New Car and washed out driveway

Monday

First thing this morning I heard from our salesman that the new CR-V came in last night.  We have a 7pm appointment to pick it up.

I also noticed on the rain gauge that while we were gone yesterday we got 1.38in of rain, wow.  When I went down into Varysburg to get some fuel for the mower I noticed how much the front of the driveway washed out again. So I called the State DOT since it is the water that runs off the road.  Almost every year they bring some stone or millings for the front of the driveway.

Washout from the rain yesterday

From the water running off the highway

Once I got home I started the MH to check it out for the trip Friday and I had an alarm on the tire pressure monitor, but its only a low battery in a sensor so that should be an easy fix.

Took a ride in the woods to see how they did in the storm, another tree across the road.

At least its just the top

I jumped on the mower and cut all of the grass that needed it, soon will be time to start picking up leaves they are already falling.  I usually start that in the first week of October and that is coming quick.

Bonnie got home just about the time the cube steaks were done on the grill, so that worked out well.  She got the car cleaned out and I zeroed out the garage door opener and Navigation system, also remembered the EzPass.

Then after supper we headed in to the Honda dealer
Turned in the old

So long Subaru

Signed the paper work.

Notice Chris the salesman is smiling

and Picked up the new

Hello Honda

I did get a new hat

Thanks Chris notice it matches the car!

We made a quick stop at Elizabeths to show them the car and then home.  Another busy but Great Day and the Harvest Moon is now high in the sky.

Tuesday

Beautiful day.  I had an early meeting at court to work on a grant to redo the leaking brick walls in the court room.  We submitted the grant now to wait and see if we are awarded any money to pay for the repair that is being done now.

Very windy today and by the time I got home I only had a couple hours until Bonnie would be home and we head to WW.  So I got on the phone and worked on canceling our Subaru Extended Warranty, ended up doing it all by FAX so now to wait and see what happens,  expecting to get some money back but not a whole lot.

WW went well as I lost a little.  Then supper at Elizabeth's and I put up a broom holder and replaced the light in the stairway to the basement.  Then home and finally bed.


Wednesday

Its a beautiful cool sunny day, I am headed out to clean the MH windows and check things over getting ready for the trip to the Region 1 Rally in Byron, NY.  Then to the woods after lunch to clean up that tree across the road, I think I can just move it.  Clean a small log that is about to block a sluice pipe under our woods road, and maybe pull out a log or two.

No logs pulled out but a lot was done.  I cleared lots of branches and broken limbs off the roads.  Cleaned out the creek above the sluice pipe and made mental note of trees that need cut.  I also was able to push a broke off maple tree that has been hung up for a couple years.

Before I went to the woods I cleaned the front windshield on the MH its ready to go now.

Nice and shiny windows now

While I was cleaning the windows the state showed up and spread millings out at the front of the driveway.

They did a nice job and came back after these pictures and raked it and packed it down.

I don't think I mentioned that Matt brought over a trailer and we have self serve vegetables out front now, later it will be pumpkins.

I also cut a little grass today and cleaned out the storage shed.  I also put out mouse poison as they will be moving in again with the cool weather starting.

Time flew by today it is already 3:30pm, again no nap today.  I want to call and thank the DOT for the millings out front and send a couple emails.

Bonnie went grocery shopping after work today so supper was a little late.  Then we caught up on recorded programs.  Thats about it for today, time to get this posted.

Thanks for checking in.

Lots of Projects and a birthday

Thursday

Overcast again today but no rain.  Took my time this morning as I had a long day yesterday and today is more of the same.

I did you out and took a good look at the tow bar I bought yesterday.  After reading the book I did the little bit of preventative maintenance that the book called for, mainly greasing it.

I checked out the wiring harness Bob R game me yesterday and it is exactly what I need to hook into the MH wiring, thanks again Bob.

Perfect wiring harness

I also sorted out the screws and hardware I have been collecting for in the MH.  In checking the storage bays it looks like the mice are getting in again.  So I set a trap maybe I will catch it soon.

Then back in to do a little more research on towing.  Heated up a little dinner as Bonnie was not home yet. She got home from shopping just as I was leaving for the Magistrates meeting.  Now its just after midnight and time to get some sleep.

P.S. I just checked my account at the warranty company they have finally issued the check for my breakdown in July.  Not bad only about 2 months.


Friday

Up early and started the laundry.  I had my normal leisurely oatmeal breakfast.  Then headed for Warsaw to Montgomery's Building Supply for some wood and screws.
Back home I started a new project.

Here is how it started

A relatively simple project I got started making the cuts and started to screw it together.  Then I still had some time so I decided to paint on the primer coat.  And here is it ready for the final coat.

The top is siding on screws so I could paint it.

It is a bed platform for Alexus.  Because of the the sloped roof in her bedroom she can not use a head board.  So tomorrow is her birthday and it will be a surprise.  Bonnie wants her to paint it what ever color she wants.  Thats about it for today, just waiting for the check to show up from the warranty company.

Saturday

Happy Birthday Alexus, have a super day.  Wow Bonnie was up before me, I got up to see what the noise in the house was and she was in the kitchen.  No telling what today holds now.  I plan to head up to court soon and then we have to be in for the birthday celebration at 2:00pm.  First it was 5 then 3 now 2, so I better getting moving.

Happy Birthday

All decorated

The birthday girl and her new phone

John working on his special shrimp

Plate of some great tasting shrimp

She likes her present

She likes her Skillet shirt

We had a good time celebrating with family and friends.  Then I took Alexus to West Seneca for an evening with her youth group playing kickball and other games.

Then home and caught the end of the Nascar race.  Now time for some shut eye, tomorrow is another busy day.

Sunday

After church today we had a quick lunch.

Then we headed for Bath about 70 miles to the south, for a Patriotic Concert with a 100 voice choir and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.  It was a very moving tribute in remembrance of the 10 year anniversary attack on America and the world trade center.  We really enjoyed it and it was very well done. We did not get home until after 7 and so are eating a late dinner and watching a little TV.

Hey how about those Buffalo Bills  won one 41-7.

Have a great week and Thanks for Checking in.

Labor Day

Monday

We had some rain over night but it was not raining this morning.  We watched a little TV this morning and Bonnie made her short cake to take with peaches to the Maynard Family Reunion.  We always have it on Labor Day over on the Family Farm in an area we call the campground.  Bonnie's brother owns that part of the farm now.  We had a few showers and it was cool but we had a great turn out and a good time seeing everyone.  Here are a few pictures.

Mom and Dad arrive via Gator

Bonnie's oldest brother Alan and Mom

Brian the youngest brother and now owner of this part of the farm, that makes him the host

Part of the more than 50 that showed up, and we still had food left over

Dad (Otis) in the red and his brother Bob

Dean, Alan, and Brian all three of Bonnie's brothers

 After a great afternoon we headed up to Carol's for a hair cut.  We also got a tour of her new heating plant and almost complete new duct work.

The new Lennox furnace

Got home a little after 6 and after Bonnie cleaned up her new roll top desk I put it together and it is all set up in its new home.

Bonnie's desk

Thats about it for a busy holiday, it was great to be around family today.

Tuesday

Tried to sleep in but was up at 8am.  Hoped to get on the road but did not leave the house till 10:30.  I did run vinegar through the coffee pot to de-scale it, it is much quieter now when it heats.  Then I took a ride out to Caledonia RV to check prices for towing components as we plan to tow the new CR-V behind the MH.  They seem nice out there and their prices are in line with everyone else.  I stopped at camping friends in Batavia to see if I could verify if the connector I found is the trailer plug and it looks like it is.  But then I got an email from Monaco parts and they showed a different connector.

And of course they want 70 bucks for it.  I called around about a couple used tow bars and plan to go look at the most promising one tomorrow.
I got my next months morning pills all put into dispensers so I am set there.

Then it was off to WW, bad week I gained a little of course I also have switched from shorts to a pair of jeans, yea that must be it.  It could have not been all the good food and desserts I had at the reunion yesterday.

Now Alexus and I are watching Cat in the Hat.  Was a little wet today but they have already issued flood warnings for tomorrow as we get lots of rain from the remains of the tropical storm.

Wednesday

A little wet this morning but no real amount of rain yet.  Its been a pretty lazy morning so far but I have a long day so am taking it easy since it is wet outside.
I am going up north about 50 miles to look at a tow bar, then Bob from our camping club thinks he has the connector I need and then I have several hours of training for court.  So once I leave I will not be home until around 9pm.

Well it has been a good day.  I was given the connector and wiring I need for the MH, thanks Bob, it will fit perfectly.  Then I was able to buy a used tow bar at a really good price, along with covers, safety cables,  electrical cables (2) and spare towing adapters (2 sets) for about 20% of what just a new tow bar costs.

Found a good deal

After I picked up all of that I went to a few hours of training on court security and finally got home a little after 9.  Now its time to post this and hit the hay, its almost tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in.

The roof is done and the weather is way to Hot

Thursday

Wow what happened to Thursday.  Its Friday night and I am catching up.
Towels got washed then I went into Elizabeths and we went to Home Depot to get shelves for the apartment.  Then back and she made lunch.  Then I put up a couple shelves in Alexus room so she can hang some clothes.
Then home, changed clothes and I spent a few hours cutting grass.  Bonnie shopped after work and I just was getting out of the shower when she got home.  I was just in time to help carry in groceries.  Finally it was time to relax, after I lit the grill.  Bonnie did do the grilling.

It never did rain today and it was not that hot, I could have put the second coat on the roof of the MH.

Friday

Up when Bonnie left for work I heard her go out the driveway.  I sorted the dirty clothes and started the wash.  Read some blogs and watched some podcasts while I wait for the wash to finish.  Also did some research on tow bars and base plates.  I exchanged a couple emails with the Honda dealer as they are trying to sell us paint protection, pre-paid maintenance, and service contracts.  I even found a Honda dealer that sells the service contracts at cost and all Honda dealers will honor them.
Elizabeth and Alexus came out around noon and I got ready to put the second coat on the MH.

Loading up the Ranger

Boy it was hot and humid out but no rain in the forecast so lets Get-er-Done!

Seams are done now time for the Mop and Glow

 Why Mop and Glow.  As the fiberglass of the front and rear caps ages it gets chalky and when it rains or water runs off the roof it leaves white streaks down the side of the coach.  Hopefully this stops it.  The main part of the roof is painted aluminum.

Hard work but someone has to do it

Finishing up the edges.

 While I was working on the MH Alexus was putting the primer on her dresser.  She painted for a long time today.

Working on the drawers

Lots of drawers

Well thats about it for today.  It has been a hot and humid day and is still pretty hot out and even more humid, but this may be the last hot day this year.

Saturday

Alexus spent the night and her and Bonnie slept in until 10 this morning.  I was about to leave for court when they got up.  They were going in to paint the bathroom at the new apartment and Elizabeth was coming here to clean.  I came home around 1 or 2 and then we loaded Elizabeths washer and dryer on to the trailer along with the freshly primed dresser and took them to the apartment.  I think I am supposed to hood them up tomorrow.

I did take a look at the MH wiring today.  The trailer wiring hook up is missing on ours.

The should be a place to plug in the towed vehicles lights

I crawled around underneath and found what I believe to be the connector that the wiring once hooked to.  The previous owner must have removed it.

This is what I spotted

I will have to put a meter on these and see if there is power.  It needs cleaned up and taped up also.  I can not believe it has not shorted out on the frame.

Now to try to find a matching connector that I can make a pigtail with.  If not I will have to cut this off and splice and solder wires on to it to extend it.  If anyone knows a place to find a connector that might work let me know.


Sunday

We were up and off to church on time this morning.  The heavy rain woke me about 6am but it did not last long.  Then home and a quick lunch.  Bonnie has me lined up to install the washer and dryer in at Elizabeths today and then about an hour drive down to Franklinville to look at a desk for her.  It is to rain more today but is dry right now.

Home from church and Bonnie made lunch, then off to Elizabeths.
This is what awaited, a spot for the washer and dryer.

At least they left the hoses and gas line.

 So we put up the shelf and moved in the dryer.  Hooked up the gas line and the vent line.  No soap bubbles on the connections and so we tested it and it seemed to work fine.  Then Elizabeth put the hoses on and tightened them, no leaks so we leveled it and ran a test cycle.  All seems to be fine.
Then tried to put the other shelves up but the screws need to be a little longer.  So we hung a holder for the ironing board and also hint a mirror.  How does Bonnie's paint job look, pretty good I think.

In, hooked up and working.

Then we headed to Franklinville about 45 mies away to look at the desk.  Bonnie liked it so I had them take it apart and we were able to fit it in the truck so it did not get wet as it started to rain.  We made it home and it was not raining so we unloaded it on to the deck and Bonnie will clean it tomorrow and then we can reassemble it.

Parts for the desk

More parts

Meanwhile back at Elizabeths Alexus continues to paint the dresser.

Pretty shade of blue

Well thats about it for tonight, corn and turkey burgers for supper.
Thanks for checking in.

Up on the roof top (down by the woods)

Monday

After an early morning and speed reading my blogs and email I headed outside.  I got out the Simple Green, TSP, and rags and buckets.  Then I moved the ladder down to the RV and thought I would clean as much of the roof as I could reach from the ladder.  The cleaning was going good so I did what I said I would not do.  I got clean water and go up on the roof and no one else was home.  I did most of the work while on my knees and stayed away from the edges.  My concern was standing and scrubbing the roof with soap making it slippery and falling off the roof.  So I just did it the old way on my hands and knees, which seemed pretty safe.  So its about 60% done and I hope to finish tomorrow since the weather is dry, sunny and somewhat cool.  I have even asked my daughter to come out and help keep an eye on me.  If all goes well I could even get the Kool Seal on the seams.  I found a couple spots today and put the Eternabond tape to seal the small cracks.

Now time to listen to a couple podcasts and then off to court.

Tuesday

Busy day ahead so I have to hurry this morning.
After a quick breakfast this morning I headed out to try to finish the cleaning of the MH roof.  No such luck, it was all wet (slippery) from the overnight dew.  So I got what I could from the edges and redid the one joint with eternabond tape.

Cleaning tools

The wet roof hard to tell

Before on the left After on the right

I gathered the trash and loaded it into the truck to take out to the road.  Then it was off to the bank and post office for court with a quick stop at court.  It was already noon and I needed to be in Batavia at noon.  So I quick headed for Batavia for the NARFE meeting planning to give my rep or on Medicare.  Nope it was a picnic so we put the report off for 2 months as I will be at the Magistrates Conference next month.  Then back home and up on the roof again and this time I finished the cleaning.  If the weather looks good I will Kool Seal the seams tomorrow.

Phone call now they are delivering new furniture tomorrow between 11 and 1, prime roof sealing weather.

Now we are heading to WW in East Aurora.  Came right home as Elizabeth and Alexus had high school orientation, wow high school already.


Wednesday

Up early today and back in my routine of reading blogs and email.  We are to get a furniture delivery today and Elizabeth and Alexus are coming to help me work on the MH.
The furniture came a little early which was good.

New couch

New chair they are the same color

Emily approves of the new couch

Got the seams all coated with the Kool Seal

One more coat to do tomorrow if it does not rain

Then I helped Alexus sand her dresser project as she wants to paint it all white.

The dresser project

Busy sanding in the shade now

Well another big move tonight.  When Bonnie got home we headed in to West Seneca to look at a new car.  We have been wanting a car that we can flat tow behind the MH.  So after much research we decided to look at Honda CR-Vs.  Well we did get to look at a couple but they are already sold.  In fact most are sold before they ever get to the dealer.  So we decided on an Opal Green one that is due into the dealer on Sept 11th.  These are built both in Japan and in the US.  The one we have our name on was built in Japan.  If the dealer can find one to trade for we could get it sooner.  So now I am researching Tow Bars, Base Plates, supplemental brakes and lighting kits.  Then we will be closer to being ready to tour the USA.

Opal Sage I think we have different wheels

Rain is in the air for tomorrow.
Time to post this
Thanks for checking in.