FULL TIME LIVING

5.28.2011

GOOD BRAKES ARE GOOD IDEA ON 25' MOTORHOME

How To Change Truck Drum Brakes
By Jeff Williams

Thanks for taking the time to post this easy step by step guide to doing a brake job on a full float GM. Me, my P30 chassis 1978 25′ class A Itasca motorhome, and the other motorists on the road appreciate it.

"Now I know for most of you out there changing you own brakes, chances are you will not have to do a rear brake job on a" 1978 MHC 25' Itasca Class A Motorhome ", but if you are lucky enough to try one on your own, I will show you how easy it is and along the way give you some free tips on how to make that rear brake job a snap."

3.11.2011

WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT

What Will You Do When the Lights Go Out?

"When the power goes off leaving you with no TV, Internet, or email you have a lot of time on your hands. Thankfully there are batteries, so my trusty computer will still work for a few hours, and I can follow my fingers into my thoughts. Looking out my window I can’t see any lights in the neighborhood so at least I know it isn’t just our house that’s in the dark. In addition, there are cars running up and down the street, so I know at least it wasn’t the dreaded EMP blast. The wind was making a strange noise but stopped, so we have come out from under the table since there’s no indication of a tornado on the way. All these kinds of thoughts run through your mind when the lights go off. In other words, when you’re in the dark there’s little light."

That actually has happened quite often to me. The forest surrounding me is full of mature and past-mature trees that frequently bring power lines down. The quiet peacefulness is wonderful. There are only a few neighbors in the wooded cul-de-sac, so it is usually void of noises anyways except for an occasional chainsaw or shotgun in the distance.

Actually, with the power off, I can hear the coyotes or deer calls better. And, the wind! I love the sound of the wind as it moves through the trees.

Got plenty of firewood for the stove for heating and cooking. Batteries run the laptop (yeaaah!!!) which can be recharged. And, got kerosene lanterns for lighting to read my Bible by.

There is something actually to be said for the quiet. God's voice seems to be so much clearer without all of the worldly distractions.

11.25.2010

VAN DWELLERS - LIVE IN YOUR VAN (or car, truck, camper, motorcycle, bicycle?)

ALTERNATIVE LIVING

Description

How to convert a van (or truck, car, bicycle or ???) to live in or camp for extended stays.
Do you "Live in your Van" or want to? Post ideas about how to convert standard vehicles into custom live-aboard units. More than just an RV, a personal expression of your freedom!

"alternative mobile living"

"We were an island of misfits, a family, a tribe. much like i imagine more primitive and wise cultures lived. anyhow, i feel that way about vandwellers. we are drawn to a way of life on the fringes of the common culture. some of us seek solitude, some community. we have times of incredible peace, and sharp loneliness. we are all such different individuals, bound by a passion for the adventures in life, as experienced from our little mobile dwellings. at vandwellers, we find a place to give support/get support..... a tribe of our own." SOURCE

"Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home" Barbra Streisand

Full Time Living

In 1993, I bought a 1978 Itasca Class A twenty-five foot motorhome. I thought it was going to be so cool to take my wife and children out on the open road up to the tops of mountains and down to the deepest valleys; outward to wilderness destinations and in to towns and cities near and far, big and small, exploring America, the beautiful. And, it was.

Little did I realize at the time was that I had actually purchased my dream home, and, that fifteen years later here would I be, surrounded by thousands of miles and moments of great memories of time shared with my loved ones, living the life of a full timer. Some would say tough luck brought me to this near nomadic, pseudo-hermit type of lifestyle. Some say I have become a 'fool-timer'. I say, not. Choice led by circumstance led to contentment. Life is good.

I've only been full timing since 2003 - five years. Snowbirding has not yet become part of my routine, although, the thought has crossed my mind many a cold wintry day here in Ohio. Maybe, some day. But, for now I am settled in a good spot on a friend's piece of land with plenty of firewood to burn away those dreams of warmer winter climates.

Sometimes, when I slip into a not so gracious moment and begin grumbling about everything under the sun, I wonder what has become of me. I am living in an aluminum can on wheels with a cat. Psychology might have been a pragmatic course of study back when I was in college. Not so much for illuminating what exactly is going on in my own mind, but, in the mind of those whose facial twitches betray an undercurrent of disapproving puzzlement when they learn of my unusual living arrangements - if only I could read a face - just for my own entertainment value. I love a good laugh. Who better to laugh at than myself. That, I am fairly sure, is not a sin, whereas, it is almost impossible to laugh at someone else without stepping into some bit of sinfulness. And, I do love to laugh.

I really don't have to live like this. It is not always an easy 'road to travel'. Nor, is it an easy task to convince the scoffer that full timing makes sense. To which end I can only reply,'My mind's made up... don't confuse me with the facts'.

This blog is my story.

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