Tourque Converter returned

You remember Mr Van required a new transmission. Well, several attempts to fix the transmission didn't work. A local guy replaced this torque converter and said all was working. But not so. I expected Mr Van to be fixed for the Thanksgiving Holiday, so Craig and I could make the first trip to Louisiana. Well he did not fulfill this promise. He had 4 weeks to get this done.

Mr Van was finally fixed at another mechanic shop and a request made that this part would be returned to the first mechanic. He had charge me $854 but did give me a refund. The weather has been frozen here and I only just got this part returned. When I drove up the mechanic did not even turn around when I said hello.

This thing is heavy. Susie and I together could hardly get it out of the van.

My back has gone out, again. Soooooooo, this is what I do all day. Look out my picture window and watch the birds.

pics

pics

Tomorrow will be the 6 th day that I can not even get out of a chair without help. I take Lortab and Soma 3 times a day. I have increased this. Not good, but I called the Doctor and the 'nurse' wanted me to come in. Last appointment I waited an hour and 10 minutes to see the Dr. How was I suppose to drive 20 minutes(in the snow), find a parking place downtown, and get up to (see) the Dr. Who would not even touch me. I suggested we use our computers and skype a 'talk'. She only argued with me. By the way I have never seen the MD only the Physician Assistant.

The Spine Clinic in Daville, Ky does not have positive comments on the Internet.

I think this Dr office not longer likes me. I feel the same way.

So glad to have hubby home full time

My back feels like the hog in this guys mouth

This is Craig's fourth day, out of work. I am so glad to have him around, but for all the wrong reasons.


Friday, Craig and I started packing, for the move to Louisiana. Best plans always seems to find a detour. My back, again went out. I have spent Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and now all of Sunday, either in bed or in a chair. I can not even get out of the chairs without Craig's help. Does not seem possible that this is a Level 1 slipped disc. I can only imagine a Level 5 means you will die, by your own hands, because the pain is unbearable.

I meet Craig in 1988 in Richmond, VA. We both where working a Phillip Morris job. Craig was single (never married), didn't have a girlfriend (at the time), family lived 800 miles away, and his mother died years ago. Hmmmmm, no luggage!!!


He cleaned his own house, manage his own finances, and general took care of himself. Somewhere over the next 20 years, he lost this ability. Or so I thought. I just did everything.

I have to say he has been wonderful the last 3 days. He cooked and cleaned the kitchen (didn't know he knew how to start the dishwasher). He checked on me, often, brought me snacks and food and even my pills. Not that the pills have touched the pain.

I don't want his retirement to consent of waiting on me had and foot, but what would I have done these last few days without him. I am sooooo lucky.

The biggest job is taking care of our 3 dogs. Remeber the Famous Chief is very ill and is carried out the door and put on the ground. Then has to be retrieve from outside because he can not find the front door. Then, because of the cold and snow, has to be warmed up.


NOTE: 3 inch's of snow and more to come. Just saying.

Husband laid off from work today

Well, it is done. Craig left the project, with his boxes, and does not have a project to go to. He is laid off. Yeaaaaaaaa. Craig seems very happy about not having accepted another assignment.

They will pay him a 40 hour week (check) for the next 8 weeks. That will use up 320 hours of the 600 hours of vacation time. He will not receive the balance of vacation time until 6 months has past, plus he loses the 400 vacation hours they 'froze' about 20 years ago when the company merge with Fluor Engineering, company out of CA.

Just another example of company greed.

Not mile marker is to be on the road by the middle of FEB

Company arrives early in H'burg, KY

Friend Susie completed her contract with Amazon on Fri Dec. 17th. She promise to come to Harrodsburg, KY and help me pack for the move to Louisiana. She would visit with her (family) of Amazon campers on Saturday and arrive here Sunday.

So Saturday this is what DH (Craig) and I did. We have ice everywhere. Lots of ice.

This is the front driveway. Susie park here. Right in front of Mr Van.

Susie's home.

While clearing the front drive way, we also have a double driveway in the rear, this familiar camper arrived.

Glad to see Susie, although the camper gave her problems on the drive over. It is stalling out around turns and when slowing down. The camper will go into the shop next Tuesday.

Ice pics

ice pics

bird pics

bird pics

Ice strom...picture window

Our entertainment during this cold weather is the bird feeders. They are outside our large living room window.

Notice all the snow and ice and it is not winter, yet.

Note: Need to postpon this post. The famous Chief is awake and bouncing off walls.

Here he is sleeping on a heating pad. See the light. Wish he would go to sleep now.

I get soooooooo mad....winter blues

Maybe this ice and snow is the cause. The RV lifestyle should help, to live in the sun and warmer temps. At least most of the time. Maybe that is a big attraction of why RV people RV. Craig asked why I am so mad. Partly, I am mad at him, but I'm not telling. Just going to bed. the first rule of being mad 'Is do no Harm'.

This is Craig on the job site.

Mr Van with Craig job site. See the snow. This is a Kentucky Utility plant. They call it 'Brown' because of the street name. It is on the Kentucky river near the 'Brown' damn.

Mr Van has a new transmission and seems to be fixed.

driod 2 posting

4 p. m. edit post using the laptop computer with a LARGE key board...yea

This post is coming from my new Driod 2 Motorola/Verizon phone.

This will be short, just trying to learn.

Craig and I both have new phones but this touch screen is not for Craig, my opinion.

Instead of my usb 727 air card, $65 a month for 5kb use, we have unlimited internet connection on this phone for $30 month and the new mi/fi air (card) for $35 month with 3kb use.

Will explain more when I get to a bigger keyboard.

note: welcome back Bob and Linda...life is good

My birthday dinner. Crab legs, they are great, maybe as good as Olde Pink House in Savannah.

But this is our dinning set up. The TV and football games are in this room. Oh well, we are very comfortable.

By the way, it has snowed alllllll day. My birth year is 1951 and this is my first 'White' birthday-day.

Just a home body

When you take all in to account. We are just home bodies.

A group of people from Craig's work get together. This is a drinking/eating group. We always enjoy getting out but are VERY glad to return home. Plus the bill always seems to be between $100 to $150. We don't have more than two drinks so this becomes expensive, for us.

What will it be like to get together with friends but have our 'home' within walking distance. The RV world is unique, in this respect. I can't wait!!!!

Tonight our party was at Eddie Montgomery's new restaurant. I forgot the camera. His place is fancy. After 9 pm a band preforms but we left before 9. They advertised that Eddie spent a small fortune on the sound system.

That's the stage behind Craig, me and Ahmed.

front

front

Craig is still out of a job this month and we will move all this stuff to Louisiana. I have been working very hard packing. The logistics of getting all our moving vehicles, well, moved is tuff.

Remember my friend Susie, she and I went to the KY Horse park and several othe places, this past June. She will finish her contract with Amazon (workamping) job next week. Susie volunteer to help and will arrive next week. What an Angel!!

Susie wants to head South. The temps here have been frigid and snow is on the ground. I agree, time to head South.

All will be good. I just know it. Thanks Susie.

NOW I KNOW...when I die I will know everything

Like of lot of the country, it is very cold here. About 22 degrees colder than normal. I did winterize Mr Van (class B motor home), although not with gusto. Didn't do anything to the Condo (Class A motor home). Not very smart. I didn't expect single digit wind chill for 4 days.

Looks like we will have repairs with both campers when the thaw comes. Oh yea, as the saying goes 'I know now'.

On top of this, trying to do 'something' in 15 degrees weather is a killer. I think I will die.

Small electric heaters where running in both campers and I put a light in the water bay of the Condo. Not enough. Checked the Condo and found the water frozen to the sinks, 28 degrees inside will freeze, who knew. Added another small heater to the Condo's water bay and put the gas furnace on. Will leave the gas furnace running, just have to pay the bill.

Checked the water pump and it did not pump.

Added the heaters and turned the furnace on about 5 pm. Around 10 pm the bay was at 62 degrees and the water pump finally started pumping to the sinks. Didn't see any leaks in the belly bay but time will tell.

The outside showers of Mr Van and the Condo is what I am expecting to be busted.

When Craig retires with me, this is going to be his job.

On a lighter note: My sister called tonight to wish me a happy birthday. Only my birthday is not today, but next Sunday. Seems it is suppose to be 30 degrees tonight in Titusville, Fl.

Cold weather kills brain cells, first. Thirty degrees in Florida is COLD!!!!!

Thanks Betty, I love you and miss you.

Did you recognize Donkey? I like the Shriek, the movie!

Launch date changed to Dec 22

Craig's lay-off date has move to Dec 22nd. The need to get all this packing done is front and center. A lady has come twice to help, she is in that grey area. A 60 year old woman that was laid off when the factory closed. No anything including a home or pension and too Young for SS. She is living with her Mom.

I pay her $8 an hour and we work about 2 hours a day. Two hours is enough. How does a person become ruthless and just let go of all this stuff? Can't seem to do that, this is my stuff.

Class B, RV can pull a toad

pic

pic

pic

pic

New Rebuilt Transmission only $3,000

Mr Van is back in my drive way!! Wonder how long it will stay this time?

When Craig and I retire I dream that we can handle these problems together. Not sure why I get sooooo nervous about all of this. When we where young, where we just to busy to notice, or did we just not know. Because now I look for problem after problem.

All in all, I did get to Versailles, pay for the transmission and drive the Van pulling the Honda CRV home. Didn't have to ask anyone (including my husband) for any help.

Oh yea, stopped at the Verizon Store. Maybe I am my own worst enemy.

Cats out of the bag...RV dreamers

Last week a Louisville, KY newspaper called the workampers at Amazon, in Campbellsville, KY, Amazon Gypsies. She did not paint a pretty picture. Now a second article has been written that stated that the first article was harsh. The local NBC station talked about RV living and working.

Tonight, my friend (the Lindseys) have made the news again. While Josh declined to go on camera, some others did. The Lindseys daughter is in the video although not a speaking part. She is the kid in the Santa hat. Diane Sawyer ABC World News did a brief run about people unemployed, living in RV's and looking for work.

Take a look. One guy actually said that he didn't want the word to get out about how great it is to traveling, live in his camper and work when needed. Boy, I think he blew it.

Wish I could put a link to the video, but not sure how to do that. Just google ABC world news.

Campbellsville, KY....Amazon Gypsies

Susie Grimes, Latisha, Elisha, and Josh Lidsey Missing Zac and Isaih Lidsey

The RV lifestyle is not for everyone but I love it. Today we visited Sue and Josh and Latisha Lidsey in Campbellsville, KY. They are working the Amazon seasonal jobs. Sue started in Sept and Josh in November. They did this last year.

We all worked together (volunteer) at Wolfe Creek Fish Hatchery near Lake Cumberland Damn, last year.

Josh treated us to lunch. Thanks Josh. What a great day.

If interested check out this article written by some idiot on the journal newspaper in Louisville, KY. Talk is that someone has a problem with Amazon not paying union wages. Don't know nothing about that but they did take tid bits of the interview's and put them together to make RVing and working seem like desperate and deprived people.

This is long and the video on the web site is worth watching.


Holidays: a job.

Hard-up retirees and unemployed workers with children have converged on this rural town in RVs and campers to spend a few months earning $10 per hour filling orders at an Amazon warehouse.

Amazon offers a free place to park and plug in. When work ends Christmas Eve, the campers pull out.

Many have lost their homes and live on the road, home schooling their children along the way. Others are retirees who had planned to see the country but now work along the way to supplement depleted investments. Those not old enough for Medicare typically lack insurance.

We are among the economic refugees. We are lucky to earn enough to get our laundry done and eat macaroni and cheese,” said April McFail, 52. “I think it says America needs something different. This is supposed to be freedom and a good life. Now it is a sad note.”

McFail's husband, Terry, lost his job last year at Dow Chemical earning $18 hourly in southern Michigan. They lost their home to foreclosure in May. Pooling $8,000 in savings, they purchased a 1987 Winnebago and hit the road. They worked as campground hosts in South Dakota for the summer, arriving in September to begin work at Amazon.

A short time later, April McFail's diabetes forced her to quit the Amazon job. She could not manage 10-hour shifts four days a week lifting packages up to 30 pounds each. Health-care benefits left over from her husband's job at Dow expire Tuesday.

'Amazon Gypsies'

Lunchboxes in hand, “Amazon Gypsies” walk down the hill to work from the company camp built on a gravel parking lot next to an auto junkyard. A nearby state park extended its hours through Christmas at Amazon's request.

Amazon pays campsite rental, water, sewer and electric. Some campers choose to save their propane and rely on electric blankets and heaters to stay warm at night.

Blankets cover the windows of the Wicklane family's 1997 Fleetwood ca

mper. An electric space heater whirrs on the worn linoleum floor. After losing an electrician's job and a house in Florida last year, Kurt Wicklane found work unloading Amazon trucks in Kentucky to feed two daughters, ages 3 and 9, and a son, 5


Courier-journalCAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Amazon.com has what many migrant workers want for the h

Jeff Jones Chev...Versailles, KY

The day before T-day (Wed), Mr Thracter called to request I take my Van to a Chevrolet place to scan the transmission for codes. He had called a place in Danville, Ky and they said the charge for the scan would be $79.95.

Bob Allen Cadillac/Dodge/GM in Danville, KY, is the dealer I went to last Feb with Craig's Cadillac. Check my page on May 26, 2010. I didn't like them then and I still do NOT. Stopped by Bob Allen on my way home from the Back Doctor. Told the service tech who I was and the mechanic had called about a scan on the transmission. Asked the tech what the charges would be, he said $84.95 and the charge would go on from their depending on what they have to do. I left. Good bye.

Called Jeff Jones Chev in Verailles, KY, they changed my water pump on the van last year. Their charge would be $32.00. So I drove the 26 miles, very slowly. Top speed was 40 MPH and less on the hills.

Arrived 11:00 am. Big Al, called and talked with Mr. Tharcter. Four hours later I asked for the charge today and she said $32.00, I like people who tell the truth. I have decided to just replace the transmission. Cost will be $2,700.00 for a GM rebuilt unit. With a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty. I will let Jeff Jones Chev do the work. I'm just tired of it all.

Oh, after test driving the van, I drove and the tech had the scanning hooked to the computer, the van did slip and no codes showed on the scanner. This 4L80E transmission has problems that don't fall in the mechanical end. In my opinion. But I could spend $3,000 just looking for the trouble. Sheeeesh.

Trans ordered and will be here Monday. I will need to get the converter off the repaired trans to return to Mr Thracter. He said his previous charge of $854 was a 'wash' but I feel I the need to pay him. At least the cost of the filter. What is the right thing to do?

On a lighter note. Walked in the show room and they had a 76 Cadillac Eldordo and an 83 Buick Rivera.

These cars made me feel young.

I think I would have sold my soul to have owned either one of these.

Call them what you want. Yank Tanks, land yachts, these cars are big and heavy. Makes me think of Elvis and Las Vegas. Those where the days. Of course, I think Disco was fun.

Plans Change...car trouble

Saturday Night

You may remember the first night I worked the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, that my Van’s transmission acted up. That was September 28th.

Thracter repair shop in Burgin, KY has had the Van on and off for the last 2 months. He replaced the converter and tuned the clutches and gaskets of the transmission. He said it was OK, but to drive it before taking off for Louisiana. I drove away and 30 minutes later returned. Not fixed. His bill was $854 dollars. He retuned my check. That was 7 days ago and I have not heard a word from him. No use to call him.

We intended to leave Thursday morning for Louisiana. I would drive the Van and pull our enclosed 12 foot cargo trailer. Craig, driving the Honda CRV pulling our 10 foot open trailer. We would return, to Harrodsburg, Ky, in the Honda.

That would leave the Motor home to pull the Honda CRV and the rented U-Haul to pulled the Cadillac on a rented car carrier. Sheesh what a plan, it would work. But noooooooo, that will not happen. We would be moved and all our stuff would live in one place, Louisiana.

So I asked Craig, if we are here for the Thanksgiving holiday, could we go to Louisville and see the zoo, church Hill downs, baseball museum and Mohamed museum. Just be a tourist. Sounds good.

Well the weather forecast is blink, looks like the lows will be around 22 degrees with highs not much better. The zoo animals will not come out, and staying in the Motor home may be hard. I am treated for the tropics.

Oh, by the way, Dr appointments are still running my life. I need to be careful, one of these test and x-rays might show something wrong. So far I just need to make a life style change to handle my back problems. At least that is what I hope.

Vevay, IN......Belterra Casino

Just across the bridge and your in Indiana.

Another company celebration. Craig is working two projects at the same time. The Kentucky Utility job here in Harrodsburg and the Kentucky Utility project in Gent KY (near Cincinnati).

We lived in Ghent, KY before moving here to Harrodsburg. Last night was a blast and the food was beyond great. Very very good job on the food and everything else.

Doctor appointments run your life

Doctor appointments run your life

A big part of going full time/part time in the RV is getting your health in order.

No one in this house is checking out of life but we should not ignore any medical conditions.

My back is a crack/broke vertebra, right before the trail bone begins. Spondylolisthesis, a very common thing, so it seems. Surgery to screw the thing together is a long recovery and may not gain much pain relief.

The month of Dec I will do therapy to learn exercises to gain muscle. Our new life style, in the RV, may be just the right thing to do.

Buuuuutttttt, the x-ray showed an enlarge gallbladder. I am scheduled for tomorrow for an ultrasound.

Then the dentist appointments begin. How did I get so fragile?

These things need to be understood by myself and my husband. I believe living a nomads life in the RV makes this knowledge very important. Both with Craig and me and the dogs.

D-Day has moved from Dec 17th to Dec 30th. One extra paycheck. I guess

Holiday events and dinners

Several dinners and celebrations are planned and I would like to go. It is amazing how dinners that are company sponsored still cost us.

Not a very good picture of Craig and I. Place was ugly and lighting bad.

This dinner is called a project competition event, planned for 45 but about 25 showed up. The place is an Italian restaurant call Bellini's, located downtown Lexington, Ky. Not far from the KY University campus. Guess who was playing a football game that night. Traffic was heavy and parking a problem. But big city downtown, at night, is magic. People are walking around and hanging out. The lights are bright.

Although I was very glad to be invited and be here, nothing about this place impressed me.

The Kudu has arrived...one year later

Last September Craig took the trip of his lifetime. I say that with all the love in my heart, because he thinks he will get to go again. No way, way tooooooo expensive. But he received a bonus pay from a job and those dollars and more, paid his Safari to South Africa.

Ladies it was worth every penny. Craig is a hunter and this trip made him very very happy. Good for him.

Guess what is in this big box from South Africa!!!

..

Lots of dead heads that I will get to look at for the rest of my life.