Uninstall 2020. How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus. Update.

We need to uninstall 2020 and then try re-installing it.

The current version has a nasty virus !

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus  March 26, 2020

“COVID-19 is impacting our lives, and it can be a challenge to explain it to children. Here are some tips to help parents talk to their kids about the crisis.

First it was about five. Then it was 15. Then 25. Then 35. Then 50.

These were the number of daily confirmed cases of those infected with COVID-19 in Ohio (where we live). It was at around the “15” mark that Ohio decided to close its schools for three weeks. (This has occurred in other states as well.)

If parents were trying to shield their children from the unending 24-hour news cycle documenting the spread and danger of the virus, the closings of schools made that very difficult. Then when theaters, restaurants and places with gatherings of 50 people or more (or now even 10 or more) closed (including even churches canceling their services), it became impossible.

The questions from little minds poured in, and continue to pour in, and will continue to pour in. My 3-year-old caught me watching a press conference from Ohio’s governor and asked: “What’s a pandemic?”

After stuttering a little bit, I said, “Some people are sick.”

What a cop-out, right? So, we asked several of our friends what to say to our kids about the coronavirus, especially in light of our belief in a loving God who protects His people.

Some helpful themes came up, and hopefully they will be of help to your family as well.

1. Explain that God is still in charge of what ultimately happens in the world.

Jeremiah 32:27 is a helpful scripture to use to teach children about God’s ability to do anything: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”

When our children see clear examples of suffering, we don’t want to give them the impression that God has somehow missed it and forgot to do anything. The reason God allows suffering is a question that mature adults have struggled with for centuries, so imagine the questions a young mind will have about why our loving God would allow things like COVID-19.

Here are some helpful things our friends, with children up to school-age, shared with us:

• “We think it’s important for little ones to know that, sometimes, God allows bad things to happen—and even though they can be scary, God is more powerful than the scary things. They need to know that God loves them and promises to watch over them, and that they can tell God about their fears, because He listens and cares. Even though He’s working on a big plan for the whole world, He still loves to hear from them.”
• “Without a doubt, our family’s reliance upon our Sovereign God was (and remains) foundational to our daily stability during major changes. Prayer and Bible reading tethered us to God’s plan, purpose and promises. Yet we were mindful not ‘to preach.’ Sometime the best approach was reading God’s Word and allowing our boys to consider and process His truth in their time.”

You may find our booklet Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? a helpful resource to use when explaining this issue to your children.

2. Help your children understand that when we are afraid, God is always there to help us.

Isaiah 41:10 is a great scripture to share with them on this topic: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Kids might also get the impression that the only way God helps people is by not allowing anything bad to ever happen. We have to explain that God doesn’t shield us from every bad thing—after all, some of the bad things that happen are because of bad decisions we make. But He does promise to help us through those things.

Some thoughts parents shared along these lines were:

• “I think the most important thing to remember is that children imitate their parents. If we are overreacting (in any situation), it causes them stress and teaches them to handle it poorly. If we remain calm and behave as normally as possible, they do not become as alarmed.”
• “Reading a well-chosen book can provide a welcome break from uncertainty. Our children need the opportunity to turn their attention away from unsettling situations. When our children see that Mom and Dad are not consumed by circumstances, it provides an unspoken comfort and peace.”
  “Singing hymns not only provides an opportunity for praise—but equally important, an opportunity to reinforce God’s truth and faithfulness. Singing together truly does create unique bonds of hope and joy within a family. Despite the calls for ‘social distancing,’ nothing conveys love and security like physical touch. Rubbing a back, hugging and holding a hand is worth the risk within the confines of our family home.
  “‘For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you”’” (Isaiah 41:13).

3. Teach your children that there’s a difference between “fearing not” and tempting God.

Luke 4:12 and Deuteronomy 6:16 remind us: “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.”

It is critical, especially at this time, to help our kids understand that we don’t have to fear, but that doesn’t mean we do whatever we want. There’s a big difference between having faith in God’s protection and demanding His protection by tempting Him through foolish actions.

We should encourage behavior that shows love to others and that doesn’t take something lightly that is actually very serious and deadly. We should teach our children the importance of wisdom and discretion and how that balances with faith in God. We teach them to ask for God’s protection, but to do all they can to avoid getting sick themselves.

Other parents mentioned these ideas as well:

• “We already talk about hand washing, keeping germs to ourselves, and eating healthy all the time in our family. That doesn’t seem strange to them. The extreme isolation has been the most difficult and what we’ve needed to talk about most. Sometimes people make decisions that we don’t understand, but it’s a good opportunity to uphold the decision to our kids because it comes from a position of authority.”
• “We put emphasis on the fact that us being quarantined is about showing love to our neighbor. That all people are our neighbors, and we are to help protect and look after one another. One way we can do that is by staying home so we don’t spread germs.”

Our article “Teaching Your Children to Honor the Elderly” can be a helpful resource for parents.

4. Help your children grasp that loving and obeying God shouldn’t depend on the circumstances.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us: “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The two greatest commandments are not dependent on whether COVID-19 is ravaging the globe. They are universal. God wants little minds to continue trusting in Him, obeying Him, learning about Him and showing love to others.

We can emphasize to them that a time like this is full of opportunities to practice these laws. We can even show them good examples of people showing love and concern for others.

Another thought from a parent was:

• “We’ve reminded our children to remember all the blessings and joyful things that have come out of this event (Daddy being home more, extra family time together as things/activities are canceled). We have made clear that God is allowing this to happen, and He is still in control and watching over His people. We’ve asked them to diligently pray daily about the situation, that God would resolve it, make it less dangerous and that we can return to church as soon as possible according to His will.”

Another parent also mentioned keeping the same routines and expectations that would normally occur, such as holding church services at home in a respectful and special way and keeping the Sabbath holy.

How we talk to our kids is just as important as what we say. Speaking in a calm manner, and not sharing every single gruesome detail, is important.

Helping children understand a situation like this can be challenging. But, with God’s help, parents and children can face, and grow from, any challenge.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus/?

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Update

The infection number has soared to 2 in my county. The pastor from the church in Anderson still came to conduct our Bible study on Sunday afternoon, even though everything was locked down.  But he has a key to the Community Room, so 3 of us gathered, six feet apart, to learn more about Ephesians.

Being at home more and watching CNN and Westerns, I was amazed that those old western General Stores carried so many false eyelashes, mascara and blue eye shadow for the women of the old West ! 

Fire Ants invaded my biggest pot of aloe vera plant and started eating it.  I ‘seasoned’ the pot with Diatomaceous Earth to get rid of the ants before I could operate on it.  So my neighbor and I ventured out to our little Walmart, she wanted a few things and I needed sand and pebbles to mix with the new potting soil.  Everybody there was very polite and kept away from each other, but I find that people in small towns are more polite and considerate somehow.

My census was filled out and mailed, have you done yours?

My yearly health assessment was done remotely, and everybody is mostly staying in their apartments, except for those who have to walk their dogs.   On Friday morning, my neighbor and I still got together, six feet apart, to study the church’s Bible study for that week, even though we knew that we wouldn’t be going to church the next day.

5 Traits Men Should Look for in a Godly Woman. Kanye West's New Album. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

5 Traits Men Should Look for in a Godly Woman

“Too often men focus mainly on a woman’s appearance when they are considering whom they will date or marry. But there are more important traits to consider.

There is a folk tale of an elderly king somewhere in the heart of Africa. He had only one son, whom he adored. When the time came for the young man to find a wife, the king reminded his son she needed to be a woman qualified and capable of one day serving as his queen. So the young man began his search for such a woman of beauty and character.

He believed most young women would put their best foot forward if they knew he was the prince, so he chose to disguise himself as a peasant farmer. The beautiful ladies he saw around the palace regarded him with disdain, so he went on. Farther out he came across some young ladies who would stop to speak with him, but they were silly or rude, clearly not fit to be queen.

After several weeks, he came to a tiny village in the farthest reaches of his father’s kingdom. A beautiful maiden saw him looking tired and hungry, and she offered him food, water and a place to rest. He discovered she was kind, intelligent and wise.

He knew she was the kind of girl who could become a wise and helpful queen, and he wanted her as his wife. Her father voiced concern that his daughter would marry such a poor man, but the girl reasoned with wisdom and conviction, and her father relented. The prince in disguise returned home to prepare for the wedding.

Soon the young man returned, but this time as himself, the prince. They married, and years later he became king. His princess proved to be the wise and understanding queen he knew she would be, and together they ruled the kingdom with wisdom and justice.

The importance of character

The story emphasizes something too many men underestimate when looking for a mate: the importance of a woman’s character. It isn’t all about physical beauty or even personality. In describing the nearly perfect woman in Proverbs 31, Solomon wrote, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised” (verse 30).

What are a few traits of character that a Christian woman should strive to attain? What are the traits of character that a Christian man should look for in a potential wife? Let’s consider five:

1. Is she a woman of God?

What foundational element of character could be more important? In describing how the wife of a congregational leader should be, the apostle Paul wrote, “Wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way” (1 Timothy 3:11, God’s Word Translation).

Such a woman will show by her words and actions that she submits to the rule of her Creator. Her relationship with God will come first in her life, and her faithfulness will shine through everything she says and does. As Ruth famously said, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16).

This basic attitude should be the No. 1 characteristic a man looks for in a wife: a woman who is committed to being faithful to God her entire life.

2. Who has the greatest influence on her?

We all have people who have a powerful influence on us, so considering whom she chooses to be influenced by is important.

When we were children, our parents were probably the biggest influence in our lives. But as we move through adulthood, others exert a heavier influence on us. To whom does she look to the most for advice? Are these people of solid moral character? Solomon also wrote, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).

Take a careful look at her closest friends and advisers and see what direction they influence her toward.

3. Is she tenderhearted?

Is she first and foremost attentive toward God and His laws? Is she also tenderhearted toward others, wanting to help and serve others when she sees a need? Is she first and foremost attentive toward God and His laws? Is she also tenderhearted toward others, wanting to help and serve others when she sees a need? Think of the father of the prodigal son, who saw his son coming from a long way off and “had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck [hugged him] and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

Among the fruit of the Spirit we find kindness, goodness and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). These are spiritual qualities that allow us to exhibit the characteristics Paul described in Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” 

4. Is she willing to learn and grow?

This is a reflection of her heart. Perhaps nothing reveals a person’s depth and genuine level of humility more quickly than having a heart that is teachable. Not everyone can see a need to learn more and accept instruction.

Business leaders recognize that some people have 20 years of experience, and others have one year of experience, 20 times over. A teachable person will be learning from his or her own mistakes, as well as those of others, and will be constantly growing and maturing. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:9).

5. Is she wise with her words?

Talk is cheap. Many people throw around words freely, saying whatever they believe you want to hear, but never really meaning it. Others liberally sprinkle their conversations with gossip and scintillating tales about others.

It used to be far less common for a woman to use vulgar or profane language, but that societal taboo seems long gone now. Women today are often as crass and crude as men can be in their speech.

But a woman of godly character will not allow her speech to become infected with anything that is improper or sinful.

God does not view careless and idle words as something of little consequence. The Bible instructs us to be always truthful (Zechariah 8:16) and to avoid gossip (Proverbs 20:19). Her speech should always be “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). A woman who uses her words wisely and carefully will fulfill what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

There are many more qualities of character we can and should consider, but these are a starting point. They are also more challenging and more difficult to attain than they might seem at first glance! You won’t find a woman who demonstrates all these traits perfectly, but look for the woman who is serious about trying to.

Of course, a godly man should never ask his wife to do and be what he isn’t himself. So he must be sure to be developing godly character himself.”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/marriage/5-traits-men-should-look-for-in-a-godly-woman/

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For further insight into male/female relationships, peruse our articles in the “Relationships” section of Life, Hope & Truth.

    

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Kanye West's New Album

“Recognizing “Jesus is King” is a great step for anyone striving to obey God. What else does the Bible say about following Christ?

Transcript of YouTube: https://youtu.be/zT9eFi1Q7Sk

[Steve Myers] “Kanye West has a new album out. In fact, it rocketed to Billboard number one almost immediately. Of course, Kanye West probably being one of the biggest rap hip hop stars in the universe, you might say. I mean, this man has amazing influence that goes beyond the music world. You know, the title of his new album? It’s called “Jesus is King,” and when I heard about that, I had mixed feelings. In one way, this is phenomenal. This is absolutely amazing. It’s encouraging to see someone that’s in the public, especially in the music world, to identify with the fact that Jesus is King, and that’s something that should be recognized.

In fact, it has had quite an impact across the countries, had rallies, different meetings, and the Word of God, in one sense, has gone out. That is such a powerful thing. I recognize that, and I would love to see even more from Kanye West. In fact, when you think about that, I hope it doesn’t stop there, because we can recognize that Jesus is King. But when we really see what the Bible has in mind, it goes beyond just the recognition of Christ as King, that there has to be more, more than just the recognition. There really has to be a changed life in a changed perspective that goes along with that recognition.

I’m reminded of a passage that we find over in the book of 1 John, 1 John 2, this whole section of scripture talks about what goes beyond just the mere recognition that Jesus is King. So when we look at 1 John 2:3 says this, “When we recognize Jesus as King,” it says, “Now by this, we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.” So there has to be a change in our behavior, in what we do, and the way we look at the world. In fact, a little later in verse six, it says, “He who abides in Him, ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

So our goal if we proclaim Jesus as King in our life, we have to walk as Jesus walked, and that’s a past tense statement. Looking back to the way Jesus lived his life. How did He talk? How did He walk? How did He live? How did He worship? When did He worship? You see, all of those questions come to mind.

So if we declare Jesus as King in our life, we have to recognize that and live our life and worship God in spirit and truth as we proclaim Jesus is King. So let’s be sure that’s exactly what we’re doing when we say those words.””  From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/kanye-wests-new-album

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Update.

Thank you Veterans, for your service.  Thank you, just isn’t enough.

Another week of “swinging weather”.  One day it is cold and the next it is warm again.

There was Bingo at the Community Room here at the apartments and I was the only one who didn’t win anything, so the caller gave me the little plastic basket that had contained the prizes.   Though it did come in handy to carry small items like socks at the laundry.

My helper and neighbor, Joe, had gone to Bryan with me last week when I went to the Social Security office, because he needed to renew his drivers license.  They took his money and then said that he needed an eye test before he could get his license.  On Wednesday, as I was going to the Conroe area to meet my granddaughter, Michelle, I took him to the optician with the owl, America’s Best.   So he got an free eye exam with the purchase of 2 pairs of glasses for $70.00 total.   We have to back on the 20th to get his glasses, so Michelle and I can have some more time together then. 

Chris, Michelle, Joe, and I all met at Rancho Grande Mexican restaurant in Conroe, because I had won a gift certificate for four free lunches earlier in the year.  Chris brought me the four extra seats that go in my van, and some “catifying” shelves that she had been storing in her barn. I still hope to have an older, special needs cat to care for. 

The battery light came on in the van, the alternator checked good, but not the battery and so there was another expense, this time a new battery, not a rebuilt.

I took a green salad and grapes for the church potluck, and came home with two empty containers.  That was easy, I might do that again!  The theme for the week was “Be Still and Know that I am God”, Psalm 46:10. The sermon was “Talking With The King”.

Knowing that we were going to have a hard freeze I bought two big totes to house the largest pots of my Aloe Vera.  I didn’t want to bring them inside because some ants had been in them a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t know if any were still in there.  I put the other pots in on a trolley that I could take in and roll back outside.  I had sprinkled Diatomaceous Earth in and around the pots when I saw the ants and they disappeared, but you never know. 

In the mornings when the temperature is warmer I take the lids off and let them have some sunshine during the day.

The View From the Top. What Does the World Need Most Right Now? Go To The Ant. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

The View From the Top

“The amazing panorama seen from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building gave me a perspective on a much bigger picture.

As our boat pulled into the Persian Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz, blistering winds blew off the Arabian Peninsula. My friend Benjamin, who lives in Dubai, was showing me around the emirate.

We took a ferry from Dubai Creek, with its motley collection of ancient dhows and tramp freighters, past huge artificial islands shaped like the world and the palm, finally disembarking at the ultramodern marina. Passing from ancient buildings and clunky watercraft to pristine skyscrapers felt like time travel.

The highest vantage point

Past the southern limits of this wealthy city lies only the desert leading to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Nowhere is this more apparent than from the At the Top observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), the tallest structure in the world. On a clear day one can see the coast of Iran to the north. And from that vantage point, the line between city and desert is sharp.

The view from above Dubai.

This change in viewpoint makes obvious things that are invisible from below. The World Islands, indistinguishable blobs when viewed from sea level, are impressive in their scale from higher up. Rooftop pools, gigantic fountains, highways and waterways running through the city are revealed in all their complexity.

Beware WYSIATI

From this unique perspective, I thought about how it must illustrate our blindness to many elements in our everyday lives. Our view is limited by our lowly vantage point.

Nobel Prize laureate Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, explains a phenomenon he calls WYSIATI, an acronym for “what you see is all there is.” This innate bias in our cognition leads us to assume that what we see of a given situation is all there is; there is nothing else to be considered or analyzed.

Theoretically we know this is not true, yet every day we reach conclusions as if it were.

Watching from on high

God, however, does see everything. He sees from above, both physically and spiritually, very real elements we simply cannot distinguish. “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything” (Ecclesiastes 11:5).

God watches from on high, in part to see how much we try to think outside the human box, to concentrate on things we can only imagine. “God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God” (Psalm 53:2).

This is a constant challenge for us, but it is obviously important to our Creator. In our minds we seek to slip the surly bonds of earth; to have glimpses of what He sees.

And so “we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). One day, God promises we, too, will experience His view from the top: “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/discern/july-august-2017/by-the-way-the-view-from-the-top/

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What Does the World Need Most Right Now?

    

“With troubles facing every sector of society, what solution should get top priority today? Hint: It’s the same solution the New Testament writers urgently longed for.

Unstable is an understatement for our world today. Powder keg is more like it.

The winds of change whistling through areas of the world might carry a whiff of freedom, but it’s easy to underestimate the force and shifting nature of the winds. In the maelstrom, will the forces of anarchy ignite a new passion for a powerful ruler?

The Middle East remains a troubled and dangerous region, continually boiling over into the rest of the world.

Elsewhere, precarious economies on the brink of financial ruin can ill afford additional stress, whether from war or even natural disasters.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis highlight that even careful planning cannot truly handle the worst that nature can throw at us. Nuclear power plants and other strategic sites around the world are more vulnerable than most of us want to believe. Humans have only been keeping scientific records of natural disasters for a short time. How can we be sure that what we consider worst-case scenarios are truly the worst that this planet will see?

The underlying cause

The Bible predicts wars, financial crises, food shortages, disease epidemics and natural disasters crescendoing in the end times—the times when human annihilation is possible (Matthew 24:7-8, 21-22).

Why are these and other troubles predicted? Because humanity as a whole has rejected God and the good and beneficial laws He gave. Obeying God’s laws naturally brings blessings, while trampling on them brings automatic curse.

These facts are detailed in Leviticus 26. After outlining the wonderful blessings for following His commandments, God said, “But if you will not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments … I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it” (Leviticus 26:14, 16).

Owing the financial production of our labors to enemies is only the beginning of the curses outlined in this chapter. But God doesn’t allow these natural consequences of sin out of a desire to see us suffer. Nor does He intervene to correct us out of hatred, but out of love. He deeply desires that we, His human creation, will wake up and repent of the evil we have done.”

Continued at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/kingdom-of-god/what-does-the-world-need-most/

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Learning From a Pest?

“Solomon advised us to “go to the ant” (Proverbs 6:6).

Sometimes it's amazing what we can learn from a pest! While the weather is nice and food can be found in abundance, the ant doesn't just collect what it needs for that day and then go play. Instead, it collects and stores up in the plentiful summer months for the leaner winter times.

What a contrast this is from the way many in our society live today. We borrow from tomorrow what we may not be able to repay. We refinance our homes—going deeper in debt—to buy expensive toys we have little time to use. In today's society, debt is a way of life in contrast to that of our forefathers who lived more by the philosophy of the ant.”

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Update:

For some reason the Through-The-Wall Heat/AC in the mini-house is a lot louder than the one in the main house even though they are exactly the same.  It is really bothersome, I don’t know what could have happened to it.  So we swapped out the insides of the heat/AC’s and now the noisy one is in the big house. I did this knowing that the man who made the offer on my house would put in Central Heat/Air as soon as he bought it.  They seem to think that everyone wants central heat and air, which I don’t because of the mold and dirt that collects in the ductwork.  Even when they clean it, it is still a harbor for mold, and I have enough trouble with my sinuses. At least I can clean a Heat/AC, and buy a new one every few years. If I were to have anything better it would be a duct-free mini-split, and as soon as I can afford it, I will have one installed in the mini-house.       

Then, Wednesday, the man said that he couldn’t get financing, so here I am stuck with the noisy AC until I can move over to the mini-house.  We even temporarily put a 6,500 BTU AC in the window as it would be more quiet, but it wasn’t really big enough, so I sold it while it was still installed and the buyer could tell that it worked. 

We are still getting the Mini-house ready for the paint.  Roy wants all the baseboards and door trim up first.  So we cut some beautiful trim out of an old maple headboard and foot board.  Roy and the table saw did a great job. Then he made rosettes and plinth blocks just the right size for the trim.  Hans was here so he sanded them, and then we wiped them with a light stain.  Some are already installed and they look great.  When it is all done they can be protected with some satin polyurathane.

Then I came across a great big slab of beautiful lumber which had a double OG edge, so I sanded it down as it had some green paint splashed on it.  We will stain it and put that thick transparent bar-like coating on it and it will be one of the counter tops in the kitchen.  This is the counter on the back wall that is just for things like the toaster, coffee maker and juicer, those are the appliances that would be in the way in the cooking area.

We had trimmed the subdivision’s hedge which is next to the mini-house because it had got so high that it made my place dark, and difficult to see out.  Some of the dead cut branches had turned orange and so we had to drag them out of the hedge and take them to the burn pile.  I don’t think we will have a mildrew problem now that the sun can get to the house. This 16’ tall hedge was hiding a pretty smaller privet and holly hedge.  So now it looks better on each side of the hedge.  The subdivision doesn’t even trim the crepe myrtles any more, just as well as they committed “Crepe Murder” by leaving ugly knuckles, which isn’t right.  Anything to save money.

Finally, I made the decision where to install the shelf for the microwave and toaster oven in the mini-house.  My toaster oven is special, it is a a really good little oven, a Breville, and I use it a lot,  but rarely for toast, as I have an excellent, fast, old Sunbeam toaster.  The shelf will be a bit higher than I have now, but I can manage.

Also, I figured out how to place the bedroom furniture for the best use of the space.  I had wanted the bed’s feet-end facing as you walk in the door from the living room, but after measuring, it won’t work.  The bed will have to go on the left side wall between those two windows, whether it is feng shui correct or not.  The wall at the end of the room also has two windows, and I have just the piece of furniture for that, a great big real wood shelf unit that will fit in between those windows and is 6’ tall.  It will hold the bedroom TV and lots of other things. I was going to sell it, but not now.

The ceiling fan/light that we had put up in my living room had something really wrong with it, and wouldn’t stop wobbling.  We tried all the usual remedies, but after a long time, we gave up and took the one out of my bedroom and put it in the living room. Then took a small one out of storage and put it into my bedroom.  Finally I have fans and light kits that work right and don’t look like they will throw a blade at you.

Hans usually monitors at the subdivision pool on Saturdays, but something went wrong with the pumps and so he had the day off and came to church with me.  We went to my usual church on FM 1097.  Though if I had known ahead of time, I would have taken him to the larger church on FM 830.   He enjoyed the service and the potluck, then spent a long time discussing different things with the elders while I helped clean up the kitchen.

The Bible readings were Num. 8:1-12:16. Zech. 2:14-2:24, (this is not in all translations of the Bible, but Chapter 3 gives the gist of it), and John 19:31 which tells about them wanting to take the body of Jesus down off the cross because it was a High Day, Passover, also a Sabbath, the following day. There were two Sabbaths that week.  The Teaching was about “Transition”.

I didn’t take much for the church’s potluck.  It took quite a while to peel and make some potatoes and rutabagas into crinkly slices with my salad shooter.  I had a big pot of them and gently boiled them in broth until tender. I put them in a crockpot and warmed them up at church. There was plenty left over to make Salmon patties the following day. 

Ants. Second Version of the Fourth Commandment. Dealing With Difficult People. Toxic Cosmetics. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

The Wise Ant

An Amazing Fact: "Ants are the most numerous creatures on Earth. It has been estimated that the combined weight of the world’s ants is greater than the combined weight of all humans on the planet. We also admire ants for their ability to pull 30 times, and lift 50 times, their own weight. That would be equivalent to you or me out-pulling a Clydesdale or lifting an elephant. Ants understand team work too! If necessary, they will make their bodies into ladders to climb on, or rafts to float on.

Ants are also among the most organized insects. Some ant species herd aphids like domestic livestock. The ants and aphids are engaged in a symbiotic relationship in which each benefits from the other. On the one hand, the ants actually care for the aphids and protect them from ladybugs. In exchange, the ants receive nutritious “honeydew” excreted by the aphids. The ants tap the aphids with their antennae to let them know they would like some honeydew sap. Then they carry the “honey” back to the nest to feed others. While tending their flock, the ants may redistribute the aphids on the host plant to prevent local overcrowding. Before winter, these ants will even carry off aphid eggs to start a new herd of aphids in the spring.

Some ants are also farmers. Leafcutter ants from the tropical forests of Central and South America live in huge underground colonies, ruled by a single queen, that may contain as many as 8 million ants. The largest workers leave the nest and go out foraging for leaves and petals. They collect the leaves by cutting them with their sharp jaws into small pieces. They then carry the pieces back home. But they don’t eat the leaves. Instead, these resourceful insects use them to grow their own food! Back at the nest, smaller worker ants chew the leaves into tiny pieces to form large compost heaps. This compost grows the fungus on which they feed. These fungus gardens deep underground are carefully tended by tiny gardener ants.

The Bible says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6). When we study God’s creation, even the lowly ant can inspire us and give us wisdom.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. - Proverbs 6:6-8

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18. Ants

"The ants are also included in the list of most intelligent animals on the earth and they come to number nineteen on the list. Though the ants are small, yet they have the ability to creatively withstand calamities that would wipe other species. They do different tasks like building nest and hunting for food by coordinating in massive groups. They also accommodate to their environment very well."

From: http://inspirich.com/intelligent-clever-animals/

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A Second Version of the Fourth Commandment

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.”

In this second listing of the 10 Commandments, the Sabbath command is tied in with God’s role as Deliverer, while in Exodus 20 the Sabbath command was connected with God as our Creator. The basic command itself is the same, but the two complementary versions give us a broader view of God’s roles and the meanings of the Sabbath day. For more on the Fourth Commandment, download our free booklet The Sabbath: A Neglected Gift From God."   From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/a-second-version-of-the-fourth-commandment/

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Article  at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/friendship/dealing-with-difficult-people/

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Watch the latest Beyond Today video at beyondtoday.tv

August: This World Is Crazy!

"We’ve all been thinking it as we followed the news in the past weeks: conflict has flared up all around the world. 
Violence on a scale that brings comparisons to the genocides of World War II. Israel is in an ongoing battle with the terrorist group Hamas, which planned to tunnel beneath Israeli communities and destroy them on the Day of Trumpets, later this fall. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are still under constant rocket attack.

 
Sunni Islamic terrorists in Iraq are carrying out unspeakably horrific violent acts, including genocide against Iraqi Christians, Kurds, and Yazidis, who follow a syncretic religion that involves a mixture of Zoroastrianism and Islam. This evil army seemed to spring out of nowhere, and yet is very well-equipped to attack, carrying with it much of the conflict originating in the on-going Syrian civil war.

This attitude or spirit of violence has spread to the United States, exemplified by the riots in the state of Missouri. The reaction to the death of a young black man, shot in the line of duty by a young white police officer, has become an excuse for violence and looting that threatens to destroy the stability of communities in the St. Louis area.

Only a few months ago, most of this was under the radar and seemingly unnoticed beyond the horizon. The heat of summer seems augmented this year by the heat of war.

Meanwhile, many are having a shot at temporary fame by filming themselves pouring buckets of ice over their heads in a feel-good campaign for ALS on Facebook! 
Something is disconnected here. This world is crazy!

It’s ironic, isn’t it, that the many copies of the Bible online and in print offer solutions to all these problems, and yet mankind won’t go there, or to turn God for help. Instead, human beings lean on their own philosophies, most of which only leads to further conflict.

Sometimes when we say, “well, when Christ returns this will all be fixed,” it can feel powerless and far off in the distant future. Yet the confluence of world events is rapidly leading to a worldwide condition which will very plainly only be solvable by the real Jesus Christ. “Real” because there will be many who will try to convince everyone that only they have the solutions to peace and prosperity. But such religious imposters will leave only violence in their wake, just as the Nazis did in World War II.

So how can you, as a person, navigate this crazy world? A world that may seem stable (most of us can still go to the grocery store and get milk and eggs, and all the things we need without fearing for our lives). But like this summer, just over the horizon may lurk dangerous instability, unseen until we have to deal with it in our daily lives, hour by hour.
Truly the only solution is to look to God. And looking to God doesn’t just mean thinking happy thoughts, singing songs, and giving yourself a hug. It means getting into God’s word, the Bible to read and study it with the help of accurate study aids, many of which are available at UCG.org. It means praying for God to open your mind to see clearly who He is and what it means to obey him. The understanding we have as part of the true, biblical Church of God should motivate us to seek the spiritual sanity of a stronger relationship with our Creator as the antidote to this crazy world!"  From: http://eepurl.com/1wPtD

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Toxic Cosmetics ~ Ingredients to Avoid

"The Story of Cosmetics, examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.

See why reading labels on your cosmetics, personal care, baby care, pet care and household products is so important to your health. This may shock you! Avoid toxic cosmetics that contain chemicals that may be harmful to your health. For more information, visit http://www.ToxicCosmetics.com
Please comment and share how you feel knowing about the toxic ingredients in cosmetics that you may be using."  More at:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pfq000AF1i8

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Update:

The article about dealing with difficult people is very much on our minds, as we have had a spate of that around here.  More about all that later, when some things are resolved.

Baby Girl went to the vet to have an epulis removed:  http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesandconditions/f/Epulis.htm

 

She looks so much better without that pink thing sticking out of her mouth from her gums.  Nala went too as she wasn't feeling so well.  She has contracted that Haw's Syndrome that the other cat had that I picked up from the Habitat to take to the vet in mid-July , so she can't go to Adoption Days until she is over that.  She got 2 shots.

Chris, the foster mom who lives near here took us to the vet, that was so wonderful of her.  She knows I dislike going anywhere by myself in the afternoons in this heat.  I always worry that the animals and I will get caught in a traffic jam and my van's air conditioning does not like that.  I wouldn't want the animals to suffer.

Ray, Jay and I have been busy getting some of the RVs that are in my side yard cleaned up, hoping to sell them.  Finally trying to get my motor home going again.  I had to buy a new battery, but it still won't start.  Might be a fuel pump.  Jim the mechanic will come and look at it.

We worked some more on the closing in part of the carport in front of the storeroom.  It should be able to double as a green house, as it has a great big patio door built in sideways as a window.

Jay and I went to church, and the Bible readings were Psalm 33, Numbers 30-32, and Jeremiah 1:1-23.  The talk was about Baptism and Immersion, and there were many Bible quotes showing where Jesus and the Disciples went around baptizing the believers.   The potluck and fellowship were great, as usual, and it was a great day.

Clueless about RVing. Electrical Adapters. Mice and Ants? Mold. Awning. Fitted Sheets. Gas vs Diesel? RV Insurance. Decoration Day. First Indy 500.

 

For “tRaVersing Thursday”, or RV Day:

Clueless about RVing.

“You can get a good laugh from someone clueless about RVing. I came across a remark by a guy named Randy on the Thousand Trails Facebook page. He was commenting on the photo to the right.

He wrote: "I've told my friends, for years, that I will meet them at the campfire in the morning. But I'll stay in the nearest motel and have running water and a comfy room to sleep in. Didn't work all my life to act like a homeless person on a camping trip and call it fun!"

I could not resist responding. I wrote: "Geez, Randy. You'd rather stay in a motel in a bed where some person you don't know slept the night before? Hey, ya gotta love those bedbugs, too! Did you know that RVs have running water, just like motels? Amazing huh? You are severely undereducated in the comfort level of RVs."

Look at that photo: That's a fifth wheel trailer in the distance. I don't know anyone familiar with RVs who, observing that scene, would say they'd rather stay in a motel because, in so many words, "it's more comfortable." Randy, for example, shows his RV ignorance with a comment about how he'd rather stay in a motel where there's "running water," like maybe we RVers need to brush our teeth in a stream. Where has this guy been for the last 50 years? Has he ever stepped inside an RV? Me thinks no.

When I look at the photo, I go a little bit nuts. I want to be there. I know what it's like. I know what it's like to wake up in the morning in a beautiful place like that. I can imagine the sounds of birds, the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees, and the smell of the crisp, clean air. I can imagine stepping outside with my freshly brewed coffee, taking everything in, feeling I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

I also know what it's like to wake up in a motel room to a glorious view of a parking lot and those magnificent, scenic American icons — Denny's, McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell and maybe even a gas station.

Randy can have his stinkin' motel.”  By Chuck Woodbury

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Electrical adapter may cut power to your RV

“Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, has a tip about using electrical adapters when plugging an RV into power at a campground or elsewhere.”

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What to do when your RV power plug begins to fail

“Sooner or later, the connection between your RV's power cord and its plug will begin to separate. When this happens, you have a couple of options:”

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Is your RV range a magnet for mice and ants?

“RV technician Chris Dougherty discusses how the range in an RV kitchen can be a big attraction for mice and ants. He also offers a tip about keeping the pests away.”

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RV Mold Monster: Don't let this happen to you

“Chuck Woodbury confesses a stupid mistake that led to something very ugly appearing in his RV kitchen. It didn't need to happen, as Chuck explains.”

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Use less hot water when taking a shower

“When taking a shower, use your water pump and the fresh water tank when your tank water is lukewarm but the well water for the RV park is icy cold. That way less hot water is needed to mix with the cold.” From reader David Bushouse

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How to fix an RV awning that will not retract properly

“An RVer asks Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, why the awning on his recreational vehicle will not retract evenly and what he can do to fix the problem. In order to fully secure it when not in use, he must go onto the RV's roof to manually adjust the awning to fully secure it.”

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HOW TO: Make a Fitted Sheet fit an RV Mattress

“It seems that we're not the only ones who've found that "King" and "Queen" beds aren't always exactly the same size we were used to in a stick house.

It didn't take long for us to hatch a plan to solve the problem, figuring that some sort of elastic strap beneath the mattress would keep it pulled tight. During a stroll around Wal-Mart (during a typical overnight camping stop) we discovered the perfect solution: suspenders! "

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How To: Fold A Fitted Sheet

“Help is on the way! Premier bed-stylist and soft-goods expert Steven Whitehead reveals the age-old secret of how to properly fold a fitted sheet.”

From Me:  If you don’t want your bottom sheet to go slipping and sliding around, hook both TOP corners over the mattress first, and then do the bottom.

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Should I buy gas or diesel?

“If the question is which truck will tow more or which motorhome has more torque the diesel will win hands down, but I honestly have no complaints with our gas powered motorhome either. Especially when considering the price.

Q&A
Question: Why does a diesel engine have more torque?
Mark Says: Much of the reason is in the way the engine is designed. Internal combustion engines use spark from a spark plug to ignite fuel in the combustion chamber of a gasoline engine and the high heat from compression to ignite the fuel in a diesel engine. It’s more difficult to burn diesel fuel so diesel engines have higher compression ratios resulting in more heat to ignite the fuel and more power.

Question: I have always heard that a diesel engine is much louder than a gas engine, is this true?
Mark Says: If you asked me that several years ago the answer would have been yes, but newer diesel engines are actually very quiet.

Question: You said in the article a diesel motorhome rides better, why is that?
Mark Says: Most gas motorhome chassis’ use leaf spring suspension systems. With this suspension system you will experience things like “body roll” and “pitch.” whenever pressure is exerted against one side of the motorhome. It can be caused by a gust of wind, a shift in weight while cornering, or a passing truck. The effects of sway on a motorhome are increased because of the height and mass of the motorhome. A diesel chassis uses an air ride suspension system. These systems keep the chassis adjusted to the proper ride height at all times by adding and releasing air as required. And the way the system is designed eliminates the pitch and roll affect you get from leaf spring suspensions, resulting in a smoother riding motorhome.   Happy Camping,   Mark J. Polk”  More at: http://www.rvuniversity.com/article.php/20070516070737817

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Dutch RV insurance commercial -- no need for geckos

“So if you can sell car insurance with a gecko, can you sell it without the lizard? A Dutch insurance company shows how you can still have fun without the leapin' lizard.”

(Chatwakan - 2000) “Another commercial for Centraal Beheer Achmea, a Dutch insurance company who always (try to) make good commercials, you can watch them all on their site: http://fun.centraalbeheer.nl/  Then there is this one:

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Shopping for RV insurance -- what all those terms mean

“When it comes to buying RV insurance, it can be a bit tricky — the terms can be so daunting. Just what are you shopping for, and what does it cover? In this and our next installment, we'll walk you through some of the seemingly mysterious terms that come with RV insurance. Read more.”

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On This Day:

Civil War dead honored on Decoration Day, May 30, 1868:

“By proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major Memorial Day observance is held to honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion." Known to some as "Decoration Day," mourners honored the Civil War dead by decorating their graves with flowers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

By the late 19th century, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day, and after World War I, observers began to honor the dead of all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. It is customary for the president or vice president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. More than 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually. Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.”

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First Indianapolis 500 held, May 30, 1911:

“On May 30, 1911, the inaugural Indianapolis 500 is run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. The 200-lap, two-and-a-half mile race has since become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. With the exception of a break in 1917 and 1918 for World War I and from 1942 to 1945 for World War II, it has been run every year since, and is now the largest sporting event in the world, attended by about 270,000 spectators annually.

When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was designed, the track was meant to have a crushed rock and tar surface. That surface was abandoned after only a few races in 1909, due to fatal results caused by unevenness. The rock and tar was replaced by over 3 million street-paving bricks that were filled in with sand and then mortar for strength. The track has since been referred to as "the brickyard," although subsequent resurfacing has covered all but about three feet of the bricks.

At the first Indy 500 in 1911, 40 cars met the qualifications to race. Track founder Carl Fisher felt the large number could lead to danger, so he decided to lead the first lap around the track at about 40 or 45 miles per hour, before pulling off to the side. The "pace car" has since become standard practice at all auto races.

A multi-car accident occurred 13 laps into the race, and the ensuing chaos temporarily disrupted scoring, throwing the finish into dispute when the eventual runner-up, Ralph Mulford, argued that he was the rightful winner. It was Ray Harroun, however, who took home the $14,250 purse, clocking an average speed of 74.59 mph and a total time of 6 hours and 42 minutes.

In the 30th mile of the race, 80,000 spectators watched as a driver from Chicago lost a front wheel, which caused his car to turn over on the track. Both the driver and his mechanic, who rode in the front seat with him, were thrown from the car. The mechanic landed against a fence and was killed instantly, while the driver escaped with a broken arm. The race continued, and the crowd watched nervously as accidents piled up, knowing another fatality could take place at any moment. None did, and Ray Harroun, driving a Marmon, was the only driver in the race who didn’t ride with a mechanic. Instead, he employed a rear-view mirror, his own invention, to keep an eye on the other cars on the track.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to get Jay, and we all had our walks down there.  It was time to go shopping.

First stop was Lowe’s to return some of the unused polycarbonate roofing.  It is 26” wide and 10’ long, so it meant that Jay had to crawl under it and sit in the second seat until we got that out of the way.  I bought some 10’ long drip cap there, but that just rides down the middle of the van.

Then we went to Walmart for Jay to get a few things, and dropped off a bunch of used plastic bags in that recycling.  To save another stop at Petsmart, I bought Misty some Paul Newman’s organic canned dog food there.

Jay had a wheel to return to Northern Tool, so I bought a new ratchet for my tool set there.  My Craftsman one had broken and I don’t know when I can get to Sears in The Woodlands for a free replacement.

We unloaded the paper recycling at St. Marks thrift shop and Jay bought several bargains there, but I didn’t see anything I needed.  But I did find some bargains at Krogers, and then we came home. 

None of the driveway surfacing people that I have called have returned my calls, so we are still stuck on that project for a few more days.

RV Safety Devices. Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Fire Safety. RV Slideout Seal. No Vent Screens. Pressure Regulator. Energy Management System. Fridge Odor. Full-time Domicile? Natural Ant Killer. Cholera In NYC. "Magic" Johnson. Simba and Nala.

 

For “tRaVersing Thursday”, or RV Day:

RV Safety Devices

“Every RV has them, some RVs have more than others, but all require some level of understanding to be sure you and those who travel with you have a safe and enjoyable excursion every single time you take that RV out. I’m talking about mandated RV safety devices.

Do you know how many you have in your rig? Do you know where all yours are located? Do you know if they all work properly? These are all important questions every RVer and every family member should know the answers to. For answers,  right here.”

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“More carbon monoxide detection information
For a little more in-depth information regarding how carbon monoxide detectors operate, check out this on-line article.”

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Mac the Fire Guy video

”Mac the Fire Guy was recently interviewed by Chuck Woodbury and he reveals some additional information regarding RV fire extinguishers. Don’t miss his keen insight. Click here.

Still more fire safety information
Remember, you can’t be too safe when it comes to fire safety. Here’s an article published by Fleetwood you might find interesting.

34 fire facts that can save your life
The heading says it all; again, thanks to Fleetwood for providing this interesting article.”

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Wasted RV Slideout Seal

“Due to deterioration, I need to replace a rubber seal on the perimeter of a slideout on my RV. I do not know the correct name for the seal. And I am in the middle of nowhere TX, working as a gate guard in the oil fields, so my home is also my office, therefore I cannot take it in to get the answers I need. The seal goes along the top and both sides. It is approximately 3-inches wide. I believe it is called a slide sweep. I really need help finding this as I would really like to get this replaced. Thanks!”   Dave W., (Nowhere, TX)

“You are correct David, it's called a wiper seal and it comes in various sizes and designs. Some with one, two, or even no bulbs on it. Bulbs are the round part of the seal that collapses when something contacts it thereby effectuating the seal.

Changing it can be a bit of a pain, but basically you measure the entire length and order that amount plus a little extra as a fudge factor. The old seal will pull off the aluminum extrusion. Then, just snap the new one in place. Make sure all overlapping sections of the wiper are glued and sealed. Use a good weather-stripping adhesive to glue them together. The bulb seal can be purchased from any well-stocked RV dealer or repair center, but RV factory surplus stores up in the Elkhart area also have a great selection. Pelland Enterprises is another source which is sometimes used for such things. They have decent pictures of all the different styles here.   Hope this helps! Chris”  Posted by RV Doctor

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No Screens Please

“Do you have a source for mud dauber or wasp screens for the furnace inlet and outlet vent?” Bill, (Broken Arrow, OK)

“Bill, I do not recommend blocking the fresh air inlet tube or the hot exhaust on the RV furnace with any type of screen, as popular as they seem to be. Any air restriction of these components will cause erratic appliance operation and shorten the life of the appliance. I do, however, recommend taping off those openings during winterizing or other periods of storage or non-use to keep the critters out, but during actual RV use you do not want to modify or impair air flow in or out of the unit.

All mud dauber's nests should be checked for and routinely removed during the annual cleaning of the furnace. The photo exemplifies the importance of annual furnace maintenance, but during the actual operation of the furnace, keep those tubes free from any obstructions! Including those screens commonly found in accessory stores.”    Posted by RV Doctor

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Which End Goes Where?

“I'm embarrassed to ask, but I bought a brass water pressure regulator from an RV supply store. It came without instructions and I didn't think to ask. How do you use this thing? I think you connect it to the faucet in the RV park or do you connect it to the RV? This one has a big end and a smaller end with arrows that point toward the smaller end.” Helene, (McNeal, AZ)

“Helene, there’s no such thing as an embarrassing question, especially concerning RVs! The water pressure regulator you purchased is equipped with garden hose connections at each end; female and male. Your question about where to install it is actually a good question to ask. I recommend installing it as close to the water supply in the campground as possible. With it installed at the spigot at your campsite you are then protecting the fresh water hose as well as the entire fresh system plumbing in the RV. It is permissible to install it directly to the city water inlet on the side of the coach, but then the hose itself will not be protected. You probably purchased a non-adjustable regulator, like in the photo, which is the simplest to use. It is preset at an inlet pressure safe for all the plumbing in the RV. You just hook it up in-line with the fresh water hose. The arrows should point to the RV.”  Posted by RV Doctor

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Rx For EMS

“My question concerns a low AC voltage situation in a Dolphin motorhome equipped with a Smart Model 500 EMS. The voltage is a perfect 120-volts AC until the air conditioner or microwave or coffeemaker is turned on, then the voltage drops by fifteen volts or more. This is tested from a known good 120-volt, 30-amp source. The voltage outside the coach remains steady at 120-volts. The drop is only experienced inside the coach. Any ideas?” Paul, (Hattieville, AR)

“Paul, your diagnosis seems to indicate a problem within the Energy Management System, (EMS), itself since the voltage loss is only experienced inside the coach. The EMS has up to four circuits that are controlled. It is safe to assume that the air conditioner is wired to one of them and I would not be surprised if the microwave and other high current devices like the coffeemaker are as well. Although this type of voltage drop is not a normal failure mode of the EMS, I suspect it in fact, could be the culprit since the voltage outside the coach remains steady and normal and you are experiencing the problem with multiple heavy-load appliances.

With the power to the coach disconnected, open the EMS cover to expose the electrical connections. First make sure all the high voltage wiring is in place and tight. Check the white/neutral and bare/ground wires to make sure they are tightly secured to the neutral and ground bars. Ensure the black/hot leads are secured to the relay terminals and the circuit breakers. Such connections have been known to vibrate loose during travel.

Also, make sure the shore power cord passes through the current sensor loop inside the EMS. Near the top right corner of the board you will notice a fuse, (not shown in drawing). Remove the fuse and inspect it to make sure it is not blown. It is probably a 3A/12V fuse. Near the fuse you will see a multi-pin connector. Unplug the connector and probe pins 1 and 2 (the two uppermost pins) on the harness end and make sure at least 12-volts DC is measured going into the EMS electronics module. If not, check its fuse at the 12-volt DC distribution panel. If the fuse tests fine and you have a healthy 12-volts DC entering the module, it’s probably time to have the complete EMS system tested by a qualified RV service technician. A fifteen volt drop to 105-volts AC is approaching low enough to cause damage in the air conditioner. There is the possibility you may have an internal problem with a relay or the board itself.” Posted by RV Doctor

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Crabby Refer Odor

“How do you get odors out of the RV refrigerator/freezer? I recently had to leave my fifth wheel trailer and truck at a storage facility for about ten days and the batteries to the truck and fifth wheel died, therefore not allowing the propane to ignite. Needless to say, I ended up with spoiled food in the refrigerator and freezer and no matter what I have tried, I cannot get the odor out (specifically crabmeat). Please hurry with your answer!”  Christine, (Orlando, FL)

“Christine, for refrigerator and freezer odors some RVers have suggested using open boxes of baking soda and other remedies like placing wadded up black and white newsprint in the freezer and replacing the pieces every day. Or try one or more of these remedies sent to me by readers in the past. (I swear they are all true!)

* wash the freezer using a liquid citrus degreaser

* thoroughly wash the rubber door seal using an anti-mildew solution

* washing the interior with straight bourbon

* unscented kitty litter, changed daily

* cotton balls saturated with vanilla extract to wipe down the interior; leave balls in for a week

* charcoal briquettes placed on paper towels inside the freezer

* spray the interior with rubbing alcohol, let stand and rinse

* four to six ounces of fresh coffee grounds placed in a sock; leave for one week

* peppermint extract placed in an open container

* place a saturated towel of pure Mexican vanilla in the freezer

I'm not sure which is the absolute best cure, but the most often repeated suggestion was using the crumpled up newspaper. Do let me know what works best in your situation. Keep in mind, some odors may indeed permeate the plastic lining of the refrigerator or any rubber component such as the drain tube, door seals, etc. If that is the case either all plastic components will have to be replaced or perhaps a new refrigerator is in your future.” Posted by RV Doctor

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How to choose a full-time domicile?

The following article, authored by Kirk, has been published in the Jan./Feb., 2013 issue of Escapee's Magazine.

“For most Americans, there is never a question of residence or domicile because of the lifestyle they lead. If they move their homes they buy or rent a physical house and bring with them all of their daily activities. They shop in local stores, subscribe to the local newspaper, visit local doctors, keep their assets in local financial institutions, and become involved in local activities, leaving little doubt that they have only one physical home, residence, or domicile. It simply is never an issue. But for those who choose to become full-time RV’ers this can be less clear.

One of the advantages of the full-time lifestyle is our ability to choose any place to call home. Many full-timers choose a location more tax friendly than the place where they have lived for their working lives, while others may choose to keep the domicile which they have had for many years. Discussing the issue, we must first understand the difference between residency and domicile, as they are not synonyms.”  More at: http://www.adventure.1tree.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=527&Itemid=312

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WHICH STATE TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCY?

“If you are a traveling RVer, you can choose any state to be your home state. There are several factors you want to consider when deciding, but these are the most important:

1)      Does it have an income tax?

2)      Does it require an annual smog or vehicle inspection?

3)      How easy is it to become a resident?

4)      How much will auto insurance cost.

Based on those questions, the great majority of full-time vandwellers and RVers choose one of these four states for Residency (and as their mail forwarders):

• Florida (Good Sam Club)
• Texas (Escapees)
• South Dakota (too many to list-do a Google search)
• Nevada (http://jbmailroom.com/)

None of them have a income tax and it is fairly easy to become a resident. Of these four, South Dakota probably has the lowest
insurance rates.

You can make an argument for each state since they all have pluses and minuses, but my advice has always been to make the final decision based on geographical location. I strongly encourage you to make your decision on where you will spend most of your time.”  From: http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/2012/10/376/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=376

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Natural Ant Killer

“Get rid of ants with this natural ant killer. This homemade ant bait can be prepared quickly and help you get rid of ants around your home or garden for up to a year.

Springtime brings beautiful weather and the arrival of ant season. There are a large variety of ants that invade our homes and yards each year. However, taking care of this problem does not require a lot of harsh chemicals or an expensive pest control bill. For a few dollars, you can get rid of ants yourself.
It is important to understand that an effective ant bait must actually attract the ants. Many commercial preparations are toxic to ants, but the ants will avoid most of these making them a waste of money. Generally speaking, ants are attracted to sugar and/or protein. I have found the following solution to be very effective and only takes a few minutes during each Spring when the ants first appear. 

Gather some small plastic containers with lids.  Poke 4-5 holes spaced evenly around the outside each container about an inch from the top.  It would look something like this:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
...X...O....O....O....O..X
......X..................... X
........X.................X
..........X............X
...........XXXXXX

CAUTION: Borax is toxic. Do not place the traps in areas where animals (like the family pet) can accidentally open the lid and ingest the poison.”      More at: http://naturalantkiller.blogspot.com/

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On This Day:

New York City establishes hospital for cholera victims, May 16, 1849:

“On this day in 1849, the New York City Board of Health is finally able to establish a hospital to deal with a cholera epidemic that, before it ends, kills more than 5,000 people. The rapidly growing city was ripe for an epidemic of this kind because of poor health conditions and its status as a destination for immigrants from around the world.

On December 1, 1948, the ship New York arrived in New York from France. On board were the bodies of seven passengers who had died from cholera on the journey. Upon arrival, the surviving passengers were quarantined at a Staten Island customs warehouse to contain the outbreak. Within a month, 60 of these passengers had experienced cholera symptoms and 30 had died. Afraid of catching the disease and dying, healthy passengers decided to escape from quarantine. Soon, isolated outbreaks of cholera were turning up around New York, often in the city's dirtiest and poorest areas. At that time, pigs and dogs roamed some streets eating garbage that was dumped in streets and alleys. Among the wealthier citizens of the city, there was a perception that the poor deserved the disease because of the unhygienic conditions in which they lived.

Spring brought a substantial rise in the number of cholera victims. There was no hospital to care for the afflicted and many city residents, fearful of catching the disease, did not want a new hospital for cholera victims built near them. Finally, on May 16, the city's Board of Health started a hospital on the second floor of a building on Orange Street above a tavern. Still, the death toll kept climbing, rising from 35 in May to nearly 800 in June. Soon, public school buildings were drafted into use as hospitals. It is estimated that 40 percent of the epidemic's victims were Irish immigrants, although precise totals are impossible to know because wealthier people were often able to have death certificates altered to avoid the stigma of their loved ones having died of cholera.

Vast numbers of people fled the city that summer as the death toll climbed above 2,500 by the end of July. The disposal of bodies became a serious problem. A mass grave was established on Randall's Island, in the East River east of Manhattan; any person with a horse was expected to assist with the carrying of dead bodies.

New York City's first street-cleaning plan was implemented in the face of the epidemic. Public health initiatives like this and the discovery of antibiotics have since decreased the reach and severity of diseases like cholera in much of the world.”

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Magic plays center as a rookie, wins championship, May 16, 1980:

“On May 16, 1980, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson steps in for injured center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and scores 42 points, leading the Lakers to a four games-to-two series win over the Philadelphia 76ers for their first championship since 1972.

No one expected that Magic, at 6 feet 9 inches the tallest point guard in league history, would so easily make the transition to center. Magic rang up 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the Lakers to victory and was named Most Valuable Player of the finals, the first of three such awards in his career. The Lakers went on to dominate the NBA, winning a total of five championships in the 1980s.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I had our walk down there when we went to get Jay, as he was going with me for shopping day.

There was no time to go to any thrift shops as we had a lot of places to go, and more than we thought.  It was raining hard as we drove into Conroe, but fortunately by the time we arrived at the place where I wanted to buy the roofing, all the way on the east side of Conroe, it had quit. 

I had hoped to buy more like we had used on the guest house.  They still haven’t finished their building, but he did take my phone number to let me know if there would be any left over.  So I will have to buy it from Lowes which isn’t quite the same.  We couldn’t pick any up at Lowes, as we also had to pick up two cats at Petco.   As we need 12’ long sheets of the translucent white, we would have to drive with the front passenger window open, which wouldn't be very good on a rainy day and as it was very humid, we would have to run the AC for the cat’s, and our comfort. 

We had to get some medicine for Jay’s fish to cure them of ick and fin rot, so that took some time while we waited for the cats.

We made several other stops before it was time to meet the cat’s Mom at 12.30.  She just had the girl cat with her.  She had to leave the boy cat at the vet, as they had to anesthetize him just to get a bit of blood for his FIV/FeLV test.  Oh! Oh! He sounds like trouble.  We followed her all the way back to the east side of Conroe, and we had to wait for the boy cat to be steady enough to travel.   Both cat’s tests were negative.  The lady and her mother obviously loved these two 2-year-old sibling felines, and supplied two very nice carriers,  a three-storey kitty condo, big bag of food, blankies, treats, litter box and litter.  The cats used to sleep with the mother, so it was pretty hard on her.  They told me, that for some reason the two cats don’t even like each other anymore.

The lady and her mother had just sold their house and moved into a fifth wheel in an RV park.   They could take their little dog, but not the two cats also.  So that is why the cats are being fostered with me until they can go in our cat habitat on the first of June.  I had two big cages ready in my grooming room, and the girl cat, “Nala”, came out of her carrier into her cage.  She ate a little bit of food. The big boy cat, Simba, was hissing and snarling, showing big fangs and claws when anyone went near his carrier.  Jay just put the carrier in the cage with the carrier door open, and I took Jay home.

When Ray, next door in my guest house, got home he helped me get the top part of the carrier off the bottom part, without either of us getting mutilated, and the boy cat just sat in there, glaring and wouldn’t touch his food.  Later, I was able to get the bottom part out and a cat bed in there so he would be more comfortable.   He hisses and snarls at anyone who even looks at him.  He tries to claw at you through the cage, so he has to stay in there until he shows better manners.

The girl cat’s cage door was opened so that she could inspect the grooming room, but every time she saw her brother she would start hissing and snarling, too.  Then she would go back in the cage, even though the door was open.   I hope they settle down once they are over the trauma of yesterday.