Thursday, November 22, 2018

The SKP Ranch Lakewood, NM - Thursday, November 22, 2018
Morning 32 Degrees, Wind WSW at 1 to 2 Mph, Humidity 98%, mostly sunny.



Monday, October 15, 2018

At The SKP Ranch Sep 2 - 11

At The SKP Ranch
        (Escapees)
Sunday, September 2, thru Tuesday, September 11, 2018

We are settling into a routine here and doing our work. We got the car cleaned out, everything. That also involved cleaning out the shed not only the junk stuff we just thru in these departing on our last stay here was accumulation of dust dirt. I have been nursing the (car) battery along in the but it needs changing. Changing the battery requires the rear passenger seat floor area to be accessible as the battery location is under the floor there.   
looking north on our lot
In order to put stuff in the shed we need to build some shelves to put things on. Our choices are Lowes in Carlsbad (twenty-five miles) or Home Depot in Roswell (sixty miles) in the opposite direction. We try to do additional shopping when we do go into either Carlsbad or Roswell but seeing as Roswell also has a larger Walmart we went there first. I purchased enough wood to frame out the shelves on one side of the shed.
After assembling the shelves and moving some stuff the decision was made to also build shelves on the other side also. Going to Lowes in Carlsbad I was disappointed with the selection of wood there. We had already done some shopping in Walmart and Albertsons so we went on home to Buster, cold things to put away. I have been keeping the battery maintainer on over night but it does not seam to be enough, new battery is needed.
Roadrunner top center
Cleaning out the car we had moved the electric seat up and it would not return to a comfortable driving position. Nothing I did would correct the back of the seat to recline.
Cat on top of Water Bottle
It was Tuesday, Men's coffee at the Ranch House and woman's breakfast. My wife went with another woman to breakfast in Artesia. When my wife returned after also going to Walmart she realized she left her purse in the shopping cart. So we had a quick return there and retrieved the purse from customer service. While there in Artesia we went to Guy Chevrolet about the seat. A few minutes they had it working as normal a connector was partially pulled out. With that done we are part way to Roswell we went to Home Depot for the additional wood needed to complete the shelves on the other side of the shed. Of course we went for a few things in Walmart and purchased another water dispenser we tried it for a few days and returned it. Turns out it is a little unstable, with the cat wanting to get on top of the water bottle. We also did not like the height of the water discharge port.
Cat in a box
Our cat is enjoying it here with the people and dogs walking down the street rabbits running around and seeing the birds in the tree on the front corner of Buster.

We have foil in the windshield, but the cat wants to see the birds and rabbits

Cat needs his rest

Monday, September 10, 2018

The Escapees Ranch - Lakewood, NM Aug 31 - Sept 1

Road-Runner RV Park - Fort Stockton, TX - Friday, August 31, 2018
Morning 72 Degrees, Wind N at 1 to 4 Mph, Humidity 62%, sunny.
We left Fort Stockton today heading north to Lakewood, NM on US 285. On our way I stopped and got diesel fuel tank filled. Now we have a mostly full tank of fuel while we sit in one place. From Fort Stockton to Pecos, TX light traffic on a two lane road. Getting into Pecos there was traffic on the vicinity of interstate twenty and more vehicles heading north thru the oil fields of the Permian Basin. Then to the New Mexico state line there is road construction, no one working today but the lanes are narrow and heavy traffic. Getting into New Mexico just reduced speed limit and truck traffic for twenty miles before the four lane area started.

The Escapees Ranch - Lakewood, NM

We started a little later today with a shorter planed drive of one hundred sixty-four miles. And a plus, we crossed into Mountain Time Zone coming into New Mexico so we fell back an hour in time. Arriving here at the Escapees Ranch about noon time. Now it is work and rest, setting up and relaxing. We were greeted by other member on our arrival and the bell was rung announcing an arrival to te ranch.

Road Runner

The Escapees (SKP) Ranch Lakewood, NM - Saturday, September 1, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind NW at 5 to 11 Mph, Humidity 56%, sunny.
Afternoon 86 Degrees, Wind NW at 10 to 35 Mph, mostly cloudy.

We brought rain to the desert. They (The Ranch)  have not had rain here for a while and we arrive here there is rain.

We are cleaning out our shed, most everything and the dirt that has blown in putting a coating on everything in there. The last time we were here there was “the flood” and we were evacuated for a few days as the road was flooded in twenty thirteen. We “thru everything” in the shed we did not want to take with us as we were leaving for Texas.

We had a lot of stuff laid out sorting and decided now to go shopping for some groceries in Artesia while there it started raining. Getting back to the SKP Ranch there was a good rain storm here also. Some ‘stuff” was blown around from the wind and we had left the awning out too far and a member came by and tied it down for us, thankful for that.

Thought For The Day – I need to find a new home for a dog. It’s a small terrier, black-and-white, very energetic, and it tends to bark a lot. If you’re interested, please let me know and I will jump over my neighbor’s fence and get it for you.

Friday, August 31, 2018

Road-Runner RV Park - Fort Stockton, TX Aug 29 - 30

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Morning 80 Degrees, Wind S at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 81%, partly cloudy.

Slept better last night, not good but better. Maybe because I new it would be a busy morning for me getting Buster Brown ready to travel after sitting for a week. It took a while but the temperature in the bedroom was coming down.

I had to put fresh water in the tank and get things put away to bring in the slideouts. They moved Buster around to put propane gas in and then to dump the holding tanks, need to loose the weight of that water. Then position Buster for Tan Jan to be connected. While that was going on they lightened my credit card so as to not be too heavy going down the road. (Paying for the work done, less the air conditioner as that was a warranty item of free to me).

Rolling out we went for diesel fuel on interstate ten that is on the east side of town.

North Llano River RV Park - Junction, TX 

Actually a short drive today for two reasons one is the spacing of RV parks and I am tired. One hundred twelve miles some on interstate 410 but mostly interstate ten.


North Llano River RV Park - Junction, TX - Thursday, August 30, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind NNW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 86%, mostly sunny.

We slept better last night after a short drive yesterday. Today we were on the road by nine o’clock with the diesel fuel stop behind us. We started our drive at about 1,750 feet above sea level. As we drove west that changed as we were up and down going thru the Texas hill country.

Road-Runner RV Park - Fort Stockton, TX
Our drive consisted of one hundred and ninety-nine miles and 2,965 feet above sea level. After leaving the San Antonio area the traffic was lighter on the interstate. Some road work with lane a closed and reduced speed in the work area. The regular speed limit post is eighty miles ler hour in these wide open spaces.

eighty miles per hour speed limit sign




Thursday, August 30, 2018

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio Aug 27 - 28

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Monday, August 27, 2018
Morning 79 Degrees, Wind SSE at 6 to 8 Mph, Humidity 86%, mostly cloudy.
100

Air conditioner is sitting on a freight dock in Fort Worth, why? Maybe it will be here tomorrow?

I purchased a fifteen foot HDMI cable at Home Depot. The television in the box has a telescoping shelf that the TV can be permanently mounted too. And that has been what we had been doing. It does present a viewing problems, looking down into the box the door blocks a portion of our view. Sun light on the screen is also a problem. The plan is to use the long HDMI cable to use the TV out of the box, there you go thinking out of the box. Using a table and changing the direction away from the sun.

New TV on the roll out shelf
Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Morning 80 Degrees, Wind S at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 82%, mostly cloudy.
Joey on the shelf behind TV

We were out a little latter this morning, we are not sleeping well without the rear air conditioner working. We do have two working air conditioners up front and fans in the rear but it is hot as the afternoon temperatures are a hundred degrees or more every day.

We are worn out and came back to Buster to rest but there was a guy up on the roof working, on the air conditioner, yea it arrived we hung around in Tan Jan then went to McDonald’s for lunch to kill time. They were done about four-thirty, with the air conditioner operating and cooling. It is one hundred degrees so it will take time to be comfortable. We will travel west tomorrow.

Removed A/C on the ground


Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Aug 24 - 26

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Friday, August 24, 2018
Morning 79 Degrees, Wind W at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 85%, cloudy.

We went out for breakfast and “walking around stores” “retail therapy”, killing time. 
Waiting on parts, air conditioner.

When we are done here we are continuing west to The Escapees Ranch in New Mexico as we have a RV lot there. It has been a while since we were there and we are looking forward to that. Another warm day 107 degrees and sunny.


Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Saturday, August 25, 2018
Morning 78 Degrees, Wind  at  to  Mph, Humidity 82%, partly cloudy.

There is no work done here over the weekend but is is not costing anything to park Buster.

I had contacted Dish TV about installing an additional Joey for outside TV, they came out this afternoon for the installation. It did not go as planned, turns out the TV was not working so I had that one installed in the bedroom and will use the Joey that was there outside. 


Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Sunday, August 26, 2018
Morning 80 Degrees, Wind NE at CALM to 1 Mph, Humidity 85%, mostly cloudy.

Today we went to Walmart and purchased a TV twenty-four inch (measured diagonally) for the outside. Now it is hard to find small televisions for sale, they all seem to thirty-two inch or larger size. If it was available I wanted something about twenty-eight inches. I think that is the largest size that will fit in the outside box.

TV on the roll out shelf and the Joey behind


Monday, August 27, 2018

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX

Hwy 155 RV Park, Palestine TX - Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Morning 64 Degrees, Wind WSW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 29%, mostly sunny.

Today I made sure both waist tanks were empty and the water tank was full as we will not be connected for a few days at the maintenance location. There is electric power and we can dump if needed, but we will not be connected like an RV park. I can refill the water tank if needed but not stay connected.

Today we were on our way about nine o'clock but it was not long we had to stop and try and adjust our awning. I left it (the awning) part way out and bushed some trees on the way out of the RV park pushing it backward in the attachment to Buster. We were about five miles from the RV park when a trucker let us know something was wrong. I was in the left lane of US 79 south. I immediately found a spot to pull over in an area where it was safe and there was a sidewalk there. I got the eight foot ladder down from the back of Buster and tried to move the awning forward but I did not get much movement.  I tried to move it and to get it in (rolled up) made some progress but not much. I was afraid to roll it out and not be able to get it rolled back in. The support arms were twisting

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX
Another day with out rain, yea, but it is warm up to 104 degrees back in the triple digits
like we were having in June before we left Texas. I was able to drive being careful on the right side and made it here to Texas RV Supply. I pull in and stop taking care to disconnect Tan Jan from the tow bar. I let them park Buster in a spot for maintenance and discuss what we need done to Buster. We went out to eat as we did not have any lunch. When we came back Buster is parked in a maintenance spot and the awning is closed all the way in, yea. Our drive today was two hundred fifty-four miles.
 

Texas RV Supply, San Antonio, TX - Thursday, August 23, 2018
Morning 77 Degrees, Wind W at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 72%, mostly sunny.

We were out about eight so work can begin on buster, and we had a plan to visit the Doctor in Jourdenton, TX for prescription renewals. As all my doctor visits, blood is drawn and I need to fast for that. Then breakfast at IHOP in Pleasanton, TX. Back to San Antonio for walking around Walmart and Dollar Tree. 107 degrees but it is dry with humidity less than thirty percent.

A lot of our work was done today new ceiling fan in stalled in hallway, new slideout topper installed on the left front slideout. The lid replaced on bathroom vent, the up on the roof work completed. But not the air conditioner.


Friday, August 24, 2018

Hwy 155 RV Park, Palestine TX

Benchmark Coach & RV Park - Monday, August 20, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind SSW at 1 to 2 Mph, Humidity 94%, cloudy.

Buster was rolling early today, by nine o’clock that is good for us. Traveling thru Mississippi today there were a number of state police out there looking to get their quota of tickets filled out, we did not help them. I stopped in Pearl, MS for diesel fuel and to comfirm our stay tonight in West Monroe, LA. While sitting there in the parking lot we had our first sun shower of the day. Never got dark nice bright day and rain started falling.

Traveling west thru Vicksburg, MS and crossing the mighty Mississippi River. The Vicksburg crossing on interstate twenty is nicer as there was less truck traffic and I think the bridge is a little better.

Pavilion RV Park, West Monroe, LA 
In confirming our stay they told me there was a new entrance to the park as we have been there a few times before there are different turns.. There are some new connecting roads that are not on our map and the Garmin was a little off. We stopped to double check the directions and we just stopped short we need to go a little further down the road. We got checked in and set up and decided to go out to eat dinner as we had a Texas Roadhouse gift card to use. We enjoyed our meal and went to Walmart for a few things. We got back to Buster and settled in the sky opened up with a thunder and lightening


Pavilion RV Park, West Monroe, LA  -  Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Morning 74 Degrees, Wind SE at 1 to 2 Mph, Humidity 94%, partly cloudy.

We got Tan Jan hooked up to the tow bar and stowed our hoses and electric cable and on the road at a decent time. All of the rain we have traveled thru and while parked it was no raining when I needed to be outside connecting of disconnecting the electric of hoses to Buster.

 Hwy 155 RV Park, Palestine TX
We purchased diesel fuel west of Shreveport, LA and continued on into Texas. At US 271 we got off interstate twenty amd headed southwest on US 271. Two hundred forty-two miles traveled today. We drove right in right into a vacant pull thru as directed to do on the telephone call last night.

Thought for the Day:

The good news is that I’ve made it to my golden years. The bad news is that there ain’t no gold.


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Benchmark Coach & RV Park

Sherman Oaks Campground, Dandridge, TN - Friday, August 17, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind SE at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 91%, cloudy.

We took our time getting ready as the planned only ninety miles for today’s drive. We did not even disconnect Tan Jan from the tow bar. I have decided vto wait until we arrive in San Antonio to do any more change with the TV setup.
 .
Sweetwater Valley KOA - Sweetwater, TN
Today we traveled west on interstate forty thru Knoxville getting diesel fuel for Buster before continuing south on interstate seventy-five to Sweetwater 92 miles) driving today. We took Tan Jan going shopping for groceries after getting parked. Parked here we are under tree cover so there is no satellite TV signal. But we can watch recorded programs. I had Dish TV on the phone today and they have a different opinion on the connecting a Hopper 3 box to the Wineguard antenna, change the LNB looking at the antenna. That is not what the Wineguard antenna people said they sent me a configuration with a Hybird solo hub 203952, DPH42 Switch and DPH42 power Inserter / Power Supply. This is for the Hopper 3 box and two Joey’s, one for the bedroom TV and one for the outside box TV.


Sweetwater Valley KOA - Sweetwater, TN -  Saturday, August 18, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind SSW at 3 to 4 Mph, Humidity 90%, cloudy.

We were moving along having a little longer drive today, got Buster ready to roll and worked our way back to interstate fifty-nine southbound and the rain started again.

Bairdsnest Campground -Mentone, AL

As we are going down the highway my wife asks me about my Fitbit I looked at my rist and it was not present. Lost, do not remember it leaving my rist other times I have felt it loosen up and was able to reclose the clasp again. The clasp pushes in a little tricky to handle. Never liked the attachment system I prefer the usual watch band type closure. I had gotten it on a store closeout sale at a good price not knowing about the band closure system. I am now the proud owner of a Charge 2 Fitbit with a watch band type closure. We got a nice pull thru site and we could or had any site but one as the place was empty.

One hundred eighteen miles for Buster today. More rain tonight.

Charge 2 Fitbit and watch band type closure

Bairdsnest Campground -Mentone, AL -  Sunday, August 19, 2018
Morning 70 Degrees, Wind W at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 99%, cloudy.

Normal travel morning getting Tan Jan connected to the tow bar stowing the hoses and electric cable. We made Mississippi today, started earlier driving about five hours. Again it was dry when we were outside doing our work getting ready stowing hoses and electric cable.

Benchmark Coach & RV Park
After getting going on the interstate fifty-nine southbound the rain started and was off and on the whole day.  Our arrival was dry and when I was outside for the connections and at the diesel fuel stop. I went to the office to pay and returning to Buster I saw the dark clouds we are going to get “weather”. After a bit the rain came the hardest of the day, but we were inside. I usually stop every day once for diesel fuel as I prefer to drive only on the top half of the one hundred gallon tank. There is also the spacing of the places where I lake to fill the tank. I prefer to go to the truck side of Flying J truck stops. Usally during the middle of the day I have been able to get to an empty lane to refuel. The other thing is the RV lanes are tighter turning into or out of getting to the fuel island. Then there are the cars coming in an taking space I need to turn Buster with the car in tow. There is NO backing up with the car in tow. You need to “see” your way thru an area or do not go there. Two hundred and sixty miles traveled today. The park was on the empty side as maybe half the sites were empty.



Monday, August 20, 2018

Sherman Oaks Campground, Dandridge, TN

Ft Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA - Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Morning 59 Degrees, Wind WSW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 98%, sunny.

The reply from the antenna company said the DPH42 switch is the way to go and also supplied a wiring diagram how to connect everything. Now I need to contact Dish TV again to schedule this work again.

Today we drove up to my sister Irene’s house for a visit. Going back up interstate eighty-one again same as yesterday only with terrible traffic, glad we were only in the car and not Buster. I made the wrong turn into a driveway thinking it was there house, going in there was a deer feeding on our right, continuing down and turning in front of the house it did not look right. Got another picture of the deer from the front of the house. Then I turned around to go back out before I turned to go back up the driveway, I stopped and said to my wife I can not go back that driveway the transition was not graded correctly, yes I know we made it down ok but I did not want to go back that way. There was another driveway where the deer was feeding and we went out that way.

We had a nice visit with my sister Irene and her husband Larry. Turning in their driveway was better, and my memory was kicking in telling me I am in the right place,

     
Ft Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA - Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Morning 59 Degrees, Wind SW at 1 to 2 Mph, Humidity 95%, mostly sunny.

Another visiting day with Irene and Larry. Driving on interstate eighty-one was like Monday, heavy truck traffic but moving well. These cooler mornings are a nice change
 
 
Ft Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA - Thursday, August 16, 2018
Morning 65 Degrees, Wind WNW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 92%, partly cloudy.

We got going late and there was a diesel fuel stop to give Buster a drink before getting on the highway. We did well for a while leaving Ft Chiswell going down interstate eighty-one until about the mile 41 and everything stopped for a while then creep down to about -five mile mark. There was a semi-truck in the median with out the trailer wheels as they were on the right shoulder. And the truck was heading north on the southbound side. This was just after a bridge and that cement to hole the guard rail was broken. After that it was clear driving to the end of interstate eighty-one.
 
Sherman Oaks Campground, Dandridge, TN
We went east a short way in interstate forty to our exit for the campground. I stopped at the office finding it locked I called the number and was told to drive in to the pull thru’s just inside the open gate. Easy parking and quick getting setup for the night. One hundred fifty-one miles today


Thought For The Day – I’m super lazy today. It’s like normal lazy but I’m wearing a cape.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Fort Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Sunday, August 12, 2018
Morning 71 Degrees, Wind WSW at CALM to 1 Mph, Humidity 93%, partly sunny.

We did not go to today’s games, we had Dish TV coming to change our DVR box and install a second Joey for the television in our outside box. It did not go well. I wanted to change from the Hopper with sling to a Hopper 3 box. The Hopper 3 is not compatible with our Wineguard SK 1000 antenna mounted on the roof. The Dish TV people told me the Hopper 3 is not compatible with our Wineguard SK 1000 antenna mounted on our motorhome roof. They said I needed to change the LNB on the antenna, so I canceled the job.

We spent the rest of the day preparing for our travel starting tomorrow.

After Dish TV left I also spent some time poking around the internet as I was told I need to change the LNB on the antenna to a west arc hybrid. I found the Wineguard antenna site and a reference to our antenna model that said for the Hopper 3 we need a DPH42 switch. Now with two different stories, witch to follow so I sent a message the antenna company explaining what I had and asking which way to go. 


Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Monday, August 13, 2018
Morning 70 Degrees, Wind SSW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 96%, cloudy .

Well it was not the best day starting with getting up late. I had an alarm set on my phone but my phone was in the other end of the RV. The phone alarmed but I did not hear the noise. Cloudy it is going to rain type of day, but we got busy and rolled just before noon for a planned two hundred and ten mile travel today

Pilot Mountain 

Fort Chiswell RV Park, Max Meadows, VA
I had sent an email first then after two days I tried a phone calls the line was busy every time. We took a chance and lost. They were full I tried the state park they were full and the place outside closed door locked late afternoon, remember I got up late. I used Garmin to search for RV sites some close ones did not answer the phone call.

There was a Jelly Stone park listed ten miles away I called them made a reservation and started driving ten miles on the interstate and five miles on state road turn onto Farm Fall road that turned into gravel than wiggly mountain road (one lane) we were following the Garmin all the way tho it seemed like the road to hell as that gravel road was one lane and we did have four vehicles coming from the other way. We finally reached an intersection and the Garman was was pointing us onto another gravel road well that was leading us to a electric sub station under construction. The workers were starting to leave and I was able to stop the second one and ask if there was an RV park in there, “no we are construction for an electric sub station”. At this point I had to disconnect Tan Jan from the tow bar and turn Buster around, lucky there was a tee intersection to do the turn around. Then reconnect Tan Jan to the tow bar. I was able to stop another construction worker and ask for directions to the highway, and then I asked about any RV parks close by. He had the answers and good roads getting here it took about fifteen miles but seeing an RV park was a good site along with seeing empty RV sites we knew we had the spot. A nice end to a long day.



Thought For The Day – Have you ever listened to someone talk for a while and then wondered, “Who ties your shoelaces for you?”


Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Saturday, August 11, 2018
Morning 70 Degrees, Wind SW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 93%, partly cloudy.

Since the first of the month we have been having rain every day, starts at different times day or night and I am talking good water type rain.

Our grandson had two baseball games scheduled today, the first one scheduled for 1:30 and the start time was moved up because rain in the forecast. But the games before were running late, so his game started thirty minutes late from the original start time. They did finish the game yes we had rain during his game but it stopped. They one the game seven to one, it was a shutout until the last half inning. There was a one played before his second game that never finished, rained out as the rest of the day. We were waiting for that game to play out under our daughters canopy. They had gone to get something to eat and the rain came down again letting up some before coming down heavy again and not lightening and we are standing in two inches of water. We got soaked getting to the car and getting out stuff put away.  Needless to say the second game was canceled and it was a cold ride home. By the way this is “travel ball” we were seventy eight miles from home.
Zane batting before the rain

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Saturday, August 11, 2018
Morning 70 Degrees, Wind SW at calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 93%, partly cloudy.

We have been having rain every day, starts at different times day or night and I am talking good water type rain. Our grandson had two baseball games scheduled today, the first one scheduled for 1:30 and the start time was moved up because rain in the forecast. But the games before were running late, so his game started thirty minutes late from the original start time. They did finish the game yes we had rain during his game but it stopped. They one the game seven to one, it was a shutout until the last half inning. There was a one played before his second game that never finished, rained out as the rest of the day. We were waiting for that game to play out under our daughters canopy. They had gone to get something to eat and the rain came down again letting up some before coming down heavy again and not lightening and we are standing in two inches of water. We got soaked getting to the car and getting out stuff put away.  Needless to say the second game was canceled and it was a cold ride home. By the way this is “travel ball” we were seventy eight miles from home.

Thought For The Day – Have you ever listened to someone talk for a while and then wondered, “Who ties your shoelaces for you?

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - July, 2018
It has been awhile since I made post as there has not been much to talk about. July slowed down for us and we were laying low . In the beginning of the month the back access to the engine came loose from the mounting assembly. I was able to put a C- clamp on one side and got my work done inside, leaving it open. I purchased some lag bolts (two sizes, just to make sure I had the correct ones) and waited for the holiday to have my son if laws help installing the new bolts.

I made a plywood box to put the cat litter box into, need to finish the outside with stain and sealer. Have not done much of anything else except for everyday functions. 

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Latest happenings

Sunday July 1
Our granddaughter's softball team the (Cardinals) had a tournament in Salem,Va. Sat.and today. They won 2 games lost 2 all yesterday,so that eliminated them. So they came home early.
Our daughter and family are following the keto diet plan except the 13 year old grandson.They are trying different recipies for bread  so we get samples I must say they are good substitutes and alot healthier than regular bread.
They are making slider buns for the 4th.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Jun 15 - 20

Walkabout Camp & RV Park, Woodbine, Georgia - Friday, June 15, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind NE at calm Mph, Humidity 95%, mostly sunny.
Buster at Walkabout Camp & RV
We did not get started as early today, just sluggish getting going. A short way up interstate ninety-five we stopped for diesel in Brunswick, GA. Just a long drive on interstate ninety-five, the Georgia part was nice as there were three lanes and no construction.


Bass Lake RV Campground, Dillon, SC
Afternoon 93 Degrees, Wind WNW at 4 to 12 Mph, Humidity 55%, mostly cloudy.

Buster at Bass Lake RV
Interstate ninety-five, in South Carolina still only two lanes of travel with a high traffic volume. We are now doing the speed limit and there are vehicles going faster than the spdde limit. Safe driving is more challenging on these roads. As we got close to the end of our days drive the clouds moved in with afternoon showers and I wanted to top off the diesel fuel at Flying J in Latta thus when we stop driving tomorrow we will have at least thre quarter full diesel fuel tank. Continuing of exits in the rain to the campground. We got setup in the site between the rain drops and it stopped a short time latter with a quite night.


Bass Lake RV Campground, Dillon, South Carolina - Saturday, June 16, 2018
Morning 74 Degrees, Wind ESE at  to  Mph, Humidity 94%, partly cloudy.

We got Buster moving about nine-thirty for the final leg of our trip today on interstate ninety-five and getting off the big road in Dunn, North Carolina taking US421 and other roads to our site. Only one hundred seven miles traveled for Buster. 

Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC
Afternoon 88 Degrees, Wind SSE at 2 to 8 Mph, Humidity 46%, mostly sunny.
Took our time getting set up on the spot, leveled out and slide outs out and sun shades on the windshield. We were invited to lunch at Wild Wings by our grand children and latter our daughter Cindy came and made dinner for us all.


Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Sunday, June 17, 2018
Morning 74 Degrees, Wind SSE at 2 to 8 Mph, Humidity 93%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 92 Degrees, Wind SSW at 1 to 9 Mph, Humidity 42%, mostly sunny.

We took it easy today, get up late and went to bed early restful day 


Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Monday, June 18, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind W at  to  Mph, Humidity 87%, sunny.
Afternoon 94 Degrees, Wind NW at 2 to 7 Mph, Humidity 46%, sunny.

Recovery, we got up latter having a slow morning and prep for the softball games, shopping for fruit and cold cuts for snacks. Tomorrow will be an early start as we wiil be driving to Greensboro.


Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Morning 72 Degrees, Wind WSW at 1 to 4 Mph, Humidity 93%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind WSW at 2 to 10 Mph, Humidity 40%, mostly sunny.

Ariana at Shortstop
We were up early and on the road to Greensboro, NC with a two hour trip for the Power Aid NC State High School Softball tournament at Carolyn Allen Park. Today two games back to back starting at nine o’clock. We had to be there an hour before for warmups and other team activities. Our grand daughter drive and played shortstop in both games. Our daughter Chris and her husband John we away for a long weekend celebrating their anniversary and he arrived in time for the second game. They team ended with a one win and one loss.


Buster’s Spot, Holly Springs, NC - Wednesday June 20, 2018
Morning 71 Degrees, Wind SW at 2 to 4 Mph, Humidity 99%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 93 Degrees, Wind SW at 4 to 13 Mph, Humidity 14%, mostly cloudy.

Greensboro high school softball one game at Carolyn Allen Park, a win and one game at NC Greensboro college with a weather delay for lighting in the area, a long day for the second game, a loss. Today our daughter Chris went and drove. This was another long day as the first game was at nine with a break in order to drive to NC Greensboro college and lunch. The game started and we had two innings on the book when they called a clear the park for lightening in the area from the thunder storms. Well we actually got neither. Now because of the delay they cut the game short at three innings. 






Saturday, June 16, 2018

Walkabout Camp & RV Park, Woodbine, Georgia Jun 12 - 14

Clearwater Travel RV, Clearwater, Florida - Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Morning 74 Degrees, Wind ESE at calm Mph, Humidity 90%, sunny.
Afternoon 88 Degrees, Wind SW at 5 to 16 Mph, Humidity 59%, mostly sunny.

Beach day, we drove out to Sand Key and walking from Tan Jan to the water the sky behind us was getting dark. The sun was plenty hot so we only stayed a short time getting some sun and keeping an eye on the dark sky. When the “weather got close enough we decided to head back to Buster. We had some light rain driving back and there had been rain here at the park. We changed and went to my sister’s to catch up for three years since our last visit and dinner. Two of her three daughters were there also for dinner, we had a good time catching our lifes up to date.


Clearwater Travel RV, Clearwater, Florida - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Morning 80 Degrees, Wind SSE at calm Mph, Humidity 92%, sunny.
Afternoon 90 Degrees, Wind N at 5 to 14 Mph, Humidity 57%, mostly sunny.

Today it was lunch on us we went to Joe’s Crab Shack with my sister for seafood and more visiting.


Clearwater Travel RV, Clearwater, Florida - Thursday, June 14, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind SSE at  to  Mph, Humidity 94%, sunny.

Buster pulled out of the RV site at nine o’clock for the roll up to the front to connect Tan Jan to the tow bar. We rolled up to SR 60 and waited for a break in the traffic to turn east onto the highway and a short drive up to the traffic light presented a problem as the causeway was blocked by police cars. We just turned south on 49th street to the next alternate SR 686 and that was backed up a long way to the exit.  Well take the next alternate SR 688 and that was not as bad and was moving well at first then the slowdown.  It was slow all the way to the Interstate 275 bridge as there was a truck and car pulled over on the shoulder with a police car behind them. After that traveling speed picked up and all this only took an hour and fifteen minutes. We continued to interstate seventy-five stopping in Dade City for diesel fuel and continuing to SR 326 and that exit was backed up. From there we made a left onto US 301 north. There is construction on US 301 in Starke. Looks like they are constructing a bypass around the town going on the west side. That is very much needed as there is a lot of thru traffic that will be able to move thru the area better. 
 
Walkabout Camp & RV Park, Woodbine, Georgia
Afternoon 90 Degrees, Wind WSW at 7 to 17 Mph, Humidity 59%, .
At interstate ten more construction and a backup trying to access the interstate highway. Well the construction is building the new right turn to access the interstate going eastbound. The rest of the drive was good but the “weather” (rain) was turning dark clouds and we are going to get it. We got here and park in the site before the rain (0.25 inches) but enough to disrupt the satellite television signal for awhile.



 





Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Clearwater Travel RV, Clearwater, Florida - Jun 10 - 11

Wilderness RV Park, Robertsdale, AL - Sunday, June 10, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind SW at calm Mph, Humidity 100%, partly cloudy.

We got Buster moving and were on the road eas about nine thirty continuing our trip on interstate ten

Deerwood Inn RV Park, Madison, FL
Afternoon 8 Degrees, Wind  at  to  Mph, Humidity %, .

Alabama is done and we are into Florida after a short drive. Our drive today was two hundred and seventy five miles crossing into the eastern time zone along the Florida Panhandle. Tomorrow we continue east before turning south towards Clearwater. We have had plenty of Texas vehicles passing us on the highway since we left Texas and some Louisiana also.


Deerwood Inn RV Park, Madison, FL - Monday, June 11, 2018
Morning 71 Degrees, Wind SE at  to  Mph, Humidity 100%, partly sunny.

We left after ten, but wanted to leave about nine and it turned out that we did not reset three clocks forward to eastern daylight time. I corrected that just before we started on the road today.

Clearwater Travel RV, Clearwater, Florida
Afternoon 91 Degrees, Wind NE at 2 to 11 Mph, Humidity 61%, mostly sunny.
Buster traveled east on interstate ten then south on interstate seventy-five to interstate two-seventy-five south to SR 60 west into Clearwater. Our trip of two hundred thirty-five miles was actually more relaxed today as the traffic seemed lighter. Iinterstate seventy-five to interstate two-seventy-five south was almost all three lanes with only a little construction. Two area where there was construction were where the Florida turnpike branches off interstate seventy-five and at state road fifty in the Brooksville area. In both cases they are constructing new bridges.






Saturday, June 9, 2018

Wilderness RV Park, Robertsdale, AL - Jun 7 - 9

Gulf Coast RV - Beaumont, TX - Thursday, June 7, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind N at calm Mph, Humidity 91%, mostly cloudy.

We had Buster on the road before nine thirty for our days journey on interstate ten eastbound.

Hidden Oaks Family Campground - Hammond, LA
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind SSE at 1 to 4 Mph, Humidity 40%, partly sunny.

We left Texas behind us this morning going into Louisiana. We took the by pass around Lake Charles (I 210) only a little better ride wise, but it was better. Latter in the day we crossed east of the Mississippi River. Plenty of vehicle traffic all day and congestion getting to the bridge going over the Mississippi River and after the river. IN Baton Rouge we followed interstate twelve trying to avoid city traffic in New Orleans. We stopped for diesel fuel in Hammond ($3.059) before coming into the camp ground.


Hidden Oaks Family Campground - Hammond, LA - Friday, June 8, 2018
Morning 69 Degrees, Wind E at calm Mph, Humidity 94%, sunny.

We started later today, just could not get it all moving early. We had a plan to make our days end east of Pensacola but when we called them this morning they had no fifty amp electric power sites available only thirty amp sites. We could not run two air conditioners on that. Plus there would be power management for anything else we use electric like the micro wave oven and coffee maker. We continued east on interstate twelve when we got started about ten o’clock

Wilderness RV Park, Robertsdale, AL
Afternoon 86 Degrees, Wind S at 1 to 9 Mph, Humidity 58%, mostly cloudy.

Interstate twelve brought us back to interstate ten near the Mississippi state line and we continued east on interstate ten. For our day we had another one hundred ninety miles today. We stopped here for the fifty amp power to operate our air conditioners. We are now our of the triple digit temperatures but air conditioning is nice.


Wilderness RV Park, Robertsdale, AL - Saturday, June 9, 2018
Morning 72 Degrees, Wind S at calm Mph, Humidity 100%, sunny.
Afternoon 88 Degrees, Wind SW at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 80%, partly cloudy.

For the past two days I have ben dealing with a slow kitchen sink drain. Today I had to dig into the drain problem. We have tried draino (pour it in the drain and wait) I thought that was working but no. try more draino and there is no change. But wait we have this thin three foot snake plastic thing, it seamed like I reached and moved the “plug” further down the trap. Now empty the cabinet out to take down the trap. I loosened three nuts and the fourth I could not move and I can not find my extra large channel lock pliers. We drove down to Home Depot south of Foley, Alabama. I got a new pair of extra large channel lock pliers, and found this Drain Weasel I thought might come in handy. After getting back to Buster the pliers worked as expected two grips and the fourth nut loosened the rest of the way by hand. The trap was clear but putting my finger into the last part of the trap there was something plugging it up. I could not do any more with my finger so the Drain Weasel was used and I broke it enough to make it move into the down pipe. After putting the trap and drain back together I ran water and it still backed up in the sink. I got the plunger working again and now I cleared the blockage. This time I ran plenty of hot water down the drain and we are now good to go.

Because of this we decided to lay over today getting this drain cleared and resting from three days of driving. Since Wednesday we drove seven hundred and seventeen miles in three days.






Thursday, June 7, 2018

Gulf Coast RV Beaumont, TX Jun 4 - 6

Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Monday, June 4, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind W at calm Mph, Humidity 73%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 94 Degrees, Wind SE at 7 to 16 Mph, Humidity 33%, sunny.

Over the weekend I checked the new batteries they installed and found they did not reinstall my battery watering system so I spoke to them about that. Also the batteries I bought in Ladero I wanted to keep and add to the system making a six battery bank. The awning is done but the bedroom slide out still needs rollers replaced. Tonight I put out the hose for our showers and picked it up after we had our showers. Yes they did not get to the water pump replaced today. This morning they were slammed again with more rigs coming in for work.


Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, TX - Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind ESE at calm Mph, Humidity 88%, mostly cloudy.
Afternoon 102 Degrees, Wind SE at 6 to 14 Mph, Humidity 28%, mostly sunny.

Another day of out early for work to being done on Buster. We went for breakfast and we had our laundry with us so today is laundry day. Buster is done and we start travel eastbound tomorrow. Work accomplished, replaced main awning fabric, install new rollers in the bedroom slide out, reattach inside grab rail, reconfigure house twelve volt batteries, four new batteries and the two I replaced in March were made into a six battery bank. The battery replacement fixed two other problems, difficulty in starting the generator and retracting the left front slide out. Both of those are a high power draw.

Secured compartment door hinges and replace fresh water pump. They also added hinges to what was a fixed panel for us and repaired the electric cord that connects to Tan Jan when towing. Recently drove Buster without Tan Jan connected to the tow bar and the electric cord was dragged on the road and the connector came off, my bad.


Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, TX - Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind NNW at calm Mph, Humidity 84%, mostly cloudy.

We were up and out early again today a travel day. We went to breakfast and they were going to move Buster so he was in position to connect Tan Jan to the tow bar. That did not happen because we locked the door by mistake. So Buster was moved after we returned. We connected Tan Jan and pulled out of the yard about nine o’clock. I purchased a battery watering manifold to water our added batteries makes it easy job to add water and only the correct amount. With Buster towing Tan Jan it is easier going up Austin highway to interstate 410 and a short distance we are on interstate 35 headed south to interstate ten eastbound.

Gulf Coast RV Beaumont, TX 
Afternoon 94 Degrees, Wind  at 2 to 10 Mph, Humidity 44%, partly cloudy.
There were two very light showers in our area as we arrived just enough to show on the windshield and latter after parking Buster.

Our trip consisted of following interstate ten, right thru Houston, there were some slow spots for construction and in Houston there was an exit closed that slowed traffic. We stopped at Bucces for diesel $2.899 per gallon in Baytown. Continuing on to Beaumont we were two hundred seventy eight miles on the book for our day.








Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Jun 1 - 3

Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Friday, June 1, 2018
Morning 77 Degrees, Wind NE at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 84%, cloudy.
Afternoon 100 Degrees, Wind sse at 14 to 23 Mph, Humidity 33%, sunny.

We were out by eight AM for the work to begin on Buster. After breakfast we went to Home depot for water hose O rings, I perfer these over washers. The O rings are thicker and leak less than washers. Sometimes I have had to use two washers t to seat the hose end, not so with O rings. Then my wife wanted to browse Texas Thrift store, just to kill time. Then I wanted to look for new shoes, these I purchased in twenty fifteen so it is time for a new pair. From there we took a ride north on interstate thirty-five to Bucees, Large convenience store gas station, sixty pumps out front. When we were leaving there was three tanker trucks delivering fuel. By this time it is walk a Walmart time then lunch/dinner.

Getting back to Buster work is well under way but we probably will not leave until Monday. Making for a relaxing weekend.

It happened again today turning off the electric circuit breakers for the sign. We only loose right side power (one leg) of the fifty amp power being supplied to Buster.


Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Saturday, June 2, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind SSW at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 84%, mostly cloudy.
Afternoon 101 Degrees, Wind sse at 11 to 20 Mph, Humidity 31%, sunny.

Texas RV Supply does not work weekends, so Buster is getting rested up of our trip.
We drove north-sixty one miles to the Pecan Street Pub to meet with our grandson Avery, Carole and Jackie. Jackie is part owner of the pub restaurant in Johnson City, Texas and we had a nice afternoon/evening visiting with then there. We got back to Buster after dark as we stopped for some groceries at a HEB Plus on US 281 coming back into San Antonio.


Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Sunday, June 3, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind E at calm Mph, Humidity 82%, cloudy.
Afternoon 99 Degrees, Wind SE at 8 to 18 Mph, Humidity 35%, sunny.

With a rest day today and taking care of water chores for Buster, putting water in his fresh water tank and dumping the waste water tank. Water for showers and a few dishes used for breakfast yesterday and today. We came in with maybe a half tank of water on Wednesday and showers everyday we were low on water.

When we went to have showers tonight the water pump did not work, more work. But I was able to put our a hose to a faucet and use a tote to dump waste water. I cannot leave the hose out across the driveway so I pick that up and put it away after using it. It is a little inconvenient but it works for us as we are not paying for an RV park. 






Friday, June 1, 2018

Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas MAY 30 - 31

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Morning 77 Degrees, Wind SE at 3 to 7 Mph, Humidity 78%, sunny.

We did it just before noon today Buster pulled out of the gate. Busy morning putting the last minute things away about eleven the gate guard company coordinator arrived just as I was going to move Buster to get in position to connect Tan Jan to the tow bar.

Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas
Afternoon 100 Degrees, Wind ENE at 2 to 5 Mph, Humidity 37%, sunny.
We drove past two previous gate locations in getting to interstate highway thirty-five. We stopped in Pearsall for diesel fuel ($2.899) a gallon, only eight cents higher than our last purchase in April. It was the lowest price we saw on our trip today. Prices we saw for diesel varied from $2.999 to $3.199 per gallon. We only drove one hundred thirty five miles today. After pulling into their yard (Texas RV Supply) I unhooked Tan Jan. We checked in or gave then the list of work we wanted done then went for a seafood lunch/dinner.

While we were eating they put Buster in the parking spot for the work to be done. After eating we went to H E B for milk then back to Buster to crash for the night. We have to be out by eight in the morning for them to work on Buster.


Texas RV Supply - San Antonio, Texas - Thursday, May 31, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind ESE at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 88%, cloudy.
Afternoon 102 Degrees, Wind S at 3 to 8 Mph, Humidity 32%, sunny.

We were out by eight o’clock for Texas RV Supply to work on Buster, no work today. They are busy and we showed up early, on short notice. But we had a lot of errends to run anyway. First we went to Discount Tire as one tire on Tan Jan was giving us a low air warning. Discount Tire checked all the tires right front was the low one and then off to breakfast. From there we went chrome shop for Busters front axle hub covers replacing the plastic chrome hub covers. After that we went to Pleasanton Walmart pharmacy for scripts, while there in Pleasanton we had lunch my wife got her hair cut. Tan Jan got a bath at the carwash. A lot of running around. While there in Walmart I got her birthday present of a Fit Bit Flex 2. She had gotten herself a pink band with a watch type clasp. She does not like the Fit Bit band clasp. The pink band does not accept the Flex only the Flex 2 as it is smaller.

It was too bad that this morning the power went out on the right side and was off all day. Our front air conditioner was working but there was no power for the television or refrigerator (no one was here to open the refrigerator door). I told them before we left the yard but I should have waited until someone checked to facility electric circuit breakers before I left Buster. When we got back I talked to servis and got it back on fairly quick. But it went off again I rushed out an caught the person turning it off and got it back on. There is a sign that is also on that circuit breaker and it is his job to set brealers at the end of the day. 


Thought For The Day – Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?





Thursday, May 31, 2018

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - May 26 - 29

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Saturday, May 26, 2018
Morning 77 Degrees, Wind SSE at 4 to 8 Mph, Humidity 82%, partly sunny.
Afternoon 102 Degrees, Wind ESE at 5 to 7 Mph, Humidity 24%, sunny.

My wife started inside packing away thing last night we always complain to each other about the pack away getting ready to move from each gate. This work season there have been many gates so that frequent repack is old. We do put out a lot as we are at each place it is home for a period of time and we are comfortable in our surroundings. There always are things we use and put back every day, but there are somethings we use every day but leave out for easy access, those are the things getting packed away now.

We did have a slower not but lower volume of vehicles in today. All the different crews were here but fewer of each of them. Thank you. More oil removal trucks than normal days but there have been just as many water removal trucks.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Sunday, May 27, 2018
Morning 78 Degrees, Wind SE at 3 to 7 Mph, Humidity 75%, sunny.
Afternoon 104 Degrees, Wind E at 10 to 20 Mph, Humidity 23%, sunny.

Frac moved back in (that is why w moved up our departure date two days) the pressure trucks and support companies all coming and going moving equipment in to the well pad area. We started our planned breakdown and packing operation so we are ready on Wednesday to move Buster. Last move was a rush very tiring in the heat of summer. So far we will do some taking down and putting away everyday. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Monday, May 28, 2018
Morning 78 Degrees, Wind SE at 3 to 9 Mph, Humidity 76%, sunny.
Afternoon 104 Degrees, Wind ESE at 8 to 17 Mph, Humidity 23%, sunny.

Sand trucks are running in and out, started with them leaving sand boxes and going out with an empty trailer to get more sand boxes. Oilfield work knows no holiday, everyday is a workday for drilling and fracking. Even some of the piping people on the pads are working today and yesterday. The pipeline will finish this month they were off today and yesterday.   


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Morning 79 Degrees, Wind variable at 3 to 13 Mph, Humidity 71%, sunny.
Afternoon 104 Degrees, Wind SE at 10 to 16 Mph, Humidity 20%, sunny.

I finished picking up our decking (keeps our shoes out of the mud when it rains) wiped the boards down and put them away inside Buster’s compartments. I did his after the morning rush that starts coming in while my wife is on shift. I get out there after breakfast but I am out there before six in the morning to releave my wife. By nine I had the wood put away and it was already hot in the sun. I waited until after seven tonight to take down the canopy (after the evening shift change) and put that away inside Tan Jan.   



Thought For The Day – At my age, “getting lucky” means walking into a room and remembering why I’m there. 






Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - May 19 - 25

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Saturday, May 19, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind ESE at 2 to 12 Mph, Humidity 81%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 98 Degrees, Wind SE at 14 to 21 Mph, Humidity 29%, mostly sunny.

Our anniversary, fifty three years, we went to Laredo for dinner. After we went shopping at Walmart and H E B for our weekly groceries. We were able to have another guard watch our gate while we were gone. It takes a while to plan this and the trip is a little over an hour each way so we were gone a little over six hours all told.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Sunday, May 20, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind SE at 7 to 19 Mph, Humidity 88%, mostly cloudy.
Afternoon 84 Degrees, Wind S at 3 to 7 Mph, Humidity 60%, mostly cloudy.

 Same old same old. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Monday, May 21, 2018
Morning 67 Degrees, Wind E at 3 to 14 Mph, Humidity 92%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 93 Degrees, Wind E at 7 to 17 Mph, Humidity 34%, sunny.

Busy Monday   


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind SE at 5 to 14 Mph, Humidity 93%, cloudy.
Afternoon 93 Degrees, Wind SE at 10 to 17 Mph, Humidity 40%, sunny.

Pipe line crew, workers for the T pad, workers for the Q pad, work over rigs. Ins and outs during the day (I do not know how much “work” actually gets accomplished in a day) with all the ins and outs. Parts and pipe suppliers are some of the vehicles keeping me busy during the day.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind ESE at 3 to 10 Mph, Humidity 93%, cloudy.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind  at  to  Mph, Humidity 30%, sunny.

 Another work over rig came in today. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Thursday, May 24, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind ESE at calm Mph, Humidity 93%, mostly cloudy.
Afternoon 98 Degrees, Wind SSE at 6 to 13 Mph, Humidity 27%, sunny.


Yesterday and today water company people are coming in and I realized they as setting up for a frac job so I asked them where (I thought they were sending water from our frac pond to another ranch) on the C pad. Another frac at this gate. The T and Q pads frac were under way when we arrived (there are multiple wells on these pads). It is going to get real busy here.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Friday, May 25, 2018
Morning 77 Degrees, Wind ESE at 4 to 7 Mph, Humidity 88%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 100 Degrees, Wind SE at 8 to 14 Mph, Humidity 24%, sunny.

BUSY DAY frac is moving into another pad, they have been bringing in equipment for water the past few days. The frac company brought in pipe and manifold trailers. Liners came in today. Yes they plan ahead putting down a liner to catch spills. 

So when my wife got up today we talked about this work coming in and decided we want out. We have had enough for this work season. So we are leaving two days earlier than planned. Too late to call our Buster work shop to let then know we are coming early so that will be Tuesday.



Thought for the Day:

I’m never sure if I have a lot of free time, or I’m just forgetting a lot of stuff.



Saturday, May 26, 2018

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - May 13 - 18

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Sunday, May 13, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind SSE at 1 to 7 Mph, Humidity 83%, cloudy.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind SE at 11 to 20 Mph, Humidity 34%, partly sunny.

Our first slow day today, thank you. I am having some time to write and watch a little TV. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Monday, May 14, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind S at 2 to 11 Mph, Humidity 79%, cloudy.
Afternoon 95 Degrees, Wind SE at 12 to 20 Mph, Humidity 38%, mostly cloudy.

Work over rig in today, equipment moving in and out, and shift changes for the flow back crew. Plenty to keep me busy during the day.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Morning 73 Degrees, Wind SSE at 4 to 9 Mph, Humidity 84%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 94 Degrees, Wind SE at 9 to 16 Mph, Humidity 37%, mostly sunny.

More of the same, at least my wife’s night shift is slower without sand trucks. We are having some water removal trucks but not crazy in and out. It is also easier for us when trucks as the computer program rembers returning vehicles and after putting in a couple of letters of the license plate sugested records are shown to pick a record and stop entering all information every time the vehicle enters. More of the plate number is needed if there are two plate numbers close together like 2851 and 2852. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Morning 69 Degrees, Wind S at 1 to 2 Mph, Humidity 83%, partly sunny.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind SE at 2 to 8 Mph, Humidity 26%, sunny.

This has been the continuos busy gate for us, but nights have slowed to an acceptable level. Daytime has been continuos active gate. I can not get any time to me for relaxing or TV watching or writing. As I am writing this on Saturday May 26 a holiday weekend I have quite a few in already today and interruptions while writing. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Thursday, May 17, 2018
Morning 71 Degrees, Wind SE at 2 to 4 Mph, Humidity 74%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 99 Degrees, Wind SSE at 6 to 12 Mph, Humidity 17%, sunny.

Slower today even with the work over rig moving out. Pipeline and well pad workers are in and out morning and evening. We have flow back and coil tubing crew on site twenty-fours a day so that is morning and evening shift changes

Two Generator trailers
Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Friday, May 18, 2018
Morning 71 Degrees, Wind SSE at 2 to 6 Mph, Humidity 58%, .
Afternoon 104 Degrees, Wind SE at 12 to 20 Mph, Humidity 12%, sunny.

 GENERATOR FAILED, company generator power stopped about six tonight. I first checked the breakers and they did not trip and then I cycled them as the engine was still running. When that failed I called for help. In about an hour and a half latter another generator was here from a near by location. Buster was connected to that and wa la we had power again. We probably were using maximum power when the geneator failed as there were three air conditioners and microwave oven and the washer in addition to low power usage things like fans. Hot water electric heater might also have been consuming power. So basically we had everything on and at the hottest time of the day power stopped. The one good thing is we have a light tower generator here at this gate and used that to operate our third or floor air conditioner after the main generator failed. It did take some time to extend the power cord and get it started. During that time temperature in side Buster got up to eighty eight degrees. And while I am trying to figure out the power problem there are vehicles I have to check out of the gate as it is also the end of the work day for our day workers. The backup generator trailer has no water tank so they could not just switch it out. But when I heard there was another generator coming I made this one ready to roll out by disconnecting our water. Well that was a wast of time and reconnected that.

Thought for the Day:   The Older I Get, Seems Like The Earlier It Gets Late.





Saturday, May 19, 2018

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - May 6 - 12

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Sunday, May 6, 2018
Morning 62 Degrees, Wind SE at 2 to 4 Mph, Humidity 95%, .
Afternoon 93 Degrees, Wind ENE at 4 to 14 Mph, Humidity 17%, mostly sunny.

Another busy day shift change and sand trucks. All types of vehicles coming and going during the day to keep me busy.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Monday, May 7, 2018
Morning 64 Degrees, Wind ESE at Calm to 1 Mph, Humidity 80%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 90 Degrees, Wind S at 5 to 8 Mph, Humidity 26%, mostly sunny.

And the beat goes on and on and pipe line crew in and out the gate, day shift only.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Morning 63 Degrees, Wind SSE at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 80%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 92 Degrees, Wind SSE at 4 to 9 Mph, Humidity 28%, mostly sunny.

Coiled tubing came in today for the completed frac pad, that is a convoy of trucks and crew pickup trucks with shift change. Sand trucks continues for the other frac. Water crew for the first completed frac is in and out picking up their equipment. They use rolled hose on reels using a Bobcat to pick up and carry out on trailers. I am talking about twelve inch wide hose large volume of water delivery.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Morning 66 Degrees, Wind SSE at 1 to 3 Mph, Humidity 80%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 91 Degrees, Wind SSE at 3 to 13 Mph, Humidity 31%, mostly sunny.

Frac finished last night, moving out today pressure trucks and sand handling equipment. They are moving only eight miles away from here the equipment is moving in two and three vehicle convoys with vans bring the drivers back to move more vehicles.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Thursday, May 10, 2018
Morning 68 Degrees, Wind SE at 3 to 6 Mph, Humidity 81%, mostly sunny.
Afternoon 893 Degrees, Wind SE at 12 to 18 Mph, Humidity 26%, mostly sunny.

Vehicle traffic is slowing but still a busy gate for our likes but we press on.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Friday, May 11, 2018
Morning 67 Degrees, Wind SSE at 2 to 4 Mph, Humidity 85%, partly cloudy.
Afternoon 92 Degrees, Wind S at 9 to 19 Mph, Humidity 32%, mostly sunny.

We have added a crew working in the well pad installing equipment and piping for the product processing. This is in addition to the pipe line crew and welders and digging crew and project (inspectors) consultants. 


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Saturday, May 12, 2018
Morning 68 Degrees, Wind SE at 3 to 5 Mph, Humidity 80%, partly sunny.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind SE at 1 to 18 Mph, Humidity 30%, sunny.

Getting some time to write this morning but still a busy day with ins and outs. I went shopping today, I still know how to drive the car, it has been two week since I last drove a vehicle.

We will be here until the end of the month and head to San Antonio for some work on Buster. The rear slide out has some rollers that need to be replaced and the main awning fabric will be replaced. I already ordered that and it will be waiting for us when we get there in San Antonio. We will be heading east in the first week of June and going to Florida first before hurricane season.


Thought For The Day – I thought the dryer made my clothes shrink. Turns out it was the refrigerator.


Saturday, May 12, 2018

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX May 1 - 5

Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Morning 72 Degrees, Wind SSE at 7 to 12 Mph, Humidity 87%, cloudy.
Afternoon 91 Degrees, Wind SE at 13 to 20 Mph, Humidity 53%, partly sunny.

Sand Truck with two sand boxes
Busy, sand trucks, shift change and pipeline work has started, a lot of vehicles in and out the gate. These sand trucks do not stay on the ranch long, they bring in two boxes containing the sand and carry out two empty boxes to be refilled. The tank trucks off load into the sand silo’s taking time to unload but there could be wait time for room to transfer their sand. The sand boxes are set on the ground and then placed onto the conveyor trailer using a large forklift truck. That forklift can be busy moving boxes from the truck and conveyor trailer when operations are going.

Single sand box
(Square opening in the bottom that opens
to drop the sand onto the conveyor belt)
Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind SSE at 7 to 10 Mph, Humidity 84%, cloudy.
Afternoon 96 Degrees, Wind SE at 14 to 24 Mph, Humidity 41%, partly sunny.

More of the same, but if the project is not using (emptying) the sand boxes the sand trucks still come and put the boxes on the pad and go out without boxes and come back with more. Later they will send empty trucks to pickup the empty boxes. Just more trucks coming and going thru the gate.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Thursday, May 3, 2018
Morning 76 Degrees, Wind SE at 9 to 15 Mph, Humidity 81%, cloudy.
Afternoon 100 Degrees, Wind SE at 13 to 22 Mph, Humidity 32%, mostly cloudy.

One of the frac’s finished overnight and that equipment is moving out today. So a few less sand trucks today, but there are other vehicles keeping the vehicle count up.


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Friday, May 4, 2018
Morning 75 Degrees, Wind SE at 12 to 17 Mph, Humidity 93%, cloudy.
Afternoon 82 Degrees, Wind ENE at 12 to 24 Mph, Humidity 64%, cloudy.

Rain overnight (0.20)
That got me busy getting our decking out and building our walking area. We try and reduce the amount we walk in the dirt as it sticks to our shoes, is slipery and the walkway will prevent slip and fall injuries.   


Buster’s Gate Asherton, TX - Saturday, May 5, 2018
Morning 65 Degrees, Wind NE at calm Mph, Humidity 94%, cloudy.
Afternoon 90 Degrees, Wind NE at 7 to 10 Mph, Humidity 27%, mostly sunny.

My wife got up from her day sleep and went shopping. As we are right next to the highway no dirt road to deal with she ventured out today to do our weekly shopping