Saturday, December 12, 2020

December 11

My goodness. Several of the comments said that some of you are also having trouble sleeping at night. I had no idea that so many of us have that issue. I think some of it is anxiety over the state of the world, and maybe some of it is just normal at our age. At least that’s what other ladies tell me. I did sleep a little better last night because I took a melatonin gummy. I just take so much medication already between my heart and my back that I hate to take something for me to sleep. But it did help me get about 6 1/2 hours sleep last night so I guess that’s better than laying there awake most of the night.

And here is day 11’s stocking. More candy and a cute little mitt that is used to clean your phone screen. It also worked very well on my glasses. It’s pretty cute And very soft!💜

I was asked if we have a fireplace in our trailer. Yes, we do. And Chloe, as you have seen in previous photos, has the best spot in the house with her bed. You can see it just a little bit in the bottom of the photo below. We use the electric fireplace once in a while, but during the day I tend to use a little space heater that we have. We have been told that both are much more economical than the propane furnace. They came and filled our propane tank yesterday as we are on a “keep full” program with a local company. We rented a 100 gallon tank from them which makes it so much easier than using the two smaller tanks that are on the trailer. That way we have those tanks for emergency back up in case we run out of propane in the middle of the night! Anyway, the big tank was at 55% capacity and they only fill it to 80% because of expansion. That 25% of the tank he filled cost $113!  I sure hope it’s never close to empty. 😧  

Now to be honest, that was for about two months worth of propane, so really that wasn’t too bad. But our furnace hasn’t come on for over 14 hours today and it’s been 25 to 30°F outside all day. That little ceramic heater is keeping it at 70° inside. We’re very comfortable.  We do let the furnace run at night, although we keep it at 60°F overnight. That way our water tanks and pipes are kept heated with the furnace and we’re toasty and warm under the covers in bed.  We always kept it that same temperature at night when we had our house too.

And, just in case any of you are interested in RVing through winter months in a cold climate, I will also tell you that our electric bill was $133.83 last month. Honestly I was amazed it wasn’t more. Not only do I run the little heater inside during the day, but we also have an electric heater in our front “wet bay” where the washer drain is and where all of the water goes into the trailer from the outside hose. That heater runs 24 hours a day to keep the lines from freezing. We also have a trouble light on a thermostat by the valves where we dump our tanks. That comes on if the temperature gets below 36°. Plus the normal lights and electricity you would use in a “sticks and bricks” as permanent homes are called.

There is a lot to think about when you live in an RV during the winter months. We also have a custom skirt that was made for the trailer and Dennis put foam board insulation all around the inside of the skirting to provide extra protection. We have four thermometers placed in strategic spots, with a master read out inside so he can keep an eye out to make sure water lines aren’t getting close to freezing.  It is so much easier to live in a house or an apartment. But so far we don’t regret the decision we made. We are very comfortable and cozy in the RV.

Today was a very quiet day as it snowed off and on all day long. I only went outside to take Chloe for her walks. She loves the snow. After we finished at the dog park for her to do her “duty” she wanted to run in the open field. I took her leash off of her and she ran from one end to the other and back three times. She loves, loves, loves to run and roll in the snow. Watching her, there is no way anyone would believe she’s 15 years old. Then she comes back and collapses on her bed and sleeps for a few hours. I spent the day sewing the pieces of the sweater together and I think it turned out well. I will wash and block it tomorrow and hopefully get it in the mail on Monday. Now I need to catch up on my mitten knitting. I am behind about two weeks in my weekly goals. But all of my Christmas knitting is now done. That’s a very good feeling.

Do any of you have big plans for the weekend?

Blessings,
Betsy

17 comments:

  1. I am praying for the Trump rally that is on Saturday in Washington for the Lord to bring a good turn out and for it to be blessed of God as a peaceful display of support.
    I may live in Australia but I care earnestly for believers over there and God’s servants to be blessed .. that right will in Gods mercy prevail no matter how black it looks, a real David and Goliath struggle.. a lad of faith win out with FAITH UNWAVERING in a Mighty God, Mighty to Save. Trusting likewise.
    Love your fire and so glad you’re cosy, I think melatonin to help you sleep is fine as it’s a naural supplement to what we produce less of as we age.
    Glad you finished your jumper or sweater as you call them, I’ve visitors coming so I’m getting ready for that. Just made lovely dish on mums curried sausages. I use veggies from garden and heart mart meat in sausages very little fat. Mum was a good cook.
    Thanks for sharing, and God bless, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}



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  2. So glad you managed to finish your sweater. I had no idea that there was so much involved in keeping your RV warm and indeed safe. No real plans for the weekend, I intend to get some little packages together for some doorstep visits next week. Take care and stay safe.

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  3. Beautiful words...
    I am going to a wedding today at our church--nice to have something so sweet to celebrate!

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  4. Glad you got a decent night's sleep last night. I have had HORRIBLE sleep issues. I brought it up with my doctor SEVERAL times. I knew WHAT was wrong. The problem was my blood work for TSH levels LOOKED good. I kept telling him, but I don't FEEL good. MY TSH is too high. I finally changed doctors. The new one put me on a higher level of Synthroid. Guess what .... I sleep through the night most nights. Some sleep problems do come with age ... I can accept that. And, some nights I don't sleep as well. But, I had other symptoms of high TSH and we aren't just a matter of the "numbers". New medication = feeling much, MUCH better.

    Winter RVing certainly will take a level of attention. We really had to watch if the weather turned icy in Orlando. Our pipes into the house were all exposed to the elements. Frozen pipes was a real issue on those crazy years that we got freezes.

    We had one pipe in this house that would freeze. When we got the new boiler, we had the plumber redirect that pipe. Now Steve doesn't have to go our at 3 AM with my blow dryer a unfreeze the condensate pipe so it won't flood the basement. He's real happy about that. LOL

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  5. I love thinking about you in your cozy trailer in all that snow. I know it can be a real challenge but what an adventure! I envy you.

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  6. It sounds like quite the surveillance job to keep everything from getting too cold or freezing but I do envy your obvious adventurous nature. I don't think I would do well in an RV as I am too claustrophic as I tend to pace alot in the house. Your little treats are darling!
    Lisa

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  7. Awww, the little screen cleaner is so cute - and tiny! // Jerry and I both live with life-long chronic insomnia. It's the pits. No meds help (we've been through quite a list) and lab work shows nothing helpful. I run on basically 2-3 hours sleep every day and have since I was little. Many times I've fallen asleep only to wake up five minutes later and stay awake the rest of the night Even with any sleep, I never feel rested. But I just trudge along. I was diagnosed with a specific circadian rhythm disorder many years ago (ISWRD... because it's the closest to what I experience but without any naps). I'm so used to it I cannot imagine how all of you out there are having to handle sudden sleep problems because of this year's craziness with everything. We will add everyone to our prayers for better sleep! // I love your RV setup and all the things you've done to make it a cozy home for you guys. Oh how wonderful it would be to be like Chloe and lie in front of a fireplace. I could absolutely do that lol. Hugs and blessings and many prayers for you, dear Betsy! ❤️

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  8. There's a lot to do to make RVing safe and comfortable in a cold climate. Good thing you have those 4 thermometers keeping track of possible freezing.
    It must be so lovely with the snow covering all. Funny that Chloe loves to run and to roll in the snow. She's a sweet dog.

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  9. I'm glad the melatonin gummy worked for you. I take two chewable tablets of them each night before bed. Last night I woke up at 5 am and couldn't go back to sleep for hours. Yes, it's worrying about things. I'm glad you have everything figured out on how to stay warm and unfrozen. I hope it works when it gets really frigid. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
    *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

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  10. So I was trying to figure out how many gallons you used. Lets see if I can come up with it. 100 gallon tank hold 80 gallons of LP or 80%. You used 25% of of 80 gallons or 20 gallons. And it cost 113.00 that is about $5 a gallon a little over. That is expensive. WE heat with LP also...I buy enough for the entire year during the summer at $1.19 a gallon. It usually costs about 600 to heat the house for the winter....furnace and fireplace. One year in mid winter she who sees robins first paid $5. a gallon for LP... luckily we were filled when it was $3 a gallon. Since then we prebuy what we will need. And we keep it warm during the day 74 and at night 66. Our electric bill last month was 148.00 I know things vary from State to State.
    Sounds like Chloe had a fun day! No snow to speak of here yet, my Baby brother came from Oregon and said there was very little snow anyplace. He is getting an air compressor and a pressure washer and is going to try to make a sledding hill for his grands.
    I never have a problem sleeping as my head is on the pillow and I am out like a light...I have to pray fast!!

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  11. The fire looks warm and cozy. Chloe does have a good spot. I have always had trouble sleeping. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I'm asleep but wake up around 1:30 and cannot go back to sleep. I get things on my mind and lay there awake worrying and thinking. The shape the world is in does worry me. I love the picture of the church and the verse from Isaiah.

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  12. You do sound so cozy...and to think of you with snow falling and knitting...wonderful🤗🧶 I love thinking of Chloe running and then rolling in the snow. Please give her a hug and love pats from me. I hope you enjoy getting caught up on your mitten production, dear Betsy. Thanks for posting. I enjoyed visiting with you!💜🙏🌟

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  13. We have electric heat here, and it's a little more expensive than the natural gas we had at the old place. Like you, we keep the house low at night - I just pile the blankets high (I've got lots of quilts!). I've been looking into infrared heaters - they are supposed to be more efficient, so I may get one and give it a try.

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  14. Dogs just love love love the snow! Im glad you gave us a image of Chloe!! I love the Bible verse for today. Thanks Betsy

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  15. I sleep relatively well as long as I don't drink caffeinated tea too late. I usually diffuse my YL essential oils every night. I should do more during the day time. I am glad you are staying cozy in your RV. I hope we can get our Christmas tree put in our house tomorrow. I need to move a table out of the way and rid some stuff beneath it. I did watch the US Air Force band concert this afternoon, and I was on there for a tiny bit. Heard my voice before my face was shown. But it was good. I will share that on my post soon. Stay warm and cozy, my friend!!

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  16. It sounds like you are nice and cozy in your RV. Every once in a while I have a night where I just can't fall asleep. I've learned to just get up and read instead of staying in bed tossing and turning.

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  17. The females on my maternal side all stop sleeping about the time they turn 45. My norm is/was about 3 hours a night and then I'd have "a coma" about every 6 to 8 weeks where I'd sleep 12 to 14 hours straight. But, about 2 weeks ago, I bought one of those blue-tooth sleep masks/headbands and OMG! I'm listening to sailing noises (I love the sound of water but rain or waves crashing, while relaxing, made me pee 10 times a night LOL) and I am sleeping 8 or 9 hours a night and I can't express how much better I feel! I never felt tired/sleep deprived before but I guess I just didn't know any better because goodness! I feel great now! I can not believe how much difference a $19 Amazon purchase has made!
    Glad you are staying warm in your RV and congrats on getting the Christmas knitting finished. That's huge!

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