V2N3B

Karaoke Anyone?

For the last 3 years, whenever we travel in an area, we try to find a Karaoke Bar in case we get bored. Recently while we were in Earp, CA just across the river from Parker, AZ we were looking for a place that had Karaoke and we found one in the town of Parker. Not knowing what time the Karaoke started that night we went at around 9 o'clock. The bar was filled with people and the cigarette smoke was as thick as a forest fire. As we entered the bar a lady came over and was helping us clear a table by throwing the jackets on it onto another table. She informed us that a waitress would be right with us. After the waitress brought our pitcher, the lady who greeted us came back over to our table again. Our table was very small and she asked if we would like to join them at their table. We agreed and they made us feel very welcome. Later when she introduced herself, we found out she was the Mayor of Parker. Sometimes you just don't know who you'll meet.

Whisky U-Turn

We encountered an interesting concept just recently. The Duty-free Store. While on a trip to Nogales, Mexico recently our friend Walt stumbled over a broken curb and went down, hitting his face and mouth. Getting up and bleeding, a couple of "Americans of Mexican descent" ran over to help and offered him their bathroom to clean up and wash off the blood.

The bathroom that they offered was on the US side and in the duty-free liquor store. While he was getting himself together, Sharon and I were checking out the liquor prices. We found Seagram's 7 for $6 a bottle and the second at half price. 2 liters of 7 crown for $9. At home we usually pay between $11-$12 for a quart. We'd be back later.

When we returned, the cashier asked if the manager had explained what we must do to purchase there. When we replied "No", she elaborated the arrangement. And we, not having purchased there before, agreed to the terms. After paying for the whisky, the manager promptly escorted us back to the border crossing, where we were to cross back into Mexico, declare the whisky, and then come back across the border into the US again. To save about $15 we figured each step was about 10 cents worth. I doubt we will ever learn all the rules of life that are necessary for survival.

Flush This!

While in Quartzsite this year, we developed what appeared to be a minor leak in our toilet. After investigating, we determined that it was the floor seal that was leaking. No problem. We'll just change the floor seal. But after going to a couple of flea market places, and a couple of RV places, we still didn't have the seal to replace the old one. I finally found it, but it was not the same seal. They assured me that this seal was the only seal they've ever sold for a SeaLand toilet. I wasn't convinced, but I bought it and installed it. 2 days later it was still leaking. By this time I was not happy. In the meantime, we had gone to Lake Havasu sightseeing, and we stopped in another RV place, where the lady behind the counter described what my old seal looked like, and assured me that the seal I purchased in Quartzsite was the replacement. I was now confident that the seal was the right one.

A few days later when we moved on to Desert Hot Springs, CA I decided to remove the seal again and inspect it after making sure I could get another seal if it needed replacement. By this time the carpet in the bathroom also had to be torn up and discarded. The seal, upon a close inspection, revealed cracks all the way through the seal where it was supposed to be watertight. I put it in a zip-lock bag and sent it off to SeaLand with an explanation about their lousy seal. I also told them that they should have to pay for the second seal ($16) considering the circumstances. I'm sure they'll pay.........................Yeah Right! You know, sometimes shit just happens!!!!