurt folks.
For instance when did BE become a substitute for AM. As in "I be going to the grocery store". Eh?
And a common one. The question of SAW and SEEN. As in " I SEEN the movie last week" It's either "I saw the movie last week" or "I HAD seen the movie last week". No more "I SEEN" please.
And remember two negatives make a positive. As in, "I don't got no money" Well, if you don't got no money then you must some have some money. It's "I don't have ANY money" At the end of the month, neither do I.
And what's with the use of the word DID. I hear people saying they have their hair DID. Or they brag "Yesterday I HAD DID it". NO! It's "Yesterday I did it". Don't need the HAD. And by the way, they had their hair DO DONE.
I was always taught that when listing people in a sentence put yourself last. Example: "Joe, Jane and I went for a ride." I've heard "Me, Joe and Jane went for a ride" Or even "Joe, Jane and myself went for a ride". If Joe and Jane were not with you, would you say "Me went for a ride" or "Myself went for a ride". I didn't think so.
Okay my rant for today. Tomorrow? Let me think about that.
Buena, NJ
Okay ..... first I am going to admit my English is not always proper. I've find myself saying AIN'T. Growing up we were often told that AIN'T is not a word. I know, I know. I am catching myself and correcting myself. I promise to do better.
At one time AIN'T seemed to be the only affront to proper grammar. BUT..... gosh, in my old age I find poor grammar is getting more prevalent. And my ears hurt folks.
For instance when did BE become a substitute for AM. As in "I be going to the grocery store". Eh?
And a common one. The question of SAW and SEEN. As in " I SEEN the movie last week" It's either "I saw the movie last week" or "I HAD seen the movie last week". No more "I SEEN" please.
And remember two negatives make a positive. As in, "I don't got no money" Well, if you don't got no money then you must some have some money. It's "I don't have ANY money" At the end of the month, neither do I.
And what's with the use of the word DID. I hear people saying they have their hair DID. Or they brag "Yesterday I HAD DID it". NO! It's "Yesterday I did it". Don't need the HAD. And by the way, they had their hair DO DONE.
I was always taught that when listing people in a sentence put yourself last. Example: "Joe, Jane and I went for a ride." I've heard "Me, Joe and Jane went for a ride" Or even "Joe, Jane and myself went for a ride". If Joe and Jane were not with you, would you say "Me went for a ride" or "Myself went for a ride". I didn't think so.
Okay my rant for today. Tomorrow? Let me think about that.
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