Sunday – September 2, 2007 – Shake and Bake

Today will be remembered as shake and bake. First, we started with a modest 4.7 earthquake. Then, it reached 107 degrees at the campsite. At the same time – about 3:00 p.m., the power went out. Although many folks in Yorba Linda were without power since 3:00 Saturday, today was a first for us. While Margaret was taking her afternoon nap, I noticed the a/c was running “slow”. When I measured the voltage, it was 96 VAC – far below the 120 VAC the a/c need to operate efficiently. As a matter of fact, if the a/c is allowed to run (attempt to run) at less than 100 VAC, the motors soon burn out.

So I turned everything off; disconnected the circuit breakers, and fired up the generator. We allowed the generator to run for about 1 hour while we cooled the unit – mostly to keep Suki cool. Then, at 4:00 p.m., we went over to Carol’s house – which didn’t lose power, i.e., the a/c was working fine. After another fine meal – and a few minutes of TV – we returned to the motor-home. Even at 7:45, we didn’t have power.

I spoke to the management. They said our campsite would be the last to get power back on. So after about 30 minutes of generator power, the power came back on. So we’re now fully operational – i.e., with a/c.

Margaret has jotted down a few notes from the last few days – included here in no particular order.

M. Today, Friday, felt normal. The roads we drove yesterday (?) not only violently shook the rig but rattled our nerves and sense of humor as well, as did the roads couple of day before that. The couple weeks ahead will be a needed respite.

Oddities:

1. If Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball had driven west in a motor home instead of a trailer, they would have used the "Flxible" that is parked down the way. It's a vintage fifties model, in tip-top shape, and painted aqua. Their campsite is complete with an electric palm tree at the bumper.

2. The tow cars that go with the units next to us are a BMW and a Caddy. Puts a new twist on "camping."

3. Have you ever seen the California hills? They are a wonderful study of light and shadow. This time of year -- make that most of the year -- the hills, though parched and dry, look like soft, wheat-colored velvet. They appear anatomical, even sensual, though much prettier in the spring with robed with gold poppies.

4. We have pretty good tv reception, dozen or so stations, over half of which are Latin stations. The programs are mostly the same, just dubbed.

5. The traffic is horrendous. Everyone is in a hurry. The stores today have been packed and negotiating the isles a challenge. "Running" errands is walk and wait.

W. Today we visited Kohl’s and Best Buy, followed by lunch at TGIF. Although we were mentally prepared for the heat, the walk across the parking lot at 1:00 p.m. was unbelievable – over 108 degrees; although it felt hotter. Why would anyone live here? (A rhetorical question – given the population.)