Txjbird & Queenie on a Safari in a Safari

[Txjaybird]

It has rained so much I think Queenie and I are growing webs between our toes :s

I've been making a lot of lists of keep/don't keep items.  Whenever I move I start with lists.  There is the No Way in Hell List.  These are things that are going with me no matter what........Granma's little Fenton Glass aquamarine hobnail cruet with stopper = bumpy little blue pitcher with plug that we used for homemade pepper sauce for our greens    It's always at the top of the list.   I don't think it was "vintage" in the 1950s, it was just was what we used.  I don't know how it's survived all these years.

Today I checked on deep cycle batteries.   A very helpful guy at the Interstate Battery Dist. Center in Dothan AL told me that they sell a lot of  model SRM 27 batteries for this. I'd told him I'm looking at charging batteries with a generator when boondocking.

 I'm hoping for a solar set up 1st, however I don't know when that will happen.  Or even the type/brand of batteries to look for.

They sell it as a  "Blemished", new with no label for $84.95 and it can only be replaced with them under warranty.  The same battery thru Firestone or Road Mart is $144.95 & warranty is nationwide.

Progress on the Safari and Aliner are at a standstill for now.  

About all I can do for now is take care of Quennie and myself.  With some light cooking etc.

My next scheduled Home Invasion by the Housing Authority is Oct 16th.  This time I can limit it to the Kitchen only.
It's the annual "pest"  inspection and "all units must receive some form of treatment".  So I have them come to the backdoor into the kitchen & treat it.  Queenie and her barkin' self is behind a doggy gate in the door that gives access to the rest of my apt. and I'm standing in front of it.  I am so sick of this and wait for the day I can move.

Have a good week everyone

Jewellann and Queenie

 

[jimindenver]

I had good luck with the Interstate SRM 27 that came on my trailer. I used and abused it for 6 years before giving it to Pat at the RTR. He used it for another 6 months before using it as a core on his 6 volts.

 

[John61CT]

Interstate doesn't mfg, likely Johnson, bit of a meh rep for quality when it comes to true deep cycling.

Sam's Club Duracell flooded GC 6v x2, maybe $180 all up, made by Deka, excellent mfg, will last a long time properly cared for.

Batteries+ also.

 

[Txjaybird]

Queenie and I are still alive and kicking.  No progress on either the Aliner or Safari to report.  I'm dealing with some medical issues so I'm just taking it EZ for at least another week or two.

It is getting that time of year that I miss the big Christmas catalogs from Sears and Montgomery Wards.  From childhood through being a new wife through motherhood and beyond I always liked to go through them and mark everything I wanted to buy when "my ship came in".  That's what Papa would tell us we needed to happen when we had a bad case of the "I Wants".  I think my ship must be a slow boat from China and stuck on a reef or sandbar somewhere.  

I sure miss those catalogs

TJB & Q

 

[jimindenver]

I remember those catalogs. I also loved to go through them and dreaming.

I hope you feel better soon young lady. Do not push yourself so hard and tell Queenie she just can get it herself.

 

[blmkid]

I did the same thing with the Christmas toys catalog, I think it was Sears. Chill out and heal thou self Queenie. REST. Drink plenty of water.

 

[Txjaybird]

 Time sure flys when you're having fun.  I'm not having much lately

                                    For some weeks now my activities have been restricted.  
                   No pushing, pulling, lifting, toteing.  Sit straight with head up due to neck problems.

    On the bright side I recieved a big Christmas catalog from Fingerhut AND I'm pre-approved for $750.  
                 Oh get thee behind me Satan

There is a popping in my hip.  MRI & CT shows something growing on a nerve in my left hip.  It's not real painful....I'm now just taking 800mg ibuprofen 3x a day, 24/7  However there are other meds here if I need them.  I've seen a neurosurgeon and he says another MRI with contrast on the 17th and as far as he can tell surgery isn't indicated at this time.  I'm sure there are things he's not saying too.

The really painful part is that I fell asleep watching You Tube movies from my bed weeks ago and woke up slumped over with my neck absolutely killing me.  I couldn't turn my head or move my shoulder.  So after several days I saw my NP who said rest, heating pad + I'm already taking Ibuprofen, sit and lay down straight as possible { I sleep like a pretzle, a old brittle one.}  It took weeks and is a lot better however still hurts.  Last week after Xrays I was told I have "multi level degenerative disk disease" in the vertebrae in my neck.  I should hear the results of this Wednesday's neck MRI sometime Fri. [today]


I don't know if all that's involved to hook and unhook a travel trailer will still be a option for me.  Maybe with a elec jack?

I see these Biiiiiig High tops and think that if I was living as a FT nomad I could probably do so better in one of those than the Aliner.  After all I only want to use the microwave in the Aliner, the frig is right in a corner on the floor and hard to get too before all of this, I'll have to drag the port-a-potti or bucket out constantly.

  A biggie for me is that by sitting up straight and looking straight ahead with my head upright and not looking down at a book or my tablet the pressure is relieved on my neck and it barely hurts.  However the Aliner bed is across the back & side to side. The ceilings slope inward from mattress level as they go up to a peak.  I don't know how I'll ever be able to get the TV/tablet/computer to sit straight and high enough to see.  The way the TT is configured the only place to put the bed longways front to back is across the doorway.  On the floor is no longer a option. A lopsided triangle might work with kitchen cabinet for TV/computer screen.  No matter where it sits that will have to be moved and secured to fold up the Aliner.
  On the streetside wall, front to back has cabinet/counter top, frig, sink, stove top/micro. underneath, seat over battery, converter/inverter, water tank under the bed.

The curbside wall front to back is counter top/large cabinet/storage, access front/only door, seat with AC set in wall over it, small seat, foot of bed with underneath storage.

I'm open to thoughts and ideas or suggestions about the whole bloody situation.

Well CRAP now I've depressed myself and my Bawling woke up Queenie!  When I 1st found out about all this medical stuff I cried a lot and Queenie whined a lot, she is very sensitve to my moods and also blood sugar levels. 

 I thought I was past this...I guess not

Later

Jewellann and Queenie

 

[jimindenver]

I was wondering where you had been. Mine DDD started decades ago and I can tell you to do what they tell you to do or things start going numb. You had it before you fell asleep, that just irritated it A LOT. It will calm down eventually or so they say. I use the pain and numbness as indicators of what I can allow myself to do.

Things are stacking up against the Aliner huh. I really think a all in one solution is in your future. Something that doesn't need setting up and taking down all the time. A largish Class B or smaller Class C because I think we both are beyond the cut and build stages of our lives. A Class C is going to be easier to find and much cheaper than a B. You would just have more room and storage. Hopefully you can find something ready for the road cuz what you have been through is a travesty. I think you said you were keeping storage, if so you will not need to cram it all in, just what you need.

 

[Txjaybird]

:huh: DON'T PAY THE RANSOME!  MY PARTNER IN CRIME [SON] HAD THE SAFARI STARTED AND WE MADE A FAST GETAWAY
IN 5pm TRAFFIC.  QUEENIE WAS WAITING AT HOME.

I'm alive and not kicking, not even walking fast to tell the truth!   Today was my 3rd MRI.  So far my Nurse Practitoner, a NEUROSURGEON, and my DR. of 7 years all agree there is something going on with my hip.  Two using the exact same words on different occassions have said " I've never seen anything like it ".  The other said "you need a new MRI', that was today.  A follow up appt. is on 12/5/17

I'm allowed to do more work now.  The question is CAN I DO MORE.  Lite cooking, washing dishes and laundry on the same day means I can barely move that night and the next day is a rough one.

I will probably sell or trade the Aliner in at some point.  I plan on using it a few times 1st to see if i can handle setting it up by myself.  I may even add a electric tounge jack to see if that helps.  I've put nearly a year into this rig.  There's nothing major wrong with the Aliner.  It's a 2004 so has some normal wear.  All the systems work and there is less than 5 miles on the new tires, 2  + a spare and also having the bearings serviced. The Safari runs like a champ with still some glitches to be ironed out. It only has about 105,000 on it.

If I had a big van I think I'd be OK.  I can only afford one vehicle at a time.  It must be both a Daily Driver and a Live in/ Live out of vehicle.  Back in early 2000 I had a F150,  a 3/4 ton Chevy Hightop camper van, and a 1/2 ton Chevy cargo van.  The vans ran and the engine in the 1/2 ton was going in the 3/4 ton.

That was the plan.   :huh: Then I woke up one morning with both arms numb from the shoulders down.  So I had 28mos on workmans comp beneifits. 

 This was my 3rd documented work injury involving my neck, shoulders, & back. At the end there were a total of 11 DRs involved.  After that it only took SSA 2 more years to decide HEY THIS WOMAN IS DISABLED!  Let's pay her $680 a month.  In 2000 at my major source of income I made $100 a day + some overtime and also some double time pay.  I thought then and still think that wasn't too bad for a 9th grade drop out.  
Back in 1993 within 2mos. I recieved my GED, started college, turned 42...... whoops I mean 24  yeah right!  Also shocked myself with a gpa of 3.89.

So on $680 a month I paid cash for my Ranger 4x4, moved from TX to SD, bought a $13,500 house on a 7yr note and paid for it in 25 monthly payments.  It was nice having a vehicle and home both paid for at the same time.

So that was then and this is now.  I will deal with this medical crap now as best as I can.

I am not having a pity party.   Maybe later,  Right now I just feel like someone has whupped up on me with a steel-tipped tire knocker...........sucker screwed up tho....didn't knock me out

Jewellann and my Snorehound

 

[jimindenver]

I am not sure but I think a hot young cabana boy would be of great assistance to you. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind one either. hehe

 

[Txjaybird]

I am not sure but I think a hot young cabana boy would be of great assistance to you. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind one either. hehe

 I thought Agador Sparticus in The Birdcage was sweet.  He wore no shoes most of the time....just like me!

TJB+Q

 

[Txjaybird]

 Happy Turkey Day

I'm off of physical restrictions.......which is great....until I actully do something beyond washing a few dishes, or clothes & a little light cooking.  So tonight I cooked bacon + scrambled a egg for Q. That was a few hrs. ago.  Now I'll go reheat bacon and scramble me a couple eggs.

Tried to do a little at the storage units, that accomplished very little.  Also called Lon [mechanic] about what the Safari still needs.  I told him about all my medical tests and stuff.  He told me to just not worrry about finishing up the Safari until I felt like dealing with it.

I see the spine specialist/neurosurgeon again on next Monday.  If anyone knows what's up with my hip they ain't saying so.  I want someone to tell me exactly what to expect with my neck and what is wrong with my hip too. 

Now my B 12 levels are in the 160s.  So every 2wks a trip to the DRs to get stabbed in the arm.  I've read that in the 200 to 500 range some serious damage can occur in the body including permanent brain damage.  Early in the year my count was 81.  The main thing I'm sick of is not being given the whole truth about many of my health problems.  I need to start seeing some specialists. 

I've had many xrays of my back, neck, chest, & shoulders in the past few years.  Also head/neck CTs.  I find it hard to believe that on none of them this degenerative disc disease never showed up.  I'm going to look into that further.

So I and Q +Safari and Aliner are in a holding pattern......or maybe dry dock.....we should get our barnacles scraped.

TJB + Q

 

[Txjaybird]

 Queenie and I have been working at the storage units for days and she's tired!  She must be tired because she has a busy job.  She is ever vigilant, watchin' the cars and trucks drive by us and making sure they don't drive too close as they pass right next to us.  She also keeps a eye on the employees as they drive past in the golf cart.  She really watches for out for Don,  just in case he forgot he has her treat tucked away in a pocket somewhere.  She also comes to check on me when she isn't too busy.

I'm slowly getting back on my feet.  I can't believe how weak I've become laying around on my butt for 3mos.!!!

I spoke with a friend and former neighbor some more about what I'm going through and what I'm trying to do. She has been good moral support through these past months.  We've both been ill & haven't seen each other or spoken often lately.

  She and with her partner, with the help of her son has taken the 1st load from my storage to their place this past Friday.  They live on 3acs about 40 miles from me.  She and her partner are using any proceeds from what they sell to assist in the renovation of their home. 
 It's comforting to me knowing some of my favorite things will be in her home and the others will serve dual purpose.
 
Her partner works in security for a large manufacturer and has brought some really BIG boxes to my storage units.  I no longer have to lift boxes and totes     or sort things.  Except I will anyway on the delicates and breakables.  

 This is a very hard thing for me to do.  It's not the physical letting go that is the hardest for me to do.  
So I'll still do some quick sorting of course.  I'm just trying not to slow down and listen to too many memories while I'm at it.

This way should be quicker and less painful too.  I  just tell myself that one less storage unit rent each mo. is close to one more Aliner pmt [close to 100 bucks} made.  Or apx. 45 gal. of gas to travel with.

Now it's 5am here in the foggy south and I'm back to my nocturnal habits  :huh:  Maybe if I'm really STEALTHY Queenie will let me sleep a few hours.  I's going to be chilly and damp and foggy this a.m.  I shouldn't take my partner in crime out in those conditions.......She'll tell Max and he'll tell Jim and then Jim'll threaten me with different Cabana Boy!!!!

Se Ya in The Funny Papers Ya'll

Jewellann and Queenie

 

[Txjaybird]

Well today is chilly and foggy so Q and I are off to the vet.

I certainly need to find the right spots on the Safari to bolt on some D rings.  It takes me 20min. to 30min. to set up a tarp to work under at the storage units.  There is not 1 place to easily just clip something....not even Q! 

 Also rain is forecasted in 3 out of the next 5 days.  I'll still make some progress as I have things here to pack/sort and dispose of accordingly, in my lovely home.

Ya'll Have a Good Week!

Jewellann

 

[jimindenver]

I am really glad you are back on your feet. Now we gotta get Queenie just a bit more helpful.....

 

[Txjaybird]

For many years from October 31st to January 1st has not always been a "Happy Holiday" season for me.   Those months are full of anniversaries....some joyful, yet they are outweighed by the sad.

It seems like no matter how hard some of us try to move on with our lives those sad/bad times are like a anchor draggin' us down.   This time last year I became a pariah in my family because for the 1st time in the 6ys I'd been here in AL I did what I wanted on Christmas Day.  

I wrote about it here and really appreciated all the support and good advice and feedback you guys gave me.
THANKS AGAIN!!

Last year for my family get together there were 2 members of my generation that did not attend { I was one } and one of the next generation also couldn't make it.  We all had valid reasons.  My brother had to work,  He has been with the same boarding kennel for years.  He is in charge of "the aggressive" dogs.  We ain't talkin' ankle biters here.  He handles the big ones, Mastiffs/Dobies/New Foundlands/German Shepards, maybe even Pitts....if they kennel them there, I don't know for sure.  He works with them all and really enjoys the animals.

The younger family member had a ski holiday in Delaware to attend.

All I wanted to and did do was spend the day under "my own roof".  It didn't matter that it belongs more to the credit union than it does to me, or that it has 2 wheels insted of a foundation.  No "outhouse", just a bucket.  I did have elec., music and candles, snacks and treats for Queenie.  Also a trip to see her bubba "Ratt Dawg" and his human.

As far as I know I'm the only one that caught any grief over it.  I still don't know why I was not only singled out but also shunned for a while.

This year I'm not going to attempt to set up the Aliner due too my newly discovered neck issues and progresive back problems.

This is still a good month for me.  My 2yr anniversary since getting the internet at home,  finding CRVL and becoming a member is 12/25.  I have folks here and other places that get me and understand that it's O.K. to want to live in a way that some may consider strange/weird/off beat or wack.  We don't all have to be the same  to get along or live a life that is valid to us.  Some times life doesn't suck

 Yesterday I opened and went thru  THE LAST UNOPENED BOX IN STORAGE UNIT #45.  THIS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A BIGGIE TO SOME FOLKS HOWEVER IT IS TO ME    THIS RASCAL IS 10 X 20 AND WAS STACKED MOSTLY OVER 6ft TALL.  FOR MONTHS I HAD TO SET STUFF OUT TO EVEN GET INTO IT AND THEN SET BACK WHAT WAS STAYING. :huh:

IT'S BEEN LIKE CHRISTMAS!!    I've found stuff I can use that I even forgot I had     A friend and neighbor who is helping me downsize will be able to raise funds to remodel their home.  I don't mind so much giving things away when I know someone else will get some use or benefit from them.

Jim In Denver,  you were right when you said I need to do what the DRs advised about my DDD, neck & back.  I've slacked off for several days......just going about my merry way.   Sitting any ol'way....lifting and toting....not pacing myself.   Hey it just hurt a little bit.....right?  Today as a former coworker use to say  "I AM TORE UP FROM THE FLOOR UP".

    Maybe I have MPD?   I don't mind having multiple personalities......It keeps life from becoming BORING   
  Does one of them them have to be a chubby lady of a certain age that feels like she's been hit by a Mack Truck   :huh:   Sometimes Life Just Sucks  :angel:

Jewellann and The Sleeping Queen

P.S.    My 2004 Aliner will soon be for sale.  I need to find it's replacement 1st.  Something with some character and soul to it.  I'm not sure what yet.  I need to have all systems working and I'm not worried about curtains, rugs, furnisings etc..  Just something big enough for Q and I.  Hopefully one the Safari can tow as I don't want to have 2 loan payments each month.  Also inexpensive.  Not fancy so much as functional.  I'd love a Vardo   I can see the credit unions loan officers eyes glazing over now       Maybe a big van/ IDK yet.  Here in AL I've been told that a 1 ton van is considered "commercial' use.  I'll have to look into that.

      TJB

 

[Sleep]

This is still a good month for me.  My 2yr anniversary since getting the internet at home,  finding CRVL and becoming a member is 12/25.  I have folks here and other places that get me and understand that it's O.K. to want to live in a way that some may consider strange/weird/off beat or wack.  We don't all have to be the same  to get along or live a life that is valid to us.  Some times life doesn't suck

TJB,  We must have been sisters in another life!  I never do well this time of year.   I loved this comment, " We don't all have to be the same  to get along or live a life that is valid to us."   

The experience of preparing for this new lifestyle in itself has been very enlightening. I've discovered so much about myself and had to make decisions I otherwise would not have made. I have been trying to find homes for my things, gave away 2 large black plastic bags with clothes to people around my apt complex and have taken 2 large loads to to Goodwill. It feels good!
But I do have a few things that are a little more difficult to part with and decided rather than stress myself out, I would rent a very small storage unit. ($29-49 per month).
And I have my very own (Queenie) Bella and we also are traveling in a Safari!  Haha...
Hang in there holidays are almost over!

 

[tav-2020]

Txjaybird wrote:
I'd love a Vardo

Had to google that -- did not know that was name for gypsy wagon! Very soulful & romantic! with a little bit of fairytale nostalgia thrown in too. Who wouldn't want to live in one?
Thanks for teaching me a new word

 

[Txjaybird]

On Saturday a old friend stopped by & I dragged him to my storage units.  Teach him not to call 1st   Sooooo I sent his 2 wheeler home with 'em, 2 table lamps, a shade, a box of videos, 2lbs of smoked sausage links, a lb of ham salad and something else that I ferget.   NO ONE ESCAPES UNSCATHED   I'M DOWNSIZING BY GOLLY......slowly.
  Besides having company another nice surprise was I realized that #45 was the fullest to the brim storage unit I had.  The others are 50% to 60% full. not stacked to the ceiling.   About 10% of that being empty totes and good boxes for packing.

Rain and Rest Today...... Monday was looking good the last I checked

Ya'll have a good week, please

Jewellann and Queenie

 

[Txjaybird]

Txjaybird wrote:
I'd love a Vardo

Had to google that -- did not know that was name for gypsy wagon! Very soulful & romantic! with a little bit of fairytale nostalgia thrown in too. Who wouldn't want to live in one?
Thanks for teaching me a new word

You are very welcome.  It was new to me a few years back. 

 I know  or think I know there are or were members here with a heritage encompassing various nomadic cultures.  Having absolutely no clue to 50% of my bloodline I have invaribly been drawn to traveling folks and learning about cultures where members often travel together. 

 It seems for multiple generations it's the females in my family who wander.  My Grandmother was born in 1900 in Wewoka OK.  Her Mother, my great grandmother was born in the late 1800s and after her husband passed away, with her children married and scattered she became a nomad.   In the '50s and '60s she would travel by bus or train between a son in Kaufman TX, my Grandmother/Mama in Dallas TX then to 2 sons that were part of the OK to CA dust bowl migration  in  Modesto and Coalinga CA area and then to SE. OK to be with the families of her sister  and brothers.  

I'm told Grandma Quincy often came off the Grey Hound Bus in Dallas carrying her suitcase while holding the arm of some nice young man who would be toting her rolled up feather tick by the rope/handle that held it together.  Oh, and she dipped Garrett Snuff and had waist length silver hair she always wore on top of her head. She never wore shorts or jeans and dressed in long dresses way past her knees.

Mama, my Grandmother who raised me would often put myself + 1 or 2 of my sisters in her shiney 1955 4 door Buick Special { bought in 1954 } and away we'd go!     Sometimes just to Kaufman to Uncle C.E.s  and Aunt Annes egg farm.  

The best was a night or two on Aunt Pets farm just N. of Ada OK.  Feather ticks on 4 poster beds,  squeaky windmill, cold bathroom framed in on the end of a enclosed unheated back porch, fresh eggs and bacon from Uncle Red Dorseys hogs cookin' in a big Iron skillet, fried chicken......but only after Aunt Pet wrung that squawkers neck and flung him at us.  She was a BIG Lady with a rich deep laugh, I bet we were more entertaining  than "I Love Lucy", which is still a favorite of mine. 

 Oh I cain't forget zooming down the red dirt country back roads in that Buick with Great Grandma Quincy and  Great Aunt Pet { they were sisters } squealing and yelling over and over at Mama " Slow Down Jewell You're Gonna Kill Us All".  Mama always went fast.  I  think she was trying to out run the red dirt cloud behind us. The windows were down...... no AC......just 440......4 windows down and 40 MPH in a cloud of OK red dirt.  Them definately were the days for sure.

I'd live like that in a heartbeat right now.

 I REALLY NEED TO MOVE OUT OF THIS APT. AND GO SOMEWHERE TO THE COUNTRY....WITH TREES....AND WATER

I love the rich colors often used in vardos both old and new,  There are some with a lighter color pallete, I'm just drawn to the darker tones.

Maybe we'll both get lucky and find something, a Trailer or Van or VW or Ford Escort or how about a Hearse that we can turn into our own version of a Vardo.  Ever see the movie Herald and Maude?  Golden Oldie fer sure.

Do you know ART W?  He has one of those little cars.  Wonder what kind of MPG they get?  Never mind, my meds and Queenies food/bed/toys/etc would fill up the back seat.

  I once hauled a 6ft tall antique tin sided pie safe from Groesbeck TX to Dallas TX { 97 miles } tied on top of a late '80s or early "90s Ford Escort Station Wagon.  My DIL was driving my 1987 4 door Crown Vic with the trunk so full {even had a antique Rocking Chair in it } that we never even thought of trying to close it.  Just roped and bungee'd it shut.  The rest of the car was full with my first 3 Grandsons, 4ys, 2ys, and 1ys old...playpen and Fischer Price swing + all the stuff 2 women and 3 kids need for a day cleaning a abandoned house with no water.  That house was so full that it took 3wks beginning at the front door with garden rakes to clear it out.  We took out 6ft of plank wall to get into one of the rooms. 

I drove about 70 miles 1 way and she drove nearly 100.  

My son was sure surprised when he came in off the road that trip!  I'd bought 3 lots with 2 old 4 room houses that had never had more indoor plumbing than a cold water line to the kitchen,  no built in cabinets, wood floors and plank walls only 1 board ceiling in 1 room in each house, 3 out buildings, porches and pecan trees, and old roses.  

The clincher was a appox. 20+ft X 30+ft  U. S. Steel shop building on a 8in concrete slab that was tall enough to drive a semi into with a chain operated engine lift already installed.   My son was a trucker at that time and the shop was big enough for us both to work on projects.  No restictions meant that my vintage 28ft slant back Silver Stream TT could be placed on the property and still have  room for 2 cars and my sons rig.  Also room for The Thundering Herd to roam and grow.

That was "only" 17 years ago........time sure flys when you're just trying to live.
That's my story { one of 'em } and I'm a stickin' to it    Damn I need a life outta this apt.!!  I'm afraid I've completely lost my spirit of adventure... Doesn't matter much I guess, at least not on the days it hurts too much to move.

Poor Q,  once tonight Queenie had to "tell" me she was hungry.  I should have known that. She had eaten twice, just needed a bedtime snack I guess.

I'm Done Now

Jewellann