Yahweh blessed me: K-mart deal

My shopping after saving $589.00 at K-Mart

It was the evening of 6th November, 2013. I went into K-Mart in Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401, to conduct some none shopping business. While standing in line I saw a shopping cart with some beautiful items clothing with a strange label displaying the cost per item. I ignored the sign as human error. As I wait for my turn to be served, I continue to look at the sign that advertised the price of the items.

After I was served, I saw one of the store attendants walking by; I took the opportunity to ask her the price of the items the shopping cart. I was shock when she confirmed that the advertised price was indeed correct. So I went over to where the products were displayed and I took my time and I went through the items. I discovered the items were just taken off the rack and were of a very high quality also.

I purchased just over sixty items all of which were female clothes with the exception of two pieces, most of the clothing purchased were female clothes. When I was finished shopping, I checking out, the cashier red my bill, she say: "you have just saved five hundred and eighty nine dollars ($589.00)." I smiled and affirmed that the almighty God has send me his blessing once again.

After I was finished shopping I noticed the local began to look for the deals that was being sold for far less than their value. 

Well I have two daughters a sister and many nieces who may benefit from my blessings. 

An unexpected gift: My water tank was filled

It was Saturday 1^st November 2013, and I am back to where I was on Wednesday, I am still unable to use the water in my tank. I wanted to attend church but I could not for two simple facts:

•       I have not showered in three days
•     And I called the church +Google Maps say was the closest to me but no one answered. 

If someone had answered the phone, I could have request to use the shower of the person who was assigned to picked me up; unfortunately, no one answered.

I was disappointed and I felt lost. I felt lost because, for most of my adult life ever Sabbath (Saturday) I went to church, but today I am not in church; not because I did not want to be, but because of present circumstances.

as a result, I made a decision to stay indoor and read my the bible. Unfortunately; most of that day was spent using my phone to surf the internet. looking back, I must conclude that I would have been better off if I had gone to church. For I got involved in many Facebook discussions that was not sanctified, and totally inappropriate to be held on Yahweh’s holy Sabbath day.

Just before sunset, I drove the camper over to K-Mart, While there, I asked several people if they knew where I can get my RV tank fill with water, but no one was able to help, however, my continued effort turned up two people who informed me that there was a trailer park about two to three miles, west on Charles Town Road. So I drove west on Charles Town Road. About two and a half miles into my journey I saw what appear to be an organized settlement of trailers and RVs on a lot of land. From my observation this portion of land could not be access from Charles Town Road, the road I was on.

I made no less than three trips up and down the Charles Town Road, trying to figure out how to get onto the road that led to the trailer and RV Park. I decided to get off of Charles Town Road and try one of the roads that led to the spacious interior of the small town. I was driving slow and meticulously paying attention to everything that happened. I was hoping to see something that would have been of benefit to me and my quest to find someone who was willing to give me water for my tank.

I drove by a nicely kept wooden Victorian home; this house was on a very large piece of land; in the front Yard, there was a woman sitting in a chair on a well manicured lawn, before her she had two tables with items, neatly placed on the tables that she offered to the public for sale. On the adjacent piece of land, I saw two beautiful trailers set up for permanent living and there was three people outside of the trailers. I said to myself: if there are permanent living trailers, then there must be water. I reduced the speed of the RV to a literal crawl; As I slowed down the man began to signal me to come by. So I turn my RV around and I drove into the large Yard. by this time one of the lady left the company of the two people she was speaking to and went into the smaller of the third wheeler (a pull behind camper), I introduced myself and they did the same. I discovered that the Man name was James High and the lady’s name was Pamela. I later discovered that the lady who left and went into the camper was James' wife. Pamela and her companion Frank lived in the larger of the two campers.  

I told the folks of my water situation and I asked if it is possible for me to full my tanks there. I was told that, they did not have the authority to allow me to full my water tank; however James and Pamela directed me to the owner of the property, who was living in the beautiful Victorian wooden house, the same one where the lady was conducting what appear to be a yard sale on the front lawn. I introduced myself to the lady on the lawn; I explained my situation to her. She then told me that I have to speak to her mother, but she doubt that her mother will grant me that favor. I say to the pessimistic lady on the lawn: maybe she won’t but I will never know unless I try. She said OK, you can try if you want to but I know my mother; she is not going to help you. 

Just then I saw an older, but strong and lucid woman came to the door. I approached the lady and I extended a friendly greetings to her, I told here where I am from and I out lined my problem to her. I had to explain my story to her twice, for she did not quite understood what I was requesting of her.

She said, "so you want water for your camper", I said yes. Then she said "O.K, You go and full your camper with water, I am the one who pays for the water. I am going to call them right now and tell them to give you all the water you need." I thank the lady and I asked her if I have to pay for the water ans she replied no.

So I want back to James and Pamela and they assisted me in putting water into my fresh water tank. We still was not sure if water was going into the Camper for although James had a pull behind trailer he was not familiar with the operation of an RV. I went into the RV and I turn on the tap but no water was coming out of the faucet.

It was then James told me of a place in Falling Waters that repair RV. So I drove to Falling water and I went into Falling Water Camp Site where I call a man who called himself the RV doctor, who got me squared away. 

AutoZone: Get into the Zone

The symbol of friendship

AutoZone is my store. From the first time I entered the doors of AutoZone I became apart of the experience, I fell in love with the concept of this automotive parts, accessory and more store.

At AutoZone you will find the friendliest staff, high quality customer care, convenient shopping, a wide variety of auto parts and accessories at hundreds of stores located all over the United States of America (USA).

Although the idea is not an original one, I am convinced that AutiZone have mastered this concept. This simple fact make it easy to do business with this company. I have been into and done business with most AutoZone store, Between New York City and North Carolina. I must confess, it have been a wonderful shopping experience even a pleasure doing business in the Zone: AutoZone.

I noticed, the further south one travels, the better the quality of the service one receives. At AutoZone, the attendants treats the customers like family and they are always willing to help beyond the scope that is required of them; exceptional service. Whether you are accessing the free service this company offers to their customers; which ranges from providing free charging of dead battery to the renting/loan of tools, which helps the do-it-yourself pioneers to tackle technical auto-mechanic jobs, to the free diagnostic of an activated check engine light and interpretation of the codes. 

Of all the states I visited, I must conclude: the stores in New York City has the worst customer service of the the AutoZone family of stores, in particular, the Brooklyn stores.  Even though this maybe true, when compare to none AutoZone Stores in NYC, the AutoZone family still stands-out with the quality of service they offers.  

The AutoZone family

I have purchased product in one state and I had the product exchanged in another state. I love the concept of AutoZone; as far as I am concern AutoZone is the mobile super automobile store. To me the orange, red and white represents family you can rely on when you have an auto mobile distress. 

I don’t shop at any other store for vehicle parts unless the big bad AutoZone don’t stock the parts I am looking for. AutoZone is my auto parts, accessories and more store. 

A friendly neighbor

Tony "Big T" Richards

I was hanging around Creedmoor, in Grenville County, North Caroline; in my effort to confirm the name of my present location, I asked a young man what is the name of this place. After the young man left, an older fellow by the name of Tony Richards AKA Big T, came over to where I was and told me he overheard me asking where I was. He then gave me all the information I need about the environment. He also gives me a lesson on hunting. He said ever since he was a child he hunted. However although he go out with the hunting party, He have not kill anything for a while.

He further explained that between Novembers to January is call rut. This is when the Deer go through their mating period. He describes the territorial behavior of the male in order to win the affection and the right to mate with particular female.

Toney who is from a small town call Stem in Granville County, explain that there is only three business place in Stem, a general store a gestation and the newest addition to the commercial life of Stem is a Dollar General. He also told me that having a Dollar General is a big thing in Stem. 

Tony farms with his uncles in the Summer months and hunt deer in the winter.  In the summer the crop of choice is Fescue grass that is use to make hay. Big T explained how that grass is dried and wind row, piled, collected and stocked as well as all of the other procedure and hard work that is required to make hay. I learn a lot just listening to Tony’s stories. 

Love after 42 Years Jerry and Darleen Earp

Jerry and Darliene Earp

On the morning of Monday the 25^th November 2013, I went into the local diner: the Bojangles’, which is located in Creedmoor, Granville County, North Carolina, 27522. It seems everyone in the community comes into this establishment for breakfast. While sitting there I saw an elderly couple whose name I later found out to be Jerry and Darlene Earp came in. Darliene walked into the establishment and took a seat next to where I was sitting on the computer, while Jerry stood in line to place the order and get the food.

I noticed Jerry came to the sidebar and whispered to his wife: Darliene then girlishly got up from the chair on which she sat and went over to hear what Jerry was saying. This couple looked at each other with such affection I was amaze. Apparently, Darilene Love Jelly on her biscuits unfortunately the Bojangles were out of jelly. So Jerry jokingly brought it to his wife’s attention.

I was amazed at the teenage affections and giggle that these two senior citizen share with each other. When Darliene returned to the table, I started a conversation with her. I told her I was surprised at the level of affections with which Jerry looked at her. Bubbling over with teenage excitement and with a humble pride in her voice she said: “he still do, even after forty two years”.

Darlieen with the same girlish excitement told me she was seventy (72) two years old and she was six years older than her husband. Upon question she told me that she met Jerry in 1969 and a year later on the 23^rd of January 1970, they got married and they are as much in love with each other now as they were forty three years ago.

The couple has three children, four grand children and two great grand children. When Jerry came to the table with the food, I apologize to him for imposing on their time together, he sat, like they have rehearsed it over the years they both bowed their heads together and blessed their meal then they ate, greeted their friends and left with the same excitement they entered with.

With all the trouble that is plaguing marriages today, it is good to see that there are couples who can forget about their trouble and just love each other. 

A buggy situation

It is the night of Wednesday, 29th October 2013, and it has been three days since I have last shower. I have not been able to use the water that was in my fresh water tank for a lack of knowledge how to. I need a shower and I need a shower soon. Although I did not smell a stink on myself, I realized, if there was one, I will be the last person to know it. However, I felt the stickiness and the discomfort of my unintended unhygienic practice (three days without a shower).

I was in Martinsburg, West Virginia area code 25401. I pulled on the side of the road and I place calls to several motels in the area. I got their prices and then I put their address into the G.P.S to see how many actual driving miles away they were.

I settle for the motel that was closest to my location. It was actually about two blocks away. While driving to the motel, I notice there were about three other motels in that vicinity. I drove into the yard, parked the RV and checked in.

The motel was run by a couple. It was a single story and consisted of two bungalow style buildings and it had about about twenty rooms. The yard was clean and spacious, the checking area was where the attendant and his wife were, was clean, inviting and well put away. I can see in the far right corner at the back, an altar of some kind, there were incenses and candles burning on the altar. I also noticed the lady whom I presumed was the man’s wife, praying at the altar. All in all, the place was nice considering the cost. It looked like a nice place to relax in.

After checking in and upon leaving the office, the attendant/owner who was male informed me that he have given me a nonsmoking room and he also gave me a room with two beds. I said to myself, whether or not I have two beds really does not matter, because I was alone and did not expected any visitors. Upon asking the owner/attendant provided the internet username and pass word. 

I entered the room; I noticed the room was clean, large and nicely kept. I checked the bathroom and I was satisfied. Now my objective was fourfold:

1.     My primary objective was to get a well needed shower.
2.   Get something to eat (I did not eat anything all day).
3.     Use the internet.
4.     Get a good sleep.

I took out my computer, set it up and try logging on to the internet; it was then I realized that the pass word did not work with the username provided. However I manage to log into another internet source that was available. The only readily available food source in that area that delivered was the four or so competing Pizza establishment that choose to set up shop close to each other. So I place an order, I took a shower, change into something comfortable, comb my hair and I waited for the food to be delivered. I lay on the bed for a short period; while on the bed I felt an itching on my hip and right ankle. I massaged (scratched) the area got up and went on line.

While I waited on the food, I was singing some old gospel hymn and recounting how good Yahweh and his son Jesus was to me. I also made time to read the bible while I was there.

About twenty minutes after I placed the pizza order, I heard a knocking on the door, I jump to my feet and I opened the door, it was the Pizza delivery person, I noticed the young man stayed clear of the door and handed me the pizza, I thought his actions was strange, but I think nothing more of it. I had my well needed shower, I got my food (pizza), the TV was going and I was on the internet. The only thing that was left for me to do was to get me some sleep.

At about 1:30 A.M, I decided to log off and get some sleep for it will seen be morning. So I did, I have set the thermostat to a temperature that was to my delight, I lay on bed without removing the covers, and I fell asleep. While I slept, I felt something bit me in my arm, I slapped the area and went back to bed, I felt another, bite and another and another bit then I felt scratching in the area of my rib cage and arm. It became over bearing so I quickly jump to my feet, I turn on the lights to see what was causing the discomfort. I saw bed bugs on the bed, these fellows were big and fat, I saw one on the shoulder of the T-shirt I was wearing, I dusted him off, then I say another and another one, I quickly took off the T-shirt I had on and began to dust off my skin, I felt something on my head, assuming it was a bed bug also, I began to frantically dust off my head, to my surprise I say bed bugs falling off of my head. I became angry and disgusted at the same time. My first order was to ensure I did not transfer any of these unwanted guess to the RV.

So I strip down to my underpants, I dusted off my clothes, and I put all of my clothes into plastic bags, I went out into the yard to the camper, dressed only in my underpants, I got some insect spray I had and additional plastic bags, I then spray the outside of the tied plastic bag, put the first plastic bags into second plastic bags, spray those with insect spray and put them into an empty laundry bag and tie it at the top. I went back into the room, took a shower, wash my underwear, put on a clean pair, went into the RV took rubbing alcohol and drenched my head with the same to kill any mite may have evade the soap and water. I end up sleeping in the RV.

The next morning, I was furious, I was going into the office and give those people a piece of my mind, demand my money back and call the department of sanitation and public health and report the matter to them.

I got up, I went back into the room, I showered then I left without telling the owners of the place anything. I got to thinking, could it be that the couple was running a nice business, the place became bed bug infested and before they know it, the problem was much bigger than they were able to control. Maybe they cannot afford to fumigate the rooms and maybe they needed all they can get to get back on their feet. If that is so, the last thing they need is me breathing down their necks, calling the authorities and demanding my money back.

I cannot see anyone spitefully allowing such a business with such potential to come to that stage and the reputation that having a place with such bad name.

By not confronting the owners, I think I did what was right: It was the right decision for me, for the owners and in the sight of Jehovah God. Knowing my temperament and the forcefulness with which I speak I could have cause great embarrassment to that couple.

Trouble and challenges

It was Wednesday morning, 29th October, 2013; it was another beautiful sunny day. I got up, fold the blanket, change my clothes, brush my teeth; got something to eat then I was on my way, at about 12:00 P.M, I say a sign welcoming me to West Virginia; it also said a welcoming station is a mile away. On my arrival, I drove into the Welcoming Station, use the wash room and, do a little work on the camper.

By this time I realized the wipers had stop working. I had no clue how to fix the wiper, so it was a good thing it was not raining. However, there was rain predicted for the next few days. It’s impossible and extremely unsafe to drive in the rain with none-functioning windshield wipers.

In my effort to repair the wipers I opened the front compartment of the RV, took out my trusted tester and I began to probe. I discovered that electricity was going to the windshield wipers motor, I tried bridging the wires to test the motor, but nothing worked. I was convinced that the wiper motor had failed.

I disconnected the wiper motor and disassembled it from its fix position on the front of the vehicle. After removing the motor I try powering up the motor but it did not respond. It seems like I have to replace the wiper motor. So I tied the other part of the windshield assembly together then I left the welcoming facility, but not before I got some important information as it relates to banking and transferring of money. It was particularly important that I access a money transfer facility in a hurry.

This was important to me because, the deadline to pay for my daughter: Jem's advance level examination was fast approaching. So I followed the instruction of the attendant at the welcoming facility, I took exit 23 into Falling Waters. While in Falling Waters I came upon a small shopping plaza with a large Supermarket. On inquiry, I discovered there was a remote Western Union operation. I did the transaction using the prescribed telephone then I paid the value to the cashier. I then contacted my daughter with the necessary information letting her know the money is on its way.

I was still on a proud high celebrating my daughter Alana’s accomplishment of receiving a national scholar’s award and scholarship. I also know Jem is a very determine young lady with the ability to follow in her sister's educational footsteps/path. I then left Falling Water West Virginia and stopped in Martinsburg.

Finding a safe place to sleep

It is now the evening of Tuesday October 28th, I am not quite sure of the time; but I have been driving for several hours. I am not sure where I am, however, I saw a sign that said: Gas and rest area a mile ahead. On arrival to the rest area, I pulled in. I noticed there were two gas stations and a Duncan Doughnut there. So I pulled into the smaller and less crowded of the two gas stations; there I purchased gasoline and decided to called it a night. The rest facilities (parking area,) at the smaller gas station was less lighted and there were fewer trucks there also.

I drove into the rest area of the smallest Gas Station and I parked the RV. However, I had a very uneasy feeling there, I felt unsafe in the poorly lighted facility. As a result I drove over to the larger gas station which was crowded, and look for a place to park. The parking area was very crowded; there were big rigs with containers everywhere, as well as the movement of the same. Some were getting petrol while other was looking for a place to honker down for the night. By this time it was must about 12:00 A.M.

I tried parking in a few spots but I was not satisfied that I was appropriately parked, it was then I saw a spot between two large rig. In front was a trailer hitched to a pickup truck and behind there was just enough space for me to park the RV. So I carefully drove my Camper into the slot ensure that the rear of my RV was not extending out I pulled my curtains got my blanket and settled down for the night.

The decision to go

Allan Palmer

It was Tuesday 29^th October, it was a beautiful day. I woke up early as my custom is, however, it was very chilly outside, so I lay in bed until 7:30 A.M. By this time the owners and the workers of the adjacent business (trucking and storage facility) had just began to stir. As a result, I got up, put on some warm clothes, combed my hair; brushed my teeth and I started inspecting the RV. I started the engine, checked the generator etc. and then I drove the RV to O.S.O Gas Company where I had the propane tank filled. 

Propane tank compartment

This was when I discovered that the RV has a 25 gallons propane tank. The propane was approximately $2.60 per gallon about one dollar per gallon cheaper that the U-Hall facility. After which, I returned to 590 Belleview Turnpike. I asked for and I was granted a tank of water by the chief mechanic. But there was a problem; I have never put water in the RV before. I was left to figure out how to put water into the RV fresh water tank.

There was an inlet on the right side of the middle of the RV, having forgotten that the inlet was an open valve that led into the toilet compartment that is used to sanitized the black water (or septic) tank, I connected the hose to the inlet valve and turned on the water pressure. I Felt good about myself, because I was finally able to put fresh water in the RV. I stood back and with pride I began to watch as the water poured in. Now, how am I going to know when the tank was filled?

To my astonishment I say water pouring out of the rear of the RV from several unqualified exits. "This cannot be happening" I said to myself; “don't tell me, the RV fresh water thank is no good.” I ran into the building where the source of the water was and turned off the faucet.

the bedroom

I quickly made my way into the RV to trace the line, when I thought about it, That valve may not be the correct inlet. It was then I realized, the inlet valve in the middle of the RV had no attached connection. It was also when I remembered the previous Owner Manny explaining the sanitizing of the black water or septic tank to me, using a mechanism, he showed me how it worked and it should be connected to the inlet valve and a water source from outside.

It was good that the water just slightly wet the carpet in the bedroom. With a little heat from while I drive, the carpet should be dry soon.

I open and discovered in the rear lower, right hand compartment, another inlet valve; this valve was attached to a net work of plumbing and the water pump. Unfortunately, there was a paper instruction that had bad water damaged. This did not work out to well. I think I managed to get some water into the tank, but I was not sure. After several attempts to put water into the RV, I disconnected the hose, turned on the water pump, and I tried the faucet but no water came from it.

I have been putting of this trip for too long, it was either I started the trip now or I may never. There was not going to be a perfect time to began this journey; so unprepared, without water and without any knowledge how most things work or if most things in the RV worked. With a full tank of gasoline and a full tank of propane I set out on my adventurous journey to nowhere.

The Journey began

My Nephew Oasan

Monday the 28th October I packed everything I may need on a long journey in my Recreation Vehicle (RV), I drove my van to Oasan's (my nephew) house in Queens, New York City, handed him the key to my Ford Van and the apartment and I gave him instructions as to what to do with the remaining content of the apartment. After which, Oasan drove me to the RV which was parked, on Flatbush Brooklyn, NYC, just outside the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 

This was Oasan's only visit to the RV, he expressed his appreciation for what he have seen and told me he had his doubts as to the quality of the vehicle, when I discussed it with him three months earlier. 

At about 5:30 pm, that same evening, I drove over the Manhattan Bridge, and through the Holland Tunnel and into New Jersey (NJ). The crossing of the Holland Tunnel marked the beginning of my extended road trip. Whilst in New Jersey (NJ) I had two main objectives which were to:

1. To purchase propane fuel; this fuel source (propane) will be use to power the RV fridge, heat the RV in cold weather and for cooking.

2. as well as, to purchase gasoline for the RV.

The bedroom

 New Jersey is a good location to purchase gasoline, gas cost less per gallon than any nearby state. When I arrived in NJ, I proceeded to the U-hall facility; on my arrival to the U-hall facility, where I was expected to full my propane tank of propane; I had a rude awakening. The security officer at the facility informed me that I will have to return tomorrow. This was so because the person who is assigned to deals with propane sales and service have left for the day and he (the security officer) have just shut down the propane pumps. When I asked the time, I was told it is 7:00 pm. It was all out of my control, I could not do anything but to return to the facility on Tuesday 31st Oct.2013, at 8:00 am on October 29th to full my propane tank. It was then I decided to go to the gas station nearby and fill my RV tank with gasoline. This was when I discovered that the RV has a 75 gallons gas tank. WHAT!!!

The RV kitchen

 After fulling the tank, I had a choice to make; I must address the issue of sleeping. Although I have spent several nights in the RV, to prevent my adversaries from vandalizing and sabotaging it whilst it was parked in Brooklyn, It will be my first time on the road.  Should I go to the small motel on 1&9 and spend the night (spend $40.00 plus tax)? should I pull to the side of the road and spend the night there (after all I will be doing a lot of roadside sleeping when I am on the road)? Or should I drive to 590 Belleview turnpike, Kearny, New Jersey, park on the premises and sleep in the RV? After I realized that my fresh water tank was empty, I decided not to spend any unnecessary money causing the quick depletion of the little money I had. With the financial prospective in mind I opt to drive to 590 Belleview Turnpike, Kearney, New Jersey and spend the night there; at lease there I can obtain free water whilst there.

The RV from the side

When I arrived the facilities it was about 9:00 pm, I saw the Chief mechanic Ronnie and his assistance Manuel was just about to drive off of the premises, they were on their way to purchase their dinner. I informed Ronnie of my propane problems and told him I am spending the night on the premises, to which he granted his approval. I then asked the guys to pick me up dinner also which they did. On their return Ronnie, his assistant Manuel and I sat in the RV and had dinner. 

Chief mechanic Ronny and I after dinner

After hours of chatting Ronnie and Manuel went into the garage where their sleeping quarters are located, I pulled my curtains for privacy and I went to bed.