TreyandSusan

Kent Yep, we're here and having the same issue. Mind telling us which Mobile home park you are in?

Blues There is a computer system already being used for the counties which do emissions testing, which is a large portion of the population (metropolitan areas). The inspection sites have a computer hooked into the interweb and they send it to the database based on the VIN. There are many counties that do not have the computer system, yet. I'm pretty sure part of the bill mentioned getting that set up for these other counties. The past three years I have sat with him and helped as he punched in our data to register the new inspection in the computer. Currently he has to input the VIN twice - the worst part. I am pretty sure the inspection stations will ultimately love this because it will be more difficult to sidestep the system and they will ultimately have more business. The downside to the ones that don't already have the specialized computer setup is that it will be an added cost for them. And Barb mentioned something a while ago which does frequently happen - stolen stickers. They will have less worries with this issue. I am pretty good friends with the gentleman who does my inspections (Travis County - emissions testing county) and he has told me about these sticker thefts. Certainly this is not empiracal data but he was clear that many sites have this issue.

Tackling US-12/Lolo Pass across Idaho tomorrow on the way to Oregon.

Wow Sharon, what wonderful news!!! Will pray the deal 'sticks'! Praying for you next week too. I hope the pain management is bearable and the surgery is a success. We enjoyed our lunch with you guys last weekend. ~Susan

That sounds great, Sharon! I didn't realize you were this close - I thought you were in western CO. I'll send you an email. BTW, We've already "done" Austin this year. Different job.

Well, don't go changing now, Sharon! I will certainly pray for your upcoming surgery and recovery. I hope they find something to help with pain - i know staying ahead of such things is helpful. Dont' worry about us having too much fun. This summer will be a heavy-duty work time for us. But why not work in a beautiful surrounding if possible? Alicia, I got your email - I will reply with our info soon. Janet, Keep enjoying your journey (and sharing it with us)!

Hey Alicia! Y'all still in YNP? We will head that direction in a couple of weeks. We are currently in Colorado Springs. Heidi, Hope things are still going well for you guys. We had such a wonderful time visiting with you and Robert and hiking with the family! Hugs from us both! Janet, I am enjoying following your journey to AK. Do you feel like a full-timing verteran yet? I hope you get some warmth soon! Sharon, Have you had the surgery yet? Let us know how you are doing.

As usual when you go to a governmental agency at different times and speak to different people you will get different answers. Such was the case as I tried to find some possible solutions to the upcoming inspection/registration law change, which will begin March 2015. It cracks me up when this happens and you need to have a good attitude when you go in because you can easily get folks who don't really care and will lie to you just to get you away from their window. But the next time you go you may get someone who really cares and wants to help. Your attitude can make a big difference so prepare yourself for either outcome and be prepared to go to another office or come at a different time to get another clerk. I know that Escapees has a lawyer working on this and that is wonderful but I wanted to be a little proactive with a solution that could be helpful for some and is helpful for me. This will not help everyone but for those who annually return to the state around the same time, it is possible to change your registration expiration month. It can be tricky and you do need to talk to the right person but it can be done. My hope was to get all our vehicles registration changed to the winter (Dec or Jan) when we would almost surely be returning on a yearly basis for the foreseeable future. Our three vehicles had registrations of May, December, and October. So, I only needed to change 2 of them. Changes to the expiration month can only be done 90 days prior to a vehicles expiration. For example, I was able to change my upcoming May registration date to December but I could not yet change the vehicle with the October Registration expiration. I will have to wait until late summer or early fall to change that registration to December. You will also have to pay a prorated charge for the months from the current month to the desired month. I did this in person but the most helpful clerk said that it could also be done by phone by calling your Texas counties Registration office. (Travis County: 512-854-9473) This means that I can return for Christmas with the family get inspected and renew my registration on all vehicles before leaving for the Spring. Obviously there are some downsides - the cost will be a hit all at once and it doesn't solve the problem of being gone for more than a year but it could be helpful for some. Looking forward to seeing how the policy makers provide better solutions.

Now in Charlotte North Carolina and not successfully avoiding cold weather.

We're in Perry, Georgia. Saw Raymond and Janet Church pass by on I-75 on their first day of full-timing on the road.

More good news. Will continue to pray for you all.

Glad things are improving and manageable for now. I will continue to pray for y'all.

Heidi, Thanks for the regular updates. I'm glad they filled with such encouraging news! Make sure you BOTH get rest. Taking care of others is hard work! Will continue to pray.

Heidi, I saw your post this morning but had no time to respond before work. I am so glad things are progressing. I have been praying for you guys. Please tell DD1 that remember how much she loves quietness. I am praying that she can be loving and gracious during this wild, busy, and chaotic time! Hugs to everyone! Susan

Heidi, I am so sorry. We are praying for you guys and Robert's parents. May you have the strength to help and comfort his parents as they begin this long healing process. Please let us know if we can do anything to help.

There is a provision for not being in the state but who knows what that means in practice when the procedures are written... Sec. 548.103. EXTENDED INSPECTION PERIOD FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES. The department may extend the time within which the resident owner of a vehicle that is not in this state when an inspection is required must obtain a vehicle [an] inspection report [certificate] in this state.

Disregard

Something to keep in mind... This past June 2013 in Texas, a law was passed to combine the annual safety inspection process into the annual registration process. This new law is not set to take effect until March 2015. (~ 1 year from now) Some important parts of the law as it was passed... There will only be one sticker- the Registration sticker. Before a vehicle registration can be renewed an inspection must be completed within the 90 days prior to the vehicle registration expiration. So, proof of safety inspection will be needed before registration renewal can be completed. This proof will be either from a database in which the inspection is submitted at the time of inspection or from the inspection report given at the time of the inspection. The law was passed June 2013. They are currently revising the affected portions of the transportation code as well as developing the procedures. So there are a lot of questions with few answers until these revisions are made and adopted. Some things to consider and make plans are multiple vehicle registration expirations. Trying to consolidate these so inspections can be done in a window of time when you are likely to be in the state. It has been possible to register for more than 1 year. So, if still available, then it may be an option to register for more than 1 year to see how this all works out. Options (advantages/disadvantages) will need to be considered depending on personal circumstances. The law has been passed but the procedures have not been developed so who knows how this will shake out. This change is something to keep in mind, be aware, and make plans to ease the potential issues of living on the road, especially if you are not in the state for an extended period of time.

Heading to Austin (Buda), TX and will be there through the first of March. Staying right next to Cabela's so give us a call if you are coming through.

Hey Ruth, While we will do a few nights of dry camping, we are more RVers than campers - we are soft and lazy. We stayed at a very small RV park just east of Wickes, AR about 2 miles west of the Cossatot River State Park on HWY 248. It was $84/week for full hookups so we planted ourselves for 7 days while we explored. We were able to take daily drives on the bike, a couple of hikes, and still got much work done (we work on the road.) It is beautiful here in AR - the first week of autumn colors are showing. We are currently in Hot Springs, AR where we plan more drives and more exploring (and more work too.) I hope your RV hunt goes well. I look forward to hearing good news. I can't remember if you have more or less than two years before you hit the road. Janet, we will be in central FL soon and look forward to seeing you guys! I am really good at packing boxes and getting rid of long-held material possessions. Do you need me to help with Raymond's stuff?

Alicia, I don't really like theater popcorn (too salty) so I would say "no". I think is supposed to be healthier (at least until the next study is done and we find out it causes hairy eyelids or some such nonsense!) than other oils. I can't taste the coconut most of the time, but Trey says he can smell it. I love popcorn and eat it for dinner at least once a week. If I can make it more healthy (or less unhealthy) I will try. BUT I will not sacrifice flavor or crunch. Sherrie, you did a great job! I know keeping us ladies in line is quite a task! I have nothing to offer on the fridge issues. We have an RV fridge. We don't keep it full and food does occasionally slide around, but it does not fall out when I open the doors - at least not yet. We are currently in SW Arkansas in the middle of nowhere. It is quiet and beautiful and I love it! I think Trey wants a TV signal (any TV signal) and better internet, but I'm enjoying the tranquility. The next four to five months we will be in very urban areas, so I'm eking out as much nature as I can right now. Those of you wanting to drive or drive more often, it has been a week since the rally ended... anybody driven much?

I'm pretty sure our weight limitations prohibit that amount of popcorn!

What's new with me? Well, Sharon, I just bought a jar of coconut oil for my popcorn! Thought you and Richard would want to know. Enjoyed seeing everyone at the Rally, but really missed those that couldn't attend!

Heading for Hutchinson and the HDT Rally.

We will be at the HDT Rally also. Really looking forward to seeing everyone. Heidi, Still saying 'Wow" to your new home. It is lovely. Sharon, glad you had such a productive summer! I bet you are exhausted. Alicia, I looked through your May 31 album. I sure hope you guys stayed in your vehicle! The photos are amazing. Davena and Suzan, Are you feeling settled in your new homes yet? Safe travels all! Susan