Love My Ford Falcon Van

I just love my little van.  For a 1988 she runs like a top.  Sure l could use a wee bit more space, but l can make do with her.  She's a breeze to park, all of her innards work.  And she handles rain storms really well.

Tonight while l was at work it poured rain.  Now l knew it was coming, so l adjusted my windows to accommodate keeping the rain out, however they were still open for the cats.

When l came back tonight l was tickled to see/feel that no rain entered the van.  I had had the cab windows open, about 3 inches, as well at the upper windows open about 5 inches and then the one over the bed only about 3 inches since l didn't want my bed soaked.  And then of course, the pop out windows were open, but unless rain is coming from the ground up, those are safe.

I'm back sitting at the Lowe's parking lot and Charlie the cat is keeping their mouse population in control.  That a girl!!! She's earning our keep.

Monday, Monday

I am spending my most comfortable Monday day back in my van, the weather is very comfortable, a perfect summer day.

I woke up early, l still am on my old  schedule of early rising, even though l go to bed late now because of work. Also, my one cat, Tommy is also on the early rising schedule and starts demanding his morning treat as soon as l open an eye in the am.  Charlie could care less about the treat, and is undemanding.  I look forward to the nap l will have later on in the day.

We are hanging out beside the field at the Lowe's parking lot with the doors and windows open. The cats are coming and going as they please, they are quiet content to do that.

Every day this lifestyle becomes easier.  I don't think about (as much) as what 'they will think' (Walmart, Lowe's or anywhere else l park) as to me parking on their property to sleep or as now, to let the cats out.  Why?  Because, no one seems to care!

I'm not leaving trash, I'm not blocking their business, l am tucked away where no one parks, I don't blast music, cause problems, l basically think about them, by not overstaying my welcome, and carry on with my day.

I work tonight, but don't need to think about that until about 3pm.

It's a good life.

Offered Sticks And Bricks

I just spent a couple of days at a friends house, giving the kitties a bit of respite from the heat and humidity in the van when l am at work.

While it was nice to go home to a home at night after work, l missed booting around in my van, sleeping with the windows open, being close to the outdoors, even in a big city.

So tonight l am back in the van with the cats.  It has cooled down considerable and tonight will be very comfortable to sleep.

I know they think l am nuts, but l actually like my little kingdom. :-)

Tossing Cookies in a Van

I tossed my cookies this morning, and no, l wasn't baking.

I'm not sure what caused it.  There has been 'something' going around at work, not sure of the details of it, since "l don't get sick", l haven't really paid attention to the symptoms.

As most of the rest of North America, we are in a stinking hot heat wave.  I am at a campground since l am off and l needed to dump my black tank, so l have electricity and ran my air-conditioner yesterday and this morning.

Yesterday was so hot, with the humidity, the air-conditioner hardly made a difference.  The poor kitties were panting.  I have made arrangements for them to stay at a friend until Friday since it's only going to get worse, the weather man says.

I cooked pork chops and beans last night (once it cooled down a bit). I don't think it is food poisoning since it was only 7 hours after l ate that they came back up.  Food poisoning takes longer to kick in.  And it was only the one time (the cookie tossing part).  I have had food poisoning once before, and it was no picnic, and was a whole day affair.  And believe me, having food poisoning once is enough, and l am very careful of what l eat because of it.  I had it over 20 years ago, and the memory is still with me!!

Maybe it is because of the heat.  I feel fine now.  I had a headache last night, but that has subsided.  Who knows the reason, l am just grateful the headache and the throwing up is gone.

As l was laying in bed, l thought, okay, I'm going to be sick.  I have wondered what it would be like living in a van and getting sick.  I am hooked up to water today, but even if l wasn't, l have my fresh water tank, so l would have access to water.  I have a toilet, and all that a house would have, so why was l worried?  I can still get cozy in my van, and actually, it's not too far of a dash to the toilet, closer then any houses' would be.  LOL

The only problem would be if l was parked somewhere where l had to move by a certain time.  Even then, l haven't run into that yet.  It's mostly me who figures out it's time to move, not wanting to push my luck, or over stay my welcome.  Besides, who would kick out a person throwing up?

So another first in the van.  Nothing to worry about.  Glad it didn't last too long.

Wal-Mart Parking Lot

There is something to be said for sleeping in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Convenience.  Pure and simple convenience.
If l run out of something, l just take a 100 steps to the Wal-Mart front doors and find it in their isles.

No gas is spent, no traffic frustrations, and l get a little bit of exercise at the same time.

I even get a little bit of entertainment as l watch the people that frequent Wal-Mart.  I haven't seen any of these people yet, but l might!!!!

Not quiet  stealth parking in the handicap zone.

Hey, if my Black Tank fills, l could get one of these...l wonder what isle that would be in?

Do you think they might mind if l drove my Van into the Wal-Mart like this dude?  Then it would be really, really convenienent.

Not my neighbors!

Well, it is almost a full moon in the sky tonight, looks like these guys are just playing along.

This won't be me in the winter, okay, maybe it will be just minus the dog.  I'm pretty sure the cats will refuse to go on a leash, but those PJ's are smashing!

Honestly, l didn't except candy from this stranger (or beer), as tempting as it was.

I wonder if l will ever show up on the The People of Wal-Mart website, if l do, l will let you know!!!

Cross Breeze

During the two heat waves we have had in Toronto recently l have been invited to stay at a couple of friends’ houses, and my sisters, instead of sweating it out in the van. 

The thing is, it’s not so bad in the van. No one believes me either. As long as the windows are open and l make a conscious effort to park so that the sun is shining on the back of the van (less windows) it's all good. Day or Night.

The only problem comes when it's going to rain, or is raining. It's hard to park the van and leave the windows open for the cats when they are calling for rain. I did leave them open one afternoon, and it rained like crazy, my bed only got a bit wet, l was lucky because it was torrential. The wind must have been blowing the opposite way (thank God).

I did stay at my sisters one night, and l left my cats there for two days because l was going to be working long hours and l just couldn't do that to the kitties.

What l discovered is l would have been more comfortable in my van. My sister and l share the same dislike for air-conditioning, and so, her home is not air-conditioned. It also takes hours to cool down at night (so it pretty much doesn't) whereas in my van, it’s pretty instantaneous. If it cools down at night outside, it's very comfortable to sleep in, almost to the point of needing a blanket.

July 1st And Rent FREE

Well it's that time of the month. The beginning. The typical day for most people to pay their rent, or their mortgage. I am happy to say l have neither to pay this month.

My home, which is my van is paid for. Yep, free and clear. All mine. (okay, l still have insurance.....can't get a way from that!!!)

This will be the first month that l will not have had to pay rent or a mortgage. Of course l was travelling for two months prior to this and living in campgrounds, l never paid those fees; it was a swap out for the services l was providing. I consider this different. I am working in one place now, and most people who do this, rent or buy a home to be close to their work.

For the month of June the only monies l paid for a campground was for one night and totaled $37. with taxes. I got to dump my holding tanks for that amount, and to fill up with fresh water. I even died my hair at the campground, and did laundry (l did have to put coins in the machines).

It seems like l can dump every two weeks at the rate l am going. Of course, l shower at the gym, so my water consumption is minimal in the van.