Sad News

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Jim Melvin

I Lost My Mother

Two days after my last blog post my Mother passed away. Since then I haven’t quite felt like blogging and I apologize for not keeping you up to date. I just haven’t felt like it. She was 91 at the time and we were very lucky to have her so long. It was very fortunate I was in Southern California visiting relatives when she passed away. You will really be missed Mom.

She used to always tell us to stop and smell the roses. Her she is doing what she always loved.

A pic of her and my sister Bev at the San Juan Capistrano Mission.

We had a Memorial Service for her overlooking Dana Point Harbor. It was a really nice service.

She will be greatly missed by us all.

Quartzsite

With everything going on with my family I was not able to attend Quartzsite this year. I really missed seeing everyone and will just have to catch up next year.

Back to the Mothership

I called Vince at Lazy Daze and he was able to fit me into their busy schedule to get some much need items repaired/replaced. Vince was really great and did everything I needed done including replace the refrigerator, oven, toilet, kitchen faucet, and two new AGM house batteries, and ladder plus numerous small items that needed attention. It sure was nice to get everything taken care of.

Still in SO CA

I am not sure when I will be leaving SO CA as there are some other things that I have to attend to, but once I do I will probably head to Yuma to get my rig washed and waxed plus see my Mexican dentist to have my teeth cleaned.

Southern California for the Holidays Brrrrrrrrrr!!

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Jim Melvin

Off to sunny SO CA to warm up – HA!

I couldn’t wait to get out of Fernley and down to SO CA for the holidays. I will warm up for sure down there and enjoy all the nice sunshine. I stopped in Beatty, NV again where it was a bit warmer then Fernley but not much. Then headed straight to Orange County to visit family and friends.

I stayed a few days in a pull through site at O’Neill Park. But then realized it was not a good site for either solar or WiFi so moved to a back-in site where everything is good. Great solar and 4G Internet. How could it get much better? Well as it turns out it could be much better. The weather was freezing. It seemed like I was back in Fernley. One night it rained on the valley floor but snowed in the Saddleback Mountains just a short distance away.

Chica and I went over to my sister Bev’s home and spent the holidays with she and my brother-in-law Bob. We had a great time and Chica was glad to see their dog Lando. They get along great and loved to run in the park.

Visited my Mom

Bev and I took Chica over to see my Mom one afternoon. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pics. We did go back another day to visit her without Chica and I got this clip of her. She put on Bev’s glasses and was interested in going through her purse. HA! She is doing well but is very frail and doesn’t talk too much. It sure was good to see her though.

Chica visits Santa

Bev and Bob have a cute Santa in his sleigh. Chica fit in there perfectly and she was very content sitting on Santa’s lap.

I’m sure she was wishing for lots of cookies and fun toys to play with.

Here Chica is with Lando.

Plus a pic of Chica, Lando and my sister Bev.

Heading to the beach

In a couple of days I will be heading to the beach. I will spend a week at Doheny State Beach right on the ocean in Dana Point, CA. I have always wanted to stay there but it was always crowded and hard to get a reservation. It is supposed to warm up this week so looking forward to it. More pics to come.

Soon on to Quartzsite

I usually get to Quartzsite, AZ around the 4th of Jan. This year I will be a bit late. I intend to arrive in Q on the 14th just in time for the show. I will be camping at Rogers 1/2 acre as I have done in the past. I hope to catch up with a lot of my friends when there. If you are heading there be sure to stop in and see us. It is a blast.

1 1/2 Days To Go

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Almost over

My term at Amazon is almost over with only 1 1/2 days remaining in my schedule. By 11:00pm Saturday I will be done. KAPUT!!! I will probably be heading out Monday morning for So CA to see family for the holidays. I can’t wait to get into some warmer weather. This winter wasn’t as cold as last year (thank God) but it is still cold.

I go thru 5 gallons of propane a week trying to keep Chica comfortable. I will really be glad to get to a warmer climate.

RV has new shoes

I got 2 new tires for the front end. I checked out prices and the Purcell’s in Fernley gave me a great price on a couple of Michelins. I had to set my alarm for 9:30am to get up and go to Purcell’s after only three hours sleep. YUK!! I will be so glad to get back to normal sleep habits. This night shift is for the birds!

Heading to Southern California

I will probably take my normal route down 95 when I head to California. I always stop in the Beatty RV Park which is about 100 miles north of Las Vegas. Then it will be on to warm climates. HURRAH!!!

I am looking forward to seeing my Mom and sisters and their families as well as a few friends. Then after the first of the year it is off to Quartzsite and Roger’s 1/2 Acre and all my friends there. If you are anywhere near Quartzsite in January stop by for a few days and take part in the fun.

Back on the Road

Working is OK as it helps to get the money for tires and other RV repairs and a little bit in the bank as well, but it sure will be nice getting back on the road. I really miss that when I am working. Chica misses that as well. See you all down the road!!

New Curtains and back on the road again!!!

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Finally got rig back

It was 2 weeks since I dropped off my rig at the Ford Dealer but finally got it back on Friday. I had booked one night at O’Neill Park. I was also able to reserve 2 nights at the Elks. It took the dealer a good bit of time to complete the necessary repairs. The dealer that repaired my rig only works on heavy stuff like RV’s ambulances and big trucks.

The whole time my rig was at the dealer I spent over at my sister Bev’s and her husband Bob. Chica also really enjoyed Lando as shown from my previous post.

It sure was nice getting back to sleeping in my home once again.

New custom made drapes

Bev and I measured all the windows and she offered to make me new curtains. We must have made a dozen trips to Hobby Lobby for all the material needed as well as a few other neat items.

Bev was very busy cutting fabric and sewing it to the specs of the windows. We went to the rig several times while it was parked in the dealer’s lot, but waited until last Sunday to install them. What a fabulous job she did. I can’t begin to thank her enough.

This is the rear drape. Mind you I was able to remove that horrible pull down blind that was in the rig since it was made by Lazy Daze.

The door window. The old LD blind broke earlier in the year. Bob just happened to be walking outside of the door as this pic was taken.

She also made curtains for the kitchen windows but the pic did not turn out well.

Celebrated at the Elks

Since I was parked at the Elks when everything was done and installed we all went in to celebrate with a drink at the bar. It was a wonderful ending for a great day and my last down in So CA. It is always fun seeing Bob and Bev. Thank you so much for everything you both have done for me!!!

Early call Monday morning

At 7:45am Bev called. She had gotten up early and wanted to finish off a valance for the drapes. I hadn’t planned on leaving until 10:00 so she came over and installed the new valances. What a big difference. That was the finishing touch she really wanted. It looks FANTASTIC!!!!!

This is the back window.

The door.

The Kitchen.

I am so excited over the new look.

Stopped at Inyokern, CA

I got on 395 and made my first stop at a small RV park in Inyokern, CA. I have stayed at this same park 3 out of the 4 years I have been on the road. Just like going back to your old neighbor. It has hookups so I get get water and dump tanks on my way up to Mono Lake where I will boondock for a night.

I have not driven any distance since I came over to SO CA from Yuma. That is not much driving at all. It is so great getting back on the road again. Chica is very happy too as you can see from this photo.

I am slowly making my way up north to the Cascades in WA where I will be a camphost all summer. I should be up there by May 10th.

Spring Training Weekend – Part 2

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Off to a Hockey Game

After seeing the Angels practice we stopped and got all the fixin’s so that we could have a barbeque. We happened to be talking about hockey and Curt did some investigating on his IPad. He found that the Phoenix Coyotes were playing the Calgary Flames in Phoenix that night.

He purchased the tickets and after a great steak dinner we were off to the game. I haven’t been to a hockey game in years so it was a real treat for me. The traffic wasn’t bad until we got near the off ramp where it seems that in another stadium they were holding a concert. What a traffic jam. However we were just a bit late for the game and just as we were climbing the stairs the noise level increased and we realized the Coyotes had just scored a goal. What luck. Fortunately the game didn’t end at 1-0.

It was a good game and the Phoenix Coyotes won 3-2. Here we are at the game.

We were busy all day with both baseball and hockey. How good is that!!!

Busy Bees

Sunday we had tickets for the Angels vs the Mariners game. We had a light breakfast and headed over to the ball park so we could get to see batting practice. As we walked up to the front of Diablo Stadium the crowd was waiting at the top of the steps for the gates to open. All of a sudden the police were forcing the crowd down to the lower steps. What the heck is going on?

It seems they located a bee hive that was in the stands. The fire department had to come out and spray it down to get rid of the bees. Then they let the crowd back up the steps but they didn’t open the turnstiles yet. So there we were packed in like sardines with the hot sun drenching down on us and no where to go.

We finally got into the park and all was well on the western front. We had great seats just behind and to the left of home plate.

It was a good ball game although the Angels lost to the Mariners 5-3. Over the entire weekend the baseball teams we were rooting for both lost and the hockey team won. I guess one out of three isn’t too bad, but it is Spring Training.

Then we went back to the rig where we had another barbeque and watched a movie. Then at 11:30pm it was off to the Sky Harbor Airport. Fortunately it was only a few miles away and there was no traffic at that time of the night.

Great weekend

It was really great getting together with my son Curt for the weekend. We both love sports and seeing games and it was really a fantastic weekend. I would like to make this a tradition and get together for Spring Training next year if possible.

Spring Training Weekend – Part 1

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Lucky to land a space at the Elks Lodge

I left Hot Springs LTVA Wednesday and traveled to Tempe, AZ. I used the Allstays App on my IPhone and found an Elks Lodge in close proximity to Sky Harbor Airport where I will be picking up my son Curt. He is flying in late Thursday (actually Friday) and leaving late Sunday (actually Monday). He will be staying with me as we attend a couple of Spring Training Baseball games.

The Elks Lodge is also close to the Tempe Diablo Stadium where we will see the Angles on Sunday. I was sure lucky to get a space as I got the last space available when I checked in. I plan to stay here for 7 days before heading back to Yuma to have Chica’s teeth cleaned.

I am in the last row. It is a fairly large park with 26 full hook-up sites.

The only bummer is the Animal Hospital and Kennel that is located on the other side of the block fence surrounding the park. The dogs start barking at 6:00 in the morning and hardly ever let up all day and late into the night. However we have gotten used to it and it hardly phases Chica anymore.

Here is Chica basking in the sun on our new flooring as a hundred dogs are barking only 50 feet away.

Goodyear Ball Park

We hung out on Friday and did some shopping and a lot of catching up since we last saw each other. It was sure great to see my son again and spend some time with him. Friday evening we saw the Texas Rangers vs. Cincinnati Reds ball game. It took place in Goodyear, AZ which is on the other side of Phoenix. We left early as it was Friday during rush hour traffic.

Here is a selfie I took of us at the ball game.

We were lucky that they had $1 beer night except it was a bit chilly so we only had one each.

Angels Batting Practice

While out shopping on Friday I decided to head over to the Tempe Diablo stadium where the Angels would be playing on Sunday. We were able to get into the stadium since there was no game and the guy in the Team Shop told us to return tomorrow about 10:30am and we could see the Angels practice out in the field.

We got up early (sure can’t sleep with all the noise from the dog kennel next door) and headed to the park. It was very cool. You can get very close up to all the players and some of them would even sign autographs.

Albert Pujols catching a ground ball.

Everyone was yelling for Mike Trouts autograph.

But Josh Hamilton did stop to sign autographs.

Curt (on the right holding up the ball) tried to get his autograph but just missed since there were so many people.

It was a very fun day seeing all the players practicing. I will have more to post tomorrow about our exciting weekend

Tribute to my Dad

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Jim Melvin

My Dad – James Henry Melvin 10/19/1919 – 02/02/2010

My father passed away 4 years ago on this date and I still miss him very much. He helped me to realize my dream of fulltime RVing. My niece Dani Hill made this tribute to him with his picture for his memorial and I would like to share it with you.

I miss my Dad very much as he was a very funny person who always had a nickname for everyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor.

Watching the Super Bowl

I am at the Q Casino on the road to Algadones, Mexcio in the parking lot watching the game. The place is full of rigs and cars everywhere. Today John, Linda and I had a great lunch inside the casino. Hopefully the solar will hole up for the remainder of the game otherwise I will just run my generator as many other people are already doing. I hope everyone who likes football is enjoying the game.

Dentist in Algadones

Tuesday I will go into Algadones, MX with friends to have a troublesome tooth checked out. That should be a trip. HA!

Arrived in Quartzsite

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Jim Melvin

Wonderful time with family and friends

I was really glad to see my family and so many friends for the holidays. Bev and Bob were great hosts and showed me a wonderful time. On the 3rd I left their house to return to my rig to get it ready for the trip to Quartzsite. B & B had gone out to Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern and picked up some chili and deviled eggs for me and dropped them off at the rig. This is a pic of Bev with Chica.

I usually only see my family once a year at Christmas and it is always a great time.

Back on the road

I left So CAL on the 4th and landed in Quartzsite that afternoon. I immediately drove to the RV Pit Stop and filled up with propane then headed to the La Posa West LTVA where I paid my $40 for my first two weeks here. Then it was off to the dump station where I dumped my tanks and filled up with fresh water. Now I am ready to go. I found many friends who had just arrived that day and John led me to a great spot. It sure feels good to be out in the desert again. We have a great spot with lots and lots of room for anyone who would like to join us.

A bit chilly

The days have been nice with clear blue skies. Yesterday the wind blew from the north. Everyone was saying that it was blowing the cold air in from Fernley, NV where I worked at Amazon. Last night the temperature got down to 31. I didn’t run the furnace but had the catalytic heater running all night. Here are a couple of pics showing how Chica stays warm.

Her favorite spot is right in front of the Wave 3 catalytic heater.

All of us are quite comfortable out here in the desert as you can see from the next pic. Working on a rig you always need a box of wine handy. HA!

Come out and join us

If you are anywhere near this area (within 1,000 miles – HA!) stop in and join us. Roger and John went into town and picked up a lot of firewood and we have fires every night under the stars. During the day it warms up nicely and we always have a Happy Hour to BS about just about any subject anyone can think of.

Enjoying family friends and WARM weather

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Jim Melvin

Back in Southern California and loving it

This year I decided to drive to So CAL for the holidays. I used to fly in from Reno, NV after working for Amazon, but this year after rescuing Chica from the depths of Mesa, AZ I decided that driving would be much better.

I stopped in at the Beatty RV Park in Beatty, NV for the first night and then drove the next night to O’Neill Park in Orange County. Then called my sister Bev and Chica and I spent the next few nights with Bev and Bob. They were thrilled to see Chica and she got along well with their dog Lando.

The next day Bev had invited a bunch of old friends over to have a party. It was great fun seeing everyone and catching up with all they and I have done.

It was a blast seeing everyone. Then we headed inside to exchange presents.

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

The next day it was off to see my famous tavern in Dan Point, CA. What a neat place! I wish it was named after me. That Jimmy must be rich.

Here I am having a glass of wine. Jimmy’s had a beautiful view of the ocean.

Here I am having a great time with Bev.

Great to see Mom!

The following day we stopped in to visit my Mom. I took Chica with us and as you can see she made herself at home on my mother’s lap. It was sure great seeing her and we had a good conversation.

Christmas Day

Then Bev and Bob had my niece’s Dani and Megan over with Todd and Chris. It was also a good time. I got to meet Harper who is Megan and Chris’s new baby daughter. She was such a dear.

Bev and Harper on Harper’s first Christmas.

Chris and Chica sure had fun together.

After all the company had gone home Chica and I had a nice afternoon enjoying the beautiful warm temps and blue sky.

It sure was a great couple of days. Then I went back to O’Neill Park and my RV and Chica and I are just relaxing and enjoying this great weather. I will be seeing more friends before I leave on the 4th. I will then be headed for Quartzsite, AZ to meet up with more friends in the desert for our 4th annual GTG.

Holidays in California

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Jim Melvin

I flew out of Reno, NV on Christmas Eve and landed in Southern California where I stayed with by sister and brother-in-law for the holidays. It was a very busy time trying to meet up with all my friends and family. It seemed like I had something going every day.

Christmas day we picked up our mother and brought her to my sister’s house to spend Christmas with us. It has gotten harder and harder to get her out, but she was a real trooper. This is a pic of family.

Here is another pic where she has a Mitt Romney mask on and my sister is Barrack Obama. HA!!!

This was the beautiful sunset taken from their backyard. It was just as you see it and the pic was not enhanced.

One Day my sister and I went to the home where my mother is living and took part in their music therapy. It was fun and we had a great time.

Bev, Bob and I went out to lunch down at the Dana Point Harbor. It was a fun time.

Bev and Bob also invited our good friends over one day for dinner and celebrating the Holidays. We all had a super time.

After all the Christmas gatherings we went out to lunch again down at the Dana Point Harbor. It was a spectacular day.

I had a great time visiting family and friends over the holidays. Now I am ready to fly back to Reno and hit the road for more new adventures.