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THE RVERSCORNER Newsletter
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Sept, 2001
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Hi folks,
We want to thank our many subscribers from around the world for
the prayers and encouragement you have sent to all of the citizens
of the United States after War was declared on America.
An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate
who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at
times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no
sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your
enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have
struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there
are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony
with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended.
He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way."
"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set
him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason.
He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great.
It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try
to dominate my spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins,
Grandfather?"
The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."
~ Author Unknown
May Justice be served without needless hurt to innocent people.
God has blessed and will bless America!
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Welcome new Subscribers!
Inside this issue:
- Comment from the webmaster.
- Cool September Days (for some of us) mean winterizing the RV is nearing - what to do?
- From the RVer's Open Forum:
- RV Travel Security By Peggi McDonald
- DAILY PLANNING By Dr. Donald E. Wetmore
- Storing your RV in the off-season By Les Doll
Joke of the Day:
Classified Ad Section:
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From the RVers Open Forum:
Question:
The mounting screws for the awning are rusted off and the area where they screw
in to seems rotten. Anybody have any ideas on how to fix ? Thanx JK
Answer: (by David Worley)
Basically, and you may chose to modify it a little, is to drill out the holes
large enough to find good, clean wood all around. In your case, maybe 1", maybe
1 1/4", maybe larger. Then, take a length of dowel rod as long as the frame is
thick, put some grooves in it to help the glue hold, and glue the dowels in the
hole with some quality waterproof glue. After it sets up, drill new holes for
your new mounting screws (original size), and you're all set. Now, in your case,
I don't know if you want to drill through the siding with that large of a hole.
You may want to pull the siding back if you can. It's up to you. In any case,
when installing the new bolts, seal the area with silicone. As I said, you may
want to modify it to suit your needs, but you get the general idea.
Good luck, and let us know how it works out for you.
DW
Note: This is what our forum is all about ... rv'ers helping other rv'ers!
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RV Travel Security by Peggi McDonald
I mentioned the following tips in previous columns but as we RVers get
ready to head south for the winter they bear repeating. In the 'good ole
days' use of the word security was almost nonexistent. However these days
every traveler must take precautions to increase their day-to-day personal
safety, they should also be extra careful when securing your belongings. I
simply relay the following for info on several pitfalls to avoid becoming a
victim not to frighten anyone.
The beauty of North America is so spectacular, no one should stay home
because they fear it is too dangerous to travel or explore new places. Our
advice is, be aware of your surroundings-make friends, but trust no one
completely. Keep your specific secure hiding places to yourself. If you
share them with a neighbor someone may overhear.
Always lock your RV in a campground you never know who is watching. It is
also wise to drive with your car doors locked in high traffic areas-it keeps
unwanted passengers out of your vehicle. Recently when friends pulled into
the park we were at they were visibly upset. The night before they stowed
their two bikes on the car bike rack without locking the cable. You guessed
it in the morning the rack was empty.
Losing valuable information you carry in your wallet can really
be upsetting. However if you keep a list of all wallet contents in a safe
place and photocopy important papers such as your driver's license or
passports, when a billfold goes astray you will only be inconvenienced not
incapacitated. As a precaution John and I each carry only one credit card
at a time and a limited amount of cash in our wallets. If one of our
billfolds disappears we only have one card to cancel and there is no need to
pay for credit card registry. Ladies please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE IN THE
GROCERY CART. It is impossible to watch it all the time, you are asking for
someone to borrow it with no intention of returning it.
As RVers we are frequently many miles away from our rolling home. Every
RVer should always carry an emergency notification note in with their driver's
licenses. Print several up in advance and simply fill in the blanks
EVERYTIME you change destinations. With this notification if you have an
accident with your tow vehicle it is possible rescue people will know the
location of the other half of your 'rolling home' and maybe attend to your
pets sooner rather than days later.
Our form reads-----
"We are Peggi and John McDonald---Our motorhome is located at
Resort..., Place..., Dates....! We have two dachshunds on board ---
'Maddie and Katie'! In an Emergency please call my sister Diane at xxx xxx xxxx"!
NOTE: If you take any prescription medications, keep a list
of these with your driver's license as well. It may come in handy if you are
unable to talk to rescue personnel.
John and I attend numerous rallies and attend as many seminars as
possible. At a sheriffs seminar on Safety in Florida I was stunned to hear
his many hints and tips for safe RVing. He suggested you stay away from
highway rest areas for prolonged stops, especially after dark. He stressed
to never go to rest area washroom after hours without a few dollars in your
pocket. Drug addicts may be waiting inside demanding payment to keep from
harming you. Don't despair; there are safe places to stop for an overnight
rest between destinations. Truck stops such as Flying J, 76 Truck Stops or
Am Best and others encourage RVers to park for the night---some even provide
separate RV parking. These facilities have showers (for a fee), washrooms,
a full service restaurant and store, fuel/gas, air, mechanical assistance
and possibly a dump station. Most Wal-marts also welcome RV's to park in
their lots but it is always wise to check first with management because
occasionally by-laws prevent overnight parking. Cracker Barrel Restaurants
too encourage overnight RV parking. These businesses are aware most RVers
will spend money in their facilities. However do not ruin a good thing by
setting up camp with lawn chairs, lowering the awning, operating the B-B-Q
etc.---the courtesy only extends to an overnight parking spot. John and I
along with others would rather pay a restaurant $20.00 for a tasty meal than
to a campground to simply sleep. However if we are stopping for several
days then stopovers at a campground makes sense.
Another must have is an ERS (Emergency Road Service) Policy.
Payment of one two-truck service call or highway breakdown repair will cost
considerably more than the price of your membership. If travelling by
automobile look in the phone book for auto clubs offering this service. RV
coverage is different and should include towing with NO distance restriction
or limit to the number of service calls. You want a 'sign and drive' service
with no up-front money changing hands during tow emergencies. Some plans
also include 24/7 tech service as well as minimal reimbursement for
breakdowns in Mexico. At times the ERS staff may be able to help you find
service for non-towing breakdown problems. Question if the plan covers
changing an inside dual and will two tow-trucks be dispatched if necessary
(tow vehicle and trailer). Some new vehicles include an ERS policy, as part
of their purchase package however it will be more convenient if both
vehicles are covered under the same policy; both pilot and co-pilot should
also be included in one policy. Many International RV Clubs offer ERS
benefits and others are advertised in major RV Magazines. Annual policy
costs range from $69.00 to $99.00 (US$). As the saying goes "Don't leave
home without one!"
Because of the possibility of breakdowns in isolated areas is why
you should have both a CB and a cell phone. The phone should be your first
form of contact but if you are in a 'no service area' then use the CB.
NOTE: Be aware everyone within miles around will hear a call on the CB,
including every tow truck or not so nice person within miles. The Sheriff's
suggested you stay in your vehicle, fly a white flag from an antenna, crack
the window a bit and lock the doors. Leave your vehicle only for police.
Take note of your exact location, including mile/km numbers on highway
posts. If someone stops to help, pass a note through the windows with your
location details along with your membership number and ERS phone number.
Request they contact your ERS---give it to more than one person in case the
first doesn't make the call. Before we had our cell phone if John and I
experienced a breakdown, we unhooked our toed (tow car) and I drive to a
phone. ERS takes the call, contacts the state or province you are in, they
then contact help close to the city or town nearest to your location. Next
they will then attempt to call you back with the details of what is
happening. If you do not hear from your ERS you are requested to call them
again in 15 minutes.
One last point every traveler should know, especially RVers. If
someone in your RV needs assistance, in a campground or anywhere else, the
INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR HELP is to turn on all vehicle lights and flashers,
honk the horn three time in quick succession, break, three more times,
break --- continue till help arrives.
Being afraid to roam because you may become a victim is foolish.
Understanding how to 'travel smart' opens the door to mesmerizing
explorations of the wonders of this vast continent. Enjoy your travels,
"Catch the Spirit!".
Peggi is the author of the comprehensive guidebook Spirit of the Open
Road ( http://www.rverscorner.com/spirit.html ) and two 'Free' downloadable e-books RV Living:
Facts, Tips, Hints and More. Vol One and Two. Her and husband John are RV
Lifestyle Consultants and Hosts of www.rvliving.net -- the Information site
for the International RVer.
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DAILY PLANNING
By Dr. Donald E. Wetmore
A poet once said, "The most powerful time is when you are
alone, thinking about what you are to do rather than the
doing itself." You've been reminded many times, "A stitch in
time saves nine". Daily Planning is the time you ought to
set aside each evening to plan out and take control over the
most precious resource at your command, the next twenty-four
hours. Done correctly, Daily Planning is not an expense that
will cost you time but an investment that will pay you back
many times over the time invested.
Here are four important steps to follow each day during your
Daily Planning time.
1. Create a To Do list of everything you "have to" do and
everything you "want to" do during the next day. If you want
to manage it, you have to measure it first. Add actions
steps to take care of your commitments and responsibilities
but also include other action items to help you to balance
your life more effectively and achieve more of your goals in
each of your Seven Vital Areas: health, family, financial,
intellectual, social, professional, and spiritual.
2. Review every item on your To Do list and ask yourself
three questions with regard to each item:
a. "Is this the best use of my time?" If it is, plan to do
it. If it isn't, try to figure out a way to delegate it.
b. "Is there a better or more efficient way of handling or
completing this item?" For example, combining telephone
calls and making them all together.
c. "Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare for
this task?" Do you need supplies or information from another
to get it done?
Most of the time I cannot delegate my tasks, find a better
way to do it, or do anything to better prepare for it, but I
can always find a few ways to improve. Whatever those
improvements are, add them to your To Do list as action
items
3. Review any Appointments and Scheduled events you have
planned for the next day and ask yourself the same three
questions you asked in step #2 above. As you review each
commitment, determine if it is the best use of your time.
Maybe you are scheduled to attend a meeting that has little
value to you. Try to get excused. See if there is a better
way to handle each commitment. For example, instead of an
actually meeting with someone, are you able to fax, email,
or call that person instead? Can you do anything to better
prepare for it? If you have a doctor's appointment, are
there questions you can write down to ask the doctor.
Whatever these improvements are, add them to your To Do list
as actions items.
4. Prioritize your To Do list. Place the number "1" next to
the most important item on your list. Place the number "2"
next to the second most important item. Continue
prioritizing the entire list. You now have a To Do list of
all the items you "have to" do, but, more importantly, all
the items you "want to" do, including action items to help
you achieve your goals and better life balance and make your
appointments and scheduled events and To Do list items flow
more smoothly.
The process of Daily Planning will save you more time in the
long run than what you spend to do it and will increase your
daily productivity each day.
My article, "Crucial v Not Crucial" will help you to easily
identify what you really need to get done in your day to
increase your productivity. It's free. To get yours now,
email your request for: "crucial" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com
Receive your free Timely Time Management Tips on a regular
basis to increase your personal productivity and get more
out of every day? Sign up now for your free "TIMELY TIME
MANAGEMENT TIPS". Just go to:
Oops, no longer available - and select
"subscribe".
Dr. Donald E. Wetmore
Professional Speaker
Productivity Institute
Time Management Seminars
60 Huntington St., P.O. Box 2126
Shelton, CT 06484
(800) 969-3773
(203) 929-9902
fax: (203) 929-8151
email: ctsem@msn.com
Visit Our Time Management Supersite:
http://www.balancetime.com
Professional Member-National Speakers Association
Copyright 2001 You may re-print the above information in its
entirety in your publication, newsletter, or on your
webpage. For permission, please email your request for
"reprint" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com
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Storing your RV in the off-season By Les Doll
Roof - Now is a good time to check the condition of the roof opening sealant -
repair or remove and replace as necessary. Roof inspection should be performed
at least twice a year ... do it now or pay the price later!
Interior - remove all foodstuff from all the cabinets - this will help
prevent rodent problems. Thoroughly clean the refrigerator, prop open
the door and leave a half cup of coffee grounds or a box of baking soda inside
to keep it fresh. If you have access to power, install a portable electric
dehumidifier to control the humidity levels - if not place a Dry-Z-Air type
of dehumidifier in a washpan inside the unit. Close all blinds and curtains to
prevent sun fading of upholstery and carpets.
Exterior - Check the caulking around the windows and doors - winter storms can
drive moisture into the smallest gap. If you must tarp your RV, allow air to
circulate above the roof by building an "A" frame to make an air space.
Remember that wind and tarps will remove paint due to chaffing over the winter.
Winterizing - See http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/painless.html
Batteries - a discharged battery will freeze very more readily than a fully charged one.
Consider that a battery will self-discharge over a period of time, possibly within a
month or two. If your area is subject to sub-freezing temperatures, remove the battery
and store it in a cool place in the basement or garage. Keep the charge up by trickle
charging it once a month and check the water level periodically. Refill with distilled
water only - tap water has minerals and contaminates that love to shorten battery life.
Wheels, Tires - RV trailer tires contain an anti-UV agent that helps to keep them
protected from weather and the effects of the sun. However, RV tires are subject
to long periods of idle time and special protection is needed. Keep those tires
out of the sun over extended periods ... pull up onto scrap pieces of plywood to
avoid contact with the leeching properties of the earth. Support some of the weight
with jack stands to ease the burden of the springs and bearings.
These are just a few hints from the RVers Corner ... if you have a hint or suggestion
to share, e-mail me at webmasterl (at) rverscorner.com
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Joke of the Day:
The Canadian Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers,
hunters, fishermen, and golfers to take extra precautions and be on the
alert for bears.
They advise people to wear noise-producing devices, such as little bells, on
their clothing to alert but not startle the bears unexpectedly.
They also advise you to carry pepper spray, in case of an encounter with a
bear.
It is also a good idea to watch for signs of bear activity.
People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and
grizzly bear droppings.
Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel
fur.
Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in them and smell like pepper
spray.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
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The Dummy's Guide to Buying a Pre-Loved RV - by Les Doll
In the market for a pre-owned recreational vehicle?
Not sure what to inspect or how to inspect it?
The Dummy's Guide is written for you, by an RV Tech
and RV damage estimator. Free Download!
http://www.rverscorner.com/dummyltr.html
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SPIRIT OF THE OPEN ROAD by Peggi McDonald is a 'must have'
for all RVers, both novice and experienced travelers.
Although written from a Canadian point of view it is 95%
generic and a valuable guide to RVers from all countries.
For complete details -
http://www.rverscorner.com/spirit.html
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The RVers Corner is pleased to present the Mountain Directory Guides.
These famous guides are now available by Internet download for instant access.
Use them on your laptop! The author, Richard Miller, has provided a free, fully
functional section on Arizona for you to try out.
Mountain Directory West includes the locations and descriptions of over 400
mountain passes and steep grades in eleven western states. The states included
are Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Mountain Directory East includes the locations and descriptions of over 300
mountain passes and steep grades in eleven eastern states. The states included
are Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
"Knowing what lies ahead is half the battle."
http://hop.clickbank.net/?pac113/mtndir
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!!! HAPPY CAMPIN' !!!
Les Doll - RV Technician
My advice is free and worth only what you gain from it!