Yawn Yawn Wakey Wakey 2024

@Topbird , we also have a RV. It was my husband's idea to get it about 3 years ago. Brand new. He flew down to Florida to get it, and that was the beginning, so much wrong with it. He spent 3 months fixing issues, down in Florida. So I had a husband vacation break. Now it sits in Gulfport, Mississippi on my nephews large property. There is also the little tow truck down there. I have never stayed in it. Don't really plan to stay in it. I was not supportive about the purchase. Tried to explain to husband that with our Time shares and other things we are involved with we did not need that. Further more this thing is huge, I cannot help drive it at all. The one I really wanted was the self contained smaller version. Where the truck part is part of the living situation. And tried to tell him, the plan could be a smaller type, then line up different timeshares to stop at along the way across America. Right now, nephew told us the seats inside are cracking apart, so now that needs attention. I wish we never bought it.

 

It's a lovely sunny day but I'm tired after two rather poor nights and the strain of travelling. Not a lot to do anyway, bit of weeding, replace a couple of plants. That will mean a trip to the GC I'm really pleased with the new garden path. We left the house clean and tidy. We went to Tesco for the shopping, bought a week's worth. French SM is closed, bank holiday, not closed here.

 

@redstar - what a shame about your RV. Is it a 5th wheeler with slide outs? We've had various boats, caravans, motor homes and camper vans over 25 years. Just like having 'our stuff' around us. I'm useless at sleeping in strange beds - usually takes days to get used to it and then it's time to move on. Lot to be said for your own pillow and mattress!

We had a big m/home bought in 2019. Had some great holidays in Germany over 8 mths but then lockdown hit. We quickly found that the UK is not the place to have a big vehicle - so many small country lanes and old towns and I didn't feel at all comfortable driving it. Then a mouse got into the engine compartment while it was laid up during strict lockdown. It chewed filters and cables and did £6000 worth of damage. We repaired it and got rid.

My husband already had a small camping car for going to race meetings (it's only 5m with a pop up roof) so we've been using that for the last couple of years. It's a handy size for towns and parking and a lot of fun - but it's a bit snug for two adults to live in. Plus there's no shower etc which limits where we can stay. We have done wild camping for single nights but really we need sites with full facilities.

We've had a 6m full height, proper facilities camper (which I'll be happy to drive) on order for 2 years. So many delays following Covid, micro processor supply issues, bl@@dy Brexit etc etc. Plus we want an automatic and most of the Fiat cab right hand drives are manual gears (stick shift?). We've been told 'this summer' but we'll see.

 

@Busy-Lizzie - welcome home. Warm out there isn't it?

Thank you for reminding me that things are closed in France for May Day. I must remember to ask @Ante1 if things are likely to be closed in Croatia next Thursday (9th). It's Ascension Day and most things are shut in Germany. I think it's the same in France. Not sure about Croatia.

 

@Topbird, you do sound well organised for your trip and @redstar, I was amazed how much 'stuff' you were getting into your car to go to your Airbnb. Yorkshire Tea - I can really recommend. It is the tea that I drink all the time at home. Got a mug of it now!

 

Dealing with British Gas is frustrating. They've knocked money off the installation cost automatically, but I told them the problems need to be addressed - and dealt with quickly. Money off, is not the answer. I'd rather pay the full amount, and have the repairs sorted. Plus some written apology.
Have companies not got the message yet!??

 

Clearly not @RowlandsCastle . It sounds as if it'll take several different tradespeople to fix the damage they did (lights, bath, floor, door, carpet.....) and they'd rather throw money your way than organise it themselves. Their excuse will probably be that you're best placed to sort out local tradespeople - but of course you're not because you only just moved there.

 

You hang on in there @RowlandsCastle and don't accept anything from them - that will be seen as you accepting the situation and closes any further action. Keep pursuing the repair option and I cannot recommend the CAB strongly enough. My situation was different to yours but the CAB will put you in touch with people who will deal with your problem.

 

Signing out for today. Catch you all in the morning.

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That car we use is an SUV, it seats 6 people, has the normal front seat for driver and passenger, then two rows of seats that fold down. It can takes a lot. There is also a roof rack if needed. Its a Ford Expadition, (spelling) Has a tow package on it. So it tows the trailer with the show car in it. We have fit in it a whole picnic table (just an example) . But, for daily use we have other cars and a truck.

 

Oddly enough @Topbird we’re also going to Croatia next Tuesday for a combined big birthdays bash with friends. There are always some sort of festivals going on when we do these big holidays, especially in Italy so it will be interesting to see what Croatia has to offer.

 

@Topbird , not a fifth wheel. it has to be hooked to the truck, truck has a sway bar, changes etc. The truck we use for it is a Ford (something) it is only a 2 seater with a cab. The RV is large, can sleep 6 people, little kitchen, shower, toilet, washer and dryer, fridge, storage. The tow truck is also down in Mississippi on the same property as the RV. Couple months ago ants got into the battery part of the truck and somehow "fried" the battery and terminals, thank goodness for insurance, but a hassle.

I have had squirrels get into my cars up here, with nuts causing some smoking, but quickly fixed that. Later.

 

@steephill - whereabouts in Croatia will you be? It looks as though the weather there is a very pleasant low 20s at the moment.

@RowlandsCastle - I saw that you’d mentioned BG had done some damage during the boiler installation but I missed if you told us what they actually did. From Jenny’s post it sounds horrendous.
LB & I have history dealing with BG. They are a nightmare but we both got a result by persisting and keeping a full record of conversations with everyone we dealt with. Good luck - very upsetting when somebody just seems to disrespect your space and property.
I’ve got rather hot & bothered in the garden. Tea now - G&T soon.

 

Good evening all. It seems that next week will start invasion from UK. You are all most than welcome, and if you are by any chance somewhere near my place, let my know. @Topbird, next Thursday is normal day and everything will be open. During the tourist season all restaurants, bars and cafés are open all the time. Only shops don't work at Sunday and bank holidays.
It was lovely morning, but now is raining. I'll make my tea and spend rest of the evening watching tv.

 

Good evening,

It’s been a pleasantly warm day today, with sunny intervals. We popped out for lunch today after spending the morning tidying out the food cupboard, which was becoming very untidy. I found a few out of date items, but not too many. Anyway, it’s all sorted out now and I hope it remains that way.

Got out into the front garden and did some cutting back and general tidying. Several shrubs have really burgeoned after all this wet weather and sunshine, so needed a healthy trim. A

Enjoy your G&T later @Topbird.