Mean Bean

Took a trip to Conway just to get out of the house. Of course we have to hit the award-winning Mean Bean cafe. The pic is Mandarin Orange Carrot Cake. Damn good eats!

Washer/Dryer Installed

It's been on my agenda for some time to get the Splendide installed.  Tried once last year, but son-in-law had other plans.  With it being as heavy as it is, I decided to wait until he could help.  Well, since that time, my youngest son turned 15 and has gotten enough ass under him to help me lift it.  Unfortunately, he fell through this weekend as well, so I said to myself, "Hey, I moved it before.  I'll move it again."  Self and I got along just fine today.  It's a done deal.  Splendide is now in her cubby hole.  So, to the story.

This is the story behind the purchase:  A Splendide Snow Day

First thing that had to be done was to drill a huge 4 1/2 inch hold through the wall.  Had many "ah shit" moments.  Could you drill that big of a hole into yours?  So, here's how.  Purchased this drill saw with a 4 1/8 diameter.  It was a bit small (should have gotten a 4 1/2"), but ground out the hole some to get the vent installed.  Here's the tool that I installed on my 18V cordless drill.

Here's how I managed the nerve to drill it.  First, go inside the washer/dryer closet and tap on the wall facing outside.  It was easy to "feel" the metal studs.  Studs don't give; empty gives.  There was a possibility that the exterior light might be in the way, so I measured from the bedroom window and found an ideal spot.   So, now to attach the saw/bit and make the inside cut.  Done.  That was easy.  I moved insulation out of the way and installed a really small bit onto the cordless and drilled a hole dead center from inside out through the exterior wall.  Next, on the outside, I simply put the center drill on the tiny hole and commenced to drilling.  Yes, yes, yes, it freaked me out some.  But after the hole was done, I sat back and admired my perfectly round hole through Voyager.  Sorry, no picture of it as I did this part a few days ago and wasn't going to blog it.  Anyway, I applied a heavy dose of window/door caulk and screwed the vent into the exterior of Voyager.  See the vent just below the exterior light in the pic below.

Like I said, I finished that a few days ago.  Today was lift and grunt day so I did and managed to finish up.  Here are the pictures of the hook-ups (drain, vent hose, and hot/cold lines) and the finished product in the closet.

Retirement Peace

I've always enjoyed programming and databases, particularly MS Access.  I've created many functional databases both for the DoD and for personal use.  They are versatile and allow one to store all functions of work or home use in one place, provided one has knowledge of Access.  This particular database is adapted from our home budget database and incorporates most aspects of RVing.  It's not the best aesthetically, but works well.  Anyone who has Microsoft Office 2007 or later can run this database.  I've made a sanitized version for those who ask.  Here are some screenshots that demonstrate some of its capabilities.

Snow Day #2 - Snow With a Vengance

The pics should say it all.  I just had to take Herk out for a drive.