header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


Now and Then in the SCV | Commentary by Darryl Manzer
| Tuesday, Feb 4, 2014
Darryl Manzer

Darryl Manzer

You probably know I live nearly full time in a rather large recreational vehicle, or RV. That makes me a “full timer.”

You might think being a full timer in an RV captures the magic of the road and the ability to drive your house just about any place at any time. You can follow the sunset West, or drive to the sunrise in the East. One can also be a snowbird and avoid cold weather by moving South every winter and North in the summer. Packing isn’t a problem. You have it with you already. Just imagine watching the sunset over the ocean under the awning of your RV, parked near a secluded spot on Highway 1.

Soon, reality steps in and you find out about “home repair” in an RV and you learn that an RV’s electrical system was designed by someone who wanted to avoid logic. So you get to learn new terms like “converter” and “inverter” and “auto-switch.”

Parts you can find at a local hardware store will cost three times more at an RV place – only you don’t know that until after you’ve bought those parts at Camping Universe or RV Heaven. If you own a boat, you know what it means when the sign says, “Marine and Boat parts and service.”

Same thing. It means the price goes up exponentially.

In an RV, stuff breaks at the worst time because Murphy’s Law was written by a guy living in an RV.

For instance, just last month in Kentucky, when the temperature was hovering around 10 degrees, my electrical system was damaged by a connection to electrical power on the garage of a kinfolk. Let’s just say 220 doesn’t fit in 110. Major components of the electrical system were toasted. Crisp.

My submarine training kicked in, and soon I had some form of heating device working. My propane heater worked, and in combination with some electric heaters, I didn’t freeze. I was able to drive to Paducah and get the first major component replaced. The auto-switch. Parts and labor were only $600. This allowed me to drive to warmer climes in the West – so drive I did.

In Las Vegas I found out that my “inverter” was cooked, and a new one might cost $2,000. I could put in a “converter” for about $500 total.

With that done, I now have full electrical capability in the RV. I put away the heaters and the extension cords and headed to the SCV pretty happy. Well, except for the lack of my radio/CD/MP3/Satellite radio. I lost the 12-volt DC power connection to it. That means I had to find other means of staying awake.

I want to thank the many friends who took my calls and kept me awake during the drive from Kentucky. I had thought I might get my radio working in Las Vegas. Everything else works now.

Once the phone calls stopped, I resorted to singing – because if you talk to yourself, folks think you’re crazy. Just why is that? You can drive down the road singing, and folks who can hear might want to join in. If you talk to yourself, those same folks might call the men in the white lab coats with an “I-love-me” jacket. I decided to sing.

I sang a lot. Mr. Renly, my basset hound, got as far away as possible in the back of the RV. I sang just about every song I know. Mostly old standards from what the “Great American Songbook.” Sinatra songs, Dean Martin songs, Nat King Cole and Louis Prima songs, too. I even did a couple of gospel tunes. At one point I resorted to singing scales, just to help increase the range of my voice.

Early in life, I took a few voice lessons. I’ve even done a little singing with a big band and a Dixieland band. I’ve belonged to various choral groups and church choirs. I also sing in the shower and when I cook. I have been known to frequent karaoke places, too.

Do you identify with this in some small measure?

Now that my electrical problems are mostly fixed, I thought I would go get some coaching for my singing. This Friday, I’m headed to Vibe Performing Arts Studios at 6:30 in the evening, hopefully to get some instructions on how to perform a little bit better … well, maybe a whole lot better. Would you care to join me and a bunch of other folks in this quest?

Now, the Good Book says for you to “make a joyful noise.” That is what karaoke is all about. A joyful noise for yourself. Ability and intonation not necessary. Fun is necessary, and this event will be fun.

I’ll be there, and you can laugh at my singing and whatever else. This won’t get us on “Idol,” but it will get us past the fear of performing in public … we hope.

So I’ll see all y’all there. It costs $10 and you can buy refreshments, too. Next door is a great pizza place that might serve some Karaoke Courage if you need it. Sometimes that helps. Vibe Performing Arts Studios are located at 24460 Lyons Avenue in the Valencia Plaza. Give them a call at 661-255-7464 for more information.

Now I’m headed back into the wiring harness in the dash. Won’t be long and I’ll have some tunes again.

Oh, I did find out that my CDs for karaoke will play just fine on my machine. I can’t read the words, but I can learn the tunes.

Note to self: Teach the basset hound to hold the flashlight.

 

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley. He can be reached at dmanzer@scvhistory.com and his commentaries, published on Tuesdays and Sundays, are archived at DManzer.com. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. Melissa says:

    Hi Darryl,

    I enjoy reading your column, and all about your adventures.

    With all the repairs in tight places that are necessary with an RV, have you considered wearing a “headlamp?” I bought my hubby one last year from Amazon.com, and he loves it. It comes in handy for those times when he must go outside after dark. (Mr Skunk lurks nearby).

    Might be easier than teaching the Bassett Hound to hold the flashlight, too. :-)

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com