The Professor and Lady E Cooper

Defrosting the RV Refrigerator / Freezer

2013-02-13T16:00:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year 2013 …A time for new beginnings and getting your RV kitchen in well working order. I started my New Year by taking a good look at my RV Refrigerator/Freezer and making the decision it was time to defrost. So let’s spend a little time talking about how the defrosting process is done properly.

It doesn’t matter if you have a Norcold (like mine) or the Dometic brand. These steps will be the same.

Steps for defrosting the RV freezer:

Push the ON/OFF button to the OFF position. (You may have a switch that turns, regardless, turn to the off position)

Remove all foods.

Note: If you have a buildup of frost on the fins inside the refrigerator….this will defrost also and you will need to have a large bowl ready outside at the back of your unit to catch the water as it drains out. (you will need to remove the access panel)

The Norcold drain tube (top right side photo) rest inside a small drain pan but the water will need to go in a large bowl because the drain pan is too small to hold a significant amount of water.

Dometic has a drain tube (middle right photo) but not a drain pan. The water will go through the tube and out the grill on the back side of the refrigerator. Make sure that the tube is resting through the grill at all times to avoid water seeping down behind the appliance and causing damage. (bottom photo)

Place dry towels inside (on the floor) of the empty freezer for soaking up melted frost.

Placing bowls of warm tap water (not boiling) in the bottom of the freezer (photo on the right) will speed up the defrosting process. Caution: never use high temperature water – warping/melting can occur of the inside walls. Never use a hair blow dryer, any source of fire or sharp tools during defrosting.

Once all frost has melted use dry towels to remove all water. Clean inside with warm moist towel with a mild soap. Avoid harsh cleansers of any kind.

Replace all foods and restart your RV refrigerator.

Don’t forget to place the drain tube back into the drain pan on the back side of the unit. (Norcold brand)

October 2012

2012-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

No apologizes for being late to my own blog...seems to be a reoccurring issue!! :-) Now it is the 3nd of October and the Professor & I are located in Grapevine, TX which is Northwest of Dallas. We are in our 2nd week here at The Grapevine Vineyard Campground...... Relax on the shores of Grapevine Lake. The nationally acclaimed campground is well-known for its peaceful setting, lovely grounds, lakefront views, and accommodating staff. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins offers something for everyone. I give this park 2 thumbs up. The Professor and I (and the pups) have really enjoyed our stay here. Check it out the next time you are making your way through our big state of Texas.

http://www.shelfreliance.com/kingdomharvest

The 'newest' happenings for me is starting up a new business! Yes!! Another one!!! My newest venture is with a great company called Shelf Reliance which is a maker of shelving products....but in the last couple of years has started the Freeze-drying of many types of foods called THRIVE! When trying their food products at a Self Reliance Expo in Arlington, TX several months ago .... just fell in love with it and the whole concept.

My whole thought process is 'how do we get more foods that taste great.... into our RV kitchens that have less space? Dehydrating has always took front and center .....because it is something that we can do ourselves as we travel into areas that are abundant in certain fruits and vegetables. Buying at a fair price and putting it into a smaller footprint...has always been the answer. However, now we can another way.....!

You can see from the picture above... how the freeze-drying process is done. Via this process these foods now have a shelf life of 25 years. Plus, nearly all the food value is retained. (which that can not be said for regular dehydrated foods). Now...one of the best special features of Shelf Reliance - Thrive products is the Q Plan that allows us to get involved in purchasing these products ...at a great price and we can fill our pantries to over flowing. That really does excite me because with the price of foods and the uncertainty of our economy....we can get this done and do it with confidence in knowing we are prepared for whatever comes our way. Plus, we are getting great tasting food that is quick to prepare.

I invite you to go to my website Kingdom Harvest and take a look around. You will find so many different kinds of foods...and other products, as well. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. If you would like to try some of the products...there are several sizes in which they are packed.

Pouches
Pantry Cans ( the size I use in my RV kitchen)
#10 Cans (great for a big food pantry)
By the case (Pantry size or #10 cans - for serious food pantries)

If you want to order online...please do. However, if you call me....I can probably save you even more $ so don't hesitate to do so.

This month we have added a couple of new products....Honey Crystals (add water to rehydrate to regular honey) and Brown Rice. As you can see...there are a couple more new products that are on the way ....they will be introduced soon.

Should you think this might be something you would enjoy getting involved in as in being just a user or if you would like to become a part of my team and becoming a consultant....you can see more about that at my website, too.

Gotta run.....until next time, Happy RVing!

My RV Kitchen with Lady E - in Louisville, Kentucky for the National Good Sam / Camping World Rally

2012-06-29T12:58:00.003-07:00

What a great week it was (June 20-24, 2012)...getting to travel to Louisville, Kentucky with my oldest lovely daughter, Stephanie Willey, to attend another National Rally/ RV Show. This time to the 2012 Louisville Good Sam Rally. Though I wasn't able to travel out with Lady REDWOOD ...I did include her and ALL her fine features inside my seminar presentation so I suppose you could say that this was her First 'National Debut'.

I have to say it was a real honor to be asked to attend this summer's National Good Sam Rally. My first appearance in a Good Sam /Camping World Rally....and I did have a great time working with the fine folks of both organizations.

Participating in the very first 'Culinary Experience' sponsored by Camping World "My RV Kitchen with Lady E".... Lots of people in attendance and a lot of great reviews coming from the crowds.

Teaching people how to lives easier in THEIR RV kitchen is the focus of my seminar. We talk about understanding how all the appliances work and how to make them more energy efficient.

RV stoves and cooktops
Convection/Microwaves
RV Absorption type Refrigerator
Alternative ways of cooking
Taking your foods and placing them into a smaller footprint in the RV kitchen.
How to set up your 'outdoor kitchen' effectively.

I am often called the "Gadget Queen'...but I just can't help it!!! I love talking about products that REALLY WORK in our RVs. Plus....so much more. Just great stuff! With lots of Q & A..this seminar is rated A+ by the attendees.

While there, I had the opportunity to have autograph sessions and sell my cookbook...which was a lot of fun. Meet and talk with many wonderful people.

I was asked to come and attend the next National Good Sam / Camping World Rally slated for November 2-4, 2012 in Daytona, Florida. I am looking forward to being there. For more information about this rally click on the link: http://therally.com/daytona/

Want to purchase this book? Go to:

http://www.shop.everythingrvtv.com/RV-Centennial-Cookbook-Celebrating-100-Years-of-RVing-RVCKBK1.htm

www.MobileRVAcademy.com

Our First Full Week of Camping!

2012-05-02T15:51:00.004-07:00

What a great first week of camping the Texas RV Professor and I have had. The Professor has been on site in the Dallas, TX area with Explore USA RV... which gave us a opportunity to stay at one of the best campgrounds in the area. The North Texas Jellystone Park at Rustic Ranch in Burleson, TX.


Yogi Bear himself greeting all the folks coming into the park.

North Texas Jellystone Park is located 15 minutes south of downtown Fort Worth and 40 minutes west of Dallas. The Ranch has 37 cottages (25 of the cottages have 2 person spa and fireplace) and 248 RV sites. All of the RV sites have full hookups, 50 amp, phone and cable connection.

RV SITES & *V-POD SITES

In addition to the traditional campsites, the North Texas Jellystone has designed and constructed 81 exclusive patent pending sites we call the *V-Pod Lot (see map). It is unique only to the Ranch and they are very excited about it.

The design is unusual because it allows for two RV's to be placed in a way where they are at an angle, opposite to one another, so they share a common triangle shaped front yard. You will love the extra space it provides and the unique landscaping at each site.

Each lot has stained concrete porches, sidewalks, flower beds and a wood pergola.

Here are a few of my photos from this week:

One of two swimming pools located on the property.

Along with a very nice swimming pool ....also a hot tub. Nice area for lounging in the sun.


Lady Redwood nestled in the tall trees of Jellystone RV Resort.

We have met a lot of our neighbors here and have had the opportunity to give a few tours of our unit. People are really blown away by the beauty and the quality that Redwood has been able to achieve.

Tomorrow is May 3rd, we will be traveling north to Destiny RV Resort. We will be there for about a week before moving on. Oh..and most important about tomorrows date is: It's the Professor's birthday. Happy Birthday, Terry Cooper! You are loved by many!!!!

A Whirlwind of Events!!

2012-04-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Finding the time to sit down and type my thoughts on all of our recent events.... has been challenging to say the least. However, some marvelous things have been happening...and I look forward to sharing those with you. The first being the arrival of our new REDWOOD 36RL Residential Vehicle - 5th wheel.

We take the keys on April 14, 2012

As the Professor continued his travels for Explore USA RV, from the Dallas/FT.Worth regions back the down to the San Antonio area living in hotels (coming home on weekends), I was back at our home in Somerville preparing for our upcoming departure. We finally took possession of "Lady REDWOOD" (the Professor as affectionately calls her) April 14th, 2012 after a few weeks of delays. You might notice that the model that we received is most definitely different than the rig I told you about in the previous posting. All I can say about that is.... this unit was my first choice and we are very happy that it arrived. The photo is taken at the Canton, TX location of Explore USA RV.

Here are a few photos of her along with 'Max' the Ford 350 Turbo Diesel 4x4.

She arrives in Canton, TX - Explore USA RV Dealership

36 RL is the most popular of REDWOOD's floor plans. I like it because of the contained bathroom to one side, the placement of the washer/dryer units and entertainment center. I love the big window in the rear of the unit.

With beautiful marble counter tops, I elected to NOT have a traditional RV oven. I went with the extra storage below instead . However, the microwave is a convection oven, as well. I cooked with convection ovens during my entire 15 years of restaurant ownership. A great way to go.

Love the bedroom - a queen bed. I purchased this bedding from QVC.com and we both love it. The colors are very soothing. Across the room is the walk-in closet of cedar. A special place for shoes and large shelves. We placed our printers and other electronic components there while traveling. GREAT SPACE!!

You know....it is the details that REDWOOD did an awesome job at. The tree design on the closet doors is so pretty. One of the reasons why I chose the bedding. They went together perfectly.


You are looking at the hallway where the washer/dryer are stored. I really do like it there ...rather than in the nose of a 5th wheel. This way two separate units can be installed...rather than the one piece unit that washes & dries. Much better time spent.

I will post more pictures later. I need to push on.

Saturday morning, April 14th, 2012 - We were in Denton, TX for an all day Open House-Spring Event Sale at Explore USA RV . For me, it was great meeting the staff of Explore USA. The people back in Service were awesome. I can see why they do such a great job there. The people are wonderful. We enjoyed visiting with their customers, as well. In fact, some folks that the Professor and I had met at the last Workamper Rendezvous which was in last October - came to see us when they heard we were going to be at that event.... Kenny and Denise Poole. We didn't know it...but the Poole's purchased a brand new Heartland 5th wheel last year and they are loving their unit. (I can see why after checking out the unit that they purchase - wow) Glad to hear that they loved their experience with Explore USA RV. Also, Kenny and Denise are working toward becoming workampers in a few years. We are excited about that.

Later on that evening....after picking up the REDWOOD in Canton, TX ..., we headed Northeast toward Arkansas, traveling up HWY 30 to attend the 2012 Workamper Rendzvous. We stopped overnight at a hotel their in Texarkansas, (yes, I said hotel not campground..I will explain later***). The Professor and I were so surprised by the number of people who stopped us wanting to know more about our beautiful unit. Of course, we were very happy to tell them more.!!

The next day, as we traveled up to Little Rock, I was asked by the Professor... where I would like to eat lunch...my response was; "It doesn't matter where I want to eat...it matters where we can find a place to park the 'Lady' where she will fit". Haha...and you all know what I mean by that!! With 39 feet of 5th wheel and a long bed dually Ford truck...you can't park just any where. But...you can always count on Cracker Barrel to have enough parking for the RVer. :-)

By mid-day, we had arrived in Heber Springs, Arkansas and were greeted by our good friends...the owners of Workamper News - Steve & Kathy Jo Anderson and their daughter & son-in-law, Jodie and Luke Duquette. If you don't know the story of how Workamper News came about...it is worth the time to go read up on it and see if this might be something YOU would like to do.

We arrived in Heber Springs, Arkansas and put the unit on display for all the attendees of the 2012 Workamper Rendezvous to take tours.

The next 5 days were spent in great company. The Workamper Rendezvous officially began on Monday evening with a mixer then opened with fully packed information seminars beginning Tuesday and went through Thursday. We finished up the 3 day event with a wonderful BBQ meal out at Greer's Ferry Lake on Thursday evening. Seeing the sun go down on the water was a real treat.

Friday was our All-Day Mini RV Maintenance Day....where we joined a room full of people wanting to go even more in-depth on RV Electrical (which included solar), RV Propane Systems and RV Water Systems.

We finished our week by heading out Saturday morning and heading back to Texas. We thoroughly enjoyed our week with the Anderson's and look forward to seeing them again in October at the next Workamper Rendezvous.

***Oh....I mentioned that we did not stay in a campground while on our Arkansas trip...and the reason is this: The Professor knows that there is a very important reason why you should never take a 'Maiden Voyage' trip very far from home. Here is a word of advise - After purchasing your new RV ...never, ...Never,.... NEVER go too far from your main support systems. Should anything go wrong, you need to be where you can get help from YOUR RV dealer or a Service Center. Don't wind up 500 miles from home then find out that you need help. Just a rule of thumb. :-)

Until next time.....Happy RVing!

Rain, Sunshine and The Great Adventure!

2012-03-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Spring Break week brings us some beautiful sunshine finally. Most areas around Somerville, TX received 4-6 inches of rain over the last 4-5 days. Our beautiful lake which has been drought stricken for quiet sometime ...is finally filling up again. We are so thankful for the rains.

The Texas RV Professor and I have been working on a few projects since the Dallas Super Sale RV Show. One of the most important projects has been the new metal roof on the back half of our home. After two days of hard work, the roof was in place just in time to fend off all the bad weather. ..another blessing!!

The Professor and I visited with our publisher late last week. We did hear that my book, The RV Centennial Cookbook - Celebrating 100 Years of RVing, is at it's 2nd printing. I am so happy with the sales and I personally want to thank everyone who has helped make this such a great success. The book is available through our store at www.Mobile RV Academy.com Each book purchased through our store will receive my autograph. However, it is available at all online book stores (with NO autograph).

We are excited to announce that the Professor has taken a position with Explore USA RV Supercenter which has 8 dealerships in the state of Texas. Hired as Director of Service Operations, the Professor will be traveling from store to store training all the service department people. The ultimate goal....staff and service to be the very best that Texas can offer.

What an exciting time this is for us... as the Professor is traveling around the state of Texas training RV technicians.....I will be following along with him running our business - Mobile RV Academy. However, we both will be traveling in MEGA style. With a combination effort from several great companies.... being provided to us is a beautiful REDWOOD 5th wheel 39HH (Hobby Hauler) made by Thor, which is the hottest new floor plan available by Redwood - a fully decked out Ford F350 King Ranch Edition 4x4 Turbo Diesel truck to pull that great rig - plus a Service Golf cart to travel around the RV parks and campgrounds. All three units will be wrapped with advertising graphics that will include: Explore USA RV, REDWOOD Residential Vehicles and the Texas RV Professor - Terry Cooper. Be watching for us running up and down the Texas highways and camping in the RV Resorts and Parks.

We want to say 'Thank you' to Explore USA RV and REDWOOD Residential Vehicles for making this all possible. I am sure that I will be adding more manufacturing names to this list in the near future....however, this is a good start.

The Professor and I will still be traveling to RV Shows and Rallies doing our RV Maintenance and My RV Kitchen with Lady E seminars for the RV consumers. I will write more on this subject as this GREAT ADVENTURE unfolds.

Closing now.....Just remember - It is our job to keep your wheels going on down the highway.

Lady E and the Professor!

Dallas RV Super Sale 2012 Feb. 22-26

2012-02-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

This past week, the Professor and I attended the 2012 Dallas RV Super Sale....and so free seminars for the public. This year there was record attendance. It was wonderful seeing all the young families out shopping for the RV that best suited their lifestyle. Also, those who were getting ready to hit the road in their retirement years, whether going full time or just spending months on the road touring America. Whatever the reasons, crowds were strong. That's good news for the whole industry.

RV Propane and RV Air Conditioning - all pertaining to RV Maintenance were the topics for the Professor's seminars. Me - my topic - My RV Kitchen.What we talk about in my hour is 'Understanding how the RV kitchen works. How we can make our appliances work more efficiently. Plus, betters ways to stock foods and alternative ways of cooking. Lots of great information always awaits in the 'My RV Kitchen' seminar.

It was a lot of fun showing pictures of Lady Stella Louise to friends and consumers alike at the show. We have not been able to start work on her,as of yet...but I have done some great window shopping on items that will be placed within. With lots of things going on in our life right now -she will probably be a 'Saturday only' job...so it may take a while to get her renovation complete. Short post this evening.

Until next time....Happy RVing!

Meet Lady Stella Louise - 1964 Yellowstone Travel Trailer

2012-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:00


She is a diamond in the rough!

We have always dreamed of doing a restoration of a vintage RV

....and it looks like now we will get our chance!

The end of last month, we acquire this little sweet beauty. She was found abandoned on an 1 acre track of land located in Burleson County, Texas. From her license plate, she was last registered in 1995....but oh my goodness....that poor baby has seen some rough times.

With the door latch ripped off and a missing door window, these ailments were not the worst by far. She was used as a trash bin of the previous owners and it was not a pretty sight. However, the Professor and I could see 'what she could be' through the mud she was buried in, half way up the tires...and we knew she could have a 'Second Chance' at life if we could get to her! So, we made the decision to secure her from the current owner (the local bank) and bring her home. That very day we named her

Lady Stella Louise -Yellowstone!

The Professor and I have decided to record our journey with Lady Stella Louise via this blog and other means. I will be sharing lots of photos, restoration information, as well as our own thoughts as we go about this project. We would like our readers to follow along .... we know that our family, friends and many of our RVing buddies will enjoy the journey as much as we do...A journey of LOVE.......

Feel free to leave comments and suggestions, as we love to hear from you all.

Lady E and the Professor