The Bull is Back & Clockwork - Day 400 (Yr 2, Day 33)

Raleigh, NC

After a month and a half, the Bull was finally ready.  Mitch did pick it up on Thursday, having taken a half day off work.  He spent the rest of the day Thursday and all day Friday reorganizing it.  He now has a different set of tools for his gas line job.  Previously, the truck was being used for his IT work and all the storage compartments have those tools, so he had to rearrange the storage areas in the truck and the basement of the CoW (recall that we left Marion mid-May and came to Raleigh, where he was able to start training for this new job.  He only just got a full set of working tools, plus a large gas tank, after he certified at which point, the truck was already in the shop and we had the rental car.  So there never was a chance since he started to change over his tools).

Thursday night we went out to dinner with the kids.  It'll be a long time until we spend time with them again.  It was great having 2-1/2 months in the area; 15 days living with them! (we're hoping to visit for Thanksgiving.  Even if we're not in the area, we'll fly or drive in and stay in a hotel if necessary).  The place we went to was in the artsy part of downtown Raleigh - a place called Clockwork.  They had delicious food and lots of vegetarian choices.  Here are some photos of the dining area and bar (ok, I cheated by taking these off the website, as the photos I took didn't come out very well.  It DID look exactly like this though).

The bar

Dining area

Update: finally loaded some photos:

On Friday night, we had some lovely folks from shul join us for Shabbat dinner (Ann and Fred).  They are both from the South - she from South Carolina and he from Kentucky.  It was quite eye opening to learn how her family had to hide their Judaism when she was growing up due to the extreme racism (KKK territory) and there were absolutely NO Jews where Fred grew up.  Even more disgraceful is how attitudes there haven't changed at all.  I guess we've been pretty lucky in our travels so far not having been exposed to that, but from what I understand, racism is far more common down here and the further south you go.


Friday was a bit stressful because we had to go shopping; Mitch had his stuff all over the place (a necessary evil because he was reorganizing his stuff, but you know how I am about even a paperclip being out of place...) plus I had to do a thorough cleaning (vacuuming, scrubbing), cooking, and naturally - critical needs detector - all 3 of my clients gave me work they wanted done that day because they knew I wouldn't be available on Monday (travel day).  Ok, "a bit stressful" was quite an understatement - I had a major anxiety attack because I was afraid of running out of time.  Fortunately, things worked out ok, mostly because I re-evaluated what my clients wanted and needed and determined that except for 1 thing, there was nothing that really couldn't wait until Tuesday.  I reminded them that I charge a rush fee and confirmed that indeed, the stuff could hold off a few more days.  Mitch was also very good at staying on track and getting his stuff done and out of the rig.   I was just finishing up the cooking when Ann and Fred arrived, so it all worked out well.

Saturday, as always, was very laid back.  The rabbi and his family are out of town, but one of the men in the congregation has a key, so 5 men showed up to pray together.  I stayed home and prayed outside.

Tomorrow I have some client work to do in the morning and then we want to be as nearly packed up as possible, with only disconnecting the electric, water & sewer and hitching up left to do in the morning.  It's a 250 mile drive to Asheville and I expect it will take us about 7 hours (including a few stops).  Some areas are very mountainous so we'll be restricted in our speed as well.

So.... see you on the other side!!!

Things falling into place - Day 397 (Yr 2, Day 30)

Raleigh, NC

The truck is finally ready and will be picked up either today or Thursday, when we can easily return the rental car at the same time.  Mitch will take off work on Friday so he can organize all his tools and mess left in the truck as well as hitch up to bleed the air out of the hydraulic system (hopefully that's the problem).  Sunday will be going thru the checklist and doing all the outside stuff so we can hit the road on Monday, Aug. 3rd.

We have an appointment at Tom Johnson's in Marion to finish the work they weren't able to complete a few months ago (because we absolutely had to have our home back and couldn't wait any longer for the parts to arrive.  We agreed to hold off until we were back in the area).  Marion is about 35 miles from Asheville where Mitch's assignment is.  The appt is on Aug. 17th, but the campground we want to stay at isn't available until Aug. 20th, so we're not sure yet if we'll stay at TJ and Mitch will commute every day (he does get paid the mileage and time), or if we'll find somewhere else in Asheville for 2 weeks and then move.  We'll make that decision tomorrow morning.

Oh, and I was wrong about the shul.  There are TWO Chabads in Asheville. I was thinking of Marion which is much more isolated.  There are a lot of things to do in the area, a good transit system and is surrounded by the French Broad River and mountains.  I think I will very much enjoy being in the area.  Definitely hope to visit the Biltmore and go rafting.

Bubble plans again - Still Day 396 (Yr 2, Day 29)

Raleigh, NC

Update:  now the assignment is not in Concord or Charlotte.  Going back to the original assignment of Asheville (where there are NO shuls around).  Sigh.

Mitch also corrected me about the IT position.  He has not decided not to pursue it; he is only waiting to hear back from the manager there and negotiate terms.  He's convinced they will not meet his terms, but he will try to find out first.

Sad Sunday, Empty Again - Day 396 (Yr 2, Day 29)

Raleigh, NC

The campground got very crowded over the weekend; there was a huge Jehovah's Witnesses convention at the PNC Arena and many folks came in their RVs for the event (weekend type trailers).  But this morning, I watched one after the other leave, so we're back to ghost town status again (yay!).

Sunday was sad because it is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar.  Known as Tisha B'av, it is a day of mourning for the loss of our Temple in Jerusalem and God's presence which rested there.  The two Temples were destroyed on this same day and our ancestors were exiled (first by the Babylonians and then by the Romans).  A number of other national tragedies also occurred on this day.  It is commemorated by fasting and attending some type of service.  Our shul showed a video called "A Whole Broken Heart."  Anyway, the day does end on a note of hope.

Mitch has decided not to pursue the IT position at this time.  From past experience, he knows how very unreliable and unpredictable it can be.  He's also certain that although it's a nationwide rollout, they would prefer to have local people do the work in each region rather than pay for a tech to travel around the country, especially since he would demand to be paid mileage.  Although IT has always been his career and passion, the philosophy now is "a bird in the hand."  He does not enjoy being  gas pipeline inspector, but he's making good, steady money which is vital right now.

He is also going to be seeing if there's any way, when we move next week (God willing!) that it can be to Charlotte instead of Concord.  He has to report to the main office to pick up his maps and instructions in Gastonia at least once a week.  Concord is about 25 miles east of Charlotte and Gastonia is about 25 miles west, so Charlotte would be right in the middle.  I think I would be very happy in Charlotte because there are 2 shuls we can travel to easily and there's a lot more to do in the area besides racing.  There's also a great transit system so I can get around during the day.

Light at the end of the tunnel - Day 393 (Yr 2, Day 26)

Raleigh, NC

Yesterday, we learned that the running board shipped on Wednesday and is expected to arrive at the repair shop on Monday.  Looking at the tracking report this morning, it appears that it might be delivered today!  That means the truck could be ready to pick up either Monday or Tuesday.

There will still be much work to do before we can hit the road - the major stuff being Mitch cleaning out all his tools and stuff from the car, and reloading and organizing the truck (which, I recall, was left in a mess as well).  That job will take a day.  Then, since we haven't moved in over a month, we'll need at least 1/2 day or more to prep the RV for travel, including checking & inflating all the tires and airbags.  We don't do this work on Saturday, so we generally like to pack up on a Sunday and travel on Monday.  So the plan is that Mitch will take next Friday off for the car, and we'll hit the road towards Concord on Monday, Aug. 3rd.


Highlights of the week have been spending a little time with Charrita and Rusty on Wed. night before they pulled out (this morning), and having dinner with the kids (Chinese take out) at their house while we played a few games on their Playstation.

More updates- Day 388 (Yr 2, Day 21)

Raleigh, NC

Mitch passed the last part of his gas line inspection exam, so he is now certified to work in the Carolinas.  Apparently, if there are any other locations he wants to work in, he needs to take the tests again.  No word yet on the IT job, but that's something he wants to negotiate for.  (On Thursday, he returned to the hotel at 5:30.  I was sitting in the cafe area in the lobby all that time, working.  Neither of us had food since 6:30 that morning, so we went out for a quick bite before hitting the road and returning back to Raleigh at 11 pm).

Regarding the truck - this proved yet again that plans are made in jello.  We've been waiting for the running board to be delivered.  It was supposed to have arrived on Wed. 7/15, so that the truck would be ready to pick up tomorrow (Mon. 7/20) and we would leave on the 22nd for Concord.  Turns out that the part won't even be shipped until the end of next week (maybe).  And if it's sent by freight, it could take another 2-3 weeks to arrive here.  Frustrating to say the least, but again, we could be stuck in worse places.

On Friday night, Lara, Paul and the 2 boys joined us for a very lovely Shabbat dinner.

I had also forgot to mention that last week, Donna, Hugh, Lily and Foxy (Jessica's in-laws, niece and their pug) came to Raleigh.  Lily was attending a class at NC State, and as it turned out, Griffin had a training class up in Boston.  Jess joined him up there, so the Grants were house and dog sitting while they were gone.  We all went out for dinner and to play trivia on Monday night (our 2 teams were the Hatfields and McCoys and we tied for 3rd place).  On Tuesday morning, after dropping Lily off at the college campus, Donna and Hugh joined me for a nice breakfast of bagels & lox (first time for Hugh!).  On Saturday night after Shabbat, we met up with them for dinner and then went back to the house and waited for Jess & Griffin to return (they came in at 11:30).

Rig-wise, we noticed that the level was very, very low.  It appears that the hydraulic system lowered on the gears.  It could be a bad seal, or a leak in the system, or (most likely), air got into the system which would also cause these symptoms.  Air can get in if the slides aren't opened and closed in a specific order.  I think since a lot of work was done on the bedroom slide and they probably had to open and close just that one to test it, that could be the cause.  In order to remove the air, we need to close the slides in proper order and raise the jacks.  Can't raise the jacks unless we're attached to the truck (so that the hitch will take the weight) and since we don't have the truck.....

Our friends, Rusty and Charrita returned here as well.  We didn't have a chance to see them yet as either we were away or they were.  Hopefully tomorrow we can catch up.  Perhaps they may even let us borrow their truck to hitch up for purposes of raising the jacks.

Since we won't be leaving this week, no real plans yet for the week yet.

A few updates - Day 384 (Yr 2, Day 17)

Columbia, SC

Yes, we are back here again so Mitch can retake one of the gas line inspector tests.  It was a 4 1/2 hr drive.  The test is in the morning, so we'll head back to Raleigh afterwards (last time we went straight to NJ/NY).  Of course, it never rains, it pours... he got a call today from one of the IT contracting companies he works for.  There is a huge, nationwide rollout (major chain upgrading their wifi system) about to start and knowing about his travel lifestyle, they thought it would be a good match.  It will also pay a lot more than he's making now on the gas inspection, is something he enjoys doing, and doesn't require as much walking!  He's pretty much a shoe in for this position, but he's still waiting for a little more info before making any decisions (of course, if he doesn't pass the test this time, it'll be a no-brainer).

Remember he also had a little scare a few weeks ago regarding possible swelling of his optic nerve (and the visit to the ER).  He had the follow up appointment today with the optho neurologist who explained that the optic nerve has a range of widths (just like people have a range of heights).  His was on the wide side, but within the normal range, but she could understand how an optometrist might be concerned that it was swollen (not knowing what the range was).  So, thank God, all is well on that end.

I had my annual labs drawn for iron deficiency.  I'll know tomorrow whether I need another transfusion asap or whether I'm still good for a while (I suspect the latter).

On the downside of things, we noticed that the rig is about 1.5 to 2 feet lower than it should be and it has NOT sunk into the ground due to the rain and being on grass.  We suspect there might be a leak of the hydraulic fluid that runs the landing gear and stabilizers (what I call "jacks").  We'll check the fluid level when we return tomorrow and then need to learn what causes it to leak and how to remedy it.

Oh, and the Kehles (Lara, Paul, Cody & Mason) will finally be joining us for Shabbat this week (they're the lovely family who's seder we went to the first night and who had us for Shabbat dinner at their house when we came to Raleigh without the rig).

Durham Bulls - Day 382 (Yr 2, Day 15)

Raleigh, NC

I know I haven't written for a few days because nothing eventful has really happened.  It's mostly been a regular "day in the life" of work, although my workload was fairly light so I spent the extra time taking a few more walks around the campground or just hanging out and relaxing (reading, playing games on tablet, trying to find ways to expand the business, watching tv).

Saturday night, however (as the title suggests), I did something a bit more fun.  Jessica's company has an annual summer event where they rent a picnic area behind third base at the Durham Bulls stadium.  Griffin wasn't able to make it, so I was invited as her date (she could only get 1 extra ticket, so Mitch stayed at her house and puppy sat).  The Bulls are a huge item here in Raleigh; a minor league baseball team.

The stadium itself is in the middle of a very nice corporate complex (American Tobacco campus).  A few pics outside the stadium:

A glimpse of part of the plaza

 There was a Mellow Mushroom on the plaza as well.  I love this WATER fountain outside:

Outside of the stadium

One of many stones in the pavement

Cool (bull) bike rack!

Chillin'

The location was awesome.  Rather than seats, there were a number of round picnic tables with umbrellas.  Although it was quite hot, at least we were protected from the sun.  Note that you could literally touch the field, and we were right on top of the opposing team's (the Braves) dugout.  At one point, I offered the guys some food, but they declined.

Lots of foul balls come in this direction.  Jessica even caught one (which she subsequently gave to one of her colleague's kids).

Jess and her colleague doing the "YMCA" dance between innings.  I have it on video put promised not to post it

For the most part, we all had a good time schmoozing (and some business networking for me), that very few people (myself included) actually watched the game, although I did catch the 6th inning which was very active.  Bulls won 9-2.

The evening ended with a fireworks display.  Nothing like 4th of July, but since I haven't been to a live display for many years, this kind of satisfied the urge a little.

On Sunday, we found a very nice, totally vegetarian Indian restaurant with a buffet (which, of course, is wasted on me).  But it was delicious anyway.  Afterwards, we did a little shopping.  I'm giving up my search for drop lighting and bought a runner instead.  Slowly but surely we're adding a lot of nice personal touches to our home.

New friends - Day 377 (Yr 2, Day 10)

Raleigh, NC

The days continue to be very uneventful, with me and Mitch both working (although my work has slowed down a little).  Campground continues to remain mostly empty, although there's another big horse show coming up this weekend, so we'll see.

It turned out that on Friday we did not do anything special other than visit a lighting store in search for that perfect replacement to the spotlights (store was closed) and go to the supermarket.  Lara and family did not join us for Shabbat either, as they were too busy, although Jessica and Ellie did join us, so it worked out very nicely.  A very pleasant evening indeed.


Meanwhile, another DRV couple pulled in last week (they've been mostly out so we didn't get to meet them until Friday -- Jessica met them as well).  Rusty and Charrita are from this area (Cary) but have lived and traveled to almost every state in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as around the world.  They've been RV'ing for 5 years and are now in the process of closing down their house and going full time.  In fact, yesterday they had the final closing (they are going to be renting out their house rather than selling it), and invited us over to celebrate.  They are a very nice couple and a lot of fun to be with. 

They are leaving today for about 2 weeks, but will return probably the day before we leave.

So far, the plans (in jello or bubbles??) is that Mitch has another test next week (returning to Columbia, SC for the day).  He will be laid off it he doesn't pass (he's very confident that he will this time).  If he does pass, he learned that rather than Asheville being the next assignment, it will be Concord, NC which is about 1/2 hr from Charlotte.  The biggest attractions are the Concord Mall and the Charlotte Speedway (big NASCAR area).  Not really my cup of tea, but we have to go wherever they tell us.  Meanwhile, we can't go anywhere until we get the truck back, which we're told will be on Monday, July 20th.  We would then plan to pack up on the 21st and pull out on the 22nd.  We shall see about that as well.

Update from yesterday - Day 372 (Yr 2, Day 5)

Raleigh, NC

Interestingly, about 90% of the RVs that came in yesterday had already left by the time I got out of bed this morning (7:30) an more continue to empty out.  Looks like the campground may be relatively or mostly empty for the 4th of July weekend.

I couldn't hear any music, but Mitch said he heard the bass.  I must have been in a deep sleep!

I did not go to the class after all.  First, Mitch didn't want to go and I have difficulty driving at night.  Secondly, traffic around this entire area was horrendous and I wasn't in the mood to deal with it.  So we sat outside for a little while, and I went across the way to meet a charming family (grandparents with their teenage granddaughters).

Mitch has been going to bed by 8:30 (since he has to get up at 5:30), so I'm still trying to adjust to being alone all day and night.  Tomorrow he is off due to the holiday, so we better do something special together!  (My thoughts are paddle boating at the lake, the museum of art, or visiting the downtown area).  We also invited Lara & family for Shabbat dinner; I am waiting for her rsvp.

Stones concert - Day 371 (Yr 2, Day 4)

Raleigh, NC 

There really hasn't been much going on lately and the campground has been relatively empty.  Except for today; things are really hopping and the air is filled with electricity.  The Rolling Stones are on tour at the arena which is around the corner from here.  I've met quite a few folks who came here (one family from Indiana) just for the concert and the campground is filling up quickly.  Unfortunately, tickets are $250 and up, so it's out of the question for us.  Some people really take this very seriously.  One family had this 15' inflatable up (also had Stones music playing loudly).  The sign reads "Keith Richards has outlived Elvis, Michael J, and Whitney H.  Betcha didn't see that coming.  Zip Code 2015" 

I am planning to go to a special lecture at the shul tonight.  I hope I can get out of the campground with all the traffic.  Concert starts at 8:00 and the adjacent parking lot is already almost filled up!