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By Katrina Kane, on January 5th, 2011 I got one of those new fangled digital photo frames from my son for Christmas. At first I thought, “Um, OK. What am I going to do with this? One more thing to dust and fill up my electrical outlets.” Out of curiosity, and lack of anything better to do, I read the manual for it. The more I read, the more interesting it got as far as bells and whistles such as how I can set it to go on and off at specific times and it can display in several formats including with a large easy to see clock to one side of the pictures. Eventually it dawned on me that after 3 years of touring the country, I have hundreds of beautiful photos I could load in it not just to show off but also to fondly remember and keep my memories fresh of all the places I have been and the things I have seen and done. My son had also thoughtfully included pictures of his family so I can see my grandkids every day.
It took a bit of effort to load pictures in it. I found out the hard way that it doesn’t like pictures that have been edited. It likes them raw right from the camera. I also discovered that pictures from my old digital camera display smaller than pictures from my newer camera. I assume they are set to different resolutions in the cameras themselves. Oh well. These are things I can live with.
Every night now I get a trip down memory lane and gorgeous canyons, sunsets, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, animals, kayaking, zip lining, sailing, interesting architecture, my kids and grandbabies, and more. I am very happy with it and recommend that every RVer get a digital photo frame.
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By Katrina Kane, on January 2nd, 2011
After seeing electronic book readers in the stores for a while now and then hearing my daughter-in-law raving about the one my son got her for Christmas, I decided to check them out. I searched Amazon.com who sells the Kindle and discovered they provide free Kindle for PC software for those of us who want to just check it out or who want Kindle books on our PCs instead or who don’t have wonderful spouses. I have to say Kindle is amazing and has reopened a whole new world for me. Along with the free software, I also downloaded several free books that sounded interesting. There are thousands of free books out there from numerous websites.
I have not been able to read a regular book in full in a couple years due to my eyes but I can read a book on my PC quite easily. I like that I can change the background and text colors as well as the text size to something comfortable for me. It bookmarks where I am at in a book so I can easily come back later. I love the highlighting and note options which make it very very easy to study a book and get back to important points. The clickable links in Kindle books is also very handy. The price of Kindle books is usually lower than a paper book and you get easy instant delivery online with no shipping fees. In fact I liked all this so much that I went ahead and bought a book I had already planned on buying and but now in the Kindle version. I read half the book in just one sitting because it was so easy! I should also mention that many popular newspapers, magazines and blogs are also available in Kindle subscription versions. They are automatically downloaded early in the morning daily, monthly, etc. I will have to start bugging my favorite RV magazines about going to Kindle.
Another great benefit is having a whole library on my computer that is limited only by the size of my hard drive space. When I get my handheld Kindle (and I will definitely be getting one of those too!), it can hold 3500 books. Imagine that! What a savings in storage space in an RV and no more having to give up books on my shelves to add new books. According to Amazon, the handhelds have special screens that you can see even in broad daylight while kicking back in your lounge chair with a cool drink and a good book. They can also connect to Amazon.com via either Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and free 3G depending on the model you get. Of course you can also sync a handheld with Kindle for PC on your computer.
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While looking at the Kindle for PC, I also discovered free software to organize both books and documents in numerous different formats. I can highly recommend Calibre for organizing your new library with tags to help find general types of books in your library like fiction and non-fiction, genres like mystery and how-to, or more specific like woodworking, cooking, full time rving, etc. I imported all the numerous document folders on my PC and can now find what I am looking for finally. That helps a lot with studying for school or projects.
If you also have trouble reading books or would like to carry 3500 books around to read at any time and anywhere, go get a Kindle or Kindle for PC software. It has changed my life and I am sure it will enhance yours as well!
By Katrina Kane, on December 30th, 2010
Some would think that since RVers are temporarily away from home or live in a small space, that they don’t celebrate the holidays like they would at home with food, friends, and decorations. Of course we do! I love spending the holidays in RV parks. Around that time, I look for a park with a clubhouse, entertainment, and potlucks.
Pot lucks are wonderful. You get to chat a lot with your fellow RVers, meet new people, get new recipes, and eat excellent food. Quite often the park will supply the turkey or ham for a holiday pot luck. I usually take salad or green bean casserole. You will also need to bring your own plate, silverware, drink, and/or booze. There are usually seconds to be had and lots and lots of dessert.
Your fellow RVers are loaded with talent. Whether they put on a skit or play or they get a band together, the entertainment is always fun. I am always surprised at how many RVers play and travel with instruments. I have seen some mighty fine guitar, banjo, sax, and keyboard players. I have yet to see one whip out a tuba though. 
RVers like to decorate too. With so little storage space, I like to go with inflatable decorations and those that will store flat such as flags, windsocks, L.E.D. lights, collapsible rope light trees, window decals, door coverings, garlands, etc. I do have a set of Peanuts Gang Xmas lawn ornaments but they fit in a small box for storage. My Christmas tree is 14” high and also stores easily. I decorate it with miniature ornaments just like anyone would a large tree.
When I can, I try to get to local holiday entertainment in town as well. I go to their parades and shows. I tour the local Christmas lights displays and watch fireworks.
RVers also have Super Bowl parties like anyone else with spirited cheering and jibing, finger food, BBQ, and a large TV of course.
  
By Katrina Kane, on December 5th, 2010
Need something quick for dinner that requires very little effort, tastes delicious, and will fill you up? This recipe will get you chowing down fast after a day on the road or sightseeing.
1 large 12.5 oz. can chicken chunks
1/2 bag or small box frozen peas
1 box fettuccine alfredo
butter or margarine
milk
water
Pour frozen peas and a little water into a glass dish and microwave per instructions on bag.
Add can of chicken chunks.
Add contents of box of alfredo along with butter, water, and milk per directions. Stir.
Microwave uncovered 9-11 minutes until done.
Let stand 3-5 minutes to thicken.
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