Aww, Jen, Clean the house later! Go out and have fun in the snow! Plow the driveway, shovel the walks, push snow off the roof, etc. That drudgery can be saved for later! One time, at a campground near Lancaster, PA., we had already set up, had supper, and were setting around, talking to the folks next door. and then, a fellow had checked in, drove his coach down near his lot, and the engine stalled. upon trying to re-start it, his battery had gone dead, and it wouldn't start. By the time he got the hood open, we had brought my truck and jumper cables down to his coach, and got it started. After he got set up, i loaned him my battery charger for the night, and he returned it next morning! The guy allowed as how camping was a good deal! And he was really surprised at how we had jumped up and assisted him the night before! And we wouldn't take any money for our help! Which really surprised him! On the other hand, our coach blew a rear dual tire one day on the Interstate! We limped off to a gas station, where we parked it. I tried to get help, but all of the locals looked down their noses at us, and drove off withoput helping! So, my wife (5' tall, 120 lbs) and i did the deed of jacking it up, taking off the two wheels, installing the spare, etc. And all of the "macho" types, in their pickem ups, just drove on out, never offering to help! Well, i was rasslin' with the blown ouit tire and rim, trying to get it up onto the carrier, when a dapper looking guy came over and asked if he could help! I told him he'd get all messed up doing that, but he said not to worry: "You need help! I'm going to help you!" Between the 2 of us, we got the wheel up in place, i thanked him, and he left! turned out, he was the town barber, and didn't want us to think that the town was a bunch of uncaring bums! by Rustyj

We have a 31' travel trailer and go camping all the time. Before you leave pack it with all the essential of your normal kitchen/home so that you have everything handy. I bought stuff to leave in my trailer so I wasn't raiding my own house for stuff. Before we leave I always plan our meals and make my grocery list and go right before we leave and then come back and pack up the camper. Take plenty of blankets and sheets. My DH likes to leave the camper a/c at about 65 since he says he's not paying for electricity so our camper is very cold at night. Bring lawn chairs and a plastic table cloth. Campsites usually have picnic table, but they are not very clean. We have 2 strands of white christmas lights that we string up on our awning for light at night. They provide plenty of light for dinners after dark and if you just want to hang out and talk outside. We always unplug the when we go to bed. We also have to dogs that we always bring camping with us. One of them is a lab and she loves going swimming in the lake while we are camping. Any places we have ever camped required dogs to be on leashes at all times. We bought both of our dogs stakes to put into the ground and they have a 6-8' chain so that they have plenty of room to roam. Bring a small shovel and ziplock bags to put their poop in. You definately want sealed bags because if not your trash will be stinking very quickly. Both of our dogs sleep on the floor in our trailer at night. We have a small trash can inside and a larger one outside so that we aren't running to the campsite dumpster constantly. Most of all have fun and take a pen and paper to jot down things you forgot and will want with you next time. You and your dogs will have a ton of fun!!

Beverly, You have my sympathies, my dear. Nothing is worse than when our machines decide to be a little rebellious. Last night I was (finally) taking in the waist of my middle daughter's jeans, just like she asked. All was going pretty well, and then it happened. Heard that familiar "chugging" in the bobbin/shuttle area. Sure enough, when I finished my little 1-1/2" long seam, there was a rat's nest of threads on the underside of what I was sewing. Bah! Of course, it was such a tight repair that it was literally impossible to remove the stitching, so it's been left in. Told the machine, "okay, you win. Now Rayechel will notice that you were working on her pants, too. Are you happy now?" Then I got up and walked away with a smile. Today, went back to the "beast", told it we were going to make some quilt blocks together, changed the bobbin and all is well. Dontcha just love it when the machines realize who the boss is? Just like a petulant child, they sometimes just need to be reminded that although they are important to us, we still provide them with a home, adn we feed them lovely fabrics and exciting threads. We take good care of them and they will eventually come around. Just remember, tomorrow is another perfect day to sew. Remind your machine! And good luck.

You don't have to worry about calling and complaining. Go ahead if you want. I can assure you that one complaint will certainly *not* result in the loss of a contract to the company! Actually more people *should* call, both when service is unusually bad or unusually good. I received a follow up call after delivery. Deliveries are tough. I've done them before. Some go great, some are nightmares. I have a lot of respect for people who do on-site anything. I bought a stove and refrigerator from Home Depot last year and part of the reason I bought there was the free delivery and pickup/disposal of the old appliances. I couldn't be happier with the service I received. They almost called too often! The two guys were unusually careful. They pulled them out of the boxes on the driveway, checked it over top to bottom for scratches, dents or damage and were unusually careful about cleaning up every scrap and checking for anything that may have been left on the driveway! I was surprised. I got a call that told me where in the queue I was and an estimated time something like between 9 & 10 am. Then I got a call from the delivery guys two or three times. They called before the one right before me and when they finished and would be on the way, giving time estimates on each. I have some extra blocks on the back steps to make for shorter height steps to be easier for me to go in and out. I said it was easy enough to move them but no, they said that wasn't necessary and went right up them and they were twisting themselves to be sure not to damage the door jamb or anything. Amazing. I gave them each a $10 tip and a big thank you. They were surprised and very appreciative. I imagine not too many people tip delivery guys. I kind of felt cheap about it afterward. But the time frame vs the amount was a pretty good income anyway. I also realize that the odds of getting them for another delivery are slim to none and it might be a total nightmare next time. But when they take that kind of care on cheap appliances (about $900 for both OTD) they obviously have a great work ethic.