Updates on projects: Two months until becoming snowbirds

Here on Murphy Mountain on Halloween, I'm not thinking about Trick or Treat, I'm reviewing projects in progress, what will get done before we leave and what might wait for Mobile or even later.

The other night, I jacked up the rear and decided to put on the new Bilstein shocks I purchased recently.  A quick check showed they were the wrong style.  After a few phone calls with Bilstein and SD Truck Springs, I ordered another (Proper) set for another $250. for the pair!

It's OK for the delay since I only have one of the two 50% removed.  A shock that uses this type of mount can only be removed by turning the mounting nut (almost seized on the shaft with corrosion) while holding the end of the rod with vice grips to prevent the whole rod from turning.  I managed to get the bottom off with this method but, due to nearly no clearance at the top, will have to use my air cutoff wheel to remove the top part.  And, of course, I will likely need to do the same on the other side.

Since the tag axle wheel is removed and the large drum brake is exposed, I need to remove the bearings, repack and inspect the brakes while I'm at it.  Hopefully, I won't find that they need replacing since the only way to order new ones is to physically match them up at a NAPA or non-chain auto parts store.

I've managed to get some projects done in advance of heading south including overhauling the wiper arms and getting new blades, installing a replacement windshield washer system and troubleshooting the generator system.  Once my new 30A outlet box is installed and I have changed the oil and filter, air filter and adjusted the carburetor, I should know if the Genny is good to go.

I've done a bit of research on the 6.5KW Onan Generator and found out that, when I get it running, I can run all of the house loads and one of the roof air units.  That means that I will be able to use electrical while I'm travelling (including the microwave).

I have lots of other projects I'd like to get done before we leave, but the weather is starting to move in and I may only have two weeks or so before we get the first snowfall that will make the driveway hazardous for the Gypsy Wagon.  I've agreed to bring it down at first snow and take it to a flat land storage area until we are ready to hit the road.

The majority of those things that remain can be handled while we are "living" in one of the two campgrounds where we have reservations for January and February.

Some Work. Some Retire. Some Do Both.

It used to be that one would work until about 65, get the gold watch and retire to either a life of leisure or sadly waiting for whatever life threw at them.

Another alternative is do do both.

While I am old enough to retire, I am fortunate enough to do both.  I have the good fortune to work a part-time job from my home office that allows me a flexible schedule.

Flexible enough that, for the first time here in the upcoming winter of 2020, Vickie, Dougal and I are going to head to warmer surroundings in the January through March time frame.  The beauty of this job is that the marine business is slow in the Winter months and I can easily "announce" that I won't be available until after April 1 beginning with the first of the new year.

We hope to leave in early January and take a (hopefully) leisurely trip down to our first destination in the Mobile, AL area.   Since we don't know what the en route weather will be like, our loose plans are to take 3-5 days going down.

We will be travelling in our classic (RV-Speak for old) Class A Holiday Rambler Monitor motor home.  The GW (Gypsy Wagon) is a well-equipped rig with a powerful and thirsty Chevrolet 454 engine on the venerable GM-Built P30 chassis.  She has a nice full bedroom at the rear, full bath, well-equipped kitchen and dining are and a comfortable living area.  We travel in style (but mid-80's decor) with our miniature dachshund (Dougal) alternating between Vickie's lap and the couch in the living area.

The remaining good weather time before late November will be spent getting her loaded up and making desired repairs and improvements.