tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50793210223561664362024-03-05T01:43:52.355-08:00The Best 50 YearsMaking the most of the second half.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-13511774277175301132016-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:002016-01-16T08:59:31.223-08:00Guest Bedroom FinishedI've been planning to paint our guest room for ages and finally got it done! And I'm counting it as a finish for 2016 even though I did most of it between Christmas and New Year's Eve.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPSKDJUoFU1eZlrlqJOlswLz6IBSo0Xg2HJIkhTxMsb4smgpOcU2J8QcPYDuUrrY_Ybj939UlZOgg_kkfFjknBQbYt4lU8UySmnf62VpzxqZzMKLegmatUjke6BRyAfdK7iIYN-IfA_c/s1600/middle+room+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPSKDJUoFU1eZlrlqJOlswLz6IBSo0Xg2HJIkhTxMsb4smgpOcU2J8QcPYDuUrrY_Ybj939UlZOgg_kkfFjknBQbYt4lU8UySmnf62VpzxqZzMKLegmatUjke6BRyAfdK7iIYN-IfA_c/s400/middle+room+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest bedroom before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZv-dLcgKVPse4oak-UI_RhDT3KygVYelX5PpTqcKmLmdfm243AOcugGO7RBi3QNRIc8IaspAnV7qQMxtNJHKZ8hnzbNvN9ByRlLNTx3xUvX1EjgpihjenF9dZdyVHBaR46pT7092V58/s1600/middle+room+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZv-dLcgKVPse4oak-UI_RhDT3KygVYelX5PpTqcKmLmdfm243AOcugGO7RBi3QNRIc8IaspAnV7qQMxtNJHKZ8hnzbNvN9ByRlLNTx3xUvX1EjgpihjenF9dZdyVHBaR46pT7092V58/s400/middle+room+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest bedroom after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now in case you think it's a crime to paint beautiful natural pine paneling, I used to agree. But after living with it for 20 years, I'm ready for something that I can actually keep clean. The grooves between the boards had become nothing but a dust/cobweb magnet and I wanted them sealed, so I used Sashco Big Stretch caulk on all joins and around the trim.<br />
<br />
Also, it's a little on the blue side but I don't like picking paint colors (too many choices!) so just buy mistint paint for half price whenever I find a light-colored gallon in a white base that's in the right color family. Can't wait to see what colors I end up with for the rest of the house! <br />
<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-85588722137838905862016-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:002016-01-11T10:30:32.530-08:00Christmas Quilts Finished!To use up some of my fabric stash several years ago, I started two Christmas quilts and even managed to get them both quilted, but neither was bound and they've been languishing all this time on my quilt rack - two more UFOs (unfinished objects). <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1NWf9WeAzYYCu60TP6VCGP6Xm5pzrBmPsFxJj7P-FhrwsAQ5h9ltfJGB9_Y7uh69_94Q_5DyKKSL0nU0O-cuLQTZ090NeEv6AlyE8afhzcAEoopriiihNm9EEVuET1hhf1m9I4yyElc/s1600/IMG_2802-before1-2-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1NWf9WeAzYYCu60TP6VCGP6Xm5pzrBmPsFxJj7P-FhrwsAQ5h9ltfJGB9_Y7uh69_94Q_5DyKKSL0nU0O-cuLQTZ090NeEv6AlyE8afhzcAEoopriiihNm9EEVuET1hhf1m9I4yyElc/s400/IMG_2802-before1-2-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Christmas quilt sans binding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP1Gdl0CbO_c5LNGSA3jDKuhw-aim3CwRzM-HxvKjQcpQruvtikkGUrbTDy5Qjt0hTk9nWOeztSRaT64iuxF_sFGTIFqq-9ob2dYkoPB9UP7yeJ2a6dtwgBv066AtXcexrBc5WkMLie0/s1600/IMG_2804-before2-1-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP1Gdl0CbO_c5LNGSA3jDKuhw-aim3CwRzM-HxvKjQcpQruvtikkGUrbTDy5Qjt0hTk9nWOeztSRaT64iuxF_sFGTIFqq-9ob2dYkoPB9UP7yeJ2a6dtwgBv066AtXcexrBc5WkMLie0/s400/IMG_2804-before2-1-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Christmas quilt sans binding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As my second official finish for 2016, I created a decorative binding
from other stash that is sewn on completely by machine - no hand
stitching required! How cool is that?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtrDbm8N-ty_uI54ude5R2HTgJeUXdVDtock9osDSYv2x7GHsVf6e7i-vi2zVjnLfAzTSi350zmR71Y51kPGZu5gSa60HtZOWuwd4wH7pdVBl2lnyq-se7oM6jWHyOFXFNOBpionCTf0/s1600/IMG_2819-after1-2-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtrDbm8N-ty_uI54ude5R2HTgJeUXdVDtock9osDSYv2x7GHsVf6e7i-vi2zVjnLfAzTSi350zmR71Y51kPGZu5gSa60HtZOWuwd4wH7pdVBl2lnyq-se7oM6jWHyOFXFNOBpionCTf0/s400/IMG_2819-after1-2-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding detail (1st quilt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM_SqeTlgi3IEv5BPCE55KAr3tiTfLsAR4mJ3EtQbT0Lrf3YChOBqpJoEKJwothDgtaRFvFTUsEiw6_3E4ugL5-ODHtzNqpPqa8KJIyH6MzcFCB0KoByKiB6vKbZuzhTA6XT5qf6UBDM/s1600/IMG_2820-after2-1-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM_SqeTlgi3IEv5BPCE55KAr3tiTfLsAR4mJ3EtQbT0Lrf3YChOBqpJoEKJwothDgtaRFvFTUsEiw6_3E4ugL5-ODHtzNqpPqa8KJIyH6MzcFCB0KoByKiB6vKbZuzhTA6XT5qf6UBDM/s400/IMG_2820-after2-1-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully bound! (2nd quilt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So do these quilts count as only one finish? Or is it two?<br />
<br />
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-87013115894863303432016-01-09T07:15:00.002-08:002016-01-09T07:15:58.858-08:00First Official Finish for 2016For my <a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2016/01/focus-word-for-2016.html" target="_blank">2016 focus word, </a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2016/01/focus-word-for-2016.html" target="_blank">FINISH</a>,</span></i></span> I've created subcategories, one of which is quilts. I have so many UFOs (unfinished objects) and WIPs (works in progress) stashed around the house, it's embarrassing. Anyway, here's the before and after of a baby blanket I started nearly a decade ago that is now my first official 2016 finish! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LaGxNdRa6iZ34nRMluNn_pD0OIUFGTpnYvYSjU64gy1QHpm2DwZQwksPBHAnpBbEfkcV2Thoe-zuTSkS5rHMPdglz5grW_AN_kidbz2OHSvpzBo9DbfcIPCeS7oraVsBdgMGqMNCwLo/s1600/fireman+quilt+wip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LaGxNdRa6iZ34nRMluNn_pD0OIUFGTpnYvYSjU64gy1QHpm2DwZQwksPBHAnpBbEfkcV2Thoe-zuTSkS5rHMPdglz5grW_AN_kidbz2OHSvpzBo9DbfcIPCeS7oraVsBdgMGqMNCwLo/s400/fireman+quilt+wip.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfinished fireman baby blanket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, I left extra fabric/batting all the way around the quilted fleece center panel to fold to the front to create a border.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfhVcfXY_Im69SSyz2zdevpzxy5mP5FogIbnGz3kgj0LIUAG0UNmow-WgA30CNKO4-KySPyPJZnhWYcKdM3F1M6yXVSHxjVWDeHXrYQfmbTDK7lxEBbW1If5MIAeD3CbT6MJZKEApeSc/s1600/fireman+quilt+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfhVcfXY_Im69SSyz2zdevpzxy5mP5FogIbnGz3kgj0LIUAG0UNmow-WgA30CNKO4-KySPyPJZnhWYcKdM3F1M6yXVSHxjVWDeHXrYQfmbTDK7lxEBbW1If5MIAeD3CbT6MJZKEApeSc/s400/fireman+quilt+finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished fireman baby blanket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And here it is - finally FINISHED!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-11510815198465135072016-01-08T08:13:00.000-08:002016-01-08T08:13:30.296-08:00Focus Word for 2016Prerna and Mayank over at Content Bistro recently posted <a href="http://www.contentbistro.com/2016/01/04/our-word-for-the-year-the-powerfully-intentional-way-to-achieve-goals-as-entrepreneurs-and-parents" target="_blank"><i>Our Word for the Year: The Powerfully Intentional Way to Achieve Goals as Entrepreneurs and Parents</i></a>. Well, this got me thinking...<br />
<br />
What should my focus word be for 2016?<br />
<br />
After giving it some thought, I chose:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FINISH</span></span></b></i></span></div>
<br />
While simplify was initially at the top of my list, I suddenly realized that if I just finish even a fraction of the things I've already started, other areas of my life will automatically be simpler.<br />
<br />
So...<br />
<br />
What is your focus word for 2016?<br />
<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-41083632316574605422016-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:002016-01-01T06:42:19.906-08:00Welcome 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Cheers to the NEW YEAR</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">and another chance to get everything right.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">Or not. Either way,</span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: purple;">have a peaceful and prosperous 2016!</span></i></span></span></div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-60245190632323901702015-12-24T11:49:00.001-08:002015-12-24T11:49:58.951-08:00Merry Christmas 2015!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohKELdmGhfIkpMUCF6yLfwJDJ2vcrv82kkp3kR02AuxrBox_QjINs7GUEm4b_VLlsnZxA8bSzcGDd9nn7_r3jt4jd15HrA9cV3L9rxng3iuEU0iSzQvCjyGFTkBUqr3lK-Nw6FITbv_E/s1600/Merry+Christmas+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohKELdmGhfIkpMUCF6yLfwJDJ2vcrv82kkp3kR02AuxrBox_QjINs7GUEm4b_VLlsnZxA8bSzcGDd9nn7_r3jt4jd15HrA9cV3L9rxng3iuEU0iSzQvCjyGFTkBUqr3lK-Nw6FITbv_E/s400/Merry+Christmas+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And wishing peace and prosperity for all</span></i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">in the coming new year.</span></i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></span></b></span></div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-66649798873498411382015-11-27T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-27T09:30:00.509-08:00Z is for Zzzzzs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW7jvbjy4tOvo8nYAJ9Oj0otl1mTGn3Ur8ufC3IdR8dqVzfAzU6HFp5gZJz7ej9fHKPDg9tkE-zxKdx8jnc-QU6kpXvgPpfFRGLHXw7NI34GLUt-wjl83rbyIZIisuhyBNkEhoWW3yH4/s1600/Z-zzzzzs+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW7jvbjy4tOvo8nYAJ9Oj0otl1mTGn3Ur8ufC3IdR8dqVzfAzU6HFp5gZJz7ej9fHKPDg9tkE-zxKdx8jnc-QU6kpXvgPpfFRGLHXw7NI34GLUt-wjl83rbyIZIisuhyBNkEhoWW3yH4/s320/Z-zzzzzs+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Getting enough sleep (aka Zzzzzs – aren’t I clever?) is key to enjoying your trip, and noise and light can both interfere with a good night’s rest while car camping. To ensure you get the sleep you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Use earplugs if noise bothers you (I prefer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F061BW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000F061BW&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=L6V3LG5JPM5A6DPO" rel="nofollow">SAS Safety 6100</a>)</li>
<li>Consider an eye mask if light is a problem (or you can just wear a hooded sweatshirt to bed and pull the hood down over your eyes)</li>
</ul>
Temperature control may be your biggest concern, however, and heat is likely to present more of a challenge than cold. You can always layer on more blankets but what do you do if it’s just too blasted hot to sleep comfortably?<br />
<br />
Well, it’s usually cooler – a LOT cooler – at higher elevations so plan your stops accordingly. After we spent one uncomfortable night in the Utah desert in late June, we resolved not to repeat that mistake. Beings it’s about 3.5 degrees cooler per 1,000 feet of elevation, the next night we headed for the hills. At 10,000 feet, the sleeping temperature was just right!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE: Amazon links, if any, are affiliate. </span></i>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-46089334418604179172015-11-20T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-20T09:30:01.114-08:00F is for Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-gpfHsTRD31B3gkXQ1G3VCCgOjnT6GmWr35nZwrwkOVtfG64xOaI7h46RCg4Osd5CaPgrQqrJIO_mzZXOBPBT3qJcHu8AqzHz14pXWY68nJSyojHsrJsy3zJ6_JUpXSl8qXAZ2MlPDA/s1600/F-food+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-gpfHsTRD31B3gkXQ1G3VCCgOjnT6GmWr35nZwrwkOVtfG64xOaI7h46RCg4Osd5CaPgrQqrJIO_mzZXOBPBT3qJcHu8AqzHz14pXWY68nJSyojHsrJsy3zJ6_JUpXSl8qXAZ2MlPDA/s320/F-food+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In addition to apples, other fresh fruit makes great car camping food. Bananas, for example, each come individually packaged by nature in an easy-to-remove wrapper! A few other suggestions include: <br />
<ul>
<li>Fresh produce – especially baby carrots and cherry tomatoes</li>
<li>Dried fruit/nuts (trail mix) – but be careful, this is a very calorie dense snack option!</li>
<li>Juice boxes – may cost more but convenience usually comes at a price</li>
<li>Powdered milk – good staple to have on hand and available in small packets</li>
<li>Uncle Ben’s rice or Stove Top stuffing – sometimes you may choose to compromise for convenience</li>
<li>Peanut butter – individual servings or in a jar (kept upright to avoid oil leakage)</li>
<li>Eggs – boiled eggs can’t be beat as an easy protein source when it comes to convenience, nutrition and cost</li>
<li>Prepackaged, frozen steaks – individually wrapped, these beauties are great on the grill and keep several days in an ice chest</li>
</ul>
<br />
Just remember that the purpose of food is to fuel your body. When spending long hours sitting in the car, you don’t require as much fuel so choose your food wisely. And if you must have candy, buy “fun size” and put the extra out of reach – way out of reach! Also, you can share meals eaten out, which avoids waste, saves money and prevents weight gain. Happy travels!<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-70317663723568798822015-11-17T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-17T09:30:01.336-08:00K is for Kitchen Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-kraEKDNa0L1aUKAU7gdqItV0LjSw0RW6dAg22qrUo_le-_zwj8i3VCTmQzM-70kJmn69RPhMeXlYYmnoPQb85R4tzTi1Tq6qx8dZvQZxLoH34CEO0Tp7q3i7B_mmjVmUFhWnbQlNCI/s1600/K-kitchen+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-kraEKDNa0L1aUKAU7gdqItV0LjSw0RW6dAg22qrUo_le-_zwj8i3VCTmQzM-70kJmn69RPhMeXlYYmnoPQb85R4tzTi1Tq6qx8dZvQZxLoH34CEO0Tp7q3i7B_mmjVmUFhWnbQlNCI/s320/K-kitchen+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Although it’s important to travel light due to limited space, you’ll need to pack a certain amount of kitchen stuff for car camping, depending on how long you’ll be gone and what meals you plan to make. At a minimum, be sure to remember:<br />
<ul>
<li>Frying pan and spatula (unless you’ll do all cooking in your <a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2015/09/j-is-for-jetboil.html" target="_blank">Jetboil</a>)</li>
<li>Drinking cup, eating utensils and plate and/or bowl for each person</li>
<li>Dish soap</li>
<li>Towels (cloth and/or paper)</li>
</ul>
We also made good use of a couple lidded, plastic containers (which we also used as bowls) but probably could have gotten by without them.<br />
<br />
So… What must-have kitchen stuff do you take camping?Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-88359407599675638412015-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-13T09:30:01.643-08:00E is for Essential Equipment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGQ5qjoLU8bEzzA9mEY8L6TAOAtyhPJ8vZ6K6e7nvRCr_PYde_o0rODrnXRYtvoXhdzLwAoVM0bt6bPEgTWDBqLK-vdczKXDArDw0SC9E3kBJOyq7IMjgYOBOnIP5QXxJhKiMRh-WykI/s1600/E-equipment+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGQ5qjoLU8bEzzA9mEY8L6TAOAtyhPJ8vZ6K6e7nvRCr_PYde_o0rODrnXRYtvoXhdzLwAoVM0bt6bPEgTWDBqLK-vdczKXDArDw0SC9E3kBJOyq7IMjgYOBOnIP5QXxJhKiMRh-WykI/s320/E-equipment+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In addition to a tire repair kit and air pump(s) (see <a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2015/09/t-is-for-tires.html" target="_blank">T is for Tires</a> and <a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2015/09/b-is-for-bedding.html" target="_blank">B is for Bedding</a>), essential equipment for car camping includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>First aid kit – you can buy one or make your own</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154NK95S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0154NK95S&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=EWZQW422APGPSWBS" rel="nofollow">Car jump starter</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0154NK95S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
– super important and the one thing we almost needed that we didn’t have</li>
<li>Flashlight<b> </b>(and/or headlamp and/or battery lantern), <i>with extra batteries</i></li>
<li>Weather-resistant, foolproof fire starter, such as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2ATAYY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B2ATAYY&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=6T4TDGMPHR6LSZQ6" rel="nofollow">butane lighter</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00B2ATAYY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li>Duct tape</li>
<li>Bungee cord(s)</li>
</ul>
<br />
I know this is by no means an exhaustive list. What have I forgotten?<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE: Amazon links, if any, are affiliate. </span></i>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-90574884114672403202015-11-10T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-10T09:30:01.188-08:00R is for Rope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sSeDWdCzK24F2jQtlaUNCoSQjIT5LrylbD6hNpLT51JTMJ90ZsGYRAmGYmlBe5viG8zfL8rjXAxWlaQpcdfy7wTwNmQ_tMXfzog7NpcGLmzuYpIK5aUr3aCfUPyBmp_ulZwLyFT5kCY/s1600/R-rope+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sSeDWdCzK24F2jQtlaUNCoSQjIT5LrylbD6hNpLT51JTMJ90ZsGYRAmGYmlBe5viG8zfL8rjXAxWlaQpcdfy7wTwNmQ_tMXfzog7NpcGLmzuYpIK5aUr3aCfUPyBmp_ulZwLyFT5kCY/s320/R-rope+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Envisioning me stuck in the middle of a creek crossing on the Nebesna Road in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park during our Alaskan adventure, Joel bought 100 feet of 13,000-pound-test Dyneema 5/16-inch “blue steel” rope (similar to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMVR6GW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BMVR6GW&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=YVVZJPXWEZYA5CQL" rel="nofollow">AMSTEEL BLUE</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BMVR6GW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
) and a bunch of rigging so he could pull our Subaru out by himself if need be. I’m happy to say that the rope and rigging came home unused but it was nice to be prepared.<br />
<br />
While Dyneema may be overkill for your needs, rope can come in handy for lots of things when car camping, such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>Clothesline</li>
<li>Tie downs</li>
<li>Hanging food</li>
<li>Towing (use multiple strands for strength)</li>
<li>Repairs (backpack strap, etc.)</li>
<li>Belt or suspenders</li>
</ul>
So, what other ways do you use rope when camping?<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOTE: Amazon links, if any, are affiliate. </span></i>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-46401817359506889462015-11-06T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-06T12:21:27.189-08:00X is for Xtra Cash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbmTx7bc7JW9YivPte9q3ywq1SxRJgqSxxSw4QdzcBDx6rusoaO-eXq7XgzJk9_2PfvEklGx6-ydKwI0DtsdDA9yjRXe0NPT9oq_otdbNo4AJsdA6HQ_L0pU2yWYr2Kp9vWMdzseH9_I/s1600/X-xtra+cash+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbmTx7bc7JW9YivPte9q3ywq1SxRJgqSxxSw4QdzcBDx6rusoaO-eXq7XgzJk9_2PfvEklGx6-ydKwI0DtsdDA9yjRXe0NPT9oq_otdbNo4AJsdA6HQ_L0pU2yWYr2Kp9vWMdzseH9_I/s320/X-xtra+cash+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ok – so I cheated on the heading. Yes, I know how to spell extra. But do you know how hard it is to come up with a car camping related item that starts with X? And the letters C (cash) and M (money) were already taken, so…<br />
<br />
Be sure to have some extra cash stashed separately from your credit/debit card(s) and in a place other than your purse or wallet. Why? Well, if your purse or wallet is stolen or lost, or if you can’t use a plastic means of payment (power outage, misplaced or damaged card, faulty card reader, etc.), you’ll be glad you have cash handy to get you through.<br />
<br />
Suggestions for places you might stash cash include:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0119UWZCK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0119UWZCK&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=S22CEO4SSLP444MQ" rel="nofollow">Money Belt</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0119UWZCK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> – I have one that fits flat against my body under my clothes</li>
<li>Nooks and crannies in your car – look for spots that are relatively easy to access but not too obvious</li>
<li>Ice chest – in a zip-top bag taped securely inside the lid</li>
<li>Suitcase, duffel bag or backpack – securely tucked away</li>
<li>Pillow – attached at one end, inside the pillowcase</li>
</ul>
<br />
And how much cash should you have on hand? Whatever is reasonable based on your potential immediate needs and distance from home or relatives/friends who are able and willing to help. Just remember where you put it…<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: Amazon links, if any, are affiliate. </span></i>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-22799192027030664192015-11-03T09:30:00.000-08:002015-11-03T09:30:00.646-08:00I is for Ice Chest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bmu3HuKf-uX7tX1I5QiRi33frGk5vHer_mRBVN9zuEBhJYNsls9ceued0O9ZvgQ1hrTaVArCo67AFREoWevk1gUwZaRNgwBxrkD5sn1ibogdAg7WycmYaa3BtDUMzjbtJYV6Dt0Lnt0/s1600/I-ice+chest+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bmu3HuKf-uX7tX1I5QiRi33frGk5vHer_mRBVN9zuEBhJYNsls9ceued0O9ZvgQ1hrTaVArCo67AFREoWevk1gUwZaRNgwBxrkD5sn1ibogdAg7WycmYaa3BtDUMzjbtJYV6Dt0Lnt0/s320/I-ice+chest+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ice chests come in many sizes and types, from a simple insulated bag to a fancy 12-volt version that plugs into your car – the options seem nearly limitless! When choosing an ice chest, consider what will work best for you:<br />
<ul>
<li>Hard side vs. soft side</li>
<li>Zipper closure vs. lock/latch</li>
<li>Size – Does it fit in the front seat? (often your only option when car camping)</li>
<li>Weight when full – Can you lift it?</li>
</ul>
We started out with a zippered insulated tote bag style cooler, which we love for bringing home groceries, but quickly determined a medium size freestanding hard-sided plastic ice chest was a better fit for our trip. We also discovered that zip-top bags DO NOT keep food dry in melting ice so bought leak proof containers to house items we didn’t want submerged in water (like butter and avocados).Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-27840451179092459342015-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:002015-10-30T09:00:00.707-07:00U is for Umbrella<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxaahl__NJrL4Prr9dye4VURAIJAFjm3SCvWE5b43jERJtz3sfgYUQbnQMcPp5BFUsRoX7ZqXLaXcABP65dtNyB5fVlDSa5QLmoLL0yNAOep9UzGHkX96jQjKENvFuxI1zGjMmEiqApM/s1600/U-umbrella+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxaahl__NJrL4Prr9dye4VURAIJAFjm3SCvWE5b43jERJtz3sfgYUQbnQMcPp5BFUsRoX7ZqXLaXcABP65dtNyB5fVlDSa5QLmoLL0yNAOep9UzGHkX96jQjKENvFuxI1zGjMmEiqApM/s320/U-umbrella+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There’s no doubt about it – I’m an umbrella fan. For the most part, I don’t like hoods or hats and prefer to hold an umbrella instead. And I even bought Joel an umbrella hat to protect his camera when he's out taking pictures in the rain.<br />
<br />
An umbrella can come in real handy when car camping, too. Not only will it protect you from rain, you can also use it as a personal sunshade (think old-fashioned parasol). And when not in use, you can just keep it tucked away in your car. Umbrellas are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Affordable</li>
<li>Versatile</li>
<li>Readily available in many styles, colors and sizes</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you don’t already have an umbrella living in your car, be sure to pick one up before your next car-camping adventure.<br />
<br />
<br />
Isn't this camo umbrella hat cute? Now if I could only get Joel to wear it... <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00AUCAE18&asins=B00AUCAE18&linkId=OPJGRJFXCCH35DEJ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>NOTE: Amazon link is affiliate.</i></span>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-52190209480100382502015-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:002015-10-27T13:23:42.126-07:00H is for Hygiene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5_8LuZC9CjVHLOxk55fYauQmnAL5kDVgjUPrk_A-zI6v0LNUfq3XTOhsanAPFY0EJTYJOdb1NGctrDDEA98c_Sow88zEcQvnqtbnWfzX0hr2NwZ_bdswsxp3ZpeYu09zk3M7bDT3Pso/s1600/H-hygiene+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5_8LuZC9CjVHLOxk55fYauQmnAL5kDVgjUPrk_A-zI6v0LNUfq3XTOhsanAPFY0EJTYJOdb1NGctrDDEA98c_Sow88zEcQvnqtbnWfzX0hr2NwZ_bdswsxp3ZpeYu09zk3M7bDT3Pso/s320/H-hygiene+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Proper hygiene is important to good health but how do you stay clean while car camping?<br />
<br />
Well, I have a few suggestions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Swimming – if regular swimming is included in your plans, you’ll be clean by default!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OPH8CFE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OPH8CFE&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=C5QUJSOBFBNZX62C" rel="nofollow">Baby wipes</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OPH8CFE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
– or moist towelettes or whatever you call them, prepackaged wipes are a car camper’s best friend</li>
<li>Hand sanitizer – especially good after porta potty or pit toilet use (we used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2KYUAY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U2KYUAY&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=GDCD773T6PGOAEIQ" rel="nofollow">Purell</a>)<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00U2KYUAY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li>Portable <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VNITQS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VNITQS&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=PMNLTR7PPINVGFBS" rel="nofollow">camp shower</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VNITQS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
– the Cadillac of car camping cleanliness but not doable for everyone or every trip</li>
</ul>
You can also clean up in a public restroom or pay for a shower at many campgrounds and truck stops – I just didn’t include those options as suggestions because it’s not what we do. I prefer baby wipes for routine cleanliness and try to plan a motel/hotel stay every 3-4 days. Joel’s trying to stretch out the time between paid lodging so is thinking of ways to heat water while we’re driving that we can use for showering when we stop each night. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>NOTE: Above links are affiliate.</i></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-72284203029524520832015-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:002015-10-23T10:08:09.190-07:00L is for Laundry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToM0YR9CR2254jXupEE-zSck3SiwHIHdf6H3wHA4IxwyAMsxJ6BEDOh72jIZ3EVhrG-OzSKBYakwTlZbhTzyYH2Xwm4LxXWkyDISnpUnl5CW_mnilj3e3LQU_2_B-08wgMq7QQoNCZ0/s1600/L-laundry+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToM0YR9CR2254jXupEE-zSck3SiwHIHdf6H3wHA4IxwyAMsxJ6BEDOh72jIZ3EVhrG-OzSKBYakwTlZbhTzyYH2Xwm4LxXWkyDISnpUnl5CW_mnilj3e3LQU_2_B-08wgMq7QQoNCZ0/s320/L-laundry+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coin-operated</span> washers and dryers are available in most towns and RV parks, so you can probably wash as often as you <span style="font-family: inherit;">need <span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">to – if </span>you want to spend the time to do so, </span>which I don’t. My preference is to periodically include a hotel with coin-operated guest laundry in my plans (<a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2015/10/q-is-for-quality-inn.html" target="_blank">see Q is for Quality Inn</a>).<br />
<br />
A real bed…<br />
A real bathroom…<br />
Catching up the laundry…<br />
Doesn’t that sound nice?<br />
<br />
Between laundromat visits:<br />
<ul>
<li>Keep your dirty clothes in a separate (closed) plastic bag</li>
<li>Stow your laundry wherever it’s least in the way</li>
<li>Be sure your dirty clothing is fully dry before bagging</li>
<li>Save your quarters for the washer and dryer</li>
</ul>
<br />
You can bring soap/dryer sheets from home to save money. And if you’re on a super-tight budget, you can keep your clothes reasonably clean on the cheap. Years ago when camping remotely for weeks at a time with two small children, I washed our clothes by hand and then draped them over bushes around camp to dry. It takes a little time but is effective and free. Weather permitting, you can also swim in your clothes and then dry off – just be sure not to get them dirty again while still wet!<br />
<br />
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-22702865432094872052015-10-20T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-20T09:30:01.169-07:00O is for Outdoor Furniture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zqL-AQT8Gtl3LZB083H64N4rm2IzIi6HfPgj8hiW-f1Ug9Z_8Zb3Y_eg2i2YnN7PUjMJpo7V018qgvz74Q4-K6vxVqHwoLcm0oVVdWV_d05qFPiFeOOxnCxN_PDyAOy0qZ3hXzefXhc/s1600/O-outdoor+furniture2+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zqL-AQT8Gtl3LZB083H64N4rm2IzIi6HfPgj8hiW-f1Ug9Z_8Zb3Y_eg2i2YnN7PUjMJpo7V018qgvz74Q4-K6vxVqHwoLcm0oVVdWV_d05qFPiFeOOxnCxN_PDyAOy0qZ3hXzefXhc/s320/O-outdoor+furniture2+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Especially when car camping, you’ll want some lightweight folding furniture to make your out-of-the-car camp time more comfortable and convenient. At a minimum, I suggest:<br />
<ul>
<li>A compact folding camp chair for each person</li>
<li>A nifty fold-up aluminum table</li>
<li>A sturdy folding step stool if you’re carrying anything on top of your car</li>
</ul>
You can leave these items outside the car at night and then slide them (folded) under your deflated mattress while traveling. How easy is that?<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B005MAGUPM&asins=B005MAGUPM&linkId=GKVC3Y73YILM3AV6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004QCGBAQ&asins=B004QCGBAQ&linkId=ICPQBOEW25ZHMD6X&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0032JRVPI&asins=B0032JRVPI&linkId=DS4NZDRYX2ZTXHCK&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>NOTE: Amazon affiliate links are to items similar to those we took on our trip.</i></span>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-37767922913430446732015-10-16T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-16T09:30:00.505-07:00Q is for Quality Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq64Dp-hT4D0Oy2bjJQu-NtpWq91oicGv6h6Oa7q7KTGuZbYJeQr6PjlSu5YnHgv2NlIEGYgef-ZN1lvuyGAvAC6qN0HBbDFR7CrGoC1q48xYOnPe8lwrWFJFTW8lfxrYfAtWuf4pEEo/s1600/Q-Quality+Inn+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq64Dp-hT4D0Oy2bjJQu-NtpWq91oicGv6h6Oa7q7KTGuZbYJeQr6PjlSu5YnHgv2NlIEGYgef-ZN1lvuyGAvAC6qN0HBbDFR7CrGoC1q48xYOnPe8lwrWFJFTW8lfxrYfAtWuf4pEEo/s320/Q-Quality+Inn+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So what does Quality Inn have to do with car camping? Maybe nothing but if you find yourself in need of a room, my experience is you won’t go wrong with Quality Inn. During the 2-week Missouri leg of our 12,360-mile road trip, we paid for lodging five nights, four of which were at Quality/Comfort Inns. Not only was each one clean and comfortable, they all had guest laundry available and included a nice breakfast, as well!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-3107651250836206942015-10-13T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-13T09:30:00.333-07:00Y is for Yield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkubJBw0j28GtwSvuFFpn6ZsKVsTs5i-V38rY4n8U62jM23lwE5ACpyuJAa-jRNVuJxMHA48FRDUGsJZqAowBJJmdF759WUwsdektNMqE_Wgwkb044ra1MrHW1jdJKSibAhkhjMnm0i8/s1600/Y-yield+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkubJBw0j28GtwSvuFFpn6ZsKVsTs5i-V38rY4n8U62jM23lwE5ACpyuJAa-jRNVuJxMHA48FRDUGsJZqAowBJJmdF759WUwsdektNMqE_Wgwkb044ra1MrHW1jdJKSibAhkhjMnm0i8/s320/Y-yield+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nothing will ruin your adventure faster than wrecking your car, so no matter whose turn it is, yield. Be patient and pay attention to other drivers. <br /><br />
And whether driving or on foot, also <b>yield to wildlife, especially bears, moose and bison</b>, all of which can do a lot of damage – to you and/or your stuff. We saw several signs in Alaska with the number of moose killed on a given stretch of highway and I’m pretty sure the dead moose tally also reflects the number of totaled vehicles. <br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-85543709632887814302015-10-09T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-09T09:30:00.385-07:00S is for Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPfuGiO_HQyfM1S-J2N598xoBMdqYBkhyphenhyphenEsflhQO8J0VweSiKFZ1WXCLVfxEsBId2F9uASwNo9SITskkuTnM6P4vWYP7VZhlG-88R80OsuIGvGquSV5V8Z4IMraYYs61IuLNVlLp60fc/s1600/S-storage+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPfuGiO_HQyfM1S-J2N598xoBMdqYBkhyphenhyphenEsflhQO8J0VweSiKFZ1WXCLVfxEsBId2F9uASwNo9SITskkuTnM6P4vWYP7VZhlG-88R80OsuIGvGquSV5V8Z4IMraYYs61IuLNVlLp60fc/s320/S-storage+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When car camping, space is at a premium. After all, you’re sleeping each night in the same small area that houses your stuff by day. Even if you have storage of some sort attached to the top of your vehicle, there will be a lot of stuff with you in your car.<br />
<br />
Handy storage items we used on our 12,360-mile road trip include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Visor organizer – great place for things such as passport cards, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and National Park annual pass</li>
<li>Seat back organizer – perfect for things I wanted within easy reach from bed, such as my Cruz Reader, reading glasses, earplugs, and travel clock</li>
<li>Plastic tote boxes – kept food, kitchen stuff, clothing, etc. organized</li>
<li>Small ice chest – kept up front for snacks</li>
<li>Command™ hooks to keep trash bag at hand but out of the way</li>
</ul>
Ample storage makes car camping much more enjoyable so plan your storage well!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00W4RDY6Y&asins=B00W4RDY6Y&linkId=OF4XGYLIQ2K5JSZC&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0036WSX2Q&asins=B0036WSX2Q&linkId=S7GBTC7SD352ZQW3&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B006HFA1YC&asins=B006HFA1YC&linkId=BLW3V7UCU7F64A6W&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000OEJARG&asins=B000OEJARG&linkId=NCMSB3DJF2DFGAPM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>NOTE: I added Amazon affiliate links to show storage options similar to the ones I chose but be sure to read customer reviews and shop around for the best price.</i></span>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-46691261813010316172015-10-06T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-06T09:30:00.173-07:00D is for Driving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1hX5hyphenhyphenxSuS87hsNu50W2Ew7UWWSNOyYaK6HL4fS4hWGJpKEsmy1Zy0Nb-clM-mhFBmN7RLsQC-fyQdt7_gGmizYILUtyJ7-0UJU63oMxOp36KGmi3Wke1dQUeBHJMdqdV5294V4fbsg/s1600/D+is+for+driving+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1hX5hyphenhyphenxSuS87hsNu50W2Ew7UWWSNOyYaK6HL4fS4hWGJpKEsmy1Zy0Nb-clM-mhFBmN7RLsQC-fyQdt7_gGmizYILUtyJ7-0UJU63oMxOp36KGmi3Wke1dQUeBHJMdqdV5294V4fbsg/s320/D+is+for+driving+600.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
I did most of the driving on our 12,360-mile road trip, which freed Joel up to take pictures. For the most part, this worked out well since I’m not much of a photographer but don’t mind driving except in cities or heavy traffic, neither of which was much of a problem in Alaska and Canada. The problem I did have in the far north, however, was driving too far and for too long.<br />
<br />For those who haven’t experienced it firsthand, the long daylight hours in the far north during late May and early June can cause you to totally lose track of time, which in turn can lead to extremely long days behind the wheel. Many mornings we started out around 4-5 am and didn’t call it quits until 10-11 pm. After a few days like that, the lack of sleep starts taking a toll!<br />
<br />But the beauty of car camping is that you have everything you need with you at all times so you can stop anywhere safe that doesn’t prohibit overnight parking and/or camping. We just didn’t manage to stop at a reasonable time more than once or twice during the whole seven weeks…<br />
<br />Anyway, here are my Top 5 car-camping driving tips:<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress comfortably for distance driving (stretchy clothes, slip-on shoes)</li>
<li>Limit your daily distance/drive time and pull off the road to nap if you become sleepy while driving</li>
<li>Look for a camp spot early, and when traveling in bear country, stop and cook dinner at a location other than where you’ll sleep</li>
<li>Keep unshelled sunflower seeds handy for a little pick-me-up while driving and chewing gum on hand to keep your ears clear during elevation changes</li>
<li>If you don’t need prescription glasses to drive, you might want to wear Sunreaders (magnified sunglasses) instead of regular sunglasses anyway - I find that the magnification compensates for the reduced vision due to darkened lenses</li>
</ul>
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-66885766596966634412015-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:002015-10-02T09:30:00.076-07:00P is for pStyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq_edaOryYqSR7sEU6lcC28ZUCDC2RXJ-Rtr45GDg1f7unqEawSYattLynQmuWqNpgIUPeOeVCQhJHL9V_y9cE9jAdYfyb9Gtlp9NF6OihEUeWUHdZyUzRWH6NpJLqcIIjwcmx7U7FEI/s1600/P-pStyle+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq_edaOryYqSR7sEU6lcC28ZUCDC2RXJ-Rtr45GDg1f7unqEawSYattLynQmuWqNpgIUPeOeVCQhJHL9V_y9cE9jAdYfyb9Gtlp9NF6OihEUeWUHdZyUzRWH6NpJLqcIIjwcmx7U7FEI/s320/P-pStyle+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My life is changed! If you’re a guy, just skip this. But if you’re a gal (and especially if you’ve reached your middle years), read on.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AA8GDQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002AA8GDQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=ADZI2C4CL2H6XZJL">pStyle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002AA8GDQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
is a nifty device that lets us ladies pee standing up and fully clothed, which makes car camping out in the boonies much more comfortable and convenient. The pStyle also comes in handy in places you might rather not sit, such as pit toilets and port-a-potties.<br />
<br />
The pStyle is:<br />
<ul>
<li>Simple</li>
<li>Sturdy</li>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>Nearly foolproof</li>
<li>Easy to clean</li>
<li>Very affordable</li>
</ul>
<br />
Although there are many types of female urinary devices available, I chose the pStyle for its utter simplicity. Basically, it’s just a contoured plastic trough that fits against your body and directs the flow. It’s easy to use while clothed and can even eliminate the need for toilet paper (truly – it’s not perfect but pretty darn close!). And the one-piece smooth plastic design makes cleaning your pStyle easy. What's not to love?<br />
<br />
<b>Word of caution: </b>Do not store your pStyle where it can be crushed. Although the plastic is sturdy, if you drop your heavily loaded backpack on the ground with the pStyle at the bottom, it can split. I found this out the hard way when I pulled mine out to use it the first time at a rather nasty roadside pit toilet halfway between Whitehorse and the Yukon/Alaska border. Fortunately it wasn’t split the full length and I was able to repair it with electrician’s tape, after which it worked fine the next six weeks of our trip. As soon as I got home, however, I ordered two more so that I’m prepared should I ever have another pStyle mishap.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002AA8GDQ&asins=B002AA8GDQ&linkId=5EKEKNCFM2TXH3FT&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>NOTE: Amazon links are affiliate.</i></span><br />
<script src="http://wms-na.amazon-adsystem.com/20070822/US/js/link-enhancer-common.js?tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=YAUZZIQHZFDFQ57W" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<noscript>
<img src="http://wms-na.amazon-adsystem.com/20070822/US/img/noscript.gif?tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=YAUZZIQHZFDFQ57W" alt="" />
</noscript>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-59603510960007871032015-09-29T09:30:00.000-07:002015-09-29T09:30:00.140-07:00N is for National Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w8NeAqk7NSmOpOwaUOYvMZtxYskYvjMTLMq07tQlEBQDj5Y97IxYw9BfdVITS3N0UDl93uckpB0izbBPilkXnDU9ECR7EQJjb3uLa9x7jgzkZykjop6FP66c0TbRkaNeeZPdu-12GJA/s1600/N-NatFrst2+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w8NeAqk7NSmOpOwaUOYvMZtxYskYvjMTLMq07tQlEBQDj5Y97IxYw9BfdVITS3N0UDl93uckpB0izbBPilkXnDU9ECR7EQJjb3uLa9x7jgzkZykjop6FP66c0TbRkaNeeZPdu-12GJA/s320/N-NatFrst2+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Although all the National Parks we visited during our 12,360-mile road trip prohibited camping except in designated campgrounds (yes, even just sleeping in the car), you can camp free many places outside campgrounds ("dispersed camping") in many National Forests and on other public land.<br />
<br />
In the eastern and middle US states, public land may be scarce, but west of the Rockies you can find thousands of acres just waiting for members of the public to happen by.<br />
<br />
To find pubic land on which to camp:<br />
<ul>
<li>Check official agency websites, specifically the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)</li>
<li>Stop by the local USFS or BLM office for maps and information</li>
<li>Ask the locals</li>
</ul>
“Dispersed camping” on public land usually allows stays of up to 14 days in one spot so you can stay a little while if you find a place you’d like to explore further. Just be polite and leave no trace.<br />
<br />
<br />
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-69125464439728846432015-09-25T18:36:00.000-07:002015-09-25T18:36:00.571-07:00W is for Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uGa6wRjq_4n2L1rVm2KTqTyxSShk9sn-AVIv4AESEc05rX_TXIokWfKwmXJOXl7ciof4DvlMQO4AVagKvFn7Ea9JsY9MfvdKL3sN3Hq7DDatW7_ByHePI_Z0tt1_mR9WED56b9YVJhE/s1600/W+is+for+water+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uGa6wRjq_4n2L1rVm2KTqTyxSShk9sn-AVIv4AESEc05rX_TXIokWfKwmXJOXl7ciof4DvlMQO4AVagKvFn7Ea9JsY9MfvdKL3sN3Hq7DDatW7_ByHePI_Z0tt1_mR9WED56b9YVJhE/s320/W+is+for+water+600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Never assume there will be water where you camp! Have plenty with you and remember – you likely use more water than you think, so don’t skimp. Since water is essential for life and health, at a minimum you should carry:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation (<a href="http://www.ready.gov/water" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">per ready.gov</a>)</li>
<li>Water filter in case you need to drink from a stream</li>
</ul>
During our <a href="http://www.thebest50years.com/2015/07/trip-of-a-lifetime.html" target="_blank">epic car-camping adventure</a>, the gallon water jugs we bought leaked (even before they were first opened) so we switched to buying smaller water bottles by the case and stashed them in all the door pockets and the crevice created with the back seat folded down flat for sleeping.<br />
<br />
As for a water filter, many available nowadays are very effective, easy to use and compact. The one that came highly recommended from one of our super-outdoorsy sons is the <span class="a-list-item"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FA2RLX2&linkCode=as2&tag=thbe50ye-20&linkId=BYFQT4CGFALK3VVP">Sawyer Mini</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbe50ye-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FA2RLX2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which "</span><span class="a-list-item"><span class="a-list-item">Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as
salmonella, cholera, and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such
as giardia and cryptosporidium" according to the manufacturer.</span></span> At under $20, how can you afford NOT to get one for your car camping adventures?<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thbe50ye-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00FA2RLX2&asins=B00FA2RLX2&linkId=OZYNKJSBPKZMVKBA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: Amazon links are affiliate.</span></i>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5079321022356166436.post-31964029127386759252015-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:002015-09-22T09:30:01.049-07:00G is for Gum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapxEDfT64Y32X69zvJh5xBIC_kH05CY4wf7lPLaFInRu6MTeOC9-DxkhMPGo_Ci1HSEQ-87G1YGkTXjvxewYsJBu7o_NJRh5o9WM3wBSF2kMIf-f1EDgkRFi4YrHtHSXGWoOo9V2HVOk/s1600/G+is+for+gum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapxEDfT64Y32X69zvJh5xBIC_kH05CY4wf7lPLaFInRu6MTeOC9-DxkhMPGo_Ci1HSEQ-87G1YGkTXjvxewYsJBu7o_NJRh5o9WM3wBSF2kMIf-f1EDgkRFi4YrHtHSXGWoOo9V2HVOk/s320/G+is+for+gum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Chewing gum is a great car-camping companion for many reasons. Chewing gum:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wards off boredom during long drives</li>
<li>Helps keep your ears clear during elevation changes</li>
<li>Freshens breath</li>
<li>Doesn’t cause weight gain</li>
<li>Comes in many flavors</li>
<li>Is just plain fun</li>
</ul>
And it’s cheap! At just pennies per piece, who doesn’t love chewing gum?Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15121595693364379806noreply@blogger.com0