Monday, March 28, 2011

Thanks and Apologies.

I would like to thank everyone who responds to the blog when I find time to post something. It is gratifying to know someone actual reads my posts.

I would also like to apologize for not responding to your posts. I do read them. Time is very hard to come by these days. I hope to have more once retirement kicks in and I can spend more time doing what I want.....

Be safe out there...

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I haven't updated the blog for a week because alot of stuff has happened.. Our son and daughter in law delivered a new bouncing grandson at 11:53 a.m. this past Tuesday and we got the opportunity to meet him for the first time Saturday. He is a very active guy who is able to hold his head up and according to our son can turn over already. Needless to say, grandma and grandpa.....very proud. Last Sunday was the first day of Spring and I took our trailer to Camping World to get some annual maintenance done so we will be ready for the upcoming camping season. Dropping it off was easy and I was provided with a copy of the paperwork outlining exactly what would be done during the services. I had a 10% off coupon for the any of their ProCare Services. It was a very pleasant drop off experience. Yesterday I went in to pick up the trailer and received a bill for slightly more than the estimate but being in the automotive business I quickly figured out why there was a difference however the person checking me out and taking my $500.00 plus bill, failed to explain anything about what was done. Fortunately, I asked for specific items to be done and I know what is involved to get them done. The wheel bearings are now packed and the annual service of the major appliances is done. I will need to examine the exterior, wash and protect the roof, de-winterize and disinfect the fresh water tank. I chose Camping World because I have and still do have great experiences with the personnel that work at the Fife location. Even though they seem to charge more I have never been unhappy with my experience. I guess part of the reason I am easily satisfied is my back ground in the service side of the automotive business. I'll discuss this in later blogs.

Home Sweet Home

So we decided to take the trailer back to the park where we keep it during the summer months. It is a private camping club that is approximately 70 miles from our home in Federal Way, Washington. It is a nice, secluded park and as long as you stay out of the politics it can be a great deal of fun to go and visit on the weekends, holidays and vacations. There is hiking, mountain biking, fishing, river rafting, horse back riding, and mountains, all very close. And it is relatively secure. Looking forward to visiting it often this coming summer...starting next weekend. Stay safe out there..

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Up Early

It is 1:40 am on Sunday morning and I am up due to circumstances out of my control. I must say that I don't wish to be up but here I am none the less. This is the first day of Spring and I am ready for the camping season to begin. I spoke to the folks at our camping club and the snow is gone and the roads are ready for us to return the trailer to our humble little lot.

I have owned several trailers over the years and almost every time I have moved them to the shop for the annual service Mother Nature has unleashed a downpour. Yesterday I went over to my daughters to get the trailer, tow it back home, unload it and take it to Camping World to have the annual services and wheel pack down. I saw sun in the sky. And surprisingly enough it lasted until I get the trailer unloaded.

So, I have to comment on the Japanese situation. I feel really bad for those folks and what they have lost. The worst part is, it isn't over when the shaking stops. The radiation issues might be around for many, many years along with all the devastation and clean up. My daughter keeps hammering on us to make certain we have put together emergency kits. I guess, in lite of all that happened in Japan, she has a very good idea.

Be safe out there....

Friday, March 11, 2011

I've Been Doing This For Years

So, I have to apologize for not blogging recently. So much has happened that I am having a hard time keeping up.

An ex co-worker of my has come down with a terrible case of cancer. He has six to nine months to live and has decided not to seek any medical assistance. Worse, he has decided he doesn't want to see anyone but close family. I am not family. I did manage to get an email to his companion and she told me she read it to him and he smiled. At least I was able to tell him how much he effected my life.

All my life I have worked long hours and thought that was the thing to do. I am slowly coming to tne conclusion that this is not a bright idea. In fact, if I keep up my schedule I might not live to take my trip. I am so tired tonight and I have to go to work tomorrow...

I can hardly wait for retirement. My prayers are with my co worker, family and those poor unfortunate folks in Japan...

Be safe out there......