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Crested geckos reach an average length of about 8 inches from head to tail, with some adults growing up to 9 or 10 inches. Their body alone, without the tail, measures around 4 to 5 inches, about palm size. Juveniles start much smaller and grow steadily through their first year, reaching full adult size between 12 and 18 months. How big do crested geckos get? Adult crested geckos usually grow to about 8 inches long from head to tail, though some reach up to 9 or 10 inches. Their body without the tail is roughly 4 to 5 inches, about the size of an adult’s hand. Over the past two years, I’ve gone to several reptile expos, including the Tinley Park Reptile Expo three times, and the Goshen Reptile Expo . Crested geckos are a very common reptile to see at these events, and vendors who bring them will often get one out to show people or have them sitting on a perch just hanging out. They’re so chill that they don’t try to take off or escape. In all of these instances, the geckos I’ve seen are usually palm-sized. When they still have their tail, it can extend past an average man’s hand, but their head and body fit comfortably within an adult’s palm. The gecko in the first image was a young one, probably a juvenile, seen at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo. Corky Lorenz November 10, 2025

Fittonia nerve plants are considered non toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Learn what this means for cat owners, what mild reactions are possible, and when to use trusted plant toxicity resources. Is Fittonia toxic to cats? Fittonia (also called nerve plant) is not toxic to cats according to the ASPCA’s plant toxicity database. It’s considered non-toxic, but ingestion may still cause mild stomach upset if your cat chews on it. Your cat isn’t going to be poisoned by Fittonia. I have two cats, and I’ve owned this plant before; it has never caused issues in my home. The ASPCA lists Fittonia as non-toxic to both cats and dogs, which is the most widely accepted and cited authority for pet-safe plant information. Even with non-toxic plants, cats may occasionally vomit or have mild irritation just from chewing foliage, so placing the plant out of reach is still helpful if your cat likes to graze. If you want a reliable external reference for checking other plants, the ASPCA Plant Toxicity list is one of the best resources for pet owners looking up safe and unsafe species. Corky Lorenz December 6, 2025

Photos inside recreational vehicles at the RV Hall of Fame including a full interior look at the 1974 GMC motorhome. Wide angle layouts, color details, and close up shots of vintage RV design. Inside Recreational Vehicles & Vintage RV Interiors A collection of photos inside recreation vehicles on display at the museum, shot with a fisheye lens for a full view of the interior layouts. 1913 Earl Travel Trailer Interior This is the inside of the 1913 Earl Travel Trailer, considered the oldest travel trailer ever made. It was custom-built for a Cal Tech professor and later restored to match its original wood interior. The long bench layout was designed to seat four at the dining table and could convert into a double bed. 1974 GMC Motorhome Interior Wide interior shot of the vintage 1974 GMC motorhome. The interior has the same bright yellow color as the exterior paint. On the left you can see the kitchen, with a stainless steel sink, and yellow counter top and cabinetry. The dinette and seating area sit between the kitchen and pilot chairs in the front cabin. Airstream "Der Kleine Prinz" Interior view of the prototype for this body style, on display at the RV Hall of Fame, in Elkhart, IN. The smallest Airstream ever made, and it was thought to have been made for the owner, Wally Byam. 1958 Airstream Flying Cloud 22' Interior This 1958 Airstream Flying Cloud was built in California and came with a gas heater, refrigerator, cooking stove, pressurized water system, and a 110-volt electrical setup. It was the first full year Airstream switched the end-caps from 13 panels to 7, giving the trailer its updated look. The 22-foot layout is still considered one of the most sought-after floor plans for vintage restoration. 1935 Bowlus Road Chief Interior Interior view of the 1935 Bowlus Road Chief trailer, one of fewer than 50 remaining. This early aluminum travel trailer was designed by sailplane builder Hawley Bowlus, whose work later influenced the Airstream clipper style. The curved wood interior, narrow sleeping areas, and compact dinette show the original streamlined approach to living space inside recreational vehicles of that era. Corky Lorenz November 19, 2025

Here’s how the RecPro team lifts new air conditioners onto the roof of an RV to install them. How do you get a new air conditioner onto the RV roof? There are 2 main ways that people get the AC lifted up to the roof. When it’s available, they use a forklift. Most people use a ladder and help to slide the box up. Last week, at work, the content team was recording new install demonstrations for air conditioners. I noticed that they coordinated with the forklift operator to get the units up and down faster. They would take it out of the box and lift it up and down. In the past, the team would use a ladder to move the whole box. Without unpacking it, 2 people pulled from the top of the RV, while one person pushed from the bottom. I’ve even seen videos of an RV tech getting the AC box up the ladder alone, with careful technique. Corky Lorenz October 7, 2025

An overview of using plastic KAM snaps as a closure for cloth menstrual pads. Snaps for Cloth Pads An overview of using plastic KAM snaps as a closure for cloth menstrual pads. Snaps, buttons or velcro are used to hold the wings of the pad together. In a pinch, you can also use a safety pin. Size 20 KAM snaps are the most common closure for cloth pads. Size 16 KAM snaps are also a great choice because they are easier to unsnap and don’t put as much stress on the wing fabric. Snap Pliers To set the the snaps, you need to get a press. Most people use handheld pliers. You can also get a tabletop press, that offers more leverage with it's long handle. Die Parts There's usually a little plastic piece that you change, depending on which snap part you are setting. It holds the snap in place, so it's aligned perfectly before setting. Where to get snaps Plastic KAM s naps are a very popular closure option for the wings of your cloth pad. This is the brand used by cloth diaper makers, which requires strict regulations for safety. Here's a video about using plastic snaps. Corky Lorenz February 5, 2026

Discover the Sims Education Center at Fernwood Botanical Garden, a peaceful library and event space featuring nature books, bird watching stations, sensory play areas, and modern design. What is the Sims Education Center at Fernwood? The Sims Education Center at Fernwood Botanical Garden is a library and event space. It focuses on nature education, with books about plants, wildlife, and conservation. It also includes bird watching stations, hands-on learning areas for children, and rooms available for community events and private gatherings. The Sims Education Center at Fernwood is basically a library with many interesting and eye-catching books about plants, wildlife, and preservation. Some of the books look like knowledge you wouldn’t be able to find easily anywhere else. The education center also has several bird watching stations with binoculars and chairs positioned in front of large windows. You can sit and watch birds land in the trees or near the feeders outside, which makes it a peaceful stop during your visit. There are multiple seating areas, including one room with a rug and rock-shaped pillows that look like a toddler’s dream. The rock pillows match the rock stacking activity in the same room, creating a fun balance between sensory play, exploration, and learning. It feels thoughtfully designed for families. If you have multiple kids, it’s a great spot to rest while they explore in a contained, safe space. Whether you’re just arriving or taking a break from the trails, the education center offers a calm place to plan your next activity at Fernwood. This building also serves as an event space for weddings, receptions, and private gatherings. Each room has a different capacity, and the atmosphere fits everything from small meetings to elegant celebrations. I especially liked the lighting design and the use of raw materials in the flooring, simple but sophisticated in a way that suits Fernwood’s natural setting. Corky Lorenz November 3, 2025

Crosstown Exotics drew crowds at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo with their massive frogs, hissing roaches, and interactive displays. A favorite stop for kids and reptile fans alike at NARBC 2025. Crosstown Exotics at NARBC with Stunning Display This is the third time I have seen this vendor, and I was happy to see their collection again! Bugs and large frogs were a crowd favorite. Crosstown Exotics can be found on Instagram, here. They are a regular vender at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo . When we saw their booth, it was the middle of the second day. The person handling the snake said the reptiles were a little tired. I appreciate that kind of care for the animals. They seem to value creating beautiful enclosures for their animals, which doubles as a great show for the guests. Even the massive cockroaches look happy as can be. We love that. Corky Lorenz October 14, 2025

Align the outdoor RV air conditioner over the 14 ¾ inch roof opening and gasket. Lift and place it carefully without sliding to prevent gasket damage and air or water leaks. How is an RV air conditioner ALIGNED on the roof? Place the outdoor AC unit over the roof opening and gasket, making sure the four mounting bolts align with the corners of the 14 ¾ × 14 ¾-inch hole. Set it down gently without sliding to avoid damaging the gasket or causing air and water leaks. Positioning the Rooftop Unit Before setting the unit in place, double-check that the gasket lies flat and makes full contact with the roof surface. Aligning the Opening Lift and adjust the outdoor unit until the bolt holes align with the 14 ¾ × 14 ¾ inch (360 × 360 mm) opening. Avoid pushing or dragging the unit across the gasket, as this can cause misalignment or seal failure. From inside the RV, verify that all four corners sit evenly against the opening to confirm a proper seal . Corky Lorenz November 4, 2025

The farmer’s market held its first ever evening event which featured live music and a variety of vendors present for shopping under the string lights. Mishawaka Market Under The Lights For the first time, The Mishawaka Farmers Market was held at night. Vendors and guests enjoyed the overhead string lights along the riverwalk. The Mishawaka farmers market is a very popular event on Sundays throughout the summer season. When they posted on Facebook that they were holding an evening market under the lights, I was intrigued. I just happen to be available that evening so I headed over and hoped to get some pretty pictures with the sun setting and the string lights overhead. Parking was kind of chaotic because there were so many people trying to park at one time. I told my friend that it felt like there was a swarm of cars trying to find parking spots. If you’re going to the farmer’s market, you need to make sure that you don’t park in one of the residential lots that is marked only for those residents. I ended up parking on the street a few blocks away and didn’t mind the walk back to the Riverwalk. It seemed like the two hour event was very popular and people were really enjoying themselves. There were a ton of dogs, which is always fun to see, and there was a live music performance that people enjoyed listening to while watching the sunset. Corky Lorenz October 5, 2025

Noticing your RV battery stops around 80%? Learn how to set the RecPro converter’s dial for lead-acid or lithium batteries, what the LED flicker means, and why smart charging mode protects battery life. Why is my RV battery not fully charging? If your RV battery stops charging around 80% when using a RecPro converter, it’s usually working as intended. Most RecPro converters ship in four-stage smart charging mode, which limits charge to protect lead-acid batteries and extend their lifespan. Understanding the Converter Dial On RecPro converters, there’s a small adjustable dial called a potentiometer. It controls both the charging mode and the voltage level. The sticker beside it can be confusing, but here’s how to read it: The left side of the dial controls four-stage smart charging, designed for lead-acid batteries. The right side of the dial is intended for lithium-ion batteries or for powering appliances directly in your RV. Once you’ve chosen the correct side for your setup, you can fine-tune the voltage: Lower voltage: turn the dial toward the top. Higher voltage: turn the dial toward the side you’re using. Factory Default Settings Converters are typically shipped in four-stage smart charging mode (the left side of the dial). If you’re not sure which mode yours is in, you can tell by watching the LED light indicator while turning the dial with a screwdriver. When the LED flickers, that means you’ve crossed over to the other side of the dial, switching between smart charging and lithium/direct power modes. Fine-Tuning and Voltage Adjustment For a more precise setup, you can use a multimeter to check the output voltage while adjusting the potentiometer. This helps confirm you’re within the proper range for your specific battery. Keep in mind that different battery types require different voltage targets for optimal charging. You should always check the manual or specifications for your battery brand to confirm the best settings, especially for lithium batteries, which can vary in chemistry and built-in protection systems. If you’re just trying to get oriented with the dial and make sure your converter is working correctly, these general guidelines will help you get in the right direction. Why It Stops Around 80% If your converter seems to charge your lead-acid battery only up to about 80%, that’s usually by design. In four-stage smart charging mode, the converter is programmed to stop before hitting full voltage to prolong the battery’s lifespan. Fully charging a lead-acid battery every time can cause unnecessary stress and shorten its life.Lithium batteries may charge differently and reach higher levels depending on how the converter and BMS are configured. In Short Left side of the dial: smart charging (lead-acid) Right side: lithium or direct power mode LED flicker: indicates switching between modes Multimeter: use to fine-tune voltage 80% charge: normal for smart charging mode Always check your battery manual: ideal voltages vary by type If your converter is working correctly but your battery isn’t quite reaching 100% it doesn’t mean something’s broken, it’s probably doing exactly what it should. Corky Lorenz November 7, 2025