August 2008

On-Demand Greeting Cards

I’ve found a Web site that makes it easy for people to create personalized greeting cards on the computer using their own digital images and then have the cards produced, addressed, and mailed to friends and family.

Keep the kids active and smiling while on the road this summer.

Describe your favorite ice cream parlor.

Enough room

Dear Editor:
After reading “Make Room For More” in the May 2008 issue (“Full-Timer’s Primer,” page 110), the “rule” most of us live by came to mind: “The motorhome parties six, feeds four, sleeps two.” That seems to work for about 99 percent of us out here.

With a smart shopping list and strategic planning, you can have most of these main dishes on the table within 15 to 30 minutes after hooking up at your campsite.

During our many years of travel, we’ve found that we not only change locations with the seasons, but we also change the focus of our attention. As the heat of summer slows down our midday activities, the flash of color that catches our eye is more likely to be a butterfly than a bird.

Butterflies are our favorite insects to watch as we explore the outdoors, but when you want to see a number of varieties in a limited amount of time, you might consider visiting a facility that specializes in these showy creatures.

The Convention Committee has a slightly different makeup than we have enjoyed for the past few years. All members currently serving on the committee are members of the Executive Board, with the senior vice president serving as Convention Committee chairman.

Fort Pierre To Deadwood Trail Re-Enactment

Are you a history buff? If so, you might be interested in viewing the Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail wagon train re-enactment that will take place in South Dakota from July 30 to August 15, 2008.

Awning Accessory

The RV TwinTrak from IF Designs LLC converts an RV awning’s single utility track into a double-track system, providing a second place to mount accessories such as shades, hangers, and lights on the awning.

“Leaving Tracks by Giving Back” is the motto of FMCA’s Golden State Trackers, one of the association’s newest chapters. The group, which received its charter on September 9, 2007, was formed by like-minded families with the desire to combine the fun of the RVing lifestyle with community service projects.

You have made a major investment in an RV. You take great pride in keeping it clean, waxed, and properly maintained. Have you completely read, understood, and followed the information and instructions in all of the manuals for your unit?

Which End Goes Where?

Dear RV Doctor:
I’m embarrassed to ask, but I bought a brass water pressure regulator from an RV supply store. It came without instructions, and I didn’t think to ask. How do you use this thing?

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 08V232000, which affects some 2004 through 2006 Jamboree GT and Tioga SL 29 S model motorhomes built from November 15, 2002, through June 10, 2005. The potential number of coaches involved is 135.

Ground fault interruptions 

In the January 2008 “House Calls” column, Jeff Hayes wrote about his new RV tripping the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers at his house and at campgrounds as soon as he plugs in the shore power line (“Trippy GFCI,” page 28). I have a motorhome that did exactly the same thing.

This July 21 marks the 45th anniversary of FMCA’s formation. While FMCA may celebrate it in a quiet manner, it is something to be proud of and to recognize.

This month I want to focus on the Administrative Department, because of the extensive interaction and support they provide to the other four departments on a daily basis.

Members attending FMCA's 80th International Convention at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, July 14 through 18, 2008, will find plenty to see and do during the daytime hours. If you find yourself in need of a little rest and relaxation, enjoy a great lineup of daytime entertainment.

In 1990 Bill Clemens of St. Cloud, Minnesota, offered his wife a gift of roses — actually, more than 1,000 rosebushes on a plot of land he purchased across the street from their home. He donated the land to the city of St. Cloud, hired a full-time rose gardener, and endowed a $1 million trust fund to take care of the garden in perpetuity.

Looking for a museum that will take you places? Then make the Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing, Minnesota, your next stop. The museum traces the “pedigree” of Greyhound Lines to this small city in northeastern Minnesota.

Seeing the exhibits at an FMCA international convention is just as much fun as attending seminars, watching the entertainment, and socializing with friends. Shopping is a favorite pastime, and what better place to do so than at a gathering where the products are focused on motorhomers?

After surveying the emerging needs and changing tastes of the motorhome enthusiast, Fleetwood RV has changed the chassis used as the platform for its Bounder Diesel, Expedition, Discovery, Excursion, and Providence diesel pushers.