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Forum
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RE: "The Clan" / Heimlich maneuver on Harlee….
Calvin’s right toe has been previously injured (is the best description I can give, since it seems that their was no care to this injury allowing it healed wrong/improperly).
Pops ... don't put too much blame on other folks for a toe that is odd.
Tazz, our puppy, broke her toe during some exhuberant play at the beach. The vet advised there was little they could do to "fix" the toe when it broke. All we could do was administer pain killer and be patient. Same when my husband broke his toe ... pain killers and patience. Tazz's toe has "healed" now (so has hubby's) and she's as active as ever.
However, that toe is deformed and larger than her other toes. Always will be.
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sue.t
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12/02/09 08:20am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: More Problems for Hershey
Any chance there's a canine chiropractor in your area? Lots of folks don't believe chiropractors to be a valuable resource, but two of our dogs have had tremendous success with treatment. It amazed me how she was able to locate previous injuries and how quick and subtle the adjustments were.
The dogs love seeing her (might be something to do with the home made cookies though). Initially our vet was doubtful, and told us he thought we were throwing our money away, but having seen the results he's supportive of our chiro visits now.
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sue.t
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12/02/09 08:06am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Mouse Tutorial
Good old Solitaire comes with most systems. She likely knows how to play too!
Playing games with the mouse is how I switched to being a left hand mouser, leaving my right hand available for the numeric keys that are on the right.
These days I really confuse myself ... using a tablet with my right hand and the mouse with my left. Almost like playing a piano!
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sue.t
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12/01/09 08:43pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Metacam question.
Maintaining a healthy weight is very important too, accompanied by regular exercise. Jake, our big guy, came to us at age 3 with metacam for what was described as mild hip dysplasia and arthritic knees (he's had both ACLs repaired). He was also 108 lbs and a couch potato. We were also told no more than 30 minutes of controlled exercise a day, and to ensure he rested a lot. And were also advised he'd need the hip surgery soon. We adopted him despite all those issues.
After a consult with our vet who examined Jake thoroughly, Jake started a weight loss program with regular exercise. After a few months of regular walks and losing 10 lbs, he was off the metacam and instead taking RecoverySA with his meals. He's about to turn 7 years of age and a good weight for him is 95 lbs. No longer on RecoverySA either, due to food allergies. Yet he insists on hiking 5-7 km a day with me and the puppy, and he plays hard with her in the yard. Vet says no surgery is necessary either, confirmed with x-rays.
I notice if his weight goes up, he gets lazier and grumpier. So we do our best to keep him a lean-mean-doggy-machine, for his own health & well-being! In future he might need some anti-inflammatory, but for now he's doing very well, other than those dang food allergies!
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sue.t
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12/01/09 03:15pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Vet.'s Across Canada
Yes, it's called a phone book. ... Great Canadian invention.
Really? The phone book was invented by a Canadian? Wow. Didn't realize!
:B
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sue.t
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12/01/09 02:59pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Any RV Parks in Campbell River BC?
Enjoy the brilliant sunshine the Island is getting this week, then! Sure, you're on a "working" holiday but even so, you need to get into the Island rhythm!
And sure, most of BC is getting brilliant sunshine, but brilliant sunshine on the Island is significantly better than brilliant sunshine on the Mainland!
:B
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sue.t
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12/01/09 07:46am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Now my turn need new printer
Have had a HP All-in-one, the PSC 2170, for numerous years now, maybe 5 years? Originally cost about $100. That thing is a workhorse. It hasn't stumbled once. Prints great photos, and prints just about anything else we've thrown its way (cards, magnetic media, etc.) all with good results. The photos have had very good longevity too (using HP ink & paper). Works fine with XP and Vista.
Recently purchased an Epson All-in-one, the NX510. Haven't had it long enough to comment about it ... it's wireless (only B & G though) and works well enough. Bought it for the laptop which is used mostly by the husband; I'm happy with the HP connected to my desktop. From what I've seen, the Epson is doing well enough. Decided on Epson rather than HP this time because I have numerous other Epson products now and really appreciate the online sales they have every couple of months, with free shipping. Really saves on the cost of the ink. The Epsons have also been reliable and trouble-free.
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sue.t
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11/30/09 05:21pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: 5ver vs. TT for those that have had both
Saw a comment about the TT being easier backing and less worry about height. DH backs our 25' fifth wheel into some extremely tight spots without problem. He says it took a bit of getting used to and he needs to think ahead of his steering, but no problem. He also backs the fifth wheel up our driveway, which is 200' of 18% grade, with a curve!
Biggest advantage for us is the overall length of our "rig" is reduced with a fifth wheel while maintaining more interior space. When you have to pay per foot to catch a ferry to the Mainland, overall length is an issue.
Also like being able to fit into the smaller camping spots in remote areas. We've taken the 25 footer into some rough areas, squeezed it into small spots, and even had to turn around on a barely 2-lane-wide gravel road when we encountered a bridge washout in the middle of nowhere (literally -- South Canol Rd in Yukon).
We can still take our canoe or kayaks with us, and DH also tucks his trials motorcycle in the truck's box, so the fifth wheel suits our purposes very well.
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sue.t
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11/30/09 11:20am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Winter Camping
Haven't camped in winter in a Class A, but have spent some weeks on the Alaska Highway in winter in a Class C. Temps to -40.
Our little Class C was a "3-season" RV, which really just meant the water tank and plumbing were inside the RV. Black/grey tanks exposed outside and only single pane windows.
Our biggest issue in those temps were keeping the propane effective and also ensuring there was a place to plug in the truck's block heater overnight. It was also challenging filling up the fresh water tank in Whitehorse when the temperature was -30 outside. But we did it. Other challenge was getting the propane tank filled when it was frozen shut. Having methyl hydrate pumped into the propane tank purged the moisture from the tank, but the fill valve still would freeze on occasion.
We used all the RV's systems. Let things freeze in the tanks as waste was deposited, and dumped after we got home and things had thawed. Fresh water was all interior, so no issues there. A hand-warmer and fleece scarf really helped the water pump when it got slushy. We also cut styrofoam insulation to snug fit in the windows and vents to preserve warmth. Lots of carpets/mats on the floor to preserve heat loss there too. We each had a dog to sleep with too!
Liard Hot Springs in northern BC
http://suethomas.ca/images/2001Dec/20011200_004_Liard1.jpg width=600
Kluane Lake in Yukon
http://suethomas.ca/images/1998Dec/Dec1998_037_Kluane.jpg width=400
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sue.t
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11/29/09 01:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Hauling a canoe and 5ver
We didn't like the front bumper racks made by Thule and Yakima as they're wobbly. DH especially didn't like that the factory fog lamps would need to be removed permanently on his F-250 so the rack could be mounted. So, he designed his own, which bolts to the same holes in the truck's frame that the bumper mounts onto. Have done thousands of miles of gravel road with this setup, with good results. Also haul two kayaks with the setup, although use a roof rack because the kayaks are shorter.
http://suethomas.ca/images/CanoeRack0003.JPG width=600
http://suethomas.ca/images/Misc/20090520_KayakRack_016.jpg width=600
More than happy to share more photos and also a crude sketch if you PM your email address.
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sue.t
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11/29/09 01:02pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Digital Thermostat or Electric Heater???
When we're camping, the programmable digital thermostat is worth its weight in gold. We're usually drycamping in spring or fall, so appreciate being able to program the thermostat to stay off overnight and then heat up the fifth wheel before we get out of bed. Then its programmed to stay off for most of the day when we're usually out and about doing things.
When the heat is needed all day, the digital thermostat seems to do a better job than the old thermostat. Ours is also mounted on a cupboard wall rather than an exterior wall, so it isn't affected by the chilly outside wall temps.
When we do happen to stay someplace with electric hookup, I sure appreciate the little electric ceramic heater. Does a great job and saves our battery and propane.
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sue.t
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11/25/09 10:04am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Worst case scenario...a cautionary tale
When we were shopping for our second fifth wheel, there were a couple at different dealers that caught our interest. First one involved an all day road trip to go see. Dealer told us there was a "soft" spot near the dinette.
That soft spot turned out to be a totally rotten rear corner, from roof to floor. My thumb easily pressed through one of the walls, and the floor under the cabinets, fridge and dinette bench was barely there. Dealer seemed genuinely surprised and had only recently taken the unit on trade for a new RV. Dealer offered to fix the entire area without any increase in cost to us, but we were very uncomfy taking a unit with that much damage. If that was what we saw, what else would there be?
Another unit at another dealer was rotten underneath in the basement area. Again, the dealer seemed to not know about it. The rot wasn't as extensive, and dealer let us explore to determine how bad it was. After pulling off the rotten wall panels, it was apparent the rot was just in that area but would still require a lot of work. Even with the offered discount, we walked away.
I think some dealers just don't want to know. What they don't know, they don't have to disclose. And after shopping for 2 years for the right second-hand unit, we learned many, many RVs have rot in them. We just don't know about it.
Even the inlaws' Class C had a rotten upper bunk after they had owned it 10 years due to a window leak ... that one took us two weeks of labour and $1,000 in materials to fix. I've decided every RV has some rot in it ... it's just a matter of how much, how long its been there and where it is.
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sue.t
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11/25/09 08:01am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: How do You carry a kayak?
On my picture above, the long kayak is 17'3" and the short kayak is 14'5".
The longer one actually fits better on the racks ... the short one is almost too short and needs more foam under its keel to get it to sit upright.
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sue.t
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11/24/09 10:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: My Buddy Is Sick :(
I truly don't want to put fear in your heart ... BUT ... when our 9 year old Kuvasz had similar symptoms I tried aspirin for a few days. He had been limping a bit, favouring one side, being careful getting up and down, seemed out of breath sometimes, and not too keen on his food.
The aspirin seemed to help a bit but the poor fellow still limped a bit and favoured a side. And he wasn't sleeping well at night ... he seemed too warm and panted a fair bit.
Took him to the vet after a few days to get it checked. Poking, prodding and manipulating didn't reveal anything, so the decision was made to do some x-rays of the hips to check for arthritis. The hips were clean, but the vet noticed something odd on the lower edge of one of the x-rays so took some more of that area.
Later that day we were told our big fellow had a bone tumour in the right femur. The mass wasn't large yet, and we were fortunate the vet noticed it on the hip x-rays and took the initiative to check further. The cancer hadn't spread, but was enough to make our fellow feel out of sorts.
If a dog seems to not feel well, please take it seriously. I surely hope your dog doesn't have anything as serious, but I also wanted to be sure you are aware that it could be more than arthritis or a viral infection.
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sue.t
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11/24/09 02:10pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: How do You carry a kayak?
http://suethomas.ca/images/Misc/20090520_KayakRack_016.jpg
For more pics, see this recent thread: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23414087.cfm
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sue.t
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11/24/09 07:43am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Be Warned - Newb questions...
If you omit 4x4 like I did (you'll never find a 2WD in BC, I would not think), you free up another 385 lbs of according to a knowledgeable poster here.
I didn't notice that the OP was located on the Lower Mainland or would have also recommended 4x4 and diesel, even though there are many 2WDs in BC.
One Easter we headed to the local provincial park and it snowed overnight (on south Vancouver Island!!). Four-wheel sure came in handy to pull the fifth wheel out of the campground, which wasn't plowed. Another time we were enjoying Nakusp Hot Springs while it snowed on the mountain passes. We made it home while others did not. We've also used the 4x4 on some of the backroads, as we enjoy camping in BC's many recreational sites. You may not use 4x4 a lot, but when you need it, you'll sure appreciate it.
Unless you're planning to just head south on Hwy 99 and I-5, you're going to driving hills with good long grades. A diesel will do the job easier than a gasser. First time up the Coquihalla towing with our gasser convinced us the next truck would be a diesel. Even the Fraser Canyon is twisty enough that the extra torque of a diesel is nice to accelerate up the hills.
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sue.t
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11/23/09 04:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Be Warned - Newb questions...
We have a shortbox supercab F-250 with a manual slider hitch. Have never used the slider, other than to "test" it. And we get into some tight spots, including turning around on a 2-lane gravel road in the middle of nowhere without adjusting the hitch. DH also puts his trials bike in the box, along the cab's rear window.
The shortbox was preferred because we like the supercab (not crew cab) space for the dogs but also wanted to keep the truck to a reasonable length so it was easier to maneuver in parking lots and tight spaces.
Note with our 25' fifth wheel, and with the kayaks/canoe on top, with firewood, dogs & humans in truck, the GVWR of our F-250 is exceeded by a couple hundred pounds. Even so, we feel the truck and fifth wheel are a good match. But if we were to purchase a longer/heavier fiver, we'd also be upgrading to a heftier truck.
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sue.t
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11/23/09 11:30am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: ok ok....once more...busted.....
Gary, are you implying that I would refer to you as a stud? And Buddy as a flake?
Or is it Buddy who is the stud and you the flake?
:B
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sue.t
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11/23/09 07:41am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: 5ers and canoes
Canoe leg
Not had an issue seeing traffic lights with either the canoe or the kayaks on top.
Sure appreciate the sun shade ... keeps the truck much cooler for us and the dogs. Keeps rain off the windshield too.
Only real issue has been I like to take pictures as we drive down the road ... that passenger side vertical bar keeps getting in the way so I keep hanging further out the window!
Small issue is we take the ferry to get off and on this island ... sometimes we get charged an extra foot or two for the bit that hangs over the front bumper.
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sue.t
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11/22/09 06:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Our pack is expanding, sort of......
Mark, amazingly that abundant white coat wass very low maintenance. People always asked us how much work it took to keep it looking so fine, and the short answer was, NONE.
The only baths Chaos had was when he enjoyed a rollabout in some wildlife feces. The fur remained naturally white.
His coat did not collect the sticky little burrs we have in this area. We hike through a lot of brush and brambles and it was never a problem for him.
The fur on his paws did collect snowballs though, so he wore dog booties in the winter. Whether the snow was wet or dry stuff, the snowballs between his pads were problematic. The booties solved the problem though. He loved the snow. Especially enjoyed burying himself in it.
He loved water and mud puddles. The mud would naturally dispel after the moisture dried off.
Never needed brushing. Chaos had a "straight coat" rather than the natural curly coat of most Kuvaszok and it didn't get knotted or mat either. Longest fur was about 8".
I did trim the fur on the end of his tail so it wouldn't drag, and the last year of his life I trimmed all his fur as he was sick with cancer and the illness seemed to make him warmer. He panted a lot more than usual. Cutting his fur short seemed to help him stay cooler.
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sue.t
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11/22/09 01:50pm |
RV Pet Stop
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