Skype is the way to go

Sherri and I were up this morning around 4:45. We did not get our wake-up call this morning but then we did not ask for one. I was under the assumption that we just asked once and we would get it for all week. That is not the way it works so we will have to ask for a call in the morning.

We made it to work on time, however and had a good day. We then headed back to the motel room for a shower and some rest. We had decided to go to Jan's River Restaurant on the west side of town for dinner. We would all meet down stairs at 5:00 and ride over in my truck. At 5:00 I found everyone waiting for us in the lobby. We all loaded up in the truck and away we went to the restaurant. We had a good time and laughed at all the stories being told by all. It was getting late so we all piled back into the truck and returned to the motel.

When I returned to the room I noticed that my youngest son had called and wanted me to call him on Skype. If you have not heard of Skype you need to learn about it...especially if you have loved ones far away from your travels and would like to see and talk to them often.

The program is free for computer to computer video and audio connections. You have to pay if you call phone numbers but having the ability to talk to your G-kids and see them too is great. We got hooked up for the first time tonight and it worked great. The picture of Brice and Jodie was good on our in but the picture of us on their end was grainy. My camera is built in where they bought a table model that has a better lens. It was quite the experience to be able to see the kids and talk with them while setting at our desk in the motel room hundreds of miles away.

The download did not cost us anything and the fun we got from it was worth the time it took to load it up. If you travel and want to keep in touch with the kids back home this is a must have. If you do happen to get it and want to try it out give me a call....Joe and Sherri Pitman is our on line address. It is like facebook you have to request to become part of our contacts and then once you are accepted viola you can call and talk...just like Star Trek!!!

Well that is about it for this day. I have to get ready for my shower and a little time watching the TV. Oh maybe I can catch the President tonight tell me how they are going to clean up the oil spill. Not that they have fixed anything else. Maybe an oil spill is more along their line of expertise? Good luck with that ...

Somewhere in Time

Not a Bad Day at All

Sherri and I were brought out of our comma when the wake-up call came in from the desk down stairs. She tried to turn the phone off by answering my ear...ouch! No dear pick up the phone and then hang up. We laid there for a short time...I could hear her breathing but we did not talk. Shortly the phone began to ring again...how did they know we were still in bed?

OK I pull up and out of bed...stumbled to the suit case and got some clothes out and then headed for the shower. It was so nice to shave and then climb in under that stream of hot water. I would have loved to showered for an hour but I knew Sherri needed her turn so I had to cut it short.

I relinquished the shower to her and I fell back into the bed for a little nap before I got dressed for work. Seem like I had just closed my eyes and Sherri was telling me to get up and get ready. OK OK...I am a going as fast as I can. Not really but I think I had her fooled...NOT.

We went down to the breakfast room where I got coffee and eggs with sausage. Sherri got the usual cereal bowl and coffee. This was enough to get us rolling to the job. The day went well and we had a lot of fun with our co-workers. We all enjoy our jobs and make the day go faster by teasing with each other and having some laughs.

I will have to say this job is a lot more fun than the one I had for 35 years. What a relief it is not having any responsibilities other than doing my job. Not having to answer questions and being away from any desk type work makes this guy real laid back...

Somewhere in Time

Tanks Empty...Repairs start Monday

Well Sherri and I slept in Sunday morning...which was nice. We have not been able to sleep late in months, even though we have been off work Friday thru Sunday. We always have something going on and that causes us to rise early.

We made our coffee and then poured us a cup. We sat in the living room discussing what all we had to get done this morning before hitting the road to Louisiana. We will be there all week working at various stores. While we are gone the repair work to our front jacks will be done and hopefully we will be able to move the trailer.

Thanks Tom for the advice on the pump out. The gentlemen that did the extraction told me that the suction on the truck was very strong and that I would need to open the toilet flush ball to relieve the extreme vacuum. We did all that and ran the flush water at the same time and as far as I can tell all is well. I hope nothing is seriously wrong with it...that is all I need!

This little clean-out cost me $100.00! Well it was better than using the Texaco Toilet in town! I have learned a lot from this ordeal and will be better prepared in the future.

We packed up and got out of town about 12:30. Heading east on I 20 we stopped in Lindell to have some lunch at Cracker Barrel. We enjoyed a good meal and then back on the road again. Soon we were crossing the state line into Louisiana where we stopped at the road side park. I got out to use the restroom and when leaving the truck I was hit by a heated blast of hot air! I could not believe how hot it was today! This is just June and we are already into the high 90's and some 100's.

We arrived at the motel around 4:30 and unloaded all our stuff. They did not have a cart for the luggage so we had to man handle it into the back door and then into the elevator. By the time we crossed the threshold to our room we were both depleted of energy and ready for cold showers.

We are settled in now and guess what...we have an outstanding connection on line and I am going to post tonight! I have to say I am sorry to all my readers for not having posted more often but we were staying out at the lake property and we have no signal out there. It is great when we get a good wifi connection so we can communicate with all the outside world.

Well that just about wraps this day up...we are here and resting tonight...getting ready for tomorrow and a new set to complete. Two days at one store and then we move on to the next. We will return to the lake Friday morning and once again...no signal. I guess I better enjoy the great connection I have now...come Friday I will be in slow cyber space....

Somewhere in Time

Back on the road

 

 

I don't know about you but it has been hot here in Texas. Yesterday we had temps in the 100's and you could tell it. We have been at our home base and it is setting in the open sun. I have been pleased with the insulation we have. The trailer itself has stayed cool and comfortable but going outside has been no joy at all.

We both long for the day we can pull out and stay somewhere cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Until then we will make the best of a bad situation.

Speaking of bad situation one of our front jack motors went out and I have to take it in and get it fixed. I can't believe that a motor would go out in less than 2 years...but then it did. I have to raise in manually and then lower it the same way. This is a tricky task but then there is no other way.

We had to go to work before all this repair takes place. Sherri and I have to go to our next assignment...complete it and then return to our home base. When I get there I will raise the jack and take the RV to the dealership and get it fixed.

We did return at the end of the week and I got up early Friday morning and got started on raising the jack. I got it within a few inches needed to back the truck under it and it slid back down! The gears in the landing gear itself are stripped out and I can't raise it manually. OK now the dilemma gets worse. My black water tank needs dumping and I can't get the rig to the park.

Well this means one thing...I will have to call a tech out to repair the jack on site. Knowing that this will take some time I have to make some arrangements to get the black water dumped. I called a septic tank company that cleans out grease traps and septic systems and asked how much it would cost to clean out my holding tank. They told me that they could be out today so I told them to come on out. We got the tank emptied and shortly afterwards my repair tech showed up. He apprised the situation and told me that the jack stand gears were the problem and not the motor. So he said he would order the parts and return Monday to start the work.

Well that is about it for this last week. We have to leave again for our next assignment. I hope upon our return the jack is fixed and we will be able to go somewhere again...

Somewhere in Time

Finally got a good signal

 

Our little spot on the map

We had left our lake lot and traveled to Louisiana to work for one day in a store there. While there...of course we had to visit the casinos. This is where my story begins...

We arrived in Louisiana around 12:00 pm and went straight to the buffet at Sam's Town. We had a real nice lunch and then went to the casino...where nothing monumental occurred. We decided to head off to Diamond Jack's where we had had some good luck in the past.

I found a machine to my liking...located in a corner of the casino and Sherri sat down beside me. I put my money in and then looked at the pay tables. I pointed out to Sherri that if I got all the American Originals that I would make $20 bucks! Now this was my first penny...and for those that know me know that I play one penny at a time. I punched the button and viola...I hit the exact thing I was talking to Sherri about. Then on the third penny I hit 4 of the American Originals and that was $5.00. I walked away with $25.00 of their money.

My 1st penny....                                            My 3rd penny....

All is well and I am $25.00 closer to buying my boat battery. Speaking of my boat I guess I better get it loaded back into the bay. I sure would like to head out fishing this weekend. Oh I forgot we have the G-kids for two days.

We headed to our next job assignment here in Texas from Louisiana. Staying in another motel along the way. Two days at this store and then it is off for the weekend...well I use that term loosely...we do have the kids.

Guess I better get this posted while I have this good signal. It is not too often we have this good of a signal anywhere. Hope everyone is having a good life on the road and I hope to see you all...

Somewhere in Time 

 

We had a good reunion

 

Gosh... I can't believe it was a year ago we had the second annual Turner family reunion. Here it is again and we were up early to get our pork ribs in the oven. Sherri had the marinade ready and we put the ribs in to soak for some time.

We got our coffee and went outside to set and enjoy the cool temps. It has been cool here in the morning this month but we know that right around the corner will be June...July and August and the temps will soar into the upper 90's and 100's. We will enjoy the outside while we can.

Sherri popped the ribs in the convection oven and we once again went outside to relax. While outside I got the grill ready to give the ribs their last basting and blacken the meat a little.

We went down and visited with Rodney and Becky for a while. The conversation turned to retirement and when and where we would be going. That time is not too far off now and we get excited when we start thinking about it. We are making plans now so we will have some idea which way we will be headed when we take off.

I looked down at the time and noticed it was time to take the ribs out and place them on the grill outside. We said our good-byes and see-ya-later to Rodney and Becky...headed to the RV and finished up the ribs for the reunion.

We planned on getting there about 11:00 but as usual we procrastinated long enough to arrive well after that time. Everyone was there when we backed down into the yard. We have the reunion at Beth and Jeff's property in Myrtle Springs. We have been lucky for the last three years to have good weather. We set up under the giant oak trees adjacent to their home. Many of the family bring large fans to keep the air moving and in turn keep the fly's running for cover.

 

The day went by with many stories and good food. The kids fished the pond down from the picnic area. They caught some fish which are all catch and release. Laughter was not in short order this day. We all had so much fun and when it was time to say our good-byes we left with anticipation of next years gathering...

Somewhere in Time 

Working without a belt is not good

 

This is Tuesday and Sherri and I are crawling out of bed...yes crawling! We have not really had a break since last week working in east Texas. We went right from there to lawn mowing and clothes washing and then up to Bonham to a wedding shower. We had forgot to set the alarm and by some miraculous happening we both woke up in time to get ready for work. I made coffee and then took my shower...dressed and turned the bathroom over to Sherri.

We both had some coffee and did get to visit a while before we had to hop in the truck and take off. The ride into town did not take that long and before we knew it we were setting in front of the store. Not wanting to go it yet we sat outside and waited for some of the other members of the team to show up. Not too much time passed when some of the folks started showing up in the lot.

We got our work cases and headed up to the store to start work. It was at that point that I noticed that I had forgotten to put my belt on. Now this is not good...you see I don't have hips or a butt to hold up my jeans so if I don't have a belt on gravity is my worst enemy! Sure enough it was not too far into working that I noticed my britches heading to the floor causing me to pull and tug constantly to keep them from going all the way to the floor.
At one point I knelt down on my knee pads to get to the bottom shelf and felt my pants drop somewhat! There I was on my knees trying to pull my pants up...which by this time were down around my knees. Kneeling on my pads I could not budge the pants so I had to stand up and then pull them up. I was sooo lucky that no one was coming down the aisle at that time or I would have given them a good show!

OK that did it...it was time to head across the street to get me a belt. Problem with that was as I walked my pants slid down with every step. So across the street I headed one hand grasping my pants and looking like a young kid with HO Daddy Pants on. The lyrics to that song came to my mind "Looking like a fool with your pants on the ground"...Or in this case my pants.

Found me a belt and the sales clerk asked me if I wanted it in a bag. I told her that I would have to put it on right here so I could walk across the street without losing my pants! So went my day...my pants stayed up and I was able to finish out my shift without dropping my drawers.

We all went out to eat that evening at an Italian restaurant and had a good time. After dinner we headed to the house and arrived just in time for some ice cream and to watch a recorded show. Then it was time for us to head to the shower and then to bed.

I hope that everyone out there is having a good time and wish you all the best in your travels...

Somewhere in Time

It is just too hot to do anything

Sunday morning creped up on me and my eyes wanted to come open but they were glued shut with sleep. Soon I was able to open them and peer out the window to see if the sun was anywhere in sight. No sign of sun light but I knew it was coffee time. I have to get some things done this morning

I needed to get some laundry finished up so we both got up early to get this day started. Coffee was made and we sat down to enjoy it...as usual with our morning conversation. Before we knew it the sun was up high in the sky and the morning temps were beginning to rise. I had to turn the air down to cool off the house before it got too hot. Setting in the wide open spaces here with no shade at all...the RV will get hot inside with all the glazed area we have. Believe me if you get an Arizona room go to Arizona in the winter not Texas in the summer. Colorado in the summer would be OK too but stay out of the hot sun shinny sky.

Our plan is to stay in today and enjoy the AC and the TV in the RV.

Somewhere in Time

Here we are at the lake

 

We arrived at the lake lot Friday afternoon. We had to work for two hours Friday morning so we got a late start. We were both surprised at how fast we made the trip. Before we knew it we were pulling up to our home and unloading the truck.

We were both very tired and decided to lay low for a while and then go out to eat. We had put in a hard week and it was showing on us about this time. We just sat around and caught up on some computer stuff. Watched some of our shows we had recorded on Direct TV and did nothing.

It was beginning to cloud up some so I got a second wind and got the mower out and mowed the lawn. It did not take long...I don't have that much yard...but I knew if I didn't get it done now it would not get done until next weekend. Next weekend is our Texas Family Reunion. We all get together not too far from here. Visit and have fun cooking out and playing games.

Finished the lawn and then it was time to shower and get ready to eat. We headed to Ochoa's Mexican Food restaurant. Sherri ordered a small plate and a side order of enchiladas for take home. I will eat those tomorrow for lunch while she is shopping for clothes...no I am not going with her. Sunday is my daughter-in-laws wedding shower and Sherri will be attending. She has to have new clothes for the occasion...you ladies understand.

I will stay here and wax the RV and finish the laundry. I have to spray for ants in the RV...yes it is that time of the year when these pests start invading our homes on wheels. I spray all suspect areas of entry on the outside and then go inside and spray all the base boards and door seals. We have not had trouble with bugs since we have been doing this. I put moth balls around some of the slide ledges and also around the tires so dogs don't relieve themselves on my aluminum rims. If we are in the same place for two weeks or more in the spring and summer we go through this ritual and it sure works.

By the way I have to tell my good friends Mike and John that I washed my truck and waxed it too. I have to clean the inside when Sherri returns from shopping. Mark Hall if you read this Rodney needs to buy some Solutions from you so I will give him you number. I used it on my truck and RV and it sure makes waxing easier. I will have to take some pictures and post them here. It has been 7 months since I waxed the RV...due to weather and time constraints I have not been faithful in doing this. The wax I use has held up good, however so I did not have too hard of a time getting that shine back.

Well I guess I better get those clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. Miss all of you and can't wait until we all meet up again...

Somewhere in Time

On Schedule With One More Day to go

 

Yes we have fun when we travel and work. These are two of our friends we work with having fun eating out and site seeing.

Wow! It is time to get up again! We don't even need an alarm anymore. I just wake up on my own without the alarm...which really makes me mad. I would rather wake up with the alarm because it goes off at the time I want to get up...my internal alarm goes off some times 15 minutes before time. I can't go back to sleep when I wake up so I just lay there and wait for the alarm to go off.

I know I have not been posting every day as I once was but we have been busy traveling from town to town working and I am either too tired or we don't have a signal where we are parked. This is aggravating to say the least but when you move around you will find out that you don't always have a good signal...the being too tired...well that will be straightened out as soon as we stop working all the time.

Some of you have asked what kind of a job we have that allows us to travel around. We work for a Marketing group. We are Re-set Specialist and we go into stores and reset shelves to promote sales of products that have been slow sellers. We usually stay in the same town for one week and then travel to the next town and start over. We work on the average of 32 hours a week. Lately we have been working 40 hours due to the work load that accumulated last year and has just now been unloaded on us for this year. We will probably be working these kind of hours for some time until we catch up.

These are my boys...Just wanted to show everyone how great they are. I hope they read this one day and remember me as a Poppa that loved them very much.

We chose to do this type of work for a short time rather than work camping which holds you in one spot for an indefinite time. Now I am not talking down work camping by an means...just saying we decided to strengthen our retirement fund doing this rather than trading work for a campsite. You get the same thing just in a different way.

OK that being said we have to leave here tomorrow and head for our next assignment. We will be staying at our lake lot and working in Terrell. This will allow us to enjoy our home and we can eat some home cooking at the same time. Well we will have to weigh this out with the cost of groceries vs eating out. Sometimes as you well know...you can eat out cheaper than you can buy groceries for a meal at home. Another thing is if you don't eat all your groceries they may spoil in the weeks your on the road.

Got to go and shower...watch a little TV...slip between the cool sheets and close my tired eyes. Dream of places far far away in the mountains with cold spring water flowing down a stream filled with rainbow trout and me knee deep in water fly fishing...and all this...

Somewhere in Time    

 

Another Day is Behind us

 

Sherri and I were both up at 5:00 am this morning and working to get ready to head down to the free breakfast.

We made it down stairs just a little bit before 6:00 am and had time to eat and drink two cups of coffee each. Now two cups of coffee will see us down the highway for a good ways.

Our trip takes about 30 minutes through some really pretty country early in the morning with the fog laying low in the valleys and the sun not quite up over the tree tops. We don't say much to each other as we make the drive but every once in awhile we will see a new site and point it out. Then our conversation turns to traveling to some place that we really want to go to other than a job. We both know that each day that passes brings us closer to that dream.

We are already planning our first trip this year to Castle Rock Colorado. We have never been there and look forward to seeing it. We are planning on meeting two of our close friends there...Dreamers Leslie and Mike  and Bridget and John http://travelsofjohnandbridget.blogspot.com/. We all were together after last years rally and spent time planning a trip together. Leslie came up with the idea of Castle Rock... we voted and Castle Rock it was. Now we are still trying to fine tune the route going and where to stay when we get there.

Tomorrow is another work day so I guess I better get my shower and get ready for "Justified"...one of my favorite TV shows. While talking about TV shows I must mention some of the morons on "Deal or no Deal". If I had the chance for some of that money offered them I would take it without thought! I almost get sick when they turn down $50,000 and end up with $10.00. What a waste. Just thought I would throw that in here...

Somewhere in Time