December 31, 2023

We always get Christmas decorations out of the “attic” (the storage pod on the RV roof) and get the RV looking festive in early December so we get to enjoy it all season. Larry designed Christmas cards to send, and choosing our favorite photos from the Alaska trip wasn’t easy! I made a pattern for the San Diego Padres logo and knitted it into several hats for our older daughter and her boyfriend, who are genuine team fans.

It would surprise no one who knows us that one of our priorities was to set up a spreadsheet of what we wanted to accomplish, sorted by month, week, difficulty, and time involved and broken down into stages if needed (i.e., order supplies for a project before doing the project). That was primarily Larry’s expertise, which paid off over the next few months. 

Here is what we accomplished by the end of December:

Jeep

  • Inspect Demco brake actuator cable in Jeep for wear
  • Research and purchase car cover

  • Repair U joint squeak with a local repair shop

Coachman

  • Organize tools area and tool bags in Coachman storage bins
  • Develop a list of items to move from Coachman to Ute when traveling
  • Develop a list of what we took vs what we used to reduce unnecessary items
  • Fabricate exterior cab side window and windshield covers

Ute

  • Review solar, battery, inverter, and alternator charging installation
  • Install Smart plug 30 amp inlet and cord connector
  • Reinstall the Truma Aquago water heater and trim out for a smaller water heater.    

Before

After, with finesse!

  • Reinstall the Truma Varioheat furnace
  • Repair window handle screw
  • Replace non-skid on bumper steps
  • Install new doormat on landing and snaps
  • Modify refrigerator hinge attachment to align door from left to right properly
  • Deep clean interior
  • Check the trim screw around the metal trim part between the fiberglass and fabric sides
  • Install a smoke detector and test the escape window
  • Trim pilled areas on the ceiling
  • Deep clean cassette and storage compartment
  • Install thick clear tape on the bottom edges of the cassette to reduce wear and scratches
  • Research new additives for cassette, recalculate amount, and develop storage
  • Deep clean interior and exterior vinyl with IMAR Stamoid cleaner and conditioners
  • Remove RockyMounts bike racks and install new shorter bolts and caulk 
  • Clean auto vent for cassette toilet and troubleshoot full indicator light 
  • Order deck for double kayak
  • Order and install IRVWPC electronic pump controller
  • List and sell the Atwood water heater and furnace 
  • Design modifications to the existing storage cover and sew for a custom fit Work on the cover was challenging due to the sheer size and weight of thefabric! Included solar panel covers at front for protection, and I also made two Jack covers from extra fabric.  Sadly, no photos for this literally enormous project!
  • Make shovel cover
  • Fabricate new interior window shades for side and kitchen windows
  • Reattach kitchen and side window metal strips for new window covers

RAM Truck

  • Add four Rid-a-Rat rodent deterrent lights (two underhood and two at the rear of the truck)
  • Develop airbag and tire pressure inflation chart with measurement to the edge of fender wells
  • Change chassis and CAT fuel filters and order replacements
  • Purchase Ram truck cover and California Duster
  • Purchase and install accordion shade for interior windshield
  • Prototype secure back seat storage for e-bikes and kayaks.  This project went very well, thanks to Larry’s planning and forethought!

At the park

  • We both volunteered for the monthly Ice Cream Social
  • Larry volunteered for the Solar Committee
  • Sierra Vista Wild Wings outing with the park
  • Gift exchange with 3 “steals” allowed – Larry got a pocket flashlight he uses all the time
  • Bake nut rolls in the park’s commercial kitchen- A traditional recipe from Larry’s mother

   

Christmas Dinner

  • NYE party 

 

The last day of 2023 had this number 😀

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