After no consideration at all I’m thinking of leaving the Midwest and becoming a bum in New York City.

In an October 14, 2001 article in the New York Times it is said that Osama bin Laden wanted oil to be $144 a barrel. Taking a look at current prices we’ve just surpassed that mark.

The Ford Transit Van XXL is a concept vehicle that would make for some roomy van dwelling. More at Motor Authority.

This is someplace that I think I’d seriously enjoy living in if it was populated with friends. Think of the bbq parties you could have!

An article on the creator and the car here. The car has it’s own site here.
Given that gas in my area is now over four bucks a gallon all this thing needs is a comfy reclining front seat to sleep in.

1967 Ford Econoline

I’m using a new program for my emailing needs, Thunderbird, which has a pretty awe inspiring spam filter. Previously I’m sure I lost a bunch of your real emails in the deluge of spam–a good hundred plus on a bad day. So my apologies to anyone who’s written that I’ve not responded to. Please blame the Viagra merchants and not me.

How about an update for us avid fans?!
Any luck on your brakes?
–Desmond

Since I’ve last written I’ve managed to save up enough money to purchase a newer van rather than repair the old one. The new ride is ten years newer and has a third of the miles on the clock. It’s still not converted over to “full stealth” mode, nor does it have the secondary battery system installed yet, but it is a fitful place nonetheless. For the curious, it’s a standard American made full-sized van though this time I bought a “shorty” instead of an extended in part because that was the awesome deal that fell into my lap and partially because it’s easier to maneuver.

Personally I’ve been making more money, hence the new van, though still not enough to afford “normal” housing. At this point I’ve become so used to living in my van that shifting back to an apartment of some sort would be a novel experience and one that I’m not ready to make at this time. Certainly not at this time of year while the weather is glorious outside. The cool breeze through open windows is a joy and not a cursed draft.

Just in case anyone is crazy enough to go beyond the capabilities of the four wheel drive Sportsmobile vans in their quest for boondocking there is hope. Get stuck in the snow? Never, not with a snowmobile van hybrid like the folks at Yellowstone Expeditions.