Correction
Karen Kieser, L8827, inadvertently was left off the list of lifetime members published in the January 2021 issue of Family RVing magazine. Our apologies to Karen for this oversight.
Library App Recommended
I enjoyed reading Chris Guld’s article about the convenience of keeping a “library‚ on her phone (“A Fun-Size Book Library,” January 2021, page 62). I have done this for years, but one aspect she didn’t mention is that you can do this for free! By using the app called Libby, you have access to the many e-books and audiobooks offered by local libraries. All you need is this free app and a library card.
Once you’ve registered, you can search by author or title. There’s also a way to see which audiobooks or e-books are available to borrow. Depending on your local library’s policy, books are loaned for two or three weeks and can be renewed if no one has placed a hold. Once the loan period is over, the book is automatically returned, with no worry of late fees. Libby even allows you to keep a list of all the books you’ve read, and you can indicate whether you liked them or not.
Once while waiting for a flight and browsing in a shop at the airport, I spotted a new hardback that interested me. Rather than purchase it, I downloaded it onto Libby and was able to start reading it after my flight was under way. After a book is downloaded, there’s no need for an internet signal.
Kimberly Black, F450465
Bend, Oregon
Editor’s note: We consulted with librarian Raidene Hebert, sister of Family RVing editor Robbin Gould, to learn more. Here is what she shared:
“The Libby app referenced is part of Overdrive. Overdrive came up with this version because it’s much easier to navigate than the original Overdrive. There are other options, though, such as my favorite, Hoopla, which is even more intuitive to use. Rather than share options for e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, music, etc., here is a link to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library website: https://heightslibrary.org/. Click on Digital Collection, and you’ll see the options available for all the above categories. Most libraries have something comparable, although many are much more limited. All people need is a library card to access!‚
Thanks, Kimberly and Raidene. For information regarding Libby, visit https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/index.htm.
Winter Camping On A Different Peninsula
After reading the “Camping In The Cold‚” article in the February 2021 issue (page 36), I had to share a photo from our January 2021 GMC Sunshine Statesmen rally at the Lazydays RV Resort in Seffner, Florida. Our version of winter camping on Florida’s peninsula is just a little different from what Mike and Jennifer Wendland experienced on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Maybe we had a little less snow, and did not need to wear as many layers, but we had a great time. I’d like to invite Mike and Jennifer to join us for our version of “Camping In The Cold‚”
The GMC Sunshine Statesmen chapter of FMCA is a group of GMC motorhome enthusiasts that has been a chapter of FMCA since 1977. Our active group typically has monthly rallies from September through May. Currently, we have approximately 70 family member units on the roster.
Russell Keith, F460756
Dunedin, Florida
What’s In A Name?
We read with interest Jack DeLeo’s letter in the February issue of Family RVing (“Name That RV,” page 14). We have been RVing for 12 years. We are Mayflower descendants; therefore, our first RV was Mayflower III (since Mayflower I and Mayflower II were on the water). Our present coach is the Mayflower IV, and we hope to keep “sailing‚” for many more years.
Carter & Sharon Wiese, F455233
Armour, South Dakota
I don’t know about other practitioners of this RV lifestyle, but we have named all of our RVs, though it’s always the same name: PENRICS ROAD ABODE.
Richard & Penny Yood, F376801
Tallahassee, Florida
In the February issue you asked what we name our RVs. I own a classic 1979 31-foot Blue Bird Wanderlodge. His name is “Echo: A Thing From The Past . . . A Gift For The Future‚” I have that painted on the back, and “Echo” on the front, as in the photo. I think that phrase says it all.
Echo is in very good condition and is maintained and upgraded as needed ― a labor of love.
Tom Wunder, F446385
Wilmington, North Carolina
Beware The Buzzards
Some friends of ours in east Texas just settled with their insurance company for damage done to their RV’s rubber roof by a flock of buzzards. It took a lot of research to convince the insurance company that buzzards like to pull off the rubber on RV roofs. In our friends’ case, most all the rubber was pulled off their roof and the underlying wood was damaged. This led to extensive interior water damage, and the RV was written off as a total loss. Based on this and other animal stories, wildlife must have a sense of humor.
Steve Thomas, F453140
Nacogdoches, Texas
We want to hear from you! welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. Email readerswrite@fmca.com; mail to Readers Write, FMCA, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.