Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

It’s a Learning Curve

It is a learning curve! This lifestyle is definitely a learning situation. We seem to learn something new all the time and sometimes learning is tough business. I was reading Judy’s blog (http://travels-with-emma.blogspot.com  ) and she was asking questions concerning her Splendide washer/dryer. I have a Splendide washer/dryer and had one in the last two motorhomes we’ve owned. Did I know how to use it?? Really use it? Nope, not a clue. Not until Judy wrote about it in her blog and all these wonderful seasoned full-time ladies gave their ideas and expertise on the subject. Thanks Margie! I read that information and went back to my washer/dryer and put a few of those suggestions to practice and I have been much happier with the results. Thanks ladies.

Today we went to turn on the TV and guess what?? You probably did….we have NO TV and those little numbers on the screen that tell you how much reception you are getting from the satellite said 0. Now just a few hours earlier we had TV…great TV….great reception. We turned it off and went to town and when we got home we were at 0. There had been no storm, no wind, and no rain. We have 0. What takes you from 98 to 0 in less than 3 hours? We may never really know (well certainly not in the dark) but Mike went outside and moved our dish a little and now we are at 95. We have TV…well sort of. We have some channels but not all of the channels we are suppose to have. Sheeesh! It appears some of the lower numbers have not returned. Now we have to call customer service. Have you ever called customer service?? That is soooo much fun. It takes about 15 minutes to actually “talk” to somebody. When you actually get to talk to somebody you might have moments when you wish you weren’t. Long story short, the lower channels are returning slowly one by one. The good news….Mike found the satellite in the dark and we have NEVER found the satellite even in the light of day. Now there is learning!

A few weeks ago I wrote about my laptop being sent back to the HP hospital for repairs. DSC03434 When it was returned and even before we left Staples the techs realized that it had not been repaired so back it goes to the HP hospital. I did get to say “hi” to it and bond for a few moments and then they sent it back. Fast forward a couple of weeks and now our laptop has been returned to us once again and guess what? It is shutting down again and doing all the crazy things it was doing before it was sent for repairs. Mike called Staples this morning and reported the latest symptoms and the manager said he would call them (whoever “them” is) and get back with us. Well, this afternoon he called and told us they were going to replace it. I am a BIG believer in those warranties on electronics. So we will be able to invest the amount we paid for the current laptop on a new one. I think I will go with Toshiba this time….what do you think? I’m learning!

On the lighter side, this morning, as Mike and I were eating our breakfast and discussing the wonderful quiet in the campground we had a visitor to the motorhome. DSC_3130 DSC_3131   DSC_3132 Yes, this sweet little Tufted Titmouse landed on the windshield wiper and just starred in the motorhome. DSC_3133 He was so cute. He eventually hopped over to the mirrors and sat there for the longest time looking in the motorhome. What he probably was doing was seeing his reflection off the glass. Who is that good looking bird??? What a charmer!!

It has been a great beginning to a busy week. The campground is pretty empty and so peaceful. I know that this won’t last because in a few days this country will be celebrating the 4th of July!! The campground has a few activities and events scheduled for the enjoyment of the campers. Should be fun. Will it be crazy around here??? You bet…I’m learning!!

Have a great week and never stop learning!! Thanks for stopping by…. we really appreciate all of our wonderful friends that follow our journey in full-timing.

9 comments:

  1. Wow! Terrific pictures of the Titmouse! Poor little thing will probably be traumatized by 4th of July noises. I wonder sometimes how the wildlife handles all the sounds and smells that fireworks produce. Our doggies hate it all. Happytrails, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving comments. I appreciate it. The Camp Host Housewife

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  2. Hey we have been at it for 11 yrs., still learning and also there's always the "darn mistakes"

    Have a happy 4th

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  3. You are so right, we're always learning!

    Dave says that sometimes our satellite has to be reset for no apparent reason. That usually takes care of any problems.

    Great pictures of the Tufted Titmouse!

    Here's hoping that your campers all behave themselves during the upcoming Independence Day holiday! I always like to see how campers decorate their sites for the 4th.

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  4. Whenever we have satellite problems the first thing I do is turn it off for a few seconds and allow it to reset. When we were camping on the beach, we lost our signal, looked outside and noticed the wind had blown it so that it was facing the motorhome! When the wind finally died down and we moved it we actually got a signal of 100! That was a first and I actually took a picture of that!

    As far as Toshiba. I bought that brand first. I got the 17 inch monitor, hated it. It was just too heavy because I usually have mine in my lap with my feet up. Shortly after I bought it, something went wrong with it and I traded it for my HP. No problems with it so far, but isn't that what you've been having so many problems with? My brother works at electronics store...he says they have problems with Toshiba tv's as well. Just a thought.

    Love the Titmouse. He's kind of scruffy, do you think he is a baby? He's very cute though.

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  5. We have had good luck, maybe I shouldn't say anything, or it will stop, but the last two computers, the desktop in my office, and the laptop, I bought were Dell's, they seem to have good support, and right now there is a place about 20 miles away that refurbishes the Dell's that come in off lease and had a tremendous supply of good and cheap parts. They also sell new units. I have bought hard drives and other stuff over the years that wear out and this is the Place I go every time. The name of the place is EPC in St Peters MO I believe they have a website. Might not be handy for you guys but it sure is for us. What ever you buy getting the insurance is a good idea, as you can see, if you divide it up over the life of the policy it is usual not a bad investment. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  6. Ouch! Karen says there are problems with Toshibas??? Bought one two months ago from Radio Shack. I am a little worried. Three times the screen went black. I rebooted it, all was well. Still...... it is liking waiting for the next boot to drop.

    Was not life simpler before we had all these gadgets to "help" us? The more gadgets we have, the more can go wrong.

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  7. We are having trouble getting set up with our Direct TV HD..We bought a new HD television for our house this spring, and Den is now trying to figure out how to point the dish for our camper...Apparently the HD uses a different Satellite...It must be one behind the moon, cause as a rule, McGuyver (Dennis) can point that thing with no problem...He is getting a little testy...I watch from the saftely of my house when he attempts to point it..No luck yet!!

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  8. Picking a new laptop is always a difficult choice. It helps if you're not happy with your current manufacturer though as it eliminates one choice! I've bought Dell computers for several years now and have been happy both with their overall performance and the support offered. Last year, we purchased a Dell laptop for my wife and she is very happy with it.

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  9. You know, sometimes I'd like to take a little break from learning new things. :) Now that the water heater is fixed, I'm hoping I won't have to learn anything else new about this MH for a few days.

    I look forward to learning something new about Yellowstone, however. :)


    Nice pics of the titmouse.

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