Easy Sunday and Happy Hour

Location:  BLM near Winterhaven, California

Even though I took a long nap yesterday afternoon, I still got a good night's sleep.  Woke up with the sun this morning.  It was very clear and the temperature was already comfortably in the 50s.

Sun coming up over the Pilot Knob Mountains.

I didn't get out of bed till around 8:30 and then fixed the coffee and took Yuma for his walk.

Imperial Sand Dunes to the West of us.

Yuma and Paxton

 While on our walk we ran into our neighbor Don and his dog, Paxton.  Yuma and Paxton had a pretty good time, but Paxton didn't like rough housing.

White Lion in the background.

Pilot Knob Mountains.

After breakfast, Yuma and I rested for awhile.  For some reason I feel tired today.  Must have done too much yesterday.  Yuma found himself a new resting place in the Sun.  

Yuma sunning himself on the dash.

We finally got the humph to go out to the Jeep and pull out the new rug and two Director chairs.  I must say the rug is a bright green.

At 3 o'clock, I left Yuma home to guard the house while I went to Happy Hour with my Canadian friends.

Left to right:  Bill, Kim, Patsy, Ken

 We even talked politics tonight and no one shot anyone.  Canadians are very interested and knowledgeable in our political environment.  It was a beautiful afternoon and the time passed quickly.

Returned home around 5:30 to find this!

Yuma was a bad dog!

The trash was thrown everywhere.  I had thrown some round bones from my steak last night in the trash and Yuma could smell them and he tore everything up to get to them.  Luckily they weren't sharp bones so everything should be okay.  I'll have to be more careful in the future.  I didn't have the heart to scold him too much.

I had a big dinner tonight.  Steak, beans and a whole potato followed with a salad and pudding with whipped cream for desert.  I'm doing good.

Time for bed now.  See you later.

Short move day

Location:  BLM near Winterhaven, California

Woke up in the night with the sound of a light rain on the roof.  Not much.  When i got up around 7:30, I knew I had a busy day ahead.

First thing was to take Yuma for a walk as the coffee perculated.   It is warm, but quite cloudy and no rain.  In fact, I couldn't even tell it had rained during the night.

Clouds over Pilot Knob Mountains.

Yuma and I had to hurry because I had an open house scheduled for 9 o'clock and I had some house cleaning and straightening to do.  Patsy and Kim had not seen the White Lion yet and wanted a showing before I left.

Got everything done just in time and even turned on a bunch of lights for ambience.  I think they were impressed.  I know I really like my new home.  And I'm proud to show him off.

After the ladies left, Yuma and I got working on finishing our packing and unhooking from the wonderful water, electricity and sewer connections we enjoyed so much.  Back to the conservative lifestyle for us.

Eleven o'clock was the departure time from the Pilot Knob RV Resort and Yuma and I were heading for the exit at 10:30 with half an hour to spare.  We weren't heading far.

We drove out of the resort, turned right on Sidewinder Road and turned another right behind the resort and followed a hard sandy road along the power lines for about two miles due West to the BLM land near the resort.

Tips of the sand dunes dead ahead.

Found a secluded place about two miles down the road and pulled in.

It felt nice to park in the desert with the sound of the wind whistling through the coach windows.  It had cleared and the wind was blowing at around 15 mph.  As soon as we parked Yuma wanted to be outside.

After walking around and letting Yuma sniff the bushes and running everywhere, we came inside to relax for awhile.  I still tire easily and there were more things I wanted to accomplish before the end of the day.

Stop bothering me, Dad!

Around 1 o'clock I decided to head into Yuma to look for an ice chest to hopefully keep my milk and stuff cool for several days at a time.  I also want to check out a solar place to see if I can buy a larger monitor that would be able to handle two 100 watt solar panels.  I left Yuma home to guard the house.

I had seen a large ice chest at Lowes the other day, so that's where we headed.  They still had the one I wanted.  A large Coleman ice chest with wheels and a handle to pull it buy.  I have several at home, so I guess we'll have one more to add to the collection.

Then I followed my google directions to an RV solar shop named RV Connection.  I very nice gentleman sat down with me and I explained that I had recently bought a second 100 watt solar panel but when I connected it to my other panel with a 10 amp controller, it would blow the fuse, so I couldn't use the two together.

He was kind enough to order a 30 amp controller and will have it delivered to the store and I will be able to stop by on Monday and pick it up.  I have no address, so can't order anything to be delivered.

As I was walking through their store, I noticed they had outside rugs, so took a look at those and found a green one.  Size is 8' by 20' so plenty big enough for the doorway of the MH.  

I also saw they had sturdy Director Chairs with side tables that I had wanted.  Picked up two of those.  By the time I left the store I was $400 poorer, but had what I have been wanting.  Now I can entertain in style!

Stopped for gas in the Jeep, picked up 20 pounds of ice and headed home.  I was way on the East side of Yuma so took over half an hour to get home.  As I approached the desert, it started to cloud up again and I could see rain on the windshield.  It had cooled down quite a bit with the clouds and wind.

Just as I pulled into my place, I saw a four wheeler buzzing up behind me.  It was my friend Keith and his dog Oreo.  I let Yuma out and he and Oreo ran around like the wind.  Finally caught them when they both stopped for a short breather.

Both of them are young, lean and streamlined.  Unfortunately, the rain was picking up, so I gave Keith and Oreo a quick walkthrough of the White Lion and they were on their way.  I wish Keith wasn't leaving tomorrow.  It would be fun to take the two dogs out to the dunes and let them play.

It wasn't long before they both jumped onto the Can- Am and were off.

What a duo!

 It was really windy and downright cool, so Yuma took a quick walk and came in.  I brought the ice I and put it into the freezer compartment of the fridge and then went to lay down on the bed to rest.  Didn't even bring the rest of the things I bought into the MH.

I haven't actually fallen asleep during the afternoon since I don't know when, but the next thing I knew, it was after 7 o'clock and the sun was gone.    Already time to do the blog.  Yuma was confused.  He stayed on the bed and yapped at me to come back to bed.  He thought it was bedtime and wondered why I was up.

It's still windy and there has been a little rain off and on as I type my post for the evening.  Time for a little dinner and bed for real this time.

See you later.

Fridge is gone

Location:  Pilot Knob RV Resort - Winterhaven, California

Slept well last night and woke up feeling the best I've felt for a long time.  For once I feel strong and not run down as I have been.

Calling for a cloudy day but very warm.  Over 80 this afternoon.  I was up and going shortly after the sun, taking Yuma for his walk while the coffee heated up.  Yuma found a friend named Cali ( short for California)  She was adopted from an animal refuge in California.

Yuma and Cali.

Tall thin man watching over Yuma as runs in the desert.

I have made the decision to return the refrigerator I just bought.  It is too tall and I just don't have anywhere to put it that would be safe as I drive down the road.  Can't have a 65 pound missile behind me.  I had thought of putting it in the bathroom, but with the small entrance, it was too large to fit.  By 11 o'clock I had taken it out of the MH and put it into the Jeep.

It wasn't hard at all to get it ready to go.  I didn't even remove it from its original packaging so should have no problem returning it to Lowe's.  I was soon off and on my way, leaving Yuma at home because of the heat and lack of room in the Jeep.  Pulled in the parking lot right next to a cart and quickly dumped it on it and away I went into the store.

There was no line at the Customer Service desk and quickly filled out the paperwork to reverse the charges on my credit card and I was out of there.

Made a quick stop at Walmart to get a few items and I was on my way home.  As I pulled onto Sidewinder road, I made a quick stop to take a few pictures of the small church in Felicity from a different angle.

Population: 2

Instead of the small refrigerator, I decided to call Discount Solar in Quartzsite and have them put 6 solar panels and an invertor and controller with all the necessary wiring on the White Lion.  Didn't go well.  Talked to a very nice man named Rick who handled the solar installation for motorhomes.  

He said that six 100 watt panels would be the minimum to handle my large refrigerator.  He gave me an estimate of between $6000 to $7500!  Whoa!  That is a lot of money to keep food cold.  Told Rick I would think about it and call on Monday if that was the route I wanted to go.

After taking Yuma for another walk, I left him home and went to our HH.  Weather is overcast with a slight breeze to keep us cool while we sat in the shade.  I brought up the cost quote and all agreed that it was too high.  So, now I'm back to square one on solutions to my refrigeration problem.

I'm thinking that I need to just buy a large cooler to keep things cold when I'm off-grid for any length of time and wait till I get home to solve the problem permanently.  That will be the least expensive choice.  The winter is coming to a close fairly fast and it won't be long before I'm heading home.

After I got home from HH, Yuma and I took a bath.  I may as well shower when he gets a bath, because he gets me all wet anyway.  Now Yuma and I are clean and happy.

I can't believe I've been here for a week and tomorrow is the day I leave.  I still have things to do around the Yuma area so I'm going to find a boondocking spot nearby and continue with the things I need to do while near a big city.   It's going to be an adjustment losing unlimited water and power, but we will be free to be ourselves once more.

Watched Gold Rush and the new Dave Turin show about his search for gold in Montana.  Now it's time for bed.  I need to get up early to pack and leave the comforts of the RV park.

See you later.

Busy day of visiting friends

Location:  Pilot Knob RV Resort, Winterhaven, California

Slept fairly well last night but I must admit I had a little help.  I have had periods of anxiety over the years and with everything going on I could tell I was falling back into those feelings.  Normally, I can work myself out but wasn't working this time.

I ordered and received Lexapro and took one last night for the first time in quite awhile.  This morning, I don't feel as wired as Barney Fife but not as relaxed as Andy Taylor on the old Andy Griffith Show.  As Barney used to say I'm trying to "Nip in the Bud!" so to speak.  

Yuma and I took a nice long walk on the outside this morning.

Long Thin Man

Across I-8 is the little establishment named Felicity, population two.  There is a beautiful small church on a hill that you can't miss when driving through this area outside Yuma.

For the first time, I actually laid down and took a couple hour nap early this afternoon as my body slows down and adjusts to the medication.  I think this will be a good thing for me.  Have a big H.H. this afternoon, so hope I don't fall asleep right in the middle of a conversation. :))

At 3 o'clock, Yuma and I went over to Bill and Patsy's place for H.H. and we had special company today.  Ken and Shirley are passing through on their way to Tennessee and stopped for the evening for a visit.  We also have Dave and Cheryl as special guests also.  It was nice to have such a large gathering of Bloggers and friends in one place for an afternoon of conversation.

From my empty chair left:  Bill, Ken, Keith, Shirley, Kim, Patsy, Cheryl, Dave and Ken

It was nearly six o'clock by the time the group broke up.  It was a wonderful warm afternoon and just a relaxing affair.

Ken and Shirley mentioned they were having a nice fire and dinner out in the BLM just behind the resort where they are staying the night.  I quickly invited myself to their dinner and around 6:30 I left Yuma home and went over to see their nice brand new trailer and have dinner with them.

Even though we have only met once before at a Bloggerfest a number of years ago, we felt that we knew each other much better.  I have been reading their blog for some time and same with them.  We had a wonderful relaxing evening of dinner and conversation.  They have a very spacious travel home and are taking it on its maiden voyage to the Nashville area of Tennessee to visit Ken's brother.  Safe travels tomorrow.

It's been a busy day and I'm ready for bed.  Yuma has already jumped in and is ready to sleep.  See you later.

 

New fridge

Location:  Pilot Knob RV Resort, Winterhaven, California

Slept fairly well last night, but because I'm feeling better, I was anxious to get the day started, so ended up getting up and going right at daybreak.  With no problems staring me in the face, I decided I would drive into Yuma and look for a small electric refrigerator/freezer.

Dolly texted me this morning to let me know that today is Yuma's birthday.  He is six years old.  He's been with me for five of those six years.  He was born right here in Winterhaven, California too!  Happy Birthday to Yuma!  

After taking a walk, having breakfast and then reading blogs and making comments, it was time to head to Yuma.  Already 11 o'clock.  Poor Yuma gets to stay home and be a watchdog today.

Yuma watching me leave from the front window.

 

Not sure what I wanted, but I have made the decision I am going to find a small electric refrigerator / freezer that I can plug into an invertor that is connected to a couple of batteries that are connected to a couple of 100 watt solar panels.  

I already have all the solar stuff and batteries, so just need the fridge.  I'm going to keep the large refrigerator and remove it when I get home and either give it to one of the children or place it in our garage.

Stopped at Walmart and turned in a bottle for a new prescription and looked around the store.  No mini-fridges to be found.  Probably could order online, but I want to see one first.  Then I moved on to Lowe's.

As I was wandering around the appliance department, I saw small fridges, but no fridge/freezer combos.  A young lady came up and asked it I needed help, so I explained what I needed. She said they had one compact refrigerator / freezer left on the floor.  

I took a look at it and it was a little larger in size than I really wanted, but the 4.5 cubic feet storage sure sounded like a nice size for storage.  Cost is $237 total which won't break the bank.  It uses 15 amps of power and I think a couple of solar panels can handle that.  Might need one more.  Tomorrow, I will go to a solar store and discuss my situation with them before opening the box.  Just in case there is an expensive surprise in the solar department.  Have no idea where I'm going to put it, but this is the one I want, I think.

 The first problem was getting it home.  But with a little work and removing the back window, we were able to get it safely in the Jeep.

Got it home with no problems and then Yuma and I were able to push the 72 pounds up and into the White Lion where it now stands.

I haven't taken it out of the box yet because I'm not real sure if this is the one or not.  I think so, but still got some thinking to do as to where to safely store it while traveling.

The gang is having HH today at three o'clock and it is already three.  So, I took Yuma for a quick walk and had a sandwich for lunch and headed over to Ken and Kim's place.   Everyone was there and we had another afternoon covering most subjects that needed to be discussed.

Bill, Patsy, Kim, Ken and Keith.

 It was a beautiful afternoon with plenty of sunshine and a slight breeze.  Love days like this.  Friends Ken and Shirley had mentioned they may be coming this way from the LA area, so we kept a watch out for them but I guess they didn't make it in time.  Hopefully, we will hear something from them so we don't need to worry.

At about 5:30 we broke up and I quickly went home to take Yuma for a walk.  Poor guy is not having a good birthday.  :((  Hopefully, I can make it up to him another day.  I was going to give him a bath, so he should be happy he missed out on that. :))

Desert Lily.

See you later.

Over the hump of problems?

Location:  Pilot Knob RV Resort, Winterhaven, California

I slept last night to the sounds of the food spoiling in my electric refrigerator with no electricity.  Is someone trying to tell me something or what?  

I did sleep well because I was so worn out I think.  Woke up around 8:30 after the sun which I always prefer.  During the night, I realized the box that wasn't working was a surge protector and not an inverter.  So, first thing I did was run out to see if there was a switch to reset it.  No such luck.  Must reset internally.

Got some thoughtful ideas in my comments about my refrigerator dilemma  and also thoughts on what the problem with no electricity might be.  A number of them were nearly right on with what the problem was.  Thank all of you so much for taking the time to give it some thought and respond.

One of my new readers, Jasper asked how to subscribe to my blog.  Not sure if this is the solution or not, but when I went to the blogger design settings I found a gadget that allows you to be notified by email when I make a posting to my blog.  I've added it to the top right column of my blog.  Give it a try if you like.  Thanks for the idea Jasper and welcome to the blog.

First thing this morning, I got a text from Ken saying he saw I had an electrical problem and if it was still a problem, let him know and he could take a look.  I couldn't type fast enough to let him know I'd be happy for him to come on down.

I had just called Foothills RV and made an appointment to take the White Lion in tomorrow at 4 o'clock.  Ken was down in no time flat with an electrical monitor and his electrical skills and common sense.  I lack in both those areas.

Ken could tell right away that the 50 amp connection cord was not put together properly.  I explained that I thought RV Lifestyles may have pulled the cord when moving the motorhome before I purchased it.  They were feverishly putting it together when I walked up to the motorhome for a walk through.

After checking the surge protector out and seeing that no current was going to it, Ken turned his attention to the plug and started unscrewing it to see what was inside.  This is what he found.

 

We were shocked!  Only one of the four wires was connected to a terminal.  It was amazing no one was electrocuted.  You can see the black markings of a short at the top of the casing.  In their haste to get the MH up and going with electricity, the maintenance man at RV Lifestyles had done a quick and dirty fix.

Ken spent a great deal of time getting the wires properly sized and fitted into the plug and screwed it all back into place.  Turned on the electricity and waited for the surge protector to go through its testing routine and voila, I now have electricity. 

That's twice now Ken has saved my bacon, or at least a lot of money.  Thank you Ken for your offer and for the results you produced.  I hope I can pass the good deed on down the line to someone else in need.

After Ken left, I got back to having a big breakfast.  Had four strips of bacon and two eggs.  Had to throw away the milk because it was rancid already.  I needed the food intake that's for sure.

For the remainder of the day, Yuma and I laid outside in the beautiful warm sunshine just enjoying the fact that all was right with the world once more.  At least for today anyway.  No promises for tomorrow.  :((  

As I relaxed though I did get one thing accomplished I had been wanting to do.  I mopped the dirty linoleum floors in the bathroom and living area.  They were so dirty from all the people that had traipsed through it while on sale.  Took all afternoon, but I was in no hurry and I enjoyed getting something accomplished, even though it was a small and simple something.

Yuma had  been a good boy all day, so late in the afternoon, after a big lunch, we took the Jeep to Knob Hill Mountain just South of us and let him run free for awhile.  I have to admit, I enjoyed getting back out to mother nature once again for a fresh breath of air too.  Almost got lost in all my little problems that really don't mean much in the larger scheme of things.

My Jeep down there and I-8 off in the distance.

Pilot Knob off in the distance.

Is that a mountain goat, I see!

Train and I-8 to the North.

Getting dark and time to go home.

Pilot Knob Mountains in the background.

Other than still feeling weak and having a small chest cough, I am doing much better in the cold department.  Thank goodness for that!  Get a big dinner tonight and a good night's sleep and tomorrow will be another great day in the Southwest sunshine!

See you later.