tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53931952012-05-29T16:46:20.634-05:00The Adventures of Tioga and GeorgeTioga & George travel the roads of the west searching for adventureTiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comBlogger3246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-12437187649842061932012-05-29T07:25:00.000-05:002012-05-29T16:46:20.638-05:002012-05-29T16:46:20.638-05:00Incoming shipment<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/incoming-shipment.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7AM - Incoming shipment!</span></span></u></a><br />
MsTioga and I have not left Home Camp since last Friday! However, we must leave this morning to go into Tequis in order to recharge our Telcel cell phone. We need the phone to call DHL customer service. We have selected DHL to be our customs broker for our incoming shipment.<br />
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We are very interested to find out what Mexico is going to charge us for import duty for this shipment. As you may recall, the cost to buy the stuff that is being sent to us via this shipment is $1,008US.<br />
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Our last shipment's duty equaled 20% of the purchase cost. This % is very acceptable to us! However, we do not have a lot of importing experience in Mexico. But we are hoping that 20% will be for this shipment too.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - Myths about Mexico</b></span><br />
My rant of yesterday was prompted by responses to "Dave Dods" robbery by his blog readers. I believe that a more appropriate response is demanded to robbers invading ones home than spraying them with bug juice. Some of Dave Dods readers suggested wasp or bear spray as a defense against robbers. And I felt very strongly, that if Dave Dods had a gun for protection, the robbery would have been halted immediately.<br />
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There appears to be some myths held by some of my blog readers regarding guns in Mexico. Here is Article 10 from the Federal Constitution of Mexico:<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: blue;">Article 10: The inhabitants of the United Mexican States have a right to arms in their homes, for security and legitimate defense, with the exception of arms prohibited by federal law and those reserved for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard. Federal law will determine the cases, conditions, requirements, and places in which the carrying of arms will be authorized to the inhabitants.</span></i> <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Shipment hangup</b></span><br />
The people at DHL informed that because the shipment is crated in a wood box, and because the box is above a certain size, the shipment is required to be fumigated. Hmmmm? Can you imagine that?<br />
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In addition, the fumigation cost of 1,392 pesos [$102US], must be paid in order to process the shipment thru customs. In otherwords, first they get the $102US, then they spray, then they come up with the cost of import duty.<br />
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I have referred this matter back to USAMail1, the freight forwarder. USAMail1 made the decision to re-pack the shipment in a wood crate of their own making and their own size. So, I guess that they will figure this <i><span style="color: blue;">"puzzle in Mexico"</span></i> out.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Shipment update</b></span><br />
The fumigation Mexico is asking to be paid for, is because of the wood crating that the freight-forwarder USAMail1 used. Mexico wants to make sure that there are no bugs inside that wood packing material.<br />
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USAMail1's contact at DHL is working with Mexican officials to see if there is a way to work around this bug business. I do not feel that I should be solely responsible for USAMail1's packing materials. I am paying USAMail1 for their expertise. That expertise is why I went to a freight forwarder in the first place.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - Cactus garden growing</b></span><br />
Today while in Tequis, we bought three little cactus plants. Cost 30 pesos for the three [$2.19US]. Now we have five cactus plants in our little rock garden hill.<br />
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I do have a question though? If you zoom into the cactus pic below, and look at the cactus in the upper left, you may see a brownish dry spot. What could this be? I have not watered the cactus much at all. Could this brownish spot be too little water?<br />
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<a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-29-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-29-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">88°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/memorial-day2007.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Tomorrow.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-1243718764984206193?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-64606202211533104622012-05-28T07:39:00.000-05:002012-05-29T07:26:16.170-05:002012-05-29T07:26:16.170-05:00Memorial Day2007<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/memorial-day2007.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memorial Day - 2007</span></span></u></a><br />
On Memorial Day, 2007, we stopped at the Cemetery in Escalante, Utah.<br />
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Little Mavicito captured the pic below which delivers the message more than words.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2007/05/05-28-2007A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2007/05/05-28-2007A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - What the hell happened?</b></span><br />
I have to admit to you that I am really pissed off this morning! I was thinking about what happened to Dave Barnes who writes the blog, <i><span style="color: blue;">Dave "Dods" off to Mexico</span></i> [<a href="http://davedodsoff.blogspot.mx/" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>].<br />
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Dave is living in Weng and Francisco's Hill Top home in the Pueblo of Aticama. Dave was robbed about a week back. Three stinking, rotten crooks attacked Dave at Hill Top home and stole a bunch of his stuff.<br />
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The reason that I am pissed off, is because of the comments made on Dave's blog. Specifically, the comments made regarding how Dave should defend himself. Stuff like, "Spray bug juice in their face". Or, "Wasp spray".<br />
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What happened to us? When did we forget how to defend ourselves? My father knew how to defend himself. He carried a pistol. Our historical heroes knew how to defend themselves. George Washington knew!<br />
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But somehow, the notion that it is bad to defend ourselves has crept into today's society. And that notion has made us weak. Made us vulnerable. This world that we live in is a dangerous place. But there are those among us who would have us believe that to defend ourselves is wrong. To use guns to defend ourselves is bad.<br />
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I was robbed last year. I had no way to defend myself. I was lucky. The rotten crooks left without attacking me. I used to carry pistols. But the law down here in Mexico makes it dangerous for tourists to carry guns. Because of the mistaken notion that guns are dangerous. Citizens should not have guns.<br />
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But the crooks have guns. Because <b><i><u>they</u></i></b> do not obey these ignorant laws that prevent us from being able to defend ourselves against <b><i><u>them</u></i></b>.<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">Well, I am writing here, as clearly as I am able, that if you are a person who is against using guns to defend yourself against rotten, stinking criminals, then you are a person who is living far out of reality of today's very dangerous world! </span></i><br />
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Freedom and liberty are very fragile. Some may believe that freedom and liberty are only things they read about in history books. But the freedom and liberty of every one of us is at stake every single day. The battle for our freedom and liberty is being fought right here. On your own streets.<br />
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You give up your Freedom and Liberty when you give up your right to protect yourself! Get with it!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Note to readers who disagree with the above:</span></b><br />
I understand clearly that I may lose you with this writing. I am willing to suffer that loss. Because freedom and liberty have been under assault. Especially by our own government, since 911. I must be courageous to fight against what is fundamentally wrong.<br />
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<b><i>I have begun a Forum Post about this subject. You may go there and discuss what I wrote and how you feel about it by clicking</i></b> [<a href="http://forums.vagabonders-supreme.net/post/What-the-hell-happened-5865326?pid=1273710594#post1273710594" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>].<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - The fruit of my sprinkling!</b></span><br />
Every day I have sprinkled the ground in front of MsTioga. My sprinkling is a hope, a prayer, that the waters that I put on this barren ground may find the seeds that we seek!<br />
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And look what has happened! Life! Flowers in the desert! They may be tiny, some only 1/2" round. But oh my! How beautiful they are!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3:30PM - A hummingbird just found our feeder!</b></span><br />
I am hoping that now that one hummingbird knows about our "sweet flower", that more hummingbirds will come too!<br />
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This hummingbird has gorgeous colors. Green, red and yellow. I was standing at MsTioga's screen door when the bird arrived. It flew close to the door and gave me a stern hummingbird look! And then flew back to our sweet flower to eat some more. And then, the bird took off like a jet plane heading toward the fields below.<br />
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New Mavicita hopes to soon capture her first hummingbird pic!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-28-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Three different hummers come to our sweet flowe</span></b>r</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">85°F<br />
Blue sky</span></b></div><br />
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When Jimena first visited Home Camp, she advised, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Every time you walk out here, pick up some rocks and put them in a pile"</span></i>. We did not know why, but we followed Jimena's advice. Of course we had no idea that one day we would find uses for these rocks!<br />
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In order to avoid using Mr. Levelers, we have constructed little rock piles for MsTioga to park on. Every day we place more rocks on those piles. Because when Tioga rolls over those rocks, she kind of crushes and scatters them.<br />
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In the pic below, New Mavicita has captured one of our rock piles. Peluchita, who has just finished breakfast, decided to get into the pic! BTW, do you see our hummingbird feeder way to the upper left of this pic? Yesterday we moved the feeder to this side of the road because we actually saw some hummingbirds flying near here!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Tioga's rock piles</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Up on the roof</b></span><br />
It's inspection time for Mr. Sunny's solar panels. When we went up there, we were reminded that we planned to install aluminum riser plates underneath the forward hinges. Riser plates became necessary, after the our wood to aluminum frame upgrade last year.<br />
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While I was up on the roof, Peluchita positioned herself on the block wall and was watching me. <i><span style="color: blue;">"Just how old are you?"</span></i>, called out Peluchita. <i><span style="color: blue;">"74 years old"</span></i>, I replied. <i><span style="color: blue;">"Why do you ask?"</span></i> Peluchita said, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Because you are huffing and puffing up there!"</span></i><br />
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Peluchita was quiet for awhile, and then she asked, <i><span style="color: blue;">"How old is 74 in dog years?"</span></i><br />
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<b><i>Cheeky hound!</i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Riser positioned in place</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>12 Noon - Oh! The beautiful bird!</b></span><br />
It is at times like these, when I miss my children the most! To see in their eyes, what I see in my own eyes! Oh! The beautiful bird! How I long to share you with my kids!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-27-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Who are you, Birdy?</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Weng phoned!</b></span><br />
I love it when my phone rings! It goes "rrrrrinnng!" "rrrrrinnnnng" just like an old time telephone. When I answered the ring, it was my friend Weng on-the-line!<br />
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Weng and I have not seen each for awhile. I asked her if the family has plans for a trip to Aticama this coming winter. Weng says that they do have plans! From about Thanksgiving to the middle of January. Weng is working very hard at her gardening jobs to save money for the Aticama trip.<br />
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Tioga and I are going to use Weng's "Donate" button to send a donation to the family and follow up with an email marked:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>"To be used only for the Aticama trip!"</b></span></i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">87°F<br />
Blue sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/face-red.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/memorial-day2007.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yesterday, I made a jerk of myself here on my blog. I accused Bank of America of bad service because their phone system appeared to be hanging up on me during my calls to BofA's customer service department.<br />
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It turns out that my own phone company, Rebtel, actually was doing the hanging up. Apparently, Rebtel maintains some control over my phone calls going thru the Rebtel system. When BofA's automatic phone system transferred my call to a live BofA customer service person, Rebtel intercepted the call, and on about the 10th ring, hung up!<br />
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I learned about what was actually happening during a phone call to USbank. During that call, USbank's phone system transferred my call to one of their live customer service people. And on the 10th ring, my phone call hung up. Well, it is very unlikely that my call to two different banks wound up being hung up on!<br />
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The culprit had to be Rebtel! I tested my thinking out by phoning Bank of America and USbank by phoning them directly. Not using the Rebtel phone system. And I got thru to a live customer service person in both instances.<br />
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So, I am here on my blog apologizing to you, BofA, and anybody else that I insulted by jumping to conclusions. I have also apologized to the BofA customer service persons to whom I sent rude email messages.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">What a bummer this experience has been for me!!</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11:30AM - Luxury of my time</b></span><br />
It takes a certain amount of time to do everything that we do. It's not necessary to tell you this. You know how long it takes to drive from your home to the grocery. How long to mow your lawn. This understanding of time is the same for me.<br />
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For quite a while, I have taken a lot longer to do some things than is necessary. In doing this, I'm immersing myself in the luxury of my time.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Richard Saunders</span></i> is a pseudonym that Benjamin Franklin used when publishing his, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Poor Richard's Almanac"</span></i>. This almanac is a an accumulation of advice from Benjamin Franklin. One piece of advice that I particularly care for is: <i><span style="color: blue;">"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time ! for that's the stuff Life is made of", as Poor Richards says.</span></i><br />
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I have been given a great gift with the founding of Home Camp. The gift of time! Time to do! Time to think! Time to get my life's perspective in order! I shall not squander the luxury of my time spent here!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6PM - Oprah and energy</b></span><br />
This morning I stumbled upon Oprah Radio on the XM Satellite Receiver. I've never tuned in to Oprah before. Something that Oprah said caught my attention.<br />
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Oprah stated that she believed that people created their own energy. She said that we were responsible for the kind of energy that we put out. Whether our energy is positive or negative. Also, Oprah went on, we were responsible for who we allowed to be associated with us. Because if we allowed associations with persons who put out negative energy, this could impact our lives badly.<br />
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What Oprah said rang a big bell with me. I call it being balanced and centered. But it appears that positive and negative energy is the same thing as being balanced and centered. These are very obscure terms. So let me cut to the center of what positive/negative energy and balanced/centered means.<br />
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Remember "The Prime Directive" from the Star Trek TV series? My Prime Directive is: <i><span style="color: blue;">To know myself completely.</span></i> For me, knowing myself completely = knowing why I do, everything that I do. Once I consciously know why I do, every thing that I do, I no longer am impacted by sub-conscious stuff going on inside my brain. From that point forward, I become my own person. Responsible for what I do, what I say, how I behave.<br />
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Coming back to Oprah: People who produce positive energy are completely aware of themselves. They impact those around them in a positive way. People benefit from being around positive energy people.<br />
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I agree with what I heard on Oprah Radio today!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">86°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/special-places.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/picking-up-rocks.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-6656572503345409882?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-69587953646029726452012-05-25T09:24:00.001-05:002012-05-26T08:38:44.609-05:002012-05-26T08:38:44.609-05:00Special places<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/special-places.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - What makes a place special?</span></span></u></a><br />
I do not know the answer to this question. However, I do know when I arrive at a special place!<br />
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It was December 30, 2004, when Tioga and I first arrived in the Gulf of California Town of Santa Rosalia [<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2004/12/7am-dawn-of-absolutely-fabulous-day-in.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]. We knew right away that this was a special place. But why?<br />
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On November 5th, 2008 we first arrived in the Pueblo of Aticama [<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2008/11/9am-heading-toward-coast.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]. Was it something about the beach that captivated us? Hmmmm?<br />
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And now we are in the suburb of Tequisquiapan called Colonia Santillan. At a place that we call Home Camp. We knew right away that this was a special place. You may recall that we were camping about three streets east of Home Camp, and walked down here simply to explore. That was on Thusday, April 19, 2012 [<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/04/new-location.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]. We have been here ever since!<br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-25-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-25-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 550px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Is it the view?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Pic from Tioga's door</b></span></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Shipment in Mexico City!</b></span><br />
We just received a DHL email notifying that our shipment passed thru customs in Mexico City! Wow!<br />
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We had thought that our shipment was coming via truck! And it is flying!!.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Bank of America has terrible service</b></span><br />
A couple of weeks ago I made an ATM withdrawal at ScotiaBank, here in Tequisquiapan. I asked for 3,000 pesos. But only 2,600 pesos was delivered to me. This irregularity is a first for me. Never happened before.<br />
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You can imagine my surprise when my BofA checking account was charged for a 3,000 peso withdrawal. So, I tried to phone BofA to alert the bank. However, when I finally got thru the automated answering machine and got transferred to Customer Service, the phone rang about 10 times, and then hung up on me!<br />
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Over the past two weeks, I have tried to phone BofA Customer Service many, many times. Always, the same thing happens. The phone hangs up on me! So, I phoned BofA Corporate Headquarters to complain. And guess what Corporate told me? They said, <b><i><span style="color: red;">"If there were such a problem as this with our phone system, we would already know of it!"</span></i></b><br />
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Well, that was all that I had to hear from BofA in order to make the decision that I was banking at the WRONG bank. After a Google search turned up that USbank is the most loved bank according to national surveys, I phoned USbank and actually got a live-human being to talk to me!<br />
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I now have a USbank account setup, and am in the process of closing my BofA account [after more than 20 years with BofA].<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Bank of America is really bad, in my opinion! BofA is NOT recommended by Tioga and George!</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10PM - More about Bank of America's strange behavior!</b></span><br />
While I was attempting to phone BofA's Customer Service Department without success, their online system asked me if I would like to talk to a chat person? I replied, "Yes!" Soon a chat person began typing at me.<br />
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I explained that I had made an ATM withdrawal of 3,000 pesos and received only 2,600 pesos. But BofA charged my account for a 3,000 peso withdrawal. That is a 400 peso difference. Not a lot of money. In fact, only $29.20US difference. The chat person asked me how much credit I wanted? I was surprised at this question, because what I expected BofA to do was to investigate my claim. But the chat person insisted that I provide an amount. So, I quickly made a calculation and came up with $22.82US. The chat person told me, "OK, I have credited your account with $22.82!!" And guess what? The next morning I saw a $22.82 credit to my account.<br />
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However, when I received that credit, I knew that my calculation was only an estimate. And when I calculated again [taking my time and using a calculator this time], I came up with being $5.86US short in my claim. So, I tried to phone BofA to tell them about this matter, and when the phone hung up on me again, I went to BofA's message center online and asked for another $5.86US credit.<br />
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Well, guess what happened? Without investigating anything about my claim, BofA posted another $5.86 credit to my checking account.<br />
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I tell you true! Something is really wrong at BofA. This is no way to run a bank To take a claim from a customer and process that claim without checking is really, really weird!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">87°F<br />
Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/tioga-condition.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/face-red.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-6958795364602972645?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-5638395498648974542012-05-24T09:50:00.001-05:002012-05-25T09:25:43.559-05:002012-05-25T09:25:43.559-05:00Tioga condition<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/tioga-condition.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - MsTioga's condition</span></span></u></a><br />
Since MsTioga and I met in 2003, she has never been in such excellent condition as she is in right now. For me, Tioga is a complicated challenge. It has taken all of this time (nine years!), for me to accumulate the knowledge to properly care for Tioga.<br />
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Staying in one place here at Home Camp, has given me time to consider things that may improve the quality of life of the TiogaRV Team. For example, the air-conditioner which now is on its way to us. As you may know, in prior years we discounted the value of air-conditioning. Back in those years, we did not stay in RV campgrounds. So, we did not have electric power available to run an air-conditioner.<br />
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In those past years, we traveled in order to remain in <i><span style="color: blue;">"T-shirt and short pants"</span></i> weather. Sometimes we traveled very long distances to find that weather! Now-a-days, with gasoline prices what they are, traveling long distances like we used to do is not feasible.<br />
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We have a list of "to-do" things that will keep Tioga in this wonderful condition. In coming days and weeks, we will be doing these things and sharing with you all that is going on!<br />
<ul><li>Move solar panels in order to make room for air-conditioner installation</li>
<li>Provide a new air-conditioner roof installation opening</li>
<li>Install (2) new roof vents</li>
<li>Repaint Tioga's fiberglass roof according to the specs received from Jose the Fiberglass Guy</li>
<li>Replace Tioga's tail light assemblies with new LED units</li>
<li>Replace the cabover and rear clearance lights with LED units. Provide new mounting for these new LED assemblies</li>
<li>Provide a new mounting system for solar panel hinges </li>
<li>Install a new internal slide-out storage drawer underneath Jorge's bed</li>
<li>Other stuff too!</li>
</ul><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Buying stuff in the USA</b></span><br />
It may very well be that I have understated the importance of being able to buy stuff in the USA and have it shipped to us here in Mexico. There are some things that simply cannot be bought here in Mexico, because they are not available. Take Bilstein shock absorbers, for example.<br />
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Yes! You may find resources here in Mexico that may be able to provide some Bilstein products. However, these resources do not have the knowledge necessary to know "which" Bilstein would be good for MsTioga. In the USA, with a minimal online Google search, I located <i><span style="color: blue;">"Don's Sport Vehicle Sales"</span></i>. Not only did Don's stock the exact Bilstein that MsTioga needed, but their customer service people had the training and literature to give me the specs for those Bilsteins.<br />
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Now multiply this Bilstein experience by hundreds of times, and you may get an idea of how important it is to be able to shop in the USA, while living here in Mexico.<br />
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I am pretty sure that USA residents simply take-for-granted going to the nearby Safeway Store to shop for their groceries. USA residents would be blown away if suddenly their local Safeway <i><u>only</u></i> offered what the largest grocery markets here in Mexico offer.<br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">The product and the brand selection found in United States stores is absolutely phenomenal!</span></b></i></div><br />
And..... I have not even gotten into the low cost of USA purchased products compared to the same product in Mexico!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Life in Mexico</b></span><br />
<b>A reader may ask:</b> "If shopping in the United States is soooooo wonderful, why are you living in Mexico, Jorge?"<br />
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<b>Jorge replies:</b> "I must get into that with you someday!"<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Profesora Gina</b></span><br />
It's Thursday again. Which means another Spanish lesson with Profesora Gina! In the past, we have simply chatted together in Spanish, and when I needed help with some words, Gina would jot that word down. Conjugate the word. Write the word in past, present, future [if a verb].<br />
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Today I am changing the mode from chatting to reading a magazine named "Hola!" [that I bought in the grocery today]. This change should bring into the lesson words that I do not know.<br />
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I'll let you know how this lesson change works for me!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8PM - View from the camping chair</b></span><br />
When we returned from our Spanish lesson [BTW-the new lesson change worked great!], the camping chair was setup in front of MsTioga. We watered our grass, plants and flowers. Then, New Mavicita captured a pano pic of our <i><span style="color: blue;">"View from the camping chair!"</span></i><br />
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If you look carefully at this pic, you may see a bit of the farm fields below us. This same view from inside MsTioga, shows the farm fields much better. Because Tioga is much higher than the camping chair.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-24-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-24-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 550px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Do you see the farm fields?</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">78°F<br />
Clear/Misty sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/buying-vs-camping.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/special-places.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-563839549864897454?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-31602466525039524172012-05-23T11:00:00.001-05:002012-05-24T09:53:09.200-05:002012-05-24T09:53:09.200-05:00Buying vs Camping<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/buying-vs-camping.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11AM - Buying vs Camping!</span></span></u></a><br />
Well! It looks like I did it again! Made a decision to buy land, and then went ahead and changed my mind. What a Mug-Wump I turned out to be! My mug on one side of the fence. And my wump on the other side!<br />
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Here is what it all boils down to. A comparison between living in a home at a fixed location vs living in MsTioga at many locations. After making the <i><span style="color: blue;">"buy the land"</span></i> decision a couple of weeks ago, I kept coming back to the big question:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Why buy the land when I am able to camp here for free?</span></i></b></div><br />
There is no doubt that if I built a casita with a garage workshop, that this would be a great home site for me. But, would it be better than living in MsTioga? Better than being free as a bird? Better than being able to come and go without a care in the World?<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3PM - Cactus garden</b></span><br />
Over the past week, we bought two 6" high cactus. This morning the cactus were "planted" in a rock pile that we built in front of MsTioga's door. They are in the rock pile to disguise that the cactus are still in plastic pots.<br />
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We plan to buy more 6" cactus!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-23-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-23-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Our cactus garden</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Our shipment is on-the way!</b></span><br />
After many, many starts, stops, stalls and glitches, our shipment from USAMail1 is finally on its way! You may recall that one major glitch was that shippers do not carry what is now known as "hazardous materials" on international flights. We have a battery and air-conditioner coming. Apparently these are now considered hazardous.<br />
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This shipment is going via DHL ground.<br />
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<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Here is the shipment inventory:</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Quantity Description Cost each Total</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------------------<wbr></wbr>---------------------------------------------------<wbr></wbr>---</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Air Conditioner, Coleman Polar Cub 575.99 575.99</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Air Conditioner ceiling assembly 55.99 55.99</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 2 Bargman LED Tail light assembly 55.92 111.84</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 RC30 Radiator cap 26.00 26.00</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Set, hex shank drill bits 20.53 20.53</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Makita 9000 battery 24.85 24.85</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Camco Wave3 heater 192.50 192.50</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> 1 Package, mail documents 0 0</b></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b> ---------------</b></div><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> TOTAL: $1,007.70</b>.<br />
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Cost to ship via DHL: $686.95 including insurance.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - Our blooming garden</b></span><br />
Around mid-afternoon the Sun has moved to the west. A very nice shadow comes and makes it very comfortable to sit out in front of MsTioga! New Mavicita, MacBook and I sit out here every afternoon.<br />
<br />
Since we made the water deal with our neighbors, Guillermo and Theresa, we have all the water we can use. So, we have taken to watering the grass that is growing here. You would be so surprised what blooms! The grass is growing like a weed! And flowers are blooming in our garden.<br />
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In the pic below is a volunteer. A lovely red-orange flower which is about the size of my thumb.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-23-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-23-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">One of our flowers!</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">86°F<br />
Clear blue sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/ejido.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/tioga-condition.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Juan Lugo drove to Home Camp yesterday afternoon about an hour late. As he drove up he said to me, "Tarde!" [late]. I replied, "No problem!". We picked up his Aunt Sofia [landowner] and drove to see the lot that is for sale. It's not a bad lot. High up on the slope of the land on which most of Colonia Santillan rests. Not a great view. But a decent view. Several nice homes nearby.<br />
<br />
However, in my opinion, this lot does not compare to Home Camp. The view here is minimal compared to the fabulous view from Home Camp. And, it turns out that the lot is on Ejido land.<br />
<br />
I have to tell you that I have a great deal to learn about Ejido land. It could very well be that the two lots next to Home Camp, "Arroyo" and "Cerca" are Ejido land. When Doña Elena offered to sell her lot to me, I did not ask her if her lot is on private or Ejido land.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Breakfast pic tasty today!</b></span><br />
When New Mavicita saw my breakfast this morning, she captured a pic immediately! Matzah, eggs and onions, Johnsonville sausage, toast, strawberries and iced tea with limon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-22-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-22-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - My Son David</b></span><br />
The thought crossed my mind this morning about removing David's pic/blog link from my own blog page. This comes up every now and then. I could not remove it. Not yet!<br />
<br />
It would be like another link between David and myself being broken.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - More about Mexico land</b></span><br />
Boeing46 wondered about my plans to buy land here at Home Camp. So, I promised to write about my land plans here in the blog.<br />
<br />
I am not 100% sure about buying land. My friend, psyflyjon suggested that I rent or lease land. <i><span style="color: blue;">"Better than buying"</span></i>, says psyflyjon,. Especially Ejido land. If something goes sour, MsTioga and I could simply drive away. We would only have construction invested in rented land.<br />
<br />
There is no doubt that buying/leasing land presents some problems. When I am not here, the property is subject to vandalism. Although here in Colonia Santillan, vandalism may be a minimal risk. Buying/leasing also brings up the subject of not being as free as I have been in past years.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">Hmmmmm? The more that I write here, the more I am concluding that it is much better to simply camp out at Home Camp! Amazing!</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-22-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-22-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge, MacBook & Peluchita</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">7pm - Home Camp</span></b></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">82°F<br />
Bright blue sky</span></b></div><br />
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<br />
<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/hot-shower.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/buying-vs-camping.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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I never take a shower inside MsTioga during the early morning. Because it seemed too cold to shower! However, this morning I decided to crank up Mr. Wave6, our catalytic heater. I wanted to find out if Wave6 would be able to raise the inside temperature to a comfortable level. And guess what? It is now 68°F inside Tioga! Outside it is only 53°F. That Wave6 is great.<br />
<br />
So, I took a hot shower during the early morning, and it was really comfortable. Even getting out of the hot shower to dry off was pretty comfortable! Can you imagine that? After nine years, something new!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PS:</b></span> BTW, we bought a new catalytic heater. This new heater is part of our next shipment coming from the USA. It is the smaller Wave3 Catalytic Heater. We have found that we only use our Wave6 at its lowest setting. So the new Wave3 should be good for us. We plan to send Wave6 back to the USA for a new catalyst pad. When we build our little casita [home], the rebuilt Wave6 can be used to warm the casita.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Cruz the Plumber</b></span><br />
I like Cruz the Plumber. He has repaired stuff for MsTioga several times. When Cruz makes an appointment, he is always on time!<br />
<br />
It took Cruz about one hour to install the toilet. Then he began work on the leaking faucets in the bathroom sink. While Cruz' brother was out buying "O" rings for the faucet, Cruz began working on the plumbing leak at the hot water heater. Very quickly he found that the leak was only a loose plastic compression fitting.<br />
<br />
Right now, Cruz just finished replacing the leaky O-ring on the hot water valve of the bathroom sink. Then he will re-check the plumbing leak at the hot water heater. If this plumbing leak is fixed, the job is all done!<br />
<br />
Cruz charged 400 pesos for this plumbing repair and I gave a 100 peso tip. Total: 500 pesos=$38US.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Site of leaking compression fitting</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Cruz Trejo - The Plumber</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Installed Jack the Dog's run</b></span><br />
I had in mind approximately what was needed to do in order to install Jack the Dog's run. Only one thing was up-in-the-air. There is a support post in the forward corner of Jack's shed. I had to install the run so that Jack could not walk around that post and get himself tied up. I accomplished this by ending the run about the same distance from the run's end to the support pole as the length of Jack's leash.<br />
<br />
There were a few glitches, but the run turned out good. It might be that I will have to upgrade to a larger cable and hardware. Jack is a big dog, and puts a lot of pressure on everything.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-21-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jack is now free to roam his yard!</span></b></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PS:</b></span> It remains to be seen how the family will accept Jack's gift. Although I asked and received permission to buy Jack a dog run, you never really can be certain about these things.<br />
<div><br />
Remember when we collected $4,000+US dollars to do an electric rewire of our neighbor's house in the City of Santa Rosalia [Baja California South]? That good deed eventually turned into a disaster!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">85°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<br />
<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/doing-my-best.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/ejido.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
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During the 1960s and 1970s, I worked for Punch Press Products [PPP] in Los Angeles, California. Now I am in Home Camp, Colonia Santillan, Mexico. It may seem strange, but there are similarities between what I did in both of these far distant places.<br />
<br />
The last four years of my nine years with PPP, I managed the company. There were times when I did not know what was coming up. PPP is a contract metal goods manufacturer. Who knew what kind work would come along? But for sure, something would come along!<br />
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That is how it is for me now at Home Camp. I do not know what is coming. Will Doña Guadalupe sell me her lot which we call "Arroyo"? Or, will we buy Doña Elena's, "Cerca"? Or maybe neither of these things will happen! What should I be doing?<br />
<br />
I've gone thru many times in my life when "what was coming up?" was not clear. One thing that I have learned about those times:<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">"Now is the time to do your very best, George! What is coming up is going to demand a lot from you. Be ready!"</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10:30AM - Enjoying myself</b></span><br />
Another thing that I've learned from all of my varied experiences, is that <i><span style="color: blue;">Enjoying Myself is directly linked to Being Organized!</span></i><br />
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Let's put it another way. Being "unorganized" means not getting things done, confusion and NOT enjoying myself.<br />
<br />
So, what do we on the TiogaRV Team do to enjoy our life? How do we keep organized? It is sooooo easy! We put everything that needs to be done "in the bucket".<br />
<br />
Things that need repair. Appointments that we make. Money that we paid for gasoline or other purchases. Maintenance items that need to be done. People that we contact. Everything goes on a piece of paper and that paper goes, "into the bucket".<br />
<br />
Each morning, we grab the bucket and go thru all of the papers inside. We make two piles. In one pile are the things that we want to do today. The other pile is, all of the stuff that does not have to be done today. Then we prioritize the "today" pile. That's it! Nothing unique or special. I bet that you are doing the same thing yourself!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-20-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-20-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">The bucket!</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8:30PM - Lotsa stuff done</b></span><br />
Just sat down at the computer workstation after a busy day. We completed several jobs that needed doing.<br />
<ul><li>Changed electric wire to levelers from 20 gauge to 14 gauge. Thanks, Diugo!</li>
<li>Re-located the alarm buzzer for the levelers. The buzzer used to be mounted on the back wall, underneath the computer workstation. Now it is mounted on the front wall of the workstation, right next to Tioga's toilet. Much better here. We can hear the warning buzzer much better now.</li>
<li>Installed inserts into Little Honda the generator's cabinet. We used to hold the cabinet door closed with wood screws. Now with the inserts, we use 1/4-20 screws. Much better!</li>
<li>Cleaned up the outside area in front of MsTioga's front door. There was a bunch of left-over wood there from our recent construction projects. We broke down this wood for transport to the dump.</li>
<li>Met with neighbor, Juan Lugo who owns a piece of land that he wants to sell. Juan Lugo's land is about 1,000m². Have not discussed price yet. We plan to go see this lot tomorrow afternoon around 6pm.<br />
</li>
<li>Made a date for tomorrow morning at 9am with Cruz the Plumber. We want Cruz to install the new toilet, repair a leaky bathroom faucet. Also fix a very, very slow leak in the plumbing near MsTioga's house water pump. I could do all of these jobs myself. But Cruz the Plumber is better than I am at jobs like these.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">83°F </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Mostly clear sky</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></b></div><div align="center"><hr /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/cannot-ship.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/hot-shower.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
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Did you know that there are items that you may ship anywhere in the USA, but cannot ship internationally? Well, apparently this is true.<br />
<br />
We received an email from our freight forwarder which asked where our shipment will be going. This email claimed, <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"....<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">there appear to be some of your items that we would not be able to ship internationally"</span></i></span>.<br />
<br />
We must wait until next week in order to learn which of our items may not be shipped to Mexico by our freight forwarder. I hope that one of these "excluded" items is NOT our new air conditioner!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PS afterthought:</b></span> Are you as pissed as I am from having government telling us what can and cannot be done? I sure hope that there is a time coming, when <i><span style="color: blue;"><u>we the people tell them to get off of our backs!</u></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - The roof vent project</b></span><br />
Yesterday we told you about our roof vent project. Our new roof vent installation is different. Our roof vents are designed to be installed so that the flanges are flat on the roof. We do not like this <i><span style="color: blue;">"flat on the roof"</span></i> part of the installation because eventually rain penetrates the seal between the vent flange and the roof. Then rain would leak into MsTioga!<br />
<br />
So, we have changed the installation in an easy but very effective re-design. In the pics below, we describe how this new design works.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-18-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-18-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 450px;" /></a><span style="color: blue;">The board marked 3" riser is actually part of the frame. The board marked 2" spacer,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">is being used only to setup the shot. 2" is the thickness of Tioga's roof. So, you have to imagine </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">the 2" riser being MsTioga's roof.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8AM - More pics</b></span><br />
In order to get a better idea about how this vent installation is going to be done, we found a place where one of the vents could be turned upside down [MsTioga's kitchen sink!]. In this position, we are able to figure out where the fiberglass will be installed.<br />
<br />
When you click on these pics to make the image big, you'll be able to read the red writing that describes our plan. Fiberglass will come from the roof, go up the riser and over the riser's top. The flange of the vent with this new installation, is no longer flat on the roof. It is sealed to the fiberglass at the top of the riser.<br />
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The second pic is a close-up view showing where the interior garnish of the roof vent goes.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6PM - A present for Jack!</b></span><br />
We just returned from a shopping trip to San Juan del Rio. One of the things that we bought is, a present for Jack, a big yellow dog who lives in Theresa and Guillermo's home next door to Home Camp.<br />
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While Peluchita has the run of the neighborhood. Poor Jack is always chained up in the corner of the yard. Day and nite. Nite and day. Jack is confined to his tiny place in the yard. During the day, we often go to say hello to Jack in his corner. Jack is always very friendly. He craves attention and petting..<br />
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About a week ago, I was in the yard and talking with Guillermo. I asked permission to buy a present for Jack. And described a cable setup, which would allow Jack the dog to have a run of about 20 meters along the fence. Gullermo gave me permission!<br />
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So, this afternoon we bought Jack's present [see pic below]. We plan to install the present next week.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 450px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jack in his corner</span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012D_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-19-2012D_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">The present</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">94°F<br />
Very clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/two-kinds-of-companies.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/doing-my-best.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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In the entire World, there are only two kinds of companies! Does that seem like an "impossible to be true" statement? Well, I assure you that it is absolutely a true statement!<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Companies who bend over backwards to make things easy for customers. These companies think from the customer's point of view. These customers go over every single thing that a customer does, and try to find an easier way to do it.</li>
<li>All the other companies who do not give a damn for you!</li>
</ol>
<div>
When I was looking for a mail forwarding service who would receive items purchased in the USA, I selected three companies. First company chosen was Bongo Internatiional. You know about them, because I wrote about Bongo's non-service company before. Bongo is just the pits. The worst!</div>
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<div>
The second company that I chose was Global Mail, located in Texas. This would have been a wonderful location for my freight forwarder. Close to Mexico. However, Global Mail bent over backward to make it DIFFICULT for me to file a United State Post Office Form 1583 with them. Just ridiculous! So, we dropped Global Mail.</div>
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<div>
The third company that I chose is USAMail1. Just a wonderful company. Extremely considerate of customers wants and needs. When you phone USAMail1, you do NOT get an automated voice saying, "Click #1 for, Click #2 for, etc, etc. A real person who is friendly, considerate, knowledgeable, answers the phone. And really helps too. Not like Bongo, whose customer service is no service at all. </div>
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Now, USAMail1 is our freight forwarder. A #1 kind of company!</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>More thoughts about #1 companies:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li> Customer service people in #1 type companies, listen when a customer is talking. You do not talk to rude people who "over-talk" you in #1 companies. Because #1 companies screen and monitor conversations between their support people and customers. In order to find out if their support person is behaving in a way that goes along with #1 company philosophy.</li>
<li>When you have a complaint about service or a product with a #1 company, you do NOT receive any excuses. #1 companies make it easy for you to return merchandise. #1 companies make changes according to customer complaints.</li>
</ul>
<div>
An example of a really bad #2 type company is Aims Power, the manufacturer of Aims electric inverters. When I received my Aims inverter, it did not even work. I had to send the device back to Aims for replacement. When I actually received the inverter and put it to work, I learned that the device sent out a radio transmission buzz that interfered with Tioga's sound system. Also, my Apple MacBook's track pad becomes "jittery" when using power from the Aims.</div>
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When confronted with these complaints from me, Aims offered that my sound system was low quality. "Get a high quality sound system", Aims said. Aims would not even respond to the "jittery" track-pad complaint.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Aims is truly a leader of the #2 type of company. Stay away from Aims!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Installing new roof vents</b></span><br />
Our next project, is to install the two new roof vents that we bought in the USA. Our installation plan is somewhat unique.<br />
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We will construct a wood-riser, in the shape of a square frame that sits on Tioga's roof. This riser/frame, will be covered with fiberglass in order to create a vent installation that cannot leak. Each of the two new vents will sit on its own frame<br />
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This plan may be difficult to imagine. We will take a pic so that you will get the idea of what is going on. Right now we are heading into Tequisquiapan to buy the wood for the two frames.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">88°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/romancing-money.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/cannot-ship.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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A number of readers are not happy with the changes the TiogaRV Team has made over the years. Sometimes readers write to us about their unhappiness.<br />
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Some do not like us being in Mexico. Some do not like our decision to stay in one place [instead of constantly being on-the-go]. Some are disappointed that we have never traveled to the eastern USA. Some readers tell us that our story is boring now.<br />
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The TiogaRV Team is forever losing disenchanted readers and gaining new readers. Readers are visiting us pretty close to 100,000 times each month this past year. The prior year, 90,000/month. Two years ago, 80,000. Three years ago, 75,000. Four years ago, 70,000. Five years ago, 65,000.<br />
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What do I mean when I title this post, <i><span style="color: blue;">"Romancing the money"?</span></i> This is something that I have not addressed before in the blog. There is some influence exerted by Google AdSense and their rather large paycheck over what we do, and how we do it. We try very hard NOT to be pulled into the vortex where we are being "romanced" by the money AdSense pays us. And, we believe, that we have been pretty successful in keeping ourselves above, "the pull of the money".<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Sucked in!</b></span><br />
"Have you ever been sucked in, by the romance of Google's money?" Yes! If you were with us in April, 2004, that was the time when we posted here in our blog that we did not have enough income to keep up doing this vagabonding life. We were going to get-a-job. Go back to work, in order to survive!<br />
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What actually happened though was, a few readers encouraged us to put ads on our website. One of those readers, Bob MacNstuff [not his real name], actually coached me thru learning about AdSense. For about a year, I worked several hours each day on AdSense things. So, back then I was completely romanced by the money.<br />
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Even now, AdSense sends me messages from time-to-time, suggesting that if I would do this or that, my income would rise. And I listen to AdSense, and usually do what they suggest. So in that way, I am romanced by the money.<br />
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However, for the most part, what I do is not influenced by the romance of AdSense's money.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>12 Noon - The wonders of a Home Camp</b></span><br />
Maybe you are able to help me explain the wonders of a Home Camp. All that I know is, that Home Camp is fantastic! Take what I am doing now, for example.<br />
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For a long time, MsTioga's shower has needed a new "wiper" at the bottom of the shower door. This "wiper" is a plastic strip that keeps water from flowing underneath the door, and out on to the carpet.<br />
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I've known how to replace the old wiper. All that was needed, was <i><u><span style="color: blue;">time</span></u></i> to go ask in hardware stores for what was required. Well, since I found our Home Camp, I do have the time. And a few weeks ago, a wiper that could be adapted to our needs was found!<br />
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Today, I am installing that wiper, which must be cut to length, drilled to attach to the shower door, then mounted. Everything so far, is going good with this little job.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-17-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-17-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Cutting new wiper to length</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_mostly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">79°F<br />
Mostly cloudy</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/for-sale.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/two-kinds-of-companies.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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Pete Schuster has told me many times, "Everything in Mexico is for sale, for a price!". I believe that Pete is right about his perception. And that is why I am holding out about buying land next to Home Camp. Guadalupe, the owner of the lot we call Arroyo, is "thinking" about selling. This "thinking" revelation came from my neighbor, Theresa. This "thinking" thing includes me too. I am "thinking" about buying!<br />
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In the meantime, The TiogaRV Team really is enjoying our Home Camp at the dead-end of a dirt road in Colonia Santillan, a suburb of Tequisquiapan. We are getting a lot done here.<br />
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Let's review what we have accomplished recently and what we plan to do:<br />
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<ul><li>Telephone system for calling to the USA from Mexico.</li>
<li>California phone number for calling us in Mexico from the USA.</li>
<li>A system for buying things in the USA and having them shipped to us in Mexico</li>
<li>Received our FM3 permit which allows us to stay in Mexico permanently. No need to leave Mexico every six months anymore.</li>
<li>Rebuilt our computer workstation</li>
<li>Bought an air-conditioner from the USA. A small one. We may need air-conditioning in the future because of staying in warm areas instead of moving around to find ideal weather.</li>
<li>Replace both roof vents in MsTioga. Our present forward vent does not work at all. And the rear vent leaks a bit during rain.</li>
<li>Re-paint MsTioga's roof. Jose the fiberglass guy told me in 2007 that the roof must be repainted every 4-5 years in order to protect the fiberglass.</li>
<li>Replacing MsTioga's toilet. Our old toilet is going on 22-years old, has a broken lid hinge. Is giving signs of the flapper valve failing. We bought a replacement toilet from the USA.</li>
<li>Getting MsTioga fumigated. There are lots of insects here in Mexico that would love to eat a sweet thing like Tioga. Also, there are dreaded roaches here.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 550px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Pano looking east, 7:30pm, just before sundown</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>12 Noon - Breakfast at noon</b></span><br />
<b><i>Whatta life!</i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Cheese & onion omelette</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4PM - Pulichinas fur is more brown!</b></span><br />
Since we began feeding Pulichina Purina Dog Chow, she has eaten a 1 kg bag of this dog food. We noticed a few days ago, that Pulichina's fur is more brown now. Do you think that a change like that could occur in only a couple of weeks?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Definitely more brown now!</span></b></div><br />
After New Mavicta captured a pic of Pulachina's brown fur, we walked back to MsTioga and found the goats grazing there again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-16-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">These sheep graze here every afternoon</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">82°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/constantly-searching.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/romancing-money.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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This morning while putting something away in our cab-over cabinet, we noticed that the cabinet's face frame had come away! The center/vertical section of the frame, was now behind the horizontal section! This is NOT a good thing to see.<br />
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Apparently when I built this cabinet back in 2004, not enough glue was used in the joint. This defect was noticed maybe a year or so back. In order to repair, glue was put into the joint and the two sections jacked back into place. That repair did not hold!<br />
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So, this morning we prepared a little board that is being glued into place that ties these two parts of the face frame together. In the pic below, New Mavicita captured a close-up of the little board, glued and clamped. Our other clamp [out-of-sight] is clamping the opposite end of the little board.<br />
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We prepared a second little board to tie together the same face frame parts that pass thru the cabinet's shelf. The glue and clamp process will be used there too.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">If we are to live in MsTioga, we must be "constantly searching" for things that are breaking, or have broken. There is no getting by this maintenance responsibility. We cannot claim age or infirmity as an excuse for not inspecting and finding stuff that is failing.</span></i><br />
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Actually, it is not such a burden to be constantly alert and do this inspecting. Even underneath MsTioga. We just take our time, and crawl around under there. Here in Tequisquiapan, there is an ideal place to do this inspecting. It is the very low traffic street behind the Soriana Store. This street is paved with red concrete blocks and pretty clean.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-15-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-15-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Face frame repair</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Land buying story continues</b></span><br />
When Pete & Jimena first introduced us to the section of Colonia Santillan [a suburb of Tequisquiapan] where we are living now, they showed us a lot that was for sale one block from the highway. While camping next to this lot that evening, our next door neighbor, Juan Lugo walked over to say, "Hi". He introduced himself as a relative of the lady selling this lot.<br />
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The following morning, Tioga and I drove further down the hill. That's when we first found what is now our Home Camp. During the following weeks, we learned about the owners of the two lots next to Home Camp. Doña Elena owns the lot we call "Cerca". And Doña Guadalupe owns "Arroyo".<br />
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About a week ago, Doña Elena paid us a visit during which she asked for 300,000 pesos for Cerca, a 625M<span style="background-color: white; color: #333366; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">²</span> lot. This is twice the going price according to recent land sales. We have not contacted Doña Elena to negotiate further, because we are waiting for Doña Guadalupe.<br />
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Yesterday afternoon, Juan Lugo walked down to MsTioga. We invited him inside, and chatted about various things. But at the end of our chatting it became clear that Juan Lugo was not here to only chat. He had another lot to offer to us. A lot that Juan Lugo claimed to be far enough from the highway, to be very peaceful. And this other lot had a marvelous view! Juan Lugo and I made a date to get together to see this "view lot". One day this week when he comes home from work, he will drive to Home Camp, pick me up and we will go see the lot<br />
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The plot thickens!<br />
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A couple of minutes after Juan Lugo left Home Camp, our neighbor Theresa [Teri] walked over wondering what Juan Lugo was doing here. Apparently Teri had observed Juan Lugo entering MsTioga [nothing goes un-noticed here in Colonia Santillan!]. I told her about Juan Lugo's land for sale. A view lot, no less. In a very peaceful place!<br />
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Do you suppose? Will the grapevine of Colonia Santillan inform Doñas Elena and Guadalupe about Juan Lugo's visit? Hmmmmm?<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Doña Elena visits Cerca</b></span><br />
A few minutes ago, Doña Elena was seen walking on her land, right in front of MsTioga! I went outside to say hello to her. We talked about my newly purchased hummingbird feeder. We talked about anything and everything, except about her land.<br />
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This is the first time that I have seen Doña Elena visit her land. First time she has been here since she offered to sell her land to me.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>12 Noon - Bongo International "NOT RECOMMENDED"</b></span><br />
Here is the latest info on Bongo International. We are strongly <i><b><span style="color: red;">NOT recommending</span></b></i> Bongo International for a freight forwarding service. This company, in my opinion, really is not an actual freight forwarder. They have other companies under contract, who actually do the shipping and likely the receiving of stuff that I buy.<br />
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Bongo's customer service is also quite limited in being able to help its customers. Because they are NOT a real freight forwarder [as I described above], they do not control who they use as shippers [ie; FedEx, DHL, UPS]. They cannot communicate directly with the actual freight forwarder that they are using. What they do is, send "messages" to this actual freight forwarder. As a result, often there is a delay of 1 to 3 days in processing anything.<br />
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Again, Tioga and George do NOT recommend Bongo International as a freight forwarder. We are using USAMail1 as our freight forwarder from now on.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PS:</b></span> It is nice to have push! Because of our relationship with Google, often our web pages come to the top of Google Search Engine results. That's what has happened with our posts about not recommending Bongo International!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7PM - Computer workstation rebuild complete!</b></span><br />
This afternoon we finish coated the workstation back-panel with Varathane-satin finish. It came out nice. Then we re-installed the electronic devices including a new 120ac duplex receptacle.<br />
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After a little tweaking, New Mavicita took a pic to share with you.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-15-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-15-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Computer workstation rebuild</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">81°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/meeting-george.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/for-sale.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-7394069089725426051?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-18618153523033548792012-05-14T07:18:00.003-05:002012-05-15T07:54:49.672-05:002012-05-15T07:54:49.672-05:00Meeting George<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/meeting-george.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6AM - Meeting George</span></span></u></a><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">The ongoing Forum discussion titled, "Friendship", has brought out some unforeseen and for my part, enlightening information about how readers feel about the times that they have met me or have tried to meet me. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">I'd like to write about those meeting or attempted meeting experiences, from my perspective. Doing so may, I believe, remove some of the misunderstandings that have happened between myself and readers who have called on me, or attempted to get together with me.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Just an ordinary guy</b></span><br />
At the beginning of August, 2003, Tioga and I had only been on-the-road for two months. We got a message from Mike Fousie, a reader who wanted very much to visit MsTioga and see for himself what our Mr. Datastorm looked like. I believe at that time, Mike was a wannabee RVer.<br />
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Mike asked us please to wait where we were, and he would drive immediately from Portland, Oregon to our location, 30 miles west. And that's what we did. When Mike drove up to visit with us, he was one of the first [perhaps the first] reader to ever call on us.<br />
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I did not really comprehend at that time what was going on. There was no counter on my website. So, I had no clue how many people were following our adventures. I did not feel, nor do I feel now, like a celebrity. I felt like I was an ordinary guy who had information to share. And I wanted very much to do that sharing!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Appointments and dates</b></span><br />
The easiest and most acceptable way for us to meet readers is when they simply drop by. Or, when they contact us and ask if it is OK to drop by. However, from time-to-time, a reader will ask to meet us at a certain place, at a certain time. At first we were very happy to make a date like this. But this proved to be a bad idea.<br />
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Appointments and dates meant that usually we would be being someplace or doing something that we had not planned. But more important, plans like these often change for the people who want to meet us. For example, they may be late for the date. Or perhaps something came up and they would like to change the location or time of the meeting.<br />
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It very soon became clear that making appointments and dates to meet readers just did not work well for us. So, we stopped doing that. If readers wanted to see us, we preferred if they would drop by. Readers who dropped by unexpectedly were most often welcomed. We are happy to see you! If we have something going on, we will usually visit with you and then explain that the visit cannot be too long. An hour maybe.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Criticism and complaints</b></span><br />
When we first began to receive criticism and complaints from readers, we were somewhat defensive. Back then I was still working on myself, and really did not know how to handle stuff like that. A reader from Oregon [I sure wish that I remembered his name] wrote and suggested that if I did NOT agree with a reader's criticism, that what that reader wrote to me was really only an opinion. And, this reader went on, I should not be upset by someone's opinion.<br />
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I have taken up this suggestion and endorsed it completely. I still feel that way right now about criticism and complaints. In fact, I love to receive these from readers. Because it may give me a chance to provide better understanding between myself and.a particular reader.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Turning down invitations</b></span><br />
Sometimes I will refuse an invitation. I do not feel any compulsion to accept an invitation to do something that is offered by a reader. Unfortunately, readers may interpret such a refusal as a sign that I am rude, unfriendly or maybe that I do not have appreciation for their loyalty to following my adventures.<br />
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I understand that readers may get the feeling from reading my web pages, that they "really" know me. Because I very much open up about all sorts of intimate details of my life in my writing. And then when a reader tries to get together with me, suggesting that we meet someplace, they may feel insulted by my refusal.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Enlightenment</b></span><br />
I hope very much that what I have written above gives readers some enlightenment to what goes on in my mind when those who follow my adventures wish to meet me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/Sun_MoonA.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">55°F<br />
Very clear nite sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/back-panel.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/constantly-searching.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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This morning we are busy laying out the cut-outs for electronic gear to be mounted in the back panel of our rebuilt computer workstation.<br />
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It is a bit damp and cold outside. A good sized thunder, lightning, rain storm passed last nite. So, we are doing this work in MsTioga's dining room!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 7px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge working on back panel</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday morning breakfast</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 450px;" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - "Friends" Forum topic</b></span><br />
You may know that yesterday I created a topic in the Tioga-George Forum, titled "Friends". This topic was created to enable discussion about a "falling-out" that I had with a friend of mine. You may go to that topic by clicking [<a href="http://forums.vagabonders-supreme.net/post/Friendship-5842787?pid=1273496848#post1273496848" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>].<br />
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The reason that I am posting about this Forum topic now, is that some readers have posted there in what I consider, an unusual manner. One such post from a person who calls himself, Philip, dug up in my web writing things that I wrote several years ago. He posted copies of my writing in very bold, large black type. His post seemed extremely critical. Why would Philip go to such effort?<br />
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Another poster, who has since deleted his post, wrote about what he considered the reason that my son David killed himself. Wow! Give me a break!<br />
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From time to time, an obsessive-compulsive person latches on to me with a point of view which they drive home like a hammer. One such person noticed that I had begun spending more money recently, and connecting the dots, he determined that I had received money from my dead son David's estate. I told this guy that I was not discussing his point of view, and asked him to quit asking me about that subject. He would not let go! Finally, at long-last, he did let go. Why do such people as this concern themselves with such things?<br />
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During the early years of my blog, a reader who lived in the Middle West contacted me about his wanting to help me understand some point of view that he held. I told this person that I was not interested. But he insisted. In fact, he insisted so much that he told me that he was flying out from Indiana to California to meet me! Can you imagine that? Anyway, I did some online research about this man and found out who is wife and children were (by name). When I sent an email to him asking him if his family knew about what he was doing, and listed all those names, he went away and I never heard from him again.<br />
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I do not understand this type of behavior and feel very sorry for those who have it.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Back panel status</b></span><br />
The cut-outs are in and the top round-over molding is glued on. Little by little......!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-13-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_mostly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">70°F<br />
Mostly cloudy</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/bilstein-2nd-look.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/meeting-george.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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MsTioga has had at least 4-sets of shock absorbers since we have been together. The shocks that she came with, two other sets, and now at long last, her Bilsteins.<br />
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One of those two, <i><span style="color: blue;">"other sets"</span></i> of shocks was purchased and installed right here at the Euskadi shop that installed the Bilstein shocks yesterday. I can recall discussing shocks with the same guy [the shop manager] that I talked to yesterday about installing the Bilstein shocks.<br />
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On June 6, 2009, I came here to this very shop looking to buy and install <i><span style="color: blue;">"larger"</span></i> shocks into MsTioga. This same guy told me, <i><span style="color: blue;">"There are are no larger shocks for your van chassis." </span></i>With that bad information in mind, I decided to buy from him the smaller KYB shocks that we replaced yesterday with larger Bilstein shocks. And I have suffered with those smaller, inferior shocks for three years!<br />
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I have long suspected that there were larger shocks for MsTioga. Back in the early years [2003-2004], I used to take MsTioga to Jose's Auto Service in Concord, California. I recall asking Jose for the largest shocks that could be purchased for MsTioga. He told me he would get those "large" shocks. And I recall clearly being amazed when I saw the shocks that he bought were the "exact same size" as the old shocks. Jose told me, <i><span style="color: blue;">"These are the largest shocks."</span></i><br />
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It is clear to me now, that I cannot go looking for advice from auto repair places. Their advice is at the very best, <i><u><b>self-serving advice</b></u></i>. I have got to know for <i><u>myself</u></i> what is best for MsTioga. And I have got to learn what is best thru hard work and studying. Not asking repair shop managers.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Bilstein shocks that were installed yesterday are more than 1/2" diameter larger than the KYB shocks that were being replaced. And the Bilsteins performed as I thought larger shocks would perform.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>If I had it all to do over again!</b></span><br />
If I could have known back in 2003 what I know now, I would have bought truck shocks that were designed for a vehicle the weight of Tioga and with a length as close as possible to the length of Tioga's original shocks. Then I would have taken those truck shocks to a welding shop and had Tioga's original shock absorber mounts replaced with the mounts for my newly purchased truck shocks.<br />
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If I would have done this shock absorber conversion in 2003, I would have had a decent ride all of these past years. Well, you live and learn!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Hummingbirds and meat loaf</b></span><br />
This morning we made hummingbird food and hung our hummingbird feeder on the corner fence post. The feeder is in clear view from MsTioga's dining room window. Now we have to be patient until the hummingbirds in our neighborhood find our "flower". Hummingbird in Spanish is colibrí. Also, chuparrosa.<br />
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We also have a meat loaf in the oven! First time in many months since we have prepared meat loaf. Have you read <i><span style="color: blue;">"MsTioga's Spicy Meat Loaf"</span></i> recipe? [<a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/cooking8.TiogasMeatloaf.htm" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-12-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-12-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Waiting for hummingbirds is hard work!</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-12-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-12-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Meat loaf-fresh from the oven!</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Note about recipe:</b></span> In making this meat loaf, I changed from using catsup to using BBQ sauce. In fact, BBQ sauce may be much better tasting! Don't change the brown sugar though. Essential for "the" taste!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Friendships that fall out</b></span><br />
Yesterday I posted about a friendship of mine that has fallen out. This I feel, is a very interesting and challenging subject. Much too big a subject for ShoutBox!<br />
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So, I have begun a topic in Tioga-George Forum. You may click [<a href="http://forums.vagabonders-supreme.net/post/Friendship-5842787?pid=1273496848#post1273496848" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>] to go to this topic. Also, there is a link to "Forum" on every blog page.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Note:</b></span> In order to post into this Topic, you have to register. Very easy to register! I invite all to participate.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">70°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/bilstein.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/back-panel.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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</script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5393195-1287649974102444074?l=blog.vagabonders-supreme.net' alt='' /></div>TiogaRVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04789229952691004801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393195.post-46016300611336635012012-05-11T11:22:00.001-05:002012-05-12T02:09:13.026-05:002012-05-12T02:09:13.026-05:00Bilstein<a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/bilstein.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8AM - Bilstein: There is no substitute!</span></span></u></a><br />
This morning Tioga and The TiogaRV Team drove from our Home Camp to the Euskaidi tire place in Central Tequisquiapan. This tire shop has the most experienced installers with shock absorbers.<br />
<br />
Today is the day when our Bilstein shocks, purchased in the USA and designed especially for Class-C RVs, will be installed on MsTioga! Of course we all are very excited to drive on these new shocks.<br />
<ul><li>How will Tioga handle speed bumps now?</li>
<li>How will Tioga handle rough roads now?</li>
</ul><b>The answers to these questions:</b> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Bilstein Shocks-There is no substitute!</i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-11-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-11-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">MsTioga loves her Bilsteins!</span></b></div><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS:</span> The Bilstein shocks are the best! I am able to drive over most speed bumps now without several huge bounces. With these Bilsteins, there is an up and down and that's it. The shocks are truly "absorbed". Also, Tioga is able to drive much faster over rough roads without everything inside bouncing around.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6PM - When friends fall out</b></span><br />
Recently a friend of mine and I had a falling out. I suppose that it is normal for some to eventually take friendships for granted when they perceive a friend as having "feet of clay". And when this transition from respect and tolerance changes into demands and lack of consideration, friendships suffer.<br />
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Sometimes it is necessary, it seems, to separate in order to let friendship find its own way. However, it is a sad time, regardless of what eventually happens.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8PM - Items of note around the TiogaRV Team</b></span><br />
<ul><li>Internet reception lately has been 5-bars [up from 3-4 bars]</li>
<li>Sirius/XM Radio reception has been 3-bars since changing the antenna location to inside one of the cabinets [up from 1-bar]</li>
<li>The little dog Pulachia is now hanging around MsTioga a lot. Takes naps here too. Could it be that she is influenced by two meals a day of Purina Dog Chow?</li>
<li>Mr. Levelers does not have to level out MsTioga anymore. Jorge built up two mounds of small and large rocks. Tioga drives on to these two mounds which raise her up to level. Jorge knows where to stop because there is a white arrow on the ground next to the driver's side door.</li>
</ul><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">87°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/readers-help.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/bilstein-2nd-look.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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I just read a ShoutBox post by "boeing46". Mike wrote: <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"...<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; text-align: left;">lower the amperage on the circuit that burned. Motor Homes like ours are so easy to catch fire. The circuit should have tripped before wires burned. Any time you have electrical questions either call me or email me."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
I would have never thought about lowering the amperage! And I have a ton of fuses and inline fuse holders onboard. Thank you, Mike [boeing46].<br />
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What an amazing resource is my blog!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10AM - Big breakfast</b></span><br />
New Mavicita took a pic of my breakfast this morning. This is a lot bigger breakfast than I usually prepare. Usually is, cereal with fruit. But, I hadn't eaten sausage for awhile!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-10-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-10-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Roach battle</b></span><br />
A couple of years ago we had a roach battle onboard MsTioga. We used to keep an open trash basket underneath MsTioga's kitchen sink. In that basket is where we first saw those aggressive critters!<br />
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We won that battle with the roaches. But it took months to win. Our main strategy was to close off their food supply. We began putting all garbage and trash into plastic grocery bags with the mouth of the bag twisted several times so that the roaches could not enter. Also, we tried to close off their water supply, by keeping plugs in the kitchen and bathroom sink drains.<br />
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These battle plans worked! We did not see any roaches for a long time. Then one day I used a pot that not been used for many months. The pot was inside a plastic grocery bag. Inside that bag we found the mother of all roaches. Huge! 2-3 inches long. And white too! Apparently this mother roach was able to make its way into the bag, and then could not get out. And died there.<br />
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Yesterday, squished between two of our construction lumber boards, we found a smashed roach. About 1/2 long. We had not seen a roach around here before. But obviously, they are here.<br />
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We continue our roach battle. We can win a battle. But they win the war!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Vacuumed and cleaned MsTioga</b></span><br />
Guess what? We did not work on the computer workstation today! Amazing! But true. Instead, with the help of Little Honda, our noble 1000 watt generator, Mr. Breeze [the vacuum] and I cleaned every nook and cranny.<br />
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This afternoon at 5pm is my appointment with Gina the Spanish professor. So right now I am going to prepare for my Spanish lesson by taking a nice nap.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6:30PM - Just finished Spanish lesson</b></span><br />
I have such a good time during my Spanish lessons! You may recall that my lessons consist only of chatting about things that have happened to me during the week.<br />
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This afternoon I brought MacBook [my computer] with me to my lesson. So, I was able to show Gina [my professor] my blog page. She saw my workstation project.<br />
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When I make mistakes, she writes down what I should have said. For example, I did not know how to say, "When that occurred." And Gina wrote in my notepad: "cuando ocurre". That's how my lessons go.<br />
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I believe that this is really the best way to study Spanish!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">77°F<br />
Grey clear sky-no clouds</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/working-right.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/bilstein.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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In order for the TiogaRV Team to do things the way that we want to do them, stuff onboard MsTioga has got to be working right. That includes me! Lately, my lower back has not been working right.<br />
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For much of my adult life I have done back exercises in order to keep my lower back in condition. I've felt good about my back's condition, especially when others told me that their back was giving them problems. Well, for the past few days, my back has been giving me problems. And last nite I could barely even straighten up! This morning the back is not so bad. However, I am going to have to be careful about the work that I am doing for awhile. I'm putting myself on light-duty!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6AM - A light-duty assignment</b></span><br />
We have decided to re-work Mr. Levelers' controls. But first some background about Mr. Levelers.<br />
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We installed Mr. Levelers in 2003 just before we took off on our great first adventure! We wanted Mr. Levelers' controls to be installed into our computer workstation back-panel. In order to do this installation, the controls had to be re-worked into a panel-mount installation. And, we did it!<br />
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However, that re-work did not provide for easy maintenance. For example when we removed the controls the other day, the many tiny wires that connect to the panel's LED lights and switches had be traced down and tagged for re-installation. Then those tiny wires must then wer be cut so that the controls may be removed. Bummer!<br />
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So, this morning we have given myself a light-duty assignment. Extend these tiny wires so that the main control unit may be mounted on the wall to the rear of workstation back panel. With these wire extensions in place, Mr. Levelers' switch panel may be snaked thru the workstation panel opening without all this tracing down and cutting and re-connecting of wires.<br />
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We have onboard a soldering gun and necessary supplies for connecting these wires. We have setup a temporary soldering station. See pic below!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Soldering station</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11AM - Rewiring complete</b></span><br />
We finished the rewiring of the leveler control device. If you take a peek at the pic, you may see that the panel is now well away from the rest of the control. Now we may fit the panel thru the opening in our new wood back panel without disconnecting any wires! Such relief!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PS:</b></span> We told earlier of of our intention to solder in the extension wires. However, our soldering gun refused to come to temperature. So, we used crimp connectors instead.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">New wire extensions added</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Disaster struck!</b></span><br />
After the re-wiring of the leveler controller was complete, we moved the device to the wall behind the battery box. Then we went to test the controller out. Nothing happened! Then, suddenly there was smoke coming from the wiring! The overload protection for that circuit tripped. But by then some wires were burned! What could have gone wrong?<br />
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After disconnecting the controller from power, we began searching thru the maze of wires. And then, there it was! An unshielded quick-disconnect connector had come loose and shorted out one of the controller's circuits. After cutting away the burned wiring, we replace that wiring and reconnected with a new quick-disconnect. That was when we spotted another loose connector! Wow!<br />
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After everything was reassembled, the power to the controller was turned on and everything tested out fine! It's a good thing that we like these kinds of challenges.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6PM - New Mavicita shares some pics</b></span><br />
Remember the storm of a few days ago that brought rain, lightning and thunder? Well, look what else the rain has brought!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">A beauty from the cactus</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012D_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-09-2012D_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge's work - Leveler controller on the wall</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_mostly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">83°F<br />
Mostly cloudy</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/conditions.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/readers-help.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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With all of the work that is being done, conditions inside MsTioga may be a bit hectic at times. That is why Jorge is eating away from the dining table this morning.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Dining area disaster!</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 7px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Jorge at improvised workstation</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3PM - Workstation progress</b></span><br />
As you may see in the first pic below, we have separated the workstation into two parts. Right and left. Each of these parts is now substantially tied into MsTioga's walls. Much of the electrical parts in the left part that were functional when we had a desktop computer onboard, have been removed.<br />
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Also in the first pic below, on the right side, you see three duplex receptacles. These were used to power Mr. Datastorm, who has since retired. One of the duplex receptacles will be installed in the new back panel's right side to power or recharge MacBook Pro and our Android phone.<br />
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The new workstation back panel must be finish coated with Varathane before this project is complete. Finish coating will take some time. Until then, the electric components that will be installed into the new back panel, cannot be installed. So, we have made a temporary connection with Mr. Levelers, our leveling system. He temporarily resides on a board at the front of our battery bank. See pic below.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Current status of workstation project</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012D_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-08-2012D_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Mr. Leveler's current home</span></b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">68°F<br />
Clear</span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/status.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/working-right.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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We had a TiogaRV Team meeting this morning. Several of us wondered about what was going on with the various happenings around our Tequis/Santillan Home Camp. So, we decided to prepare a Status Report!<br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our Land Purchase:</b></span> There are two pieces of land that we are interested in buying. One lot we call "Cerca", because there is a fence around it [Fence in Spanish is Cerca]. The other lot is called "Arroyo", because it sits on the edge of an arroyo [Spanish for dry creek bed]. Last week the lady landowner of Cerca came to visit. She asked 300,000 pesos for Cerca. This is twice the price for similar land sold recently in this neighborhood. The lady landowner for Arroyo has not been heard from since we made our first inquiry several weeks ago.<br />
.<br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Computer workstation rebuild:</b></span> This morning we will complete the construction when the balance of the station's framework is fabricated and installed. Then comes the finishing of the two parts of the back-panel. We are coating these parts with Varathane Spar Urethane, Clear Satin finish. It might take a couple of days to complete this finishing work.<br />
<br />
The last thing to do after the Varathane finishing, is transfer the electronic equipment mounted in the back-panel face and then complete the installation.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Peluchita:</b></span> We received permission from our neighbors to buy food for their little dog, Peluchita [toy dog in Spanish]. Peluchita has taken to coming for "breakfast" every morning at MsTioga's place. She comes bouncing over, sort of prancing, and jumps up to put front paws on my leg. This is her way to ask for her food. And of course, we give her a bowl of Purina Dog Chow. <br />
<br />
Yesterday we saw Peluchita walking on the 5-foot high wall surrounding her home. She tried to step over some protruding reinforcement bars, and fell off the wall! We rushed over to help. But Peluchita seemed OK. She had fallen into some thorn bushes, and we helped remove the thorny plants from her fur.<br />
. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our Camp:</b></span> Everybody on the TiogaRV Team is very happy at our Home Camp here in the Colonia de Santillan. MsTioga parks next to the common fence between the two lots, Cerca and Arroyo. From here we have a gorgeous view of the farm land and green trees, below.<br />
<br />
Home Camp is only a fifteen minute drive from Central Tequisquiapan and shopping. There are lots of little stores in Santillan [the village where we are living] for groceries, fruits and vegetables.</li>
</ul><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5PM - Still not finished!</b></span><br />
Well, I've worked two full days on the computer workstation rebuild, and the project still is not finished. You may know that I became a cabinetmaker apprentice in 1996. Today's workstation progress reminds me what my foreman told me after five years on-the-job.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">"George, you have some unique qualities as a cabinetmaker. You have hardly any talent in this business, and you are slow!".</span></i><br />
<br />
This computer workstation project shows that my old foreman was accurate! But I have a positive attitude! Early this morning I thought that I would finish the project by late morning. And right now I am predicting completion tomorrow. Hmmmm?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-07-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-07-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Workstation project at day's end</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_partly-cloudy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">94°F<br />
Partly cloudy</span></b></div><br />
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<br />
<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/rebuild.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/conditions.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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<div><a face="arial" href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/rebuild.html" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9AM - Installing workstation rebuild</span></span></u></a></div>If you take a peek at the first pic below, you'll get an idea of how much chaos is going on inside MsTioga. That pic is how Tioga looked yesterday morning. All of the cardboard cartons that you see in the front are now broken down and inside big garbage bags. It took me a long time to do the cardboard carton job, because my back was hurting. And when I have pain like this, my energy is just sapped away.<br />
<br />
But the back is OK this morning. Time to get on with the workstation rebuild. I am doing this rebuild myself. Cruz the plumber is installing the toilet and fixing a very small leak at the house water pump inlet. Francisco the body shop guy, is installing our two new roof vents.<br />
<br />
The first thing to do with the rebuild, is to remove the top of the back panel. However, all of the cabling for the solar panels goes thru clearance holes in this panel. After that cabling was removed, the top of the back panel was free for removal also.<br />
<br />
Now, all of that removed cabling could be re-installed into Morningstar TriStar battery charge controller that you see in the 2nd pic below. Here is something that you may appreciate if you are a senior. Installing these cables is a bear cat! I've got to bend over the desk and turn my head to look <i><u>up</u></i> at the cable clamps. All the while holding a flashlight in one hand and the cable to be inserted into the cable clamp in the other hand. My back is screaming, "Don't bend over like this!" while my eyes are saying, "I cannot focus on the bottom of the cable clamp. Move head up a little and to the right. Up a little more. No, that's too much. Down a little". God! I am soooo happy that the cable part is done!<br />
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Now all of the old frame for the back panel has to be removed and a newly designed frame installed. This installation will fasten the new frame with screws and Gorilla Glue.<br />
<a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue;">View of chaos yesterday morning</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Please excuse the over exposure!]</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012B_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012B_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Morningstar controller with cabling reinstalled</span></b></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7:30PM - Finished for the day!</b></span><br />
Well, I've been working all day. Except for when I sat down for a minute on one of Tioga's living room chairs this afternoon and did not wake up for over an hour! Some of us old guys, need our naps!<br />
<br />
There was a twist in the rebuild this afternoon. The left side of the old wood frame just did not look right. Inspection found that a header board of the original frame had given way. Most of that part of the frame's screws had moved downward, about 1.5 inches. Likely as a result of our Kino Bay disaster.<br />
<br />
We used a hydraulic jack to lift the frame into place. And cut support boards, like little columns, to keep the frame where it belongs. We got the computer workstation back into operating condition. Still using the old panel because we ran out of time for moving the equipment mounted in that panel.<br />
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You may see for yourself where we left off in the pic at the bottom of this page.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Mr. Breeze goes to work!</b></span><br />
Many of you may not ever met Mr. Breeze [<a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/MrBreeze.htm" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>]. He is a tank type vacuum, and has been hiding out in the cabinet beneath Mr. Dometic for several years. We got Mr. Breeze back to work today, because MsTioga's insides were truly a mess.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Partially completed workstation</b></span><br />
In the pic below you see our computer workstation re-assembled. There is still work to do.<br />
<br />
The face of the back-panel needs to be cut to size and the holes for instruments and switches cut in. Then, the front panel will be removed, sanded and finish coated. The top of the back-panel [look for the red arrow] is already installed, but needs to be removed, sanded and finish coated. Also, a few frame parts remain to be fabricated and installed.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012C_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-06-2012C_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">In process computer workstation</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">85°F<br />
Clear</span></b></div><br />
<div></div><div><div align="center"><hr /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/shopping-usa.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/status.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
<br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a></div></div><div><br />
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Now that our first shipment has been received from the USA, we on the TiogaRV Team would like to talk with you about living in Mexico and shopping on the internet in the USA.<br />
<br />
For us, living in Mexico is a wonderful thing. However, shopping in Mexico is a whole other thing. No comparison with <i><span style="color: blue;">"Shopping USA!"</span></i> Mexico just does not have the product selection that is found in the United States. Not even remotely close!<br />
<br />
Also, products that <i><span style="color: blue;">are</span></i> found in Mexico, often carry a significantly higher sales price. These products include: computers, cameras, electronic gear. It appears from this first shopping and shipping to Mexico experience, that the import duty charged by Mexico is 20% of the value of the USA purchase price. This turns out to be a bargain, compared to actually buying the same product in Mexico.<br />
<br />
We found bugs in our shipping method. We chose Bongo International as our freight forwarder, and that turned out to be a bug because Bongo's customer service would not perform. In order to correct this Bongo bug, we changed to a different freight forwarder. Our new forwarder is <i><span style="color: blue;">USAMail1</span></i> [<a href="http://www.usamail1.com/" style="color: #3333ff; font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>link</u></a>].<br />
<br />
There were other bugs to be worked out. There is one bug that happened repeatedly: Online stores for some unexplained reason would ship to our billing address instead of the address of our freight forwarder.<br />
<br />
To correct this address bug, we began following up with an email confirming our order with the shipping address highlighted in red. This follow-up thing seemed to cure this bug.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9AM - Peluchita and the land</b></span><br />
We just got back from a walk. From our home going north, there is a path thru the thorny trees. We cleared out the thorny branches on this path last week using our pruning shears. Following the path north, we come to the flat land where there is a dirt road mainly used by farmers going to the fields driving tractors. Our walk then goes east to the farm fields then south along the field's fence. Then up the hill back to home and MsTioga.<br />
<br />
As we started this walk, little Peluchita came bouncing up. She had a thorn in her rear right foot yesterday, but somehow Peluchita got that thorn fixed. We asked Peluchita if she were hungry, and she said, "Yes!" So, we gave her some Purina Dog Chow. On returning from our walk, some Dog Chow was still in her bowl. Maybe Peluchita was not so hungry after all? Perhaps all Peluchita wanted was a little petting and lots of love!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012A_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012A_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Peluchita feasting on Purina Dog Chow</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012PanoA_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Field to the south</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012PanoB_Copy.jpg"><img alt="" border="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/2012/05/05-05-2012PanoB_Copy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">Field view from a neighbor's yard</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2PM - Battery report</b></span><br />
We are in the middle of installing the remaining three solar battery bank tie-downs. But hard working and noble TiogaRV Team member, Mr. Sunny stopped the work right in the middle in order to give you this report!<br />
<br />
Do you recall when we were thinking that a replacement of all six of our solar batteries was imminent? Well, the batteries are performing wonderfully now!<br />
<br />
Who can tell you why? Who really knows about these things? Maybe the answer is because of re-cabling. Or maybe because of tender loving care? But our Mr. Sunny wanted you to know that our Crown Deep Cycle Batteries will have their 5th birthday this coming November. And they are still going strong!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Images/sun_clear.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 7px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 50px;" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">81°F<br />
Clear sky</span></b></div><br />
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<br />
<div align="center"><hr /><br />
<a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/roots.html"><img alt="Yesterday" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/yesterdaygrey.jpg" /></a><img height="1" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/trans.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2012/05/rebuild.html"><img alt="Tomorrow" border="0" src="http://vagabonders-supreme.net/blog/tomorrowgrey.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=20.60012,-99.93616&spn=0.504684,0.630341&t=h" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><u>Nite Camp Location</u></a><br />
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