Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather

Sweeney said:
Avgas for me, but any jet fuel works too. Actually (IFKYK) the smell of the heater is one of my favorite smells....

It was a wonderful week up until 6:30 this morning. I cam out Wednesday morning through Friday morning to Brown County State Park for a tearjerkers gathering, worked Friday, then came back Friday night through Sunday. The temperatures and humidity were high, but back in the woods I saw temps closer to 85 rathern than the 90's up front in the "big rig" area.

But, just as I was waking, I heart a gentle thump on the vent, then another...a few more....uh oh. Pulled up the radar and sure enough --- a nice line of rain, about an hours worth. We have about another 20 minutes of this I supposed. Relaxing yet creating the need to dry off my tents. Perhaps my least favorite part of camping.


The Hoosier Chapter of the Terjerkers is embroiled in a little bit of a mess. The former director(s) started to move towards big rigs due to health issues, and soon most of the teardrops became large elkhart models. But Andy, one of the teardroppers, petitioned to split the group into 2 --- the old guard and the teardrop people. We're all still friends and very friendly towards each other (8 camping trips a year instead of 4) and we seems to have keept from gathering on the same weekend....so its all working out. This was his second gathering in his first year. I'm sure he's tired after all the social activities yesterday. We met some new friends from the ohio and bluegrass chapter.

Learned about Otter Creek in kentucky. Apparently, its a hidden gem which is in a "reconstruction" phase -- some place worthy of our support.
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The Tearjerkers Florida Chapter is floundering. It used to be a very active group. I always enjoyed their annual gathering at Tomoka State Park. I guess there are many distractions in life compared to even what it was 20 years ago? Their Facebook Page rarely sees a post.
 
Van_and_Terri said:
The Tearjerkers Florida Chapter is floundering. It used to be a very active group. I always enjoyed their annual gathering at Tomoka State Park. I guess there are many distractions in life compared to even what it was 20 years ago? Their Facebook Page rarely sees a post.
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This always goes back to the director --- having one who is engaged, engaging, and does stuff inspires people to get involved. I think you'd do a great job Van...maybe you can help out, or assume the role.

We do several events here. Not including "CRA" Usually spring, summer (or two) and autumn. Always following the same plan. Wine & Cheese, campfire, sometimes a hike, potluck on Saturday, and maybe donuts and coffee during the two days. Not "easy" but not backbreaking either.

Our current director had nice business cards printed (cheap to do by the way) and a few of us walked around the campgrounds introducing ourselves to people who had teardrops. It is AMAZING how few have heard of tearjerkers, they buy the camper unaware this is this really cool community around them. Everyone I talked too was happy to chat.

As for a dead facebook page, just start posting --- hopefully others will see, get engaged, and join in the fun. One thing sales taught me, is enthusiasm sells. If you're excited about a product, people naturally follow along.
 
Sweeney said:
This always goes back to the director --- having one who is engaged, engaging, and does stuff inspires people to get involved. I think you'd do a great job Van...maybe you can help out, or assume the role...

…Our current director had nice business cards printed (cheap to do by the way) and a few of us walked around the campgrounds introducing ourselves to people who had teardrops. It is AMAZING how few have heard of tearjerkers, they buy the camper unaware this is this really cool community around them. Everyone I talked too was happy to chat.

As for a dead facebook page, just start posting --- hopefully others will see, get engaged, and join in the fun. One thing sales taught me, is enthusiasm sells. If you're excited about a product, people naturally follow along.
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As a volunteer leader of several (non-camping) groups over the years I agree with Sweeney 100%

And, most leaders are good for a few years. Circumstances change, motivation changes, etc. An organization/leaders who have an eye on succession are important to sustainability of volunteer-led groups, and sharing the load can help assure that the group continues through life’s ups and downs.
 
SethB said:
As a volunteer leader of several (non-camping) groups over the years I agree with Sweeney 100%

And, most leaders are good for a few years. Circumstances change, motivation changes, etc. An organization/leaders who have an eye on succession are important to sustainability of volunteer-led groups, and sharing the load can help assure that the group continues through life’s ups and downs.
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I think that is what we ran into in the hoosier chapter. The directors (for their own, and good reasons) upgraded to bumper bull full size, and immediately others followed and then the numbers declined. They are all great people, but its hard to be a teardrop group when the guy in charge is in a 30 footer. I still camp with them, but its somehow different.

We'll see what things look like with a young, enthusiastic director who is in his own home-built.
 
Tour 931 said:
I can’t sleep tonight. The power went out an hour ago due to high winds and rain. This was the forecast and it’s proving to be correct.
05C62502-7073-4E51-8222-D6C76EAB29A2

05C62502-7073-4E51-8222-D6C76EAB29A2

  • Media owner Tour 931
  • Date added
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As long as the trees dont start coming down, and awnings getting carried away by wind. Wind is probably the most frightening force of nature for me personally. I've been in a debris cloud of a tornado once in my life --- I wasn't frightened at the time, I was too busy trying to do other things...but afterward I got the shakes...

Thats a lot of rain. This is where having a camper of any kind in the driveway and a small generator is a lifesaver, which is why the softsart question has been so front and center.

I've used mine as a 'life raft' a couple of times in such conditions. If I can live on a 15amp power pole with, my laptop charged and the AC running -- I can make it at home. The only problem is prolonged outages as my well pump is 220 volt.
 
Warren Mary Ellen said:
The crabgrass isn’t even growing. I’ll probably cut mine just to keep the dandelions from going to seed.
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Ive considered planting clover intead of grass. It grows, adds nitrogen to the soil, and doesn't brown out as bad as grass. Mostly it doesn't need to be cut -- it gets to a few inches and doesn't get longer --- PLUS, its great for bees.
 
Sweeney said:
Ive considered planting clover intead of grass. It grows, adds nitrogen to the soil, and doesn't brown out as bad as grass. Mostly it doesn't need to be cut -- it gets to a few inches and doesn't get longer --- PLUS, its great for bees.
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backyard has a lot of Clover but the heat and drought have it looking pretty bad. That part of the yard is nearly dirt right now. I kick a soccer ball around every night with the dog and right now it really rolls without thick grass, clover, etc.
 
Warren Mary Ellen said:
backyard has a lot of Clover but the heat and drought have it looking pretty bad. That part of the yard is nearly dirt right now. I kick a soccer ball around every night with the dog and right now it really rolls without thick grass, clover, etc.
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I thought clover was heat and drought tollerant. I've got a dog who is semi-retired, and doesn't spent a lot of time chasing balls any more. Probably should, be good for both of us if she did.

I think it is interesting that 100 years ago clove seed was included in just about every grass mixture you could buy, it was considered desireable. And probably will should be except it isn't 'pretty' since it helps build up depleated soil. My neighborhood is somehwere around 50 years old -- and I know some of the yards look pretty rough around the edges, except the few of us who fertilize regularly. Being on an acre, the cost to do that is pretty high...I use a liquid and spray which is the most affordable. Pelletized, you'll go broke with even if you use the 'cheap stuff', which I am not convinced is any less effective that big brands.
 
Sweeney said:
I thought clover was heat and drought tollerant. I've got a dog who is semi-retired, and doesn't spent a lot of time chasing balls any more. Probably should, be good for both of us if she did.

I think it is interesting that 100 years ago clove seed was included in just about every grass mixture you could buy, it was considered desireable. And probably will should be except it isn't 'pretty' since it helps build up depleated soil. My neighborhood is somehwere around 50 years old -- and I know some of the yards look pretty rough around the edges, except the few of us who fertilize regularly. Being on an acre, the cost to do that is pretty high...I use a liquid and spray which is the most affordable. Pelletized, you'll go broke with even if you use the 'cheap stuff', which I am not convinced is any less effective that big brands.
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You got to remember this is SC heat that is 4 months of hell. It won’t kill it, but just grow much nice it’s hot. My lawn is green, all I do is mow it. We have a 14 month Corgi, he is relentless. The other dog just watches.
 
Warren Mary Ellen said:
You got to remember this is SC heat that is 4 months of hell. It won’t kill it, but just grow much nice it’s hot. My lawn is green, all I do is mow it. We have a 14 month Corgi, he is relentless. The other dog just watches.
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I've been in SC in the summer....it is brutally warm. I'm well aware I'm a yankee at heart :) I fip back and forth where I want to be....at times, Florida others in Michigan --- I think I need the winning lotery ticket to allow me to traval back and forth. Summers in northern Michigan are amazing....temps around 80. Winter in the south with highs in the 70's and 80's. I could do that :)

14 mont corgi -- yah, thats a battery that charges as you pull energy out of it ;)
 
Warren Mary Ellen said:
You got to remember this is SC heat that is 4 months of hell. It won’t kill it, but just grow much nice it’s hot. My lawn is green, all I do is mow it. We have a 14 month Corgi, he is relentless. The other dog just watches.
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Watch out for the Corgi attack! Ours likes to sneak up behind us and jump on the back of our knees. It must be a herding instinct as it will bring you down. I keep one eye peeled for the beast.
 
rmbrowder said:
Watch out for the Corgi attack! Ours likes to sneak up behind us and jump on the back of our knees. It must be a herding instinct as it will bring you down. I keep one eye peeled for the beast.
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Ours did that to my wife a few minutes ago. Lol. This is our 3rd one so we knew what we were getting into. The second one was pretty laid back for a Corgi. This dude has 2 speeds like most Corgis, asleep & 900 mph.
 
Sweeney said:
I've been in SC in the summer....it is brutally warm. I'm well aware I'm a yankee at heart :) I fip back and forth where I want to be....at times, Florida others in Michigan --- I think I need the winning lotery ticket to allow me to traval back and forth. Summers in northern Michigan are amazing....temps around 80. Winter in the south with highs in the 70's and 80's. I could do that :)

14 mont corgi -- yah, thats a battery that charges as you pull energy out of it ;)
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I’m a native & she is from Long Island. She hates the heat. Not sure why she stayed. The school we both started teaching in had no AC. Overcast today, rained for 75 seconds this morning, so not as hot today.
 
rmbrowder said:
Watch out for the Corgi attack!
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And nips...hence ours name of "Junipper" As best we can estimate, whe was born in June and she tends to gently grab with the softest mouth possible hands, pleats in pants (this has been a minor problem --- she doesn't realize there's skin under there) and has at time nipped people. Never hard, never with malace ---she is just a herding dog. IYKYK.


Warren Mary Ellen said:
I’m a native & she is from Long Island. She hates the heat. Not sure why she stayed. The school we both started teaching in had no AC. Overcast today, rained for 75 seconds this morning, so not as hot today.
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I could say the same about me. Indiana is notorious for hot and humid, often seeing mid 90's and 80%+ humidity. This was on my list of pro/con when I decided to back away from a business deal recently. I honestly don't think I want to be here any more. Where, I'm not sure. Maybe high planes of Arizona? Winters are cold but no snow accumulation. Summers are hot, but low humidity...

I dunno....we'll see.
 
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