WHAT,,,another Lottery winner in South Dakota!!!!!!......

I can't believe it,,,,,,,another lottery winner in SD. This one was only for a "mere" $200,000. and was in Rapid City. This gentleman only picked 5 of the 6 numbers and didn't get the Powerball number. This makes "5" $200,000 Powerball winners in SD this year! Guess we better start buying a ticket! Here is the newspaper article: Rapid City Journal

Most Rv'ers are quite power conscious and like to monitor the power coming into their RV at all times. We and several of our friends use the Progressive Power Management System. I love it and it tells me what the Voltage is and also tells me the Amps being used on each leg. I have two monitors with my Power Manager, one upstairs and another in the basement.. It's a super set up and if you don't have one, you really should. Ours is built right into the RV. I don't have to plug it in at the post. I prefer that....plus you don't have to be outside by the power post to know what your power is doing....but others have other ideas, and use the post mount.

Another handy gadget that I have had for quite a while is the "Kill-A-Watt". Many of you know what it is; if you don't, you might want to look into one. It will monitor your power at each outlet inside your Coach. Plus, it does a lot more!! I go more by the amps that something uses than I do by watts. The Kill-A-Watt will give you the Amps used by any appliance that is plugged into it, plus more. If you want to see how many Amps your little heater uses (or anything else) just plug it into the Kill-A-Watt. Neat gadget!! It's all part of our POWER MANAGEMENT. Check it out here: Super Media Store I have bought a lot of "Gadgets" from this outfit. They are trustworthy and give good service.

We have been having some kind of BEAUTIFUL weather here in the Black Hills of South Dakota the last few days.....lows of 48* and highs in the mid to upper 70's*, clear skies and a gentle breeze.......You can't beat that !!!

Sturgis Bike week will be in full force in just over 3 weeks AND my Harley Heritage Softail should be showing up in EXACTLY 3 weeks!!!! Hallelujah!!!! Lots of Bikers come a week early and many stay a week late, so it will soon be wall-to-wall Motorcycles.....all types, brands and sizes! We probably won't do a lot of riding until it clears out a little.

PressurePro Tip of the week.

PressurePro will soon be coming out with a MOTORCYCLE Tire Pressure Monitoring System. They are sending me one of the Beta systems to test. Stay tuned for the results and to see the final product. Rest assured, PressurePro WILL NOT put it out on the street until it has been "tested and re-tested".

DID YOU KNOW: If you purchased a PressurePro System within the last 2 years, your system will have the HIGH pressure Alert. That means if your tires get hot from some unknown reason, such as dragging brakes, bad wheel bearing, etc. the PP System will give you a "HIGH" pressure alert. Check your manual to see if you have this feature. They come with the high pressure alert set so it will alarm when the pressure gets up to 24% above the initial pressure set at installation. The manual instructs you how to change that setting to your own personal preference (10%, 15%, 19%, 24%, 28%, 33%, 40%, and 45%), or leave it at 24%... I leave mine at the factory setting of 24% and I've never had it alarm. However, we have had a few customers that have !!!!

It's a GREAT WEEK!!!!!!

Goodbye Jim and Ellie.............Travel Safe!!!

Mike

This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..

It was a COOL 4TH of July!!

Mt. Rushmore has their Famous Fireworks display on Friday July 3RD........it rained almost all day and was very foggy. We were sure it would be cancelled, but all day the TV and Radio kept saying they were waiting for a break and a decision had not been made. Thousands and thousands of people come from all over to see the Rushmore Fireworks display. The parking lots and most of the roads in the area are filled up by Noon!!! The display doesn't start until 9:20 in the evening. Lots of tour buses are scheduled to bring folks to the display. They have quite an elaborate program going on all day. Over 30,000 people are in and around the vicinity to view the Fireworks.


Most of us locals wouldn't think of going into that crowd. We just watch it on TV. Finally 9:20 came and believe it or not,,,the Fireworks began. We were watching on TV. However, there were so many clouds and so much low fog it was impossible to even see more than just a colored glow in the sky above the clouds.... Several of our friends that are staying at campgrounds around this area were at the display and advised us that it was unreal. They didn't see a thing!! Over $200,000.00 of Fireworks set off and NO ONE could see them!! This article from the newspaper will give you an idea why this decision was made.

Mt Rushmore Fireworks

I'm glad I wasn't the one that had to make the decision,,,,it would have been a tough one. However, there are sure a lot of people that thought they should have been postponed. But you know how that goes. If they had cancelled and postponed them just as many people would be complaining about that. I did find out that it is funded by Mt Rushmore privately and not public funds (so they say).

So many places, like Custer, have their Fireworks Display on the 4TH. We can sit out in our front yard and watch them, if we can stay awake. :-) They have quite an impressive display. The Booms shook the ground under our 5th wheel and Megabyte2 was very nervous. The sky would light up as if it was a war zone. I tried to comfort her as we both drifted off to sleep. I don't know how long they continued on into the night. Ms Pat could see them from the bedroom window on her side of the bed. The weather turned out fine for their display, even though it was only about 60 deg. The high for the day was only 69. It has been a cool and rainy summer so far. I love the cool weather and the rain is really good for everything. However, it sure puts a crimp in a lot of our plans.....but warmer weather is forecast for next week. I'm sure we will soon be wishing it was cooler, although it very seldom gets too hot here in Custer.

Last night we had a big 4TH of July Happy Hour and Cookout with a lot of old and new friends down at the Broken Arrow Campground. It was rather breezy and at times cool, but with long sleeves and a few jackets, everyone stayed warm. All the food was delicious and everyone had a great time. Thanks again to Larry and Geri Gustafson, owners, for hosting the event. There was a nice crowd.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

There were people from all different parts of the country. Several love this area so much, that they keep coming back year after year... Just like us!!!!:-) If this isn't Heaven, it's pretty close!!


This is Jim Meacham "slaving" over the fire. Jim loves to cook and he is good at it!


Here is Ms Pat proudly wearing her "colors"..... We are all PROUD to live in such a GREAT Country and are so thankful to those that fought so hard to make it the way it is!!!

GOD BLESS THEM ALL and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Travel Safe!!!

Mike

This Blog Published every Sunday and Wednesday..

It's JULY already!!!!! FIREWORKS!!!!

YES,,,,,can you believe it,,,,,,4TH of July, 2009 is almost here!!! Time sure flies,,,but this is going to be a LONG month.. It will be a MONTH from today before my HARLEY gets here all the way from Florida. Delivery time is August 1ST or 2ND.......I can hardly wait!!
Here is a picture Roger sent to me so I can drool over it while I wait....Yes, its gonna be a Long wait!!! Hurry up August!!

(click on all pictures to enlarge)

Here is our friend's NEW TETON,,,,,,Actually, this is Tom and Sally's 2001 Teton with a NEW FULL BODY PAINT JOB......... Isn't it BEAUTIFUL??

As I told you Sunday, we were looking forward to Tom and Sally Gierisch stopping by for a few days. They came from Phoenix, AZ. where they had their Teton painted...

Sunday afternoon they pulled in just in time for Happy Hour....... Their Teton was painted by Variety Paint and Body, 5134 N. 51ST Ave, Glendale, AZ. They did a spectacular job!!!! You have to see it!! I was impressed.

While they were here, their new awning fabric arrived and we decided to change out the fabric on all 7 of their window awnings. So we all joined in. Here are a few pictures of the progress..


First we took the awnings off and replaced the fabric on the ground.

Then we put them back on.

Now that looks mighty sharp. Much better than the old turquoise ones!!

We wish they could stay longer, but unfortunately they have to move on and will be leaving this morning. They are headed to North Dakota for one of their many Arts and Crafts festivals. They sell Potpourri. Take a look at their website: S&T Potpourri, Etc. Hurry back you guys,,,,its always great to see you....

It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by. We hope everyone has a SPECIAL happy July 4TH Holiday!

Travel safe and remember, tell your kids you love them, they may not be around forever...

PressurePro Tip of The Week.

NOTE: When installing Sensors on Aluminum valve stems:

PressurePro uses a Brass thread and Brass and Aluminum can chemically bond. The Sensors can "Weld" to the Stem locking them on. When installing the Sensors on Aluminum valve stems put Teflon tape on the valve stem before installation. PressurePro is not responsible for damage to Aluminum valve stems..

After installation of the Sensors on the valve stems, they should all be tested for leaks with a soapy water solution.

Mike

This Blog Published every Wednesday and Sunday...

We're back home!!!

That was a quick, long trip. 800 miles in 2 days....Whew!!!! I'm sorry we took off and left you all in suspense Wednesday morning. Here's what happened. I have been looking around the area for a 2-wheel Cargo Trailer. I always have something to haul and needed something to haul it with. Plus, we were also looking for a good Polaris 4x4 ATV....

Much to my surprise as I was doing my usual check of the "For Sale" ads, I ran across a guy that happened to have a nice cargo trailer and a Polaris 4x4. In talking to him on the phone, he sounded like a reputable person and the pictures of both units looked good. Only problem was, they were completely across the state near Sioux Falls. I wouldn't have driven that far to check on just one, but for both we decided to do it.

We took off shortly after 5am Wednesday morning. It was a nice day and the weather was perfect......by 2pm our time we pulled into Chuck Miller's place in Brandon, SD. We looked at both units and they were just what we wanted, so we did a little bargaining and made a deal!! We hooked up the trailer, loaded up the Polaris and headed back West... made it about 80 miles to Mitchell, SD, where we stopped at the R&R RV park. By then it was HOT & HUMID!!! Clouds started gathering and a storm was brewing. There came a "knock" at the door and we were advised a Tornado was spotted North of Town. We could come into the office bldg if we wanted but we were both so tired, we just crashed. The storm stayed North of town...that was good! You know some times you are just too tired to worry....ever been there?

After a nice evening of rest, we came on home Thursday. It was GREAT to be HOME.... even Megabyte2 was HAPPY to be back.

Anyhow, here is what we bought:

This is Chuck Miller and behind him is the 6x12 Cargo trailer.

(click on all pictures to enlarge)

Here we are parked at a Rest Area headed for home. The Cargo Trailer pulls Great!

This little pop-up Camper comes in handy,,,,,Pat is making some lunch..

We were so busy, we didn't get any pictures of the Polaris until we got it home. Here it is in the Shop right after we unloaded it....out of the trailer. It is a Sportsman 500.

Trailer is finished off inside including a Line-X finish on the floor and several tie downs.

Yesterday we took the Polaris out for a short spin across the road on some National Forest land. Here is a picture of Ms Pat taking her try at it. The Polaris runs out good and we are happy with both units....More toys!!! We are filling up that new Pole Garage! :-)

We have so much to be Thankful for !!!! Praise the Lord!!

Today we are looking forward to our Great Friends Tom and Sally Gierisch arriving and spending a few days with us.. They have just had their Teton 5Th wheel painted with a FULL BODY paint job! We are anxious to see it. I'll get a picture of it and show you how it looks Wednesday.

God Bless you all...

Happy Birthday Scooter!!!!

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!!!

Mike

This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday.

Taking a TRIP!!!

I don't have much time to Post, as this morning at 5:00 am we are heading East from Custer to Brandon, SD. That's nearly 400 miles East across the state, close to Sioux falls. We plan to be there hopefully by 4pm.....we lose an hour changing from Mountain time to Central.

I didn't want to take off and leave all my faithful readers wondering.. This is not an EMERGENCY in any way!!!!....Nothing is wrong. It's a trip to check out something that we have been looking for, for a while. I will leave it at that and you can guess....????...... NO, it's not a Motorhome!!!!:-)

We are driving our Chev Pickup with the camper on the back.........it will take a day over and a day back. We couldn't leave Mega2 here by herself, so she is riding along with us!! We'll see how that goes. LOL

I want to thank all my great Friends and Family that sent and called with the Birthday wishes...I had a GREAT birthday....went fishing!!!!!:-)

We have GONE CAMPING!!!

Please drop by Sunday and I'll tell you all about it....Maybe, I'll have something to show you....

It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!!

God Bless You All!!! Travel safe.

Mike

*PressurePro tip of the week:

Do I need to replace my rubber valve stems with metal valve stems?

PressurePro™ recommends the use of metal valve stems in conjunction with PressurePro™ Sensors. We do have a few customers that install the sensors on rubber stems temporarily until they can switch to metal. If the rubber valve stems are relatively new, in good condition and not too long, you can probably get by with them for a while but you should inspect them on a regular basis. We do recommend, however, that you change the rubber stems to metal as soon as you can to avoid possible problems.

This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday.

Cowboy COOK OUT!!!! UmmUmm, GOOD..

(click on all pictures to enlarge)

Friday evening we had a great Cowboy Cookout Supper at the Broken Arrow Campground.

Our great friends and owner operators of The Broken Arrow invited a local Cowboy cookout specialist into their Campground for all the folks staying with them. They are nearly full, but give them a call and they will get you in if they can.

This young local Cowboy "Clayton" will bring all his fixings to the campground and puts on an ALL you can eat Steak Supper. He brings all his own stuff right down to the fire and all the plates and utensils. He does this at many of the local campgrounds in the area....It is SUPERB!!!

As Clayton begins cooking the meal, folks start gathering.

The Fire is HOT and the Steaks are lookin good!!

Potatos are cooking...

Cowboy Baked Beans are steaming...

More and more Campers are congregating and watching Clayton and his wife slave over the fire...Over 60 people showed up for this Cowboy Supper.

Ms Pat managed to get a shot of me telling some of my "secrets" to Jim (another Jim) who is staying in the campground.

Our good friends Jim and Ellie Meacham were there to enjoy the great Cowboy Supper with us. We had been hiking earlier that morning with Ellie in Custer State Park.....Ellie is showing us how Geocaching works......We found two this morning!!!!

Everyone got all the steak and fixings they could eat and for those that so indulge, Clayton had also prepared a Peach Cobbler. Ms Pat and I don't do desserts....but it looked and smelled pretty good!

Great Friends, Great Food, Great Weather,,,,,We have so much to be thankful for!!

Yes,, it was a GREAT WEEK !!!!!!!

Only thing missing was YOU!!!

Thanks for stopping by, hope you all are enjoying life. Be safe!!! AND HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all you Fathers out there.

Mike

This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..

Suzuki FOR SALE,,,,

(click on picture to see more)

Suzuki Marauder

My 1998 Suzuki Marauder 800 Motorcycle is still for sale. I haven't really been trying to sell it, but now I'm motivated... I see a HARLEY in my future.....A Heritage Soft Tail Police Officers Special Edition. It is a BEAUTY and like NEW!!! Owned by my best friend and buddy Roger Haddix. Roger told me he had it sold and I almost cried..... He called the other day and said "the guy backed out for some financial reason"..... I jumped with JOY!!! Praise the LORD! I procrastinated on it first time around and I won't do it again. I don't know how I will pick it up as it's in Florida, or if it will fit on my Truck without modifying my Rampage. But where there is a will, there is a way,,,right? RIGHT!!! We'll MAKE it work!!!

So, if somebody wants a nice LIKE NEW (only 3500 miles) Suzuki Marauder, I'll make you a deal....It is a "jewel",,,,,,I just put a new battery and new front Dunlap tire on it.....It runs Strong, Loud and FAST!!! I have had several people ask me what kind of a Harley it is.

Give me a call or email,,,,,,,I've got to sell it, sure can't use 2 bikes...Ms Pat says she is NOT interested in having her own bike, so it's GOTTA GO. $2500.00, or make me an offer.

Wanna see a picture of the Harley,,,,,,OK..... hang on a minute I'll get one

Here it is,,,,,,,Click on the picture to enlarge it and take a close look......It's a BEAUTY!!!! I sure wish it was up here in the Hills right now! I can't wait to get back in the Harley corner. I have been sorry ever since I sold my Wide Glide and my Hugger when we went full timing. I have had dozens of Bikes and I enjoyed the Harleys most. A Harley will "spark" a whole new interest in my life and in Motorcycling......Can you tell I'm excited?

Well, friends that's about it for this Wednesday. If we aren't traveling, building something, remodeling something or repairing something, it limits what I have to talk about. The STORMS are starting to move in here in the Black Hills, so I hope I don't have something exciting to tell you about them!! We had a "smidgen" of HAIL the other day and my heart quickly jumped up into my throat!!!

Our GREAT friends Jim and Ellie Meacham went by our place yesterday in their beautiful Phaeton,,,and tooted there air horn. They were headed south to the Broken Arrow Campground. Yesterday they stopped by for a visit and brought us some of Jim's homemade "Salsa". It was great to see them. We already have a BIG cookout scheduled for Friday and we're planning a few "Geocaching" trips in this area.

PressurePro Tip of the week...... What causes erratic pressure readings ; i.e., pressure reads higher than the actual tire pressure, then bleeds down to a pressure lower than the actual tire pressure?

This can be caused by a "weak or worn" dill valve. When the dill valve is depressed by the Sensor, a small amount of air could release into the area between the Sensor insert and the dill valve while not depressing the dill valve far enough to keep the air passage from the tire open continuously.If the dill valve closes off air from inside the tire, then the air caught in the above-described area can be compressed to high pressures (i.e., 150 PSI). It would then stabilize at a pressure lower than the actual tire pressure (i.e., 20 PSI). If the dill valve has closed off air from the tire, then the Sensor cannot read the air pressure inside the tire. A possible solution is to replace the dill valve. Tires and valve stems should be carefully inspected prior to installation of the PP system to ensure that they are in good condition. Defective valve stems and Dill valves must be replaced.

It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!!

God Bless you all!!

Remember to tell your kids you love them,,,they may not be around forever....

Mike

This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..