Wasted Trip - Revisited

I got on the road for the drive to Dublin Chrysler, Jeep about 6:30AM.  The service manager called last Thur to inform me that the parts were in to complete the "recall service".  I was anxious to have the repair completed since it is a safety issue.

The repair was completed around 10:30, just as I finished "The Book of Eli" dvd.  The service manager had me sign that the work had been completed.  It would have been a nice gesture had he said "Mr. Maddox, I sure am sorry about inconveniencing you", but he didn't.  Not much on customer service, I guess.

One of my high school friends works at the VA Hospital in Dublin. We had made plans to have lunch at 11:00 AM. I called Carl and told I was through and he wouldn't have to pick me up. I met him at the "Ole Time Country Buffet".  Mrs. Obama would not be happy with the menu, but as I didn't see any federal food monitors I went in and enjoyed some really good country cookin!!  Carl and I enjoyed our social time together but alas he had to return to work and I headed north to Milledgeville.

The Line

Much better than those healthy chicken nuggets!!

The trip was the way I like it, uneventful.  Once home I got a call from RV World of GA letting me know the Cardinal is ready for pick up. Justin said the repairs were complete and the slides were working perfectly. I would have been a little concerned had the slides worked less than perfectly.  I don't know what day I am going to pick it up.  Maybe Thursday.

Welcome to new follower, Karen.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Thanks!

It was about six  years ago that Judy and I first began to think seriously about totally changing our way of life.  In our first blog entry I shared our experience of meeting a host couple at Appomattox State Park in VA. from Wisconsin. The conversations we had with them  were most likely the source of  us eventually thinking about full-time RVing.  We certainly did not know it at the time.  Fast forward to 2007, our change of life plan was “firming up”. Judy and I were on the same sheet of paper so to speak. We had no idea of the ins and outs of a life on the road so our research period began. I don’t want to bore anyone with all the details but I do want to acknowledge a few of the people that have positively impacted us; Gordon and Juanita, Howard and Linda, Joe & Nancy, and Peter.  There are many others who share their RV knowledge and experiences anonymously on the many RV forums I read. The personal blogs that we read are also great sources of information and encouragement. Thanks to all.

Gordon and Juanita

Judy and I only know Juanita and Gordon through their blog.  I ran across a link to their travel journal on one of the RV Forums I was reading in Dec. of 2007. I checked it out and we have been dedicated followers since. They began their life on the road in March of 2006.  Today just happens to be their 6th anniversary on the road as fulltimers. Juanita and Gordon’s “little house on wheels” at the time was a Sunny Brook fifth wheel.  Through their journal, we have traveled from the Rio Grand Valley of Texas to Port Orford, Oregon and many points in between. I have gained much insight, knowledge, and entertainment through Juanita and Gordon’s journal. Thanks for your inspiration. 

Gordon, Juanita and Abbey enjoying the great outdoors!

Linda and Howard

We found out about Howard and Linda’s web site while attending the Atlanta Winter RV Show in 2008. Judy and I were trying to determine what type of RV would best meet our RVing needs. During the course of the show, we had a conversation with a couple about our plans and they asked us if we were familiar with Linda and Howard’s site. I told them  no. The couple said “you must check it out”, so we did.  That was the most valuable information we gained that day at the show!  RV-Dreams is a clearing house for anything RV related. You can read about Howard and Linda’s journey and how it came to be on the site as well as follow their travel journal. Think of the phrase, “the total package”. Judy and I met them  in Dec at Gen. Coffee State Park in Douglas, GA. That was our first outing with our “Cardinal”. You will not meet a more delightful couple. You can read about the outing in their journal entry by clicking “here” and " here". Linda and Howard, thanks for all you do for the entire RV community. 

Howard and Linda on departure day - Gen Coffee State Park

A Birthday Celebration for Linda - Gen. Coffee State Park !

Joe and Nancy 

We met with Joe and Nancy during one of their stop-overs near our home. I sent them  an email and asked if we could stop by for a short visit. They were so helpful, answering our many questions about full-time RVing. Joe and Nancy have stopped by since and we get together for a little visit. They travel now from  May – Oct. and spend the rest of the year in New Port Richie, FL. Judy and I keep up with them  through their blog.  Nancy and Joe, thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

Peter

I met Peter this past Nov. after he contacted me via email.  He is a reader of the Workamper forums and saw a post that included my home town in the signature. He lives nearby so we set up a coffee meeting. We now try to meet at least weekly. Peter has shared his many workamping experiences with me. He will be reporting along with his wife in a couple of weeks to a “Dude Ranch” in NC. They will be there until Oct. or so. Thanks for the camaraderie and advice.

Peter striking a pose at the "Huddle House"!

Welcome to new followers; Sherry and Charlie  , Keith and Brenda, and Mark

Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: Tue.

Cardinal Service

Tue, on the return from my “Wasted Trip” I stopped by Scenic Mountain RV Park to hitch up the Cardinal for its service appointment at RV World of GA. in Buford the next day. Once hitched, I drove about 20 miles to the Eatonton Wal Mart. I parked it in an out of the way area and called my sister for a ride home. It is easier for me to stage the truck and fiver there instead of parking them at my home.                                 

Wed morning I arrived at the Wal-Mart at 5:45 am and switched from my Honda Accord to the truck. I completed the 101 mile trip to RV Word of GA. around 8 AM. I checked in and Justin (service writer) wrote up the work request. My top priority was the operation of the slides which had been a little sluggish. I also wanted the Satellite system checked out and any issues corrected. I want to be able to watch TV! Justin informed me that he would have the slides diagnosed first to determine the problem. I went back out and “dropped” the fifth wheel so it could be taken to the service area and then settled in for a long stay in the customer lounge area.        

It wasn’t long before I got the damage assessment. The hydraulic pump was pretty much dead and would have to be replaced. Cost parts/labor $950.00. Ouch! The part was out of the 12 month MFG warranty window. Good news though, it was covered by my “Good Sam” extended service plan, minus the $200.00 deductible. Justin told me there was at least a three day wait on the pump. He also said the 32” Toshiba flat screen TV was not working in the bedroom and would check to see if it was covered. We made plans for me to return next week. The pump would be replaced and the Satellite system checked out and I would have an orientation with the tech to insure I know how to operate it.

 

I returned to my truck and “rolled” my cover over the bed since I would not be using the hitch. That took me about six minutes. Before I could get in my truck and drive off, Justin came out to give me a new update. He reported that the Winegard travler and Direct TV slim-line dish were working fine. That reminded me, I had forgotten something that I also wanted to have done. I asked him if I could speak with the SAT tech. He escorted me to the service area and I talked with Matt. I wanted to change out the RCA DVD player for a Blu-ray DVD. Matt said yep, he would just slide the RCA out and slide the new one in. I asked him for a recommendation and told him I would go purchase one. He dropped what he was doing and went to a computer and went on-line to “BrandSmart” and looked at the inventory. Matt suggested I go with a Sony 3D capable home theatre DVD unit. He told me it would be about $350.00 plus the cost of cables and wrote the parts # down. Off I went to the Brand Smart store. Once there I gave the salesman the info and he proceeded to get the DVD and cables. When he rang it up he said “today must be your lucky day.” It seems that was the last unit and it was not going to be reordered. It was priced at $300.00 but rang up at a sales price of half $150.00 plus a 3 yr extended warranty. Total cost of DVD and cables was $226.00 rather than the $350.00 plus cables that I expected to pay.

I went back to RV World of GA. and dropped off the stuff. I bought both Justin and Matt lunch. Only one thing to do now, head south the one hundred miles back to M’Ville.

Welcome to new followers; Donna K & Russ, Erik, and Rick and Kathy,

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day.

Judy’s Retirement Dinner

 

Judy’s Retirement Dinner

You are close to leaving when you attend your “retirement dinner”. Last night was Judy’s turn. She is only a couple of days from ending her banking career. Judy had a great time sharing the evening with her SunTrust family. Even I was  invited!  All the ladies from Judy’s branch were in attendance as well as former employees and other SunTrust colleagues. Jackson’s On Lake Sinclair, was the venue for the festivities.

I gave Judy the option of writing this entry but she declined. She doesn’t like to be the center of attention normally. I think she enjoyed it last night a little bit though, mostly because she was with people who are very special to her. I have known most of them as long as Judy and I too know they are special ladies.

   Judy received many gifts that will be constant reminders of her friends and teammates. She will miss them all.

       

Note: As we were walking to the car the “Meandering Maddox’s” Nikon camera came loose from the carrying strap and fell four feet to the pavement with a thud! I only said damn once. Surprisingly, the only damage sustained was the battery door came off. I snapped it back on and the camera worked fine. That was a close one!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

A Wasted Trip

Two days ago I received   notification of a "safety recall" for my 2009 Ram 3500 truck.  Seems the recall addresses a safety issue with a tie-rod. The danger posed is the possibility of the tie- rod failing, therefore, steering would be compromised.  I for one do not want to to be hitched to a 14,000 LB fiver if the failure occurs. So, I called the Chrysler dealership that performs maintenance on my truck to schedule the required "fix" and to have my oil changed. I was careful to make sure the service writer understood this was in response to a"recall".  The service writer scheduled me for today at 8:30 AM.

As I live approx seventy (70) miles away from Dublin, Ga. I left Milledgeville around 7:00 AM to be on time for my appointment. With a twenty five year career in the military I believe in being punctual!  I was going to wait while the service was being completed.  I arrived a full fifteen minutes early. I wasn't the slightest bit phased when the service writer said "this "recall" will take about three to four hours to perform."  I was prepared for the wait!  I had an array of electronic gadgets to keep me in "good spirits" while I sat in the customer lounge. Kindle check, Laptop check, two DVDs (The Book of Eli, and Harry Potter - and the Deathly Hallows P2) check and my smart phone.

I went to the lounge and set my laptop up and popped in "The Book of Eli". Before Eli (Denzel Washington) got to take the boots off of the guy hanging in the closet, the service writer was back in the customer lounge calling my name. Not a good sign when you have been told, "see you in three to four hours."  I was informed that they didn't have the required parts for the fix and would have to order them, making it necessary for me to drive an additional one hundred forty miles (round trip) and burn another day. The good news, he would have my oil changed and I could be back on the road in a half an hour. I was not a "happy camper" but I maintained my professional composure.  The fact that I called the day prior and pointed out that it was "recall" did cross my mind. Without going into the "Law of Assume" verbally, I certainly thought it. I'll share the "Assume Law" for the readers who may have gotten through life and never experienced it. "ASSUME - will make an ASS out of U and ME.

I will be making a trip tomorrow one hundred twenty five  miles north to Buford, GA. to the Cardinal dealer (RV World of GA). The purpose of the trip is to have the slide's operation checked out on my Cardinal. I do know there is a possibility that I may have to leave the fiver there, I hope not though. I'll let you know how that goes.

Tonight, Judy and I are going to a retirement dinner in her honor. I plan to write about it here in the next day or so.  I am pretty sure it will be very emotional for Judy.

Welcome to new followers, Jim & Rosie ( http://jimrosietravels.blogspot.com/ )
Thanks for stopping by.

The Black Bird–A Coffee Shoppe

Today is Judy’s morning of pampering at the Serenity Spa (Manicure and Pedicure) so I headed out to my favorite Coffee Shoppe – The Black Bird.  It is way more enjoyable than that other coffee place. Yes, you know the one.  I like to come here anytime I have a hour or so to chill.

I first started frequenting the BB when Jason, my son attended GA. College & State Univ. after he got out of the Navy in 2006. He graduated in 2009 and headed out to Corvallis, Oregon to work as an ICU RN but I continued to stop by and grab a coffee before I reported to my Middle School classroom. Jason often request that I mail him a pound or two of his favorite BB coffee.  Now that I am retired I can come here to spend time reading, listening to my Rhapsody music service  (headphones of course) and have a great coffee.  Since the BB is located near the college it is a hang out for the students between classes. There is a nice mix of clientele, student, faculty, and business professionals.

Student Art at the Black Bird Coffee Shoppe

That is NOT me

       
The art dept of GA College provides art work on a continuous basis so there's always interesting projects to view. The baristas here are super friendly and create some tasty concoctions! There are plenty of places to plug in your laptop or other devices and the WIFI signal is excellent!

Brandon (L) is an award winning barista

      

You may be wondering why there aren’t many folks in my pics of the Black Bird if this place is so good. It is only 9AM Sat morning and no college student would be caught up that early on a Sat!
My time is up! I have go pick Judy up.

Thanks for stopping by.
Shout out to Jessica for “Live Writer” tip!!

Training Day

Wed was a “training day” for Host/Gate attendants that will be working at GA Power's Lakes parks this season. It was another step closer for Judy and I to our full-time adventure. Since she still has about 9 days left at Sun Trust she had to take a day off.

The training was conducted at the Wallace Dam facility located on Lake Oconee near Eatonton, Ga.  In all there were 10 couples at the training and it was nice getting to meet with them. The couple we will be alternating weeks with at Blanton Creek Park, Ed and Char, came down a day early so I got to spend some time with them. We had a nice lunch a the “Pickle Barrel’ restaurant and then I gave them the grand tour of Milledgeville, Ga. Did you know Milledgeville was the Capital of GA until after the War Between the States?  It is also home to Ga. College & State Univ  (formerly the Women’s College of GA.).


Wallace Dam (Oconee River)

GA. College & State Univ. Campus

The Old Governor's Mansion

The training focus was on customer service, safety, and some operational topics. The presenters shared results of a survey completed by campers on “Park Host” service for last year. It was a 98% satisfaction rating. We will receive most of our hands on training from Ed and Char at the park. During that time we will get instruction on the "reservations program" developed by GA. Power  and used at the parks. Ed and Char  will open Blanton Creek Park on Mar. 13 and we report for on the job training (OJT)  21 Mar. - 26 Mar. Judy and I will start our unassisted week 28 Mar. Our work week start and end on Tue evenings. So if you are in the area stop in and stay awhile.  I will do a complete entry on the park once we get there.

Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: Sat

Help: I can't figure out how to post photos side by side. Maybe I need a different editor.  If you can offer any advice please post a "comment" or send me an email. Thanks

Note:

1. I often have “links” within the entry. For easy identification they will be “blue”. Just click for additional information.
2. Pictures can be enlarged with the “click” of the mouse. Try it.