Where we’ve been…All 48 lower…Where we are…Extensively traveling…Working and having a blast!
LIFE IS GRAND!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Was This A Scam?
Dealing with people that say what they mean and mean what they say, has always been something we always look for, especially when it comes to work. Unfortunately, that was not the case with the folks at azcarsandtrucks.com, as a matter of fact, just the opposite. We are now seeing it as more than just somebody not living up to their word, but more as a planned scam.
We answered an employment ad that was posted in a “Work for RVers” website that we have used several times before. Of course, it was a great fit for us, we could continue our travels while working virtually and the pay was really enticing. In the years we have been out here the opportunity of virtual work has always been appealing. Looking back I see that the red flags began early on with this company and we did not feel comfortable giving them our personal information, at least until we could get a better understanding of who they were but we did begin working for them.
My project was to assist redesigning and then maintaining their website. I worked about 20 hours before the red flags really took a turn for the worse and the owner began showing some very noticeable signs of unstableness. At this time I felt it best to cease any further work with her and then in reply to my invoice requesting payment of hours worked, she sent a very nasty, threatening email, stating she will be contacting the local authorities to possibly have me prosecuted. I still don’t understand how she feels that she can have me prosecuted where it is the total opposite, they most definitely can be prosecuted for not paying me for my work performed. We checked into the laws and are following the steps to take action against them and according to the laws, they will have to pay us three times what they owe because they have not paid us in the time allowed, it may take a few months but we are willing to take it all the way.
Hindsight…I know…after the fact…I checked out the BBB and their rating is an F, A being the highest and F the lowest. They also had several complaints from folks accusing them of not returning calls, emails and not refunding when it was warranted, they also refused to reply to the BBB on all accounts.
We are so grateful that we were only associated with her for a few days, since her actions continue to become more bizarre, more threatening and even more malice as the days pass. And, we are even more grateful that we never gave her our personal information where it now looks as if it could have been some sort of identity theft scam or worse.
Life is full of different types of people and for us we choose not to create bad karma. If they are in that much financial troubles that they can’t afford to pay me for the work that I clearly did, then they will be the ones who have to deal with the bad karma. As for us, we are clear of any misgivings on our part and will not carry this on with us, but we have learned to always pay attention to our guts, always follow our hearts and learn to let it go.
NOTE: PLEASE BE CAREFUL ABOUT GIVING AWAY YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, EVEN TO A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT MAY BE A SCAM!
We answered an employment ad that was posted in a “Work for RVers” website that we have used several times before. Of course, it was a great fit for us, we could continue our travels while working virtually and the pay was really enticing. In the years we have been out here the opportunity of virtual work has always been appealing. Looking back I see that the red flags began early on with this company and we did not feel comfortable giving them our personal information, at least until we could get a better understanding of who they were but we did begin working for them.
My project was to assist redesigning and then maintaining their website. I worked about 20 hours before the red flags really took a turn for the worse and the owner began showing some very noticeable signs of unstableness. At this time I felt it best to cease any further work with her and then in reply to my invoice requesting payment of hours worked, she sent a very nasty, threatening email, stating she will be contacting the local authorities to possibly have me prosecuted. I still don’t understand how she feels that she can have me prosecuted where it is the total opposite, they most definitely can be prosecuted for not paying me for my work performed. We checked into the laws and are following the steps to take action against them and according to the laws, they will have to pay us three times what they owe because they have not paid us in the time allowed, it may take a few months but we are willing to take it all the way.
Hindsight…I know…after the fact…I checked out the BBB and their rating is an F, A being the highest and F the lowest. They also had several complaints from folks accusing them of not returning calls, emails and not refunding when it was warranted, they also refused to reply to the BBB on all accounts.
We are so grateful that we were only associated with her for a few days, since her actions continue to become more bizarre, more threatening and even more malice as the days pass. And, we are even more grateful that we never gave her our personal information where it now looks as if it could have been some sort of identity theft scam or worse.
Life is full of different types of people and for us we choose not to create bad karma. If they are in that much financial troubles that they can’t afford to pay me for the work that I clearly did, then they will be the ones who have to deal with the bad karma. As for us, we are clear of any misgivings on our part and will not carry this on with us, but we have learned to always pay attention to our guts, always follow our hearts and learn to let it go.
NOTE: PLEASE BE CAREFUL ABOUT GIVING AWAY YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, EVEN TO A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT MAY BE A SCAM!
Once Again…Luck Was On Our Side!
Arriving in Saint David, Arizona, we planned to stay about a week or two before heading to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). Even though we are vigilant about maintaining our rig and always checking to be sure all is going well, there are times when things just happen.
We settled in at the campground and noticed our front passenger tire was a bit different. As well as a separating, balding Good Year Wrangler tire, we also found that one of our belts was shredded and had come off. This belt was controlling the alternator, crank shaft, water & smog pump, not sure how long it had been shredding and not working properly but once again we were lucky that this mishap did not happen while on the road.
Jerry put the spare tire on and we have an appointment at the nearest Wal-Mart in Tucson to have it looked at and get a new one installed. There was a NAPA Auto Parts store, located just 8 miles down the road that carried the belt and the maintenance man for the park was gracious enough to drive us there and back and Jerry installed it without any problems.
There was a time in our lives and sometimes even now where we find ourselves whining about the things we don’t have but then something like this happens and once again we realize just how really lucky we truly are. The what ifs that could have happened are a mile long but instead it happened at a safer time where we could deal with it…lucky…absolutely! We are learning more every day that we of all people really do not have much to whine about, we are so lucky in all we do and we have so much more to be grateful for then most people can even dream about having.
We settled in at the campground and noticed our front passenger tire was a bit different. As well as a separating, balding Good Year Wrangler tire, we also found that one of our belts was shredded and had come off. This belt was controlling the alternator, crank shaft, water & smog pump, not sure how long it had been shredding and not working properly but once again we were lucky that this mishap did not happen while on the road.
Jerry put the spare tire on and we have an appointment at the nearest Wal-Mart in Tucson to have it looked at and get a new one installed. There was a NAPA Auto Parts store, located just 8 miles down the road that carried the belt and the maintenance man for the park was gracious enough to drive us there and back and Jerry installed it without any problems.
There was a time in our lives and sometimes even now where we find ourselves whining about the things we don’t have but then something like this happens and once again we realize just how really lucky we truly are. The what ifs that could have happened are a mile long but instead it happened at a safer time where we could deal with it…lucky…absolutely! We are learning more every day that we of all people really do not have much to whine about, we are so lucky in all we do and we have so much more to be grateful for then most people can even dream about having.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
1200 Futurity Drive
Sunland Park, NM 88063
575-874-5200
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - None / $10 W&E, Dump on premises
They have under 10 sites with water and electric hookups only but they have a dump station located on the premises. Because they do not take reservations, it is first come, first serve when you arrive, pick a spot, settle in and then go to the security office in the Casino to register and pay.
The casino was small and not too many penny machines, mostly quarters and dollars and very tight. It was so crowded, smoky and just not very inviting place to play and have fun. At the time we were there, they did not offer any incentives for joining their club.
We did feel safe at night as it was lit up very bright and security was apparent through the night. If we are ever in the area, we would definitely stay there again.
Sunland Park, NM 88063
575-874-5200
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - None / $10 W&E, Dump on premises
They have under 10 sites with water and electric hookups only but they have a dump station located on the premises. Because they do not take reservations, it is first come, first serve when you arrive, pick a spot, settle in and then go to the security office in the Casino to register and pay.
The casino was small and not too many penny machines, mostly quarters and dollars and very tight. It was so crowded, smoky and just not very inviting place to play and have fun. At the time we were there, they did not offer any incentives for joining their club.
We did feel safe at night as it was lit up very bright and security was apparent through the night. If we are ever in the area, we would definitely stay there again.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Comanche Land RV Park
1900 W I-10 North Service Road
Fort Stockton, Texas 79735
432-336-6403
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - None / $16 FHU
Many of the reviews we read were not the best but all said it was a place for a good night’s sleep and nothing more and we agree 100%. No facilities, just a flat, very small gravel site with water, electric and sewer only, no WiFi or cable. A bit overpriced, for $10 we might return but for $16, we will look elsewhere the next time we are in the area.
Fort Stockton, Texas 79735
432-336-6403
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - None / $16 FHU
Many of the reviews we read were not the best but all said it was a place for a good night’s sleep and nothing more and we agree 100%. No facilities, just a flat, very small gravel site with water, electric and sewer only, no WiFi or cable. A bit overpriced, for $10 we might return but for $16, we will look elsewhere the next time we are in the area.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Oakwood RV Resort
78 FM 2093
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
800-366-9396
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - ARVC, Good Sam, AARP, FMCA, TACO, & Passport America / $18 FHU/Pull Thru using PA
This had the makings of a really nice place; sites were level, grassy, gravel with a cement patio and picnic table.
Restrooms and showers were adequate and very well maintained.
The staff was courteous and very knowledgeable of the area. WiFi and cable was free and both were ample enough for our usage. The pool looked refreshing, even though we did not use it because I was too busy working on my computer for over 11 hours for that virtual company that never worked out…an entirely different story. If we are ever in the area again, we would surely return.
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
800-366-9396
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - ARVC, Good Sam, AARP, FMCA, TACO, & Passport America / $18 FHU/Pull Thru using PA
This had the makings of a really nice place; sites were level, grassy, gravel with a cement patio and picnic table.
Restrooms and showers were adequate and very well maintained.
The staff was courteous and very knowledgeable of the area. WiFi and cable was free and both were ample enough for our usage. The pool looked refreshing, even though we did not use it because I was too busy working on my computer for over 11 hours for that virtual company that never worked out…an entirely different story. If we are ever in the area again, we would surely return.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Dixieland Texas Retreat RV Park
249 Dixieland RV Park Lane
Carmine, Texas 78932
979-278-3805
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - Passport America, Camp Club USA, Recreation USA, Happy Camper, Escapees, Freedom Resorts / $12 FHU using PA
The entrance into the campground is a bit deceiving, you actually go through a neighborhood with broken down trailers that are not really appealing but keep driving to the park. The new owners, who were full-timers for 4 years are in the process of updating and making this place really inviting.
We stayed in a pull-thru site that was flat and grassy with free internet and no cable but clear skies for our satellite dish.
The restrooms are outdated but were very clean.
Even though it is located close to the highway, it was peaceful, quiet and dark where we listened to the sounds of nature through the night.
We would recommend a short and even a longer stay here.
Carmine, Texas 78932
979-278-3805
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - Passport America, Camp Club USA, Recreation USA, Happy Camper, Escapees, Freedom Resorts / $12 FHU using PA
The entrance into the campground is a bit deceiving, you actually go through a neighborhood with broken down trailers that are not really appealing but keep driving to the park. The new owners, who were full-timers for 4 years are in the process of updating and making this place really inviting.
We stayed in a pull-thru site that was flat and grassy with free internet and no cable but clear skies for our satellite dish.
The restrooms are outdated but were very clean.
Even though it is located close to the highway, it was peaceful, quiet and dark where we listened to the sounds of nature through the night.
We would recommend a short and even a longer stay here.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Our Houston Experience
We looked into staying closer to the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Where the International Quilt Festival was taking place but our options were limited.
The closest we could get was at Lakeview RV Resort, which is about 8 miles away.
Public Transportation in Houston
The public transportation in the Houston area is awesome. We had several options, the resort offered a free shuttle service that took us as far as the Medical Centers. From there we would cross the street and board the light railto the downtown district. At that point, we could walk the six blocks to the Center or take a bus or shuttle, we usually walked it. Even though some of the neighborhoods were a bit sketchy, for the most part we had no safety concerns during the daytime hours, but were a bit apprehensive at night.
It had been a long time since either of us had been in a downtown area and looking up at the buildings dizzying.
Working the International Quilt Festival in Houston
Our first Quilt Show was interesting but we prefer the Car Shows, RV Shows and the Fairs. The hours are not really that long and it is not back breaking work, this is definitely a good fit for us. We enjoy meeting people, helping people, traveling, not staying in one place for longer than a few weeks, being paid a decent salary, and most of all having fun, we get all of this and so much more. Now we look for the areas we want to be, look for shows, contact the vendors and the show itself to find work.
Leaving Houston
Worked a few hours on Monday before heading out of town...didn’t want to put in too many miles but wanted to get out of Houston…on the road again…
Where the International Quilt Festival was taking place but our options were limited.
The closest we could get was at Lakeview RV Resort, which is about 8 miles away.
Public Transportation in Houston
The public transportation in the Houston area is awesome. We had several options, the resort offered a free shuttle service that took us as far as the Medical Centers. From there we would cross the street and board the light railto the downtown district. At that point, we could walk the six blocks to the Center or take a bus or shuttle, we usually walked it. Even though some of the neighborhoods were a bit sketchy, for the most part we had no safety concerns during the daytime hours, but were a bit apprehensive at night.
It had been a long time since either of us had been in a downtown area and looking up at the buildings dizzying.
Working the International Quilt Festival in Houston
Our first Quilt Show was interesting but we prefer the Car Shows, RV Shows and the Fairs. The hours are not really that long and it is not back breaking work, this is definitely a good fit for us. We enjoy meeting people, helping people, traveling, not staying in one place for longer than a few weeks, being paid a decent salary, and most of all having fun, we get all of this and so much more. Now we look for the areas we want to be, look for shows, contact the vendors and the show itself to find work.
Leaving Houston
Worked a few hours on Monday before heading out of town...didn’t want to put in too many miles but wanted to get out of Houston…on the road again…
Lakeview RV Resort
11991 S Main Street
Houston, TX 77035
800-385-9122
Now this is a Resort!
We paid $30 nightly using the weekly rate, they also discounted using TACO or Good Sam.
Not only do they offer flat concrete slab sites, a well-stocked fishing lake (catch & release), a laundry room with industrial machines, clean & updated showers and restrooms, but they also have a staff including management that are professional and very accommodating.
The services are exceptional, especially the laundry room, this was the first time that it took us under an hour to complete our laundry because the machines did their job quickly.
The clubhouse offered free coffee every morning and also had comfortable chairs to sit back and read a book or use the state of the art exercise equipment.
The park is around 10 miles from downtown Houston and they even offer a shuttle service to the Medical Centers. This shuttle drops off just across the street from the light rail, where we then took it right into the downtown area.
If we are ever in the area we would stay here again, we would even consider going out of our way.
Houston, TX 77035
800-385-9122
Now this is a Resort!
We paid $30 nightly using the weekly rate, they also discounted using TACO or Good Sam.
Not only do they offer flat concrete slab sites, a well-stocked fishing lake (catch & release), a laundry room with industrial machines, clean & updated showers and restrooms, but they also have a staff including management that are professional and very accommodating.
The services are exceptional, especially the laundry room, this was the first time that it took us under an hour to complete our laundry because the machines did their job quickly.
The clubhouse offered free coffee every morning and also had comfortable chairs to sit back and read a book or use the state of the art exercise equipment.
The park is around 10 miles from downtown Houston and they even offer a shuttle service to the Medical Centers. This shuttle drops off just across the street from the light rail, where we then took it right into the downtown area.
If we are ever in the area we would stay here again, we would even consider going out of our way.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What If Today Is The Day?
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We had a great day yesterday where everything went right, then during meditation, a thought came to me. What if today was the day that would change our lives forever? What if all the great moments in this one day were the moments we needed to happen to lead us to our dreams? When things are happening in the moment, we can’t always tell whether those moments are advantageous to our future. It’s easier to see later when we are living our dream and then think back and clearly see the times in our past that allowed us to come to that moment.
Mulling over all of this, we came to the conclusion that the best way to assure that each of our days lead to our dream life is to make every day count. Allow ourselves to truly live this day as if it is the day that will change our future and allow us to be all we are meant to be. We now know that everything we do today could help lead us to our ultimate dream life, and each moment could be that turning point. So no more wasted days, just days filled with all the positivism we are able to gather together.
We found this contest, a little late since it ends the end of this month but if you could click and vote for us, we would really love to live this part of our dream. Writing, helping others and still being able to continue traveling.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Camp Club Memberships…How Good Are They?
For full-time RVers it is almost a necessity to join several of the camping clubs available, especially when they can save you a ton of money. Several times we have traveled across the country using our other camp club memberships, Happy Camper, Passport America, Camp Club USA, and Good Sam. Of course, we would find some bad parks with a ratio of about 1 in every 10, but so far with Coast to Coast, our ratio for bad parks are 100%, two for two.
For the entire article, click here to be directed to our Column at Examiner, where we would love to hear your own experiences and let's see what sort of solution we can all come up with.
For the entire article, click here to be directed to our Column at Examiner, where we would love to hear your own experiences and let's see what sort of solution we can all come up with.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Wild Country RV Park
19135 FM 1485 West
New Caney, Texas 77357
800-299-4107
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - Coast to Coast, Escapees, FMCA, TACO, Passport America, & Others / $15 with C2C - FHU, WiFi, extra charge for cable
Having so much time on our hands before having to land in Houston for some work, we traveled only a few miles because we had already used up our discounted stay at the last park. Not one of the comfortable places we have stayed at, not scared but just not totally comfortable, we shortened our stay from nine days to only two. Dogs run free without their owners picking up after them, people hang out right at our site, smoking, talking loud with their pets taking care of business right outside our door.
The showers and laundry facilities were well maintained and the new owner was so accommodating and advised us that there are many upgrades in the future. This was more like a long-term trailer park than a RV park, we would not return if we were ever in the area again.
New Caney, Texas 77357
800-299-4107
Memberships Accepted / Price Paid - Coast to Coast, Escapees, FMCA, TACO, Passport America, & Others / $15 with C2C - FHU, WiFi, extra charge for cable
Having so much time on our hands before having to land in Houston for some work, we traveled only a few miles because we had already used up our discounted stay at the last park. Not one of the comfortable places we have stayed at, not scared but just not totally comfortable, we shortened our stay from nine days to only two. Dogs run free without their owners picking up after them, people hang out right at our site, smoking, talking loud with their pets taking care of business right outside our door.
The showers and laundry facilities were well maintained and the new owner was so accommodating and advised us that there are many upgrades in the future. This was more like a long-term trailer park than a RV park, we would not return if we were ever in the area again.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Lone Star Lakes RV Park
20980 US Hwy 59
New Caney, TX 77357
800 290-9301
We paid $12.50 per night for a 5 night maximum with our Camp Club USA, they also take TACO as another discount option.
The weather has been cool at night, sleeping with our windows opened, which has been wonderful. All that changed at 3am this morning when the rain began pounding on our rooftop. The severe lightening and thunder right over our heads had me remembering we were under a blanket of huge, tall trees which has given us so much needed shade these past few days but during the storm, not so comforting.
The sites are very close to one another, literally, you can reach out and touch your neighbor. A bit rustic but it looks like the owner continues doing all sorts of upgrades to the entire place. The shower house was clean and the laundry room was a very great addition, making it a pleasure to do laundry, well almost.
It is right on a very small private lake, so fishing is allowed with no license required. All pets we seen were always on a leash and picked up after, but you better bring some corn since the ducks are abundant and are not shy about asking for a treat.
New Caney, TX 77357
800 290-9301
We paid $12.50 per night for a 5 night maximum with our Camp Club USA, they also take TACO as another discount option.
The weather has been cool at night, sleeping with our windows opened, which has been wonderful. All that changed at 3am this morning when the rain began pounding on our rooftop. The severe lightening and thunder right over our heads had me remembering we were under a blanket of huge, tall trees which has given us so much needed shade these past few days but during the storm, not so comforting.
The sites are very close to one another, literally, you can reach out and touch your neighbor. A bit rustic but it looks like the owner continues doing all sorts of upgrades to the entire place. The shower house was clean and the laundry room was a very great addition, making it a pleasure to do laundry, well almost.
It is right on a very small private lake, so fishing is allowed with no license required. All pets we seen were always on a leash and picked up after, but you better bring some corn since the ducks are abundant and are not shy about asking for a treat.
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