A look inside our Casita

The Best Little Trailer has a makeover!

The crew and I want to show off our newly redecorated home.  The quilts and shams purchased yesterday liven up our living space.  I like quilts because it’s hard to see the dog hair on them.  Comforters are too puffy and bulky.  I love the fresh, bright colors for spring and summer.  I think Bridget and Spike approve of the new look, too. 

Cactus in the woods?

I’m surprised to find three varieties of cactus in the Coconino National Forest, south of Flagstaff, Arizona.  Cactus growing among the pine needles . . . A very strange pairing, like bluebirds and polar bears . . .

This is a short entry today.  I hope you enjoy looking at the photos as much as I did taking them![slideshow]

rvsue

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79 Responses to A look inside our Casita

  1. hobopals says:

    Your new decor looks lovely, and the pups make a good accent. It’s so bright and cheerful especially against your white shades.

    I agree. I’d rather have quilts, too, for all the same reasons you like them. I have a lot more dog hair to deal with than you do, I’m sure, but it makes it easier to shake out a single quilt. I have found, in extremely cold weather, that I have to double up with the quilts and wear layered clothing to bed. I’ve even been known to wear a hat, and of course even though Jack is a Lab, I have a quilt to cover him, too! He’s usually sleeping on my bed (the collapsed table) so we help keep each other warm. I have a heater and a furnace, but if I can keep warm without them I’m good. I’m more apt to put them on in the morning while I shower, and before I take off exploring for the day.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I dress warmly for bed, too. Sometimes I wear two pairs of socks and two pajama bottoms and a fleece top over a tee shirt! Never worn a hat yet . . . I take the quilt off the seat under the television to put over us at night. Everybody develops their own routines . Why turn on the heater when it’s not necessary? I’d rather dress warmly and cuddle the crew for warmth.

      • Pat says:

        Sue, try using an electric blanket to warm up the bed. Turn it off when you get warm, I use one at home and have used it in my rv. Don’t need the heater at night.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I’m assuming it’s a 12-volt blanket. Thanks for reminding me. Months ago I was going to order one and then I forgot all about it. Oooh, I bet it makes the bed so comfortable. I haven’t slept with an electric blanket in years.

          • Bob Giddings says:

            Never tried one. But a 12V blanket sounds like a battery killer for sure.

            • rvsueandcrew says:

              After commenting on this, I went to Amazon.com. Some of the reviews mentioned the possibility of frying the “ciggy plug” (not rvers). That made me think twice about getting one.

            • Sra. Julia says:

              I have one for my RV, it is a lap robe and it hasn’t fried the plug yet. I guess it all depends on what brand you get and how much you use it. The one I have has a button to get the heat going and after a few minutes it shuts off so it isn’t on all the time, I like it.

  2. John & Kona, Auburn, CA ~ 2010 17'/SD says:

    Greetings RVSue: I look forward to reading your daily updates and all the adventures you and the Crew experience. Question: Are you using the Casita’s antenna for TV reception? There’s been a discussion over the last couple of days on the Casita Forum regarding the Casita antenna. Since I have found that it doesn’t really work too well, I was very interested in your statement that you decided to watch TV one day.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, John and Kona! Glad you stopped by . . .

      I’m pleased with the antenna. It is what it is. My television reception varies greatly, depending upon our location, of course. Right now I get zero channels, usually I get a couple, and occasionally more then ten. I don’t rely on tv much for entertainment. When I have it, I enjoy it. When I don’t have it, I don’t miss it.

      I’m surprised your antenna doesn’t work too well.

      • John & Kona, Auburn, CA ~ 2010 17'/SD says:

        Wow! That was a fast response! Do you use the amplifier? Also, I loved your Olympian heater install, so I went and bought one too. My Casita does not have the factory heater; therefore, I need heat and the Olympian is just the ticket. It is free standing and I can move it around; the propane hose goes out the bath window to a tank. I might install a quick disconnect in the near future. At this point I can use a stand along tank or use the free 20# tank. Any comments or suggestions relative to the heater? Enjoy your day Sue and Crew!!!

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I don’t know anything about an amplifier. I press the little button next to the television. The green light comes on indicating the antenna is in operation. That’s all I know . . .

          I am so glad you like your Olympian heater, especially since you wrote that you bought yours after loving mine! I like the way mine is installed on the fiberglass channel in the center of the Casita. The installation was super easy because the refrigerator propane line is in that channel.

          It has not been a problem for the dogs. They love it there! A friend of mine who works with vinyl upholstery made a neat cover for it (white) so it blends in when not in use. Don’t you love the way it turns orange, so cozy, like having a fireplace!

          • Second that on the Olympian heater! We have one in our RV and love love love it! No drain on the batteries with that irritating fan on the inefficient furnace that comes in most RVs.

            • John & Kona, Auburn, CA ~ 2010 17'/SD says:

              Heater question: do you sleep with it on during cold weather? Of course, the correct amount of vent sq inches will be required at all times. John and Kona

            • rvsueandcrew says:

              I sleep with it on when it’s very cold. I found the best ventilation is the bathroom window open about four inches with the door propped open about 18 inches, plus the ceiling fan open about three inches. I have a CO detector that flashes a tiny light every 15 seconds to let me know it’s operating correctly.

      • Bob Giddings says:

        For those who don’t want to deal with the bulk of a TV: I have a product that makes my laptop into a TV, and it works pretty well, though not quite as convenient. It’s a little USB plug about 3 inches long, with a cable anttenna connection on the other end. It’s called WinTV.

        http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1191-WinTV-HVR-950Q-Personal-Recorder/dp/B001DEYVXO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335713584&sr=8-1

        I also use my laptop to listen to Pandora over the net. Some of these external plug-in computer speaker sets are pretty good. I haven’t yet learned how to turn it into a radio, just because I already have a radio. But I’ll bet there’s a way.

        I like your TV antenna, if it works. It can’t be dragged off by just any smartass branch.

  3. Cactus #1 is a Spiny Stars aka Coryphantha vivipara
    Cactus #2 is a Claret Cup aka Echinocereus triglochidiatus belongs to the Hedgehog family
    Cactus #3 is a Spiny Stars and a Plains Prickly Pear aka Opuntia polyacantha
    All 3 are frost hardy

    Rob

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Wow, Rob! You know your cacti! I was hoping someone would identify them for us. So the one that looks like a pile of globes is the claret cup? The only one I knew was the Prickly Pear. Yeah, they’d have to be frost hardy in this environment, some 6,000 plus feet altitude. Thanks for the information.

      Now if someone would identify the plants . . .

  4. Cindy Kingma says:

    Hi Sue,
    I have been reading your blog for several months. I clicked on your blog when Al from the Bayfield Bunch mentioned you and have been following along in your journey since then. You sure do have a great time doing the full time in your little Casita with your two pups! I enjoy your blog very much. I have to write to tell you that your quilt is lovely and its exactly the same one I have on MY bed!! I just had to tell you that we have that in commonl LOL (I fell in love with mine the first time I saw it so I know you will enjoy having it as well.)
    Have a great day!
    Cindy K.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I knew someone would pop up and say they have the same one! You have good taste, Cindy! The quilt I had before this one was from Wal-Mart also, very reasonably priced. I washed it in hot water all the time. Of course, it faded, but quilts look fine faded. I liked that one so much I ran out and bought this one which is the same, (same fabric, same price) just a different design.

      Al sent a lot of readers over to my blog simply by making mention of it. I’m glad that included you. Thanks for the compliment!

  5. Chuck says:

    I’m sure you and Bridget are gaga over the new chick stuff but Spikey just wants another run in the pond to ‘customize’ them to a little more masculine look………..and by the way, he said he wants a beer with dinner!

  6. cathieok says:

    I love your little cozy corner!

  7. Mareena says:

    Hey Rvsue and crew! I started reading your blog a few weeks ago and really enjoy all y’all get up to. I’m hoping to full time in my van in the near future, so I’m interested in other women’s experiences with solo full timing. You new quilt is beautiful, I can see why you got it. Thanks for sharing your journey!

  8. Dominick Bundy says:

    Hi, again Sue, First I want to thank you for your quick reply yesterday. about why you choose the liberty deluxe floor plan. I can see now why you did that. what a nice setup there. I was wondering if the twin bed set up would be wide enough for a 200 + lb. man. As the other floor plans with the side dinette are only 2 ft. wide which would not be accommodating for me to use as a bed.. How wide is the one twin in the liberty deluxe…I really like the way you have your rig set up. Cheers! Dominick

    • Bob Giddings says:

      I also like the simplicity of your setup. Though I’d have to have a wider bed. One question: How do you keep the plastic drawers from tumbling all over the place when you travel?

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Good question. I pick them up and place them in the aisle. Only takes a minute. I could make the drawers permanent but I know myself . . . I like to change things. And also, rather than fool with bungee cords and adhesives, it’s easier to put them on the floor and pick them up when we arrive at our new camp.

  9. Karen Blaine says:

    I love what you have done with the place!! Indeed quilts cover up a multitude of dirty sins. It really looks quite comfy. Loved the pic of the wood branch. It looked like a dragon all ready to pounce. Any reaction from the fur pups? Which pupper was on the cut log?I couldn’t quite tell from the distance.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s Bridget on the tree stump. You can tell the crew apart like this: Bridget — ears up, long tail, young, fat. Spike – ears down, short tail, old, not fat. Now practice and we’ll have a quiz.

      Thanks for complimenting my new decor. I’m loving it.

      • Karen Blaine says:

        I was going to guess Bridget based on the wide shall we say bottom. Oh the remnants of your teaching days are showing through! lol

  10. Al from The Bayfield Bunch says:

    You are as snug as a Senorita in a Cassita
    Bridget & Spike make everything right
    With toasty little bodies all through the night.
    First they climb up & then they climb down
    And then they come back & go all around.
    Night turns to day & day turns to night
    You are living a life so cheery & bright.
    Travel on fair Traveler, travel on:))

  11. tinycamper says:

    Sue, I LOVE the new decor! Those colors really brighten up the Casita! Also love the way you have it set up with a twin bed and a permanent dinette for two.

    I enjoy all of your beautiful nature photos, but there is something special about seeing the interior of other people’s little trailers. Thanks for giving us a peek! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome! I remember how I loved looking at other people’s homes on wheels…. still do. I’m content with how I have the BLT arranged. If you’ve read previous posts you saw a photo where I had three guests in here along with three dogs . . . That was Al and Kelly (The Bayfield Bunch) and Gaelyn (Geogypsy) , Pheebs, the crew, and me..

  12. Llanos says:

    Uh huh, I suppose you are going to tell us Bridget climbed up there! I really like where you are camping now.

  13. Sherry says:

    I was just going to ask how Bridget got up there on that stump. Great picture.
    Love your new bright colors, they seem just perfect for spring & summer.
    Have to tell you how perfect the BLT & PTV look out there in the forest. That is a lovely site.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It is lovely here. I made a campfire tonight and was watching it thinking how perfect it is in this spot. There are a lot of good campsites here.

      Nice comment, Sherry. I’m glad you like my new colors!

  14. I love the new quilt and shams! Very cheery! That was a pretty sexy over-the shoulder pouty pose from Bridget! 🙂 Hey Al ! Loved your poetry too! Definately right on! I really like your new spot! I never made it to that location, looks wonderful and quiet!

  15. Joan Gagnon says:

    What a beautiful spot your in this time.Think this is my favourite of them all so far. I’m a cactus and odd shaped wood lover so I really enjoyed your post today and the new comforter and and shams are pretty, they sure do brighten it up in there.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Joan . .. When I’m taking photos I think . . . Hmmm,, this is interesting. Someone on the blog will think so, too. So that odd-shaped wood was for you and Karen. She mentioned it, too.

      Thank you about my new decor. It is cheery to wake up to all this color.

  16. Grace says:

    Hi Sue, Love the new blankets. Your casita looks very homey. I have a question for you. I hope you don’t mind. We’d like to get an AZ map that shows all the BLM land, forest service land… places where it’s OK to camping for 14 days at a time. Do you have a recommendation for a book or map that has been helpful to you or that you’ve heard is good? Thanks for your help!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Grace!

      I don’t have a book of BLM maps myself. I usually depend on the BLM website. You may be able to order hard copies from the BLM (or maybe I’m thinking of National Forest maps). When on the road, the district offices sell them. I wish I were more helpful.

      • Grace says:

        That’s quite alright! I’m sure I read someplace where there are actual hard copy maps. I’d love to get me hands on one. I’ll keep looking and if I come across it again, I’ll write it down and let you know. Thanks!

  17. Angie2B says:

    Sue, I have a compact jr camper. It is even smaller than yours. I might have to copy your quilt. It looks so inviting and pretty.

  18. Angie2B says:

    I forgot to ask. Where do you store all the extra cushions?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      In the PTV. Two long skinny cushions are wrapped in sheets and rest, one on top of the other, between the front seats extending back and under the crew’s bench seat. This makes an elevated, cushy place for them to sit or sleep on, in addition to the bench seat. The others are wrapped and are in the back.of the PTV.

  19. bearwise2010 says:

    Hi Sue and Crew,
    Beautiful pictures – I love catcus’s – I guess because in the north we have lots of trees, but no catcus’s so when I go south I take lots of pictures of catcus’s. Amazing how they grow in that forest. Love the pictures. The Crew look like they are having an amazing time there. We have Elk her in the North and they are beautiful creatures and I love their horn sound they make, I hope you see some soon. Question for you: your Air Card I take it the company that you have it from is Version? Do you know does it work in Canada to? Visa Versa, we are looking here and want one to work in North America, just not in Canada, as that will be our summer time crusing and winter will be down south. Take care PS love the decor – yes think will go with quilts now ha ha…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi,, bearwise! It does seem strange to us northerners to see cactus in a forest. The crew love it here because they can explore without being on a leash all the time.

      I don’t know about the air card in Canada. Maybe you can get a quick answer by searching Canada Verizon online. If Verizon isn’t in Canada, try asking Al of The Bayfield Bunch what they use, as they split their year between Canada and the U.S.

      Quilts are pretty inside a little home . . .

      You and your son take care and enjoy your Sunday!

      • Bob Giddings says:

        These things change all the time, but when I went to Alaska Verizon had a tack on service to their all USA plan that included Canada. Also Mexico. Of course, it cost a little more, but you didn’t have to sign up for two years. It was just month to month.

  20. Marcia says:

    Love your new quilts so bright and fresh! I always like to see what other Liberty owners are doing with their interior. Great post altogether with the pups’ antics and the great little cacti. Enjoy the day!

  21. Susie says:

    Hi Sue. Count me as another one that likes odd shaped wood. I’m always looking for shapes of animals and birds. I put some shells and sticks on one piece of driftwood and it looked just like a wolf. Have a great Sunday!

  22. Bob Giddings says:

    If you take a notion to change your table, I found something at Lowe’s you might like:
    http://tinypic.com/r/33voiud/6

    The big one is 3 feet in diameter, the little one is 2. Both are pine, 3/4 inch thick. Fairly light in weight. The little one is 17 bucks, the big one twice as much.

  23. ct says:

    Love the new quilts & shams, they’re so crisp, bright & colorful. Bridget & Spike make a nice accent statement too on the new bedding!

  24. Chuck says:

    Hey Sue, that piece of wood would look cool in our yard next to the kerosene can from Darby!!!!!! Can ya’ drop on by???

  25. Kathryn says:

    Hi my friend……nice quilts…..enjoyed the pics……off to bed ..

  26. John and Kona says:

    Good Morning RVSue and Crew ~~

    Looking on Google Maps it appears that you are located off I-17/Willard Springs Road, just north of the community of Munds Park; am I on track? Did you and Crew have something good for breakfast?

  27. Elizabeth says:

    The quilts are beautiful…thanks for sharing how you are doing things. We went to 2 RV places on the way home from our weekend…got some more ideas!

  28. Donna Fuller says:

    Hi, Sue.
    I enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the pictures. I was wondering about your new quilts…did you buy one and cut it in half? Did you bind the cut side or leave it raw? I bought the same quilt for our Casita (we have a 17′ SD and have two twin beds after cutting the back down to 29″), but have not put the quilts in there yet. Do you carry a sewing machine with you? (Probably a stupid question with you boondocking all the time, but I had to ask.)
    Hope you and the “kids” are having a great time today.
    Donna

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