Monday, April 20
Salmon Falls Reservoir, south of Twin Falls, southern Idaho
Something has to be done!
All our water jugs are empty except for one.
This is the water I use for coffee and tea, for cooking, for washing dishes and myself, and for the crew to drink.
I buy bottled water from the store for my plain water drinking
The water in the BLT’s tank is for flushing the toilet, cleaning, and small washing tasks like hand-washing and brushing teeth. I fill the fresh water tank when I dump the waste tanks, handy because the two tasks usually are in sync.
Bridget, Reggie and I motor across the sage to Rogerson.
Rogerson is a collection of small homes and trailers situated beside Highway 93. The hub of this little community is a convenience store-cafe combo with gas pumps out front and an adjacent RV park. Surely there’s a water spigot I can use. . . .
After topping off the gas tank, I enter the store.
A hand-painted sign proclaims “second best water in the nation!” Well, that’s promising. I bet they’d be happy to share it. Even so, I browse the aisles of the tiny store for an item to purchase.
I want to have something in hand when I approach the woman at the cash register.
I haven’t had candy in ages . . . . As I slide a package of candy orange slices off the metal rod, I overhear the woman chatting with a man. I glance over and see he has a fluffy, red-gold pomeranian at his feet.
“I’m feeling awful today, but someone has to mind the store. . . . bronchitis . . .
When it’s my turn, the woman gives me a cheery greeting in spite of her illness.
“I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.”
She smiles, handing me my change, “Thanks. I’m taking antibiotics and they’ve just about knocked me out . . . . “
I tell her I’m camping at the reservoir and I need drinking water.
“Is there a spigot I might use?”
“Sure!” She perks up. “You know, we have the second best water IN THE NATION,” she announces, proudly emphasizing the last three words. Then she explains that Rogerson’s water was awarded second place at a big-deal meeting in Washington, D.C.
“You’re welcome to get water over at the RV park.”
“Thank you. I hope you feel better soon!”
Once our mission is accomplished, back we go across the endless sagebrush.
I’m popping orange slices in my mouth as we cruise along. Reggie noses the bag of candy.
“No, Reggie, sorry, these aren’t for you.”
Hmm . . . The tree with the big nest is along here somewhere.
It seems to be the only tree for miles around that’s away from human activity.
I get out of the PTV and walk around to see who is in the nest. A head with the intense eye and curved beak of a bird of prey appears. She glares at me and I get her message. I leave, not wanting to disturb her further.
Moseying up the road . . .
“Oh, look! They weren’t here when we drove by before.”
I can’t resist photographing horses.
Bridget sits quietly on the bench seat. Reggie charges across my lap, barking furiously out the window. The horses trot to the fence.
It doesn’t take the horses long to realize this is a force NOT to be reckoned with and they return to more important business . . . grass.
“There’s our little home!”
Bridget knows the word, home, and perks up. Soon Reggie will know it, too, because I always say it when we approach the Best Little Trailer waiting for us at our camp.
Now that we have plenty of water, I have no excuse not to wash the dirty dishes piled high in the red dishpan (see on table in above photo). In truth I rather enjoy the task when outside with the crew in a peaceful camp on a lovely day.
Reggie plays with his toy.
Bridget relaxes in the doggie bed, when she’s not sitting up and squinting at the evil camera lens.
Tuesday, April 21
Another gorgeous day! The crew and I laze around camp. I read. We go for walks, of course.
We take a short ride to the other side of the dam and beyond.
I wonder what’s over the ridge.
More sage, of course!
I know from my Benchmark map that we will come to a small reservoir after a few miles.
Well, doesn’t this look interesting . . . .
“Water, rocks, sage.” (rock, paper, scissors!)
Okay, curiosity satisfied!
“Let’s go home, guys. That’s the best place to be.”
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
A Pooped Poky Little Puppy
You always seem to find the best places. I love the pictures. It almost like a vacation going along with you.
I totally agree… really relaxing to read her blog.. a mini getaway for me from my days events. Thank you Sue!
You’re welcome, Sally.
Hi, Judy,
It’s a no-pressure way to live. Good to have you relaxing with us!
Really enjoyed your pics . The pups look wore out from their day ! Very nice
Campground ! Enjoy your visit.
Thanks, Deb. Reggie is more secure than his first days with us. He’s much calmer.
That photo makes him look bigger than he is. That’s a standard size pillow in a sham he’s sleeping on.
Hi Sue & Crew
What lovely places you are finding to enjoy your leisurely life! Enjoy it while you can…Your pups are wonderful companions for you and you for them!
It seems very clear to me at nearly 84 that my traveling days are over…. Although it is difficult to accept, I keep working on doing just that. As long as you are out there seeking a lovely QUIET place to be alone with your dear little fur-kids, I can live vicariously through your blog with my wonderful fur-kid, Clyde Cat…..
Thank you and many Happy Trails!
From Elizabeth in S.E. NM…..
You’re welcome, Elizabeth,
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you to be in one place after 30 years of full-time vagabonding. I’m glad you have your Clyde and that you ride along with me and the crew.
I bet the folks who enjoy your piano-playing are happy to have you around. 🙂
Your pooped puppy is too cute!
Don’t I know it!
Hi Sue and Crew,
A nice trip out enjoying the sites and sounds nature offers.
Is the cattle guard in the picture a real cattle guard. To me a cattle guard has round pipes of 3″-4″ diameter over which a vehicle crosses. I saw some cattle guards just off Interstate 40 west of Williams, AZ about 13-14 years ago which were actually painted stripes on the pavement across the road. When driving across the painted stripes it felt like crossing one constructed of pipes. I guess it worked as all the livestock were in the pastures. I thought the painted cattle guards unique and the only ones I have ever seen. Has anyone ever noticed any painted on cattle guards in their travels?
I like the last picture of Reggie sacked out. A growing youngster needs his rest after a nice outing and adventure.
Clayton
Hi, Clayton,
It’s a real cattle guard. It rumbles as you drive over it. I’ve never seen a faux cattle guard. Too much! I can imagine a big ol’ cow walking up to it and shaking her head, “What? Do they think we’re THAT stupid? Come ON!”
Sue
That was my first thought when I saw the fake cattle guard was that cows in Texas are too smart to fall for that. However, I did see some cattle near the crossing but none crossed it. Go figure.
Clayton
Maybe they didn’t cross it out of respect for the artist.
Ummmmm, Yes Mr. Cow…….yes we do. 🙂
Yep and they work! Had 2 horses that would not cross them either.Sold them pretty quick.
CRedd n Tx,
Yes, I have seen quite a few painted cattle guards.
Sue,
Sorry, but cattle are that stupid. Ask a cowboys the next time you see one “How smart are cattle?”.
Well, it’s fun to think of them being smarter.
But alas, you’re right. Remember the post about the cow that repeatedly walked into the mud and got stuck… 🙁
And just think! Evolution would have decreed that only the fittest, smartest cattle survived. (Unlike the one that kept getting stuck in the mud).
Makes one wonder, eh?
They ain’t smart, they’re devious and put on this earth to make a cowboys life miserable!
HAHAHAHA!
LOL
Yes, I’ve seen many painted guards. I always think that they would only work for cows who are familiar with the real thing….otherwise why would they think it couldn’t be crossed. Of course I’ve never heard of a cow stepping onto a guard and breaking a leg so maybe the stripes are enough……
Hi, Jodee,
Cows probably could walk across the real guards without a problem. It’s their fear and confusion that holds them back. Much like people that way!
Do most campsites allow dogs?
Hi, Claudia,
Camping every night since August of 2011, rarely in an RV park, I haven’t come across one campground that didn’t allow dogs.
However, there are private campgrounds (RV parks) that prohibit some breeds.
There are also some RV Parks that do not allow pets at all or they have a weight limit for dogs. I have found it easy enough to avoid those Parks.
Thank you Sue,
I have been trying to muster up the courage to start a journey similar to yours. I have three boxers and am a little worried about finding places to camp.
Love your pictures and adventures!
I don’t think your dogs will cause you problems in finding a camp. If a park doesn’t allow dogs, well, pooh on them! There are other places to go.
Good luck with the mustering! 🙂
I’m with Sue and Ed. If I (still) had a dog, and happened upon one of the campgrounds that didn’t allow them, well… that’s why I have wheels. Next! Same for the “We don’t take anything but Class A” or “No rigs over 10 years old” type places. Probably not my kind of folks anyway.
To me (I did lots of traveling with my dog in the past), the biggest factor in traveling with the pup was heat. Something like going shopping and how do you handle a big, shade-free parking lot? Or if you want to do an activity that doesn’t allow dogs or isn’t appropriate for them, they how do you leave them safely.
This isn’t to day you can’t do it (I did, happily, for years), but I’m just mentioning that the latter was more of a concern for me than campgrounds not allowing dogs (at least presuming you don’t have one of the two or three breeds they frown upon).
I do know some folks who have Class A’s with air conditioning and generators with auto-start, plus fans, and then they can take their toad places and leave the pets behind, but that’s a much more elaborate set-up than I have ever had. I always found some way to make it work out 🙂
So, if heading out is something that appeals to you, I hope you give it a go!
Hi Sue/Crew – “Second best water” got my attention. I think the Sierras must be high on the list. I am wondering about how RV folks filter their water. I lived where the stream water supply had arsenic so I have a good excuse for my unpredictable behavior ;? I have used backpacking filters but this Berkey filter looks pretty good. Any bloggerinos using it? (it filters arsenic which is common in the West)
Travel Berkey Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey Filters and 2 PF2 Fluoride Filters
The link is one of mine. — Sue
Hi, Rand,
READERS: Any comment on the filter Rand refers to above?
Berkey filters are the best! Pricey but worth it. If you want a less expensive but still pretty good option, I have a Clearly Filtered pitcher from EnerHealth Botanicals; it’s $70 but filters out chlorine and flouride plus the usual parasites, giardia, etc. The filter is good for 200 gallons. Sorry Sue, they are not sold by Amazon!! (I think it’s the ONLY item on earth that’s not available from Amazon)
We use this filter when we travel:
Camco 40043 TastePURE Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector
Jim puts one on the hose bib when we fill the fresh water tank & we use it if we have a fresh water hookup. When we were traveling this past winter we drank all the water that we had filtered. A lot of it tasted pretty bad–we never got sick but gosh we had some lousy pots of coffee. The taste didn’t improve after we filtered it with our Brita either. Next year, we’ll buy bottled water for coffee & drinking & use water in the fresh water tank for washing dishes, etc. Our water at home sure tastes good in comparison to what we had during our travels.
The link is one of mine. — Sue
I think those filters are for catching sediment. Like you found out, they don’t help the taste. I switched early on to water in bottles from a store for drinking plain water. The water I put in the jugs from potable water spigots makes good coffee.
That’s the filter we use outside too. Then I filter a second time inside with one of the pitcher types for drinking & cooking.
We have used our Berkeys for at least five years now. Our city water is safe but the chlorine taste was sometimes noticeable. Once we got the Travel Berkey, we found we were drinking more water because it tasted better. We had not really noticed taste before except once in a while chlorine, but from our Berkey is simply better. Because we are not filtering pond water our filters last a very long time, we have yet to need new. We did find we wanted more volume so we were not waiting or filling as often. So we bought larger, might be Royal model , with up to 4 filters at a time and got sight glass for side. It does take time to filter as Berkey is a gravity filter made for use off grid. We made sure we got a extra set of filters and extra spout just in case. I recommend Berkey. We put the Travel Berkey in the sink with towels around it with spout turned into corner so it can’t be bumped.
Sue, quick question. You said toothbrushng is one use of your fresh tank while drinking is not. Do you not trust the tank or is it convenience? That is a big debate I know, drink vs not drink from tank. After stupidly filling van fresh tank with very hard well water at sister in laws, and having to flush and flush tank and flush hot water heater and change anode and clean faucet aerators all multiple times we know better, and we still trust our tanks, but use Berkey because it removes stuff even in good water.
Hi, Velda,
The system I have now works very well for timing the need to empty waste tanks with the need to fill the water tank.
Beyond that… I don’t want to drink out of the water tank. It doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t trust that I’ll keep the tank water in healthy condition. Therefore, the tank water is used for situations where I won’t be ingesting it, or very little like when brushing teeth.
I trust the water from the jugs I fill myself for water I’ll boil before ingesting, such as perked in a coffee pot. I pour it in the crew’s water dish and they’ve never had a problem with it.
For enjoying a drink of water, I buy bottled water.
Good thinking about drinking from the water tank. My friend and her daughter went house boating on Lake Powell and drank out of the water tank. SERIOUSLY ILL for weeks!
This comment makes me wonder just what is entailed in “keeping the tank in a healthy condition?”
It probably isn’t difficult to maintain the fresh water tank. I forget exactly what one should do re adding bleach… how often or how much.
My hesitation comes from inadvertently introducing bacteria via the procedure of filling the tank. Even though I have the anti-splash thingy on the end of my fresh water hose, there still is splash back until I find the right amount of pressure coming from the spigot. (Remember I’m only one and filling the tank isn’t the smooth operation it would be with two people.)
That splashing back makes it difficult to know if bacteria from the hose end is being washed into the tank. I don’t want to drink any water about which I’m doubtful. Also I imagine very old water at the bottom of the tank that’s been brewing God-knows-what being mixed with the new water and… well… I’ll pass on drinking tank water. And I do mean pass, if you get my drift! 🙂
Thanks, makes sense
I use Saychelle(sp) it even filters out radiation. We have the pitchers and water bottles.
We have a Berkey for use in the RV. Having used well water for the last 20 years we are pretty particular about how water tastes. And Connie, my partner, hates to use plastic bottles for water (I don’t mind, but she does). We both really like our Berkey.
We used a Berkley filter system at a cabin some friends had. They pulled water from a spring but it was a pretty agricultural area so any surface water was pretty suspect. They worked but they were kind of bulky and slow. If you are traveling or in a small space I would recommend these:
http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-GravityWorks-Filter-System-4-Liter/dp/B00G4V4IVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1430018553&sr=1-1&keywords=platypus+gravityworks+water+filter
Not quite the same capacity (1 gal vs 1.5) but they are much lighter, much smaller, much faster(minutes vs an hour) and initially cheaper. The one advantage that the Berkley system has is the filters last much longer. So if you full time in a larger rig and have the room or for a home system I would recommend the Berkley. But for general camping while on vacation or a small rig I’d go with the Platypus.
Note: DO NOT BUY FROM THAT LINK UNTIL SUE CAN CLEAN IT UP AND MAKE IT AN RVSUE LINK!
THE CURRENT LINK IS POISON, YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WILL DIE A TERRIBLE DEATH IF YOU ORDER FROM IT, IT IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PROPOSES ONLY!!!
Thank you have a nice day! 🙂
The following link is one of mine and is safe to use under normal conditions. — Sue
Platypus GravityWorks Filter System, 4-Liter
About good tasting and safe drinking water, #1, I have a inline Brita water filter with the Premium ( best) filter cartridge, #2, I also have a hand pump water filter (MSR reg. Seattle Wash,USA) for getting water out of creeks and lakes, it filters out every thing and I’ve used it since 1997 and never got sick and the water tastes great. the cartridge is ceramic with hard charcoal center and filters 12000 gallons, the only thing one must do is to clean the cartridge after filtering with a non abrasive cloth or boil the cartridge for 5 minutes. And the cartridge is not very costly , $ 20. 00., the pump is 2 1/2″ round and 7 3/4″ tall, comes with a 4 ft. flex hose with a pre filter on the end for sediment and a 4 ft. hose for filling a jug and takes ’bout 10 minutes of hand pumping to fill a 1 gallon Arizona tea jug.
“Giardia” is a parasite that will eventually kill you and the Pills the you must get does hurt your stomach and a person who weighs 250 will drop to 75 in weight in 2 weeks , believe me, I’ve had it. so filter your water and don’t drink out of the tap water in PARKER, AZ. or a campground un less it’s positively Safe. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Rusty
Just to keep the discussion clear for everyone . . . To purify water means to get rid of any biological agent, such as the giardia parasite. To filter water means to clear it of sediment (solids) and anything that possibly causes the water to taste bad.
Really good point. To remove Giardia you need to look for a system that filters down to .2 microns.
Badger Rick, that is just what the MSR does. ,,, : ))
Rusty, I hope you see this. I’m curious how often you find the need to filter surface water vs finding a tap for potable water?
Well Rick, I don’t walk with my Donkeys or live off the land like I used too, to use the MRS hand pump, but I keep it ready Justin case . ,,,,,,,,,,
I am reading with interest as my summer adventure will include this part of the country as we do our National Park trek. I like the way you take care of water and use the on board water for non-consumption. I have removed the water reservoir from my trailer, and since it is not self contained i think I’ll not put it back. I remember you use jugs but not what size or how much you carry with you, or what kind of jugs.
Looks like a nice place to hang out, quiet and relaxing.
scratches for the crew.
Teri
Hi, Teri,
I use one-gallon plastic jugs that used to hold Arizona Tea. Why? Because I’m cheap and don’t want to buy jugs from the store (Ha!), because one gallon of water is all I want to lift at one time, and because these particular tea jugs have really wide, easy to grip handles.
It varies how many I have at any one time. Counting a few one-gallon jugs that I bought water in when I couldn’t find a drinking water spigot, I have 9 at the present time. Between 8 and 10 gallons is a good amount.
Thanks Sue. I prefer to think of it as resourceful, not cheap.
Ha! I say cheap with pride! 🙂
Don’t forget to get your National Parks passport and get it stamped every park you visit. It’s a fun souvenir!
What is a National Parks passport?
The Passport To Your National Parks® program, launched in 1986, provides information and encourages visitation to all of America’s national parks. It includes a passport book that lists all national parks in the United States and U.S. territories, and provides space for ‘cancellation’ stamps which can be found in almost every national park in the system.
People collect the cancellation stamps.
There are currently over 200 Junior Ranger Programs in the National Park Service. In each of these parks, kids interview Rangers, complete games, and answer questions about the park and the National Park Service. At the end of their experience in the park, they are sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive a special certificate and official Junior Ranger badge.
This Junior Ranger program targets youngsters but is not age restricted. Anyone can become a Junior Ranger but it requires a bit more effort than just getting a passport stamped.
People collect the Junior Ranger certificates and badges.
Oh, wow. Thanks, Ed. I didn’t know this.
“Anyone can become a Junior Ranger”
Now that’s cool! Thank you Ed, I may have a new retirement goal.
See http://www.eparks.com for Passport to Your National Parks. This is a souvenir, whereby the donation goes to preserve our National Parks, not a discount pass. The extensive list of places to get the passport stamped would make one helluva road trip! I know a couple of RVers who set their itinerary so as to collect passport stamps, amongst memories, of course!
I agree with the comment above about the pooped out poky puppy Mr. Reggie Man, he is so dam cute and that HRH is too, with her looks. ,,,,,,,,,,Timber
Hi, Rusty,
On behalf of my crew, thanks for the compliments!
BTW, readers, if you didn’t read the comments below the previous post, there’s a lot of interesting stuff there. I encourage you to browse through it. You can see Rusty’s Mountain Man Bread recipe and how to make it over a campfire or stove.
Rusty
cant seem to get your link to come up right…..can you check it?
thanks
chuck
It’s not going to work because Rusty doesn’t have a website or blog.
What a peaceful, calm & beautiful post! Reg sure sleeps well. This is a beautiful area. You’re fortunate to get the second-best water in the nation. I think this past winter we had the second- or third-worst. Good water is hard to find in Arizona.
We got a huge kick out of the cattle crossings at Las Cienegas NCR near Sonoita, AZ. Someone forgot to spell-check & all the signs at the cattle guards said “Cattle Guard–Bycycles Use Caution”. Really! It just added to the charm of that amazing place.
Hi,, Dawn,
There needs to be a sign, “Sign painters use caution.” How does something like that get produced? Oh well, dumb and charming.
Thanks for your kind words about this post.
Bridget’s very taciturn expressions just bring a smile to my face. Both of them are just adorable which I say every time I write. What a lucky family you all are.
Love that one photo with the road stretching out endlessly in front of you. And those beautiful horses! It almost doesn’t seem real, like it’s staged for a Western movie.
Well, our very unusually cool, rainy weather here in Georgia is going to end. Had to turn on the AC today when the sun finally came out. Mosquitoes and high humidity now dominate the scene. Darn it! Was loving the 60-70 degree days even if it did rain. April showers definitely did bring us flowers, didn’t even have to wait for May.
Happy trails does seem the most appropriate wish for you given your location. So, many happy trails to you and the pups. And thank you for documenting your travels for those of us who follow, Sue. Your photos and comments are great.
Hi, Nancy,
You bring me back to Georgia with your description of the mosquitoes and humidity that follow the cool rains. Those early spring days are precious. I had tulips and iris and daffodils galore.
Sometimes I look around and feel like the world is beyond reality in its perfection. But of course it is real! What a nice message you wrote. Thank you.
The shot of your campsite below the horses(they are always a welcome treat to see) shows the real feel appeal of it more than previous ones.It looks like a homesite-nice.A sticks and bricks there would ruin it,whereas having the BLT completes it.Reggie with his toy and Bridget anytime make me smile and sigh.Yippee-you managed to click while he was sleeping!
Very considerate of you to walk away from the bird’s nest,you set a good example.I’m guessing you took emergen-c after the nice,but ailing,lady let you have the water.Did you try it plain to check the taste or just use it the normal way that you do?I’d be too curious not to at least have a sip.
Hi, weather,
Good observation about the BLT being right “at home” in the campsite, as opposed to a regular house. 🙂
I took a sip of the water. Good! I didn’t take any Emergen-C because I couldn’t find it. How does one lose something like that in a little home like this! It’s around here somewhere! I’m hoping the woman was past the contagious stage of bronchitis. So far, I don’t feel any sign of it.
As celebrity status water I expected it to taste good!As this is a full 5 days later,by now you’d have felt something,so your hopes came true,again…nice the way that happens.n’nite
Yeah, I’m good. N’nite.
Hi Sue, still tagging along from Australia….I was curious to know where the 1st best water is????? – love the spots you pick to stay in, all very calming atmospheres – do you pick for safety it it rains, and you might get bogged down in the mud….????
Hi, Leslie,
Great to see you here! I would’ve asked who won first place but the woman didn’t feel well so I didn’t chat. I’ve looked online and haven’t found the results of the most recent contest, just older ones.
The only time I concern myself regarding how a campsite will be affected by rain is when I’m looking for a boondock. Campgrounds are usually designed for water to run off and the gravel helps.
Whenever I choose a boondock, I always try for ground higher than the surrounding area, or on flat ground, even when no rain is predicted. It’s just a good practice. I don’t always find it, but I do avoid camping in a depression, especially if on clay soil which makes awful mud.
Of course, it’s important that the road out be good, too, once it rains.
Casita sighting this morning! 20th & California, St. Monica, CA, Casita pulled by a gray jeep! Hellloooooo! I hope you are enjoying your visit and that the St. Monica Police are not hassling you! We have strict rules about overnight RV parking. A certain element of RVers pulled curbside in neighboring Venice, dumped black water tanks into the gutters and front yards, started certain illegal “businesses,” setting up chairs on the sidewalks, and took up all the residential parking. RVSue, the generators are the LEAST of the problems! Lots of City Council meetings later, Venice is still grappling with the problem.
Good heavens! I never heard of such behavior! What a shame.
A few bad apples spoil it for everyone! 🙁
Sometimes I tend to think that the city father’s use the bad apples for an easy excuse to make it spoiled for everyone. Most city councils know that just a few bad apples are going to happen, or at least they should know it is just bad human behavior of a few. I say find them. ticket and fine them or put them in jails but leave the good apples alone to carry on with enjoying overnight camping. In the last few years it seems the rules are getting much more select and restrictive everywhere. A tend that I do not care for at all and often too easy to just discard the good with the bad, IMHO. OK, off my soapbox now 🙂
I hear you, Pamela. I find it annoying when I perceive that people are taking the easy way out by making a blanket rule just because they don’t want to have to use any judgement. Reminds me of when “well if the bullies behave badly you will all lose your recess time.” Um… and I’m going to try to change the behavior of the bullies (when apparently even you can’t?!). Noooo, thank you, I’m just trying to stay under their radar.
Likewise, I’m sure it’s obvious when an RV or boat or person is behaving badly and messing things up. I wish those people could just be addressed instead of making a blanket rule (which is then easier for the enforcer of course).
I know nothing is simple or black and white, but I still dislike it when “everyone” is held accountable for the poor behavior of a few (obvious) cases.
Pen,
Contrary to popular beliefs, law enforcement already has so many options to put a ~hold~ or arrest on almost anyone for almost anything – post 9-11-01 laws. So it you take the thinking of making it easier for law enforcement out of the equation then it comes back squarely on the city fathers who are setting many of the ~blanket rules~. Sadly it often seems it is the women on the consuls who are the leaders of most of the ~blanket rules~. It’s is the Mother/Nanny complex that drives many of those rules rather than judging each case one-on-one fairly. I do, however, respect wise authority figures but the ones who make such broad rulings to simply control the masses are not a favorite of mine.
Yep, Bad guys are winning!
Hi, Sue,
Gorgeous pictures! The cocoa-colored horse on the left side of the fence shot seems to be talking back to Reggie with his ears! How in the world did you manage to get a picture of Little Man sleeping? I am surprised that he did not pop up when you turned on the camera! Miss Bridget just has the sun in her eyes…no stink eye, Mom…really!
🙂
It has been a rainy, chilly day here – not suitable for yard work, so I worked on sorting through a mountain of receipts and other paperwork. Not a hard task, but everything had to be looked at before it could be filed or put a basket to be shredded. I put on some mellow music – Tony Bennett, k d Lang, and Sam Smith and caught up on that chore – yay!
Hope you and your precious Crew have a good night! Hugs from me and Gracie pup!
🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup,
How did I get that photo of Reggie asleep? I ran him until he was exhausted, that’s what! Eventually the power ranger runs out of power. Actually, he’s more relaxed these days and has become used to the sound of the camera being turned on
Your day sounds good. Nothing spectacular, but productive and with mellow music. Nice. Have a restful evening…
🙂
I haven’t had orange slices in years. Love the crunchy sugary outside with the smooth chewy inside. Great combo.
You’re certainly fast and furious with your posts. I can hardly keep up!
Isn’t it interesting how mundane chores can become quite pleasant, when in nice surroundings – like doing your dishes outside. Your post made me smile today.
Hi, Applegirl,
Nothing quite matches the pleasure of orange slice candy… the corn syrup, the sugar, the yellow dye #6 and red dye #3 …. mmmm… yummy!
You can tell when the weather is cold and rainy… I’m inside putting blog posts together…. Hence the faster output!
Keep smiling…
Wanted to give you an update, Sue. After a long day of test after test, they determined that Gil has a very serious heart problem called Atrial Flutter. One section of his heart is fluttering at a steady 138 beats per minute while the lower chamber beats slower, causing blood not to flow properly. It may have started with his bicycle accident in January and progressed slowly til this past week when it went into full and steady fluttering. It caused him to become breathless and to almost lose consciousness from any exertion. He is fine sitting in a chair but that’s not his plan. Treatment is to put a camera where they can see if any clots have formed in his heart and if not, to shock the heart into proper rhythm. They could not do either of these procedures over the weekend. The wonderful ER Dr. suggested that instead of staying there and stewing, to make a run for home and our drs here. So today we did. I put in 477 miles driving and have him resting in his recliner watching his Seattle Mariners. This is good info for your readers and also to know that untreated sleep apnea is a major contributor to this condition. I know your good thoughts are with us. We are scared but confident of the excellent cardio care in Yakima. Will keep you posted.
Oh my, Kathy! I had no idea… You have been on a terrifying ride. I’m glad you’re home with familiar surroundings and medical help you trust. What an ordeal for both of you.
And after driving almost 500 miles today you take the time and energy to write us an update. Thank you very much. I had Gil on my mind today as I drove to Twin Falls for groceries.
I appreciate you giving the details of Gil’s situation, including possible causes. This is important information for readers and you’ve done a good service by providing it, and, bless you, at the end of what must have been a very long day.
I’m glad Gil is resting and watching his team. (Hi, Gil! Get better soon! There are fish to catch!)
I know you are doing your best for him which is a lot on your shoulders. I liked reading that you have confidence in the cardio care available.
I know that readers join me in praying for the best for Gil, and also for you to have strength and energy as his supporter. Again, thanks for the report.
Thoughts & prayers for you and Gil. My husband has Congestive Heart Failure which resulted in 2 minor strokes and a brain aneurism. As a result, his mobility is limited, no longer drives, and memory issues, mostly short term, but he still has a sense of humor and carries on conversations.
Indeed, many thoughts and prayers your way Kathy and Gil.
Thoughts and prayers for successful treatment for Gil and strength for Kathy in caregiving.
Thoughts and prayers from me too. Hope to hear soon that he has been helped!! Thanks Ginger too for the added information…we never know when we might need such!!
This is exactly what I had happen last summer, except my heart rate was 172. Not to be scary, but be very cautious after they do the conversion. In my case, they missed a clot and it was somehow ‘thrown’ from my heart by the conversion and wound up in my brain, and 4 days after the conversion I had a stroke. This is a common problem with this procedure. And yes, I have sleep apnea also.
One last thing…I knew something was wrong before the stroke. They sent me home th day after my conversion, and I went back the next day. I just had a feeling of impending doom and knew there was something wrong. However, they wouldn’t listen to me and sent me home. Couple days later I had the stroke. If Gil complains of not feeling right after the conversion…pay attention!
Thank you so much for the info. We are so grateful for everyone helping us understand what’s going on.
Best wishes to you and Gil. Glad you’re home with familiar doctors.
Oh dear!
That’s some miles with the pedal to the metal! Wishing Gil a speedy recovery!
Keeping you and Gil in my prayers.
Some additional comments..
After my episode, I have not had this happen again. My doc was very cautious about watching me, as this can occur repeatedly. Some people have it very often. But I haven’t. If it occurs frequently they have medication for it. My neighbor takes it and does very well. But I have been lucky. However, you will want to make sure going forwards that Gil’s doctors know about this…wherever he is being treated and for whatever other condition.
In July it will be a year for me, so I feel good about that. However, I don’t know what caused it in the first place, so have no idea what to avoid! I am very rigorous about cpap use.
We’re sending Prayers your way, on our knee’s ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Glad you are home and can get care from your own doctors.
I’m so sorry this is happening. Take care.
yum, yum…..orange slices are good and cheap too! Walmart has them at 99 cents…
the picture of Reggie at the window barking at the horses….we had a pomeranian years ago by the name of Bingo and he would sit on the edge of the window and I would hold
him by the tail…..HA! them little dogs got more moxey than I ever had…
chuck
You’re right about little dogs having moxie. Reggie went up to a greyhound owned by one of the campers and gave him a good barking! Reggie didn’t come up to that dog’s knees..
Pomeranians can be hilarious. I’ve seen them jump straight up from a standing position… several times higher than their height.
You fooled me! I had just put one of you horse pics on my desktop when I saw the “pooped Puppy” pic. Now, Reggie graces my desktop! He is just too cute.
You have Reggie on your desktop, Jim? What an honor! He is a cute little bundle, no doubt about it.
I sure do Missy. Detta agrees with me that that little guy is a real winner. We love him already.
See the story I wrote about Reggie in my reply to Rick. Hi, Detta! 🙂
Enjoying your photos…both of scenery and doggies of course. I think if you can find beauty in that part of Idaho, you will not find any ugly parts in it!! 😉
My meds FINALLY came today…from the doc I have not seen in over a year…rather than my current doc in WA state…oh well…and only 90 days worth…so we will obviously have more to come. Am going to look in to a compounding pharmacy. That is more likely to be a better fit for my allergy system anyway…
Happy trails to you!! And the doggies of course!!
Hooray! You got those meds! What a relief for you after all that hassle and worry. I’m happy for you, Elizabeth.
Thanks….tis only for 3 months however…so in a few months we shall see again what transpires. I declare some people in these companies must be bored out of their sculls to pester people!! I cannot imagine. I have far too much to do to pester people…I must find time here to do some sleuthing…for other solutions perhaps. I now am hopeful of finding a way to NOT do any further business with CVS…not enough scruples to suit me…and now I distrust them.
I can barely stand your cute puppy pictures. They’re TOO CUTE!!!! Bridget cracks me up and so do your captions. Leave it to Sue to end my day on a bright note!!!!
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
I know what you mean about cuteness overload. I live with the guy! And Bridget looks at him as if he’s an alien. Cracks me up.
Love the photos, as usual. That is one GIANT birds nest. Were you able to tell what kind of bird it was? The horses were beautiful. Sweet Bridget, she looks like she is perfectly happy that Reggie has taken a good bit of the camera from her. However, she was pretty content with it, after beloved Spike.
I remember those humid times after a rain and mosquitoes in Georgia. Lived there for about 13 years before moving to Nashville in 1983.
Safe travels & stay warm.
Hi, Barbara,
I’m sorry I couldn’t identify the bird. I can’t tell birds of prey apart, at least not from the head alone. It was a light-colored, maybe white, head. Odd to see the nest so close to the road. Not much choice in this area. Hardly any trees at all, except around buildings.
Thought maybe it was an eagle’s nest, when I first saw it in the tree.
And the head did look like it belonged to an eagle. It would be strange for an eagle to nest in such a low tree. Strange things do happen though.
Thanks for sharing your day with us, Sue. Could you tell what type of bird of prey was in the nest? 2nd best water in the U.S. – makes me wonder where the best water in the U.S can be found? (actually I think it is my well water, but then I wonder when it was syphoned off for the taste test, and who did the syphoning?) Love Reggie’s reaction to the horses.
Hi Lisa,
No, I couldn’t identify the bird (see reply to Barbara above.). I knew readers would ask. I also can’t find a website that gives the location of the best, first place winner of the water contest.
I did read somewhere that the person who presented the sample of water took it from the tap in the men’s bathroom (I assume at the Rogerson cafe.).
Well you seem to have finally captured that elusive “sleeping Reggie” shot. I was beginning to think he never actually slept, just sat there at night staring at you waiting for you to wake up.
But you’re right, HE IS ADORABLE!!!
Ya know girl, you really did good with that one. He’s a keeper!
Rick… I have to share this vignette of my Reggie…
The crew goes to sleep for the night earlier than I do. I’m usually at the computer when they nod off. Reggie falls asleep at the foot of the bed because he wants to be next to me while I’m online. Later I go to bed. Reggie is at my feet and Bridget is beside me in the middle of the bed.
In the middle of the night I wake up, look to the foot of the bed, and there’s Reggie’s bobble-head silhouetted against the back window curtain. He’s sitting very still staring at me.
He has a problem. He wants desperately to be in his usual spot, curled up against my chest, yet Bridget is between him and his desired destination and the bed is very narrow. He can’t get past her! (Bridget has reprimanded Reggie many times NOT to jump on her when she’s asleep.)
Oh, poor little Reggie! I turn on the light in order to pick him up and the instant the light comes on, Reggie is airborne! Over Bridget he goes, lands by my face, tail wagging the dog, joyful kisses on my face and neck, squiggling and rolling onto his back with legs kicking in delight and relief.
Then he curls up, head on my arm not far from my face. With a sigh he goes to sleep. I can feel his breath on my cheek. I have to stifle my laughter so as not to wake him again. I never knew cuteness like this before!
It is weird to be awakened by a doggie staring at you, I know. One of ours would not say a word, but come put her little paws on the edge of our bed and stare until one of awoke to let her go outside!!
well thats what owning a dog is all about…thanks for posting that, Sue…..
You’re welcome, Chuck. See? I remembered!
🙂
Let me rephrase my earlier post:
Reggie Man, ya done good with this one. She’s a keeper. 🙂
🙂
A couple of questions, Sue, if I may, please…Concerning the Paperwhite you own. Is it the 6″ that’s selling for $119 right now thru Amazon? I’m interested in purchasing one in the near future. I’m confused about the “Special Offers”, what does that mean? I know that it can be read anywhere, but from your experience, can y0u even read in direct sunlight? Because with my phone, it’s difficult to see the screen in sunlight. Oops, guess I went a bit over the ‘couple of questions’ I indicated at the beginning of this. Sorry. This purchase is one of those “Do I NEED it or just WANT it?” kind of things. However, I LOVE to read and have a BUNCH of ‘freebies’ already stockpiled on my Kindle app for my laptop. Got them from BookBub.com. It’s free, and they send them to my Kindle app on my PC/phone. Guess I better quit now. I’ve taken up way too much of your precious time. Scritch the pups for me! 🙂 Thanx in advance for the info.!
Hi, Cheryl,
Yes, this is the Paperwhite that I have and it currently sells for $119.
Kindle Paperwhite, 6″ High-Resolution Display (212 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi – Includes Special Offers
Mine did not come with “Special Offers.” I’m not sure what that is. I think it means your Paperwhite will show you “deals” from time to time.
Mine has WiFi connectivity but it isn’t the kind that comes with 3G. In other words, I have to make sure my Verizon air card is on in order for the Paperwhite to receive books. That’s not a problem because I find the books I want online at Amazon or from an email sent by Bookbub or ereaderIQ Daily, so my air card (jetpack) is already on. If you’re already are online, you don’t need the 3G. Some people like the 3G because they can load books when only the Paperwhite is in possession, usually a rare occurrence.
You can read the Paperwhite with ease anywhere… in bright sun, on a cloudy day, under a lamp, or in the dark. You can adjust the brightness of the screen, change the size of the font from very tiny all the way to huge, read in portrait or landscape view. You can quit reading a page, turn it off, and the Paperwhite will return you to where you left off. I love it!
Occasionally I’ll pick up a book at a book-trade table or in a thrift store. Then I wonder why I did it because it annoys me, having them lying around. I got over that “I love the feel of a book in my hands” about 3 minutes after turning on an ereader for the first time.
It’s okay to buy something because you want it, rather than need it. Being thrifty is great. Treating yourself is too. 🙂
If I haven’t answered all your questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Not to worry about taking up my time. 🙂
You didn’t mention the dictionary; I think my vocabulary has increased 10 fold since I started using the Kindle.
Oh, yes… That’s another special feature.
Right on Mick! I love the ability to instantly look words up. All those words I ‘think’ I know…I look them up now. Many times I did know them but now I am sure!
I have the Paperwhite that cost a little more (but not much) and doesn’t have the “special offers.” A friend has the latter one and I was asking him about it. Apparently it puts some sort of ads on the screen, but I am pretty sure he said it’s only when the sleep type screen is showing (so instead of the graphic of books or etc. you see some offer). I think you may be able to upgrade to remove the offers later (?).
Anyway, I think it was only around $20 more for no offers when I bought mine, and I felt that the offers (even if not very obtrusive) would bug me, so I went for the non-offer one.
I think we’re looking at 3 different types:
the Paperwhite with Wifi with special offers and no 3G
the Paperwhite with Wifi and no special offers and no 3G (that’s mine)
the Paperwhite with Wifi and no special offers and with 3G (costs a bit more and that’s yours?)
Maybe there’s a fourth type:
the Paperwhite with Wifi with special offers and with 3G (costs a bit more and that’s your friend’s?)
I just bought Paperwhite through Sue’s link. It has Wifi connection, 3G and no special offers. I paid $189.00 Truly, I liked my old and very simple one much better.
Thanks for buying it through my blog, R., but I’m disappointed that you aren’t happy with it. What don’t you like about it?
Not that I don’t like it but it was just so much easier with the old one. This tapping is not easy. If I’m reading and want to go to the main page tapping on the top of that page I’m reading sometimes highlights a word instead of showing the main page. I don’t think they still make those old keyboard Kindles.
On mine a hard tap on the upper left corner brings up the home page. Maybe with time it won’t be as annoying.
Good point, Sue. I have the one with wi-fi, no 3G and no offers.
At first I was thinking 3G would be really cool, but then I realized I already have my hotspot giving me Internet access, so no need to duplicated it on the Kindle (for me). I can instead just use the wi-fi and hook up to my hotspot.
Then we have the same kind and for the same reason. Even if one plans to take the Paperwhite somewhere away from their hotspot, they can load it with books before they do.
Because I cannot create my own high spots while tent camping I bought the new Kindle with 3G. For me 3G is really necessary. Yes, I download then read but when camping in one place for a few days without access to internet I feel I need to have 3G. Sure, I still have to have cell reception but I sometimes hike to such places and download new books. One day when I get my own hotspots I won’t need 3G but for now I made a right decision.
Thank you . I had those questions too. My fire is trying to stop charging and maybe need replacing soo. How do the app s work? Gson likes games and I would prefer to have a device that they didn’t on so it wouldn’t be continually in use by someone else and batteries dead.
Our temps are hovering at the freezing point due to the slight wind.It doesn’t seem to be bothering the birds I hear outside .Good morning,Sue,I hope the robin and meadowlark near you are still nearby.While I was listening to ours I said a prayer for Gil and Kathy to join with yours for them,adding one for your day to feel light and at peace,as concern for those we care about can be a heavy thing.
My plans were to take my grandson to a lakeside restaurant for lunch.The cold makes that sound like less fun,so we’ll go somewhere else-the visit will still be a treat.I’m trying to keep the troupe busy so they mainly sleep during the 4hrs.or so while I’m gone later.That usually works and makes our little dinner party when I get back later with their doggie bags extra fun.I hope the pups got a treat from your grocery trip yesterday 🙂
Oh my still near freezing…that does sound cold!! Hope your date with your grandson is wonderful anyway!! You are blessed to have such a fun date!!
Exactly,Elizabeth-blessed and fun!
It started out about 53 degrees here today…with chilly wind…and dropped by noon to 51…and back to 53 now at almost 4 PM…weird…never ever remember it this cold this time of year in these parts (Central NC)…and yet just saw that tornados and nasty weather is in the southern regions…
Different times we’re going through for sure,Elizabeth-you stay warm,well and safe,OK?We need to pray for those in danger.
Yes, very true…plenty enough to keep the prayer bones busy these days!!
Off to be with your grandson! Wonderful! How fortunate you both are to have each other. Enjoy! You’re smart to adjust your plans to fit with the weather conditions.
It’s cold with wind this morning. Even so, like the birds of your place in central NY, the meadowlark sang as I read that part of your comment. There’s a post sticking up out of the grass and sage that he uses as his performance platform.
You, too, anticipate the needs of your troupe. I can imagine the excitement when you arrive home with doggie-bags!
Oh, yes, Bridget and Reggie got a treat. 🙂
Neat,I checked in before scooting off for the day and found your reply.Thanks,it is great for us to have each other…I know the day will be one we’ll enjoy!Love the Reggie vignette in your reply above,and that the crew got their treat 🙂
Somehow it could be wicked weather outside….and it will NEVER put a damper on your time spent with your grandson!
Enjoy!
Thanks,Cinandjules-I did enjoy it,your right about our great times together not being affected by anything,Ha!After lunch we drove around just to talk and look at more RV’s ,making plans for when he’s done with college,next weekend he wants us to go to a wildlife refuge-what’s not to love?!
In a reply to Rusty you said AO’s doing great ,sort of.I hope she isn’t having problems and you meant she’s just making you wonder how she ended up owning all the furniture.Guess those of us in the north east crowd just have to hang in there re the temps,Wednesday should be warmer,and a couple days in August are bound to be 😉
Great time indeed! How fun!
In re to AO we have to realize she’s still young! AND doesn’t have another dog to teach her like we had with SA. One doesn’t realize how another dog around really makes training easier!
With that AO thinks she’s a cat! She’s allowed on the couch/futon withou asking. All other furniture ie the bed she has to ask and BE invited.
August is the best month up here. Do you guys get them noseeums? Ugh,
It sounds like you are working out a way of keeping life with AO comfortable for all of you,good for you!I invited each of mine to sleep in the bed as they came here to make them feel a part of the home ,the “work part” was to get them secure enough to be nice to each other.My youngest dog was born here so she didn’t come with issues and was of course the easiest to do that with.The only critter I’d had be that way naturally before was a almost newborne kitten we’d pulled out of a lake( someone had tossed her in to drown an unwanted litter)-she stayed with us 17 plus years and was sweet everyday of those.I guess what you say -about having an other making training easier,in our case translates to myself and whoever else is currently part of the troupe being that other for them.Re annoying insects the only problem here has been a couple years when there weren’t many bats and winds were lower than usual-the mosquitoes,ugh!Today will reach into the 50s,the rest of the 10 day outlook ranges in the 60-75 degree range-looks like spring is earnestly here 🙂 hope you get some,too!
What a fun kid you have there, Weather…so happy for your good times with him!!
Thanks,Elizabeth,he truly is a joy.
Love the pics of the BLT in the sagebrush. Even with the shade structures it seems more remote than some of the remote locations you’ve landed. I’d love to know what the horses had to say about Reggie 🙂 You know your life is good when there’s pleasure in washing dishes.
Maybe that feeling of remoteness comes from the surrounding acres and acres of sagebrush on flat ground, no trees, very few people. Plus the vegetation isn’t cropped or mowed, only at the campsite.
Nice sweet post….made me smile. You seem to do that a lot, make me smile. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Dawn.
OMG that is a huge nest! So whatever type of bird built it…yikes!
Reg man sleeping? Hah. What a cutie pie. Arent they just precious! Had to laugh at Bridge reprimanding him for stepping on her thus interrupting her sleep!
Yes it’s freezing here once again….managed to put the boat dock in yesterday! We were laughing…do you know how hard it is to walk in fisherman waders? Our lake is spring fed so the water is rising fast!
The folks you come across during seem so pleasant and helpful! Well…how did the water taste?
Like the best in the nation! 🙂
Stock up before you leave…yum…my favorite drink is spring water!!
We will leave Rogerson with drinking jugs full. 🙂
Reggie is just too darn cute – makes me want to pick him up and snuggle him. And Bridget is just … Bridget!!!
I notice in some of Reggie’s photos he looks like a toy stuffed animal, designed for cuteness. Like you say, Bridget is Bridget… unique!
Sue and Crew! Good Morning! We have a humongous Eagle’s nest about 1/2 mile from us and occasionally we’ll see them flying high over our area. To get to the nest we would have to walk across a neighbor’s pasture but no reason to bother these majestic creatures. I had a conservation agent stop by, when I was outside, and asked that we not tell anyone where it is. Of course we wouldn’t, but we did have a gentleman drive by and asked us. We told him we’d heard the rumors but didn’t know where it was. I keep hoping that maybe, possibly, I would look out at my bird feeders and there would be one of the beautiful birds eating but, nah…..not going to happen! Still love your pictures of your canine family and travels! Kay from KC!
Good of you not to disclose the location of the eagle’s nest. I was surprised to see this bird of prey’s nest that close to a road and in a short tree. Fortunately there isn’t a lot of traffic on that road.
Reggie was SO worth waiting for! 🙂 What a sweet picture!
That’s true, mockturtle! If I’d known Reggie was at the end of my search across many miles, I wouldn’t have become discouraged at all. I’m very glad I found him. I love him more every day.
Hi Sue
It took some time to find it, but East Hampton, Ma. was the winner of the 2015 Great American Water Taste Test
Thanks, JW!
Hi Sue and Crew,
I camped at this same campground in southern Idaho in late July, 2013. From your photos I would say I was within a site or two of your spot. A beautiful little piece of heaven in a very sparsely populated area.
It may be a bit early and cooler at this point, but I was told by the camp host at the time that 7 rattlesnakes had been killed in the campground in the past week. He warned me that it would be best to keep to road when walking around. I recall a shortcut path to the outhouse, but I took the longer route walking around the road. I never saw one during my stay. Again, it may be too early for snakes to be on the move there. I don’t mean to alarm you, but suggest you use a little caution and be alert while walking with the crew.
Hi, Ron,
You were here! 🙂 Thanks for the warning about rattlesnakes. I take it seriously and will be mindful when out with the crew. The past few days and nights have been cold, rainy, and windy. That may make the snakes less active. In any event, it’s good to be cautious.
Hey Sue. Don’t know how accurate this is … but was told by a fellow RVer that when you see lizards/chameleons scampering about, rattlesnakes are out and about, too. Anyway, for what it’s worth.
JJ
That’s right, JJ. I don’t know if you remember my posts from when we camped near Vernal, UT. I posted a photo of a lizard on Spike’s back. Also in that post a snake hid under my hat. 🙂
I haven’t seen any lizards or chameleons here. Thanks for the info.
Ummm… Is the armadillo no longer Reg man’s favorite?
The armadillo has gone into hiding. I think he went into the sinkhole that is otherwise known as the PTV.
Kathy and Gil,
Oh my! What scary times for you! Klemper and I wish only the very best for you both! It is good that you have some idea of the problems. Knowledge is power and it is always the unknown factors that are the ones we worry about most. Quick thinking and familiar surroundings are always a big help to moving forward wisely. Both are in your favor now. Godspeed as you journey through it all. Hugs and if you need anything always reach out and ask. So many care about you both 🙂
As light became strong enough to announce sunrise was approaching so did the song volume heard near my back gate.They aren’t being louder ,it’s their numbers making it feel that way-killdeer,mourning dove,woodpecker,chickadee,gull,finch,lark,cardinal,robin….
These are a few of the feathered ,the furred ones captured my attention more today-a squirrel had come near me to chatter away as if he had a story or news to tell.As I smiled and listened a glimpse of huge wings caught my eye.For once I hoped it wasn’t an eagle.Usually the littlest friends here are ensconced in coverings,branches or nests so the eagles have fish as meals.This little guy was in the open,I sighed with relief when those wings lifted showing a seagull leaving who’d just paused to rest on his morning tour through.My little buddy talked himself out and scampered away to play.
Good morning,Sue,I thought of you once camped where the rabbits had been terrified into remaining underground for days,another one where louts had boated right through a flock in the water- and of your recently leaving a nesting bird undisturbed after my little episode’s happy ending.Of your fostering pups to make them adoptable so they could find forever homes,making your blog a place for the fearful,sad or sick to be nurtured and encouraged so their forevers are so much better.You know ,too many folks see what disturbs them and just go about their life without trying hard enough to change that.I hope you have at least some idea of how much I appreciate all that you do.I also hope this fine day rewards you for it by bringing delightful things for you three,enjoy whatever those turn out to be 🙂
Reading your morning messages is like walking alongside you, quietly experiencing your world with the enchantment you express. I sighed with relief, too, as your “little buddy” was spared.
Again I’m astounded by your recollection of past stories and the connections you make. And I’m touched by your appreciation of the small things I do. You always lift my spirits! Thank you for treating all of us with your beautiful writing.
Good morning and blessings on you and your troupe this day!
Thank you for sending blessings to our day,Sue,your reply is among those.Yesterday my grandson mentioned an ex-sports figure from his university having been charged with a crime,saying they must think as big shots they can do whatever they please.I responded by saying that not all such things are what they seem…told him about a large place I was in charge of(but unpaid for with money,anyways)having a rash of thefts in the parking lot.
My board members wanted to find and accost the guy we all suspected or call the authorities on him.Despite their initial objections to my saying I’d rather handle it myself,instead I found him alone that evening.We were a bit familiar with each other-meaning he knew my position,I knew he was newly sober and couldn’t find a job.I mentioned my problem with the board,asked him to take care of me,told him the truth- that folks were going to treat me badly,make my job even harder if there was more crime nearby adding”You know how hurtful some people can be,don’t you?”, offered him $50 a week if he’d guard the lot for me a few hours on busy nights.He said “I’ll take twenty,once,to let you feel that we’re taking care of each other,and make sure your problem goes away permanently .” No more thefts occurred.Having figured out he fit the bill as a guard,he got employment as one,remained a protective friend for years…
As I watched my grandson think a while,putting that together with talks between us and friends and family-he answered by saying”You just know people,really know people!” Reading your replies -your walking alongside me,sighing when I do is like hearing him say that,Sue, feels like an understanding friend that really listens,gets it-that’s a part of the blessing I meant in my first sentence.
You are an exceptionally fine person, weather. Your grandson knows it and will follow your example. 🙂
🙂 You’re very kind to say that about me,I see traits in him and my son that my mother had,example does go a long way…
Wish there was a like button
Beautifully said, Weather.
Thanks Marilu,knowing we all feel the same way about our hostess,it’s nice for me to have the free time some mornings to express it.
Reading your blog Sue gives a real sense of what true freedom must be like. That is what I want more than anything in the world. To be free and to enjoy this beautiful country we are blessed to live in. It is sad that so many are tethered to jobs and mortgages and are unable to enjoy it. I am in the process of untethering and hope to be out there soon. The campgrounds you stay in look like heaven on earth to me. Your writing is entertaining and inspiring. Plus your pups are irresistible. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
You’re welcome, Ann. It certainly is my pleasure. That yearning for freedom is something I’m familiar with. I hope you can cut loose! Thanks for a very nice message.
Sue,
You’ve answered all my questions completely. I understand clearly now. Thank you. Also, I want to thank Mick, Ginger, Sidewinder, & R.; you also helped me understand what the “special offers”, Wi-Fi, & 3G mean. Everyone here is so nice to explain in PLAIN English what stuff means to someone whose not so much a techie. I will be making my purchase right after I find out how much $$ I have left to ‘play’ with this month. Thanks everyone! 🙂 !!
You’re welcome… from everyone! 🙂