Coffee Cans, Dumpling Strainers and Wi-Fi

Cartoon from The Instructables

You sweet and patient folk who have been so kind as to follow the writings on my blog—which during the past couple of months have been skimpy and sometimes poorly conceived—know that since the first day we arrived here in Lake Havasu, we have experienced serious problems with our internet connection. For some reason, our computer wouldn’t connect to the DSL server here at our RV park, (although everyone else’s did) and the wireless service ranged from pitiful to nil here at the park (for everyone.) In our early days here I tried to work with the wireless serivce, but it became so frustrating that I discontinued trying here at all. Instead, I traveled downtown to Hastings Book Store or to the public library.

Several weeks ago, Jerry spoke to our dear friend (and computer guru) Patrick Garrett about the problems here and he scheduled last weekend to come to our rescue. Patrick, Holly and their two boys came in on Friday and he spent several hours assuring that we would have dependable wireless service in the recreation room. Although it was quite a challenge as there seems to be an incredible amount of interference here in the immediate area, he was able to accomplish that goal. Although he had brought with him an external booster for our laptop, we still are not able to access the internet from our motorhome. He did adjust a setting on our computer so that we can connect to DSL in the rec room.

Although Patrick is gone now, he promises to continue mulling over the problem, and seems determined to “fix us up!” While looking around on the internet this afternoon, I came across this interesting article that I know will delight him. Patrick and I had already talked about homemake power boosters made of empty Pringle containers and even giant coffee cans.

So, if you come to see us in Lake Havasu, you will be able to easily identify our motor home. It will be the one whose windows look funny. Come closer to the rig and you will see that hanging out its windows are two Pringle cans circled with copper wire, a 3 pound Starbucks can poked through with a wire hanger, or maybe even a Chinese dumpling collander dangling from a high antennae.

This little guy is so cute, I had to put him in here twice. 🙂

Hey Patrick! Take a look at this: Wi-Fi Signal Strainer

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My devotional is here.