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Tales from the donut shop

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GO BACK 4 YEARS:

Updated 8/14/2017 7:20 PM

Spent the last days of a sweltering July Phoenix by escaping to

Flagstaff, Arizona. 7000 foot altitude, cool 72 degree days and 50 degree nights.

Instead of the crowded KOA, tried the Woody Mountain camp ground.

Full hookups, and lots of trees, no worry about things blowing away.

Everybody left their canopy or awning up day and night.

Here are some highlights:

Morning sunshine:

View from under the camper awning:

Great place to walk the puppies:

TV/Entertainment Center.

Also installed a handy hair dryer:

Before the trip:

Have a surprise for Jane, updated our travel trailer to 2017 lighting:

Also mounted a curtain rod to hide stored “stuff.”

Stabilized the canopy cover so that it would not fly off in a wind.

Used springs instead of rubber bungee cords which disintegrated.

Curtain before trimming to size:

OOOps, I accidently threw away the bag containing the curtains.

Jane has to buy some new ones…………………….

Now for the lighting:

Jane wanted more light in the bathroom:

Here is the upgrade:

Here is the work on the ceiling lights:

(Note the outdated ceiling fixture)

Done; Old fixture replaced with LED unit;

Total of 10 ceiling lights now are at 2018 RV update.

OLDER STUFF:

This is a non-posed photo of Jane and the kids:

I guess they were “protecting” her.

Check out their looks……….

The new neighbors just had that terrible Palo Verde tree cut down.

This is before:

After:

Finally we can keep the driveway clear for more than 3 hours.

Dirtiest tree I have ever seen, drops needles by the hour.

Installed a roll down Sunshade on the Deck to block the afternoon sun.

Units no longer use ropes, have a positive action crank to position shade.

Bungees hold shade to floor in moderate winds.

Nice!

This is in the UP position:

Note the Tie-downs:

Prior:

Our last real camping trip was to Laughlin, NV.

This was a one week stay for the LASD Roundup.

We enjoyed the campsite, really large spots.

On a clear day a solitary but large thunderstorm passed by.

Winds were up to 80 MPH, almost tipped over the trailer with Jane inside.

After it was over I had damage to my truck and lost my AZ flag.

Truck damage will be covered by insurance, only have to pay a deductible of $150.00

Once again I qualified for the HR218 National CCW.

The food was much better this year.

We really enjoyed the Sunday morning Champaign brunch.

Nice table, right next to the river I have come to love.

This is the Old Man enjoying perfectly cooked Scallops:

Jane, looking as beautiful as ever, also enjoying breakfast at the

Laughlin Nevada Riverside Resort buffet.

More stuff:

We replanted a dying plant with skinny leaves.

Added a little Miracle Grow.

Thick leaves resulted.

Check out this flower!

Another View:

PREVIOUS INFORMATION (Edited)

The camper is now ready to travel.

Removed the old heater mechanical Thermostat,

Converted the A/C from manual to Thermostat.

The secret was use of a solid state relay, two are shown:

Sadly, they are Chinese Junk. One stayed closed circuit,

The other would not even activate.

Will use a mechanical relay next, and will update this camper project.

This is the unit:

This is the new installation, tested and works OK:

Jill, our resident Chiweenie is really a lover.

Every time I sit outside on the deck, she goes out the dog door;

Then jumps in my lap. Really a sweet pup, not one year old, yet.

Recently changed the gas cooktop.

Really nice unit, has a grill on left.

You can remove the grill and use two more burners.

Jack the dog and Snuggles the remaining geriatric cat shown together.

What were they both thinking about?

###############################

Sad to say, we lost our black cat Misty.

She was 16 years old.

She lost weight and could not breathe.

We will miss her.

(Jack knew that she was ill by the look on his face.)

But in the meantime……..

Here is a useful idea:

TURN OFF YOUR INTERNET

TIP: If you leave your computer on, the Internet connection is ON.

Unwanted updates of Adobe, Java, and who knows what may run.

If you just turn off the Internet--unless you really want it--you are safer.

Working on a project can be interrupted by an Internet popup.

This can cause errors to a document in progress.

This tip allows Internet Access under YOUR control.

I have a very simple 3-step procedure to create an icon on your desktop.

(If you have Windows XP on your computer this will not work properly)

Just click here:

Christmas is come and gone: Lights on the house:

Camping at Alamo Lake State Park:

Had to make one trip before the end of the year.

Lake level is way down, and water skiing is prohibited.

There were a total of 4 rigs there. Nice and quiet.

We had a fire every morning and night. Got rid of all my stored firewood.

I allowed a rare picture of myself at 78 years young:

Enjoying a fire at 45 degrees in the morning:

Night at the lake. Just stars above:

Dusk at the lake, seen on the left of the picture:

View from our Camping Spot:

(Note the tree, same kind as next to our house)

Mexican Palo Verde, Female (Has thorns)

(Previously)

Lost Dutchman, Superstition Mountains:

A little hot for us, but the week was great. Spent a lot of time looking at the

Superstition Mountains, drank a beer or two. Jane and the pups had a great time.

More photos of the camp:

And some more:

While camping, the bathroom vent fan (super cheap) failed again.

Replaced with a much better one:

Wired it to the Wall Light Switch, so it comes on when you turn on the light to use the bathroom.

The fan has a switch also, so it can be left off if not needed. The light has its own switch also.

PREVIOUS:

Jack is bonding well with his new sister Jill. They were caught taking a nap yesterday.

Yep, I was taking a nap too. I will be 78 Saturday Oct 22.

Ready to sleep:

Out cold:

A good time for a glass of wine:

\

Older stuff:

Another trip to the desert. Mainly worked with my aging but trusty

S&W Model 59, 9mm autoloader.

I decided to combat test this gun by using a 30 round magazine that

I had almost never used. The weapon had been fired prior that day--over

100 rounds without cleaning. Fast firing 30 rounds with no malfunction.

Not bad for a pistol that is over 45 years old.

Close up, note the shell casings in the air:

A few weeks ago, made a comparison between then and now.

We rescued Jill the Chaweenie who was 3 months old.

Jill is now 6 months old.

(This is what happens if you feed them)

Jill & Jack:

Recently, tore out old shower in MBR, patched floor and made the space into a closet.

The old shower was too small to be comfortable.

Also, finally covered the bathroom floor.

(Commercial water resistant carpet squares)

Also installed new toilet months ago.

Here are the results:

The old cramped shower:

The new closet:

(This is a patched photo)

Previous:

Trip to Flagstaff AZ to beat the heat:

Got back for another heat event.

Sorry to say, this is the next 10 days ahead:

Week before last, we had another heat spell.

Weather was almost 20 degrees cooler, 47 degrees at night:

Nice view of the mountain and forest.

Another view of the campsite:

Unfortunately, KOA is letting this location go to disrepair.

Great hiking trails, Jack had a ball. . .

After a hard day of camping, both pups take a rest:

Love camping with air conditioning.

A little while ago: Headed out to the desert to shoot up some old shotgun shells.

This was on BLM Land, OK to shoot here.

(Some of the 12 Gauge rounds dated back to 1981)

However all rounds fired perfectly.

We had set up a swinging metal 10 inch target at 300 yards.

Actually hit the target with a rifled slug, dated 1981.

The next shot hit the target again, using the shotgun iron sights.

Got a really bruised shoulder, but that’s OK, had a great time!

This photo shows me blowing up a plastic bottle full of water in the bush below:

Over past years, I practiced a lot shooting a shotgun from the hip. I still can hit the target.

Another shot of the old man:

Previously:

Tub-shower valve leaked. Shower had very slow stream, due to corroded pipes.

Replaced the tub-shower piping. Since I am no Plummer, it took a day and a half.

However it is worth it and shower works great now.

Below is the old valve system, 1971 installation:

This is the new valve system:

Below is part of the new installation.

Please note, that all measurements have to be exact or nothing will fit.

Yes we used solder and a torch. Construction was done off-site.

Previously:

Did a major teardown of the computer test bay. Cleaned all with compressed air.

Then, re-wired the whole set of computers and fixed the messy tangle.

#1 is Web Design computer; #2 is for personal; #3 is Windows 10 Test Bay;

#4 is Windows 8 which does photos best and games best.

Windows 8.1 and 10 do very poorly on photos and Solitaire.

MEET JILL!

She weighs in at 6 pounds.

We had to get a playmate for Jack, as the two geriatric cats will not even associate with each other. This is a Weenie Dog and Chiwawa mix, or what you would call a Chiweenie. We picked her up from a shelter last Saturday. Jack and her are already becoming close friends. Of course since she is only three months old, we have to do the puppy training. Anyway, Jill just loves Jane and does not want to leave her.

Just got back from 6 days at Dead Horse State RV Park,

Cottonwood, Arizona

A view of the campsite, great AZ weather, leaves just budding:

Jane, taking a ride around the park, mostly level:

One of many beautiful hiking trails:

Jack now getting along with Misty:

(Sort of)

-----Previous-----

APRIL 2, 2016:

Took trailer to Laughlin Nevada.

Just a note: This trip can be completed in 3 hours 40 minutes. With a pit stop in Wikieup and a short gas stop in Kingman AZ, this is a pleasant drive—usually. Well, due to Bell Road in Surprise AZ being closed at the US 60 to construction of a one year long overpass, I found that traffic was halted and backed up for six miles. Maybe a two-three hour wait. So, I went south on the 303, intersected the Interstate 10 and went to Bullhead City via Parker AZ. Total driving time was 6 ½ hours!

Return was under 4 hours, as ADOT had finally fixed their screw-ups.

I was really glad that nothing was planned Saturday night, as I was worn out from driving.

Still, the trip was definitely worth it…………..

Stayed 4 nights.

Got together with 950 or so of my retired brothers, big family.

Qualified for HR 218 for another year.

Took Jane out a few times, we all had a good time.

Yes, Jack was there too.

(That is Deputy Dan below on right)

View of our desert shoot on BLM Land:

(Can you see the range in the center?)

The firing line:

Our camping spot:

Our parking spot at night:

Jack kicking back like us: (Bird watching)

Next we went out for steaks and seafood:

Shrimp Heaven;

Fried, Cajon, teriyaki, coconut:

(Camping can be fun)

MARCH 2016:

Went out with friends in the boon-docks, deep in the desert.

I should have taken a picture of the (road???) it was 4x4 for sure.

Broke out the old S&W M 59 I carried off-duty for LASD.

Need to re-qualify soon for National CCW HR-218:

Also got to fire an AR with an excellent scope.

100% hits:

Jack the dog and Snuggles the geriatric cat:

Now getting closer:

Looks like Jane’s Temple Tree plant has given up.

One of two is gone, but we had nice flowers last year.

I think we waited 7 years for it to bloom once.

Jack has his cute moments; here is one:

He is taking a training break.

(Future K9 Police Attack Dog.)

-------

More camping soon, due to temperatures in the 80’s.

Come back soon.

Recent:

One of the worst problems with R.V.s is the deterioration of the canopy.

In Arizona, the sun destroys these covers in short order.

I read an article that suggests using vinyl rain gutter.

Found out that it pushes on and locks on the trailer rain gutter.

Here is the application information and the finished installation:

If you like the concept, go to Home Depot for the ten foot sections of vinyl rain gutter. They run less than $5 for a section.

Others have tried Lowes, and they were twisted sisters. Not fit to take home.

My installation went over the canopy hinges, and by doing this, NO WATER has leaked into the folded cover.

To take it off, you need to rotate UP, as these really lock into place.

Still, I would not take the covers on the highway.

Here is a more detailed picture of one section installed:

The sections lock into the trailer rain gutter, and seem to be stable.

Older:

Since I repair computers as a hobby, I need a closet full of spare parts.

Things like hard drives, cables, screws, power supplies, tools and so forth.

Previously the work closet was a dark hole and I needed a flashlight to find anything.

The location of the closet does not have much sunlight and it is worse at night.

So, I have resolved yet another issue to make our new home more useful:

Yes, that is a light switch on the left which turns on the low voltage lights.

Split the plug, and one is for the lights, the other for a battery charger that is always hot.

Optical illusion: the door is normal thickness.

Jane and Bonnie got bikes to ride around home:

Here is the duo ready to roll!

Here is Jane near our house:

Photos taken just before Christmas:

Christmas Lights Inside:

Dining Room Lights

Christmas Lights Outside:

A little earlier:

Quick 3 day camping trip to Lost Dutchman, Superstition Mountains:

It was not supposed to rain, but it did:

First day was mainly indoors:

Then the sun came out:

Our setup:

Jack taking a sun bath:

The puppy that really grew up!

Older stuff:

Just taking care of a few loose ends.

Painting cabinets for Jane.

Added sliding shelf in tool shed.

Will post some more new stuff very soon.

Ted rebuilt the rear stairs, now is a two way access:

Great work!

Paint Station for cabinet doors:

Painting the cabinet hinges:

Dining Room Cabinets painted:

Small Work Bench, needed a project area:

Slide out shelf from old computer work table works great:

Our front porch in the morning sun:

Painted the railing, added a gate, and now Jack has the run of the porch and back yard.

Oh yes, rope lights on ceiling for a nice atmosphere at night. Really great!

Cooler weather, Jack does not like the cold.

Figures, he is half Egyptian/African Basenji and half Mexican Chi Wawa.

(What a mix, poor puppy!)

Older stuff…………….

Jack feels right at home.

He loves to view the outside.

Jack can go outside 24-7 which works great if we have to leave him home.

We are blessed to have a dog that does not suffer from anxiety.

He just likes to sleep, and the interior cameras prove that.

(Outdoor cameras only are shown)

Older stuff:

(See more info on our new home belowJ

Some additions to the new home:

Built a TV Stand from a kit:

Shed Floor Base:

Floor completed, note the camping firewood:

Done! Now everything has a place:

Thanks to Jeff for his needed assistance:

I am sad to say that my sister, Rose Marie Taylor passed away at the age of 74

We moved.

Corner lot, great view from the porch:

Can you see the 3D picture? I can!

My computer station:

MBR; Room for everything:

Living Room:

We are still organizing, so check back and see the results:

Upgrades to Travel Trailer:

Trailer trip to Woodlake California

As far as the visit to Woodlake California is concerned, this is a small town without even one traffic light.

Shown is the trailer parked by their garage. Note that the trailer seems to be way out of level.

That appears to be an optical illusion, as the bubble was dead center on zero.

When we stood to the side, it was definitely level, and nothing rolled off the counters.

You will see pictures of a lake just east of Woodlake CA. Due to the recent rainfall the level has gone up a lot.

You will see that trees are now under water.

However, I learned that in the next few days, the lake will be almost completely drained, as some fat cat grower in

Southern California bought the water in the lake for Millions of dollars. Soon, the houseboats will again be aground.

Money talks.

The parking Place. Had water and electricity:

(Dryer connection allowed air conditioning)

Looks like the trailer is not level, but it was. . .

Sort of a double Selfie, of each other:

About 70 miles up the road from here are the Redwood Trees:

The water level is up but not for long:

Note that trees a few years old are now flooded by the higher water level, due to the recent rain:

However, we found out that a rich rancher south of here has bought ALL of the recent rain water.

All of this water will be diverted to the persons ranch/farm. Money talks. The drought goes on.

Still, rich persons get all the water they want.

Money talks!

Now to the trip with the travel trailer:

It was 1,500 miles of desert driving, most of it at the California speed limit for trailers of 55 MPH.

The California gasoline was close to $5.00 a gallon and due to the formulation, half the gas mileage.

(How can you burn twice as much gasoline and have cleaner air?)

The sheeple in California are just Stupid!

AZ= $2.76 CA=$4.49 to $4.69 for JUNK GAS!

Most of California Gas is corrosive ethyl alcohol.

(I hope to never have to go back to CA)

Older stuff, Camper Upgrades:

Added a ladder to get access to roof in the field.

Note the Jayco Factory Ladder:

(Is it even straight?)

Note the ramps for the generator. (Dry Camping)

Generator loaded, ready to position it:

Construction of a Table Extension:

Back/underside shown:

Hardware and shape completed:

Only the edge and felt needs trim:

Almost finished, will use next camping trip:

Older stuff:

Recently; completed installation of a driver side baggage door for the camper. For some strange reason JayCo omitted the door on this model camper for the 2013 model only. Prior to this year the door was included. Ditto for 2014 and later.

Factory door was $235.00 and I did not ask about shipping which could be additional.

Went to e-bay and found a new door for $39.00 no tax, free shipping.

Cost of materials $21.00; Cost of labor (me) zero.

Finally have access to the entire “basement.”

Existing passenger side baggage door:

Existing door, opened to see frame:

Picture of Camper without the door:

New door, after Jay installed it:

{Taken between rain storms Feb 28}

Now have access to “stuff.”

Recovered data, was corrupted:

LASD/Laughlin Roundup photos.

Nevada river tour.

Parker AZ

This was a week long RV vacation:

Our camping spot, top of the hill:

The qualification setup:

Qualify Shoot; once per year:

River Tour:

Great weather on the river:

Our camping spot at Parker AZ:

Jack is comfortable:

A quiet, restful walk by the river:

Posted more pictures on Facebook:

A danger to the Colorado River residents:

This huge rock is fracturing and ready to fall into the river.

If it does, it will partially dam the water causing flooding.

Road was closed due to danger.

Note the obvious cracks.

This rock has moved until it is over the highway.

Well, we are back but had a GREAT time!

ANOTHER CAMPING TRIP.

{More pictures added recentlyJ}

December Event:

Went to Alamo Lake State Park again.

Christina, Ted, Anthony, friends Kase and Lori also.

Filled up the entire camp site. Fun was had by all:

Jane and Jay enroute: (Selfie)

No wind this time. Great weather.

Ted brought lots of wood for the camp fire:

Need to use the Tripod, sorry.

Jack, having a quiet moment: (No longer a puppy)

Beautiful view:

Ted, Lori and Kase making Smores:

Enjoying a quiet time:

No question, we all had a great, fun time!

Previous:

My lovely wife Jane took me out to a free breakfast at Denny’s.

Then, she gave me a new camera which I can really use.

I do a lot of Web design work, and this camera is fantastic.

Tonight we go to Carlos ‘O Bryans Mexican for dinner.

If you are curious, I am now 76.

Another camping trip at Dead Horse AZ State Park:

Spent 4 great days camping here, just Jane, me and Jack the dog.

The scenery was great and really relaxing.

OUR CAMP SITE:

Jane and Jack our pup of over a year now:

Four days well spent, that is what life is all about:

A view of the Arizona sky:

Interesting cloud:

Camp at sunset:

Modifications for simple storage of Hitch Hardware:

Simple use of off-the-shelf brackets

Update on Jack, the dog: 11-25-2015

He is a Basenji mix after all, we thought he is part Whippet,

Chihuahua (Chiwawa) and something else, maybe.

.

We recently found the shelter papers, and he is officially a:

Basenji/Chihuahua (Chiwawa)

Here is Jack and another picture of a Whippet:

He fits the personality Basenji--wants to constantly escape, and cannot stand cold.

He will dive under the bed covers.

Family Reunion – The Arena Family

Two twin brothers, and two sisters that look like twins:

Shown: Bart, Bonnie, Jane and Frank

3 weeks ago: got back from camping 4 days at Williams, AZ.

Saw the trains, along with Ted, Christina, and Anthony.

Had great food on Rt. 66 restaurants.

Nice view of the Williams Valley; Anthony had good time also.

Anthony had a great time with his “Quad.”

We actually had plenty room for sleeping:

Beautiful and relaxing view of the Northern AZ sky:

(We did not have very many neighbors)

All the comforts of home:

Check out this profile; could it be Jack on my lap?

And, we always need a “selfie” proving there is LOTS OF ROOM in the Bathroom!

Picture of the Grand Canyon Railroad,

Next week the Steam Trains run on Saturday, darn!

While filming the arrival, a dumb motorist stopped on the tracks right in front of the train. I thought that I would film a real train crash. Mr. Stupid moved forward but the Engineer had to hit the brakes due to this idiot who should not have a driver’s license.

Well, here is the link:

Please note, that this is a large file.

After it downloads, you have to wait for the movie to buffer.

This can take several minutes.

I have not converted this movie to a Flash format; sorry.

Jay

My Son in law Ted constructed a folding and locking shelf in our travel trailer.

More counter space when needed, and if necessary I can still go in and out the door. Fantastic workmanship.

(Also notice the larger fire extinguisher which I replaced for the mini-extinguisher supplied.)

Installed a ceiling fan over the bed.

Had to remove it and make a better mounting.

I previously used plywood that was too thin, and it warped.

However the fan was FANtastic, and moved air from the A/C.

Here is the finished installation:

Will do a little paint touch-up of the ceiling after trip to Home Depot today.

Replaced the cheap plastic mini-toilet with a better one.

Has a china bowl, full height, just like home:

Also, installed some fog/aux lights on truck. L.E.D.

Got tired of the black covers and no lights.

Cost ? $32.00

Also drained differential and installed Royal Purple Synthetic.

Follow-up with Royal Purple Motor Oil.

Engine is really running quiet now.

Engine takes 7.3 Quarts of motor oil.

Did this also to Santa Fe. With 100K miles.

Quiet engine and no lifter miss. It is worth it!

($40.00 for five quarts)

Suggested oil change, 12,000 miles.

Do the math.

Previous:

Something new:

700+ Mile Travel Trailer Vacation:

FIRST STOPOVER RIVERSIDE R.V. PARK

LAUGHLIN, NEVADA

Jane snuck a picture of me unhooking the Trailer:

Gassing up the Truck:

THEN, SAM’S TOWN, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

FINALLY, PARKER STRIP

BLUE WATER CASINO R.V. PARK

Just set your chair by the water and see the boats fly by.

Yep, we plan to do it again in 2015!

OUR PARKING SPOT, FULL HOOKUPS;

COLORADO RIVER AT DUSK:

And Jack enjoyed the vacation too:

Update, he is a Basenji mix, per his shelter papers.

OLDER NEWS:

Another Camping trip, but just a few minutes away:

Campground located 20 minutes away, just take a cross street Olive Ave. west to the end.

Maricopa County installed water and power to all the sites. Prior, the nearest camp site was Black Canyon City KOA which was a 45 minute drive and some hill climbing. Weather was really great, but was overcast as we broke camp. Enjoying the warm winter!

View from the camp:

Last camping was at Lost Dutchman by the AZ Superstition Mountains:

Great place to camp, we will be back soon after the holidays.

Jay is now 75!

Jane hosted a birthday party. Lots of friends stopped by.

A few days later, we were off to camp at Dead Horse State Park:

Ted and Christina brought Anthony:

Of Course Jack Came Along:

We thought he is a Basenji (African breed)

Was popular with Egyptian Pharos.

Note the long skinny legs…..

However, above you can see he is part Whippit.

A creek runs by the camp site:

Going camping again after Thanksgiving maybe:

The Monsoon season is now over and days are now comfortable again, getting cooler at night.

A couple weeks ago, we had some more Monsoon activity and I took a picture of a thunderstorm that looked just like a tornado.

Check it out:

Recent picture of our back yard, grass has grown in:

CAMPING AGAIN

A few weeks ago, took the rig up to a spot in the forest about 40 miles east of Payson, Arizona.

No electricity, no water faucet, or local dumping of the waste tanks.

I have a 1K generator and kept us in lights and running of the water pump. We had 30 gallons fresh water on board.

It is the Monsoon Season after all, so we saw a good amount of rain.

Our exit was through two big mud holes. Made it out to the dirt road ok but left a lot of mud on the trailer.

Washed it off as soon as we got home which was after dark, about 10 PM.

It was different, but it was fun for a change.

Personally Jane and I prefer water and electricity.

OUR CAMPING SPOT:

OUR BACKYARD:

WILD HORSES, BUT THEY ARE NOT AFRAID OF HUMANS:

Previously, made another trip to Flagstaff to camp –full hookups. Ted, Christina and Anthony joined us.

It was a 4 day campout and there was enough room in the new trailer for all of us.

(As long as you did not need room to change your mind)
Just kidding, we were just fine and had a great time.

Ted, playing basketball with Anthony.

Ted made a portable Fire Pit out of a 55 gallon drum.

We hope to hit the Flagstaff forest wilderness sometime this month.

This is the end of the page.

A link to the older stuff is at top of this page:

Jay

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