Monthly Archives: May 2012

Insectapalooza

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Posted by Rebecca

It’s that time of year again when I’m in a constant battle with the neighborhood insects.  They seem to think they have squatting rights, and if they manage to avert a stomp of my shoe or any other eviction attempt, the place is theirs.  Well, my little buggy friends, it is not!

Living in a tiny trailer is a lot like camping all the time.  Small space, indoor/outdoor living, a good flow of fresh air, and lots of creepy crawlers.

Thankfully the ant population remained under control last summer.  The only real invasion I had was early last spring.  I had thrown a vacation cancellation party for some friends whose trip, no matter how hard they tried, was just not happening.  It was great fun with 25 friends packed into my tiny home, and the evening ended with a thin film of rum punch blanketing my entire floor.  The next morning I had a 5km fun run, and when I got home a colony of drunk ants was doing their best to clean up the place.  I put the little guys out of their alcohol-induced misery, and miraculously that was the last of the ant invasions for the year.

Let’s hope this year is similarly ant-free.  More or less.  I’ve been killing rogue ants here and there.  I think they are the scouts, looking for something promising to run back and tell their buddies about.  I’m trying to send a message that they are not welcome here, and to tell their friends to try the guy next door.

Another cringe-worthy visitor I see every summer is the earwig.  Even his name wigs me out.  Have you seen these things?  Super oogie little creatures with big pincers on their heads.  They’re pretty weird too.  They like to just hang out under stuff.  Under dish towels, utensil caddies, dirty laundry, shoes….  I haven’t seen any yet this year, but I know they are coming.

My least favorite of the invaders is the spider.  There are jillions of them.  Some like to hang out on the deck, weaving massive webs that I let them keep until company comes.  There are cities of them under the trailer.  I hope they are happy there because as long as they stay ‘under’ it is fine with me.  A few brave spider souls make their way inside.  Spiders used to make me hyperventilate.  Sometimes cry.  But now I have no choice but to be a big brave girl and squish them myself.  I usually miss the first time.  Then it’s a comedy of errors as I whack my flip flog again and again until I hit them.  Hopefully I hit them.  Because I’m pretty sure they don’t forget my attempts to extinguish their life, and as long as they are still living, I know they want revenge.

Here are a few of the different arachnids that I’ve spotted in my little pink trailer….

The Wolf Spider:

The Funnel Weaving Spider:

The Yellow Goldenrod Crab Spider:

And the good ol’ Black Widow:

Ugh!

Rebecca Knabe

Over 10,000 and Counting….

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Posted by Rebecca

Yesterday was a big day for our blog.  We received more views in a single day than ever before, and passed the 10,000 total views mark.  Thanks, in part, to a little website called Mobile Home Living.  It’s a great site that features inspiration and how-to’s, showcases some really cute trailers and mobile homes, and offers insight on how to make small space living work.

Crystal, the founder of the site, found our blog on The Nate Berkus Show‘s website.  Remember, way back when (just last year, actually), James and Tanille were flown to New York to appear in the House Proud portion of his show?  Well, Crystal found our blog through that article, linked it to her website, and the views keep coming in.

We had a brief Facebook and email exchange, which she signed off saying, “Us trailer girls gotta stick together.”  And those words ring so true.

It’s not an easy decision to move into a trailer park.  Often the neighbors are the worst part.  True, many parks are filled with fixed income older folks, families who have had financial challenges, and individuals who don’t see the need to spend more than they have to on a home; all of which can be fantastic neighbors.  However, addicts and welfare abusers are also usually par for the course.  It’s not uncommon to see old, rotten couches, toilets used as planters, piles of cigarette butts, or an ungodly amount of cats on the property.  This can be hard to swallow, especially if you take pride in your home and surroundings.

But I think times are changing.  The economy isn’t bouncing back quickly, and may never be as robust, even over-inflated, as it once was.  This means we, as a society, have to learn how to live on less and with less.  It does not mean, however, that what we have needs to be dirty and unkempt, or that we have to accept a trashy environment around us.  So, yes, us trailer girls do gotta stick together.  We can make the most of what we have by keeping it clean and in good repair, we can help break down misconceptions of the type of people who occupy trailers by being good neighbors and contributing to a healthy environment and positive society, and, equally as important, we can encourage our neighbors to do the same.

So, thanks to our friends and families and others who have read, and continue to read our blog.  Thanks to our fellow trailer folk for ongoing words of encouragement.  And thanks to our fellow bloggers, like Crystal, for the ‘link love’ and support.   10,000 times, thank you!

Rebecca Knabe

Rare Sightings

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Posted by Rebecca

Yesterday consisted of a couple of rare events – me doing yard work, and a total solar eclipse.  Saturday I bought some flowers, mostly for pots, a shrub and some wildflower seeds.  And so yesterday I yanked weeds, dug holes and planted until I was filthy and my hands ached.  It was hard work, but I’m pleased that my yard is on its way to pretty.

Snap dragons and the shrub.  Behind the shrub is where I tossed the wildflower seeds.  My hope is that they are hardy enough to withstand Cassi standing on them on a daily basis.  For some reason that’s her favorite place to stand in the yard.  She doesn’t lay down, she just stands there.

Three pots that are lining the patio.  To the right of them is more of the wildflower area.  And one of my fancy pink flamingos.

The deck, with hydrangeas, snap dragons and lobelia.

A closer look….  I’ve had that big clay pot for a few years – from Ikea – as well as that silver thing underneath, which is on wheels.  It makes handling those big, heavy pots a lot easier.

The deck is done.  I love it!!

Solar eclipse viewing rule #1 – get some fancy viewing glasses, even if it means you have to pay a sci-fi nerd scalper 4x the original price.

Solar eclipse viewing rule #2 – make sure you look extra nice for this rare treat.  Makeup on (check), hair in place (never looked better), an outfit appropriate for the celestial glory (you betcha).

Solar eclipse viewing rule #3 – hope and pray the clouds move out of the way.  And you know what?  They did.  Just in time.  :)

You can actually see the reflection of the eclipse in that pink splotch on the photo.  I’m not sure how my camera did that, but it’s really cool.  This is the only picture I took that shows the mirror image of the sun, and it’s just at the start of the eclipse.  But I was able to watch the whole thing from the trailer park, with James and Tanille and some other friends.   It certainly was a rare sighting, and it won’t be visible again in Northern Nevada until 2045.

Unfortunately, the other rare sight – me working in the yard – will likely have to happen again much sooner than that.

Rebecca Knabe

Tomatoes and Chives and Other Green Things

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Posted by Rebecca

I’m growing stuff.  It’s very exciting!

Two years ago I bought some tomato seeds and Jiffy pellets for planting.  But for two years I have waited too long and missed my chance.  So last week I followed the directions and planted the seeds, and guess what??  They are growing!

This probably isn’t an amazing feat for most - like my dad, who works magic in the garden.  When I was growing up we always had fresh produce in the summer, and armfuls of blooms all over the house.  It was lovely.  The only things I can successfully grow are dandelions and crab grass.  Well, until now!  Because I’m growing tomatoes.

And I’m growing herbs.  I had an impulse buy at Lowe’s recently.  Right next to the check-out were these herb kits with cute galvanized pots, soil and seeds, all in one.  I was still on my tomato high, so I plunked down the $6.98 (big spender) and bought it.  And guess what??  They are growing too!

So now I’ve got a mini kitchen garden with tomatoes and chives and some other green things – probably basil or oregano, I don’t remember.  The third herb in the kit – parsley, I think – hasn’t sprouted yet, but I haven’t given up hope.  I keeping my fingers crossed, and my toes and arms and legs, because I have a feeling this growing thing is going to work out just fine.

If I get some tomatoes I’ll be making my favorite salsa recipe.  It was shared with me by my friend, Amber, and now I’m sharing it with you….

The Best Salsa Ever!

About 8 Garden Fresh Tomatoes

2 Bunches of Cilantro

Half an Onion (I use just a bit of onion powder instead because I’m allergic to raw onions)

Jalapenos (I use about 7 to make a spicy salsa – adjust to your taste)

One 28oz. Can of Plain Tomato Sauce

Salt to Taste.

Chop tomatoes, jalapenos and half-onion in half.  Add half of all ingredients to the blender.  (there were way too many “half”s just then)  Blend first batch, then second batch.  I dump both batches into a bowl, mix, and check if I need more salt.  Yeah, that’s it.  It lasts about a week in the fridge, if you can manage to keep it around that long.  Enjoy!!

Rebecca Knabe

Weekend at Tahoe

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Posted by Rebecca

Last weekend I headed to Lake Tahoe for a girls’ weekend get-away.  Tanille, Kara, Erica and I hopped in the car and drove about an hour and a half to beautiful South Lake.  We got a great deal on a room at MontBleu, that came complete with a jacuzzi tub parked just inches away from the beds; but fortunately no one managed to roll over and fall in during the night.  The room was cheesy with pink marble, brass fixtures, and strange 80′s decor.  But we had a great time.

We spent the weekend enjoying local restaurants and watering holes, a bit of shopping, taking in a concert, and getting a little red on the beach.  The weather was perfect – warm with a slight breeze – and the water was freezing.  By July or August it should be a little warmer and more inviting.

It’s really great living so close to such a beautiful place.  It’s even better living a simple life so that now and then you have the time and means to take full advantage of the area.  :D

Rebecca Knabe

New Neighbors

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Posted by Rebecca

My friends, Trevor and Clarice, recently moved into the trailer park, or ‘trailer court’ as Trevor likes to call it.

Jay and Bonnie, who used to be neighbors, moved to the other side of the planet a couple of months ago, leaving behind a fantastic trailer.  Brazilian cherry floors, copper kitchen back-splash, black lacquered cabinets, and a (gasp!) loft, with a (what??) vaulted ceiling, and a (no way!!) ceiling fan, that doesn’t even hit you in the head when you stand up.  It’s a trailer that trailer dreams are made of.  And Trevor and Clarice are the fortunate folks who have moved in, in Jay and Bonnie’s absence.

And so our schedules finally coordinated and we made dinner plans.

It was great.  A pleasant evening of listening to Trevor’s vinyl collection while enjoying champagne, homemade tortillas, grilled veggies, and rice and beans.

Rebecca Knabe

Eastcoast Trip – Days 9 & 10

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Posted by Rebecca

The final weekend of my trip was spent in Jamestown, NY.  It’s a town of about 30,000 people, situated about an hour from Buffalo on the shores of Lake Chautauqua.  There are several little towns clustered together on the south end of the lake, increasing the population to probably 70 or 80 thousand. 

Summer is the time to visit the area, with warm, sunny days and lots of activity on the lake.  One community, Chautauqua Institute, boasts approximately 170,000 visitors from June to August.  It’s a beautiful neighborhood full of opulent homes, ranging in size from modest cabins to elaborate mansions.  There are halls, plazas, and amphitheaters that bustle with activity in the summer months.  We were able to drive around the area, viewing the immaculate homes and historical buildings.  It was lovely.

The majority of my touring the area was done by car, as it rained and rained and rained while I was there.  Jamestown and its surrounds are very pretty, with rolling green hills, historical houses, and brick streets dotted here and there.  I stayed with John’s mom for the weekend.  Her house, a pale green two-storey, with carved scrolling white trim, was built in 1895. 

When we weren’t on a driving tour we were eating and eating.  And eating!  John’s mom is a tiny Sicilian woman who creates delectable feasts out of simple ingredients like dandelion leaves and lentils and homemade ricotta cheese. 

I really enjoyed my stay in Jamestown.  Everyone I met was very welcoming.  As we watched the news on Sunday night a severe winter storm was to move in on Buffalo in the next few hours.  I kept my fingers crossed, hoping I would be snowed in for day, and would have an excuse to stay a little longer.  But I missed the storm.  My flight departed at 6am Monday morning, and the storm arrived a few hours later.  I will have to come again to see the lake and its towns during a busier and sunnier time of year.  (Oh yeah, and to visit this guy….)

Seven hours later I was exhausted, but I was home; full of happy memories of my great vacation.  It was 85 degrees outside and 93 inside the pink trailer.  Time to get the swamp cooler dusted off and functioning again for another hot, dry Nevada summer.

Rebecca Knabe

Eastcoast Trip – Day 8

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Posted by Rebecca

Friday morning we left Mystic, CT, drove through Rhode Island and on into Boston.  It was time for good-byes.  First to go was Liam.  He lugged his enormous suitcase onto the scale and held his breath.  73 pounds.  The overage fee was $200, so he opted to shed some weight instead.  Seven boxes of spaghetti were removed (from his looting at the pre-marathon dinner) and given to happy recipients working at the airline counter.  Minus the spaghetti, his sandals stuffed in his carry-on, and his stockpile of candy and Norwegian brown cheese given to me, Liam’s bag was condensed to 50 pounds and approved for departure.

Juliet lamented to Romeo that “parting is such sweet sorrow.”  And while always true in romantic relationships, saying good-bye to my baby brother invariably brings me to tears.  Because of our age difference, and our mom’s death at such a young age (I was 15 and Liam was 8 months old), my brother and I haven’t lived together since he was a year and a half.  And ever since, we have rarely lived in the same country, let alone the same town.  So I succumbed to my heap of tears as we hugged and said good-bye. 

The emotion continued as I hugged Uncle Vern and Auntie Doreen good-bye at the next terminal. 

And then there were two.

It was early afternoon, and John and I weren’t scheduled to fly to Buffalo until 8pm, so we hopped on the T and spent the rest of the afternoon in Boston.  We meandered through the streets of Beacon Hill, stopping for a Thai lunch, Italian gelato, and later relaxing in Boston Common.

Cara met us for a drink after work.  She found a busy little restaurant, nestled in a back alley just a few blocks from her office.  We noshed on truffle oil and parmesan french fries, and drank flapper inspired cocktails, and caught up one last time before the flight out of the city.

I’m not a good flyer, as I’ve said before, but better with a bit of booze under my belt.  The flight from Boston to Buffalo was easy, not too bumpy despite the rinky-dink plane.  I should have been exhausted – travelling 4 states in one day and emotional farewells – but I felt good.  Excited to visit John’s hometown, Jamestown, NY.

Rebecca Knabe