Friday, April 30, 2010

Moving tomorrow

Will be going to Arbor RV Park in the NW section of Albuquerque tomorrow for the month of May. It's a very small, older park, maybe 20 spaces for RVs of various types, mostly long-term, a couple of older mobile homes, and the owners' house. I'll be in a little space right across from the house, and will back in so my view window is facing the street and the mobile home park across the street which has tall trees (otherwise, I'd be looking at the side of a building -- not nice).

My address for May is: Arbor RV Park, 2707 Campbell Rd NW, Albuquerque NM 87104. This is a hint to Diana B.

Tom and Jean Baldoni are the owners; she's from Franklin NC. Anyhow, that will give me a month to decide what to do with myself. I'll check out what wifi might be available and, if there isn't any, I'll sign up with somebody.

I haven't heard from the Cal. Delta job and called today and left a message that I'd like to know whether they've made a decision yet (it's been a week). RQA has no jobs in the area.

It's Greg's birthday Monday, so we're having a nice dinner this evening to celebrate.

It's been intermittently overcast with snow(!) flurries and fairly chilly.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Santa Fe by Train

Gabi, Milo, and I set out about 10.20 to drive to the closest train stop. The train arrived right on time at 10.47. The cars are divided into three levels. For the trip up we sat on the lowest level. Interesting to see the backs of all the houses etc.

Arrived in Santa Fe about an hour later (it's about 85 miles) and hopped on the shuttle that takes you right to The Plaza downtown. It's nice that the city has managed to keep its architectural style fairly consistent. The 400th anniversary of its founding is this year.

We were all hungry by the time we arrived, so we wound up at the Oak Restaurant, upstairs on the balcony. Gabi had the chile relleno (it had a fancy name I can't remember), Milo got cheese quesadillas, and I had the Plato Santa Fe, which was carne asada, rice (green), and beans (not refried). All very good.

Some window shopping and resting in the park. Gabi and Milo went off to the see the main church, a couple of blocks off the plaza, while I sat and rested the knees (twinging from the weather change) and listened to a guy playing guitar and singing. Ice cream seemed the proper thing to do after all that, and there's a Haagen Daz right on the Plaza.

I strolled the line of Indian artisans showing their wares under the colonnade but successfully resisted buying anything. There was a fabulous solid silver cuff with just one groove as its decoration -- very elegant ($300).

About 4pm the shuttle arrived to take us back to the train. Milo was beginning to show the strain of the long day with a few incipient howls, clenched fists, and screwed-up faces, but overall he was very good. He loved the balloon-man's sword and holder as well as a radio helmet. He kept busting the swords (once during lunch which really startled a lady sitting nearby), but the last one lasted until we got home. He also scored a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt.

Arrived home about 5.45 pm. A long day but nice. Glad we went.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Play Outing

Just got back from seeing the play Gabi directed. It's called Three Days of Rain (which does get explained in Act 2), by David Greenberg (?). There are only three characters, a brother and sister and the son of their father's partner in an architectural firm. Act 1 is present day and their father has just died. Act 2 is the past and the characters play their parents.

One of the few theatre experiences I've had that I managed to last the whole way through. I still found myself checking all the sets/props/lighting/etc. from my stage manager days.

Tomorrow is dump/flush and grocery day, as well as checking out Arbor RV Park for a month's stay. Will report later.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

No Excitement

Life is being very quiet. So far, no jobs from RQA. I've applied for a job in Calif. and am waiting to hear (just sent the app. yesterday).

We postponed the Santa Fe train trip to next week sometime as today's weather was not too pleasant -- windy and overcast and chilly (high of 57).

Greg, Gabi, and I will be going to the Sunday matinee of her play.

Will be having lunch with Libba next Tuesday.

In the meantime, must do some chores -- laundry, dump/flush.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

New Venture

I got accepted as an independent contractor by a product recall company. Got sent a user id and a password and a special website url. However, when I tried the url out, it wouldn't come up at all. So I sent the manager person an email saying that.

Meanwhile I went to the company main website, signed in there, and went to the project page and the manual and everything.

She emailed that I had to have Internet Explorer to use their website, crossing my email saying I'd logged in elsewise. IE, indeed. I don't think so.

After all that, there aren't any projects available here right now, so maybe this wasn't a good idea. We'll see. I'm going to move to an RV park for the month of May. After that, who know.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Eating Fish

Today I went to lunch with Wanda, Halley, and Bobbie, all three members of RVW. They took me to the Range Cafe and I ordered the Baja Fish Wrap, grilled tilapia and "spanish" slaw in a flour tortilla (like a burrito). Naturally, it was huge and half came home with me.

I enjoyed all three. Wanda's pretty funny; Halley is quiet; Bobbie's fun. If I wind up staying here through the summer, I'll be in touch with them again. Maybe I'll get to caravan along with them to a rally or two.

Then, after visiting with Gabi for a bit, I came out and collapsed for a nap. Turned into a long one, about 2.5 hours. Nice.

TTFN

Friday, April 16, 2010

Dump & Shop

About 9.30 I trundled off to the Giant Gas Station on Tramway Blvd, about 4 miles. They have a free dump for RVs (basically, a capped hole in the ground with a water source nearby). Naturally, the short hose I wanted to use didn't want to cooperate. After some struggling, gave up and hauled out the 10ft hose, which worked fine. Connected the hose to flush the tank. Done.

While putting everything away, a lady called "what a cute camper!" So we had a discussion and I showed her the inside. She has two years to go before retirement but I could see the yearning.

Came back and rehooked the elec. line. Ate lunch (a hard-boiled egg and some mozzarella/prosciutto role on rosemary/garlic triscuits). Then Gabi and Milo and I went off to Goodwill so she could donate some old clothes and misc. and get Milo some new shorts etc. as he's growing apace.

I told her the story about me growing 8 inches in one year, between 12 and 13. Poor Mom had to buy me an entire new wardrobe. So that fall in school, when I was put in Home Ec and was to learn sewing, she refused to buy me the supplies and so I never learned to use a machine.

Then we went to a mall to a kid's clothing store which had stuff on sale for more Mile clothes. I waited in the car and "read" the Abq map. Got home about 5pm. Was gifted a caramel truffel by Gabi, which I am saving for dessert later.

Tomorrow is supposed to be wet and chilly (59 for a high).

Called two RVW women who live here and we're going to have lunch on Monday. Wanda (& Halley) suggested Applebee's, which I said politely was okay but about some real Mexican? I'm to call on Sunday to get final decision and directions.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Shopping & Eating

Gabi gave herself a few hours of freedom by hiring a babysitter for a few hours. She and I then went off to a coffeehouse for drinks -- I had a caramel latte frio (I think). Then off to an Uptown Mall, very "village-y" in layout and wandered some stores. I'm so glad I don't try to be trendy and chic -- I think most of the clothes are funny looking. Then off to Smith's Market to get a few things. I can't afford Smith's so won't be going there again.

They invited me for dinner this eve and it was very nice. I challenged Milo to a green-bean-eating contest and he very kindly kept changing the rules so that we could both win. Grilled chicken. Stuffed portobello mushrooms, Greg's doing -- very tasty indeed.

It's now 9.30. At 10 I'll indulge in my guilty pleasure, TMZ. Half the time I have no idea what or who they're talking about but it's funny nonetheless.

Am reading an Ann Bishop high-fantasy novel, The Invisible Ring, which turns out to be #4 in the series but no matter. Lots of people have recommended her. I'm enjoying it okay but it isn't blowing me away, and her gender politics are a little annoying.

TTFN

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Goodreads

I've been slaving away on the Goodreads site, trying to get my book lists and other stuff up to date. It's a time-consuming process, which is why nothing has been done for the past seven months without wifi. I've been spending so much time sitting on the couch playing on the computer that my back is beginning to seize up. I really need to go for a walk, or something.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Comment spam

Well, I'm getting a fair amount of spam in my Comments. Just now got one about cheap airline tickets that was really really long. So I've instituted two steps, one for me and one for you.

Any comment on a post that's older than 14 days will have to have my approval first.

Anyone wishing to comment will have to do a word verification -- you know, type this distorted word.

I didn't want to eliminate anonymous posters, so that's the best I can do. Sorry.

Sittin' Around

I sent in the application yesterday; now I just have to wait. It's Monday so it must be shower day. It's also wash the Brita pitcher and put in a new filter day. That's the sum total of my must-do list for the day.

On the other hand, it's really nice to have time (and wifi) to do some poking around and updating on various sites (like Goodreads).

There's some RVW members here so I'll give them a call and see if we can get together sometime this week. I also have to do a dump on Weds or Thurs and have found a gas station not too far away that has the facility for free. I need to give Libba a call, too.

TTFN

Friday, April 9, 2010

Smugness

I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. I got my new printer, followed all the instructions, and it installed everything slicker than goose shit. I've printed out the app forms and will Greg will scan and then email them to me so I can email them to the company and speed up the process.

I really want this job, and soon.

Recent Photos

This is Caleb Mallory, who just turned 30 and says he doesn't like to smile.

Above is Carol Coleman and the front of the store. Below is her husband, Kenn, the manager.
And here's the sign for the town of Carrizozo, the next town north of Three Rivers Petroglyphs.
Coming up on the huge lava flow.


Along the way from Carrizozo to Socorro--

North of Socorro is the coolest looking rest stop I've seen. Each "building" has a picnic table inside and open windows.


Don't forget -- you can click on any photo and it'll open up much bigger.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Bye bye Bowlin

Am now safely ensconced in Gabi's driveway in Albuquerque. Left the Bowlin store about 11am yesterday, in the teeth of 25mph winds with gusts to 40 -- I didn't care, I was gone. Went up to Carrizozo, turned left on Hwy 380 and went to the Valley of Fires, a huge lava flow. Held my interest for about an hour. Went on to I-25 intersection. At that point, I needed gas and Socorro was 8 miles north, or I could chance it and go straight into the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge. I went for the gas. Then I thought about backtracking but was now fully in "driving" mode so went on and arrived at a Walmart about 6.30.

Got a roast chicken and ate about a third of it with some potato chips. Fell into bed about 8pm. Got up at 4am -- cold cold, about 40 deg. inside -- went back to bed about 5am and dozed until about 6.30. Went into WM and into MacDonald's (first time in about 30 years) and had a coffee and an egg mcmuffin. Later went to a Barnes & Noble as my crossword puzzle book is nearly finished. Got a new 300-puzzle book.

Wasn't due at Gabi's until about 1.30 so decided to go ride the tram up the mountain and take some panorama pictures. But -- it was down for maintenance all this week. I had seen Page One Books, both new and used, so wound up there. Found a couple of goodies for B.

My new printer has arrived here and I'm hoping to get Greg to help me get it set up. Then I can print out the forms, fill them out, and mail them off. And hope I get the job.

Gabi's busy with a play she's directed which opens this weekend, so tonight she's off for the preview performance.

I have wifi in my rig!!! It's so nice to sit on my couch and do stuff instead of having to drive to a cafe, which I've had to do since last August.

RIP Wilma Mankiller, principal chief of the Eastern Cherokee.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Last for a while

It's Sunday about 1pm and I'm at the cafe. Have done the grocery shopping for "keeper" foods and topped off the gas tank. I also threw away the foam sleeves on the water hose -- I normally keep them but they were full of goatheads and I didn't feel like spending an hour picking them all offf (and inevitably missing one). They're cheap.

This is the last post for a while. I'll be in Abq on Thursday and will probably be able to use Gabi's house wifi but won't know till I get there.

Stay well, y'all, and I'll do the same. TTFN

Saturday 4/3

Went ahead and did the laundry so as not to have to do it tomorrow. Just wearing a sleeveless cotton dress and nothing else, so that'll be the only dirty thing to carry along.

Also took down the bathroom vent screen and the kitchen vent screen. Replaced the bathroom screen and cleaned the kitchen screen. And cleaned the frames. Why they're not both the same screw-wise and attachment-wise, I have no idea. The bathroom screen sits on a plastic frame that fits over the outside frame's inside.

Wait. That's not very clear. Think of a box with a lid, upside down. The outside frame is the lid and the screen frame is the body -- more or less. Anyhow, the handle is held on by one phillips screw; the screen frame has two phillips screws; and the outside frame has four square-head screws. So you need two different bits.

The kitchen vent, which has a little exhaust fan, doesn't require the outside frame to come off at all. The screen frame is flat and just fits the opening with two screws that have an octagonal head, so I used my little vise grips. And the handle screw requires a square bit.

So, three tools to do one thing. Is this good design? I don't think so.

Soon I'll do the cabover vent screen, when I decide I'm not going to need the plastic seal on it anymore (took plastic off all the other windows etc last week). Still need a little heat at night but not much. And the days are in the high 60s to high 70s. Of course, we're still having pesky winds from time to time.

There's an RV park in Abq that I found in the Escapees directory. It says it has low monthly rates (which I'll check on). If I get that recall rep. job, I'll move to that park and stay until late Sept. Gabi says she and family will be moving back to N.C. in Sept., probably Charlotte. I'll be moving on to Arizona for two conventions.

After that, I think I'll spend the winter in the Bay Area.

I have the feeling I've already said all this. Anyhow, if all that works out, I'll plan to be in Asheville next May. I'll have been gone two years!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Today

Decided I wanted to go out, so I went to town about 11.30 and got Alamo Auto to check the tires and airbags. All were only a few pounds down. Good

Then to Lowe's to get a new fluor. bulb as one just died, and a new lock for the storage box. When they airing the bags I noticed that my lock was missing. Now, it may just have fallen off into the tall grass when I was fussing around the other day. If so, I'll now have a lock for both ends. If not, and it really is gone, at least I'll be able to lock the box.

Then to the cafe. got the bank statement downloaded so I can do the reconciliation later.

Yesterday was really really nasty -- winds about 35-40 with gusts to 60mph, blowing dust everywhere, visibility down to about 1/4 mile.

Will plan on coming to the cafe on Sun. which will be the last time until I get to Albuquerque sometime on Thursday. I'll be able to use Gabi & Greg's wifi but may not get it going until Friday.

Thur. 4/1

We're supposed to get really high winds today (60mph) so when I left the cafe yesterday about 2.30, I decided to go ahead and make the run to Mescalero. Was back at the site and all hooked up by 4pm. So I got a lot done yesterday. It was a little gusty (up to about 40mph) but I only had a few squirrely moments.

Now I don't have anything to do for four days. Well, on Sat. I'll do a little housecleaning and try to get the two area rugs clean. On Sat. or Sun. I'll do laundry, and probably on Sun. will take a shower and do a final grocery run and internet session at the cafe.

I'm going to try to remember to get pictures of Caleb and of Kenn and Carol, just for an aide memoire.

On Weds. am will do a dump and a thorough flush, coil all hoses and stow them away -- that means the 20 ft sewer hose, the 20 ft water hose, and the auxiliary water hose (used for flushing the black tank). I want to do a good cleaning of the sewer hose connector ends. I wonder if I should keep the 10 ft hose that I quit using when I got these new hoses? There's nothing wrong with it and it compresses to about 4ft. Am thinking about using bungee cords to attach the sewer hoses to the back rack instead of trying to fit them inside the storage box -- I think it'll work.

Will rig the inside stuff for running. You know, put the plant and the brita pitcher in the kitchen sink. Lay the lotion bottle down (or it'll fall down). Little stuff like that. Take a shower (and remember to bring all my washing goodies from the bathroom to the rig, including towel). I have a foil-lined bag for soap and shampoo etc to live in.

Oh yeah, mustn't forget the outside mat and stepstool, the very last things to go in. Normally, they just stay outside and I back in to the same spot every time. And I may run into town to Alamo Auto to get the tires and rear airbags up to par.

And then . . . Drive away, waving cheerfully.