Arizona gold

Tuesday, February 25

“Are you ready to greet the day, pumpkins?”

Bridget and Spike are awake at last.  Spike has been experiencing deep sleep lately.  I thought it was because the raw meat diet is more satisfying.  Now I think the Cetyl-M is relieving him from the aches of arthritis.  Whatever the case, Spike doesn’t whimper during the night or toss and turn the way he used to.  As for Bridget she’s always been slow to wake up.

My coffee’s already perked and poured.

I lift Bridget down from the bed.  Spike jumps down and performs his stretching exercises, a habit he’s had for as long as I’ve known him.

“Okay, let’s see what kind of day it is.”

The morning air is cooler than usual.  The sky is heavily overcast.  Hmm . . . This is a perfect day for finishing waxing.  I won’t have to hitch up and move the BLT.  The fiberglass will stay cool on a day like this.

I fix a cheese omelet for each of us.

After breakfast I set up the stepladder, water basin, and supplies and get to work.  I take a few breaks to check this blog or to sit with a drink listening to the birdsong emanating from the ironwood tree and desert brush.

Bill and Ann drive up in their pickup.

I’m up on the stepladder.  Ann jumps out with a hello and places a plastic bag full of paperbacks on the ground.

The crew and I visited Bill and Ann’s campsite yesterday. 

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Julie, Samantha, and Spike greeting each other yesterday

Our canine crews are good pals.

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Hostesses Julie and Sammy escorting Bridget over to their outdoor sitting area.

“We’re on our way to town,” Ann explains as she climbs back into their truck.  Away they go . . .

“Well, guys.  I think this is enough waxing for today.”

The sky is still overcast and the air is cool.  Gee, it’d be nice to read my book and munch on popcorn.  I’m inside at the laptop as the popcorn begins to pop.  I hear a voice out the open door.

“Hello?  Hello?”

I go to the door.  A lady is standing on the outdoor mat with a friendly smile.

“I thought I’d come by and meet my neighbor,” she explains as I step outside.  We exchange names.  Anne tells me she reads my blog and recognized the PTV and BLT when she set up camp.

“Oh, you’re parked over there,” I remark.  “Is that a Scamp?”

“No, it’s an Escape.”

“Oh my gosh, the popcorn!”

I run inside and turn off the stove.

Anne lives in Portland, Oregon. Her blog is “Right Brain; Right Lane.”  We have a lot to talk about, given we both travel with pets (Anne has a cat and previously traveled with two greyhounds), we both have 17-foot travel trailers, and we both have solar power.  Anne tells me this is her first winter boondocking.

“It’s great, isn’t it!” I respond, looking at the expanse around us.

After Anne leaves to return to her campsite, I put popcorn in a bowl and settle in for a good read.

Later my ambition returns.

I’m going to finish this dang waxing today!  Removing the oxidation is not as bad as I had anticipated.  There isn’t much and it’s only in an area about the size of a laptop.

The sun sinks low, urging me on.  Bridget and Spike are curled up in their doggie beds at the foot of the ladder.  Bridget gnaws on the remnants of her bone from yesterday.  Spike snoozes.

I’m losing light fast.

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The dimming of the light means it’s time to take your seat. The show is about to start!

I buff off the last of the powdery wax residue and climb down the ladder . . .

“DONE!  Will ya’ look at that shine!” I exclaim with delight.

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Actually I still have the wheel wells to wax, but that can wait.

Whew!  Time to watch another Arizona light show . . . . 

I move my camp chair next to Spike lying in his bed on the ground.

“Come here, Bridge.  You want to sit in my lap and watch the show?”

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As the sun disappears the sky turns pink, followed by orange, and then, for the grand finale . . . gold!

rvsue

THANK YOU FOR BEING AN RVSUE SHOPPER!

Your Amazon orders are very much appreciated.  Here are a few items ordered recently:

Pillowsonic Stereo Pillow Speaker
ZODI Outback Gear Battery Powered Shower
Triderma Pain Relief Cream
Intimo Women’s Printed Pajama Set
Electronic Watchdog, Barking Dog Alarm
Amazon Gift Card – E-mail – Happy Birthday (Candles)

ONE MORE LOOK . . .

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Ain’t she sweet!

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110 Responses to Arizona gold

  1. G says:

    Wow to two things. First the sunset, it’s spectacular. Secondly, am I actually the first one to comment?!
    I love my sunrises on the beach here in Boca Raton but I can’t wait to experience the sunsets out in the west!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, G,

      Ooh, I imagine sunrises over the Atlantic seen from a Florida beach are quite lovely. I lived in Florida for several years but on the Gulf coast.

      Congratulations on being first today!

  2. Phxkayaker says:

    Congrats on finishing the wax job. It makes a wonderful reflection!

  3. John fossildreamer says:

    Hi Sue Reading the blog this winter has been great it has reminded me of the
    many nights I sat & watched the show, nothing like it…
    Looks like the big horn will not even be able to take a peek on this side of the
    mountain with that big bright white shining object,, looks like a great job,,
    Safe travels Sue,,,,

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, John,

      Yes, the BLT is dazzling! Next I need to give the PTV some attention. She needs a cleaning, inside and out.

      I’m happy you still read my blog. Good to hear from you!

  4. Bea says:

    I never get tired of sunsets! Very nice shot. All this orange and gold!
    Your BLT is just like a mirror! Talk about not keeping up the shine as a boondocker.

  5. Sputnik says:

    Look at that trailer SHINE!

  6. Linda says:

    Sounds like kind of a perfect day!

  7. GypsyPurl says:

    Beautiful job and Beautiful Sunset. I never get tired of your pictures or the adventures of the Crew. My husband and I hope to do this in a few years, but until that time comes I’ll just continue to enjoy the travels with you guys. Stay safe in your travels.

  8. Anne H says:

    Sue, your rig is mirror-like! The concept of cleaning mine is slowly worming its way onto a to-do list. It was lovely to chat with you and to meet the famous crew (& you!)

    Be watchful on your walks – I saw a good sized rattlesnake this morning – and it was not in a cheerful mood!! The ground must be warming up – they’re starting to come out of hibernation.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      No, kidding! You’re here for one day and you come across a rattler. I hope it didn’t come this way!

      • Gayle says:

        Does anyone know whether rattlesnakes come out days only or days and nights? Love to know before camping season starts.

        • Nivrapa in AZ says:

          Hi Gayle!

          Rattlers are more nocturnal during the heat of the summer but during cooler weather are active during the day. Desert rattlers are more nocturnal than those living in heavy brush or humid areas.

          Audrey

          • Gayle says:

            Thanks Nivrapa, Jodee and Susan, Think I’ll sprinkle a circle of rattlesnake repellant, sit in the middle and stay put for 23 hrs a day! CA is hot, hot, hot a lot. Rattlers even come down from the foothills and cross the Pacific Coast Highway and head to the beach in the summer. Can’t say I blame them.

        • JodeeinSoCal says:

          If the rocks/ground stay warm at night they will be out. Once the days start getting hot they will be out more at night than during the day. Although sluggish when coming out of hybernation, they are also hungry and looking for a mate which can make them aggressive this time of year. A good time to keep doggies and kitties closeby!

          • Pen says:

            I’m not too far north of you (Sue), boondocking on BLM land, and had a bit of a shock two days ago, which involved seeing my first-ever rattlesnake. I’m parked right next to a section of (dirt) road, and another camper was parked “across the street” and down a short way. While it is wild land, in a way, it’s not exactly deep wilderness. Mostly just sand/small rocks. My neighbor, while working on an outside project, went to grab something from indoors, and just at the door of the rig, heard a rattle. It was a rattlesnake hanging out just under the steps! (In the shade of course, near a tire.) Talk about an adrenalin rush. Plus knowing it must have been there while making a few other in/out trips (gaaah).

            After moving the rig, we tried to encourage it to “wander off” into some nearby shade, but instead it slithered under the front of the toad. Moved the toad (after climbing gingerly in the via the hatchback) and it just stayed curled up in the same place. Even knowing it was there it was virtually impossible to see (excellent camouflage). I made a small rock cairn in order to keep track of where it was. Locals said they are out early due to the heat, and that some of their usual food is not “out” yet. Man, I’m going to be careful from here on out! I’ve always had them on my mind when hiking – making sure not to do things such as reaching up onto rock shelves, etc. But now I am going to be looking very carefully under the rig and not assuming they aren’t there. Whew!

            • rvsueandcrew says:

              Good heavens, Pen! That was close! Do be careful . . .

            • Susan (MS) says:

              I just googled rattlesnake repellent and Amazon sells it if any one is interested. This my be helpful for those who stay in one place for a while if they are worried about snakes and their pets.

  9. Diann in MT says:

    Hey, Sue!
    Awesome wax job, indeed! I waxed my little Sunset last fall before covering her up for the winter. I am so looking forward to pulling off the waterproof cover and planning the first camp of the season, probably in late May. You have been an entertaining inspiration all winter long. Thanks for that.
    We are still in deep doodoo winter, but what’s so great about March is the fact we in the North are on the downside of that wretched season.
    I am happy Spike may be responding to his medication. Sleeping soundly will only increase his longevity.Beautiful sunset! Now, it’s time for popcorn, too! How you inspire, Sue!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diann,

      I’m pleased to see Spike get some sound sleep. There is a down side to that which I’ll write about in my next post.

      I imagine uncovering your Sunset is a very happy rite of Spring for you!

  10. EmilyO says:

    Ahhhh, I know another little trailer that needs a good wax job. . . .

  11. Geri Moore says:

    The MotherShip is in need of a good rub down and waxing ASAP! She is just so much larger than the BLT, it’s easier to procrastinate about it! LOL! Love the shiny reflection of the sunset! Beaut-eee-ful !!!! Starting to rain right this minute, so maybe the dust will at least get rinsed off the MotherShip! We head to our job as volunteers at Myakka River State Park on Saturday! Looking forward to it! Our doggy duo are missing thir canine pals out west…. good to see your crew visiting with Julie and Sammy! Such fun !!! Wish you could smell the orange blossoms outside! Amazing treat for the nose! Ya’ll take care!!!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Geri,

      I thought of you and Chuck while over at Bill and Ann’s. I wouldn’t have met them if not for you. I’m told we might get some rain here this weekend. That wouldn’t surprise me, even though this is desert. It usually rains after I remove the dirt and dust BY HAND. 🙂

      Enjoy the orange blossoms!

      • Chuck says:

        Sue, there is a product called ‘California Duster’ that is great to dust off nice shiny trailers(actually originally designed for show cars). It sorta’ looks like a dust broom with strands of a silicon fabric that catch the dust. And it works GREAT now that you have the BLT lookin’ so good and now Geri is harping at me to do the MotherShip…Happy huh, happy you got me a huge project, huh????? mumble mumble mumble……..

  12. Ladybug says:

    Wait! What?? An omelet for each of you?!? I think you’re taking this spoiling of the nutcakes a little too far. 😉

    And I might have missed it, but did you spit-polish the roof of the BLT as well? 😀

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ladybug,

      The crew and I shared an omelet. 🙂

      No, I can’t reach the roof. I can only reach as high as the sides of the channel that holds the air conditioner and roof vent. And I can’t spit that far with any accuracy. 🙂

      “Out of sight, out of mind.”

  13. Terri from Texas says:

    We were at Homolovi State park (Arizona) in September and the sunsets were so beautiful and breathtaking. Thanks for the wonderful pics!

  14. Terri from Texas says:

    Also on the subject of snakes. Remember they are more afraid of you than you are of them! We live on 15 acres and have regularly seen rattlesnakes, coral snakes, copperheads, water moccassins, rat snakes, etc. etc. In 11 years we have only killed 4 of them. If you encounter one just walk away unless threatened.
    I like to think there is a good purpose for all of God’s creatures.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Yes, the snakes have a good purpose. They tell me it’s time to move.

      • Angie2B says:

        I agree completely. I get the willies just thinking about snakes. (Shudder)

      • Ed says:

        You may be wise to move if you see a rattlesnake but the average number of fatalities in Arizona has been about one per year.
        You may be even wiser to move if you see lightning. There were four deaths in Arizona last year during the first 10 months from lightning strikes. Arizona was tied with Florida for the most deaths for that time period.
        Rattlesnakes are dangerous but you need to worry more about lightning!

    • Miss Leslie says:

      I work at a remote site in the high prairie of NM. Rattlesnakes are part of our reality. However, last season one bit a guy on the hand. The guy was born and has always lived in rattlesnake country and he knows what not to do. But it got him. We’re 30 miles from the nearest hospital and we got him there fast, fast. However, so much damage was done and he may still lose part of his hand, after many months. Honestly, they’re just not to be messed with. And people telling you this aren’t doomsayers. So be careful. And on a positive note: LOVE your blog. When I discovered I went back to the very beginning and read everything. You’re a fine writer and I appreciate you. Thanks.

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Hi, Miss Leslie,

        Thank you for reading my blog from the beginning and for the compliment on my writing. It makes me happy to read that someone loves my blog.

  15. Pauline from Mississippi says:

    The BLT looks great. It was good news that Spike is sleeping better. Love the pictures of the sunset. Sounds like a wonderful day.

    Love you

  16. Barbara says:

    I think that is the most beautiful sunset picture I have seen. The gold seems to sparkle.
    It even reflects beautifully in the BLT. Your welcome to come to Nashville and wax the car, if you get bored with all that beauty out there. LOL
    Thanks for the measurement. I had not read anywhere in my research of the actual length, so I thought I would ask. I guess there is another 2-3 feet in the bath, but no need to measure.
    I’m glad to read the crew is losing weight and sleeping better.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Barbara,

      Thanks for the compliment on the sunset pic. The only thing I did to that photo was to crop it. The gold is more than a color; it shimmers like gold leaf! I’m using that photo for my laptop’s wallpaper.

      About the measurement of the BLT’s interior . . . When I lived in my house in Georgia and hadn’t seen a Casita in real life, I moved some furniture to form an aisle about 12 feet long (estimating the length of a Casita’s aisle), and about 3 feet wide. Then I stood in that area and walked back and forth, trying to envision myself in my new home-on-wheels that was waiting for me in Texas. Such a small portion of the floor area of my Georgia house!

  17. Dawn from MI says:

    Awww that IS sweet! I saw a magnificant sunset near Apache Junction once. Superstious Mountains were purple and the sky was orange. Was something I will never forget. Part of why I’d like to RV full time out that way someday. Enjoy! Love the shine too…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      The sunrises and sunsets are reason enough to come to the desert. I read them like messages… In the morning, “Here’s the gift of another day for you,” and in the evening, “Another gift awaits you tomorrow.”

  18. mockturtle says:

    Your crew is more at risk from rattlers. If I were you I would not let them roam free this time of year. JMHO, of course. 😉

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, mockturtle,

      You may be right about that. The past few days I’ve accompanied them outside for their middle-of-the-night potty breaks. Spike tends to walk away from the campsite to do his business, so I run herd on him.

  19. Ron Sears says:

    Have you ever though of having a sign made?? ” I’m not her, I just look like her” or something like that!! I know how you enjoy your own space and this might help. LOL.. When can I set up an appointment to have my TC waxed? Be safe out there.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ron,

      Oh, there are all sorts of things I could do… I could wear a top with big pink flowers on it, have my hair pouffed, slap on some jewelry and lipstick . . .

      I wouldn’t dream of waxing your TC and robbing you of the pride of accomplishment. 🙂

  20. Lacy says:

    Wow, what a SHINE! and it compliments the sunset – I do believe Mother Nature was proud of you!!!!!

  21. katydid in Chicago says:

    What an extraordinarily beautiful sunset! Your photography is amazing these days.
    I missed yesterday’s blog but I want to tell you about my first view of the Northern Lights. We were staying at a little cabin at a lake near Rhinelander Wisconsin one July. Neighbors shouted to us, telling us to go outside and look at the sky.
    I went out to the lake and was amazed to find the sky awash in color. I lay on my back at the end of the pier. The entire vault of heaven was filled with strange shapes of blue, vibrant pink, and yellow- green. Cube shapes would morph into diamonds and swirls would become conical or triangular. It went on for hours. With gentle waves rocking the pier the view above was all sky with the tops of the pine trees barely in my peripheral vision. It was the most awe inspiring natural wonder I have ever seen. ( I have seen the borealis again since then, but it has always been the curtain type of lights in paler colors.)

    • Sally Browning says:

      Just have to say, you discribe the Northern Lights just as I have experienced them in my youth in Door County Wisconsin…. We would lie in the grass in the back yard for hours trying to relate to the most fantastic color light show … It would never disappoint …. In recent years I have also experienced the same at times if I am lucky enough to be there atthe right time… Thanks for sharing this memory….

    • Pen says:

      Thanks from me too! I miss the Northern Lights/up north/cabin/docks of yore — and you brought them right back to me.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, katydid,

      Until I read your comment, I confess I didn’t know what the big fuss is about Northern Lights. You make me want to see them!

      I guess it’s like people write that they want to see the desert after reading my blog and seeing the pictures.

  22. Carla says:

    Oh the pictures are awesome and make me want to be there.

  23. Diane, Blue Ridge Mts. VA says:

    Break out the sunglasses! Quit a shine ya got there Sue!
    What a lovely day for you and all the little ones. I am so glad Spike is doing better, it’s so hard to see them getting older but you are giving them the best ever care.
    Loved the desert light show, WOW!
    Take Care

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diane,

      I’ve joked about Spike and grumbled about his demanding ways. Now that age is creeping up on him, my tenderness for him grows every day. I’ve become more tolerant of his stubbornness and idiosyncrasies. Spike is one of a kind and a very sweet boy under his tough exterior.

  24. Grace says:

    Wasn’t that sunset something else last night! We finally got out of the city and into the desert and, boy, were we ever rewarded! Steve just waxed our RV so we’re taking photos of reflections in the shine, too. Feels good to have that done for now. I sure enjoy your blog, Sue! Take care! Grace (in Tucson)

  25. LeeJ says:

    Yet again you share the most amazing photos of the desert, I never get tired of seeing your next photo.

    I just bought a kit from Amazon to refinish the exterior of my Casita, Poly Glo, it was suggested on the Casita Forum. Right now my Casita has a really chalky streaky skin, I plan to change that! Have you heard of this product? All I can do is try, and hope it works out as beautiful as the shine you have on your sweet abode, you encourage me by doing it side at a time, doing it your way!

    And about snakes..most snake bites involve the words, “Here, hold my beer” and men under 40…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, LeeJ,

      No, I haven’t heard of Poly Glo. I think I heard about Meguire’s on the Casita Forum, too. I’m very pleased with the way it removed oxidation and the ease with which the shine is obtained.

      Best of luck . . . I’m sure you’ll get good results. The folks on the Forum know what works on Casitas.

  26. Elizabeth says:

    Those beautiful sunset photos make me want to be there…but thinking about rattlesnakes, not so much!! Do be careful!!

    We lived in the desert part of WA state for quite a few years…no snakes in town, but my friend out in the country was another matter…BUT, once she got a horse and his pasture was not too far from her house, she did not see rattlesnakes…guess the horse running up and down the field…the vibrations must have moved them off.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Elizabeth,

      Before crossing the Washington desert last summer, I researched the area online and read about areas of rattlesnakes.

      I just had a thought jump into my mind (so rare I announce it!)… I’ve come up with a good reason to run a generator… The vibrations may rid the area of rattlesnakes!

      I’d much rather have a horse.

  27. Your home looks beautiful!! It always feels so good to see it all shiny. It sure did capture that sunset!

  28. Cat Lady says:

    Did you say that we need to copy and paste the item we want after we click on your Amazon shopping clicky so you can get the credit for the sale OR just click on the blue written item (it’s sad but true…I just can’t remember like I used to, sigh). Suggestion: you might want to permanently post this info at the bottom of your blog (or on the right side of your blog by the Amazon clicky) so both we and new readers will know the proper procedure for you to get the credit. Just sayin’.

    Cat Lady

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cat Lady,

      Great to see you here! And thanks so much for wanting me to get credit for your Amazon purchases.

      I haven’t posted any specific instructions because there aren’t any. 🙂 If you are at my blog address and go to Amazon from here, everything you buy gives me a commission.

      All you do is click on any of my Amazon links (for products, using the Amazon search box, clicking the link up at the top of the sidebar, clicking an ad, clicking the Benchmark books at the bottom…)…. I get credit!

      There isn’t any extra thing for you to do. Just go to Amazon from my blog and shop. You can’t see my code that is embedded in each portal on my blog. That code is carried with your clicks as you shop, eventually ending up at check-out.

      Even if you click on a link I’ve posted for shoes and end up buying a sleeping bag, I still get credit. Doesn’t matter!

      You won’t be given any indication that I’m getting credit, but you can trust that I will.

      The only exception, which is rare, is if somehow Amazon directs you to another store. That hardly ever happens, so don’t think about it.

  29. MK Reed says:

    Glad Spike is sleeping well! Watch out for the Rattlers please. Love the photos as usual.

    BTW, I ran across this item on the tiny house blog and though I’d share it with you and your followers. It looks interesting and is getting good reviews and it might prolong folks boondocking days and nights:
    ArkPak Portable Power Pack with Charger and Bracket

    (I replaced your link with one of my Amazon links, MK. Sue)

  30. Gosh, Sue, your evening viewing is better than any movie! Add the popcorn & viola! First class entertainment! The shine on the PVT is very cool–well done!

  31. Growing up, I spent six years living in the Mojave Desert, about halfway between Los Angeles and Bakersfield. In all that time, I don’t remember seeing a single rattlesnake except for dead ones in the roadway, not even when I wandered off into the desert as I did a few times. On the other hand, I saw plenty of Black Widow spiders. We had a whole colony of them living underneath our house.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Walt,

      I wonder if you ever walked right by a rattler not knowing it was there. I came across one in Florida. It was perfectly camouflaged, curled in the sun. It’s a wonder I didn’t step on it.

      Haven’t had any experience with black widow spiders. . .

  32. Shirlene says:

    After reading your blog about Spike sleeping better I noticed that my little guy who is 11 is sleeping much better also. I started him on a raw diet with a little kibble just after reading your blog. He is sleeping so hard at night on my feet that I have to roll him over with the blanket to get him to move so I can move….Maybe they are just happy because they are getting the nutrition that their little bodies need. I know if I don’t eat right I do not feel as well or sleep as good. Thank you for all you do and all you share.

  33. Sue says:

    My husband and I grew up in California and camped in the desert for many years. Your pictures remind me of some wonderful times there with our children. We stopped camping after we moved to the Sth East and have so missed it. We bought a Class A last year and can’t wait to get back out to the desert. One more year to retirement, get house sold, and off we go!!! See ya there, I’ll wave as we go by.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Sue,

      I wasn’t inspired to go camping while living in Georgia. So it’s countdown time to retirement… Good for you! The desert awaits . . .

  34. Sue says:

    On another note, I also feed my LaciLou, 4 lb Yorkie, a raw meat diet mixed with Blue kibble, she has so much energy during the day and sleeps wonderful at night. I think she is very satisfied and healthier. There isn’t anything I won’t do for her to make sure she is healthy and happy.

  35. Roger in SoCal says:

    Hi Sue,
    Got to thinking about the crew and some of the potential for issues that could happen, ( Not that they ever will, and hope they don’t). So anyway now that my dog walking business is gone and I don’t have a dog, I did get certified on the American Red Cross dog first aid, and I have a really nice small book with a DVD that has info on all kinds of first aid for dogs. I would like to send it to you if you could tell me where to send it.

    Roger

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s very kind and thoughtful of you, Roger. I’m planning on moving tomorrow, if it’s not too windy, and I’m not sure where we will be in order to give you an address. Maybe sometime down the road . . . Thank you.

  36. Alan Rabe says:

    Hi Sue. trailer looks great. If I used your approach on my beast I would have to start over just as I finished it.
    I think I found the reason for the beautiful sunsets that AZ is getting now. Saw it on the news, smog from China. It is getting so bad there that you can’t see the sun at high noon. There was no industry in China, so to speak, back in the 80’s when I was there.
    As to snakes try getting a good size squirt gun and fill it with lemon juice/ water mix and shoot them with it. Stand a good 10′ away, it will make them flee the scene, works for just about any wild beast. They can only strike something within half their body length distance away. So if you see a 20′ rattler don’t bother squirting, just run. 🙂

    • Alan Rabe says:

      Also, if you have a cat, sprinkle used kitty liter around your campsite. Animals will tend to stay away from the kitty smell.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Alan,

      If it’s smog, that’s the prettiest smog I’ve ever seen. I appreciate you sharing the squirt gun trick with snakes. I don’t think I’d have the presence of mind to do that. One thing I do know… the one time I leave the squirt gun at home is when we’d come across a snake.

      • Cinandjules (still snowing in NY) says:

        I think the squirt gun tactic might be useful however I believe in “there is no reason why we all can’t share the land”. I’ll stay here you stay waaaaaayyyyy over there……deal?

        Don’t you rattle your tail at me! Go in peace little feller!

  37. Deb from NJ says:

    Hi Sue

    Great shine on the BLT, your hard work has paid off. The sunset reflection shows it off perfectly. Your pictures of the sunset are stunning.

    To tell the truth, I would rather be out there waxing my trailer, taking pictures of the gorgeous sunset/sunrise, dodging snakes, getting stuck in the sand, and eating popcorn than going to work. My time will come. Lol. Thanks to your blog I get to admire all the scenery now….including these beautiful sunsets!

    Good to hear that Spike is feeling better. The Crew is very lucky to have you in their lives.

    Have a great day!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Deb,

      I know exactly how you feel. I can’t think of one day of my retirement that wasn’t better than the best day at work. It’s all good. Thanks for the compliment re photos.

      You have a great day, too!

  38. Mick'nTN says:

    You can comment on the FDA proposed rule on “Preventive Controls for Food for Animals”
    Link: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm366510.htm

  39. wheelingit says:

    Lovely shine! I’m getting wary of rattlesnakes as well being that this winter has been way (too) warm for AZ. They’re coming out early and I don’t like it!!

    By the way I promised to report back to you on backing-up the blog, if you remember waaaay back when we talked about it. I think I’ve found the absolute easiest solution. I tried a bunch of free ways to do the back-up and they were ALL cumbersome and/or had problems. Then, I tried VaultPress (it’s a plugin) and it worked right away with only 2 mins set-up time. I now have daily blog back-ups dating back 30 days & if my blog fails I can just hit the “restore” button for any one of those days and it should be back on-line (haven’t tried this of course, but that’s what they advertise) For $5/month I think it’s totally worth it. Plus it’s the only thing I tried that was easy (idiot-proof…which I like) and worked right away. Anyway wanted to let you know!

    Nina

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Nina,

      How very nice of you to go to the trouble of writing this down for me. I don’t have the perseverance to research techie stuff the way you do. Good job! I’ll look at it. It’s good to have more than one type of back-up.

  40. Cinandjules (still snowing in NY) says:

    It’s a reunion!

    Glad to hear Spike is getting a good nights sleep! The BLT looks brand new! Good job!

    Cheese omelet! For each of you….;)

    How neat to meet Anne. Did you happen to see her kayak on top of her tow vehicle? Hmm ya might want to stroll over and check it out in person…just watch out for that rattler!

    What a beautiful sunset…even more soothing is Bridget snuggled in your lap enjoying it with you! Enjoy!

    Anne H- I have extra pheromone collars that may help FW. They are yours if you would like. I swear by them. OK to get my email from Sue. (My apologies for the hijack Sue but I couldn’t post on her blog)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cinandjules,

      Anne doesn’t have her kayak with her. I saw it on her blog… sweet!

      Fortunately the rattler was around her campsite. She saw it on a walk up to Palm Canyon. It was between here and there.

      I’ll give Anne your email address if I see her before leaving in the morning.

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