Hollywood RV Park - Thor Hurricane Motorhome - Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

I am awake. I have left the warmth and pleasure of my cozy bed with the electric blanket and gorgeous woman and the little busy dog. I have addressed toileting and laid out my carpet sitting for a half hour. I’ve prayed and meditated. I open myself to God. God is the prime mover.  God is the creator. I’m a second thought.  I ask that God lead and guide and protect and teach me. I pray for those I love and care for, family, friends, patients.  

I dreamed of Dad last night. It was in the mountain forest I often go to. We had the truck and hunting gear and I was thankful .  I expressed my gratitude.  There were dear in the woods and he encouraged me to shoot them but i was more focused on tidying up the camp and departure. It was so comforting to have my dad in my dream, his strength and wisdom. He was always so capable and competent. I was truly blessed with the finest of fathers.  

A couple of nights back I was blessed to share in Laura’s dreams.  Our dreams overlapped and I was with her in the next world interacting with the people she’s loves and cares for.  

Other’s are up. I’ve seen a couple and a mistress and her dog and just now our new neighbours, a pretty young girl coming back to her rig from the Ladies.Last night I saw two men and two women pul in the C class.  

God is all. There is nought but God.  I am in this universe that is an algorithm that is ruled by karma and kindness.  What I think returns to me.  What I say return to me. Judge not lest you be judged.  Do not be afraid. I am thankful for Jesus and the gospels.  

God within.  I shut off the outside world and focus on my breathing and vast endlessness within.  As outside so is there inside. As above so below.

I call on you God to be nearer me. God above me, God below me, God to the right of me. God to the left of me. God before me, God behind me. God within me. 

Today we are going to Huntington Library at the recommendation of Robert whose family visited often. 

Now another dog and walker are outside.  I imagine i could do this.  Madigan is sleeping with Laura in the bed still and likes to walk with her in the morning. He poops with her best in the morning. I think he knows that what’s delights her and he wants to please her. With me we’re walking a lot and he’s distracted by the scents of other dogs and his mission to explore.

It’s cloudy but yesterday it cleared in the afternoon so we had blue sky. I feel badly for Laura because she’s had the storms and rain and cloudy days with only a few hot and sunny.  I’ll be driving on to southern Califorinai and Arizona where there is more desert and sun.  I’ve really enjoyed her company.  I continue to work but not so much over these holidays.  I’ll be working more at the next stop where I’ll stay another 2 to 3 weeks before moving on.  This last 2 to 3 weeks with Laura here has been so full.  I’ve enjoyed our outings and our time together. I’ll miss her when she leaves and Madigan and I become a two rather than part of a three. He likes the bigger grouping on principle.  I don’t like many but sure enjoy Laura’s presence.  She’s easy company.  Smells good too.

Now she’s up and putting a leash on the mutt.  Lots of growling tail wagging excitement and jumping about.  Off they go.

I just feel a glow within, comforted, pleasant, apart of something bigger than myself.  Gratitude. Thank you Jesus. Thank you God. Thank you Holy Spirit.

 

FC Complete RV Service - Filiberto.campos@yahoo.com

I bought this Thor Hurricane Class A Motorhome after seeing my neighbour Ernest and Nicolina’s rig. It was so attractive.  At 29 feet I could see driving it. I’d had a 40 foot fifth wheel after a smaller RV but never felt safe driving it so had a tow truck move it when I needed to.  The garage became an office and never did get used for my quad and motorcycles because you need room to lower the ramp.  My camper was good for weekends and shorter stays but after spending a couple of months last year in Southern California and Arizona I was ready for an upgrade.  

Traveland had sold me an earlier RV and provided great service. Peter and Larry who have a Tiffin  had had  great success  with Traveland.  So that’s where I found this sweet machine that was only a few years old with low mileage Traveland accepted the trade in and this has been the ‘shake down cruise’.  Everything worked on the little jaunts before this. This though has definitely been days of driving and work. 

First I hit the mirror going through the border. I was thankful I could jury rig that to be legal to get to Bellingham RV Park.  There Barry Lewis, On the Road RV Service did a masterful job of connecting the electrical so that the turning and backing cup camera worked.

Next the furnace pooped out and I was able to get by with wearing sweaters and socks till I got to  Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield.  There Miquel of Arias RV Service replaced a part of the furnace and heat was restored.

It is definitely ashake down cruise.   I’m putting lots of miles and wear and tear on my machine. This time I saw water supurting up under the sink so stopped using that kitchen counter sink having the washroom sink to get by.  I explored all I could but could only see where the water was coming from but not quite access it. I thought it was a loose hose clamp. I worry with each repair requirement.  

In Vancouver I ‘ve had Kelvin at Travco to rely on for any RV repairs.  Traveland does annual maintence checks but on the road I feel I need one of those vans and crews the elite use on their expeditions.  We loved watching Brad Pitt in F1 and I thought I could use a pit stop crew on this trip. Fortunately at each of the RV parks  I’ve been able to ask the owners who they’d recommend for mobile repair and sure enough I’ve been truly blessed by the people they’ve recommended.

Lisa at the Hollywood RV Park recommended Phil at FC Complete RV Service - 818-253-5980 - Filiberto.campos@yahoo.com.  

With Laura visitting  and our schedule of event I was concerned about when I could arrange the visit and worried how much it would entail.  Phil was very accomodateing and came first thing in the morning. Much to my horror he accessed and exposed that the actual drain pipe from the sink to the grey water tank had been sheered off. This was a major plumbing issue beyond my duck tape and goop capabilities. 

I really enjoyed this humble pleasant man methodically working through the problem and carefully clearing out the old pipe so 

he could install a new one with a coupling. He actually heated the new pipe to shape it to fit.  Because it’s housed in metal and doesn’t slide while the slide passes over it, it really is a tricky problem. It actually looked like someone had been in and done a previous repair. 

As an off shore solo sailor and former surgical assistant I’ve got lots of knowledge and skill with maintenance of systems.  I can jury rig like the best but really appreciate watching a master do his work. My plumber friend would have been impressed too as each bit of work required exact measurement.  

When the pipe was restored and I could turn on the tap , no leak occurred. I suspect that’s what the previous repair had been about.  Phil however had me run the slide in and out and said he heard a rubbing.  Sure enough the sink and counter had settled so that if we’d left it at that it likely would have broken  down again down the road.  Phil put in a support that ensured the slide didn’t rub against the housing for the pipe running into the grey water tank.  

With that he put all the screws back in to the places he’d taken apart to gain access.  It was a 4 hour job and he did it all masterfully.  The cost was totally reasonable too.  All the mobile RV services have been well worth it.  I was so thankful to Phil who New Year’s Eve day restored my ‘kitchen’.  

What a wonderful end to a great 2025.  I so appreciate kind people being so helpful and having become such skilled masters. Thank you Phil!!!!@

 

THE GETTY CENTRE - LOS ANGELES - Dec. 30, Tuesday, 2025

A truly spectacular art museum! The architecture is incredible with open plazas and hilltop views of all of Los Angeles. The pavilions have rooms full of paintings ,sculpture and pottery dating back to antiquity.  We were there for the baroque art exhibit and most enjoyed the impressionist and post impressions on display from the Getty collections.  

From the parking lot to the entrance a delightful little tram carried us up.  I loved the sculpture of the lying nude on the stairs.  We obtained a map from the very help information services that had guides and tours and audio self guided tours along with the Getty Centre app  

We forgot the maps and guides and just began to wander.  The rooms of European art we wandered through started in the 16th century and moved forward to the 19th.  Paintings were on the second floor of the pavilion and on the plaza floor there were the furnishings of the palaces and houses, marvellous beds and couches , tapestries, cabinets. Beautiful wordwook and crafts.

I loved recognizing painters and enjoying looking at the original of Titian and Turners. I told Laura that as a sailor I liked the ships and there was one of the most famous of ship paintings/. There was Greco and the Italians.  I love the Mother and Child paintings. When Laura and I  we were in Rome , the Louvre and British National Gallery we so enjoyed the Christian religious art. I especially love the baby face expressions of Jesus, son of God.  Some are beautific while others are so horrid and ugly they can only be the artists patron’s child.  

It was at the Chora Church in Instabul , the whole interior walls and ceilings paintings of the Biblical stories, that it became clear that as so few in medieval times read ,these paintings were like comic strips for the majority to know the Biblical stories.  The trend continues today in stained glass windows in the church.  

 

There was a magnificent couch that Laura and I felt would be perfect for watching Bosche episodes which we’ve been doing since we arrived enjoying the LA and Hollywood sights in the background of this famous cop series. 

I’ve always loved the impressionist and post impressionists since having the works of Renoir and Picasso on my poor student walls. My doctor colleague told me she had Van Gogh’s Iris poster in her first years of medical school. 

Laura and I had Getty Special Burgers with curly fries in the downstairs cafe.  What a wonderful dining experience with more 

great views and a complete selection of Mexican, Thai and American dishes. There was a restaurant upstairs and in the plaza a cafe services.  Lots of little tables and chairs for folk to sit outside and enjoy the magnificent ambience and discuss art. We loved it.

The rooms of the impressionists and post impressionists were inspirational.  Lots of Claude Monet , Eduard Manet, Renoir, Guagauin, Degas, Cezanne, and Munch. What’s so exciting is that when you begin to recognize Degas for his pictures of dancers and Gaugin for his island folk you come across a picture that defies convention.  Some also seemed so similar. They represent different periods in the life of an artist. I also learned reading the classics art book, Taschen’s Impressionism 1860-1920  by Ingo F. W. Walter that several were friends and holidayed together painting the same scenes.  This  accounted for the similarities but also allowed one to see the distinct unique vision of each.  I loved seeing Monet’s Haystacks and learning that he painted dozens of the same scene at different times of the year studying light. 

It’s a wonder seeing the portraits and wondering what someone like Van Gogh would have thought of the iPhone and selfie generations. Once when only the rich  could have portrait of a loved family member ,child or even dog. Now everyone could.  Several of the most famous impressionist portraits are of family and friends as well as lovers.  I liked seeing the Getty Callibotte because I had the Paris Street, rainy day, poster up in my student digs.  It reminded me of living in London with the umbrellas and glistening cobblestones.  In this one he has a man looking out from a balcony and the composition is so engaging. 

There were several pavilions with drawings and other exhibits but despite being there for four hours we only saw half at most of what could be seen. Definitely a place to come back to over and over again.  We were uplifted and tired at the same time. Our souls and hearts invigorated while our feet, legs and back were weary. We were glad to ride the tram down to the car and return to my Thor Hurricane Motorhome in Hollywood RV Park.  

Hollywood RV Park Homes - Los Angeles - Sunday - Dec. 28, 2025

Sunshine, glorious sunshine!  Another hot day. Yesterday was sunny too.  Blue skies.  Laura was sitting at the picnic table reading. Walking Madigan I really appreciated the after rain scent in the air. Earthy smells.  Clean.  Happy trees, leaves and birds.  

I drove out in the morning to get Breakfast Burrito but the place was closed so I came back with Egg and Sausage McMuffins with sides of bacon for Madigan. That was it for activity.  I investigated the kitchen outflow water leak and decided it was beyond my scope. I’d have to pull up more floor or something to access it. I could see it but not reach it.  A loose hose clamp perhaps.  Lisa at the office recommended Phil who I called and will come on Wednesday. 

I’m working Monday all day and Tuesday we’re going to the Geddy.  

Laura sat at the table with Madigan. She walked him too. I lay on the couch reading.  It’s a book of intrigue from the Vatican and Medici.  I read a bit, check facebook and X , then nap, then read, then throw the ball for Madigan. Then I pet Madigan. He jumps on my face and lies on my chest.  Then he chases his tail barking at it. Then he sits on the table and gets a massage of his head back and ears.

Meanwhile I’m napping and reading and scrolling social media some more.  Later we snack.

We ordered Domino Hawaiian Pizza with the thin crust and balls of garlic bread.  We began binging Bosche again.  Jeri Ryan from Startek Borg episodes was a marvellous gorgeous villain.  I loved her and the whole dirty police episode and the politics of city and church and race.  It’s all more poignant because we’re in Hollywood and recognize some of the streets and places where the action occurs.  

I looked on the map and Bosche’s house is indicated .  Laura loves Bosche too.  “I’ve seen all the episodes.’   I d not seen these as I’d only become interested when the daughter joined the police. Here’s she’s still a teen ager.  I’m enjoying the relationships of Leutentant, J. Edgar, his prolifiler wife and comic pair.  The relationships are like Friends but with purpose.

Today’s another day with no plans but a meeting.  Maybe more of the same with Bosche in the evening . I suggested to Laura we could go back into Hollywood now that’s it’s not raining Maybe visit Bosche house.  Very much the tourist thing.  She enjoys the rest from work.  

I’m thankful. Grateful.  I love being here in the Thor with Laura and Madigan.  It’s peaceful and cozy.  Another day in LA. 

LACMA - Los Angeles County Museum and ART - Dec. 26, 2025

What a wonderful museum and art gallery!!!   With the torrential rain storm continuing and surfing in the rivers on the freeway with flooding in the north we were so pleased we’d scheduled ourselves an indoor activity.  

Easy to access parking was great, the whole grounds was celebration of art, with exotic mounted animals sculptures and whimsical lights.  I had investigated LACMA months before joining for the Impressionists and Post Impressionist Exhibit. 

I’m a major fan of impressionist works since I bought my first Renoir print and the Picasso Man of La Mancho print to adorn my undergraduate  bachelor across from the University of Winnipeg.  Next I’d love the impressionist exhibits at the National Gallery in London  then it was just  something I looked forward to seeing travelling.  Like Brandenburg concertos for the eyes or the Beatles or Steely Dan.  There were superb exhibits of impressionists in New York’s MET,  Moscow and St. Petersburg.  Of course Paris was the best with the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. 

Now I’m here in LA and have so enjoyed the impressionist exhibits  at the LACMA.  

There’s never a lot of impressionists together except at Musee d’Orsay or the Winter Palace.  At LACMA there were quite a few Claude Monet.  There was a Degas or two.  I loved the Renoir Sisters and vase of Roses. . There were a few Pissaro and Toulouse Lautrec.  Impressionists are always uplifting. I enjoy now that I’ve seen a few over time guessing who the painter is.  I loved seeing the American impressionists which I’d not known. I enjoyed seeing the Van Gogh. I  like the atmosphere of galleries and museums. LACMA is spiritual in that way. A mix of library and church. 

 

After the Impressionist exhibit we moseyed through the Realms of Dharma exhibit. I loved the accompanying history discussing the basic tenets of Mahayana Buddhism, multidimensions and Boddhisatavas, Compasion and Wisdom. The exhibit separated the original works from India and then showed how they’d spread through Nepal Tibet, Japan China and Korea.  

Next there was an exhibit of wood cuts from different times and different parts of the world. The only one that I really know is the Scream but these were all interesting as an early form of reproduction.

I’m not usually a fan of modern art but I really was taken by the Sierra exhibit, the Band, This was an installation of over 200 tons of steel made over 2 1/2 have years. A woman said she kept returning to it because it was her ‘church’.  I certainly felt ‘sacred’ standing inside the safety of folds of steel.  

I love art gallery and museum stores. It’s a very best place for buying art books and elegant gifts.   The Vancouver Art Gallery gift shop is a perennial favourite.   Now. LACMA was no exception.  I was able to buy Laura  designer sweats Christmas gift while she found the perfect gift for artist sister.  What fun.  An incredible day .  I love LACMA.