It's Early Allergy Time

So much for having a day off - my nose is singing songs I've never heard of as I pop allergy pills, sniff nose drops and blow my nose non-stop with Puff's Vics' tissues. Today is a 'mizrable' day. Working on the computer isn't terribly constructive as even a 17' laptop screen is still sraining my eyes. I started out this morning by proofreading a friend's resumee online - when I really wanted to work on my latest images. Having to concede to trying to get some rest today goes against my instinct. My mind will continue to formulate thoughts and ideas while my body screams at me to rest awhile.

Fortunately I was able to see "Sex in the City" in Monticello, New York yesterday. For those of us 'SitY' fanatics, it was cleverly melded as a true extension of the series with all our favorite characters as well as two newbies adding fresh input. Everyone will fall in love with Carrie's new personal assistant, Louise from St Louis who has a penchant for designer handbags. The introduction cleverly leads to understand how the four best friends reached this point of their lives. I enjoyed it enormously - even with my allergies starting up.

And, on that nore - I'm off to the shower and - hopefully - a brief nap.

Scraplifting

Most diehard scrappers are moan in disbelief when I say I don't know the Scrapbook jargon that comes so easily to all of them. It's true - even though I've been creating frames, mats and different looks to my images for quite some time, I was unaware that there was an active digital scrapbook community.

In the May/June Calf Scramble at MooTwo Designs, we are asked to scraplift a layout. I opted to work with Gloria ValVerde's 'Sedona Scenery' (link shown here).

http://www.mootwodesigns.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3507&si=Sedona%20Scenery&what=allfields

My images were mostly from a visit to New York's Finger Lakes region last year, focusing on Taughannock Falls - the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies and 60 feet taller than Canada's Horseshoe Falls. All credits are as follows:

Background: Avery papers; filmstrip by escrappers; Folded and Lined overlay and Spring Frame 2 by Gunhild Storeide; Fonts - Nimbus San TT Con Bold and Pepita MT - all images my own.

My First Blog Header Artwork and credits

Google is wondrous thing! Recently, several online friends have joined the Blogger family - one of whom also selected this layout. As we both enjoy digital scrapping, I decided to look for a way to personalize my header, as my blog is a combination of my gypsy-lifestyle and digital crafts (which are better suited to living in confined quarters with weight and storage limitations).

Finding a link to premade blog header art, I opted to find what was necessary to create my own - prior links state the obvious . . . I'm a camera-addict and rather hooked on digital scrapbooking!

Two links gave me most of the information I was seeking - template size and how to upload my designs.

The first-

http://freetemplates.blogspot.com/

clued me into template sizes. It's a great site, but there was ONE omission - the pixel size for this header is actually 1140 X 180 (I can extend it to 1320 x 180 to fill the box).

I spent a delightful evening creating my first heading. Knowing I wanted to include the title as part of my artwork I logged onto www.1001freefonts.com and found a round font that I could fill with my own art. Because it was an outline font I first set it to my header template (saved as png), then saved a jpeg copy to give me a solid background fill. Closing the saved type and reopening it, I inserted it on the top of the paper I wanted to fill the letters with. Using my magic wand, I first eliminated the white background.

Now I had the font 'Caligraph', with the colors I wanted INSIDE my letters. I used my magic wand, one letter at a time and cut and pasted the background inside my letters. Once that was done, I pulled out the background to be sure the letters were what I envisioned.

Afterwards I added the wondrful plaid background paper from the Digital Scrapbooks Seasons and Holidays collection, and the stitching, created by talented Gunhild Storeid http://www.storeide.se/gunhild/index.htm.
Finally, I outlined the letter edges to give them a bit more definition and added a feint shadow. The image of my 'House on wheels' was trimmed to fit and blend in with the other elements, with a very minor, soft shadow there too.

So, now I had my first blog header - and size - but the uploading instructions were beyond this Granny's brain (seriously!).

Back to Google search under 'creating free blog headers' . . .

and there, deceptively simple, was a great video tutorial that was almost embarrassing in its simplicity. Again, the author failed to give the header sizes- but the directions tell you that if you request, it will resize your art to the appropriate size for your blog (1140 pixels here - 1140 x 180 overall).

The second link:

http://blogger-templates.blogspot.com/

My thanks to both these great wonderful bloggers.

One more item of note - when uploading your image for your header, note that one option is to automatically reduce the image to the suggested width. If you have a set image that you do NOT want rduced, DO NOT CHECK THIS BOX.

I changed my layout since I first wrote this and discovered that the suggested pixel width will not fill the full box, so you may have to experiment - The 180 depth is fine - but the widths change according to your layout choice. I did update the measurements to the size shown, adding more original art that I created - but I can still add another 180 pixels in width - and will most likely do so - eventually!

Workamping 2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I just realized a horrendous oversight in creating this Smilebox Album - the May calendar on the second page was created by me using Gloria Val Verde's May 2008 Paint the Barn Challenge at http://www.mootwodesigns.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8767&cat=500&ppuser=542 (Moo Two Designs). The photos and papers are my own creations. The jeweled embellishments were part of Gloria's terrific template. Vicki

Sam's Point, Cragsmoor, New York

On a clear day you can see out fifty miles and view FIVE states - New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut are 4, but there's no sign from the Point to indicate the fifth, and I'm ashamed to admit that I'm posting this without confirming the last one. A fellow from Oxford, UK asked about hiking opportunities when he made his reservation. The owner of the park I'm working at told me that he has a list of area sights and attractions in a book, giving directions. Sam's Point, in the foothills of New York's Catskill Mountains, is the closest to the campground, so off I went to explore with my camera on one of my days off last week.

The Preserve has many areas of hiking trails - one of which leads off to ice chasms - but that trail was temporarily closed while it was being strengthened in areas where erosion is threatening it. The skies looked a bit iffy to the south, so I opted for the short - but straight up hike to the Point itself. In this image I was nearing the top, but still not quite there. At one time genteel ladies and gentlemen rode up in horse-drawn carriages. Even though the road was better then, it was still a steep uphill pull for the horses, and the downhill trek could be slippery in bad weather - as it is now - and there are extreme drop offs around every bend.

The climb was well worth it and the impending weather made for some great coloration in my images. Once at the Point itself, a wind came up that was rather daunting - looking about me it was obvious that such winds are the norm as the trees, which stood tall and proud at the base of the mountain, were short and stunted at the top - unable to grow due to Nature's decree.

Now I can't wait to check out some of the other areas as the Catskills. I'm told that the views are breathtaking everywhere - even the campground I'm at is a teaser of what lies ahead, overlooking beautiful peaks in the distance.

Heading On Out...

Reflection of KOA Kamp Kottage

I'm a bit behind again . . . nothing new. Since leaving Georgia we've been on the go non-stop. We arrived in Middleboro, Massachusetts on March 21 and immediately started Workamping at the Boston/Cape Cod KOA, in unseasonably bitter weather. The cold is trying to snap, but it isn't unusual to see a 30 degree difference  in temperature between Boston and Plymouth. Someone will have to tell me if that's typical for this region. The Boston Marathon was held today in terrific weather. I'm sure the runners were happy about that.

 

I was hired to work in the store and reservations with occasional help in housekeeping and supposed to assist with adult arts and crafts later this summer. I also understood that I would   be working  full time

 

Boston/Cape Cod KOA, Middleboro, Massachusetts

 

Well, it didn't quite work out that way.  My hours keep being reduced while food and fuel keep increasing.  The typical price for diesel fuel is about $4.39 a gallon in this area. We were paying $3.73 when we left Tampa, Florida in mid-March.

The campground itself is company-owned and nicely set up. The location is ideal and there is a great deal to see and do with great local transportation - I certainly was not in any hurry to leave at this point.

But, I'm not 30, or 40, or even in my 50's anymore and have been spending more time cleaning bath houses, Cruise America Class C motorhomes  and Kabins - my least favorite things  to do on a daily basis. Solution: - It's time to move on. Monday morning we're off to New York's Catskills.

 

In the meantime, once the bitter cold eased up, there was time to go to Plymouth for some fun images. The harbormaster greets arrivals from this quaint building in the harbor. It's close to Plymouth Rock and a replica of  The Mayflower. Unfortunately, Plymouth Rock is under wraps for a few more weeks while being overhauled.

                                                                                                                             

this is the Monument which houses Plymouth Rock. My daughters told me that it was only visible at low tide - the high tide line is clearly visible on the rocks. The rock itself is in the boxy-looking thing in the opening at the bottom of the structure. But this is where the Pilgrims landed . The Mayflower replica is just out of sight behind the trees.

 

It's definitely a delightful town worth visiting - when the season isn't at its peak! It was quite cold when I took these pictures, but many Europeans are here on Spring Holidays and they're quite used to colder weather . . . but even they were wearing warm coats as I was!.

The Rally at Perry, Georgia

We arrived in Perry about 1:45 yesterday afternoon. The WillCall booth was easy to reach and we got our parking paperwork quickly! A volunteer led us to our area . . . where the first flag should have come up . . . the maps all indicated that Lot 1 was to our right, but those of us with a shamrock sticker were told to go left. In no time, we had rows of trying-to-be-patient new arrivals waiting to be led to our sites. Ours is definitely level, but so narrow that backing in the pickup truck is a bit of a tricky situation. We took it in stride, then headed off to the registration building.

The Rally program says there are shuttles to every lot . . . NOT! Ours not only offers NO shuttle service, but we had to walk 30 minutes to reach the registration building.

Registration was not only s-l-o-w, but there was no place for anyone to sit - and most of us from our lot already had sore backs from the uphill hike. Finally accomplished, we happily spotted a shuttle to 'Lot 1' . . . and ended up back where we boarded - no one told us that our lot was excluded altogether from the shuttle service.

We spoke to a manager who tried to tell us we were parked where we weren't. Then he offered us a refund, or a chance to relocate today . . . when the traffic let up. That still sounded so-so - although it meant missing two seminars. Once we hiked back to our fiver - accompanied by other unhappy campers who had also complained, we realized that we probably could NOT move our unit, as the roadways are too tight.

So, now we were miserable, but decised to go to Wal-Mart - to add to the misery, we also have the only lot with NO security lights, and the only way out of the lot is across a narrow bridge that's hard to find in the dark.

This morning we found out that about 20 others also complained yesterday. Hopefully there will be better shuttle service by tonight - but at least ONE is running closer to our area, and we can live with that for now.

As for the show, it starts in earnest tomorrow - and it looks like it will be a great one overall. Indoor entertainment will be a plus, plus a dance competition that's aiming to break the Guiness Book of Records on Saturday evening.

There will be so many vendors we may never get to them all. And RVs? Wow! Even a great variety of tow haulers. Better leave the checkbook in our rig!

No images to upload yet, we may have to wait til after the show as it's too awkward to bring our laptops up.

On the Road Again

RV Makeover (Winnebago) at Good Sam Rally in Daytona, Florida, 2006



As far as my nomadic lifestyle is concerned, winter is unofficially over. We closed up our house on wheels in the Tampa area yesterday and started northward - only as far as Lake City, Florida for two nights, as we're scheduled to reach Perry, Georgia, tomorrow afternoon for the always-terrific Good Sam Rally. We already have a list of all the seminars which start on Thursday and just have to get the 'feel' of the grounds to determine where everything is located.


For two nights we're enjoying one of our favorite Passport America campgrounds - Oaks n Pines RV Park on I-10 near Lake City. I did forget how close it was to the Interstate, but the sounds of the big rigs and the bikers leaving the huge Daytona Rally simply gets the blood revving up - rather like Canada Geese and Sand Hill Cranes with their semi-annual migrations!


After we set up yesterday, Mike decided to call his son . . . but was unable to find his cell phone. Calling it proved unsuccessful - both our phones easily convert to vibrate at inconvenients times. As we have no need to drive anywhere right now, we're still hooked up to the fifth wheel. We checked with the office - no phone. Mike tried dialling his number one more time - and a gentleman answered - he heard it ringing at the rest area where we had lunch on I-75.


Fortunately, he was heading toward Jacksonville, and had to pass right by the RV Park. He refused to take anything for returning the phone. Whoever you are, Good Samaritan, we both thank you .


Now we can relax today before our hectic weekend - but fun hectic - and two of the ladies I worked with at Camping World near Tampa will also be there to say hello to.

When the Internet is Down, my Camera is Up

There's nothing more infuriating than having restricted internet time. We've been down at WigWam RV Park in Seffner, Florida, for several weeksa now, but there is an upside . . . I'm busy with my camera and creating greeting cards without interruption!

We were only able to get the lunar eclipse images through the full eclipse. Even my camera was able to capture some strong images until the clouds came after it reached its peak. The image on the furthest right was the soft glow of the total eclipse. What a thrill that was to see.

I've also been creating a new line of greeting cards that are getting some favorable comments, incorporating my own images and creative digital scrap booking techniques. Definitely not for the photography purist, but something I'm enjoying as the designs are my own and the possibilities are endless in scope.

One more week in Seffner, and we'll be heading for the huge Good Sam Rally in Perry, Georgia. We went to one in Daytona two years ago and are ready to enjoy another. In the meantime, it's time to start getting our 'house on wheels' ready to roll. Florida is so sandy and messy, but Mike's been having an easy time washing her down so she's bright and shiny for the road.

The inside also needs a good going-through . . . including the closets and collected junk from being in one place awhile. I found a great knife holder on sale at Camping World last week. I have a good one behind the stove, but when the cover's open it isn't easy to reach behind. This one fits tidily on my dish cupboard door and still closes securely. With new steak knives, it was imperative to have a holder easily reachable yet out of harm's way of small grandchildren. For about $5, it's exactly what was needed - hooray!

Last night we went over to Winn-Dixie and discovered their Prestige ice cream brand was featuring Plant City Strawberry Ice Cream. It is SO good, with huge pieces of berries. The Strawberry Festival is in full swing. For $2.79 one can enjoy a HUGE bowl of Strawberry Shortcake. We've been over twice - the second time my daughter was visiting from Michigan and my aunt and uncle drove up from Ft Myers to meet her. (I was adopted at birth and met my birth mother three years ago. Her brother winters in Ft Myers, so I get to visit them when I'm nearby - my half-brother is also in nearby Clearwater, so Becki got to meet three new family members on this visit).

Just as we finished up our wonderful treat, the skies opened up and it poured! It took Becki two days to get here due to snow and ice . . . then she was greeted by heavy storms in a not-so-sunny Florida! Fortunately it didn't last.

New Revelations in a Vista World

How many of you are going through the new Vista problems that I am? Sony has been wonderful in trying to help me as they arise, but it's so aggravating trying to find my way through the new 'doorways'. XP wasn't broke - why did someone have to 'fix' it?

1) System Restore . . . doesn't

2) Be vewy, vewy careful of what you install. A friend insisted I download her iWin JewelQuest program . . . sorry, iWin - no more games from you.

First, it sneakily adds a pop up announcing new games every time you go online;

second, it is bound and determined that you will sign up for online play; . . .

and third . . . it will make you become really friendly with your computer manufacturer's
online service techs! Out of nowhere, my desktop expanded wayyyy out of proportion.
Even opening images to edit them became impossible as they were effectively distorted.

Fortunately, Sony was able to come through and help me there, but I'm still waiting for feedback regarding the System Restore issue.

As if that isn't aggravating enough, the park I'm presently at keeps losing its WiFi signal . . . so I have to drive to a nearby hot spot to see where I'm at with the different fixes.

When my daughter got her new laptop a year ago, it still had Windows XP, so she's being spared some of these aggravations.

Now, one last surprisae, that the Sony reps keep 'forgetting' to comment on - and I hope I hear some feedback from some of you on this gem.

Supposedly, I have Windows Vista Premium Home edition . . . but the Sony rep indicated that my computer was actually shipped preloaded with Windows 98 - even though I can find no reference to 98 when I do a search or look within my computer - and everything opens under Vista.

Has anyone else heard anything about this situation????????????????

Sorry to have such a frustrating blog entry today. But I would sure like to know what's what in the scheme of things.