Adjusting Well

Life is made up of all kinds of little patterns and limits we place on ourselves. Often times we try something and only go so far. We look at something and say “that’s too hard, I can’t do that.” Or even worse we listen to others and “conventional wisdom” and never stray from the expected and typical. 

Now there are some nuggets of conventional wisdom which should be adhered to. Some examples are: not licking a frosted metal pole in winter, or not trying to fly like superman from a tall building. Yet when it comes to pushing your limits and stepping out of your comfort zone, I say, go nuts. 

For the past week, and on into the second week, I have been living in Wanda in sub-zero temperatures. It has gotten below -20C and I am still here with all of my fingers, toes and other appendages attached.  I have gotten used to how to live in these conditions. I have adapted and know that I can survive. 

While I do not particularly enjoy it, I can do it, and in so doing, save money. I had previously thought that living in an RV at all (even in warm temperatures) was impossible. Then I thought that just living in one in winter was impossible.  Then I thought that if it got too cold, that was impossible. I have proven all of them wrong, that I can do this.

I have found that first of all bundling yourself up in layers of clothing is key. The second thing to remember is to have lots of quilts on the bed. Thirdly is to have a hat like mine so that it stays on your head as you sleep and your head stays warm. 

Next is to get yourself used to a colder house by starting (before the cold really arrives) to turn down your thermostat, a bit at a time. If you get yourself used to a colder house you will not be so shocked by the cold when it comes.  

This also means that you will not be overtaxing your furnace/heater by trying to keep your trailer heated to 25C when it is -30C outside (good luck with that one). I have my thermostat set to 15C but when it gets really cold I have turned it down to 10C so as to not have it running constantly. 

Also, if you are or can plug in I highly recommend getting an electric heater.  Make sure to get one that provides steady, constant heat so as to help out and augment the heat coming from the furnace. In so doing, your furnace doesn’t have to work so hard to keep your trailer warm. I don’t recommend using a kerosene or propane heater inside as it may be not only be a carbon monoxide poisoning danger but a fire/explosion hazard as well. 

Last but not least is the simple truth that you can kiss your indoor plumbing goodbye in winter. Trust me, don’t even try to keep it going beyond -5C. I should have winterized earlier and it cost me a water pump.  I was lucky that my pipes did burst, but they could have, and that would have caused much more extensive damage. 

To winterize your trailer you essentially drain your tanks and fill the fresh water tank part way with antifreeze. Then you turn the pump on and run each tap until antifreeze comes out of them. In spring there is a procedure to sanitize the lines again. I recommend having the RV dealer to both winterizing and “de-winterizing” as the cost is not that much and it is worth it to get it done properly.   

On the book front, I have begun to research The Wars of The Roses in greater detail so as to be able to better tell Brian’s side of the story in the war. This is from The First Battle of St Albans to Towton, after that he goes to Egypt then ends up in Tanea. 

I am trying to get inspired and past this bit of a dry patch in the writing of this book. I do believe in this particular version of the novel as it tells two great stories at once and gives us insight into the backstories of two main characters. 

I am also looking forward to payday this Saturday, as I will be able to make my first serious payment on that second card.  My progress on the path do Debt Freedom must continue, or I have been chilly for nothing.