Labor Day Weekend

 

The third day of my holiday weekend was one of chores, more research and blog catch up.  It had been awhile since I sanitized My Spot with my steam cleaner, so that and vacuuming one end to the other  occupied my morning and early afternoon.  Later John came over to help me with a telescoping flagpole.  A couple of pieces are stuck.  We also made plans to do something together on Sunday.

After church on Sunday, we went down to Old Sacramento.  Earlier in the day John went down there to see if he could get tickets for the Sacrament River Cruise for later in the day.  Success!   He got tickets for the 5:00pm cruise. 

This was the weekend that Sacramento celebrates Gold Rush Days in “Old Sac”.  There are no motorized vehicles.  They cover streets with dirt and there are only horses, mules, wagons,stage coaches, gun fights and people in period costumes.  We went down a little bit early so that we could get something to eat and experience Sacramento’s “glory days”.

   

We had just enough time to get some clam chowder bread bowls before we boarded for the cruise.

   

    Leaving the dock passing the Delta King.                  Looking back at the dock.         

The Delta King is permanently moored and is now a hotel and restaurant with meeting rooms for special events.

It was an hour long with a nice history “lesson”, going north passing a few sunken boats, Discovery Park, the old and new Water treatment Centers, the Sea Scout Training Center and all the way past several restaurants along the river including the Virgin Sturgeon.  Some of the other structures that we passed were the swing out railroad/auto bridge that was opened especially for our ship.

                   

Along the way. there were all kinds of people in boats and wave runners showing off, jumping wakes and spraying the big boat.

                 

One guy lost his hat and circled back to retrieve it before it sank.  There were fishermen with a regular umbrella for shade.  It was really hot.

                                        

We chose to stay in the air conditioning for a while and then went outside in the shade for the return trip.  Just before we docked you can see the Tower Bridge, one element of Sacramento’s skyline.

                             

      

John was checking out how the Captain “parked” the ship at the dock moving sideways.   All in all, it was a very informative trip.  I had ben on the trip before and still learned more about Sacramento history.

After the cruise we went on board the Delta King to relax and have a drink in the bar/grill.  The Delta King’s sister ship, the Delta Queen, until recently was moved via the Panama Canal to ply the waters of the Mississippi River.  On the way back to the truck we just had to go through a couple of shops.  It was fun and interesting and we both enjoyed our Sunday afternoon.

Thanks for coming along with

Susan and Company   (John took Angel’s place)  Thank you, John, for a great afternoon!

Yea! Short Work Week

Monday, normal, Tuesday, hour and a half training-off the phones,  Wednesday, they decorated my desk and signed a birthday card. 

I took Thursday off for my BD.  I didn’t have too much planned except for an early dinner with a friend, Kyle.  We met at Rubio’s and had Chipotle Shrimp Salad and ate out on the patio where even Angel could come.

Earlier in the day I did a few errands and got a written quote from Holley Generators for installing a 5500 Onan Generator. Wow, it isn’t cheap.  I also tried finding somewhere locally to install Solar.  More choices. Generator, (will always have to have to be able to get fuel just to keep the batteries charged) or  go with solar  and of course follow the sun which I intend on doing anyway (and have a small generator to charge them only when I have to).  What ever I do has to be while I am still working.

On Friday, a road trip was the order of the day.  I made some of my trail mix mini muffins to bring to the friends that I would be visiting at Dillon Beach.  I made a picnic lunch of an egg salad sandwich and was on the road by 9:30am. I arrived at Lawson’s Landing about two hours later.  This was the first time that I had actually gone in, I knew where it was but never wanted to spend the $8.00 for the day use pass.  After paying at the gate I began searching for Renate and Kevin.  There are no sites set up, all boondocking, park your rig or tent wherever you want.  They belong to a car club that goes there every Labor Day weekend.  Someone gets there the Monday before and lays out some caution tape to claim their spot.  Every day another rig or tent comes in and sets up and pretty soon the whole group is there.  They leave the center open for games and socializing, Modern day of “circling the wagons”.  There are a few people there that sell their wares.  I bought a telescoping flagpole and a windsock.   Later I bought some wind chimes to hang from my awning.

                                       

                 

Renate and I drove over to the pier where some people were throwing out crabbing nets, although no one had caught any while we were there.  There were a  lot of birds hanging around, mostly gulls and pelicans.  I took a few pictures, not too many turned out good.

                 

Angel’s not crazy about the water, forgot all about it when she figured that she could get up close and personal with a gull.  It was funny to watch.  Of course, she never even came close,but not for the want of trying.     

                                 

We stayed until about 3:30 when the fog started to roll in.  I made good time until I got on Hwy 12 where nothing was moving.  There must have been an accident.  I saw an ambulance and police.   The only movement there was, was when people would do a turn out and go back to find another route to wherever they needed to go.  It took at least an hour to get to I80. Even there it was not moving very fast with all the holiday traffic.  I was able to check out the traffic on my I pad.   It showed red off and on all the way to where Hwy 50 splits off in West Sacramento, so I was expecting it.  That 2 hour trip took over 4 hours.  Boy, was I tired.  Lesson learned, never travel on a holiday, get there early or stay put until it is over.

That’s it for this post.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel

Eventful Weekend, RV Basic Training, Dinner

Thursday

Getting  ready to take “My Spot” on the road.  I took today off so that I can go through some of the stuff in the shed.  I was able to empty  three crates.  Off I went to donate some things to St. Johns Women’s Center.

Right across the street was Holley Generators.  Lionel gave me a written quote on an Onan 5500 Generator installed and some specs on various Honda Generators.  He says that if I go for the Onan, it will take three days to complete the job.  That would mean staying in their lot during that time.  I still haven’t made up my mind on which way to go.

Has anyone ever camped directly on the sand at Pismo Beach?  I understand that it can be quite windy.  Someone has suggested that I might want to block the wind from getting under the rig especially if I have a generator.  Sand should not get in the vents.  It would also help if we want to sit out side.

Friday

This morning I started securing everything inside for tomorrow’s trip.  I know it might be a bit premature, but since I’ve never done this before, I will need to go everything, cabinets and loose things.  Most everything in the cabinet should be fine, but I added some bars and padding around some things that might move while moving.  The things that are loose, I will put into tubs that can be left on the floor.  I’ll wait until tomorrow to strap the furniture down and clear the floor where the slides come in.  that shouldn’t take too long.

Ted will be coming in tonight and will help with the last minute things in the morning.  I think that I am becoming a bit nervous about towing  this HUGE 5th wheel.  I keep thinking, “What have I gotten my self into?” 

                        

Saturday’s Saga

I really have gotten myself into something.  Last night, Ted came in late and after visiting for a little while we both went to bed.  We would be getting up early to finish securing the rig for travel.  When we finished, there still was time to go to IHOP for breakfast.  As usual, I couldn’t finish my meal, so I brought it back to the refrigerator (for another four meals later).

When we got back, we started to go through the process of hitching the fifth wheel to the truck.  That’s when Karen Anderson arrived. She was our instructor from RV Basic Training.  Once we we hooked up, we went inside for the Power Point Presentation and were given the Manuel for Fifth Wheels.  After that and Q/A’s, it was time to do the pre trip inspection.  With that finished, I got behind the wheel and pulled out of the RV Park and down the road we went, heading for an open parking lot. 

Karen set out her cones in a straight line and asked me to back the rig parallel to them.  Yea! Sure!  That was really hard,  for some reason I kept drifting to the left.  Ted did it in two tries.  She then set up a course to simulate my site, sans the overhanging tree, the oleander/crape myrtle bushes, concrete pad and the utility pole.  I had to use my imagination for all of those.  I practiced backing in from the left side and the right (blind) side. I think that I did that much better.  (Left side is easier.)

Oh No!  Karen spotted some fluid coming out from under the hood.  Ted checked to see what it was, the power steering cable spewed out fluid all over the engine, hood and fender.  Then he got on the internet to find a replacement hose.  “Sure we can order that for you.”  “No!”  “We can get by Monday.”  “No!”  After checking out Everywhere he finally found one in south Sac. It was the wrong one, but didn’t realize it until he tried to install it. He had called Kyle and she came over to take him to get the hose.  Thank you to our savior, Kyle.  It is good to have friends to recue you.

We finally broke down ( no pun intended) and had to go to the dealer to get the right one.  Once he had that, it didn’t take long to get us going again.

  

In the meantime, while Ted was installing the hose, Karen and I walked over to Carl’s Jr. to get something to eat. -- Fortunately for me I hand my house with me.  ;-)   I think the soda did a number on my digestive system. (too much sugar)  I’m sure Rudee and Phil of Workin’RVers know what I’m referring to.  I know TMI !

 

When Ted was finished, we were back on the road to do some freeway driving and  some “controlled” braking.  I did pretty well keeping in the center of the lane.  It was time to head on home.  Okay, now was the test,  I need to bring “My Spot” home and park it.  Fun Time!    I DID IT!  I backed it into a very tight space about eight inches farther back from where it was before in spite of the water tank and the forgotten mail box on a post, and because I had a couple of Great Spotters (Ted and Karen).

Wow, what a rewarding experience.  I am really glad that I paid the money for the training and would definitely recommend Karen as an instructor.  Thank You Karen!

Once home, while I got everything in order inside, Ted decided to go over to Kyle’s to take a long hot shower.  He was covered with grease and didn’t want to get my shower messed up.

While Ted was gone, my neighbor, John stopped by to congratulate me on my accomplishment.  He stayed for a while and we had a game or two of Pente and he taught me how to play Mexican Train.  It was an enjoyable hour or so until Ted came home. We said our good byes and  soon went to bed.  What a long and exhausting day!  

Sunday     A less eventful day! 

After another breakfast out, his time it was at the Waffle Shop, we went to church.  Afterwards we went to clean the engine and return the wrong hose.  The afternoon was spent napping until we went over to Steve and Kyle’s.   We had a lovely dinner of grilled tri-tip, corn and portabella mushrooms, steamed  asparagus  and a tossed salad. We had a blackberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert. A big thank you to our hosts. 

That was it for our weekend.  Ted left to get back to San Francisco where he lives. before it got too late.  It was off to bed for Angel and me.

Thank you for visiting

Susan and Angel

Jury Duty, Generator(?) Skirting(?)

                                

That’s really all that I did today.  I reported for Jury Duty.  I left early just so that I wouldn’t have to worry about parking.  The last time that I was called, it took forever to find somewhere to park.  Of course, I was one of the first and had to wait only a short time before they opened the door to the court house.  And I forgot that I had some nail scissors in purse, so they got surrendered. (no real loss) 

I don’t know if any of you have served recently, but in Sacramento you call in or go to the internet to check if you have to report and check each day for a week until you are called in.  Lucky me, I had to report today, 1st day.  If you do report and are not chosen, you are done for 18 months.  (It’s one day or one trial.)  They did call me for one one trial that would have lasted for three weeks.  Out of the pool of jurors, they select the jury + alternatives.  Of those chosen there were at least a half dozen or more that couldn’t serve because of  the length of the trial.  I was released along with the rest that weren’t chosen and sent back to the juror’s room to wait to be called for another trial.  There were ten trials that needed jurors. I was not selected for any others and was released by 4:00 pm. 

They have some process, it works, but you kind of feel like it’s a cattle call.  Mostly it’s just move to one place then  wait and see and move back and wait and see. 

While in the jury room, we watched RV the movie with Robin Williams. :)   Not too boring, I also brought a book to read and my I pad.

While there I did a little research on  generators.  I’m trying to decide on whether to get one or two portable or bite the bullet and get an Onan installed.  So many decisions, sometimes it makes my head swim.  Any input from any of you that have permanently installed or portables?  (portable, a possible target for theft?  I know some of them can be heavy, that’s why two smaller ones.)

I was also thinking about skirting around the bottom to block the wind and sand at the beach and later for the winter.   pros/cons/cost ???????

ENOUGH !!!!!     I think it is time to go to bed and probably dream about it all.

Thanks for visiting

                               

Susan and Angel

#*^%Laundry, Visit w/ Dreamers and Ice Cream

 

Friday

Finally, I have caught up on the least liked chore, laundry!  In a previous post I said that Saturday morning was the best day to do it, well now I think that Friday morning is better.  there was only two others there, and only one other came in while I was there.  Bonus,  I was able to use the dryers that I like too 

After checking gasbuddy.com ,I found that the station right around the corner was one of cheapest in the area, so on the way home there was a stop at my local gas station. The price.of #2 diesel has come down a bit, (389.9, last time I paid 405.9), so I put a little more in than I normally do because, tomorrow, I will be going up  to Marysville to visit another RV dreamer couple, Dan and Jan.

Saturday

                            

I was up early this morning to make some of my trail mix muffins to bring with me for my visit. 

By 8:00am we were on our way to Marysville. to visit with Dan and Jan,  travelingrvweather.blogspot.com    Marysville is approximately an hour north of Sacramento.  We also met Oscar their dog.  He is a really cool and sweet rescue dog.  We three had fun trying to come up with what kind of breed/s he is.  I personally think that he is part Giant Poodle and some kind of Wolf Hound.  Dan had is version as did Jan.  Whatever his ancestry, he is their baby.  We had a great visit, them, sharing their RVing and Workamping experiences and me sharing what my intensions will be once out there on the road.  I know that I learned a lot, hopefully I will retain what we talked about.  They both had some great suggestions.  Thank you Dan and Jan for your wonderful hospitality.

                               

                    At home with Oscar,and his mom and dad, Dan and Jan.

I got home a little after 4;30pm, just in time to fix a bit to eat before I have to leave again.  At church we were having our annual “Ice Cream Social and Game Night” .  Great home made ice cream and toppings.  We all had a good time.  Has anyone ever played “Battle of the Sexes” or “Pente”?  They are my favorites.  There were a couple of other groups playing other games too.  Had too much fun, forgot to take pictures.  Finally got home and to bed by 9:30pm.

Sunday

The usual Sunday morning, church service and more Ice cream, left overs from the night before for coffee hour.  I also stopped on my way to church for sweet rolls to add to the goodies.

After church Bob and June came by to check out “My Spot”.  They have an older fifth wheel and even though they are in their 80’s they do enjoy getting out once in a while.  When they left Angel and I checked out the RV Show out at Cal Expo just to check out what’s out there.  There was only one Class A that I would have been interested in that was remotely near my budget that I had, but still didn’t have everything that “My Spot “ has.  I’m still happy as a clam with my decision.

The rest of the day, just hung out at home and caught up on blogs

     

                     Thought you might like to see what Angel is checking out. 

                     She always lets me know if there is any activity back there.

                                                   Good Watch Dog!

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel              http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Comments on Comments

Let me first start this with big THANK YOU to all who follow my blog and have left comments. all are appreciated.

Gypsy made a comment about there being opportunities down the road to get those “things” that I would like to have.  The only reason that I am looking for them now is that I am still working and have the extra $$$$.  I may still wait and just put the $$ away specifically for each item. 

The W/D isn’t the first on the list, that will probably be the generator before we go to Pismo Beach in October. 

For Jim and Sandie, the Brownie/Whipped Cream Parfait was very easy to make.  I used a sugar free Pudding mix that called for 2 cups of milk. Since I don’t use a lot of milk, I make it as I need it from powdered milk.  I also need to increase my protein intake, so I add more of mix than it calls for.  I also take a small piece of a brownie, put it at the bottom of a wine glass, then layer real whipped cream (that I make in my “magic bullet”) and the chocolate pudding and finish with the whipped cream and lastly more brownie bits.  I guess that I could have garnished with a mint leaf, but I didn’t have any.

For Jeana,, for right now I feel that the 5’er is right for me.  It is a good transition from the mobile home.  Who knows, maybe later, I may find that I don’t need this much room, but I doubt it.  

For Marikay,  I have been looking at IKEA, Since it is Ted that uses it, we will look together.  He will probably say I don’t need to get a new one.  He says that it is comfortable after I put the 2’ memory foam on it.

For Teri,  I have used those slides in the past, although this one has wide bun shaped feet and it wasn’t hard to move, just heavy.  I know that I have to take it easy when I move things, so I try to work smart.  My back isn’t that bad, I just am all tensed up because of my job.  He has gotten all the tightness out.

As far as today, I didn’t do anything except watch the rest of  Bing’s movies and read blogs.  Tomorrow it’s back to work.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel

Visit to the DMV, Shopping and Play Date

                                   

                                 

            New picture just to show the Crepe Myrtle Tree and Oleander in bloom

                                                  in front of “My Spot”.

Friday,  I finally got over to the DMV to get the spelling on my driver’s license corrected  (they also took another photo, the other one was over ten years old)  and to get my license plates transferred to my specialty plates,  I decided to go to the one over on Broadway in Sac instead of going way out to Folsom where I have always gone in the past.  It’s closer and I didn’t have to wait as long as I used to at one in Folsom.  On the way home I stopped at Big Lots where I picked up a couple of pillows for Ted to have when he visits.  Now he won’t have to “steal” mine.  I got a couple of wire shelves that stack together for the cabinet under the bathroom sink.  I also found some individual size, four packs of vegetables, (really handy, because they don’t have to be refrigerated) and a five DVD set of Bing Crosby movies found it’s way into my cart for $5.00.  I just love the old movies.

From there I headed home and just as I unlocked the door my visitors drove up.  I had another appointment with Dr. Cooper.  He gave me my third treatment, one more to go. 

 

                                         

         His wife, Renate (friend from my work), kept Angel company while I was busy.

 

My back feels so much better now.  I could really get used to this every week, because when I go back to work, I get all tensed up again, but alas it is just too expensive for every week.  Maybe when I get out on the road, I may treat myself to a massage once in a while. 

The rest of the evening was spent catching up on what’s happening with my blogging friends, a little dinner and watched an Elvis movie that I hadn’t seen before, then to bed.

 

Saturday, as usual I still keep the early hours and since it wasn’t light out yet, I popped in one of Bing’s movies and fell asleep again, must have still been tired.  Once it was light out and breakfast was done, I rearranged things down in the “basement” tried to make some more room and cleaned out the backseat of the truck.   I still have to tackle the shed,  It just got too hot to continue.  It will have to wait until maybe next Friday to go through that STUFF.   Another weight off the shoulders when that is done.  I guess it is all part of the process, living in a place and deciding where everything belongs and what it is needed and what you can get rid of.   I know I have to lighten the load more!

Angel had a play date with Buddy.  Buddy is Mary’s fur kid.  She is one of my neighbors that lives on “dog row”.  I met her this morning while she was walking Buddy and I was working on the truck.  Angel usually sits on the bench and watches me, but she decided to wander off and check out the neighbors.  She comes when I call her, but I guess I will have to tie her up or put up her portable fenced yard.  Mary suggested that Angel come over to play with Buddy in their fenced yard.  Evidently, once I left she just sat by the gate waiting for me to come back.  Oh well, maybe one day we can take them both to a dog park close by.

Since Angel likes to look out the back window to see what all the other big dogs are doing, I decided to move the sleeper/sofa to that wall.

                  

                     before                                                    after

                                

Wow, that thing is heavy and I will have to move it back to where it was when I pull the slides in,  Now I might consider getting something lighter instead.  Has anyone out there done that?

I think that I will finish this and grab a bite to eat.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel