On The Road Again

We got a late start leaving home yesterday. I was suppose to have the rest of the packing done in the RV before Gerry got home at noon, but wanted to run to Walmart and grab the sales before we left home for the week, wash my floors and a number of other last minute to do's. As well we were having internet issues at home, and I was trying to get caught up on emails and posts I had to do, but just wasn't making a connection as well as I wanted.

In Canada, and being on the road now, to Montana, I had picked up a Bell turbo stick for the lap top. Typing on the lap top while in an RV on bumpy roads is kinda like writing when the car is moving too...there's mistakes! Costs me $10 a month minimum and then whatever usage I have, but very nice to have. Of course, it does only work while we're travelling in Canada.Hoping to pick up something in the US at Walmart when we get that way. Still in Saskatchewan though and heading into Alberta soon. Will stop and see Erika and Jon for lunch. 



                  Gerry walking Jakey in Kindersley...foggy this morning
                        Were on the road 7-8 hours  yesterday.

Jakey

Poor Jakey  has gotten a number of bug bites already from going out last night with Gerry on pee breaks. The mosquitoes were quite bad last night. He also seems to be having some issues with his mouth licking and licking so not sure what is bothering him there. He has a dental cleaning in 2 weeks in Prince Albert, Sask.

Our expenses since leaving home:

July 31- Gas up at home -$160
August 1- $18.32 propane
August 1-$230 gas
August 1- take out- $14.65
August 1- camping- FREE- stayed in Walmart parking lot (along with many others I might add)
August 2- this morning- Car Wash for RV's and big rigs- ( Gerry said he had to wash it off - since the bugs on the windows were terrible)- $15.59


                               Saskatchewan's boring farm roads- LOL

"DON’T BE “BOARD” WITH YOUR DECK|" SWEEPS- USA ONLY

Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space With Deck Of Your Dreams Sweepstakes  

                Summer may be winding down, but the fun doesn't have to stop. 

Thompson’s^® WaterSeal^® is offering its Deck of Your Dreams Sweepstakes to help transform your dull outdoor space into a vision of perfection, with a grand prize valued at more than $15,000. That includes $10,000 in cash for building or repairing a deck, $5,000 in gift cards from the popular Plow & Hearth (www.plowhearth.com) of home furnishings and an in-person visit from HGTV/diy Network star, Jeff Wilson, who will offer his expert guidance throughout the design and building process. Enter at www.thompsonswaterseal.com from April 5-October 4

Past winners have included the Beck family in 2011 (tore out a 250 square foot composite deck and built a 750 square foot deck), the Durands from Minnesota in 2012 (built a 10x18 screened-in deck on their new house) and the Freeman family from Georgia in 2013 (just completed a 12x12 octagon-shaped deck.)

Wilson says that considerations when building a deck include size, shape, built-ins and type of wood. “But there are also a lot of creative choices to make once the deck is finished, he commented. “It’s no different than finishing a family room or any indoor space.” To choose a color of deck stain, Wilson suggests referencing the color wheel, and choosing a color that is opposite of your house color for a complimentary effect.

“The new line of Thompson’s^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stain at The Home Depot^® come in the five most popular colors – Acorn Brown, Maple Brown, Harvest Gold, Sequoia Redwood and Woodland Cedar – which will work with most home styles,” he said. 

And since “deck-cessories” make the deck, Plow & Hearth offers the following tips to up the style, function and comfort factor:

·          When selecting furniture for outdoor use, be sure to pay attention to the materials from which it was made. Woods like teak, cedar, eucalyptus and cypress are durable, long-lasting and require little maintenance. While wicker can be made of natural materials like rattan and bamboo, it is often crafted of resin—a durable, low-maintenance, easy-to-clean material. Wicker is often lightweight, which makes it easy to move around to create new seating looks whenever you wish.

·          The addition of deck planters can really make a deck come alive (literally!) Self-watering planters are an ideal choice, because their reservoir system ensures plants get the water they need to grow.

·          It’s important to find the right style of furniture for an outdoor space. Adirondack chairs remain a favorite outdoor option. Rockers and gliders offer a traditional, comfortable way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on your deck.

·          Adding a trellis is an effective and affordable means to add vertical interest to an otherwise boring wall on the deck. Trellises can be almost any size.

·          Looking for the perfect lighting so the deck can be enjoyed late into the evening? Solar lighting is an eco-friendly, energy-saving option, plus it requires no wiring or cords, which means  installation is quick and easy. (And adequate lighting even makes the deck safer for use at night.)

Along with the 2014 Deck of Your Dreams Sweepstakes, the Thompson’s^® WaterSeal^® web site (www.thompsonswaterseal.com) will feature a new look and inspirational new projects and deck care advice for the 2014 season. And there’s even more “deck-citement” at www.facebook.com/thompsonswaterseal, www.pinterest.com/thompsonswseal and www.youtube.com/thompsonswaterseal.

"Experts Creating Experts" Contest Will Award $25,000 to Pursue Your Passion ( USA only)

Does the dream of being a top chef stir your soul? Does the possibility of getting your pilot’s license make your heart soar? Want to fine-tune your musical talent? What kind of expert do you  want to be?

Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning, one of North America’s largest heating and air conditioning brands, wants to make your passion happen.

 The “Experts Creating Experts” contest, open now through September 30, will award $25,000 to be used toward gaining expertise and training in that one topic you’re most passionate about.

To enter, visit ServiceExperts.com/ExpertContest or ServiceExperts.ca/ExpertContest, and submit an essay, presentation, photos or video explaining one subject in which you would like to become an expert, why you are interested in that subject and how/why this expertise would improve your life. The winner will be awarded $25,000 to be used for professional instruction, to attend school, take a trip, for equipment or in other ways that help make them an expert on the topic.

 “We know that becoming an expert isn't easy, and it doesn't happen overnight, but the upside is tremendous” said Dave Moody, director of marketing for Service Experts. “We’re committed to being experts in home comfort because that is what our customers deserve. Now we want to also “pay it forward”, and help someone else in their pursuit of expertise and excellence. We cannot wait to see what America wants do to!”

Judging of entries into the Experts Creating Experts contest will be based on: the creativity of the entry, the uniqueness of the area of expertise and the inspirational appeal of the entry.

The initial round of judging will be conducted by a panel selected by Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Finalists will then be posted on the Service Experts Facebook page for the public to encourage Service Experts to help one person’s dream come true.

 About Service Experts

 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, based in Plano, Texas, is one of North America's largest heating and air conditioning brands, with over 95 locations serving more than 2,000 homes and businesses per day. Service Experts service centers provide heating repair, air conditioning repair, indoor air quality sales and service, HVAC system sales and installation, HVAC maintenance for both the residential and commercial HVAC markets. Find Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at on.fb.me/serviceexperts or at ServiceExperts.com

ARBY’S FANS- WE HAVE THE MEATS! ( USA only)

Arby's fan? We are! When travel blogging in the US we always make sure we stop for a bite to eat, and now available  in Arby’s U.S  restaurants throughout the month of August, are the new protein-packed Mega Meat Stacks, including:

Triple Stack – turkey, roast beef, pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on honey wheat bread.

Club Stack – ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a harvest wheat bun.

Reuben Super Stack – corned beef and turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on marble-rye bread.

Fans, you can join the conversation using #Meatcraft at www.twitter.com/arbys or www.facebook.com/arbys.

Imperial Tart Squares

Recipe worth sharing- Tested and Approved 

I personally substitute chocolate chips for the raisins in this recipe. You can use anywhere between 1/2 cup- 3/4 cup of chipits. 

Photo is of my finished squares: ( there was more but of course we ate them! yummy!)

Imperial Tart Squares
Skill: Easy Add to Recipe Box Prep time:   25 mins View Recipe Box Cook time:   40 mins Print Recipe Card Makes: 25 squares Email to a Friend   Submit Recipe or Tip   BASE:     1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour   375 mL   2 tbsp granulated sugar   30 mL   1/2 cup (1 square) Imperial Margarine   125 mL   FILLING:     2 eggs   2   1 1/2 cups brown sugar, lightly packed   375 mL   1/4 cup (1/2 square) Imperial Margarine, melted   50 mL   1 cup raisins   250 mL   1 tbsp vinegar   15 mL   1 tsp all-purpose flour   5 mL   Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). In a medium bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar; cut in margarine with pastry blender until coarse crumbs are formed. Press into a greased 9-inch (2 L) square pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, let cool 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add remaining ingredients; pour over base. Return to oven, bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely; cut into squares.

A Great Option For Your Home Reno Project

Being in the reno mindset with our kitchen lately, I've been doing some research online about alternative materials you can use in your home that are sustainable or green.  I came across a company in San Diego, CA called Cali Bamboo that specializes in green building materials made of bamboo.

Their bamboo flooring in particular really stood out to me. Not only does it come in a variety of colors to match any home, but it’s also reportedly the toughest floors available. According to their website bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth and can grow over 4 feet in 24 hours. You can also harvest bamboo every 3-7 years whereas a forest takes up to 50 years to regenerate.

The best part about Cali Bamboo? They’re celebrating their 10 year Anniversary this August and are having a HUGE sale! With the codes below, you can get AT LEAST 10% off everything on their site! Trust me, after going through our kitchen reno, 10% off flooring and other building materials can really add up. 

Today's Quick Tip

Yes, you really CAN make your own croutons. Was making a Cesar Salad for one, when I realized- no croutons. Searched online and found something simple:

I cut up one slice of bread for this single serving, tossed in a bit of melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder, tossed, and baked at 375 degrees for about 10- 15 minutes.

Tuesday July 29th

Tried my hand at blanching corn today.

I only tried one cob as I had heard mixed opinions of blanching it and the taste/texture afterwards when re-cooking, so hopefully my guinea pig Gerry will let me know once I re-thaw and cook. Also, plugged in my small freezer again. Our fridge has a smaller freezer than the old one, so I was finding myself limiting myself to what I could bake and freeze extra of or pick up for specials.

The kitchen renos are coming along good too. Gerry has worked so hard to do it all on his own- including unhooking and re-hooking up the dishwasher and the sink.There is still more work to do though. Knobs to be added to the doors, a back splash and odds and ends...so still looking messy.

We are off to Montana this weekend and taking the RV down to Alberta to make a trade for another bigger one- we are doing an even trade at a dealership so quite happy no other money out of pocket. Except we're not sure yet on the taxes. We had hoped to take Jakey for a dental cleaning on the way back from the trip, but the vet is full so we'll have to make another trip the following weekend. The new RV is 36' I believe, compared to ours we have now at 30' so much more space. But also harder to get a spot for parking, and currently we aren't pulling a small car with it. We'll have to see how it goes. Gerry said the gas will be no different though- so that is a relief. 


We're to have a sunny and hot day today, and Jakey is off to have his hair cut in an hour, so must run. Lunch and get ready. Have a great day everyone!

Saturday July 26

I'm feeling a little guilty about not writing for a while. This week has been busy though with our daughter, boyfriend and pets in town. 

They have been staying in our RV as we don't have a guest room, but it's worked fine for them. Came for the week for a wedding this weekend. Brought their dog and rabbit, 11 hours from here. Staying out at the lodge for the weekend though, where the wedding is, and we're pet sitting. They are heading back home tomorrow.

Gerry has been busy renovating the kitchen, so it's take out night tonight, as I have lost my stove and kitchen sink- but I don't mind not cooking -LOL
Sold my white pantry and replaced it with a brown one. 

My kids are saying I have too much brown in the house now...not sure on that. I guess it is mostly beige and brown and try to add some splash of color to each room. 

We haven't had any luck with selling our RV locally, so we are hoping to make a trade deal in a few weeks, down in Alberta, for a bigger unit. More miles on it than ours but more of what we want. Our plan is to trade it on our way out for our trip to Montana, so will see in the next few days if we can still make a deal with the dealership.

Saw the specialist earlier this week in the city for my tailbone pain I've had for the last year almost. Found out through x-rays that I had broke my tailbone at some point, and have Coccydynia- quite possibly caused when I fell down the stairs when i was younger, but not sure. I do have osteoarthritis now in it and because I lost weight last year, I lost the padding on my butt and feel it more but it's always been there since the incident. The doctor said it will never get better but it wont get worst. Am also now taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements. I am lactose intolerant so he said best to take, and because of where we live in the north here, and little sun, best to get the Vitamin D as well. Arizona here we come!

Everyone have a good weekend and will talk again soon... time soon to order some supper.

Something "Cool" For Your Sitter- When It's "Hot" Outdoors!

With the long, hot days of summer in full swing and full of pool play dates, sticky Popsicle faces, summer camp carpools and grass stained knees; parents are constantly on the lookout for relief. A few hours to spend with catching up with friends, to grab dinner that does not consist of mac’n’cheese and hot dogs, to snag a cocktail with their hubby, or to just enjoy peace and quiet.

This is where the bribery begins; babysitting candidates, teens and young college kids, need a trade off to give up their precious summer nights. Some are swayed by the simple idea of having a little extra spending money in their pocket, others need to hear that the pantry is stocked and that extra money will be left for pizza, ice cream treats and movie rentals.

Prepaid cards like OneVanilla allow parents to leave $20-$500 for their babysitter but in a safer manner. OneVanilla is accepted anywhere Visa cards are and if and if the card is lost, it can be frozen and a new one with the funds on will be provided.  Parents can also view exactly how many pizzas were ordered and check the balance of the card online or over the phone.