Never a dull moment ?!?!

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Thursday, July 15, 2010
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I've only driven nineteen miles today--but eventful miles. I was at the Ranger Station, at Nickerson State Park, before 7:40. It was after nine before they could assign a campsite to me "one night only." However, the site would not be available until eleven o'clock.

I drove to Orleans planning to buy groceries at Shaws. I missed the left turn. So I turned into another small shopping center (strip mall). Before I could reverse my route, I talked to four separate individuals about the T@B. An hour later I was beginning my slow departure. I saw a lady watching "us" intently so I stopped and got out. "Did you want to see the trailer?" She did and another long conversation followed. I thought to ask if she knew of any place with WiFi. "Yes" and I was directed to a place about one block away. (10:35 AM.)

I pulled into the parking lot and found no loop around to exit. I immediately stopped (mindful of the incident at Trapp Family Lodge on Sunday June 27th). There was too much traffic in-and-out so impossible to back up without assistance. None!! One lady started complaining that she had to get out and demanded I "pull forward." I wouldn't. Another lady with adequate space to back out--by cranking the wheels--just backed out as though she had a forty-acre field. She hit the trailer with a thud!! I started pounding on her rear window to stop before she hit the trailer. She got out and started cursing me and saying I shouldn't have a trailer in the parking lot. I agreed that "I shouldn't... but I didn't know I couldn't pull through." There was no damage to her bumper and the T@B only has minor damage, and black mark that should rub out.

Next thing I knew, there's a policeman to take an accident report. I said "no damage" but he said it was required to file a report. That took half to three-quarters hour. Two officers were on the scene part of the time because the younger one needed some coaching regarding the paperwork. Finally, traffic was halted so I could back up and return to the thoroughfare. 11:07 AM.

I hadn't even parked at Shaws Market when two men were approaching with cameras. They saw me pulling in and observed the license plate on the T@B. Each man took a picture of the other man at the back with the "Littlguy" license. They will send the pictures to their dad who uses that same name on his Florida plate. -- That's a new experience for me: Someone more interested in the license plate than the trailer!!

Before my groceries were inside the trailer, I had two more ladies. So many ladies are now inspired to purchase a T@B and join us at Rallies. (If you're reading this--and you recognize yourself--I hope we meet again at a Rally!! Good luck finding a T@B.)

I had an uneventful drive to the Brewster Post Office where I mailed a letter. An uneventful drive back to Nickerson State Park and found my new campsite. Cars were parked along the narrow road and it was precarious trying to back in. People sat at their campsite and watched me pull forward and back up. They made no effort to assist me OR to move their cars. I was the new version of the movie "RV" with Robin Williams. (If you haven't... you've got to watch that movie!!).

On my way to Shaws Supermarket I saw a "Maytag Laundromat." On my return, I planned to stop and do laundry. After the accident--and T@B tours--I completely forgot. Oh well, something for another day.

I've had several visitors. Almost everyone wants to "buy one." My experience is not an exception; every T@B owner gets a lot of attention. Someone needs to start building T@Bs again!!!!!!! T@B owners "sell" the product via their passionate love.

So, "never a dull moment"!! Speaking of "dull": The weather is overcast and looks like it might rain again. I doubt that the temperature got out of the low 70's. I've worn a sweater most of the day. Tiny sunshine at 4:48 PM but didn't last long.

"The Dock"

Quite by accident, I arrived at "the dock" as food was being unloaded from a large Wycliffe van. (Too bad I didn't have my camera to take a picture.) I now have a "picture" (in my mind) of how this works. Volunteers go to the various stores to pick up the bruised fruit and veggies, eggs, dairy, etc., and day-old bread. I'm guessing that the 35 cents each item helps to pay for the gasoline. I came home with a package of six Lemon/Poppy Seed muffins (from Sam's Club?). There were probably 100 loaves of bread, all varieties, but nothing whole-grain or multi-grain. There were beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, pies, and cookies. I didn't bring home a loaf of bread; maybe next time. The muffins are in the freezer. I donated one dollar.

Updating my blog, in chronological order

It is my desire to bring this blog up-to-date in chronological order. Ignore the time stamps. Read the messages as you would a book or newspaper. Honestly, it frustrates me that the blogs are "upside down" i.e. newest first. If I published details of my visit to Acadia National Park right now (with date of August 10th) you probably wouldn't descend that far into the blog to read it. Right?!?!

I'm in an Internet Cafe in Saint Romuald, Quebec, Canada. I discovered it quite by accident yesterday (but I never ascribe to "accidents" or coincidents; I think my steps are ordered by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ). I was returning to my T@B after riding buses in, and near, Quebec City. In the shopping center, I saw the words "Internet WiFi" over the door of Cafe Depot. It was only 160 steps from my T@B. I had been in the vicinity for 24 hours. I quickly went to the trailer and grabbed the laptop; I spent the evening checking my e-mail and publishing one blog.

I've spent two nights in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Twenty-three RVs on Thursday night, sixteen on Friday night. Some are extremely large Class A motorhomes, some are Class B mini-motorhomes, a couple of VW campers with "pop-up" roof. Two Class C motorhomes. It's good to know that other RVers avoid the private campgrounds--and the expense thereof. I wrote in my notes: "It almost looks like a campground (ha)."

Because of lack of Internet "hot spots," I'm attempting to write my blog(s) in longhand so I can transcribe them into this site. On August 26th, at 5:40 PM, I wrote: "I've just browsed Wal-Mart for over an hour. It was fascinating to listen to the voices speaking French. I liked to read the signs. Everything in French; everything!! ~~ It started to rain the minute I got in the T@B. I didn't perceive the rain as I walked across the parking lot; very unexpected. ~~ I bought three spiral notebooks because I was almost out of writing material. McDonald's (in Canada) doesn't have WiFi and I can't find Barnes & Noble, or Borders, here in Canada. (The GPS gave me locations in Maine.)"

"I bought two cooking utensils because they are orange. I'll never use them; they are for decorations. They are very small--single serving size--so ideal decorations for the kitchen in a small trailer. I bought a plastic container of 'Swedish Fish' (candy) because it's orange. Perhaps Maynards (brand name) 'Swedish Fish' is Canada's version of U.S. 'Gummy Bears' or 'Gummy worms'?!?! I used restraint and did not buy several items I wanted but (IMHO) were too expensive for something I didn't 'need.' Example: Brita has a water filter (container) with an orange lid, $30.00. I'll stay with my Pur water filter with blue lid that's paid for."

"When visitors see the inside of the T@B, they often say, 'You like orange.' My answer, 'No, I didn't have a choice when I bought this used.' I confess, however, that I've brought the orange trim from the outside into the inside. Remember the rugs from Hingham, Massachusetts?? Plus the orange duffel bags for my clothes. Recently an orange recycled-plastic-bottles bag from Wal-Mart (because it's orange!). Orange towels were a very early purchase--before Mercedes and I started this adventure. Oh yes, orange plastic waste basket, and orange plastic pail (with Pur water filter sitting inside so splashing water is contained). I can't ignore the small orange metal pail with citronella candle--a gift from Debbie in Exeter, New Hampshire (because it's orange!!). Two weeks ago? (I've lost track of time), I bought an orange container designed for lobster bait. I bought it at the little hardware store where I saw, and photographed, the vintage Airstream trailer (near Gouldsboro, Maine). OK, enough of that subject."

I went on to write in the spiral notebook: "I'm conscience-stricken because I haven't been faithful about documenting details and it's so easy to forget 'when' and 'where' with every new day full of interesting sights and activities. Maybe (with three new notebooks) I'll get things written down?!?!"

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It has been an overcast day with occasional rain. It is very nice to sit in Cafe Depot and work on my blogs. It is a slow process because takes so long to upload the pictures. "Saving" takes a **l-o-n-g** time!! Perhaps my next purchase should be a new computer in hopes it will do procedures at a faster speed?!?! Breakfast and lunch has cost a small fortune but I feel I must buy... when I'm using their Internet. Everything is so-o-o-o-o expensive here in Canada!!

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"Postscript, 5:10 PM: I had to leave the Internet Cafe at 5:05 because I was an icicle from the air conditioning. I had been there since 9:00 AM. The T@B felt so good because 104 degrees. (The thermometer was in the sun!!) The door is closed so I can 'bake' in the warmth!! ~~ Honestly, I'm not making the progress I'd like on the blogs. It's overwhelming to try to go back and fill in the details and upload all the pictures. ~~ Warm at 6:10 and opened the door."

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Postscript, 2:30 PM, Sun., Aug., 29, 2010: I've been in the Internet Cafe since 8:30 this morning. I've published several blogs for your enjoyment. It took over two hours to upload the forty-two pictures of my trek to and from East Quoddy Lighthouse. Many more pictures will eventually be published of my truly awesome experiences in New Brunswick, Canada.

Greetings from Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada

Yesterday, two people encouraged me to leave Borders and drive to Campobello. I'll (hopefully) have details for you one day soon. (I've learned I can't always produce at the rate I would like to.) Just wanted you to know that it is a rainy day but I've visited the Roosevelt Visitor's Center and home. I'll have pictures. ~~ I'm in the little local library that offers free WiFi and won't go beyond these two paragraphs.

To my amazement, there was a T@B parked in the parking lot when I headed back toward my car--after visiting the Roosevelt home. What are the odds that two T@Bs would be on this little island at the same time?? This is a couple from Florida that does not know about the wonderful Yahoo T@B forum, and the enjoyable rallies. Hopefully I'll see them "down the road" or at a future rally.

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Postscript, Saturday, August 28th, 2010: Above is the message I published that day. Below are my updated comments and pictures.
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Here are the words I wrote in a notebook: "Roads less traveled; greetings from Campobello Island.

"After I passed the several routes to the Schoodic Peninsula (a portion of Acadia National Park) traffic thinned and I had the highways all to myself (almost). Traffic was bumper-to-bumper from Bangor to Ellsworth. With 20/20 hindsight, I could have taken another route and made much better time. I had Coastal Route 1 in mind and failed to consult a map.

"I encountered a lot of highway construction which slowed traffic. Also an accident at Holden, Maine, had vehicles detoured down side streets. Machias is getting ready for their Wild Blueberry Festival this weekend and had both construction and tourist.

"By the time I was parked in a campsite, I felt I had been beaten today!! First, I fought the Internet connection(s) at Borders. Two people encouraged me to abandon the blog and go to Campobello--so I did.

"I felt inclined to turn off U.S. 1 and follow signs to West Quoddy Lighthouse State Park. I was disappointed because 'no camping' but nice to see. It is the Easternmost point in the United States.

"The Lighthouse Visitor's Center closed at 5:00 PM and tourist' quickly left the parking lot. I pulled forward for a picture and took care of a housekeeping chore (dumped the porta-potty).

"When I crossed the bridge into Canada, my trip mileage turned 4,300 miles. Honest!! The sun was too bright, and wrong angle, so I didn't get a good picture of the bridge.

"I drove numerous miles back and forth before I found the Herring Cove Provincial Park campground. (The Visitor's Center was closed when I arrived on the Island.) I stopped at a market for a couple of items so I could inquire. I didn't find a town and I didn't see any business establishment other than the market."

The Roosevelt International Park (seen on Friday, Aug. 20th) is "free"--what a treat!! It is very attractive and I enjoyed the visit. The flowers in the garden were spectacular!!

A guide book says: "Tour the Roosevelt summer home, a truly impressive residence with 34 rooms--not your average summer cottage."

Fish Creek Pond - June 13, 2010

Written Sunday, June 13th, 2010: Up briefly at 7:00; 62 degrees inside. I couldn't get the catalytic heater lit.

It's 8:10 and I'm dressed, eating oatmeal and drinking green tea. Sixty-five degrees inside due to heating water and my (presumed) body heat. Not that it's any warmer outside!!

My eyes are burning and itching. I don't think I can blame it on my lack of glasses. Perhaps propane from the little heater that I couldn't get to burn?!?!

12:20 PM and sunshine for the first time in days!!

4:40 PM; 72 degrees inside, 73 degrees outside (and I was working inside and outside).

5:00 PM after a beautiful afternoon. The sun peaked out about 12:30 and shortly thereafter the weather we wanted for the rally--but didn't get. After days in a sweater and/or coat I was in a short sleeve T-shirt.

Recap: This morning "Tool belt" Sue greased the brake, and the stabilizers. Back at her T@B, she went over a detailed list of important items to "do" with all T@Bs. I am so blessed I wasn't "an accident waiting to happen" as I naively drove from state to state. Sue and Rich went kayaking; Chris and Rick went kayaking; I was alone to work on my projects. While searching for the DVD "RV" with Robin Williams to give Sue (they hadn't seen...), I found my "lost" pocket calendar. I've paid to stay at Fish Creek Pond through Tuesday night. "OK, time to unhitch the KIA." Because of Sue's instructions, I was unhitched in seconds. There's a little trick previously unknown to me.

With sunshine and ideal temperature (72-73 degrees), I unloaded the KIA and removed the T@B awning. I spread out all the contents and hoped to set up all by myself. Perhaps neither Add-a-Room nor awning have been previously attached? I didn't have enough strength to spread the end of the track to slide on the awning. Oh well, I give myself an "E" for effort!!

When I got out a large bag of peanuts (in their shell), a little chipmunk was quickly at my feet. I fed the chipmunk and took one picture. At 5:35 (as I started this paragraph) I heard a strange sound and stepped outside. Friend chipmunk had gotten on the picnic table and was nibbling through the bag!! No more peanuts for him/her!! I'm taking them to share at the campfire tonight.

10:45 at 65 degrees as I get into bed.

An answer to prayer

I spent time with the lady that (possibly) will be my supervisor. She tells me that I am an answer to her prayers. She has been in desperate need of a person with computer and communication skills. Personally, I am thrilled that God, our Heavenly Father, takes care of the "details." We just have to "Trust and Obey" (as the old hymn says), "for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Not by accident, I'm reading a small book written by Bernie May, titled Learning to Trust. On pages 13-17 Mr. May writes:
I am forever amazed over the ability of God to take seemingly disjointed events and put them together for His glory when men and women trust Him.

I remember being called out of a meeting in Oklahoma to take an urgent phone message from Forrey Zander, who directed the regional office of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Chicago. Forrey was excited. He had been talking with a young woman from Asia who had just completed her master's degree in communications at Wheaton College. Since foreign missionaries are no longer allowed in her country, this young woman, Thangi, had planned to return to her homeland in some missionary capacity.

Asia is a vast continent with many diverse cultures and languages. Thangi's parents, who are national missionaries, work near an area where more than half a million people represent twenty different languages and dialects. Only two language groups have portions of the Scripture. Her father, knowing she was about to graduate from Wheaton, had asked her to consider returning home as a Bible translator.

Thangi had contacted Forrey in our Chicago office. He, in turn, had suggested she apply to the Summer Institute of Linguistics school in Dallas--to work on another master's degree, this time in linguistics. It was now one week before deadline and Thangi was still $1,000. short. Forrey was calling, asking if I could raise the money for this critical need.

I had just come out of a meeting with a number of representative from various divisions of Wycliffe Bible Translators. They had come from many different parts of the world to present their financial needs--which totaled more than eight million dollars. Some of these needs had been critical for years. Now Forrey was asking me to put Thangi at the front of the line.

I knew I had the ability to raise the money. I knew I could bypass the request from Indonesia to raise thirty-three thousand dollars to buy a new electrical generator to give power to the jungle base at Danau Bira. I could bypass the need to find money to purchase a new airplane to replace the one which had recently crashed in South America. Sure there was enough money--in some budget category--to send Thangi to graduate school in Dallas so she could return home as a Bible translator to her own people. All I would have to do was to change some priorities. But I also knew that that would be trusting in my own ability. I felt God was asking me to trust Him.

"I can't treat her in a special way," I told Forrey. "But if God wants her in school this week, we can trust Him to locate and provide the funds. I will do two things. I'll pray about it. And if anyone approaches me and say they have one thousand dollars to help train a national translator, I'll direct the money to Thangi."

I could hear the air escaping from Forrey's punctured balloon. But since he also understands what it means to trust God and not self, he agreed to my terms. He contacted Thangi, told her of the decision to trust God, and received her enthusiastic approval. She, too, understood the principle.

The next day I had lunch with a wealthy man who could have easily written out a check for one thousand dollars to send Thangi to school. All I had to do was use some marketing and sales ability I had learned a long time ago and I knew he would give me the money. But I had no leading to ask for money for Thangi. I left the luncheon feeling guilty, but I knew it was right to wait on God.

Two days later I was flying my plane from Oklahoma back to California. The weather was bad over the southern route, so I flew home by way of Colorado. I knew my friends, Henry and Marcia Stuart from Dallas, were probably vacationing in their cabin near Crested Butte. I needed gas anyway, so when I stopped over, I gave them a call. Henry was delighted to hear my voice and drove over and picked me up at the airport to take me out to his house. I was just getting ready to sit down on the porch and drink a glass of tea when Henry spoke up.

"Bernie, I'm glad you stopped by. I've been thinking about the work carried on by Wycliffe Bible Translators. It seems you ought to try to find some Christian nationals and begin training them to help with Bible translation. If you ever find anyone like that, I'd like to invest one thousand dollars to help with their education."

I began to laugh, "Let me tell you about Thangi," I said. By the time I had finished my story, Marcia had brought Henry the checkbook and I had the money in hand.

I borrowed Henry's phone and called Forrey in Chicago. He in turn called Thangi, who saw it as a confirmation of God's will. Flying on to California, I filled the cockpit with praise to our God who takes loose ends and weaves a beautiful tapestry. A young Indiana woman at Wheaton had opened her life to God's call--trusted Him to act. A father back in India who sensed a need trusted God and spoke what he believed was the word of the Lord to his daughter. Our Chicago Wycliffe executive had communicated that need to me and trusted God to act. A Texas couple, vacationing in Colorado with some of God's money in their pocket, trusted God to act and to show them where He wanted the money. And then there was me. We were all trusting God--and He acted.

There is no way man can engineer something like this. God, however, has a plan for every life. Where there is a plan, there is a purpose behind it. And with every purpose and plan, there is ample provision. All God needs are men and women who will not lean on their own understanding, but will trust Him.

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Greetings from Bangor, Maine

Specifically, greetings from Border's Books in Bangor, Maine. I'm "touching base" so you know I have a source for WiFi (after several days without). I didn't get lost in Bar Harbor, or Acadia National Park!! I left the car and trailer at the Visitor's Center and rode the "free" Island Explorer buses. I browsed the shops in Bar Harbor.

I was blessed to get a site at Lamoine State Park (off the Island). It was a shock, however, to be charged $53. for two nights. No electricity, hike for water, and use an "outhouse." To their credit they have very nice modern shower rooms!! A fellow camper mentioned he paid $15. per night. He is a Maine resident; I am not. Doesn't seem fair to be charged extra dollars because I'm visiting their state!!

I'm still experiencing "battery problems." On Friday I made a special trip to Bangor--to an RV sales and service dealership--in hopes they could (and would) resolve my dilemma. It was "too late"... so I have an appointment for Monday morning (tomorrow morning).

Saturday morning I drove back to another portion of Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula. The biggest part of my day was spent in Winter Harbor at their annual Lobster Festival. I'll give more details--and pictures--when I develop the blog at a later time . (Sometimes I wonder if I will ever get "caught up" with details, and pictures, for this blog.)

Last night I was parked at the home of new friends and you'll love my pictures of the million dollar view.

Today "Mercedes" sustained an injury. I'll post pictures of the hit and run accident. I was inside a store; the KIA and T@B were parked some distance from other vehicles. You'd think a driver could miss a trailer with all the bright orange trim!!

I have permission to park overnight in Border's parking lot.

Greetings from East Greenwich, Rhode Island

My second Panera Bread of the day--with the "sighting" of a third in Newport, RI. Too much traffic, and no available parking so I couldn't stop. Believe me, it has been "quite a ride" today!! These messages are "upside down" (due to time stamp) so read the following message first. (Does that make sense??)

Very quickly, I traveled from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, to Newport, Rhode Island. It started to rain within seconds of my departure from Panera and has continued to rain all afternoon. (I am so glad I had the foresight to close the roof vent just before I left.) The narrow streets of Newport were crowded with bumper-to-bumper traffic. No parking for a car, let alone a car and trailer!! One lot advertised $10. parking but had a large "full" sign at the entrance--and a Security Guard.

I drove down the street with the mansions but could see very little due to the trees, shrubbery and/or ten foot high brick fences. I've been told they are a "must see" but the suggestion came from someone who wasn't pulling a trailer. In fact I went down the street numerous times because I got caught in a loop and couldn't find my way back to a main thoroughfare. Many mansions had large "open" flags flying (for tours) but I had no way to appraise the available parking so continued my slow cruise.

Eventually I was on a shoreline drive. "No parking" signs lined both sides of the road. I finally found a place to park (at 1:45) near the ocean. I took several very unimpressive pictures. They merely document that I was there.

When all else fails... ask "Carmen" (my Garmin) for the location of a Wal-Mart. She directed me to one in Middletown--and I arrived at 3:15. The Panera in Dartmouth was only 27 miles away (according to Carmen) but I had driven 50 miles. The traffic was terrible; the rain was mild but constant. It was only 3:15; I did not want to spend the evening browsing Wal-Mart or sitting in the T@B listening to the rain. I asked Carmen for "Panera" and had a number of choices. It took an hour to drive 20 miles; we crept along at five miles an hour when we weren't at an actual standstill. Never saw any evidence of an accident. Bumper-to-bumper traffic in both directions. (Is 3:15, 3:25, etc., on a Friday afternoon, "rush hour" for going-home traffic??)

IMHO, my T@B gets more valuable every day!! This afternoon--at Middletown--I saw $89.99 on the neon sign for Motel 6. I thought to myself: "Motel Six, ninety dollars!?!? Impossible!!" I looked closely; that was really an eight.

FYI: This Panera Bread is very large. They have an enormous crowd of people coming and going. Witnessing the number of customers, it won't be long until Panera finds a way to drastically limit our time using free WiFi. Currently, we are limited to one-half hour between 11:00 and 2:00. They don't want us to "hog" a table during "peek hours." (Now you know why I often shift from Panera to a nearby Barnes & Noble.)

I crossed a very impressive toll bridge en route to this Panera. It cost $4. for the car and $2. for the T@B to cross the Claiborne Pell Bridge.

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Below: One picture shows seals (?) on the peninsula of land. Another picture has raindrops on the window. Next to last picture has Panera in the background. Last picture shows T@B in the parking lot (just above the top of the laptop computer).

Counting my blessings !!

Despite bitter cold in the Carolina's, our weather is mild compared to most of the U.S. If you haven't been buried in two feet of snow, you've seen the images on TV. I'm grateful for a warm comfortable apartment (and sufficient retirement funds to keep a roof over my head)!!!!!
*** COUNTING MY BLESSINGS !! ***

On Tuesday, December 8th, my 2006 KIA was at the dealership for routine maintenance. I used the several hours (in the waiting room) to hand write a holiday newsletter. Later that day, I typed the details into my computer. Christmas music ("The 3 Tenors," and "The Mormon Tabernacle Choir") filled the air from my decade-old "boom box" CD player. (I remember how old it is because it survived the terrible van-travel trailer accident in May 2000. The Ford van, and Kit travel trailer, was totally destroyed!! It's a miracle I wasn't killed!! Counting my blessings!!)

From my overabundance of hoarded personal possessions, I pulled many boxes of new Christmas cards. I cleared the kitchen table, opened the address book and began the process. I've been writing a personal message on each card--specific to our relationship. I'll mail upwards to one hundred cards.

The outdoor temperature was bearable (for an old lady) at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon (Dec. 11th). I drove to Shelby Post Office for Madonna and Child stamps, and Office Max for copies of the newsletter. (Click that link and you can read my message to family and friends.)

I shopped for a few groceries, at Aldi's, before returning home. (I rarely go to Aldi's [too few organic items] but it was in the same area with Office Max.)

I'm a "wimp" when it comes to cold, wintry weather!! I have a reservation at American Heritage RV Park, in Williamsburg, Virginia, for New Year's Eve festivities--a Rally with other T@B owners. I hope, and pray, the weather warms up at the end of the month because I have planned to spend a week in that area.

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