This utilitarian vehicle was my home on the road... and, I
hope,
will be again as I promote
The Generosity Experiment.
Testimonials | Fact Sheet | My Office on Wheels | History | Articles
My big red van is my home
and office on the road. It's like a traveling
chautauqua
(outdoor
educational institution) and my intention was to assist
people as I encountered them in restaurants, churches,
schools, etc. I had to abort my year-long odyssey because
of my father's failing health. For now only short trips are
possible. Want to know what's inside?
This is my
poorwoman's
RV which
is my safety net and escape
vehicle.
If the worst were to happen, my cat and I would be OK in
this van for any length of time.
It has everything I need to live except for endless water
and power.
On board I *have the following:
* = not in van; in use at home for now.
Sleeping
4 sleeping bags which can be unzipped, flattened, and used
for warmth or insulation.
Folding camp cot
2 pillows
Cooking/Eating
Small camp stove, Sterno stove and 4 cannisters.
Camp cookware, plates and
sporks.
Can opener, bottle opener, paring knife.
Plastic glasses and utensils
Non-perishable food: cans of sardines, granola bars.
Jugs of drinking water
Koolatron fridge
Small microwave oven
Small toaster oven
Electric skillet/ dutch oven
Cat Care
Large dog crate for my cat - he may need to be confined at
some point for short intervals. Also, if I have to leave
the van for any length of time with windows open for air,
he could escape if not confined in a cage large enough for
him, his litter box, food and water.
Thermometer, visible from side window, in case my cat is
inside. People outside can determine if vehicle is too hot
and can rescue the cat.
Extra cat food - dry and
canned, and dishes for food and water.
Cooler with several liters of
filtered water.
Shallow plastic storage
container for use as litter box.
Extra litter. Extra
catnip.
Piece of carpet for cat
scratching.
Dog fence to keep cat in van when doors open.
Cat carrier for vet visits
Cat leash, collar, vaccination tag.
Camping
Screen gazebo, for camping. The tent will fit
inside.
6 PVC pipes and a rope to
string them together to hold down bottom flaps of screen
gazebo so cats can't wriggle underneath and escape.
Tent that sleeps 4. It
becomes an instant home.
Swim suit and pool noodle
Keeping clean
Small towel and wash cloth.
Small plastic dish pan and
dish drainer for dishwashing and personal hygiene.
Hot water dispenser
Camping shower and shower curtain
Writing/office
Pens, writing paper,
Microcassette player and tapes, in case I need to record
statements at an accident: a confession, or last words to a
loved one, etc.
Extra batteries of the right
sizes.
Portable photocopier
Portable paper shredder
Computer printer
Speaking
* Easel and whiteboard
* Wooden stool for classes
* Lectern/laptop stand
Communication
* TracFone cell phone
* MacBook laptop for email, Skyping
Extra cell phone for 9-1-1 only. Car adapter.
Digital camera
Heating/cooling/lighting/power
* 6 volt lantern and battery.
Small air conditioner + 100
foot utility cord
Reflective sun shade for front windshield.
Insulation inside walls and ceiling
* Pushbroom - to get snow off
vehicle (the van is too large for a standard snow
brush.)
* Ice scraper. It's actually
a snow shovel.
* Small, box heater/fan.
Extra set of clothes - white
sweat suit - if I get wet or need to sleep in car overnight
or if I rescue someone who needs a change of
clothes.
Extra, warm socks.
Gloves for warmth. Rubber
gloves for lifting heavy, slippery, or nasty things.
Candles and lighters.
Several small battery-operated lights.
Umbrella, sunglasses.
Plastic sheeting. Makes a
good tarp.
Privacy curtains held up across windows by tension rod or
bungee cord.
2 solar garden lights
Screens for front seat windows (held in place by Velcro)
* Solar panel
* Rechargeable power box
Entertainment
* Windup/solar operated radio.
* DVD player inside laptop.
* TV antenna, converter, small color TV.
CD player.
Cassette tapes and CDs for
listening.
Health and safety
A personal alarm to turn on if I need to call for help.
Battery operated.
A cowbell - to ring for help
if I have no voice and batteries run out on personal
alarm.
Face mask for covering nose
and mouth if there is a sand storm, snow storm or disease.
Window breaker - to use if I come across a vehicle on fire
with people trapped inside, or a child or pet locked in a
hot car.
* Fire extinguisher.
* Extra batteries.
* First aid kit.
Personal hygiene
An adult commode - nothing fancy, and it
needs to be emptied by hand. I put a plastic kitchen bag
inside the bucket under the toilet seat first so waste can
be removed easily. I've never used it, but, at my age, it
gives me peace of mind to know it is there if I'm ever in
dire need of a rest room and there is none! I've got window
curtains for privacy.
Toilet paper, facial tissues,
and paper towels.
Travel soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, antacids, aspirin,
sewing kit.
Garbage bags.
Driving
Extra coins for
tolls and parking. No more than $5. Don't even think of
robbing me!
Car owner's manual, vehicle
registration, and insurance.
Extra passport: expired, but
still accepted.
Road maps: Ontario, New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio.
Compass.
Tools
Extra bungee
cords.
Windshield washer
fluid.
Plastic storage bins that
hold kitchen equipment and food, bedding, emergency
supplies, etc.
100 foot outdoor utility
electric cord. This is handy for power if I can park in
someone's driveway and plug into their power.
Duct tape, shoes laces, latex
gloves.
Small package of hand tools.
Transport
Wire bundle buggy
(shopping cart) on 4 wheels.
Furniture dolley on 4 wheels
Bicycle with attached basket, helmet, bike lock, tire pump.
This is back up transportation if my vehicle breaks down
and I have to go for help.
Ready to go out the door, by
the front door, is a large beach bag containing things I
don't want to leave in the van because they could freeze
and burst or explode or I may need them when I'm not able
to get to the van.
Order the book | Excerpt | News release | Share my profits | Calculations | Progress blog | Sponsorship | Donate | Bookings