the Trash vitae

Trash is the editor-in-chief of an independent Colorado micro-publisher/ design studio. I dabble in digital photography, the lost art of film image making, and guerilla digital video. DrMAC Studios specializes in books and videos on self-reliance, gardening, dumpster diving, urban foraging and living off the excesses of others.
This blog documents my daily experiences with the rest of the world

Monday, February 26, 2018

MidWInter uppdate

It has been over 6 months now that we are living in Clara. We have made it thru high winds, snow, ice and cold weather with nary an issue. Early on in winter we had several freezes in the pipes because of the cold. I installed a $12 space heater with thermostat in the bay and now anytime it gets to below 50 degrees the heater kicks on and keeps the pipes warm. This idea was one we got from a blog post we found somewhere.  Works well.

The other issue keeping us in the park was that on New Years DAy evening Mrs T was having issues breathing while she fought the dreaded cold flu and Pneumonia. 3 days later she was released from the hospital with a diagnosis of exasurbated COPD.  NOw we have an oxygen concentrator in the RV and portable tanks inhalors for when she goes outside. This doesnt occur very often as the cold air   does not agree with her very well. 

But alas the fireplace and a couple of space heaters along with blankets on the windows help keep the RV toasty. Mrs T is frustrated but content and is enjoying the video games videos and sewing in oher home.  We even rigged the shower for her so she does not have to go to the community showers. Anything for Mrs T.

Ideas are being kicked around for some spring and summer travel. The son has gotten a job and the daughter in law is on a career path at the nursing home. They too are adjusting.

After many years of residential living in a large space I am enjoying the RV life.  Maintenance issues are small and relatively inexpensive when they do occur.

I know its been a while but fall and winter are a busy time for me at work so not much free time to enjoy the writing of this blog. The heart surgery seems to be holding even as my cheating has increased. I again smoke my pipe away from the home and eat foods I prob shouldnt but as I have always said  "Everything in moderation".

Hope all is well with whoever reads this and still subscribes.
Namaste,
Trash

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Fall is in the air

While the low so far has been in the upper 20s over the last several weeks the daytime highs have been in the 70s.  Great sleeping weather with the windows open. It has now been 6 weeks living in the rv and we now have hot water and the propane stove now works. It took 4 weeks to get an appointment with the rv repair guy to come out and check the lines. While I feel confident dealing with plumbing and electrical I do not feel easy working with gas.

The furnace will require him to come back out as there appears to be a mud daubers (sic) nest somewhere in the exhaust flu that he will need to disassemble and clean out.  Other than that wife is all happy. With 2 generator and a heater buddy along with the heated freshwater hose we should be good.  I still want to get a length ov PVC to put over the sewer line to prevent cracking and avoid poopsicles.

Other than those few items life is good. I enjoy sitting outside in the evenings talking to the fellow nomads. You would be surprised as to how many people younger and old are full timing. Though many of the snow birds are heading south shortly, there are quite a few neighbors who will be joining us for the winter ahead. A sort of nomad community. I am always willing to learn from the neighbors about improving things to make life easier as a nomad.

One of the things we have learned thus far is park wifi sucks. This on top of the fact that the latest bug makes wifi connections insecure. Thus I am glad I upgraded my mobile to unlimited data. The the wife and I can share the data on my iPhone so that we can stream Netflix and other TV on her iPad. Happy wife happy life.

Living up in the hills has been a positive experience thus far. The little store across the street has all the essentials as done the Diamond Shamrock down the road. So we are not forced to travel much to the KingSoopers several miles across town. I am hoping to soon be able to devote more time to my photography and painting but right now the mechanics and assisting the boy with his new motorbike is taking free time. Plus I getting relaxed in this peaceful environment.  

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

1ST snow

While it has been teasing us with rain and chilly temps the last few days yesterday was the kicker. As I left my lab at about 415 I went outside to a cloudy afternoon. AS I headed to Golden the rain began to come down more and more. AS I exited the commute and walked the path to the homestead the rain drops started turning to flakes that melted upon landing.

They got faster and faster as I got closer to the homestead.  I went inside and within minutes the snow turned back to drizzle and then it stopped.

This morning it was still chilly and overcast but now the sun is shining.

Monday, October 2, 2017

One month down and all is well




It is now one month plus a few days since we joined the nomads of America in our RV.  Within the last few weeks we have been working out the quirks of our new home, organizing the essentials and getting used to the limited space.

We have encountered a plumbing issue which was an easy fix,  appropriate electric usage so as not to trip a breaker and began using the electric fireplace which heats the trailer up nicely. While it has been a learning experience it is getting easier and easier every day. Not only that but it even more enjoyable way of life.

We have also begun stocking up on essentials for the winter months ahead. We bought a Camco freshwater hose ($150) that when plugged in will not freeze the water down to -20.  We also bought a bunch of canned goods to keep in reserve. The truck and the propane will be looked at in 2 weeks.

I also have been able to enjoy the new Photos App in iOS11.  AS you can see in the above pictures taken  last week. The joy of gettin back to old school Black and White is wonderful.  Smlifying the contrast adjustment.

Month 2 begins.


Monday, September 18, 2017

signs of fall

A dozen butterflies hanging out in the bushes near the lunch table. All look quite alike.  But each one a different animal. I watched them for about 40 minutes while I enjoyed some chicken and potatoes from Saturday afternoons trip to the pharmacy and the storage unit. The way they flew around without a care was awe inspiring. Every time I got close enough to photograph they would fly
away. SO the memory lingers in my head only.

Issues at home took their toll on me and the Mrs. We spent Sunday crashed out on our easy chairs relaxing after a busy Saturday at storage grabbing a few items for the new home.  All that is left are getting the cars from the rental and bringing them closer to the camp site.

I was going to do it on my own but rather I am paying a tow company to pick them up and bring them to me. Much easier on my sanity.  

Another issue that I am facing is how to train someone else child, now a woman, to behave like an adult and take responsibility. Play time ends for the most part when you are over 18. Or so that is what I taught my kids. Roof, food and utilities are the top priorities that I stress. Everything else is a luxury.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

A little Lunt goes a long way

Since moving into the new residence I take 1/2 mile walks during the morning and afternoon as part of my commute to the city.  During these walks I notice nature and its complexities. Since I have the iPhone 6s its me I have begun documenting the sites with images on the camera.
Every now and again I will share these photos here for posterity.


Mrs T has begun referring to our new abode as the hobbit hole, a reference to Tolkien. SO I guess with my walking stick I should be referred to as Gandalf. Alas. A happy wife a happy life

Monday, September 11, 2017