Learning to dance in the rain...

If you've been on Facebook for more than a day, you have probably seen variations of this meme...

Lovely sentiment.  There are three things on the to-do list today - the one that will take the most effort is: scrubbing the house.  With our vinyl-clad siding, a couple times a year you have to wash it down; between the humidity and the wind, it will start looking like it is mildewed if you don't.  Especially the white trim.

I checked the hourly weather forecast.  Yeah, I always do, even on days when I'm not going to be scrubbing down the house.  The weasels were calling for 0% chance of precip, mostly cloudy, 94% humidity, 82º ("feels like" 94º) and almost no breeze (less than 3 mph, light and variable).  It wouldn't be a good day to go sailing, but (other than the humidity) it is a good day for house scrubbing.

Working together, there is a system for house scrubbing: one person does most of the scrubbing (with soapy water) with a long-handle brush, the other one gets the details with a short-handle brush, and sprays the soapy water off with the hose.  If you do "the dance" correctly, nobody gets sprayed by the hose.

That's the premise.

Mother Nature had other plans: about 20 minutes into the scrubbing and hosing, it started to sprinkle.  We are both wet enough from the over-spray that it doesn't matter much.  As we moved to the other side of the house, the rain started to come down more.  I wouldn't call it "pounding," but the street was wet and it wasn't from us.  We kept scrubbing.  And hosing.  Hey, today is house-scrubbing day.

Joan got some water ricochet' in the face.  I got a solid spray on one foot.  None of it was intentional.  We kept working.  In the rain.  No doubt the neighbors think we are odd.  OK, probably has nothing to do with house washing in the rain.  But, we got the job done.  And, we are still talking to each other and laughing.  Some couples would be in an all-out water fight in these conditions.

As we were putting the hose away, the rain stopped.  Even a little sun trying to peek through the clouds.  So now, it's really humid!

We are getting our heads into getting on down the road.  More tasks ahead.

Expanding horizons...

I told Joan I'd like to take her out for breakfast today.  This may be our last slack day before we head out... maybe even a movie for the afternoon.  After this, we will be sorting, packing, and gearing up for heading out.

I often forget about Pier 19 for breakfast - the restaurant is built on a pier.  Every table has a good view of the water.  I liked my view...

Looking south...

I have my favorite meals at the different restaurants in the area, and varied here today: going for their big breakfast tortilla "con toto" (with everything).  Although I did request: no beans, no onions, no peppers or jalapenos.  Joan got French toast, so we can do some "trading"... when the meal came, our waiter noticed, "I think they put beans on this.  I am so sorry.  Let me have them remake it right away."

I opened up the tortillas - yep, beans.  "That's OK.  I like beans, just not for breakfast.  Let's live on the edge this morning - this is fine."

"Are you sure?  They didn't put jalepenos on there, did they?" he asked.

I looked again, "What are these green things?"

"That is zucchini!  Oh no, you don't like zucchini?"

"I'm sure it will be fine," I said.

"Yeah, it is healthy," Gio said.

He is a trim young man.  I said, "You don't get a body like this (mine) without maintaining it.  I try to avoid that healthy crap, but this all looks fine."

And it was.  Mighty fine.  When Gio came back to see if we needed anything, I asked, "Can I get some extra zucchini and beans?"  A look of horror before he laughed.  I appreciate a sense of humor.

We stopped at the county park office to get a new sticker for the entrance fee - new car, new windshield.  We had the remnants of our old one, so all we had to pay for was the little sticker with the transponder in it.  It makes it easy to get into the park - you don't have to wait in line for an actual person to open the gate.

Out on the beach, it is a decent day here in the Tropical Tip.  Mostly cloudy, but not windy, and the rains the weasels were predicting for today seem to have fallen out of the forecast.  Not many people on the beach...

That is going to change with a holiday weekend next week - the beach will be packed.  I'm thinking it will be good to get down the road before that.

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The movie was good - Mother's Day.  I expected it to be a lame romantic comedy, but they managed to weave a bunch of different situations, each with different characters, together.  I guessed two of the major "plot surprises," so it wasn't unpredictable.  But, it was a nice diversion, and we had the entire theater to ourselves...

No, our local 4-plex isn't as uptown as the movie theater we like to go to in Phoenix.  Sure is nice to have it here, though.

Glass so clean, it seems to disappear...

We had an appointment today with the car dealer: they are putting in a new windshield... ours had a couple nicks in it.  No, I didn't argue with that.

The original plan, as we were told: they will need three hours.  Bring our Honda in at the agreed upon time, they will give us a loaner car.  Not a big deal; we figured we'd have lunch, do a bit of shopping, then swing by where our motorhome is stored (not too far north of the dealer).

That was the plan; the reality: we got there 15 minutes early, and our salesman said, "Good news - the windshield guy will do your windshield while you wait, and it doesn't have to sit for two hours afterwards.  30 minutes, and you can take it with you."

I'm not keen on waiting, but this way I can keep an eye on it.  We have some stuff to put in the motorhome, so I won't have to move it twice.  Yeah, this is OK.

Of course, the 30 minutes turned into an hour.  I had a couple questions about how to care for the windshield for the next 24 hours, but the windshield guy didn't speak any English.  I got by with my limited Spanish, then confirmed with one of the service writers.  Mostly: don't slam the doors for at least 24 hours.  There is the blue tape on there, and we can take it off tomorrow.  Done.

The sales manager came out while I was walking around, and asked how we were enjoying the CR-V... "We like it a lot."

"Glad to hear it - we just want you to be happy."  He is saying all the right things.  The business manager brought out our paperwork and the title.  Just like she said it would be.  Now, we can move on.

Lunch (at Longhorn Steakhouse), 3 shopping stops, and out to the motorhome.  We took a few things out, put in a few.  We will need to bring it to the house for toiletries and food - next week.  One more shopping stop in our hometown.  I decided to top off the tank to see how we are doing on gas mileage, and noticed that gas has gone up 12¢ in the past couple days (summer is coming).  27.7 miles per gallon with a combination of in-town and highway.  Yep, I am liking that.

Izzy was happy to see us... "Did you get my text?" she asked.  "I didn't know if you would be home in time for supper!"

She is pretty laid back about most stuff - just don't mess with her feeding schedule.

Looks are deceiving...

You're thinking to yourself: "Maybe he isn't as dumb as he looks?"

Real nice.  While sitting in the restaurant yesterday, I was gazing fondly on the CR-V.  I like the lines of it.  The pearl white looks good.  We tried to get a rear hitch for it before we head out... nope, back-ordered.  We have that really nice bike rack, but it requires a 2" receiver hitch.  "I wonder if those e-bikes will fit in the back of the Honda?"

Today was "start arranging" day: kind of the pre-packing before the packing.  Joan to see what we have room for in the cargo trailer.  I wanted to try putting the fat tire e-bikes in the Honda.  Yes, the e-bikes are folders... even folded, they seem big.  I folded the bike (you have to move the headlight) and... no problem - plenty of room for it in the cargo area of the Honda.  Plenty of room for another one right beside it.

We are trying to make arrangements for getting the Honda ready to tow.  This is the RV season, and we are getting short on time.  Time to get gear sent here, and time to get it installed.  We'll see how this plays out.

We went through stuff; consolidated tools.  Hard to think about cold weather gear when it is in the 80s, sunny, and humid here right now.  For some perspective: it is 59º and sunny in Friday Harbor right now... and it will be colder than that out on the water.  Wiping the sweat off my brow while deciding which gloves to take.  ;-)

Herbicide and insecticide.  No, not lunch; it is time to spray for weeds and bugs.  We have paver stones on both sides of the house; not much grass.  Joan pruned the hibiscus.  Our association dues takes care of the lawn mowing, so we don't have much in the way of yard work... but Joan prunes and encourages stuff, I kill stuff.  Well, prevent it from getting in or growing; not like I'm the Terminator.

Izzy came out on the deck with us while we were sorting through stuff.  For a while.  Then she said, "I'm going back inside where it is air conditioned."  Smart cat.  Cute, too...

"Whew!  The heat takes it all out of me - I need a nap..."

Me, too.

Got a call from the dealer...

I thought they were going to say, "We made a mistake and need more money from you..."  No, they didn't.  ;-)

We made arrangements to pick up the paperwork so we can get license plates on Wednesday.  Seems that they have a policy they didn't tell us about: No paperwork can be released until the check clears.  Yep, we aren't in the good ol' mid-west here.  I said, "You don't trust me?  Do you want to call the bank?"


"Oh, no, sir - it isn't about trust.  This is a company policy."

"Is this a new policy since last Friday?" I asked.  I was just messing with her - I knew what she wanted.

"Umm, no.  I forgot about this."

"You forgot about your own company policy?  You're the business manager, right?"

"Well... if you could bring a cashier's check, I can get the paperwork processed for you right away."

"But, you have my check.  If I give you a cashier's check, then I will have paid you twice.  You don't trust me, but you want me to trust you?"

Joan was listening to all this and said to me, "Let's just get a cashier's check and take it to them today - you wanted to go for a ride anyway."

I said to the dealer lady, "OK, we'll bring a cashier's check to you this afternoon.  You hand me my check back first, and I will give the cashier's check to you."  I was chuckling under my breath.

"That will be fine, sir."

"So, you haven't even deposited my check, yet?"

"Umm - no..."

"OK, I'll see you in a couple hours."

This was beginning to feel like a hostage exchange.  ;-)

Joan and I went for lunch at our favorite local Italian place.  We had a table by the window; nice view...

I am really liking this CR-V.

It is about 25 miles to the Honda dealer.  I went into the business manager's office, and she was ready for me: she handed me my check back first.  I gave her the cashier's check and said, "See you Wednesday."  A sense of humor isn't her strong suit.

On the expressway, I usually drive 65 - the speed limit here is 65 most of the way, 70 for a bit.  I looked down, and I was doing 78 mph.  Ohh - this thing is peppy, quiet, and smooth!  In the 4 to 5 mile stretch on the Expressway, three cars swerved into our lane.  Joan said, "Does this thing have a giant magnet in it?"

Nope, just dumbass drivers.  One woman messing with her make-up.  Another on her phone.  The third was apparently just a dumbass.

We made it home unscathed.

We are re-evaluating our upcoming travel plans - may be heading out earlier, and making a stop-over in Phoenix... 'cause Phoenix in the summer is fun.  Well, except for that "OMG, it's hotter than the gates of Hell!" thing.  But, it is where our sweet girl is. 

Oh, and it's a dry heat.

Relearning...

I know how to drive a car.  And a truck.  A motorhome.  All kinds of boats.  There is a learning curve with any different vehicle or vessel.

You may remember that I recently said something about not going out and about on weekends.  Yeah, my belly says we're going out for lunch, regardless of what day of the week it might be.

We spent some time getting stuff that had been in the truck (and was quickly piled into the cargo area of the Honda) organized and put away.  There was a lot of room in that truck bed with the locking solid fiberglass tonneau cover.  It held tools, an air compressor, some more tools, Izzy's carrier, an auto emergency kit, and some more tools.  Tools that were rarely needed; and when they were, it was around the house, not out on the road.

There was also a big storage compartment between the front seats.  The Honda has a very nice storage area between the front seats - not quite as cavernous.  We made some piles: stuff to stay home, stuff to go in the car, stuff to go in the motorhome, stuff to go in the trailer.  Then, put it all away, so everything looks nice and neat.

Now, about that belly that is ready for lunch... off to Marcello's for some Italian.  Joan said she'd like to make a quick stop at the store, afterwards.  "The store" here means two options: Walmart or HEB.  We're going to Wally World.  Just like a lot of people who are heading for the beach.  The streets in town were busy; Walmart was packed.  Well, the area just inside the store was packed... that's where all the "beach stuff" is located this time of year.  Important stuff like plastic buckets and little shovels; inexpensive floatie toys; beach chairs and umbrellas.  Once we got beyond the crowds at the front of the store, it was reasonably uncrowded.

I was having a pretty good day: I won the shopping cart lottery!  I picked the only shopping cart in the store that has 4 good wheels... that all roll the same general direction.  Too bad we only needed a few things.  I wonder if I can reserve that cart in advance for our next visit?

Most of the time, I get a cart that is like dragging a wounded sea lion across gravel.  Well, truth be told, I've never drug a wounded sea lion across gravel.  But, I digress.

The lines were long at the 3 checkouts that were open.  We went to Self Check-Out.  Everything went smooth and easy.  What's next: self stocking of the shelves?  I think I would be pretty good at self greeter... again, I digress.

We got into the traffic, moving slowly towards the causeway.  I was able to get off the main drag at the first opportunity and take back streets to our island, to avoid the crowds.  We stopped to check mail.  I backed into a spot so I could get a couple photos of the Honda.  Joan has been using AirDrop to move stuff between her phone and iPad - I figured I better give that a try, too...

I asked Joan how I did backing into the spot - I am used to the truck.  She said, "Well, other than the fact that you are about 6 feet from the back of the parking spot, just fine."

Yes, she was exaggerating... 2 feet, maybe.  This CRV has a very nice back-up camera in it - easy to line up with the lines in the parking spot.  And, it is about 6' shorter than the truck.

Pulling into our parking at home, I tried a whole different angle compared to how we had to fit the truck in there.  Lots of room, and I can move over quite a bit to stay out from under a palm tree (that occasionally sheds).

We are going to have to put something on this that differentiates it from all the other white vehicles around here.  Joan thought a small, tasteful sticker on a rear window.  I was thinking a 6' tall Orca fin on the top... and some appropriately positioned black swirls.  Or not.

Joan got our XM radio info transferred over.  We set some of the radio pre-set buttons.  I played with the sunroof.  I don't think I'll be setting up the bluetooth for our phones.  Nice to learn what it can do, though.  And, did I mention how easy it is to park?

Good-bye old friend...

What was I thinking - going to a car dealer on Friday the 13th??

The Honda (car) dealer who insulted us (yes, really) called back yesterday.  The salesman was very apologetic, and said, "The manager really wants to make this right with you.  We are going to make you a very good deal, if you are willing to give us another chance."

Right.  I figured: I have nothing to lose.  We haven't bought another vehicle, yet.

He shot me a price.  I said, "I guess you aren't trying hard enough - you are still way off."

He came back with the salesman rhetoric: "What would be willing to offer?"

"I wasn't going to play that game with you last time, and I'm still not willing to do that.  You have one more opportunity.  Go talk with your manager again, and give me a call back."

He did.  Right in the ball park.  There is probably a reason they couldn't do that right off the bat... although I can't figure out why they would rather piss you off?  If that is a sales tactic, it is incredibly stupid.  Since we were now close, I told him I would "come to talk with you face to face, tomorrow; and we'll see what happens."  No promise, no commitment.

I forgot that today is Friday the 13th.  Good thing I am not superstitious.

We went into the dealership, got with our salesman Luis, then went to look at their vehicle again.  It is a Honda CR-V.  It is not new, but lightly used.  Honda made a change in 2015 with the CR-V, so it is not towable 4 wheels down behind a motorhome.  The list of vehicles that are towable gets smaller each year.  So, a couple years old CR-V is still towable - this one is "Honda Certified," meaning an extended warranty from Honda.  And, it looks great and has the features we were wanting.  The next closest thing we could find in a new vehicle that is towable was heavier - the CR-V is right at the limit of where we wanted to be for towing.

We sat down with Luis and made our "final offer."  This next part gets a bit fuzzy, but with pushing all the numbers around, they came up with an "out the door" price that is even better than what we asked for.  Joan and I looked at each other and said, "Deal."

Of course, all this takes time.  Gone are the days when you make a deal, write a check, sign the papers and drive away.  We had to visit with the "accessories guy"... who pulled up a computer program to show us all the things we can get for our vehicle.  "Can I get spinner wheels?" I asked.  Apparently, accessory guys don't have much of a sense of humor.  With that out of the way, we went to the finance lady.  She tries to sell you more stuff you don't need.  We smiled and said, "No thank you," a lot.  She gave us the "out the door" number, which was even smaller yet, Joan wrote a check, and we went out to move stuff from the truck to the Honda...

It is a LOT smaller than Big Red.  The color on this is White Diamond - it looks like white pearl to me.  It should look decent behind the Aspect... when we get the chance to get all the stuff necessary for towing.

It drives nice.  Leather, sunroof, heated seats (don't need those in the Tropical Tip), and lots of other goodies.  Before we were done transferring our stuff, a guy came up to us with questions about the truck - he is interested in buying it.  We told him that is has been an absolute champ for us.  I offered to give him our 5th wheel hitch, no charge.  Easy resale for the dealer.

Before heading home, we stopped for a late lunch and some shopping... didn't have a lot of room in the Honda, with all the stuff we took out of the truck bed (didn't really think we'd be trading today), so it was some light shopping.

A very pleasant drive home.  This is some downsizing after almost a decade with Big Red; she has been a wonderful truck - made some great adventures possible.  End of an era; ready to make some more memories with the Honda.

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The value of the Honda is more than the truck.  The insurance is less with the Honda.  Go figure?  Oh, and watching the instant fuel burn read-out on the Honda makes me smile.