Improving the rig and the self

We went back to the National Park offices Thursday morning and filled out applications for camp host or similar workcamping gigs at Lake Mead. The host slots were all full for fall and winter, but they can place us on stand-by and we lucked out because they had a possible recycling slot. A different person was in charge of those services, so our paperwork was to be passed on to him. The opening must be ready now since they asked us to hold off a week before renting anything in a park. Well, we were stoked!

Excited to see where we might live for several months, we drove on down to where the maintenance volunteers' RV pads were. They were wonderful, shady full hookup spaces with lots of trees and room. Very, very nice. The work would be pleasant and important, also. We would pick up recyclables from the different campgrounds and boat ramps and haul them to a central location for processing.

As you recall, we left out rig in the shop to have the wheels balanced, the fuel filter changed out, the electrical issues tended to, etc. When we picked it up everything was done except the steps which will need a more extensive work over and some rebuilding of the wood, relaying of the tile... The mechanics at Color Country Diesel were right to assume we would rather do that ourselves than pay their hourly rate for it. All that they did was well done and very reasonable, and we were pleasantly surprised at the bill.

Another improvement we got for the Safari was window shade material. A sheet bigger than our front windshields was only $20 at Camping World. You just cut it to fit and set it in place. It is nothing more than stiff bubble wrap covered with a silver coating of some sort, but it is very effective in keeping the heat and light out... so much better than our curtains! 

Inspired by my friend Eva, I began eating differently yesterday. My doctors have encouraged me to lose weight for some time now, and I know that with my cholesterol issues, I need to make better choices, but I am not a successful dieter. I lose weight for a short while, then put it all right back on... plus I HATE having to think about calories or depriving myself of favorite foods. I need a life style change, not a diet. 

Sooo, I checked out a portion control system, because I know that I overeat all the time, and this was the only eating plan I have seen that is affordable and makes sense. LifeSize Portions has a system I think I can live with because it's so simple! There are various measuring devices for meats, carbs, dairy, etc. and a simple chart that tells you how much you can have in each type of portion. You are allowed six portions a day, no matter which ones you choose. Then there is a ton of FREE food you can eat all you want of. No calorie counting, a very relaxed approach, and very affordable. I have worked with it two days and so far, it's a breeze... and I'm not hungry! 

At sundown, Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing - Lev 23:23-25 and Num 29:1-6) began for observant Jews and Messianics. There is not a congregation near us, so we drove up to Three Peaks and held our own private service there. It was beautiful and very touching, but pressed on us the need to find others of like faith. We are anxious to relocate to the Las Vegas area where there are at least three Messianic congregations.