Odds and Ends.  That is what it is coming down to.  However, the list doesn’t seem to end.  That’s OK.  I enjoy just puttering around and putting things right.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  The morning began with a delightful warmth in the air and the sun shining big and bright.  Once we got ourselves in gear we celebrated the new day with a delightful breakfast of French Toast and grilled spam.  The perfect way to begin the new day that God have given us.

Breakfast finished, we both began to work on updating records.  Barbara worked on finishing the taxes which she was able to send to the accountant later in the day.  I began to record the information regarding the new tires, size, recommended air pressure based on the 4 corner weight from yesterday, and the DOT date codes for each one.

After I finished doing that I began working on checking items off my moving list.

• First up was trying to gain access to the gray tank since a leak has developed.  However, I had no success so I’ll go at it again tomorrow.  Actually the RV tech who installed the waste valves and caused the leak by moving things around will be here to tackle this one and put it right.
• Next on my list was cleaning the wheels after yesterday’s install.  That came back a bit messy and I just couldn’t leave them that way.  This is what they look like now.

I still need to talk to the dealer who installed them since I am missing a chrome lug nut cover on this back wheel.  I also whipped out the inflation chart for my brand and size tires and based on the weight discovered yesterday at each corner adjusted the tire pressure accordingly.

• Next on the list was the tow bar.  They recommend spraying silicone lube on all the pivot points, the slide arms, and the nuts on the clips that are part of the safety chains.  So with my trusty can of silicone lube I went to work and in about 30 minutes was able to check another item off the to do list.

• Moving on, I wanted to clean and treat the windshield with a special rain repellent spray.  Hey, I’m hoping that in so doing all the rain will now stay away for good!

• One last thing, of course, this is only temporary.  These two are coming with us, our signature at each site now and in the future so to speak.  Barbara’s idea, neat hey?

• Odds and ends.  A few more done and checked off.  Yet, it never fails.  While I was crawling around and under Graybeard I discovered a few more items to add to this year’s  to do project list.  That’s life with an RV.

While I was doing my thing, Barbara was on the computer beginning her research for things to do and discover as we journey north.  First order of business was to discover what we could do once we arrived at Crooked River State Park in Georgia.  She worked for some time on the special tour we’ll be taking of Cumberland Island.  There was a lot more to it than we first realized.  I’m so glad she took the time to research it now.  After that she contacted her cousin and arranged a visit with him since he lives in St Mary’s which is where the park is located.  Finally, this being Easter Sunday, she went looking for a church we could attend.

So that was our day.  Probably doesn’t sound like much.  Suffice to say it was full and complete.  Indeed we looked at each other at the end of the day and sort of asked where in the world did the day go!   Sitting here now and looking out the solarium window it is inky black all around me.  Once again it was a day in which we were together and that is what really makes the day so great.  We hope you enjoyed your day also and that you had a chance to do something that you enjoyed.  In leaving you this evening I want to share this with you:

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

Yes, we’ve got this down to a science.  Today, was moving day, but just for the day since we needed to take Graybeard in for new shoes.  So, we were up and at it long before we really wanted to.  It was almost like having to get ready to go to work – ugh!  The difference, though, was we could take our time.  After all what was the rush?  The tire dealer wasn’t going to go away.  The tires weren’t going to get sent back.  So we moved at a relaxed but purposeful pace.  Like that?  We did.

The night before Barbara sat down and came up with with an idea – a laundry basket for the items in each area that needed to be packed away and secured.  In addition, she

decided what could fit in each sink, kitchen or bathroom.  Result?  30 minutes the inside was packed up and we were ready to go.  Yes, she has the inside down to a science.

As for the outside, that was left up to me and since I’ve already done it several times 30 minutes did it for me as well.  It was poetry in motion and I’m sure we’ll get even better as time goes on.

The reason for all this?  As I’ve mentioned before Graybeard was going to get new shoes.

I did a lot of research and am confident  that I made the right choice in tires.  The price at this local dealer was also the best I received from everyone I checked with.  In addition, a number of people in the park recommended this dealer.  So I brought Graybeard here before we left the area for the year.   So in terms of tires we are set for the next 6 years.

While all this was going on, we went to several stores for necessary dry goods and food staples.  In addition, we both got haircuts.  We grabbed a quick bite to eat and by this time it was time to pick up Graybeard.

It was now time to go back to the park where I had an appointment with the Escapees Weigh Master to have Graybeard weighed at all four corners.  Good news, we are under weight all the way around!  Barbara is ecstatic,  for with this good news it means she can pack more shoes, pots and pans, or whatever into Graybeard!  Oh boy.  After the weighing, we headed to the other side of the park to fill up the propane tank.  Now we are ready to get on the road on Tuesday.

So that was our day.  We traveled through it together and made the most of every minute given to us.  We hope you had a great day as well.  If you didn’t, then when you wake tomorrow resolve to make it a great day.  Remember, you may not be able to control your circumstances but you can control the way you approach and handle them.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

Ever have one of those days, come on now, we all have them once in a while.  Those days

when you just want to pull your hair out because nothing seems to go the way it was planned?

Granted the day didn’t start out that way.  Nor did we intend it to be that kind of day.  It started out with Barbara getting out the griddle and whipping up a wonderful batch of

chocolate chip pancakes and some fried spam on the side.  Along with a nice glass of juice and a mug of coffee, I felt like I was a king in his castle.  The day was off to a cool but fantastic start.

Following that we were going to do some shopping but decided to wait until tomorrow when we know we’ll have some time to kill while Graybeard is getting his new shoes.  So I started to put things away in anticipation of our home becoming mobile again,  It’s amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in just three months, stuff you either have to get rid of or find a place to store.   So, some went in the can and some went in the overhead bins.  That was just inside.  Then I went outside.  Glad I started today because I had to rearrange some lockers to get everything in.  I’ll have to do more tomorrow and next Tuesday when I have hoses, etc. to store.  In time everything will be in its place.

As for pulling our hair out?  Not me so much as Barbara.  What started it all?  When she

sat down and began working on our taxes!  It went down hill from there!  Along with that task we also had to straighten out an issue with our car and RV insurance.  Want to guess how many calls that took?  If you said four you were close but still low.  Of course, Marti also wanted to help Barbara, translated just when as above she got all the papers neatly arranged on the couch he would decide he wanted to sleep on his red blanket.  There went all those neatly arranged papers!  I, of course, was absolutely no help either.  With my way of doing bookkeeping on Quick Books, let’s just say Barbara couldn’t find much, no, make that she couldn’t find anything she went looking for.  Sorry, honey.

Ok, one thing did go right.  The waste valves have been successfully replaced.  Yet, another chore that can be checked off.  I believe we’ve covered all the bases, at least the ones we can think of.  No doubt other things will arise.  Correction, they have but none are life threatening so to speak.  I have to replace the door handle on the bathroom door, replace a missing spring that holds the door open, and a thousand other little things are on the project list to be done throughout the year.  All in due time.

So, thankfully we are at the end of our day.  A good day?  A great day?  Ask me and I’ll say yes.  Together, with my sweetheart, I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of.  Ask Barbara, well, perhaps we shouldn’t ask her that question tonight!  Hope you still have the hair on the top of your head.  That your day was not as frustrating.  We’ll get through this.  One day at a time.  Side by side.  Hey, how did that song go?  Something like this

Checking the list, that basically is the order of the day before we move out next week.  A question, if you will, is this March in Florida or Fall in the North East?  Beginning in the

morning and throughout the day we kept asking ourselves that question.  The temperature never got above 65 and the wind was gusting 20 plus mph all day.  It definitely had the feel of a fall like day.

Today, as we slowly began to come alive to the new day, we decided it was time to take inventory of household goods and resupply where necessary.  We know where the stores are in this area so we both believe it will be better to buy what we need now.  Therefore with list in hand, we made our weekly pilgrimage to the Aldi in Brooksville.

Before we left, though, we said our goodbyes to our neighbors and friends Ray and Leslie. They are headed up into the Florida panhandle and then to Alabama as they work

their way toward family in California.  Day by day the park is continuing to empty out.  It will be our turn next week.  Man oh man, I’m definitely itching to go, to get the show on the road.

Tomorrow with any luck the waste valves will be replaced.  I think that being 11 years old, now instead of when they break is the right time to replace them.  I would hate to be at a dump station holding just the handle of one of the valves in my hand!  Then Friday after the new tires are on we’re going to have Graybeard weighed on all four corners.  This is the only way to determine the proper tire pressure for each of the new tires.

Back home after running around we just sat back and relaxed.  We worked on updating records, doing chores and Barbara worked on fixing supper.  All in all a quiet day but one in which we were able to again check a few more things off the do to list before we are on the road rolling toward Maine.

So here we sit, daylight is long gone and the darkness of night is all around us.  Not a bad day by any means.  We take them together as they come and together we make the most of them.  We hope you enjoyed your day as well.  I offer you this as we come to day’s end

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before