The Conquistador's Picture Of The Day

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If we successfully complete this trip, we have Chad and Tara of “Changing Lanes” to thank. Never having done anything like this before we watched their videos on YouTube over and over learning a lot. It was my wife who sold me on the “5th wheel” concept. I was dead set on a “Class A” which would have been like driving a tour bus everywhere.

Chad’s advice on selecting a truck big enough, and his weight calculations were very useful to me. He was a good “teacher.” So much that we ended up buying virtually the same rig as them. A “Momentum 397” Toy Hauler and Ford F-350 Diesel “Dually.”

As I said in another post, my wife is actually better driving this than me although I have “chilled out” considerably since we started. We are glad we bought a “Toy Hauler” since we can take my Harley along and of course like Chad, I use the “garage” as an office. Being able to “detach” has been a great advantage visiting relatives and going to see tourist attractions. No scenes like in the “Long Long Trailer” where Desi Arnaz backs into the house or gets stuck in the mud.

Here’s a picture of Chad and Tara’s setup. If you are thinking of getting started, their videos are quite helpful.

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And this is where we live in Zionsville. That's my "office" on the right. Should be back home late tonight. My nieces start school on August 7th. In Michigan we didn't start school until after Labor Day.

We have a place North of here where we will be storing our RV. Right now we are in Franklin, Tennessee. Going to do some sightseeing and shopping while we get the RV checked out then head back home later. It's been fun...

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We made it home early this morning. Nice to be back. Got to see where Paramore took pictures for "Brand New Eyes" and also the bridge featured in "Ain't It Fun." Didn't get to meet anyone (Read: Hayley ) though. Otherwise, great way to end our vacation. Everyone was very friendly.

However my wife learned Justin Timberlake also has a home in Franklin and wanted to stay...

Trip went without incident until we were safely back in Indiana. Only minor damage. Insurance should cover it.

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Stock photo but very similar to what we used. Back home now. One word: "dailydriver."

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Checked the news on MSNBC this morning. Wish I hadn't...

No comment...

Katharine McPhee (about my age) and her husband. Just thinking, wonder what Loni Anderson is up to?

A "muscle car"? "Party on Wayne! Party on Garth!"

(I think that's an AMC Pacer. Update: Yeah, it is. Maybe a 78 or 79. The "Wayne's World" car was older. There is a Ford from the 70's that's similar. The grille is throwing me off. But at least I'm closer than "Google." It said "pickup truck." Too bad it's not a Javelin. I meant the car but somtimes Google knows best. She goes to Stanford. )

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Don't often check my "junk e-mail" folder but I'm expecting something important today for my company. Unfortunately this wasn't it.

Could have sworn I was at least 10" when I got in the shower this morning. Didn't know what happened...

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My birthday present for this year. A Riddell "Speed” helmet for my office. Sorry, I passed on the “Purdue Penis.” My nieces also baked me a “Descendants 3” cake. And gave me this picture. Now, I’d just like to be 18 years younger… Although I’m still not old enough to be “Mal’s Dad.” Older "boyfriend" maybe?

(Useless Helmet Update: If you follow “American football” the controversy centers around certain players wanting to continue wearing their older “unapproved” models. The NFL has an “official” list. The model everyone wore for 25 years, including me, going all the way back to “little league” was the Riddell “VSR-4.” Tom Brady (maybe you’ve heard of him? ) got special permission to wear his during the playoffs and SuperBowl last year. It’s good to be Tom Brady . You can identify a VSR-4 from the rounded shape and back. Very “old school.” They might as well be “leather” by today’s standards. During the regular season Brady wore a Riddell “Speed Flex” like everyone else. Concussions are a serious issue. There’s no doubt helmets are much better designed nowadays. But they feel different. Which is why some “older” players don’t like them. Antonio Brown (Steelers, now Raiders) has been in the news lately, even threatening to retire if he cannot wear his 12 year old Schutt. My last year in college I wore a Riddell “Revolution” which is now at the very bottom of the approved list. )