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    <title>Providence :: it was meant to be</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/" />
    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://forney.org/atom.xml" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2009-01-26://1</id>
    <updated>2012-05-13T21:09:33Z</updated>
    <subtitle>RV&apos;ing North America with Merv and Pam Forney</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type Pro 4.37</generator>

<entry>
    <title>Broiled Salmon in less than 15 minutes</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2012/05/broiled-salmon-in-less-than-15-minutes.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2012://1.317</id>

    <published>2012-05-12T15:05:01Z</published>
    <updated>2012-05-13T21:09:33Z</updated>

    <summary>One of the easiest and wonderful dinners is broiled Salmon. I use Atantic Salmon because it is milder and plentiful. Suggestion for two people: Ingredients: About 1 pound Atlantic Salmon cut into two pieces. Be sure both pieces are about...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road cuisine" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="atlanticsalmon" label="Atlantic Salmon" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="grilling" label="Grilling" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="recipe" label="Recipe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="salmon" label="Salmon" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://forney.org/images/broiled-salmon.jpg"><img class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 20px 20px;" src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2012/05/broiled-salmon-thumb-200x132-241.jpg" alt="broiled-salmon.jpg" width="200" height="132" /></a>One of the easiest and wonderful dinners is broiled Salmon. I use Atantic Salmon because it is milder and plentiful. Suggestion for <strong>two</strong> people:</p>
<p>Ingredients:</p>
<ul>
<li>About 1 pound Atlantic Salmon cut into two pieces. Be sure both pieces are about the same thickness for consistency.</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Any garlic based spice (I use SusieQ's from Sanata Maria).</li>
<li>Old Bay Seasoning</li>
</ul>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Preparation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Start oven broiler (high)</li>
<li>Rub top of Salmomn generously with olive oil</li>
<li>Season evenly with SusieQ's</li>
<li>Add Old Bay (more or less depending on taste).</li>
<li>Create a boat with tin foil to hold Salmon skin side down and place on flat cookie sheet.</li>
</ul>
<p>Cooking:</p>
<ul>
<li>Place cookie sheet with Salmon under broiler.</li>
<li>Broil for about 6 to 8 minutes based on desired doneness. (we like it more well done so do 8 minutes)</li>
<li>Remove from broiler and ket rest a couple of minutes. I like to use a spatula to lift meat off the skin for serving.</li>
</ul>
<p>We love this dish with fresh asparagus.&nbsp; Rice goes well too. Enjoy.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Verizon 4G MiFi Finally Stable in a 3G Area</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2012/02/verizon-4g-mifi-finally-stable-in-a-3g-area.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2012://1.316</id>

    <published>2012-02-16T12:03:56Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-16T12:19:44Z</updated>

    <summary>I upgraded the 3G MiFi device last August to the 4G model and it was totally unreliable in a 3G network. I probaly have over a dozen calls to tech support with no luck getting it fixed. It was even...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road technology" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="3g" label="3G" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="4g" label="4G" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="verizonwireless" label="Verizon Wireless" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="wifi" label="Wi-Fi" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>I upgraded the 3G MiFi device last August to the 4G model and it was totally unreliable in a 3G network. I probaly have over a dozen calls to tech support with no luck getting it fixed. It was even replaced once, Simm card replaced and firmware upgraded.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a 4G coverage area, it was rock solid. In a 3G area it would not hold a connection and would routinely power itself off. Very frustrating. I finally found a tech support technician who discovered a firmware update released last November that supposedly corrects the connection issues in a 3G only area. Did the software upgrade and it has not lost a connection in two days. Finally!!</p>
<p>I am now a reformed skeptic about Verizon's netork. My only questions are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Why wasn't I notified of the sofware upgrade? and</li>
<li>Why didn't all the other technicians not know about this?</li>
</ul>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=b9930faa-4186-4912-b99d-bc58cff145c1" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Carrots, Eggs or Coffee?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2012/02/carrots-eggs-or-coffee.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2012://1.315</id>

    <published>2012-02-01T14:30:40Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-01T14:42:27Z</updated>

    <summary>You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.. She let them sit and boil; without saying A word.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="life" label="life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="musings" label="musings" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="trials" label="trials" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again...</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. </em><br /><br /><em>Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.. She let them sit and boil; without saying A word.</em></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. </em><br /><br /><em>Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. </em><br /><br /><em>Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. </em><br /><br /><em>Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma the daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" </em><br /><br /><em>Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its insides became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. </em><br /><br /><em>"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? </em><br /><br /><em>Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? </em><br /><br /><em>Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? </em><br /><br /><em>Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? </em><br /><br /><em>May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. </em><br /><br /><em>The Happiest of People Don't Necessarily Have the Best of everything; They Just Make the Most of Everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. </em><br /><br /><em>When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. </em><br /><br /><em>Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.</em> <br /><br style="padding-left: 30px;" />May we all be COFFEE!!!!!! !</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930&apos;s, 40&apos;s, 50&apos;s, 60&apos;s and 70&apos;s!! </title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2012/01/to-all-the-kids-who-survived-the-1930s-40s-50s-60s-and-70s.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2012://1.314</id>

    <published>2012-01-06T14:18:12Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-06T14:40:10Z</updated>

    <summary> Image via Wikipedia First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn&apos;t get tested for diabetes. We were put to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road politics" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 155px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kool-Aid.svg"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/Kool-Aid.svg/300px-Kool-Aid.svg.png" alt="Kool-Aid" width="150" height="55" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kool-Aid.svg">Wikipedia</a></p>
</div>
<p>First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. We were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints. <br /><br />We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads. As infants &amp; children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. <br /><br />We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?&nbsp;</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=6a8b4f6e-2f0e-4035-8acd-fe7ddb003dda" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Because we were always outside playing...that's why! </p>
<ul>
<li>We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.</li>
<li>No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.</li>
<li>We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.</li>
<li>We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!</li>
<li>We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.</li>
<li>We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us</li>
<li>forever.</li>
<li>We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes..</li>
<li>We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.</li>
<li>Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!</li>
<li>The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!</li>
</ul>
<p>These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. <br /><br />The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. <br /><br />If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS! This is all before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?</p>
<p>Think about this: we innovated and created all this wonderful stuff we take for granted today but, what has it done to our kids?</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Portable Water Softener: Buying Tips</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/11/portable-water-softener-buying-tips.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.313</id>

    <published>2011-11-11T09:03:37Z</published>
    <updated>2011-11-11T10:22:36Z</updated>

    <summary>The On The Go portable water softener we purchased over a year ago is doing its job nicely (see this entry: A portable Water Softener ...). Here&apos;s a follow up on our experience and some helpful tips: 1) Interested in...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road learning" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Road technology" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="watersoftening" label="Water softening" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The On The Go portable water softener we purchased over a year ago is doing its job nicely (see this entry: <a href="http://forney.org/archives/2010/08/full-time-rving-a-portable-water-treatment-system-might-be-a-wise-investment.html" target="_blank">A portable Water Softener ...</a>). Here's a follow up on our experience and some helpful tips:</p>
<p>1) Interested in purchasing a softener? Go to the <a href="http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/SoftenersMineral.htm" target="_blank">RV Water Filter Store</a>; a dealer offering different brands and accessories. Rick Dahl is a very knowledgeable owner and available to answer questions over the phone. Also check out prices at <a href="http://www.portablewatersoftener.com/index.htm" target="_blank">On The Go Portable Softeners</a>.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>2) The On-The-Go softener comes from the factory with plastic fittings. One broke not long after installing it. I called Rick to complain and he offered to sell me brass replacements for inlet and outlet. I also purchased the following:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://forney.org/images/Brass-collagel.jpg" alt="Brass-collagel.jpg" width="358" height="100" align="middle" /></p>
<ul>
<li>an extra 4 foot inlet hose with brass fittings</li>
<li>a couple of brass Y's with shutoffs (comes in handy)</li>
<li>one in-line brass shutoff to connect to the inlet side</li>
</ul>
<p>So, be sure the one you order has brass inlet/outlet fittings.</p>
<p>3) Water source filtering is also important. I purchased an external filter canister for a simple carbon filter to filter the water at the softener inlet side. This keeps any sediments/solids from entering the softener. I also use a Hydro-Life cartridge in the built-in filter cartridge in the coach water inlet system.</p>
<p>4) Bought an extra quantity of water softness test strips to check on softness. This helps determine when to recharge and I test the water after a recharge. Best price at <a href="http://www.filterwater.com/pc-207-9-total-hardness-test-kit.aspx" target="_blank">FilterWater.com</a>. I ordered four bottles.</p>
<p>Next: Tips on recharging&nbsp;</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=18a1764f-c2e4-4ded-a862-f9d0d3a29570" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Pecan Park RV Resort, Jacksonville, FL</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/10/pecan-park-rv-resort-jacksonville-fl.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.312</id>

    <published>2011-10-30T10:41:12Z</published>
    <updated>2011-10-30T11:04:34Z</updated>

    <summary> Image via Wikipedia A three day stay very close to Jacksonville on our way to Orlando. Woodalls rated 5 W&apos;s and I might agree if it wasn&apos;t located right on the landing path of the Jacsonville International Airport. Otherwise,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road reviews" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="floridagators" label="Florida Gators" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="georgiabulldogs" label="Georgia Bulldogs" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jacksonvilleflorida" label="Jacksonville Florida" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 310px;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jacksonville_Skyline_Panorama_5.jpg"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Jacksonville_Skyline_Panorama_5.jpg/300px-Jacksonville_Skyline_Panorama_5.jpg" alt="Panorama of the Jacksonville city skyline from..." width="300" height="71" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jacksonville_Skyline_Panorama_5.jpg">Wikipedia</a></p>
</div>
<p>A three day stay very close to Jacksonville on our way to Orlando. Woodalls rated 5 W's and I might agree if it wasn't located right on the landing path of the Jacsonville International Airport. Otherwise, nicely laid out with 70 foot level, concrete pads. Sites are 40 feet wide so we have a little more space than usual.</p>
<p>Standard price of $42/night is OK for the quality. They also take Good Sam as well as Passport America at 50% off per night. Were members so $21/night is a real bargain! <a href="http://www.pecanparkrvresort.com/index.php">http://www.pecanparkrvresort.com/index.php</a></p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=e181523a-9dc0-4496-b48f-b6d91bfb3ff8" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
        <![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 150px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_Gators_logo.svg"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/12/Florida_Gators_logo.svg/300px-Florida_Gators_logo.svg.png" alt="Florida Gators women's basketball athletic logo" width="150" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_Gators_logo.svg">Wikipedia</a></p>
</div>
<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 160px;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/01uvdtAdD26xT?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=01uvdtAdD26xT&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01uvdtAdD26xT/150x92.jpg" alt="JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 31:  Quarterback Ti..." width="150" height="92" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></p>
</div>
<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 190px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33854920@N00/283494778"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/283494778_0545092eea_m.jpg" alt="UGA Pumpkin" width="180" height="240" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33854920@N00/283494778">DAveA</a> via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>We arrived on Saturday and just happened to be a <a class="zem_slink" title="Georgia Bulldogs" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Bulldogs" rel="wikipedia">Georgia Bulldogs</a> - <a class="zem_slink" title="Florida Gators" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Gators" rel="wikipedia">Florida Gators</a> afternoon game downtown. Football fans everywhere! This is quite a <a class="zem_slink" title="College football" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football" rel="wikipedia">college football</a> rivalry.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=e181523a-9dc0-4496-b48f-b6d91bfb3ff8" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Savannah Oaks RV Resort</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/10/savannah-oaks-rv-park.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.311</id>

    <published>2011-10-30T10:19:04Z</published>
    <updated>2011-10-30T11:41:43Z</updated>

    <summary> Image via Wikipedia Stayed here when visiting Savannah because it was the closest to the city (about 15 miles) and Woodalls rated it 3 W&apos;s, the highest in the area. It is one W too high and surely not...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road reviews" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="savannah" label="Savannah" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 200px;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Olde_Pink_House_in_Savannah%2C_Georgia.JPG"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/The_Olde_Pink_House_in_Savannah%2C_Georgia.JPG/300px-The_Olde_Pink_House_in_Savannah%2C_Georgia.JPG" alt="Image of Savannah, Georgia" width="200" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Olde_Pink_House_in_Savannah%2C_Georgia.JPG">Wikipedia</a></p>
</div>
<p>Stayed here when visiting Savannah because it was the closest to the city (about 15 miles) and Woodalls rated it 3 W's, the highest in the area. It is one W too high and surely not a "resort." Location is convenient but facilities are old, not well maintained, sites not level and average price. Staff was friendly. Nice store with a gas staion which is unusual.</p>
<p>BTW, website is awful <a href="http://www.savannahoaks.net/" target="_blank">http://www.savannahoaks.net/</a></p>
<p>Otherwise, Savannah is a great city to visit. Little known fact: Port has the highest volume of shipping in North America.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img mt-image-right" style="margin: 1em; display: block; float: right; width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23260223@N04/4550840084"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4550840084_ef2cdebbcb_m.jpg" alt="Forsyth Parc - Savannah, Georgia" width="240" height="160" /></a>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23260223@N04/4550840084">Elvis P&eacute;pin</a> via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Parks and squares are exquisite!</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=fa1ac548-b694-43ba-9341-1b4d1d1951b7" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Where to Domicile if Full Time RV&apos;ing?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/09/where-to-domicile-if-full-time-rving.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.310</id>

    <published>2011-09-12T14:03:54Z</published>
    <updated>2011-09-12T14:50:31Z</updated>

    <summary>This is an important question for RV full timers and requires some research. There are several factors to consider: State income tax Personal property tax New vehicle sales tax Insurance rates Vehicle registration requirements Driver&apos;s license requirements Vehicle inspection requirements...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road commentary" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Road learning" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="domicile" label="Domicile" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="incometax" label="Income tax" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="propertytax" label="Property tax" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="recreationalvehicle" label="Recreational Vehicle" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="southdakaota" label="South Dakaota" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="texas" label="Texas" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="vehicleregistration" label="Vehicle registration" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://forney.org/images/us-map.gif"><img class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/us-map-thumb-200x139-238.gif" alt="us-map.gif" width="200" height="139" /></a>This is an important question for RV full timers and requires some research. There are several factors to consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>State income tax</li>
<li>Personal property tax</li>
<li>New vehicle sales tax</li>
<li>Insurance rates</li>
<li>Vehicle registration requirements</li>
<li>Driver's license requirements</li>
<li>Vehicle inspection requirements</li>
<li>Property tax (if you are going to own real property in the state you call home)</li>
<li>Mail service membership fee</li>
<li>Other</li>
</ul>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>When Pam and I started our RV adventures full time, we did so after selling our home in Leesburg, VA. We changed all of our mail to a UPS store box in Leesburg. We registered our new RV (the Providence) and tow car (Saturn View) to our new Leesburg address. Virginia state vehicle sales tax was 3%, one of the lowest in the nation. UPS for mail delivery was charging over $200/year for our mail box plus UPS fees for forwarding. UPS is not inexpensive!</p>
<p>At the end of the first year traveling around North America, we received a bill from Virginia for over $6,000 personal property tax on our two new vehicles. Ouch!</p>
<p>Next, based on a recommendation from full timing friends and Escapees, we chose to "domicile" in Texas. <a title="Escapees RV Club" href="http://www.escapees.com/">Escapees in Livingston, TX</a> here we come. Why Texas?</p>
<ul>
<li>No state income tax</li>
<li>No personal property tax</li>
<li>Reasonable vehicle registration fees</li>
<li>Low Escapees mail service membership fee and options on mail delivery services</li>
</ul>
<p>All good reasons, but on the downside ...</p>
<ul>
<li>Higher vehicle insurance rates in Texas because of the high uninsured motorist population</li>
<li>Vehicle over 26,000 lbs requires a commercial driver's license (the Providence)</li>
<li>Annual vehicle inspection requirement</li>
</ul>
<p>After a year and a half and a bit more research, we found many full time RV'ers were domiciling in South Dakota. Why?</p>
<ul>
<li>No state income tax</li>
<li>No personal property tax</li>
<li>Reasonable vehicle registration fees (a bit lower than Texas)</li>
<li>Easy vehicle registration</li>
<li>No special driver's license requirement (simple if you have a current one)</li>
<li>No vehicle inspection requirement</li>
<li>Quality mail service at reasonable rates</li>
<li>AND, one of the lowest vehicle insurance rates in the US!</li>
</ul>
<p><a title="Americas Mailbox" href="http://www.americas-mailbox.com/">Americas Mailbox</a> in Rapid City, SD here we come! The downside? The administrative pain to change our address one more time. But, worth it for the simplicity and significant savings on vehicle insurance.</p>
<p>So, research is a good thing and should lead you to a good decision.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" title="Enhanced by Zemanta" href="http://www.zemanta.com/"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=44da3aaa-5de1-4450-9449-c1a35bf43765" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" /></a></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Headlight Restoration Product Really Works!</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/09/headlight-restoration-product-really-works.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.309</id>

    <published>2011-09-03T17:12:38Z</published>
    <updated>2011-09-03T17:57:30Z</updated>

    <summary>After three years traveling the country full time in the Providence, the headlights were looking dim and cloudy. I purchased the Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration All-In-One kit at a local auto parts store. I had high hopes that it...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road learning" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>After three years traveling the country full time in the Providence, the headlights were looking dim and cloudy. I purchased the Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration All-In-One kit at a local auto parts store. I had high hopes that it was going to work but was cautiously optimistic.<br /><br />Just got through using it and am delighted! Here's a before and after shot (click image for large view) :<br /><br /><a href="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights%202011%2009%2002%20004%20x800-229.html" onclick="window.open('http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights 2011 09 02 004 x800-229.html','popup','width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights%202011%2009%2002%20004%20x800-thumb-200x150-229.jpg" alt="headlights 2011 09 02 004 x800.JPG" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights%202011%2009%2002%20005%20x800-235.html" onclick="window.open('http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights 2011 09 02 005 x800-235.html','popup','width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/09/headlights%202011%2009%2002%20005%20x800-thumb-200x150-235.jpg" alt="headlights 2011 09 02 005 x800.JPG" class="mt-image-none" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" height="150" width="200" /></a><br clear="left" />Learned a little in the process:<br /></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[I bought the Mothers All-In-One kit (about $25) because I use their other products and consider them superior. The kit contains

<ul><li>PowerPlastic polish</li>
<li>Microfiber towel</li>
<li>PowerBall 4Lights (fits into drill head)</li>
<li>Severe Damage Restoration Pads (I thought I might need them to clear scratches)</li></ul>

What I found was:

<ul><li>I already had Micorfiber towels.</li>
<li>Applying the polish manually with a clean cloth was maybe more effective in easier than using the PowerBall on a drill</li>
<li>I didn't need the Restoration Pads</li></ul>

So, I could have simply bought the polish for 1/4th to 1/3rd the cost and completed the job with the same effectiveness.]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Off to Madison Wisconsin</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/08/off-to-madison-wisconsin.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.308</id>

    <published>2011-08-23T10:47:29Z</published>
    <updated>2011-08-23T10:50:59Z</updated>

    <summary>Leaving St Paul, MN this morning. Next stop: Madison, WI to visit the capitol; home to major public employee union protests a few months ago. Should be interesting....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[Leaving St Paul, MN this morning. Next stop: Madison, WI to visit the capitol; home to major public employee union protests a few months ago. Should be interesting.<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>St. Paul, MN</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/08/st-paul-mn.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.307</id>

    <published>2011-08-22T22:00:00Z</published>
    <updated>2011-08-23T10:31:02Z</updated>

    <summary>Visited St Paul and was extremely impressed. City is very clean and beautiful. Toured the capitol; it is the most grand of all the capitals we have visited so far. Incredible!Another landmark in the city is the Cathedral of St....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[Visited St Paul and was extremely impressed. City is very clean and beautiful. Toured the capitol; it is the most grand of all the capitals we have visited so far. Incredible!<br /><br />Another landmark in the city is the Cathedral of St. Paul. A magnificent structure comparable to those in Europe, just not nearly as old.<br /><br /><a href="http://forney.org/images/2011%2008%2022%20St%20Paul%20003%20x800.JPG"><img alt="2011 08 22 St Paul 003 x800.JPG" src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/08/2011%2008%2022%20St%20Paul%20003%20x800-thumb-200x150-221.jpg" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" height="150" width="200" /></a>

<a href="http://forney.org/images/2011%2008%2022%20St%20Paul%20001%20x800.JPG"><img alt="2011 08 22 St Paul 001 x800.JPG" src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/08/2011%2008%2022%20St%20Paul%20001%20x800-thumb-200x150-224.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="float:left;" height="150" width="200" /></a>

<div style="clear: both;"></div>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Next Stop: Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul MN</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/08/next-stop-twin-cities-of-minneapolisst-paul-mn.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.306</id>

    <published>2011-08-21T13:00:15Z</published>
    <updated>2011-08-21T13:33:57Z</updated>

    <summary>Departing Sioux Falls, SD and heading to the Twin Cites. Another Capital visit in St. Paul and maybe a visit to the &quot;Mall of America.&quot; Staying at St. Paul East RV Park (top rating from Woodalls)....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="capital" label="Capital" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[Departing Sioux Falls, SD and heading to the Twin Cites. Another Capital visit in St. Paul and maybe a visit to the "Mall of America." Staying at <a href="http://www.stpauleastrvpark.com/index.html">St. Paul East RV Park</a> (top rating from Woodalls).<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Verizon 4G MiFi</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/08/verizon-4g-mifi.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.305</id>

    <published>2011-08-21T12:50:02Z</published>
    <updated>2011-08-21T12:57:56Z</updated>

    <summary>Upgraded to 4G MiFi when we were in the Denver area a week ago. We have not been in 4G coverage until now; Sioux Falls, SD. I must say the speed difference is incredible. So far, the upgrade was a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road technology" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="4g" label="4G" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="mifi" label="MiFi" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="verizon" label="Verizon" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[<a href="http://forney.org/images/verizon-4g-wifi.jpg"><img alt="verizon-4g-wifi.jpg" src="http://forney.org/assets_c/2011/08/verizon-4g-wifi-thumb-200x181-218.jpg" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" height="181" width="200" /></a>Upgraded to 4G MiFi when we were in the Denver area a week ago. We have not been in 4G coverage until now; Sioux Falls, SD. I must say the speed difference is incredible. So far, the upgrade was a smart decision.<br /><br />The only thing I have noticed is the battery life is not very long. But, we keep it plugged into the charger so it is not a big negative. I'll have to time it when I get a chance.<br /><br />Overall, my experience with Verizon Broadband coverage around the nation is very positive.<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>TwitterFeed</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/08/twitterfeed.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.304</id>

    <published>2011-08-21T01:22:48Z</published>
    <updated>2011-08-21T01:27:12Z</updated>

    <summary>Just signed up for TwitterFeed and testing to see where this shows up. Nice if it works like I think it should. This should post to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Nice application....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road technology" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="twitterfeed" label="twitterfeed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[Just signed up for <a href="http://twitterfeed.com/dashboard">TwitterFeed</a> and testing to see where this shows up. Nice if it works like I think it should. This should post to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Nice application.<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>BEWARE: Les Schwab sells proprietary TOYO tires</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://forney.org/archives/2011/07/beware-les-schwab-sells-proprietary-toyo-tires.html" />
    <id>tag:forney.org,2011://1.303</id>

    <published>2011-07-28T01:28:40Z</published>
    <updated>2011-07-28T01:55:48Z</updated>

    <summary>I just replaced all the tires on our Saturn Vue with Toyo from Les Schwab when we were in Washington just two months ago. Nothing wrong with the Toyo, they have a great reputation as a premium tire. Here&apos;s my...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Merv</name>
        <uri>http://forney.org</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Road commentary" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Road learning" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Road life" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="tires" label="tires" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://forney.org/">
        <![CDATA[I just replaced all the tires on our Saturn Vue with <a href="http://toyotires.com/">Toyo</a> from <a href="http://www.lesschwab.com/">Les Schwab</a> when we were in Washington just two months ago. Nothing wrong with the Toyo, they have a great reputation as a premium tire. Here's my predicament:<br />]]>
        <![CDATA[<ul><li>We full time and are on our third trip around the country. Replaced all 
my tires on the Vue tow vehicle in May this year with Toyo Eclipse.</li><li>
On July 27th in Durango, CO one of the tires was losing air. Located a 
Toyo tire dealer in Durango. Found a large nail close to the sidewall 
and the tip has rubbed against the sidewall exposing the cord. Cannot be
 fixed.</li><li>
Toyo dealer cannot order a replacement tire because the Eclipse is a 
proprietary model only available from Les Schwab. Where is the closest 
Les Schwab? Price, Utah, 300 miles from Durango, CO.</li><li>They will honor a road hazard warranty but, only at one of their dealer locations. To get a replacement to match the set, we have to spend the time and money to re-route to Price, UT. A few days and fuel cost. What if I was on the east coast? I would be out of luck.<br /></li></ul>
Bottom line: If you are full timers like us, buy national brand tires from regular dealers where warranties are honored nationwide and exact replacements are available.<br />
<br />
]]>
    </content>
</entry>

</feed>

