Meteorology, Oceanography and the Bible. Wandering Planets. Do a Little. Goat Cheese. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday": 

Meteorology, Oceanography and the Bible

"The Bible is not a science book, but it includes many fascinating scientific facts. Consider these four facts about meteorology and oceanography.

The Bible focuses on teaching us God’s plan for our lives and the best way to live. However, when we study the Bible, we also find plenty of scientific tidbits that can strengthen our faith in its authenticity.

Consider these Bible facts about the wind and sea, recorded long before they were common knowledge:

1. Air has weight.

Job 28:25: “To establish a weight for the wind.”

The Bible claims that wind or air has a measurable weight. Yet people have not always known this. Our bodies are so accustomed to atmospheric pressure that we don’t think of the air as “weighing us down.”

According to NOVA, the idea that air has physical properties such as weight was first proposed by Isaac Beeckman in 1618; even then he was staunchly opposed by his contemporaries.

However, over the next centuries, scientists confirmed that there is indeed a “weight of the wind.” A column of air stretching from sea level to the top of the atmosphere just one square inch in cross-section weighs about 14.7 pounds! (A similar column of air one square centimeter in cross-section has a mass of about 1.03 kilograms.)

That is, air is matter made up of individual bits (molecules) that each have mass and weight. The temperature and weights of these molecules control the density of an air mass. Its density, in turn, determines the pressure of the air mass and how it will interact with other air masses at weather fronts.

In other words, our modern understanding of meteorology is based on this central fact described long ago in the Bible!

2. Water can evaporate, condense, precipitate and collect in an endless cycle.

Several scriptures make clear that water continually circulates between earth’s surface and earth’s atmosphere. The water cycle remains a crucial model for many modern fields including meteorology, oceanography and geology.Job 36:27-28: “For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man” (see also Job 26:8 and Ecclesiastes 1:7)."  by Heather Cole           More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/is-the-bible-true/how-do-we-know-the-bible-is-true/meteorology-oceanography-and-the-bible/

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From me: It says in Isaiah 40:22, which was written in the 8th century Before Christ: "God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them." (NIV) 

If they had studied their Bible, the ancient people would have known that the earth wasn't flat!!

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Wandering Planets

AN AMAZING FACT:  "A rogue planet is a planetary object that has been moved from its system and is no longer bound by the gravitational forces of a star. Some astronomers actually believe there might be twice as many Jupiter-sized rogue planets as there are stars.

The concept and understanding of planets have developed throughout history and have expanded to include worlds not only in our solar system, but also in hundreds of other solar systems. Trying to define what a “planet” is has led to much scientific controversy.

The five classical planets visible to the naked eye have been known since ancient times. They have had a large impact on mythology, religious cosmology, and ancient astronomy. Thousands of years ago astronomers noticed how certain lights moved across the sky in relation to the other stars. Ancient Greeks called these lights “wandering stars.” The Greek word planetoi means “wanderers,” from which today’s word “planet” was derived.

In the short New Testament book of Jude, the writer warns of false teachers who were leading Christians astray. They might have preached about freedom and grace, but their lives showed that they didn’t really believe in Jesus Christ. They were immoral and destructive. Jude describes them like this: “They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 12, 13).

Perhaps the writer of Jude understood astronomy better than his fellow astronomers back then. Maybe his description of wandering stars (rogue planets) actually captures well these planetary objects not tied to an orbit around a star. We too can find ourselves as wandering stars when we try to exist in our own spheres of orbit. We would find more meaning and purpose in life if we allowed ourselves to be pulled in by the Spirit into an orbiting relationship with the Son of Righteousness."

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Do a Little

"We humans seem to be able to reason that the little we might do will not amount to much—so why bother?

To our way of thinking, unless our actions bring about a great change, they are useless. How often have we walked by a piece of paper or rubbish that someone dropped and we ourselves do not bend to pick it up because there is more rubbish to be seen? It seems like an endless task. What we may not notice is that in our inner man, changes take place. We can become careless in many little things as our values slowly change.

Jesus explained that when He observed a person being faithful in something small (like picking up a piece of paper and putting it in the trash bin), He knew that the person would be faithful with larger responsibilities (Luke:19:17). Jesus was looking at what was going on within the mind of the person—not on the little act that took place. For all of us, it is the inner man that we are developing by doing a little."  From: http://www.ucg.org/this-is-the-way/do-little/

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For your info:

Is Goat Cheese Good for You?

"Goat cheese contains less lactose than cheese made from cow’s milk, so it is typically well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

If you have an allergy to milk protein, you may be able to tolerate cheese made from goat’s milk because it’s formed with shorter amino acid protein chains than cow’s milk.

Goat’s milk has a chemical structure that’s similar to that of breast milk, and it has smaller fat globules than cow’s milk, which tend to make goat cheese easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese (even for people with a sensitive stomach)

Goat cheese has fewer calories and sodium per serving, and more vitamin D, vitamin K, thiamine, and niacin than cheddar.

The goat cheese you select should be made from high-quality milk, ideally raw organic milk from pastured animals; since goats are “browsers,” they also need access to natural “browse” (or woody plants, such as shrubs) from which to eat leaves.  Complete article at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/28/goat-cheese-benefits.aspx

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Update:

Jay cleaned the pine needles off the roofs, so we raked them up and that meant another burn pile. Jay and I are still spasmodically working on the storeroom extension.  Ray's back has been really bothering him and he has been laying on his couch most of the time.  This morning he went to the Emergency Room and they gave him some shots and meds.

It was time for my six month check up at the cardiologist.  A lady did a sonogram of my heart and and the doctor says it is in better shape now than when I got out of the hospital after the bypass surgery.  He ordered another blood test for my thyroid to see if I really need that thyroid medicine. He said that one's numbers can fluctuate, and it might have been unusually high when I had the previous test.   The med is difficult to take, as you can't take it with four hours of having calcium.  It gave me insomnia, when I took it, and that was also when my left leg started to swell up.  Another medicine did that to me too. 

The foster dog, Baby Girl, and foster cat, Nala, are still here and not adopted yet.  Fortunately, this big 52 lb dog is obedient and easy to live with.  The cat thinks that this is her forever home, but at my age they both need to have new homes now, and not upon my demise when they are older.

Yesterday, I went to church by myself, as Jay and Ray weren't well, and it was great to be around such positive people. The readings were from Psalms 61,62,63, and 65.  Then Deut.11:26-chapter 18, Brother Les got carried away and read more than he was supposed to! 

The Teaching was about the Feasts as we are right in the middle of two of God's Holy Feast Days.  These links explain it better than I can.  See: http://www.ucg.org/booklet/gods-holy-day-plan-promise-hope-all-mankind/gods-festivals-new-testament/ 

and  http://www.ucg.org/gods-holy-day-plan/ 

and http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/feast-of-trumpets/

The First Resurrection at the Last Trumpet

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/the-first-resurrection-at-the-last-trumpet/

 

The potluck was great as usual.  The week before, a visiting member from the church at Cisco had brought a big box of hard pears, so I took a few home with me.  They would only soften up when cooked, like in a pie or whatever.  I don't eat pastries, so I found a recipe for braised celery and pears, and it was tasty.  The pastor and his wife brought a brisket, and it was so tender.  We had the usual salads, lasagna, veggies and desserts, even a cake saying "Happy Feast Day".

'Wood' Rot. Personal Safety. $10! Trees. Nan Madol. Euro Debuts.

 

For "Summary Saturday", or News, some old, some new:

Wood product said to be rotting in 'green'-built homes

"Make It Right, known for its homes’ eye-catching designs and “green” building features such as solar panels and rainwater collectors, was interested in an alternative to conventional treated lumber, which “usually uses chemicals,” Royle said. “In trying to be sustainable and green, we didn’t want to use decking lumber that had chemicals in it,” she said.

The absence of chemicals in the TimberSIL wood meant it could be “mulched and composted at the end of its life cycle,” she said.

But now, decks and steps that were built as recently as three years ago are showing signs of rot, with the wood taking on a dark gray tinge. “It was unable to withstand moisture, which obviously is a big problem in New Orleans,” Royle said.

Billy Ward, president of the Louisiana Home Builders Association, said he hadn’t heard of the glass-infused wood product, but he noted that he’s seen “many products come and go” during his three decades in the industry.

It’s unclear whether the material has gained widespread use in Louisiana or elsewhere across the country."  More at:  http://theadvocate.com/news/neworleans/neworleansnews/7899967-123/innovative-wood-product-used-in 

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Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this.

"WRITTEN BY A COP: Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation... This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, & everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts...

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..  If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig –zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.
Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!  This should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana. Please pass this on.  "

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What can $10 Get You In The World’s Poorest Countries?

"What can you do with $10? You can go to a movie or buy yourself two beers on a Friday night. You can get an ice-cream and a pop-corn. But we rarely think of the worth of our money on an international scale – what if you were living in one of the world’s poorest countries? What would you $10 be worth in a country where it’s equivalent to several days’ – even weeks’ – work.

The poorest countries earn less than 1000 Int$ on average in a year. Nine of the ten poorest countries on our list are in Africa – a stark example of the inequality inherent in the division of the world’s wealth. For those of us living in the countries at the top of the list, it’s hard to imagine existing on so little. To put your earning power into context, let’s look at what $10 can buy you in the world’s 10 poorest countries:  More at: http://www.therichest.com/rich-list/poorest-list/what-can-10-get-you-in-the-worlds-poorest-countries/

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Mouth Breathing During Exercise May Increase Your Risk for Asthma and Cardiac Problems

"Close to 80 percent of the Western population breathes incorrectly with habits such as breathing through your mouth instead of your nose, using the upper chest, and having noticeable breathing during rest.

Your nose is the only organ able to properly prepare the air you breathe; mouth breathing leads to overbreathing, chronic hyperventilation, depleted carbon dioxide levels, reduced blood circulation and narrowing of the airways.

Mouth breathing and resultant overbreathing elevates your blood pressure and heart rate and worsens asthma, allergies, rhinitis, sleep apnea, and deprives your heart, brain and other organs of optimal oxygenation.

Overbreathing and hyperventilation during exercise can lead to reduced performance, and can also cause vasoconstriction, which increases your risk for arrhythmias and heart problems, even if you have none of the usual cardiac risk factors. 

Your Nose: The Most Underused Organ in Your Body

Complete article at: http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/12/27/proper-exercise-breathing.aspx

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THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT TREES

"Trees are one of natures most magical things - they provide shelter and habitat for numerous species; during photosynthesis they produce oxygen which is vital for most life on Earth; and they are among the oldest living things on our planet. Let's all take a moment and really appreciate trees!"

"Trees create immense negative pressures of 10's of atmospheres by evaporating water from nanoscale pores, sucking water up 100m in a state where it should be boiling but can't because the perfect xylem tubes contain no air bubbles, just so that most of it can evaporate in the process of absorbing a couple molecules of carbon dioxide.  Now I didn't mention the cohesion of water (that it sticks to itself well) but this is implicit in the description of negative pressure, strong surface tension etc."

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10 Strangest Trees On Earth

"This list contains ten of the weirdest trees in the world - planet earth."

From me:  You might want to turn the volume down!  Maybe, it's just me, but I don't care for the loud music!

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10 most magnificent trees

"Some amazing trees, its significance and finally . . the vedic perspective of trees . ."

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The Reef of Heaven

Nan Madol is the only known ancient city ever built on top of a coral reef. Construction is thought to have started 1,500 years ago and the Saudeleur people built 92 islands in the water next to Pohnpei, which is today part of the Federated States of Micronesia. (Wikimedia/CT Snow)

An Amazing Fact: "Eight degrees north of the equator in Micronesia, on the remote island of Pohnpei, can be found the haunting ruins of Nan Madol—known also as the Machu Pichu of the Pacific. On this jungle-clad island surrounded by beautiful coral reefs rests a lost city made of bizarre stone “logs.”

The ruins of this forgotten civilization are one of archaeology’s best-kept secrets and greatest mysteries. Nan Madol, which means “reef of heaven,” was abandoned centuries ago. The ruins cover nearly 150 acres in shallow tidal waters bordering the reef-protected jungle, and a labyrinth of stonewalled canals crisscrosses 92 small manmade islands.

Its major buildings are constructed of giant stone logs that are 18 feet long and several feet in diameter. These logs are made of volcanic basalt crystal and weigh up to two-and-a-half tons. They are stacked like cordwood to form walls up to 50 feet high and 18 feet thick.
The main structures resemble the ceremonial squares constructed by the Mayans and Aztecs.

It would have required a large organized workforce and sophisticated culture to create this “Venice of the Pacific,” but this race of builders has vanished. The reasons for its construction, how the massive stone were transported, or why it was abandoned are all unknown. Even the natives now presently living on Pohnpei are equally mystified by Nan Madol.

In the book of Revelation, John describes a civilization that will last forever. A holy city will come down from heaven to the Earth and will be inhabited by God’s people for eternity. Immense and beautiful stones will be used in its construction. But one thing will be missing. Unlike Nan Madol, which had a temple, John says, “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22).

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More about Nan Madol: http://www.weather.com/travel/mysterious-sunken-ruins-nan-madol-photos-20131118

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On This Day:

The euro debuts, Jan 4, 1999:

"On this day in 1999, for the first time since Charlemagne's reign in the ninth century, Europe is united with a common currency when the "euro" debuts as a financial unit in corporate and investment markets. Eleven European Union (EU) nations (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain), representing some 290 million people, launched the currency in the hopes of increasing European integration and economic growth. Closing at a robust 1.17 U.S. dollars on its first day, the euro promised to give the dollar a run for its money in the new global economy. Euro cash, decorated with architectural images, symbols of European unity and member-state motifs, went into circulation on January 1, 2002, replacing the Austrian schilling, Belgian franc, Finnish markka, French franc, German mark, Italian lira, Irish punt, Luxembourg franc, Netherlands guilder, Portugal escudo and Spanish peseta. A number of territories and non-EU nations including Monaco and Vatican City also adopted the euro.

Conversion to the euro wasn't without controversy. Despite the practical benefits of a common currency that would make it easier to do business and travel throughout Europe, there were concerns that the changeover process would be costly and chaotic, encourage counterfeiting, lead to inflation and cause individual nations to loose control over their economic policies. Great Britain, Sweden and Demark opted not to use the euro. Greece, after initially being excluded for failing to meet all the required conditions, adopted the euro in January 2001, becoming the 12th member of the so-called eurozone. The euro consists of 8 coins and 7 paper bills.

The Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB) manages the euro and sets interest rates and other monetary policies. In 2004, 10 more countries joined the EU—-Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. "

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Yesterday:

It was too cold to do anything else but stay indoors or go shopping.  I had heard that Jay had fallen off the wagon again, so I went shopping without him.  The main items on my list were different foods for my three animals. 

Misty, my old dog, is on prescription canned food for her ailing kidneys.  She could eat homemade food, but for me to make it exactly right, would be a big undertaking.  It has to be low protein, low phosphorus, high fat, with added supplements. 

Ava, my 'new' 12 year old cat, has just wanted to eat cheap Friskies canned cat which has bad 'by-products' in it, but I have finally found a better brand that she will eat.   

Nala, my foster cat was getting low on the only wet food that she will eat, refrigerated FreshPet.  Both these cats, if they had their way, would just eat dry cat food, which is so bad for them.

First place was the vet to get some more food for Misty.  Also, they wrote me a prescription, so that I can buy it at Petsmart, which is closer for me.  Next, I stopped at HEB to get Nala's refrigerated food, then on to Petsmart to get more of Ava's new food, and get Misty's prescription set up.  What we do for our critters, but they are worth it. 

The last stop was for a few groceries for me.  As Jay wasn't with me, I didn't even stop at any thrift shops.

It was cold until the sun came out, and then it was a nice, but still chilly day.

O'ahu ʻElepaio Bird. Solar Power Singeing Birds. BirdNote: Fairywrens and Birds of Paradise! St. Joseph, MO. Nuremberg. Galvanized Roofing.

 

For "Winged Wednesday":

O'ahu ʻElepaio

From Rare Powers to Rare Species: 
 

The diminutive ʻElepaio (pronounced “el-a-pie-o”) had remarkable powers, according to native Hawaiians. Canoe-builders considered the bird an incarnation of their patron goddess Lea: If the bird pecked at a fallen koa tree, it was a sign that the tree was riddled with insects and unusable for boat-building. Farmers believed that this insectivorous bird was the incarnation of Lea's sister goddess, Hina-pukuʻai, a patron of agriculture.

This bold and adaptable bird may indeed follow people when they enter its forest habitat, and quickly learns to exploit feeding opportunities created by human activity. Unfortunately, the Oʻahu ‘Elepaio—an Old World monarch flycatcher—is in serious decline on its native island, where it was once among the most common land birds. Declines have been so severe that the species is listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. It is also a U.S. WatchList species.

More than half of the O’ahu ‘Elepaio’s former range has been converted to agriculture or urban development. Fires also threaten the remaining suitable habitat. Mosquito-borne diseases such as avian pox and malaria are a problem throughout its range. (Learn more about Hawaiʻi, the bird extinction capital of the world.)

Nest predation by black rats is the most serious current problem, although rat-control efforts have been locally effective at stabilizing the bird’s population. Recent research shows that Oʻahu ‘Elepaio in some areas are evolving in response to rat predation by building their nests higher off the ground."

For millenia, the ‘Elepaio has been a part of the Hawaiian landscape. You can help keep the ‘Elepaio in the picture by joining ABC’s “Keep Birds in the Picture” Challenge. A dollar-for-dollar match will double the value of your gift received by Dec. 31, 2013.

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California solar power plants singeing bird feathers

A 459-foot solar tower, surrounded by thousands of reflecting mirrors, is one of three towers about to go online at BrightSource Energy's Ivanpah solar project in east San Bernardino County.(Photo: The (Palm Springs, Calif.) Desert Sun)

At the moment, Ivanpah -- now in the testing stage -- is the largest solar thermal plant in the world.

"IN THE MOJAVE DESERT, Calif. — The picture is unsettling and disturbing.   A small bird, barely the size of a human hand, had its wings reduced to a web of charred spines. No longer able to keep aloft, the bird was found on the ground after it had flown through the intense heat of a solar thermal project soon to go online in the California desert.

"A migrating bird has to be in top form, having the flight feathers in really good shape," said ornithology collections manager Kimball L. Garrett of the Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County, who has not seen the picture from Ivanpah but has been concerned about bird deaths at large solar projects.

"If some of its flight feathers are damaged, what does that mean for the rest of the bird's migration?" he said. "It weakens feathers. These are things people don't study because — how can you?"

Trying to estimate how many birds could be injured or killed because of large-scale solar projects and what might be done to prevent deaths has become a pressing concern for solar developers and environmental agencies as these projects multiply. Developers hope to have the Palen project online in 2016."  More and video at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/10/bird-feathers-singed-solar-power/3491617

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Threat to migrating birds puts spotlight on Bob Kerrey bridge

"The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge illuminates Omaha's skyline, but the bridge's lights may contribute to the deaths of migrating birds in the spring and fall.

So, federal wildlife officials have asked the city to turn off all but essential bridge lights from April 15 through May 31 and Sept. 1 through Oct. 31.

Earlier in the week the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notified Bench of its concern that the bridge lights could be claiming the lives of night-migrating birds.

Robert Harms, a wildlife biologist with the service, said many birds migrate at night and can become disoriented by bright lights. Birds at risk include robins, warblers, herons, cranes, geese and sandpipers.

Federal law protects migrating birds from direct and indirect threats, Harms said.  Common indirect threats are things such as city lights, power lines and guy wires.

Harms said no bird carcasses have been found on the bridge that links Omaha and Council Bluffs, but that it's likely birds are falling into the Missouri River."  More at: http://www.omaha.com/article/20131104/NEWS/131109503

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Wisconsin's 2011 Blow-Down Area Provides Benefits for Imperiled Species
Storm Left Counties Buried in Wood but Created a Home for Declining Warbler

"Not far from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, a massive 2011 wind storm struck and leveled trees for miles across northwestern Wisconsin, causing a variety of widespread problems, which for some are still an issue today. Yet out of the wind-strewn wreckage comes a happy “re-start” for the tiny Golden-winged Warbler, one of the most threatened, non-federally listed bird species in eastern North America.

“Generally, most people saw the blow-down as massively destructive,” said Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Biologist Bob Hanson. “However, with the correct management prescription, it actually has provided some great habitat for this potentially endangered species. The shotgun pattern the storm left created new areas of young forest, a requirement of the Golden-winged Warbler.”"  More at: http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/131030.html

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Displaying Raggiana Bird of Paradise

"Wow, the Birds of Paradise ... a family of superlatives. Cornell and National Geographic led an unprecedented multi-year expedition to film all 39 species. Check out this Raggiana Bird of Paradise, the star of Friday's show, as he struts his stuff >>

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BirdNote: Fairywrens and Birds of Paradise!

 

Upcoming Shows

Red-backed Fairywren SUNDAY  Speciation and Biodiversity Featuring Dr. Mike Webster, Director of the Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab of Ornithology  LISTEN NOW ►

Spectacled Eider  MONDAY  Dive in the Ice in Winter  by Todd Peterson  LISTEN NOW ►

Red-shouldered Hawk  TUESDAY  One Gorgeous Bird of Prey  by Bob Sundstrom  LISTEN NOW ►

Green-winged Teal  WEDNESDAY Fancy Ducks by Bob Sundstrom   LISTEN NOW ►

THURSDAY The Importance Of The Yellow Sea To Migratory Birds  Featuring Nils Warnock Ph.D., Director Audubon Alaska  LISTEN NOW ►

Raggiana Bird of Paradise  FRIDAY Birds of Paradise by Bob Sundstrom  LISTEN NOW ►

American Crow  SATURDAY  Crows and Chips by Ellen Blackstone  LISTEN

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On This Day:

Blacksnake Hills trading post is renamed St. Joseph, Nov 20, 1843:

"Established as the Blacksnake Hills trading post in 1826, the growing community along the banks of the Missouri River adopts the more impressive St. Joseph as its name.

As with many early western towns, St. Joseph began as a fur trading post. The French-Canadian Joseph Robidoux III shrewdly located his Blacksnake Hills post at the entrance to the Indian-controlled Platte country so he could trade cloth, metal pots, and other manufactured goods for Native Americans' furs. As the numbers of Anglo settlers in the region increased and the fur-bearing animals disappeared, though, the Indians were steadily squeezed out. In June 1836, the Platte territory became part of the new state of Missouri.

Although the fur trade declined after the 1830s, the town nonetheless prospered and continued to grow as a popular gateway to the West for overland travelers. No longer a mere trading post, the city leaders decided their little town needed a more impressive title than Blacksnake Hills and renamed it St. Joseph.

The number of overland emigrants picking St. Joseph as a rendezvous spot and jumping-off point for their westbound wagon trains continued to grow, and the town prospered by providing these emigrants with the food, wagons, stock animals, and the many other supplies they needed to make the westward journey. In 1849 alone, more than 2,000 wagons crossed the Missouri River there.

By 1859, St. Joseph was the second largest city in Missouri, surpassed only by St. Louis. With the arrival of the railroad that same year, St. Joseph became the eastern terminus of the short-lived Pony Express, which picked up mail delivered by train to St. Joseph and brought it by horseback to California from 1860 to 1861.

After the Civil War, Kansas City began to eclipse St. Joseph as the major western travel hub and crossroad for western emigrants. Its proximity to the southern cattle trails and Hannibal Bridge across the Missouri, which eliminated the need for ferries, made it a more attractive stop than St. Joseph."

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Nuremberg trials begin, Nov 20, 1945:

"Twenty-four high-ranking Nazis go on trial in Nuremberg, Germany, for atrocities committed during World War II.

On October 16, 10 of the architects of Nazi policy were hanged. Goering, who at sentencing was called the "leading war aggressor and creator of the oppressive program against the Jews," committed suicide by poison on the eve of his scheduled execution. Nazi Party leader Martin Bormann was condemned to death in absentia (but is now believed to have died in May 1945). Trials of lesser German and Axis war criminals continued in Germany into the 1950s and resulted in the conviction of 5,025 other defendants and the execution of 806."

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Yesterday:

Ray and I started late, but we got something important done.   We needed some of that 1/2" x 1/2" wire fencing to cover some of the screen on the screen porch, so that the cats couldn't fall through, up on the top triangles.  There is a wide ledge there, and some cats like to be high up, and they could push on the screen wire.  The fencing will make it stronger as it will be installed with fencing staples.

But all that galvanized roofing that came off the old RVport was on top of the wire mesh.  So we moved all the galvanized roofing onto my flatbed trailer, and listed it on Craigslist and www.bookoo.com .  By the time we had it stacked, in size order, we were done.  Already, I have had a reply to the ad today.

RV Transfer Switch. Batteries. Solar Panels. Tire Brands. Truck Campers. Keep Cool/Warm. "No Trace." World War II With Germany Over.

 

for "tRaVersing Thursday", or RV day:

Take care of your generator's transfer switch

"Got a "built-in" RV generator? Don't have to "plug and unplug" shore power cords when switching from shore power to the generator? Then you have an ATS (automatic transfer switch). They're convenient — no need to go outside, open a door, and plug the shore power cord into a special receptacle fed by the genset.

However, there are a couple of caveats you need to be aware of: An ATS is not a "perfect" device, and problems can occur. Here's a good rule when firing up the generator when using an ATS. In fact, this is a good rule when firing up any RV generator, ATS or not: Reduce power consumption before firing up the generator. That means, make sure the air conditioner, the microwave oven, the portable electric space heater--any of those "big draw" devices are turned off."   Read them here.

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Like Horses, Batteries Need To Be Watered Too!

How to maintain your RV batteries

"Just like horses, batteries need water, too. Rich "The Wanderman" shows you how to do basic maintenance on your RV batteries to keep them in top shape for a long life. Find out how easy it is!

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How much maintenance is required on solar panels?

"So you want to "go solar." That means installing solar panels. Okay, good. But what happens after that? How much maintenance is required?" Read the article.

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Can you mix different brands of tires?

"When it comes time to replace one or more of the tires on their RV, many people shop based on price so they are confronted with questions such as: "Do I need to replace all the tires at the same time or can I just buy one to replace the damaged tire, or just a pair for the front axle?" Or, "Do I have to keep the same brand or size or design of tire or can I make a change?" Find out.

"I strongly suggest you do your research in the comfort of your home or at a campground rather than on the side of the Interstate and on the phone with the tire service company."

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Truck camper buying tip

"Thinking about buying a truck camper? You've joined a big group of folks who appreciate the flexibility these RVs provide. They're the only RVs with no running gear — no axles, wheels or brakes. No springs and suspension system. These all are part of your truck. But just because a truck camper doesn't have its own running gear doesn't mean you should ignore these things. Whatever truck you choose for your camper must be carefully considered." Read all about it.

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Lingering in the desert?

"Keep cool the low energy way.
Some snowbirds like to stick it out in the desert until the increasing heat thoroughly thaws out their bones before moving north. However, some Spring days can easily reach into the 90s and if you are boondocking, running an air conditioner from your main engine or a generator for hours should not be an option. But here are two ideas."  This works for winter, too!

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Oddball RV paint jobs

"You likely won't be motivated to repaint your rig after seeing these photos of offbeat paint jobs — but you will be entertained. See the photos."

 

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Safely Jacking Up a Travel Trailer

"I have a 24-foot travel trailer with tandem axles. I would like to know the best way to get all four wheels off the ground at the same time to service wheels, besides rolling onto blocks to get one axle at a time. The axle owner's manual says not to jack on the axles. Where is the best place to jack and block for wheel service?" David L. (Cumming, GA)

"David, in my shop, if I couldn’t get the entire RV onto a hoist, I would only jack one side of the trailer at a time. Perform the service at each axle on that one side, then move to the other side. I would jack only on the main frame rail and allow the suspension to hang until both tires were clear of the shop floor. I would then lower that side onto appropriate, (read: weight capable), safety jack stands. Then simply repeat the process on the other side. For any RV being raised up with a floor jack, it’s much safer to always have at least two tires (or one side), safely on the ground at all times. Remember, safety first, the time element, second!"   Posted by RV Doctor

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Trivia

"In 1942, Revolite, then a division of Johnson & Johnson, developed an adhesive tape made from a rubber-based adhesive applied to a durable duck cloth backing. This tape resisted water and was used as sealing tape on ammunition cases during World War II. Today we call it Duct tape."

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RV Tip:

"Don't speed when driving. Slow down. Use the right lane when possible. Lowering your speed five or ten miles per hour won't delay your arrival time by much, and you'll save fuel and be safer. What's the hurry?"

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What's your "no trace" RV ethic?

"A columnist in an Idaho newspaper has a few gripes about bad campground behavior. Trash in fire rings, dog poop on trails, and the other usual suspects. Sometimes bad behavior is just that--a person with a nasty attitude. Other times it's just a matter of education. How's your campground courtesy knowledge?

Here are some tips that can make fellow campers (and park personnel) a lot happier:
Don't trash: It may be "biodegradable" but it can take a long time for the bio to degrade. Even paper plates can take four months to disintegrate, but a plastic drinking bottle? Try 500 years.
How about burning the trash? Not only does the stuff stink, it doesn't always burn up. Imagine being the next guy in your site, confronted with a lot of garbage to clean up.
If there aren't any trash cans, then use the "Pack it in, Pack it out" philosophy.
Got a tenter in your group? Encourage them to put their tent up on a designated tent pad. Putting them on native vegetation can stunt, even kill the stuff.
Walking around the campground? Please don't walk through somebody else's site. Cutting across a site is nothing but disconcerting--it invades a personal space.
Heading out from your site? Stick to the established trails. "Pioneers" cutting a new path, like tents in the wrong place, kill vegetation.
You've got an RV--use the bathroom there, or make the hike to the campground toilet. Whizzing in the woods (or worse) ain't great in the eyes (and nose) of your next door neighbor.
The same holds true for Rover. Take a poop collecting bag and follow up on your dog. Put the bag in the trash or tote it home with you.
The ethics of "leave no trace" make for a nicer time for everyone." Posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris

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On This Day:

Truman declares war with Germany officially over, Oct 24, 1951:

"On this day in 1951, President Harry Truman finally proclaims that the nation's war with Germany, begun in 1941, is officially over. Fighting had ended in the spring of 1945.

Most Americans assumed that the war with Germany had ended with the cessation of hostilities six years earlier. In fact, a treaty with Germany had not been signed. Complicating the treaty process was the status of territory within what was formerly the German state. Following the Second World War, the major Western powers (U.S., Britain and France) and the Soviets agreed to divide the country, including the capital city of Berlin, into democratic and communist-controlled sectors. Both East and West Berlin ended up within the Soviet-controlled territory of East Germany and the capital became the epicenter of increasing tensions between the West and Soviet Russia. Each side claimed the other had violated post-war treaties regarding their respective spheres of influence in post-war Europe. The conflict over Berlin came to a head in June 1948 when Stalin ordered a blockade of the city. Truman did not want to abandon Berlin to the Soviets and ordered an airlift to supply the western sectors with food and fuel. The treaty process was put on hold until the Western powers could agree on what to do about Berlin. A Soviet atomic weapons test on October 3, 1951, increased the tension.

In his proclamation on this day, Truman stated that it had always been America's hope to create a treaty of peace with the government of a united and free Germany, but that Soviet policy had "made it impossible." The official end to the war came 10 years and two months after Congress had declared open war with Nazi Germany on December 11, 1941."

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Yesterday:

It was shopping day, so Misty and I went to get Jay, as he wanted to get out of the subdivision.  We had our walk down there and Misty was tracking an armadillo.  We could tell what it was by the way it had been rooting around in the grass.  I don't let Misty walk on private property, so she couldn't track it all the way to the lake.

In Conroe, we stopped at Walmart.  I had some canned cat food to return, as it wasn't a brand that I feed my cats. Also, I was trying so find a certain cat food for Peekers, my foster kitten. One of the foster moms said she thought she had the cat food's name right!  It is what they feed at the SPCA Cat Habitat, where Peekers will be going eventually.  It wasn't there, so I used the store credit on a new circular saw blade.

We stopped at the health food store as I wanted to buy some dextrose (glucose) for sweetener, but they didn't have any.  Amazon has it for $4.99 for a 2lb bag, so I might have to send off for it.

We dropped off the paper recycling at St.Mark's thrift shop, but after a quick look inside, we came out empty handed.

We went downtown Conroe to the Assistance League thrift shop where I bought a cookie tin, and some new Gel insoles for 50c.  When we got to the Nearly New thrift shop we remembered that it had moved, but we couldn't remember where.

We made our way south to a pawn shop there.  Jay had a tile cutting wet saw that he wanted to sell.  They didn't offer him enough, so we put it back in the van. At Taco Cabana we shared some tacos, guacamole, rice and beans. I don't normally eat at fast food places, but I was hungry.

Kroger's didn't have the cat food either, but I bought a few food bargains.  I found the cat food at PetSmart, but when I got it home, it didn't look the same as what had been sent with Peekers.  What I bought has corn meal and 'by-products' in it, and I don't think the SPCA would feed that, knowing how it harms a cat's urinary tract.

Even though the day had started off cool, I was glad that I had turned on the AC for the animals, as it turned into a warm day.

Happy Boondocking. RV Tips. BioLite Camp Stove Charges Phones. Two Liter Shower. Oops Awards. Malcolm slays Macbeth. Panama Canal. Woodstock. Avions.

 

For “tRaVersing Thursday”, or RV day:

Use common sense--and a few tricks--to become a happy boondocker

“Boondocking is not brain surgery. Anyone can camp overnight without hookups. Two or three days takes a little effort--no, not effort--but, common sense in the use of your resources.
What resources? Electricity and how fast you deplete it from your batteries, drinking water and how much you waste, and that resultant waste water filling up your gray water tank. Filling the black tank is usually not a restricting factor.
Where boondocking requires a bit more effort, more creative thinking, more conservation, and more planning--the art and skill of boondocking--is in extending your boondocking days. Getting as many days "our there" as you can squeeze in between having to pack up camp and drive off to replenish electricity (charging your batteries), fill your water tank, and dump your waste tanks. Staying out longer, and doing it comfortable, is what makes a boondocker happy.

It also takes experience. Every time you boondock, you learn a new trick or two to extend your stay. Simple, common sense acts--that with experience become second nature--like not letting your faucets run, taking Navy showers, re-using the water you run when waiting for hot water to come, reducing the amount of waste water you let flow into your gray tank, turning off lights and TV when not being used--this bag of tricks--are what makes boondocking a successful  and fun way to camp.
Look at it this way. If you were just as comfortable without hookups as you were with them, where would you rather camp. With neighbors within 15 or feet on either side of you, or would you choose campsites where your nearest neighbors were 50 or 100 feet away. Or you had no neighbors at all.
That's the beauty of boondocking. Once you learn the tips and tricks, your options are endless--from a crowded LTVA at Quartzsite to a solitary campsite with sweeping vistas and no sign of civilization in sight.”

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Boondocking tips with Bob Difley

Become a "boondocking expert"
”You can become a boondocking expert if you do it often. Keep a log on how many days you can boondock without having to dump or replenish your on board systems, and what measures -- such as carrying extra water, watching less TV or using the shower warm-up water to flush the toilet -- have contributed to extending your boondocking days. Soon you will be practicing these conservation habits automatically. These skills will open up thousands of square miles of forest land and open desert to you for boondocking and exploring.

Camp upwind from the dust
”If you have the option of where to camp in the desert, pick a boondocking site on the upwind side of the access road, especially if it's dusty. Even though there may be little weekday traffic, it could swell on weekends, smothering your rig with dust. Also, keep your windows closed on the side next to the road and even post a "Slow, Please" sign which may help: if someone responds when you are outside, wave a "thank you."”

Generator etiquette
”If you plan on boondocking in one of the BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) this winter, be especially sensitive to your neighbors when you set up camp. If you plan on running your generator a lot (because you don't have solar panels or a wind turbine) park far enough away from others so the frequent running of the generator doesn't impact their solitude. Many boondockers like peace and quiet, and not the drone of a generator. Or look for others who have their generators running and park near them since a running generator will be less offensive to those who are already running theirs.”

Check around for gray water dumping facilities
“When you arrive at no hook-up campgrounds, like the forest service, Corps of Engineers, state parks or BLM, walk through the campground or ask the host if they have gray water dumping facilities. Often these are no more than a pipe set flush with the ground surrounded by a shallow concrete basin. Typically there may be several scattered around the campground, usually adjacent to a drinking water source. If you find one, use it rather than adding your gray water (which you collect in a plastic tub) from dish washing and rinsing, teeth brushing, hand washing, and pasta cooking to your waste tanks.”

Sun showers save water and energy.

“Water is a crucial resource when boondocking, and may be the single most contributing factor to extending your boondocking days. Add a Sun Shower to your supplies, a vinyl bag that you can fill up from a stream or lake, set it in the sun to heat the water, then hang up from a tree branch away from your campsite. Use the hose and shower head attached to the bottom of the bag for showering. You will save using up your fresh water supply from your tank and avoid dumping the shower water into your gray water waste tank."

Slow cooker can be a smart purchase
“If you have solar panels that continuously feed electricity all day long when boondocking, a slow cooker can be a smart purchase. It will only draw a small amount of current, even though it will be operating for several hours, much less than the feed from your panels. By the time you return tired from hiking, exploring or going to town for supplies, your evening meal will be ready to eat with no additional prep required -- and your rig will smell scrumptious, too. And the internet is loaded with one-pot, slow cooker recipes.”

Save water by preparing meals ahead of time.  

“Since water is one of the limiting factors in boondocking, for your next boondocking trip, prepare several meals at home, like lasagna, spaghetti and meat balls, or enchiladas and freeze in individual freezer-safe plastic bags. At mealtime plop them into a pot of boiling water. After cooking save the water to re-use, either for cooking the next meal or for flushing the toilet. Save the water you run to warm up your shower to cook with. It is also a great cooking time-saver, when you would rather be doing something else. "

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Winter Solar Panel Tips
”Use solar power during winter? Be sure to get the most out of your panels. Tilting panels during winter will increase the amount of captured power significantly, while in summer the increase is negligible. Shadows falling onto solar panels will decrease the panel output dramatically. Watch out for those cast by nearby roof equipment like storage pods, satellite dishes or air conditioners. When possible, it may pay to reorient your rig to keep shadows from falling on panels. Summer or winter, always keep your solar panels clean. Use only a soft cloth and plain water to avoid damaging the panel surface.”
Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.

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These tips for desert boondocking will keep you out of trouble:

"The rules for boondocking on Federal public lands as they now exist -- and that may be changing -- allow you to camp/boondock anywhere on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land unless expressly prohibited by signs or fences. But that doesn't mean you can just go tearing off across the desert mowing down cacti and smashing wildlife burrows. Here are some tips to keep you out of trouble."

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Campstove that makes electricity

“Using BioLite's patent-pending thermoelectric technology, BioLite Stoves convert heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient.

Extra electricity can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights.

There's no need to buy or carry heavy fuel canisters with this stove—simply collect twigs during your journey and burn them when you get to camp.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More at: http://www.biolitestove.com/campstove/camp-overview/features/

And for bug-out situations and folks with no power there is the “Homestove”:

“The “home stove” is the product designed for large family cooking in a village environment. Not only is it suppose to reduce smoke (up to 70%), but, it also is suppose to use up to 50% less wood because of the increased burning efficiency. This helps with the deforestation of African forests.

The home stove is a totally different design and allows one to feed the wood from the bottom and it is much larger. My family and I have spent much time in Kenya (Mister in law has been there for almost three years) and having used the “camp stove” I am convinced that the “home stove” will make a huge impact in the town of Meru, Kenya, where we are involved.

Second, many people in Kenya have cell phones. Many people in moderate villages that still cook over open fires have cell phones. They walk several miles into town every few days and pay to charge their phones at local charging stations. The “home stove” would solve this problem for them. They could charge while they cook. Brilliant.

Regarding price, the “home stove” is not available in the US and based on the biolite website they are working with organizations to provide these stoves and a very low cost to those that need it.”  From:  http://www.biolitestove.com/homestove/overview/

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How to take an RV shower on only two liters of water

"In this short video, RVer Dave Ulmer shows you how he takes a shower using only two liters of water.

"I have disconnected my RV hot water heater and use an electric tea kettle to heat my shower water with my excess solar panel power," he says. "I've been showering this way exclusively now for over three months and it works just great."

http://youtu.be/fmY4k6OBvUE

"A most frugal shower system could save the world huge amounts of energy and water. Easy to build your own and try it for yourself.  If you spend a lot of time boondocking, this might be a great way to take frequent showers with barely any impact on your freshwater or graywater holding tanks."

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or: http://youtu.be/U83i40ow-yg  Available at hotjugz.com

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2012 RV Oops Awards

Photo: Brent Schoonover

“What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done while motorhoming?”

“Well, to be honest,” replied one fellow when I asked him this question, “in 19 years of motorhoming, I’ve never done anything stupid … until this year.” He then proceeded to tell me his woeful tale. Nearly everyone I asked could recall one or more mishaps they wish hadn’t happened to them. I recorded these mishaps and ranked them on a 10-item scale from dumb (No. 10) to dumbest (No. 1). Usually, dumber things are more costly. Readers may recall last year’s winner (Motor­Home, August 2011) totaled his coach by driving into a tollbooth with a slide extended.

A wise person once said, “Experience is the best teacher.” Maybe so, but a wiser person noted, “It’s better to learn from other people’s experiences.” So let’s have a look at this year’s list to find out why these dumb things occurred, and how you can avoid having them happen to you. Most of these motorhome owners would probably agree that nothing spoils a perfectly fine day like an avoidable blunder.”  See the Oops Awards at: http://www.motorhome.com/rv-travel-news/2012-rv-oops-awards/ By Larry Macdonald

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On This Day:

Malcolm slays Macbeth, Aug 15, 1057:

“At the Battle of Lumphanan, King Macbeth of Scotland is slain by Malcolm Canmore, whose father, King Duncan I, was murdered by Macbeth 17 years earlier.”

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Panama Canal open to traffic, Aug 15, 1914:

“The American-built waterway across the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is inaugurated with the passage of the U.S. vessel Ancon, a cargo and passenger ship.  In 1906, American engineers decided on the construction of a lock canal, and the next three years were spent developing construction facilities and eradicating tropical diseases in the area.

In 1909, construction proper began. In one of the largest construction projects of all time, U.S. engineers moved nearly 240 million cubic yards of earth and spent close to $400 million in constructing the 40-mile-long canal (or 51 miles long, if the deepened seabed on both ends of the canal is taken into account).”

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Woodstock begins in upstate New York, Aug 15, 1969:

“The Woodstock Music and Art Fair, "An Aquarian Exposition," opens at Max Yasgur's dairy farm in upstate New York. Promoters expected the music festival, modeled after the famous Monterey Pop Festival, to attract up to 200,000 for the weekend, but nearly a half a million people converged on the concert site. Promoters soon realized that they could not control access to the site and opened it up to all comers free of charge.

Because of the unexpected size of the audience, volunteers were needed to help alleviate many of the logistics problems, while helicopters were used to fly in food, doctors, and medical supplies, as well as many of the musical acts that performed during the three-day festival.

Despite rain and mud, the audience enjoyed non-stop performances by singers like Richie Havens, Janis Joplin, Arlo Guthrie, Joe Cocker, and Joan Baez, as well as the bands Creedence Clearwater Revival; The Grateful Dead; The Jefferson Airplane; Sly and the Family Stone; and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.  Jimi Hendrix closed the concert with a freeform solo guitar performance of "The Star Spangled Banner." Woodstock became a symbol of the 1960s American counterculture and a milestone in the history of rock music.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went in the van to pick up a neighbor’s dryer.  She doesn’t like to ride in the van, and won't relax and sit down like she does in the Puddle Jumper.  If she goes farther than this subdivision in the van, she wears her seat-belt harness, or rides in a big strapped-in carrier, for her and my safety.  We had our walk down there.

After we had loaded the dryer, I brought Misty home and drove to the appliance repair place and dropped off the dryer.  Then I went to the Eagle carport dealer.  Her husband was mowing and called her to come to the office.  While I was waiting for the lady, I saw two Avion travel trailers there.

One of the Avions is for sale, a 34 footer, so he showed me around it, and I was very impressed by the quality.  I could live comfortably in that.  It not only has a dinette across from the kitchen, but another dinette up front with a couch/double bed on one side.  Then there are two twin beds in the bedroom.  Lots of places for storage!  (I travelled around the west side of the USA with chests of drawers on the extra twin beds in my MH.)  Going to seriously think about this.

I have had many Airstreams, a Silver Streak and an Avion over the years   Slab-sided trailers with roof seams that are prone to leaking, have never interested me.   The ‘silver bullets’, and the fiberglass ‘egg-trailers’ tow so much better and as they are more aerodynamic the rain runs off, and can’t pool on the roof.  Over my 50 years of RV repair, I got sick of flat-roofed trailers and MH’s with leaking seams. Maybe that is why I can’t find a Park Model that I like.

When I got in the office, the lady called the manufacturer, but they can’t make a carport that is 9’5” at the front and 10’5” at the rear, so it would have to be 9’5” wide all the way.  I wanted to have extra long legs on the carport, for two reasons, one for more shade on my house, and secondly, I might want to put my motor home under it for a while.  As I really needed to see where the metal carport’s legs 5’ spacing would be, so they wouldn’t interfere with opening the driver’s door on my van, I didn’t order it then and there.

I spent a lot of the afternoon researching about Avions, they are highly recommended, and as I already knew, they are considered better made than Airstreams.  His price seems to be inline with what others have sold their similar Avions for, but his has some hail pock marks on the passenger side.  I would have to haggle over that.

This morning Ray came over before he left to take Shay to the doctor, and helped me measure the exact width between my motorhome’s mirrors.  Then we went across the street to measure how much room their Eagle carport’s trim takes up. It would be a very tight fit to get the MH in there!  About 4” on each side. 

I spent so much time looking at the Avion forums, etc, that I didn’t get this journal drafted until today.