Split Happens

As you may be aware we, rather I, have posted a count down to our departure on my facebook page. It is exciting to see the seconds, minutes, hours and days ticking by, but at the same time it’s a bit unnerving since we don't have much time and the funds are quite low. Looks like hot dogs and ramen for the next few weeks.

Yesterday, Saturday February 18^th we no longer could put off the inevitable and started the prep work for the power steering pump repair. As much as we wanted to pay someone to do the work, we couldn’t find anyone who wanted to work on the problem during this time of year. Do wonder why? Well, I’ll tell you why. It is freaking COLD outside!!!!! Yes, the sun was out and it was a balmy 37 degrees, but the wind was out too and it sure made a difference in the temperature. You will be happy to know that I stayed outside with James for an hour and a half handing him tools, being his gofer and providing moral support.

During that time James removed the front driver’s side tire. This tire was going to be moved to the back and the new tire we are getting this weekend was going to be put on the front. Sounds like a good plan, right? It was, until we found out that the tire we removed from the front was in HORRID shape. It is a miracle that the coach made it safe and sound from Indiana to here! Check it out.

Since we have discovered that wonderful problem we now are looking at $600 for tires as opposed to the $200 we budgeted for one more tire. Truth be told I was a little nervous about changing our plans to only purchase 2 tires. I feel more comfortable knowing she is going to have decent skins when it’s time to roll. Let’s just hope the 2 tires we are planning on NOT replacing will be in ok shape to make it. If not, we might end up being here through the spring!

After we got over the tire shock James did some tinkering and poking around and now has access…sort of….to the power steering pump. He is still not certain if it is a line or a pump problem. We are holding our breath, crossing our fingers and wishing upon stars that it is just the lines. On Friday, James had to go to multiple auto parts stores in Findlay to find the pump and the lines. Ended up he had to order the lines which were supposed to be in yesterday (Saturday). Unfortunately, only one of the 2 lines arrived and they weren’t certain when the other would get there….maybe Monday. UGH!

James was researching/troubleshooting the power steering issue and is thinking/hoping it’s not the pump. If it is there are a couple of issues. The first being, he is not certain if he purchased the correct pump. The second, the process for installing the pump and making certain it is working properly is quite intense. He printed off the instructions (about 3 full pages worth) which was enough to instill some fear in his eyes.

Today, he and his friend are supposed to really get into the repair and hopefully find out that it’s just a line. I don’t know how much will be accomplished since one of the lines needed for the repair is not available and also it is a tad bit colder than yesterday. Whatever happens I’ll be sure to post the outcome. Keep your fingers, toes, knees, eyes and anything else you can think of crossed that it’s just a line.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our blog!

Six More Weeks

Happy Ground Hog Day! From the news reports it appears we have 6 more weeks of winter. I won’t complain too much since the winter so far has been pretty decent. I also won’t complain about still being in Ohio since I made a New Years promise to be positive. :D

I like to think we have about 6 more weeks in the state of Ohio too, but I'm not going to put the cart before the horse, or count my chickens before they hatch. I will say things are looking pretty good for my prediction.

Now that I’ve had time to get acclimated to my new home, I’m really enjoying our decision. At first, I kind of thought we were a bit goofy for stepping so far out of the American Dream box and I’m pretty sure many of you still think we are a bit nuts, but that’s ok. So many of us live with more than we need or can afford and we just don’t want to spread ourselves thin, or miss out on life because we can’t afford to live it.

Yes, right now we are struggling to afford all the things we need to get out of here, but I truly believe once we have moved on our situation will vastly improve. My Arizona family and friends thought I was crazy for leaving sunny AZ to return to bipolar Ohio. However, so many great things came out of this move that I don’t regret it. First of all, I met my fantastic and handy husband and gained 3 more fantastic children. Secondly, I received my BS degree in business from the University of Findlay. Finally, I learned to become a strong and independent person as I mainly had myself and later my husband to rely on. Therefore, I feel this next chapter in my life will be full of successes and life lessons to cherish.

Ok enough of the blah, blah, blah! Let’s get into what you really came here for, PICTURES!!!!

A few weeks ago James and I decided we needed to bite the bullet and return to RAC for a fireplace. The one we found is fantastic and also HUGE. The sweet thing is its programmable, so once it hits the set temp the heat part turns off. Sweet! Hopefully, that will help with our electric bill which was as much as our rent this last billing cycle. YIKES!

Along with providing affordable and efficient heat, it also provides more leg room as it is much narrower than the stand we were using for the TV. It also has ample storage space, which as you know is very important when living in small quarters.

We bolted the TV on top of the fireplace in order to keep it in place while we are on road. The fireplace is also bolted to the floor to prevent it from moving around as well. Once we get to our destination, I’ll let you know how it went.

The only snafu we encountered with the installation of the fireplace was the lack of room for Molly. Since the fireplace is so large we had to find a new place for Molly. I ended up cleaning out the drawers we had under the desk area and reorganizing my scrap/craft goodies. Once that was out of the way we were able to create a “room” for the basset. I think she likes this space more than the one she had by the door. It is less drafty and more out of the way of general traffic, which makes for better naps.

As you will notice we have a new chair for the desk. Like usual, James and I came across a deal we couldn’t pass up. The chair was on sale at Menards for $35! It is exactly what we were looking for and the price was affordable, so we snatched that baby up in a heartbeat. The following week we were in Menards and passed by the chairs again and they were back up to their regular price of $95. WOW! Now if we could just find someone to fix the power steering line for an affordable price.

Hopefully, next week will have two new tires. Excuse me as I do the happy dance. It has been mentioned for quite sometime that two tires were the big things holding us back from getting this show on the road. Keep your fingers crossed that it happens and isn’t just wishful thinking.

Last weekend we fired the big girl up again and she turned right over. YAY! We do need to get the power steering situation straightened out and once that is done all we’ll need is cash for gas and its all systems go. I can’t begin to explain how excited we are. I’ve been deep cleaning the apartment the past few days so that will be ready to roll when the time comes.

We also checked all the running lights on the coach and cleaned them up and made sure they were all working. James also replaced the outside light near the door. It was missing the light cover and the wires were not very healthy so he thought it best to replace the whole shebang. It’s the little things that make a big difference. There isn’t much left to do now other than hurry up and wait.

Next weekend we will be attending the Camp and Travel RV Show in Toledo. We like to go just to see what’s new and exciting. We might even be looking for a place that can service our big girl to make sure she is road ready. If you are interested in checking out the show, click on the link and you can get a coupon for $1 off admission.

Well, I think I’ve run out of things to fill you in on, so I’ll bid you adieu until next time. Have a wonderful day!