Bridget extends her successful arboretum tour!
“Okay, sweetheart. You can start. Just remind them where the arboretum is and go from there.”
“Don’t worry, RVSue. I know what to do.”
RVSue and I visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
That’s Arr-bore-EE-tum for you late-comers. It’s near the town of Superior in Arizona and it has many, many plants.
We’ll start with the Cactus Garden.
In the first photo you see a cactus that is trying to grow fur. Believe me, cactuses are strange! (That’s me in my car.)
“Cacti, honey. When you have more than one cactus, you say cacti.”
“Oh, really. Thanks, RVSue. I’ll keep that in mind.” Jeepers, talk about control issues . . . I happen to know that you can say cactuses in English. But I’m not going to argue with RVSue.
All right. Where were we? Oh, yeah . . . . the barrels.
Aren’t the barrel CACTI neat? They’re bigger than basketballs. A lot bigger!
Remember the totem poles? They get very big, too. This one is taller than RVSue!
The cactus below, on the left side, fooled RVSue. She thought it was a stone carving to decorate the cactus garden. It’s a live cactus! (I didn’t laugh because laughing at mistakes is bad manners.)
“Bridge? Show them the close-up of the cactus with the fruit on top. This would be a good place for that.”
Here she goes again . . . butting into my tour!
Okay. In this next photo we have the cactus with the fruit.
RVSue says “it looks good enough to eat.” (RVSue’s mind often runs to food. Mine does, too, but mostly I keep it to myself.)
More cactus fruit. This is prickly pear. Do you know the name of the big cactus that looks like swords?
Another part of the arboretum is the Butterfly Garden.
RVSue parks my car by the big sun mosaic while she takes butterfly pictures.
I try not to disturb her because this sort of thing makes her very happy. At least she’s not pointing the camera at me!
I sit very still in my car and wait.
RVSue says stuff like “Ooh, these are so pretty!” and “Be still, darn it!” (meaning the butterflies).
I keep waiting. I wait a long time!
I can’t wait any longer!
I wiggle around in my car. Finally RVSue notices. She pushes my car to another spot in the butterfly garden, like that’s going to amuse me or something.
I do my best to be still. You know, this camera thing is becoming an obsession with her.
At last we leave the butterflies and their flowers!
We go through the Eucalyptus Forest.
We come to a long, narrow bridge that goes over a huge wash. Scary!
The bridge takes us to the picnic area.
We take a break and then RVSue pushes me around and around until she realizes she doesn’t know where we are and about the time when I’m beginning to wonder if we’re going to full-time it at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, she asks for directions out of the place.
The End.
Oh! Thank you for the nice things you wrote about my tour. I hope you liked this one, too!
Bridget
NOTE REGARDING THE IMPERFECT TOW VEHICLE:
A door (black) was found and it is in good condition! Sanding and painting took place yesterday (Friday).
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BLOGORINOS… Marilu has written an update on the California weather at the bottom of comments under the previous post.
My Sacramento kin found some leaks in their roof, of course (due to improper roofing….left incomplete however, so my guess is that company will be paying for that one!!). All their trees held ok. My cousins in Grass Valley and all their kids are also fine. Grateful for the rain as it has been so dry for so long!! So we are all grateful they are all ok!! (Have lots of other kin in California too, but not in close contact so will wait to hear in their holiday notes).
Here in Roseville, about 140 ft above Sacramento elevation wise, we had close to 3 inches of rain. That’s good but we will need to continue the pattern to continue to replenish the ground water, our reservoirs, and make good snow pack, our water storage. We did not have as bad of wind as predicted and no trees down in our neighborhood, thankfully, as our redwood is likely going to die from the long term effects of drought. Hate to have to remove the nearly 3 ft diameter tree but it is upwind in most storms and 15 ft from my bedroom!! Hubby just can’t bear to cut it yet but I will likely have to make that decision soon. It was a 6 ft tall baby when we moved in and is now over 60 ft tall. Anyhow, we did ok in storm and look forward to more rain next week.
Hi, Velda,
I can understand you and your husband not wanting to cut down your redwood. It’s like a member of your family!
So sad about the tree…one hates to loose the old ones…but no fun worrying and not sleeping in wind storms either!!
Sad thing is, this tree is only a baby by Redwood standards as they can potentially live hundreds of years and this one has been in our yard only since spring of 1989, so less than 30 years old. I thought it would out live me by a long shot. Has blocked the afternoon sun and watched over our yard.
Bridge on a bridge. How clever. Nice tour! Thanks again.
You’re welcome, John.
Hiya Sue and Bridget!
Another great tour with beautiful pics!
I did sense a hint of sarcasm from Bridget, lol.
I just love that girl! Still giggling about her “car”!
Have a terrific day!
Chaunte and crew
You have a wonderful day, too, Chaunte. Thank you!
Most lovable post ever!Odd phrase ,I know,yet really… one worth gushing about.Great beautiful photos,cute,sweet funny narration,guest blogger as lovable as all get out,nice job,Sue,thanks for the warm fuzzies and smile this gave me.The sword like cactus looks a lot like a century plant.
You’re welcome, weather. Thanks for the enthusiastic response to Bridget’s comeback tour! Yes, I think that is a century plant. If not, Ed can straighten us out. 😉
You could be correct with the century plant identification but I’m leaning towards agreement with Richard C Dorr when he says it is a Agave weberi also known as as Blue Agave.
I say this based on the length of the leaves (swords) the Century Plant is usually about 2′ long when mature whereas the Blue Agave is 6′. The Century Plant is gray green in color and the Blue Agave is — wait for this — blue.
It would do me good to visit numerous times and actually READ the labels, instead of fooling with my camera. Maybe I’d learn something. Until that happens I’ll rely on you, Ed, Richard, and all the knowledgeable plant people to help me with identifications. Blue Agave does seem correct based on your explanation.
Thanks Ed,I trust your research skills to derive the final answer. Just adding that actually we may all be correct and are talking about the same plant -called something different according to it’s stage in development.As Sue had one in her yard then saw others recently,I saw some in nature and owned a large potted one for years,and we’re all seeing the same photo-I wonder if closely examined they’d prove to be Blue Agave commonly called Century plant.
2 summers ago a Century plant bloomed in our town…it was an amazing sight for me, I took photos and had hoped to get some seedlings as they die after the blooming…but the property was sold and the new owners had the area bulldozed.
That place is really pretty. I’ll have to visit after my guests come for the winter. I wish I was better at walking; my knee still painful and I run out of breath very quickly. But I’m working on it.
We are having a lot of rain today…been pouring all morning. Nice and cool.
I’m just being lazy, but I may do a few chores…cleaning, laundry, grocery shop. All the fun stuff. Hope everyone is having a nice day.
Hi, Ginger,
I wish you were better at walking, too. I’m encouraged by your words “But I’m working on it.” Keep that attitude, dear one.
Those spikey plants are Blue Agave…think tequila!! The cacti fruit is good enough to eat, they make jelly out of it.
Thanks, Richard. I appreciate the help.
Hi Sue and Bridget,
Bridget, You were very brave while traversing that bridge. Thanks for being patient while Sue got those pretty photos of the Monarch butterflies. The Monarch is one of my favorite insects to watch since the caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly are very stunning and equally beautiful with the ornate details.
Sue, You were first today. I loved the tour!
I went back to read Marilu’s post. In my area, we were fortunate that the city prepared for this storm by cleaning the streets and storm drains from the fallen leaves; so, there was no flooding. As to Marilu’s post about LA, there is a recent article in the NY Times on LA which is interesting to read: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/opinion/sunday/los-angeles-city-of-water.html. Seems LA has “an ambitious 20-year plan that treats the Los Angeles basin as a single watershed, integrating water quality, water supply, flood control, wastewater, parks and habitat programs.” Smart idea!
I also enjoyed the Cacti tour with the barrel cacti being my favorite. They almost look inviting to sit on-but that would hurt. 🙂 Safe travels!
Hi, Monica,
Thanks for the link. Interesting and a different view of LA and the water situation…
I wasn’t sure if the butterflies were Monarchs. They seemed too small. Quite fun to photograph them and nice to share them with you.
Thank you for the link to the article–a great read. L.A. still imports 89% of its’ water–yikes!–but at least they’re making efforts to reduce that.
Bridget’s taking over your blog. It’s funny that you both think the other has “control issues”:-) The butterflies were beautiful! I looked for monarch butterflies all summer, but I only saw a few. It was kind of depressing because I just love their colors and story. Thanks for the photo tour and narrative. Have a great day, you two.
You’re welcome, Teresa,
Well, nature tends to work in cycles. Maybe next year will be The Year of the Monarch in your area. You have a great day, too.
Bridget you sure gave a great tour! beautiful cactus and what fun you had.I’m glad so glad Sue let you express yourself. What super weather we’re having here in Florida. My friend is painting my home and then I’m putting up the for sale sign. I am getting excited about this new direction. Spending lots of bucks and I hope it helps me sell and I’m getting all the needed stuff for my travel trailer. I can’t wait to hear how perfect the new door is. hugs Deb
Hi, Deb,
Time is precious and time on the road is super-precious! That paint job will help sell your house and move you into your “new direction.” Love hearing your progress. As we noted previously, you ARE a woman of action!
🙂 true!
Wonderful Bridget! You crack me up! The photos of your expressions are priceless!
Thanks for the tour!
Glad the door is almost ready!
Have a great evening!
Whoever purchased Anne Murray’s Christmas Album won’t be disappointed! Anne has the most soothing voice and is our all time favorite female singer!
Hi, Cinandjules,
That’s the second Anne Murray Christmas album to be sold through my blog. I still prefer Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis, and, of course, Elvis’s “I’ll be home for Christmas . . .”
Some folks have taste…..others are showing their age! 😉 Hah
Johnny Mathis…my mom double dated the prom with him! SF native. She also put orthodontic braces on Bing’s children!
So yeah growing up I heard their music too!
I have to admit, Cinandjules, that’s a clever opening line!
Thank you…thank you very much!
That’s the Elvis part! 😉 Elvis…I never understood the attraction!
Oh, surely you like… ‘VIVA LAS VEGAS! VIVA… VIVA… LAS VEGAAAAS!!”
Doesnt ring a bell!
I actually prefer Petula Clark’s version of Viva Las Vegas, done in French. Heard her live twice and she sang it and I still remember how good it was.
I hope that’s the album I purchased a few days ago! Pat (70)/central Texas
Probably is! Thanks, Pat.
I too was going to suggest a firm of “Agave”. We have Century Plants in our area. They are tall and narrow, somewhat similar to the Joshua Tree in your “totem pole” photo, except the Century has a tall stem that shoots out of the center containing the blossoms. Pretty spectacular when in bloom.
Cracks me up to go to a desert arboretum when IN the desert. Interesting nevertheless. Thanks for sharing. Glad the door situation is nearly a memory.
Happy Trails.
You’re welcome, Ed H,
There’s a place around here — I think it’s on Route 177 between Superior and Kearny — where a hillside is covered with century plants. I’m driving along and suddenly I see all these stalks. I’d seen individual century plants (one grew in my yard in FL)… never so many in one place.
Yeah, you go to the arboretum to save driving in circles for thousands of miles around the Southwest (not to mention a sidetrip to Zimbabwe and S. Africa) in order to find and see this variety of desert plants. Quite a bargain for ten bucks!
Two great posts in a row. Beautiful photos, the butterfly shots are very nice. I made it to the Arboretum once in the 80’s, it has come along way. Survival note: You can cut the top off of a barrel cactus, pull the meat out and squeeze out the water and drink it.
Thank you, Alan. Interesting about the barrel cactus. You can see in the close-up photo where one of the fruits is missing… Hmm… a tourist maybe? Or a hungry animal or bird?
Well done, Bridget! You’re a sharp tour guide–and very patient with Sue when she’s using her camera. I think you have a lot to teach people about cacti in the Ar-bor-EE-tum. I look forward to another tour with you soon, Bridget! Keep on rollin’! Beep beep!
I wonder how many people are saying arr-bore-EE-tum lately. Haha!
Oh my.. “beep beep”… That’s a thought. A red-bulb horn for Bridget’s car!
Great job, Bridget!!!! And Susan, those pictures of the monarchs are spectacular!! All the pictures in this tour have been wonderful. What an interesting place and I bet it was so relaxing to stroll through there with Bridget.
Thanks for sharing your tour, Bridget!
Love and hugs to both of you
Love you, too, Pauline,
It was a relaxing stroll, although I was ever mindful of wanting photos for this blog. It’s the kind of place to visit several times in order to really see what is there. If I were a permanent resident near the arboretum, I’d buy a membership. It says on their website a $50 yearly membership gives you . . .
Unlimited admission 364 days a year for two adults!
Two complimentary guest passes ($20 value)
10% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
Member newsletter and emails
Exclusive member-only events
Discount on classes and lectures
Personalized membership card
Hi, Sue,
That membership is a really good deal! Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond charges $65/yr…the benefits are the same as you noted above, except that it includes unlimited admission for ONE adult…not two!
Hi Sue!
The butterfly photos are amazing! Especially liked the 3rd one.
We belong to our local botanical garden (Missouri Botanical Garden), and they have similar benefits, BUT their members get reciprocity at other gardens that also belong to the American Horticultural Society. I checked to see if Boyce was a member, it’s not, but I did notice LOTS of other gardens all over the country. Maybe this will help some of your blogorinos get value from their memberships!
Dear Bridget: I bookmarked (umm-like hiding something under the rug) your arboretum tour so I can enjoy it again later this winter. You have to admit, the photos added much to your writing.
Thanks for remembering my contribution to Bridget’s tour, Jan!
Really enjoying this tour through the arboretum, and especially the gorgeous butterflies! Thank you Bridget & Sue 🙂
You’re welcome, Linda. Sweet of you to take the time to tell us!
Dear Bridget: You are a professional tour guide. Just between you and me: (as I am sure no one reads these comments but you) you should copyright your write-ups. That way you will always get credit for your work. Be good out there.
-Bob
Hi, Bob,
First thing ya’ know, folks will be suggesting Bridget write a book . . . 🙂
Sue, as the ghostwriter of the book, I’m sure you are looking forward to the obligatory book tour.
Well, actually, no… thinking more about royalties…
Another excellent tour today, Bridget. Please be sure to tell Sue the pictures were great and really helped us see the Arboretum.
Thanks, Lisa. We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and photos!
Hey Bridget and Sue, I really enjoyed Bridget’s tour. Great job!! That looks like a really neat place. The pictures were great Sue. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great news about the door too!
You’re welcome, Jolene. Our privilege to share this with you!
SECURITY DEVICE FOR RV’S
This device (GPS tracker) may be of interest to security conscious RVers:
Sourcingbay® Tracking Drive Vehicle Car Tracker Gps/gsm/gprs System Real-time Google Map Tracking
The tracker has a GPS receiver and a cell phone built in. You insert a SIM card and activate the cell phone number. When you call the tracker unit it responds with the GPS location of the tracker unit. The idea is to hide the GPS tracker in your RV and connect it to the RV’s battery. There are two antenns, one for the GPS and the other for the cell phone. You could mount the antennas on the RV’s roof.
The very nice thing about this system is the thieves get caught quickly.
The installation is quite technical with wiring and setup through cell phone text messages.
Hi, Mick,
You know, I searched Amazon looking for a product like this one! All I found was an expensive thing that required a subscription to a service, blah, blah.
For about $40 this looks good! Thanks for the timely information. I replaced your link with one of mine, BTW.
I’ve thought of making up a card to affix to the coupler, something like “Trailer equipped with tracking device. Steal it and conviction for grand theft guaranteed.”
A warning like that might cause the thieves to disconnect the RV’s battery. You could always hide a smaller battery with the tracker.
This is what I use the H2O SIM card for. $10 for 3 months service with plenty of minutes if you don’t call the tracker every hour. Of course you need cell phone service where the tracker is located. If the thieves hide the stolen RV in a metal building there may be a problem.
Ought oh! The wheels are turning!
Hi Bridget, Racy here!
Wow!!! Those cactuses or cacti or whatever they are — they are scary!!! They could do some real damage to one of our paws!! Glad you were in your little hot rod, that is one cool vehicle! But then you are an awesome gal!
Glad you are out having fun. I like it when you write, but then I have a crush… 😉
Say Hey to RV Sue!
Your friend in Hoquiam,
Racy
Oh dear, poor Racy is in love! Bridget is a hottie in a hot rod! Haha!
Hey to you, too, Barb. 🙂
Bravo Bridget! Bravo!!!! Here are some virtual treats for you 🙂
Tina
Thanks, Tina!
This is a very endearing post. Did someone mention that Bridget ought to write a book? What a great idea. With your wonderful pictures and Bridget’s superb descriptive skills, you just can’t go wrong!
Hi, Marcia… Glad you liked Bridget’s tour, part 2.
Great shots of the butterflies Sue…I would say it was $10 well spent!!
Definitely a bargain. Thanks, Sondra.
Oh. Bridget, I laughed out loud at this one. You both are very funny.
Amazing photos, the arboretum is certainly a place I would enjoy visiting.
Hi, Val,
If one person laughs, then all the effort is worth it!
Hi RVSue,
Please tell Bridget that was a Great Blog! We travel with our dogs also, and they are quite the handful at times. Not sure they would enjoy the peacefulness of the gardens.
I wanted remind everyone another advantage to joining gardens and zoos etc. A lot of them have reciprocal privileges all over the Country! Our Zoo membership in VA gets us in to the Zoo in NC. You can look it up on their web-sights, sometimes they list it in the joining info, but usually on line you can find a list. We usually print out a list before we travel. WE have had many a delightful day trip based on them! Factory tours are great fun also. WE did the Cabot cheese tour this year, I was very impressed, and the samples were great!
Holly in VA
Hi, Holly,
Interesting information about reciprocal privileges. I didn’t know that. Thanks for telling us. Mmm… Cabot cheese, a very good brand.
“Cacti, Honey.” Right up there with “Arr-bore-EE-tum” as the funniest lines. Bridget is some author. I was laughing so hard the first time I didn’t even see the pictures. Had to go back. Thanks for making me laugh out loud.
You’re welcome, Susan. I got a kick out of your comment. 🙂
Beautiful photos again, Sue…seems you could sell some to hang on a wall…or in a photo book!! If you wanted to be bothered that is. Don’t they have a way on Amazon where you could have a book that they print out as it is sold? Cannot remember what such is called…
Hi, Elizabeth,
Glad to hear that your family in CA is okay. Prayers were answered!
Thanks, Denise! Also saw online last night that there was a tornado that touched down someplace in southern CA….crazy!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
Your mention of hanging the photos on a wall made me think of something related to that. The photos, especially the butterfly photos, would look a lot better on a black background. If you click a photo, you’ll see what I mean.
When I set up this blog I wanted a background that would make the text easy to read. That’s why I chose white. I had no inkling of the part photos would eventually play in telling the stories about our experiences. The white really detracts from them. However, I can’t see switching over to black at this point.
You’re talking about an e-book. Thanks for the compliment.
Thank you, Bridget for sharing more of the arboretum with us! You are SO adorable in your car!
Sue, loved your pictures; especially the first one of the barrel cactus….wonderful side-lighting! Your pictures and Bridget’s words made me feel like I was at the garden with you all…thank you! Oh, excuse me…made US feel like we were at the garden with you all. Ok Gracie, I corrected myself!
Gracie and I are watching The Long, Long Trailer on TCM – a cute movie! Hope you and Bridget have a good night! Sending you hugs! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie,
Yeah, that barrel cactus pic is one of my favorites. It’s quite an impressive sight in person.
You’re the one who bought the TCM DVD! Thank you very much. I hope you and Gracie enjoy it.
TRAILER BRAKES FIRST! TRAILER BRAKES FIRST! 🙂
LOL! 🙂
Prickly pear cactus margarita, anyone? Potent, but very tasty. Every time I see a prickly pear cactus heavy with fruit, that is what I think of! Ok, back to my nice cup of hot tea… 🙂
🙂
Cheers, Denise!!!!
I’ll have what you’re having, Gayle.
🙂
Great narrative, Bridget! You did an excellent job taking us through the garden. I love all the cacti!
Thanks, John and Pam!
Dear Bridget: I love your blog and hope you do it again soon. However, please note that I do not buy your statement that you keep food desires mostly to yourself! Really, now! If a rotisserie chicken appears at your Casita, you will be neutral about said appearance? I would have to see that with my own eyes. Nevertheless, you have a certain “je ne sais quoi” that will carry you for now! Happy Holidays! Holiday food is on the way — if you care, of course!
Hi, Gayle,
You make a valid point about Bridget. 🙂 Happy Holidays to you, too, from both of us!
Bridget, it’s good to see you’re taking control of things and giving us a ground up view. Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? RV Bridget & Crew? It could work.
Excellent blog bridge and pictures are awesome sue!
Asia had me read it to her, she couldn’t hold the phone to read herself as she was holding a chicken flavored chewy in her paws 😉
So excited for you and door number 3. Yay.. Yay!!
Can’t wait to see where we are going next. Bags are packed 😉
Peace love happiness and good health to all.
Mert and Asia
Hi, Mert and Asia!
Dear Bridget,
You are a most wonderful & entertaining Tour Guide! I Love seeing & hearing things from YOUR point of view!
WELL DONE!!
Dear RVSUE,
Your photos are amazing!!! Thank you for letting Bridget “take the wheel” so you could take those terrific photos!!!
Lynn
Thanks, Lynn!
Those are great photos Sue and Bridget your doing a great job with Sue’s post ,,,Oh , Timber says hi too! ,,, me
Hi, Rusty and Timber!
Great job Bridget! What a good girl you are to sit and wait while RVSue takes pictures. My dogs aren’t as well behaved as you are. Thanks to you and Sue for sharing with others Boyce Thompson Arboretum. I’ve been lucky enough to go there and I loved it. Safe travels!
Hope you’re keeping warm, Glenda!
The Cactus that look like swords are actually Blue Agave. That is what they make tequila from. Thanks for the post Bridget. You bring me smiles.
Hi Rhonda,
That’s what edlfrey and Richard C. Dorr say it is, too!
Last evening fog here had frozen midair-dropped- leaving clear views for miles,how one thing makes room for the next always fascinates me.Branches completely crowded in color a few dawns ago are ready to hold snow’s glow and glimmer now,autumn’s making room for Christmas card beauty to arrive. Neighbors are rearranging their living rooms so bright trees and packages will fit,canary finch songs fill in the quiet again.Some cardinals here are nesting near their window this year,as their old home’s been occupied by others.You can tell the whole troupe is noticing the differences by how vocal and full of movement they are.
Inside my heart and mind I’ve been re-ordering sweet memories so the new ones I’m moving towards can be more fully lived.I picture you Sue,new door in place,heading for yours on roads full of surprises ahead.As much as I love watching life weave more into our stories,I’m glad familiar pleasures stay close.One of those,my coffee cup, seems especially precious at the moment,does yours?
Good morning, weather,
“Re-ordering sweet memories”… I imagine you have many you cherish. You describe what I’ve been doing with memories of Spike, although I didn’t think of it in that way. When those sweet memories appear in my mind, I look them over with fondness, sometimes with tears, sometimes with laughter, and then I place them tenderly in the love chest.
While others who come here are sorting through the stuff they’ve collected through the years, as I once did, we sort through our own collections — the moments dear to us.
You asked about my coffee cup… Well, I knocked it over… and that clumsy act made a big mess in this small space! Coffee on the comforter, my sweat pants, my Bearpaw boots, the floor… It’s a good day nonetheless. 🙂
Your placing what you are “tenderly in the love chest” is what prompted me to write what I did to you today,I’m ever so glad you received the connection in a positive and beautiful way.Sorry,but that mess with coffee made me laugh,I’ve done that before,too,but not on Bearpaws-hope you can get it out!
I’ve forgotten where you live, Weather. Sue, your butterfly photos are magical! Bridget, you are a hoot. I loved your narration. Peace and happiness to all Blogorinos wherever you are.
Central NY on the largest lake completely within the state, that’s why it doesn’t freeze until much later than the small ones do,often has waves loud enough to hear for nine or ten months of the year.
Is that an area where you get lake effect snow?
Yes,but less than nearby areas much of the time,as fairly dependable wind here blows lots of clouds right over and by.When we do get direct hits by storms,of every kind,they tend to be very intense.Higher plateau meets far(comparatively) lower lake via cliffs,if you can picture that topography you can imagine a disturbance has potential to crash into things if it comes through low enough.It’s rarely dull here 🙂
No wonder your mornings are so invigorating, weather — You live where eagles fly!
Yes,I do Sue!How like you to perceive that!Most hear lakeside and picture boats and sunsets on the water…You’re the first person,aside from myself,to see it’s true worth
Excellent tour once again Bridgett! You are an expert…and very patient. Tell RV Sue the butterfly photos were beautiful! Worth the wait..right? You DID get a treat for being so good, didn’t you?
Thanks, Dawn.
Good morning, Sue!
My brief visit home ends tomorrow when I fly south. It has been a treat but I am eager to see my better half and enjoy warm weather. My time here has reminded me of some of the reasons RV life is fun : no unclogging the tub, getting bathroom fan to run again, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning large spaces and reasons why it is fun to be home: seeing the kiddo, cooking for em, bubble baths, fireplace, room to stretch out.
Choices are a blessing.
I have so enjoyed your photos, especially the butterflies!
Hi, Kathy,
Whew! Glad to hear you and Gil are going to be together again. 😉 Have a happy reunion!
Thanks, Sue and Bridget for the Monarch photos. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly is becoming endangered because it is losing much of the habitat that supports the milkweed plant in the midwest and western sections of this great country. Too many people wanting to live among the great outdoors, but without the “weeds”; instead, lawn grass and other non-native features have replaced the plant the Monarch depends upon.
Good to see the butterfly is flourishing where you are, Sue! That’s a gift!
Hi, Diann,
I was guilty of the big-lawn syndrome. Dumb. That lawn made me a slave to the lawn mower and to the lawn mower repair shop. Live and learn.
Awwww….so, so nice!
I love that place!
And isn’t so cool that you can bring your furry family members?
Those butterfly pics are great! What kind of camera are you using again?
Oh….
so happy about the door!
🙂
Hi, Cindy… It’s a Panasonic LUMIX 60X FZ70 🙂
Thanks!
Your pics are the best!!
I wish someone that knew how to identify a Monarch butterfly would speak up in these comments. I know almost nothing but thought Monarchs had flown south by this time of the year. I went online, where I do my best ‘information gathering’ and have reached the conclusion that what everyone so far has identified as being a Monarch is a Queen (Danaus gilippus).
The Monarch has white dots only within the black along the edges of its wings. Whereas the Queen has white dots within the orange area of its wings. Please click on this link to see what I have described http://www.swmonarchs.org/queen-monarch.php and compare the pictures to those that RVSue has taken.
You’re right Ed,I noticed the difference as well,and even started to “speak up” as you put it.Then I realized my reply was digressing into milkweed and poison ivy as likely nearby indications,blah,blah,blah…So I didn’t post,thinking at least everyone loves the photos 🙂
Hi, edlfrey,
I had my doubts about these being Monarchs (I know, easy for me to say now). Somewhere above I mentioned that they are smaller than Monarchs. I thought that would trigger a true identification. Of course, readers can’t tell the size of the butterflies from my photos. The butterflies are slightly bigger than a postage stamp.
BTW, that’s a GREAT site you found, Ed. Makes the differences very clear. Again, I thank you!
Wonderful post Bridget, I’m glad RVSue let you finish the tour – we all know how she can get! But you have to admit the photos are really spectacular 🙂 Of course had you not been so patient in the butterfly garden we might not have been able to enjoy them. You girls will be down the road soon with a bright new door and the PTV restored – yay!
Hi, Jodee,
This wait for the door which has anchored the BLT (and us) has shown me how addicted I am to freedom of movement. Thanks for the nice message.
Good morning Sue,
That flock of a hundred and fifty or more geese that silently surrounded me recently to introduce themselves has returned.Now they are swimming throughout the cove.Canadian geese needn’t migrate and it appears these may not.As the only neighbor once likely to deliberately rid the area of wildlife has become a friend sharing joy in birdsong and squirrel antics,there’s more reason than ever to think the flock may spend the next season here.”Lively times and big doings” around here 🙂
Hope news where you are arrives soon and is more of a sure thing ,potential is nice yet having it become reality IS a prize easier to celebrate.
Hi Weather, hope your weekend was full of wonderful things, sounds like your morning has been….Have a great day and enjoy those geese as I enjoy being your friend also.
Hi Shirlene,it was a wonderful weekend in many ways,you being on here helps today feel that way,too!Glad you made it through the storms there,what I saw filmed of them had me praying …
-hugs and smiles friend,have some extra fun for me!
I spent most of the weekend under a warm electric blanket, as for some reason, I contracted a cold…did the right and proper thing, stayed away from people, stayed under blankets and last night my fever broke and today I am good….at work…and wishing I could see the view you have everyday…your picture words take me away from the mundane…I so appreciate you.
Good to hear that you fended off a cold!Stay strong,well and nearby-we both have a nicer view this way….
How delightful to have the geese at your lake all winter! I hope they do stay. You opened your neighbor’s eyes and ears to the gifts around her. Fantastic!
🙂
Hi Sue,
Whew, I am glad Ed cleared up the Monarch issue, I was beginning to get confused…I have worked as a volunteer for the Monarch Project here in California, tagging and releasing Monarchs on their migration to Mexico. You can see the tag on the Monarch, on the site that Ed posted….let me tell you..it is tricky trying to get a tag on those wings…also, if you notice two black dots on the wings about mid point of the wing, that denotes it is a Male…just my two cents..
Hope you are staying dry and warm, and enjoying another cup of coffee, as I enjoy my hot Apple Cider….
Love to you and Briget.
Hi, Shirlene,
Your volunteer work must be very interesting and personally rewarding. Also interesting info about identifying male Monarchs. Thanks!
hi, Bridge, tell Su that The Oegonian has a clsified ad with Rat Terriers for sale, i loved your tour, you should write a book. sue even if you yaught English, its rude to criticise my sentence structue.I was gonna plant a butterfly garden, guess i should plant Milkweed too
Hi, carol/Jean,
If you saw my previous comment, please accept my apology. I misunderstood your comment until weather set me straight (below).
I’m glad you enjoyed Bridget’s tour!
Bridget:Cactuses are strange.-Sue:Cacti,honey,…Commenter above:Bridget,tell Sue -even though you taught English it’s rude to correct my sentence structure.
Pollyanna hoped if read that way,humor could be seen as the intent?feel free to delete this if I’m out of line or obviously missed something
Thanks, weather. Apparently I misread the comment. I didn’t realize she was referring to Bridget. When I read comments on my administrative page, I don’t see them in the order that they appear for readers. In other words, I saw the comment in isolation, thus did not pick up her intent.
I will delete!
🙂
So sorry to see you continuing to send us readers to your website instead of blogging on the Email! We are full time RVers and do not have as good a luck with connections as you do. Have tried but cannot keep up with your blogs with the switch from Email to web site! Just takes too much band width. Have enjoyed following you for several years now and always injoyed your posts/travels, but unfortunately, this will be an end for us. Let us know if you ever go back to Email blogs. We’ll miss you!
Hi, Jean,
I assume you are referring to the RSS feed. I had to change the settings so that only the first few lines of a post are transmitted. Yes, then you have to click to go to my blog’s site. I had to do this in order to be in compliance with Amazon’s Operating Agreement. Amazon does not allow its Associates to promote the company via email. Since having the entire blog post sent via RSS feed amounts to sending Amazon promotion contained in my blog by email, I had to change the setting to only a few lines where there isn’t any mention of Amazon.
I’m sorry you are unable to continue reading my blog. Unfortunately I can’t promise to give you a personal notification if the situation ever changes. Whenever you do have a good connection, I hope you will check in with us!