SNOW

This is not the most snow we have seen in the last twelve months, but it is the most we have had in San Angelo Texas in the last 20 + years. We were in much more snow in CO this summer & much more in UT in 2008. It was 4 inches of just snow. It was not sleet, it was not freezing rain it was snow. Dallas had an all time record of 12 inches just a few weeks ago. Now we have snow in San Angelo. What is going on?

What is on the Grill

This is a picture you can not take very often.

Our Backyard

Not many people on the lake today. This is our backyard; I think it looks good. Wilma took these snow pictures & the one of the dogs.

What Dogs Do When It Is SNOWING

I found out what Texas dogs do when it is snowing. It is only around 30 degrees outside & these three dogs think it is close to 0 degrees. What we have here is three SOFT dogs. If it is raining, they do not want to go outside. Hey if it is snowing forget about it; all they want is some sunshine. They can hold it forever (I hope).

End Grain of Wood

I hope you can see the end grain of the wood you place the cupped () grain of wood facing each other that goes a long way toward keeping the wood from warping. I painted the wood not as much for looks (please do not tell the DW) as so it would last longer.

Vice from Top

As you can see the boards the vice is on are not much bigger than the vice. I have used two boards a 1X12 & a 2X12. I put glue between the boards and then put wood screws in them. The nuts on the 1/2 bolts which hold the vice are counter-sunk into the boards. It is important that the boards set flat on your table.

My Biggest Vice

I use two large C clamps to mount the vice where ever it is needed; campground, home, or on the road. It is not hard to find something flat to put the vice on. I also carry a table with me I could use. The vice is not the best on the market, but it does come in handy. It does weigh around 30 lbs.

Level

A level which can be seen from the driver's seat is a great addition to your trailer. Note the large feet on the landing gear & Teflon disk on the pin box.

Feet From Top

These feet are used to make sure there is no twist in the trailer frame. You can use the level on the front of the trailer to make sure the trailer is level side to side. If you have a 5er when you put down the landing gear you may twist the frame. By using these feet which are ramps. You just pull the feet (ramps) back & forth till they make good contact with the small feet on the legs. It takes care of ground that is not level. They are quick & easy to make.

Feet From the Side

You want the angle of the Feet to not be more than the angle of the small feet which pin on the legs. As you can see there are four boards which are cut from 2X8, then they are bolted together. A handle is put on the front of the feet to make it easier to use.

Mark the Spot

To Park the RV where you want it. Put a mark on the ground (concrete). I put a strip of duct tape down two years ago. It is still in place, and best of all I can see it as I back up into the area. You can use paint or tape, the paint would last longer.

First Sunset

We were treated to this sunset, now my camera do not do this justice.

Second Sunset

This was the second sunset it was in the East. It was the best after you see the first sunset turn & look to the East you may see a second sunset & it may be the best one.

Purple Cactus

We came upon this Purple Cactus at Benson AZ. Now I have never seen one this color, but I have not seen everything.

Red Yucca

I know it look green, but that is what the sign says. In the next few picture I will show you why you do not walk around the desert at nite with no flashlight, There a lot more reason that crawl. If you would like a better look on any of them just click on the picture then use the back button to return.

Fish-Hook Barrel Cactus

I would not want to get caught by this one.

Senta (Old Man)

Do you know why this is called Old Man & not Old Woman?...........I do not either.

Octopus Agave

Now this will really stick to you.

Desert Spoon

No I have not eaten with one of these, but just thank you would not need a toothpick.

Saguaro Cactus

To make this or any picture larger just click on the picture then use the back button to return.

Saguaro

Look close, see the holes in the cactus the Saguaro is home to a lot of birds.

Casa Grande

After a long battle with the desert this ancient building still commands respect. Four stories high and 60 feet long, it is the largest known structure from Hobokam times. Early Spanish explores called it Casa Grande, and to them it was a mystery, its walls face the four cardinal points of the compass.

Like other southwestern farming people, the Hobokam lived in permanent settlements, made pottery, and traded. They irrigated crops with a system of canals. They traded from the Gulf of California to the Great Plans, Colorado Plateau, and northern Mexico. By the year 300 AD a distinct Hobokam culture was in place along the Gila and Salt rivers. The Casa Grande was completed about 1350. When Father Eusebio Kino and his party of missionaries arrived in 1694 they found only an empty shell of the once-flourishing village.

Don our Guide

Don is giving us some information about the Great House.

Wilma in Doorway

Wilma at 5-10 is a lot taller than these people, the women were around 5 ft while the men were a little taller. This doorway is a lot taller than Wilma. The walls were 4 ft thick at the base.

Open Doorway

This is an open doorway.

Closed Doorway

Here is where they closed off a doorway, this is on the second floor.

A Circular Hole Marks the Summer Solstice

A circular hole in the upper west wall aligns with the setting Sun at the summer solstice.

Shelf

How a self the Hohokam people used might have looked. In the next three pictures we will show what the people might have used in day to day life.

Corn on a Grinding Block

This is how they would grind corn.

Fire Hole For Cooking

They used small fires in holes with stones for pans.

River & Mountains

This is a picture of the Colorado river with Mountains which are in AZ. This current is moving quite fast. During the summer there is a lot of activity go on on this part of the Colorado River. Here are a lot of houses which are mostly used durring the summer, a lot of water sports goes on in this area.

Colorado River

This is a picture of the Colorado River from Scott's river house where we stayed while he put our new roof on. We are looking down the river at some houses on the CA side. The river is about five feet down I was told.

Before New Roof

This is before the new roof. Scott has cleaned the roof at this point. You see the black spots on the white background, note the black sealant around the vent, (at this point the Maxx-Air has been removed). Also note the black under the TV Antenna, top left of the picture. If you would like a closer view just click on the picture then you can scroll around for a closer look, us your back button to come back to this screen.

THE NEW ROOF

This is it The New Roof. I am very please with the job Scott did. I have found very few people who take such pride in their work as he does. Scott did all the work himself. If you ever need such a service I have no problem recommended Scott Christian at RV Roofing Solution, he can be reached at 888-847-7010 or on the west coast at 818-332-0645. Scott will even come to where you are. My Roof carries a 10 year warranty on parts & labor.

Up Close

This is the new roof up close. Click on the picture for a real up close view.