The RV Question

For the past couple of weeks we have upped our research into buying an RV. We might be crazy, with gas prices as they are, but we figured out a trip to Disneyland for the two of us still saves us money in the RV. And we save even more if we take children (know anyone that wants to go with us?).

Last weekend we stopped by two different dealers but fell in love with the Jamboree, made by Fleetwood. It was a very nice Class C Motor Home (Class C=over-the-cab bed style), and not the typical white paint job you see on the road. So, for the last week we have been doing more research, talking to people, and decided to visit some more RV dealerships to look at other models and choices. We decided there were certain features that were absolutely necessary (no raised toilets), other features that were nice that we could live without (leather chairs), and other features that we really didn't want (satellite TV). We have discovered there is not a perfect RV out there for us, but we have found several that we like.

So yesterday we visited 4 more dealerships, looking at about 20 models or so. We now have narrowed it down to 2 favorites. Besides the Jamboree, we love the Greyhawk, made by Jayco. So, here are pictures from both.

Jamboree first:



What we liked: The appliances were all at a level DeeAnn could use them with no or very little assistance; The toilet, shower and sink were all in a combined room rather than separate AND there were two doors, one from the bedroom and one from the hallway--a very nice privacy feature if (when) we have guests; all the connections (electric, sewer, water, etc.) were all in one compartment; color of the interior and exterior.

What we didn't like: The steps up into the vehicle or coach are too high; The DVD player is on the cab of the vehicle meaning to we might not be able to pause or stop a video from the bedroom, even from the living room we would have to go to the cab to stop it; the step from the coach into the cab is 11-12", doable but with difficulty; fuel fill was on the very rear of the coach which may make it a little more difficult to fill.

It drives very easily.

Now for the Greyhawk:



What we liked: Easy to step up into the coach; good quality workmanship (made in Indiana by Amish workers); feels roomier with the hallway down the middle; TV in the bedroom included; solar panels on the roof.

What we didn't like: TV in living room not as flexible as we would like it; Microwave up higher where it would require assistance (at least getting hot food out); color was plain white; The dash of the cab seems kind of out of place, a little strange.

We have not driven the Greyhawk yet.

Both can be easily adapted with hand controls and steering knob. They both have a towing capacity of 5000 lbs.

At this point, the Jamboree is little more expensive, and we are hoping the Greyhawk will still come down in price.

So, tomorrow we plan on going up and test driving the Greyhawk, take some more pictures and measurements, and see what they can do for price.

Which one do you prefer? Please take our poll (left side of the panel).

Chester the Molester

It only took three years, but Chester has finally warmed up to Kent. One of their morning rituals is to play. Here is Kent in the bathroom (with the door shut) and Chester on the outside.

Review - Santa Fe Dead

The book I most recently finished was Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods. Woods has several series I like, this one of the Ed Eagle character. I believe this is only the third book in this series.

The plot of the book is that Eagle, a Santa Fe attorney, discovers that his ex-wife, Barbara escaped from jail during her trial for attempted murder only to be found not guilty by the jury. She marries a very wealthy man who dies shortly after in a traffic accident. This time Barbara has nothing to do with it. But when she learns that her former husband (Ed) told her other former husband (now dead) about Barbara, the will was written in a way she would be able to live comfortably but not be the billionaire she thought she would be. So she seeks revenge on the lawyer who drew up the will and Eagle.

Eagle now has to watch himself. He decides to hire two associates to "take care of the problem." They do so but not without the help of others that Barbara has harmed in the past.

The book was okay, nothing fantastic or special. There is a little sex and it is described fairly graphically. Other than that, there is a little bad language. It's definitely an adult book. But the book was a very fast read, with short chapters and the plot moving pretty fast.

Now I'm reading The Killing Ground by Jack Higgins.

Review - A Prisoner of Birth

This morning I finished A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer. I've been a fan of Archer for quite some time now. My favorites have included Kane & Abel, Not a Penny More Not a Penny Less, As the Crow Flies, and his prison diaries. This is his second novel since being released from prison, having served two years for perjury. I found those journals fascinating, as I did with this book.

The premise of the book is: Danny Cartwright is convicted of murdering his best friend, who also happens to be his soon-to-be brother-in-law. Even though his fiance was there and testified, the other four witnesses convinced the jury to convict Danny. Danny determines to seek revenge on each of the four witnesses, one of whom Danny knows is the real killer.

The book has shades of Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, but does not even come close to the intricate plot twists and turns. More disappointing was the book jackets promise of a shocking ending. Archers unexpected plot twists are what I have enjoyed most about his books but this book does not have those. It is quite predictable. Even the ending is not shocking as promised. Still, it was interesting. Especially the first half of the book detailing Danny's prison days.

Now it's on to Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods.