Finally Almost Caught Up…Well, Sorta

Some of you are probably aware that Mom and I went to the Atlanta area over Thanksgiving. It was an interesting 10-hour drive up and nearly the same back. Because of her tendency to open the front door while we are traveling at high speed, Mom has to sit in the back seat. This makes it difficult to hear her, to say nothing of understanding her – which is almost impossible most of the time.

We had a great time, or at least I did. Mom slept a lot after we arrived. Whenever she was awake she cried to go home. I should point out that she cries to go home even when we are home.

I had 14 eBay sales and the attendant paperwork to take care of when I got home, as well as laundry and taking care of Mom. Today, she can’t even stand up straight, but is apparently unaware of this since she has gotten up to walk and fallen twice. I, of course, feel awful about that, but can’t really stay by her side all of the time.

It seems that in the last few days, she has grown more and more unresponsive and confused. She’s having a lot more trouble swallowing and coughs a lot while eating. She hasn’t slept more than a few minutes at a time since yesterday morning and neither have I…

Sorry to burden you with all of my troubles, but I hope you’ll keep Mom and me in your prayers.

Needless to say, I have made no progress on my camper in the last week. Today, in the four hours I had off, I had a number of errands to run that can’t be done while Mom is with me. She just gets too tired and restless.

Well, I’m hoping she and I will be able to get a few hours sleep tonight.

Until next time…

More on Solar Power

In order to more effectively use my solar panel/generator, I really need the power cord to be about 15 feet longer. In this way, I’ll be able to power my computer, monitor, and some of my computer peripherals (though probably not my laser printer) without using my Tampa Electric hookup – that is, powering it for free (if you don’t count the initial cost of the solar equipment).

Not being sure if it was a good idea to add this much length to the cord that runs between the solar panel (it’s already 50 feet) and generator, I contacted the seller and was told it was no problem.

Today, if Mom is in the mood for a ride (she almost always is), I’m going to Ace Hardware to see if they have the necessary connectors (they are 3-pronged locking plugs) for the 12/3 extension cord – I’m going to make a 25-foot long extension cord.

By the way, I have a little device called a Kill-A-Watt Monitor which you plug into the electrical outlet. Then, after you plug in your computer or monitor or other electrical device, it will tell you:

• Volts
• Amps
• Watts
• Vrms/Arms (I haven’t figured out what this is yet)
• Frequency in Hertz
• Power Factor (I haven’t figured out what this is yet either)
• KWH (kilowatt hours)
• Timer (length of time making up the kilowatt hours used)

This morning, I hooked my desktop computer into the Kill-A-Watt Monitor and got the following readings:

• Volts – 117.5
• Amps – 1.80
• Watts - 140
• Vrms/Arms - 197
• Frequency in Hertz – 59.9
• Power Factor - .68
• KWH - .12
• Timer – in 57 minutes

If this ridiculous Cap and Trade bill in Congress becomes law, you all may want to get a Solar Generator. Electricity bills are expected to double if it passes, to say nothing of gas prices, etc.

Reduce your carbon footprint while you can!

More importantly, call or write your Senators and Congressional Representatives today…don’t let them cripple the economy even further with this monstrosity of a bill.

Till next time.

Wow! Do I Ever LOVE Solar Power!!!

Today, as planned, I hooked up my solar panel to my generator. It was a perfect day for it – sunny with few clouds.

In order to catch the earliest sun, I had to put the panel across the driveway from the house and run the 50 foot cord through the front window – what a job figuring out how to get the window up – and plug it into the already fully charged generator.

At this point, the generator is still in the kitchen.

To see how well the solar panel worked in keeping the generator charged before hooking it up temporarily-permanently, I hooked up the kitchen TV and satellite receiver to the generator. In order to do this, I had to move the generator over on the stove so the power cords would reach.

Guess what! The generator was able to keep up with the drain on the battery and hold a full charge for the whole time it was daylight.

The only problem I’m having at this point is making the wheels on the solar panel go around. There are screws that lock the wheels. When you loosen these screws, the wheels are supposed to turn. They don’t.

Tomorrow morning, I’m going to take a closer look at the wheels. Today, I just wanted to get it going and was able to use my hand-truck to move the panel. It’s probably light enough that I could carry it, but why bother when I have the means to move it more easily?

I’ll repeat: I JUST LOVE SOLAR POWER!!!

Till next time…

Good Intentions

In the last post, I indicated several things I intended to get done today.

1) Buy a set of shelves for my kitchen – I looked over quite a few and found a set of cherry shelves that I thought would be great…until I picked up the box. Weight is such a critical factor that I finally settled for a set of sturdy plastic shelves. See the photos below:

As you can see there is about 3 inches of space on the left and 6 or so inches in the front. I’ll have to figure out a way to keep the shelves in place, hopefully without putting any holes in the cabinet.

Incidentally, the shelves are rated to hold 264 pounds.  This should hold more than enough for the pantry items I will store here.

2) Try to find a set of shelves that will work in the bedroom closet. – I found a set, but when I got to the camper, I discovered they were about 1/4 inches too wide. On Monday afternoon, I’ll take the shelves back to Home Depot and try to find some that do fit.

3) Put the shelves together and install in the kitchen. – as you can see from the pictures above, I put them together – it took about 10 minutes.

4) Ditto the bedroom. As you know, this did not happen.

5) Attend a Webinar on linking Picasa with Google maps so I’ll easily be able to keep people up to date on where I am. I misunderstood the description, but did attend the Webinar on Picasa basics – it was very helpful. I should be able to figure it out or will wait til I can take a class or another Webinar.

6) Set up my Solar Panel and plug it into the Duracel Generator.  - I’ll try to complete that tomorrow.

Well, all in all, it was a fairly productive day. I’m very pleased with the shelves in the kitchen. I plan to put some additional organizational items on the shelves in order to break up the space a little more.

Till next time…

Mom and the Multi-Tasker

It’s probably been some time since you saw a picture of my Mom. I took a couple of pictures today so you could see how much she has failed. It will also show you that she, like Alton Brown, believes in multi-taskers.

If you remember, I reported she was willing to offer a sock to help pay for dinner one night. Now she’s discovered a new use for socks – keeping her ear warm.  The pictures don’t do justice to show how skinny she is now, but I know she weighs less than 95 pounds.

Please pray for her – it’s getting increasingly difficult to understand what she says and I hope I don’t miss something important.

Tomorrow I hope to get a lot done on my travel trailer:

1) Buy a set of shelves for my kitchen – so I don’t have to put holes in the walls. I’ve picked out a set from Home Depot and hope their on-line inventory is accurate.

2) Try to find a set of shelves that will work in the bedroom closet.

3) Put the shelves together and install in the kitchen.

4) Ditto the bedroom.

5) Attend a Webinar and linking Picasa with Google maps so I’ll easily be able to keep people up to date on where I am.

6) Set up my Solar Panel and plug it into the Duracel Generator.

'Til next time…

Pantry List Addendum; Solar Panel and Generator

I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t have to wait until I move into the camper to test my Pantry List methodology.

In view of that, I purchased a number of plastic containers for storing the various items in the pantry. I then washed them all and went through the bookshelf where I currently keep my pantry items and put the items I could into the plastic storage containers.

This picture shows the containers filled with the various items – what a bounty!

But, does it ever save space. All of this stuff fit on less than 2 shelves – see!

Isn’t that incredible? All of those items that were on the table are pictured here.

Solar Panel and Generator

Yesterday, I finally got my solar panel and generator via Fed Ex. I’m going to use it at the house for now to save on electricity.

The generator was in a big box marked DURACEL, which for some reason I found most comforting. Its peak AC output power is 1800 watts with a continuous output power of 1440 watts. Surge capacity is 2880 watts.

The start-up procedures for the generator itself involve quite a number of steps:

1. Plug the A/C cord into your house electricity and charge the generator for 48 hours.

2 After the 3 days, the generator must be unplugged from the outlet and a 100 watt lamp or other such load until the generator shuts off or begins to beep.

3. Remove the load

4. Plug in the generator to A/C again and recharge for approximately 15 hours.

5. Run the batteries down again until the unit shuts itself off or begins to beep.

6. Repeating steps 4 and 5 will make the batteries (there are 3 in the unit) ready for normal use.

At this point, the solar panel may be plugged into the generator, but performance should improve as the battery is discharged and recharged.

The generator is a compact unit (19.25” x 8.25” x 11.25”) weighing 51.2 pounds.

At this size, once I move the generator to the travel trailer, I plan to store the generator in the closet next to the main bed. It has plenty of room since the space requirement around the unit is 3 inches on each side.

The solar panel, which has a 50-foot power cord and supplies power at a maximum of 80 watts, is on wheels and tilts 45 degrees to horizontal for Winter and 30 degrees to horizontal for Summer. The wheels lock down for ease of use.

The generator can be charged by the solar panel while en route, if the panel is secured properly and is at the right angle for the sun. It doesn’t have be directly pointing to the sun, but the best charging is done when it is.

If I hadn’t had such good luck with the solar panel keeping a good charge on my travel trailer battery, I probably wouldn’t have bought this, but just imagine -- as long as the sun shines, the generator will be charging and NO NEED FOR GAS and NO WORRIES ABOUT GETTING IT STARTED and NO NOISE. and NO FUMES! To say nothing of a reduction in my electric bill since I plan to run my main TV, Satellite DVR Receiver, and Computer using this. Of course, this is assuming those items don’t exceed the ability of the generator. The only restriction is I can’t plug a surge-protected power strip into the generator since it already has surge protection and is a battery back-up.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I should have lots of time to work out the kinks before getting on the road.

Till next time…

Thinking and Shopping

Up very early today (4 am) washing bed linens and Mom – you can imagine why. Mom goes to the foot doctor today – the doctor checks her feet and clips her toenails. She’s getting increasingly difficult to communicate with and is seeing, talking with, and handing things to people who are not there – at least, I can’t see them. Our inability to communicate with each other is a constant source of frustration for both of us.

As mentioned in my last post, I’ve been working on some checklists, the most recent of which is my Pantry Checklist. I think I have a pretty good handle on what I want to take with me, though I have probably left out some critical items and have over-estimated what I need to keep on hand.

See what you think. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Item	Container/Size	Where
Flour	Plastic-5 pounds
Flour, Wheat	Plastic-5 pounds
Sugar	Plastic-2 pounds
Splenda	Plastic-1 pound
Honey	Plastic-2 pounds
Corn Meal	Plastic-1 pound
Oatmeal	Plastic-1 pound
Light Brown Sugar	Plastic-1 pound
Premium Saltines	Metal-4 sleeves
Cereal-Cheerios	Plastic-14 oz
Cereal-Kashi	Plastic-14 oz
Cocoa Powder	Small Container
Hot Cocoa Mix	12 Packets
Ham Jerky
Beef Jerky
Peanut Butter (Fresh Ground)	Plastic-4 oz	R
Jelly	Assorted Packets	R
Maple Syrup (from Cracker Barrel)	Little Bottles
Tuna, Canned	2 cans
Chicken Broth	24 cans
Dried Fruit	Plastic-1 pound
Almonds	Plastic-8 oz
Pecans	Plastic-8 oz
Cashews	Can-8 oz
Walnuts	Plastic-4 oz
Tea, Green	Plastic-180 tea bags
Non-Fat Dry Milk	Plastic-2 pounds
Yeast	3 Envelopes	R
Seeds for Sprouting	Plastic-2 pounds	R
Salmon	1 small can
Chicken, Canned	5 cans
Beans, Canned	2 cans
Bacon, Thick	1 pound	R
Olive Oil	1 quart bottle
Veg Oil	1 quart bottle
Salt, Kosher	1 pound
Salt, Table	1 pound
Peppercorns	Plastic-8 oz
Spices:
Bay Leaves
Cayenne
Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Cloves, Whole
Cloves, Ground
Crushed Red pepper
Cumin
Dried Mustard
Italian Seasoning
Nutmeg
Paprika
Poultry Seasoning
Vanilla	1 small bottle
Olives, Green	1 small jar	R
Olives, Black	1 can	R
Hot Sauce	1 small bottle
Worcestershire Sauce	1 small bottle
Eggs	1 dozen	R
Baking Soda	Small package
Baking Powder	Small package
Vinegar, Cider	1 quart
Vinegar, White	1 8-oz bottle
Vinegar, Balsamic	1 8-oz bottle
Onions	3 pound bag	R
Potatos	5 pound bag	R
Garlic	1 head	R
Aluminum Foil	1 roll
Zip Lock Bags, Sandwich	1 box
Zip Lock Bags, Quart	1 box
Zip Lock Bags, Gallon	1 box
Glad Wrap	1 roll
Wax Paper	1 roll
Jalapenos	1 quart	F
Green Peppers	1 quart	F
Hot Dogs	1 pound	F
Brats	1 pound	F
Italian Sausage	1 pound	F
Yellow Mustard	1 bottle
Popcorn	2 pounds
Mayonnaise	1 quart	R
Bisquick	1 small box
Salsa	6 Small containers
Tomatos, Canned	4 cans
Tomatos, Mexican Style Stewed	2 cans
Tomato Paste	2 small cans
Sun-Dried Tomatos	1/2 pound
Rice, Brown	8 oz
Cheese, Cheddar	1 pound	R
Cheese, Cream	8 oz	R
Cream of Mushroom Soup	2 cans
Dill Pickles	1 jar	R
Mandarin Oranges	1 small can
Celery	1 bunch	R
Crumbled Pre-Cooked Bacon in a Bag	1 bag	R
Hamburger, Bulk	2 pounds, packaged in 4 oz patties	F
Swiffer Wet Jet	1
Wet Jet Liquid	3 bottles
Bleach	1 quart
ERA	2 gallons

 

Most of you will probably think 24 cans of Chicken Broth is too much, but I use it for everything, even when I make corn meal in the morning or make soup or cook pasta. I use it in place of water whenever I think it will add flavor.

Yesterday, I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond to see if they had a handy way to store spices, but was disappointed in all of the selections. I did find some plastic containers for storage of some of the items on the Pantry List marked “Plastic.” I’m trying to get all square or rectangular containers for better use of the available space.

Incidentally, I plan to post the Pantry List on the travel trailer refrigerator and use it to keep track of what I need to buy the next time I’m in a grocery store. I’ll probably laminate the list and use an erasable marker as with many of the other checklists.

Since I don’t intend to use glass plates because of their easy breakability and weight, I’m researching what to use. I’ve seen Melamine, but wasn’t there a problem with chemicals from that? Has anyone had any experience with bamboo – another real possibility. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Well, Mom’s waking up again.

‘Til next time.

Checklists

The more I read and learn about camping, the more convinced I am that I am going to need a lot of checklists to keep track of everything that has to be or should be done – especially considering how faulty my memory is sometimes.

I’ll be adjusting these checklists as I go out the first several times. Eventually, the plan is to laminate most of them and use an erasable marker so I can re-use them multiple times. Of course, some maintenance checklists will be permanent so I can keep track of mileages, etc.

I have created an Arrivals Checklist, some points of which may not make much sense to you.

DONE	TO DO
	Pick Site - Prefer Pull-Through
	Empty?
	Fairly level?
	No too-low, overhanging branches?
	Proper orientation for solar panels?
	Power OK on campground box, if available?
	Check for position of sewer drain, if available
	Park Travel Trailer
	Set out positional cones
	Position trailer
	Check for side-to-side level
	Position leveling blocks for side-to-side level, if necessary
	Put trailer in position
	Check level gauges for side-to-side level
	Re-position if necessary
	Fine tune levels
	Chock trailer wheels
	Place wood under landing gear and extend landing gear to correct height
	Disconnect emergency break-away cable
	Unplug umbilical from truck receptacle
	Unhook hitch
	Drive away from trailer
	Adjust front to back level
	Pick up positional cones and store
	Set Up
	Unlock trailer and extend steps
	Plug in electrical cord, if hook-up is available
	Hook up water hose and pressure regulator, if water available
	Hook up sewer hose, if hook-up is available
	Turn down stabilizer jacks
	Set up solar panel and generator
	Lower awning
	Set out grill, charcoal, chairs, etc.
	Set up DirecTV antenna
	Set up Internet Satellite Antenna (if I get one)

 

Since I will mostly travel by myself and since I have ZERO experience in backing up a trailer (Mark was so good at this, I didn’t ever have to learn), I have included the use of positional cones. I figure they will make things easier since I won’t have a spotter most of the time. To be sure, I intend to practice backing until I can do it with little trouble.

I’m also in the process of putting together a list of staples and food supplies, which I will fine tune the first few times out.

Today, I bought some canned chicken at Sam’s – needs no refrigeration – and will try to develop some recipes that I like and that will be easy to make. 

I also bought something called Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers (2 Ziti & Meat Sauce and 2 Rotini & Zesty Marinara Sauce in a single box). This may be a possibility for a quick microwave meal, though I wouldn’t buy too many since they create a lot of garbage.

Needless to say, I’ll be using canned tuna, canned salmon, and maybe even canned bacon – though if I recall correctly, this particular product is somewhat greasy. My cousin pressure cans beef, but I don’t think I’ll be that ambitious – I may be able to purchase some canned beef.

‘Til next time…