Monday, October 20 – Wednesday October 22
Early morning light seen from our camp at Lone Rock, Glen Canyon Rec Area
Did someone hit me in the head with a club while I slept?
Ever since Bridget and I settled into this camp at the southern reaches of Lake Powell — one of the most scenic places in the country, if not the world — I’ve been in a stupor. Oh sure, I push Bridget around in her stroller, I lounge, I look at the view, I read (now halfway through the third book of the Outlander series) . . . and I sit around chatting with Jack when he comes over in the afternoons.
Our camp next to Jack’s (No, I’m not a clinger! He invited us to camp here.)
Jack’s an interesting guy, by the way.
He’s originally from Holland (I’ll use the country name he uses). Most of his childhood was spent in Indonesia. During World War II his family was dispersed when Dutch people were rounded up and sent to different concentration camps. Jack was seven when he was sent to a boys’ camp and separated from his family.
When the war was over, his family reunited and moved back to Holland. A few years behind in his education due to the war, Jack had to adapt quickly and work hard to catch up.
He married an American girl and raised a family in Massachusetts. A widower now, he’s been RVing full-time since 1998.
I enjoy listening to his tales of travel to and around Europe over the years, as well as his full-timing experiences.
Her Preciousness tours in the Royal Carriage
The photo (above) shows the rest room building at the day use area. This is the extent of our travels lately. Hmm. . . . nice facilities here. Like what you’ve done with the place . . .
Thursday, October 23
Our neighbors on the bluff have dwindled to two — Jack and one other camper.
Lone Rock and lone camper
I still haven’t paid any campground fees. I’ll be darned if I’m going to DRIVE to find someone to take my money. If asked by an official person, I’ll gladly pay because I do appreciate the water spigot, dump station, and trash bins.
It’s another beautiful day in the desert.
Bridget and I have hung around camp for three days. I need to get off my can. We need to go somewhere and do something today. We’re turning into a pair of camp potatoes!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I appreciate every purchase, large or small.
LOL
I love it!
Her Princessness!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Off to a busy day in TBI land…support group and beyond!
Barb
Hope your group went well… Congratulations on being Numero Uno!
Oh HOLY CRACKERS I AM FIRST???
NO WAY!!!
It can’t be anything but a great day now!
Take care of yourself Sue! You give us all so much to be joyous about. 🙂
Barb
Not only are you first, you’re also second! Wow! You’re amazing today, Barb!
TeeHee! I am never first! 🙂
Group was grand. Several were missing, due to illness or losses… but even a small group is so rewarding. I am so thankful for my peeps!
Now to catch up on the people who followed me today onto this bloggerino space! LOL
Hugs from Hoquiam –
We had another tornado in WA (Longview!) today! CRAZY!
Barb
ANOTHER tornado?? When was the first?? I had not heard that there was any…but up here north of Seattle, we are kind of in our own little land I guess….
Love the Handicapped shot.
Darn I’d like to tell you about some place close to go see, but there isn’t any. Antelope canyon is beautiful but it is all tours of about 15 or so people. Paria is 25 miles back but that is the long hike side to the good stuff, about 5 miles each way. Every thing past Page is recervation and you ain’t allowed. So sit tight and enjoy.
You are absolutely right, Alan. There’s only so much I can do with a lame dog and all the other stuff I’m dealing with right now.
I laughed out loud at the pictures of Bridget, she is enjoying the luxury of being in her own chariot and I think she has no trouble being a camp potato. I’m glad you are enjoying your stay there and are able to see so much natural beauty in your travels.
I am enjoying this beautiful morning with all my windows open i can even hear the birds sing. Happy trails to you and HRH Bridget.
I’m glad it’s beautiful in Arizona… but then it usually is at this time of year! Always nice to hear from you Willow… I’m closing up this laptop and going! 🙂
I love that Bridget has her own parking spot!!! She IS precious! That is a lovely spot to be a camp potato at than where you are parked. Great view, nice weather and sounds like nice companion. Everyone on here will vouch that you tried to pay the fee. If they are in need, they would come after it.
Enjoy yourself!!!
Love you
Love you, too, Pauline!
Pauline! Did you see my post one page back? Please tell me what a normal day is for you with respect to eating. What do you eat? Please. Very curious. My surgery will probably be in about 2 months by the time I get all the preliminaries done.
I usually a bite or 2 of deli turkey for breakfast but have found some instant steel cut oats that I am enjoying. Makes about 3/4 cup and that fills me up. From lunch, I have some turkey, tuna and mayo, grilled chicken, soup….just about anything but no bread or high carb stuff. I can only eat about 1/2 -1 cup of anything. If we go out….I take a few bites off Jerold’s plate or get some grilled chicken, sweet potato …grilled white fish. Since I can’t eat much, I take it home and have it for the next day. Really, now that I am almost 6 months out I can eat just about anything…but not much it. You are very restricted the first 4 months, but your doctor will advise you and give you a diet. They will start with simple foods and then keep adding stuff. Beef and pork were added at 4 months. I have found tht doctor’s diets vary from area to area. Let me know if you need more information
Hi Sue. Hi Bridget. Water, dump, trash and rest rooms….all free due to a broken machine. Cool! I think I would take advantage of that for as long as I could. Too bad Bridget isn’t able to walk. I would recommend getting a permit and seeing The Wave. Everyone should see that at least once. You mentioned a couple of times wanting to paint. Now’s your chance! Do you have the supplies?
Hi, Cherie,
It’s very possible we’ll be back through this area when making the north-south or south-north journey, following the sunshine. Maybe I’ll be able to do The Wave then.
I have paints. I have too many unfinished things to deal with these days to settle down to paints. Tech stuff mostly. It’s all I can do to focus on photography. I’m in Major Procrastination Mode.
Embrace the procrastination — maybe not today, but maybe tomorrow or the next day! Love the handicapped parking photo! You’ve still got your sense of humor!
The Princess certainly looks content. If you ever wanted to adopt a shelter dog I think you would only need to show them that photo along with some of your blog posts. When I die I’d like to come back as one of your furry traveling companions. What a life!
I sense you are soon going to be heading south. Some high country on your way. Stay warm:)
Hi, Marilu,
Yeah, we do have some high country to cross. I’m sure the San Francisco Peaks will be topped with snow.
If I need to be approved in order to adopt a dog, it probably would be wise to hide Bridget. If she’s not gimping around, she’s squawking like she’s abused.
ATTENTION DESERT GINGER: Sue said you asked me a question in the Beach n Bluff blog. There are now 258 comments on there and I seem to have missed yours. My eye balls started to roll so I gave up looking. Would you please ask me again? Thanks….and FYI…I have lost 60 lbs since last May 5th and have been stuck at this weight for 3 weeks.
Pauline, you can find any word, series of words, name anything by simply clicking on “Edit” at the top of your browser page, then click “find”, then at the bottom left of the screen is a box, type the name or whatever and click the up or down on the right side of your typed word. Be sure you are in “comments” when you do this.
Do not forget that the ‘find’ is case sensitive.
Pauline… Ginger asked what you eat on a typical day, given you’ve had the gastric sleeve surgery she is considering. You can answer here and I’m sure she’ll see it.
Yeah…what do you eat on normal day. My surgery will be in about 2 months after I do all the preliminaries…
Desert Ginger…check your post on Oct 23 at 8:15PM above. I put down some of the things I eat.
I just love it that you have been veggin and enjoying your so nice spot! How is the Princess’s leg doing now? Perfect shot of her by the handicapped sign…it made me giggle.
I just got home from visiting my sister in Astoria, sitting on my sofa with my feet up and coffee at hand…no place like home!
I have to share my latest adventure on the train…I woke up this morning with the train stopped and realized we had arrived early at the Sacramento station, where I was transferring. So I quickly dressed and opened my door…6am…sorta awake…and directly across the aisle what do I see but a buck naked man asleep on the top bunk, no covers…door open, curtain open…’oh Shite’ blurts out of my mouth, clearly an example of engaging mouth before engaging brain… My blurt woke him up, he added his own ‘oh shite’ as he slammed the curtain..didn’t know you could slam a curtain! When his lady friend came back to the room..the war was on….oh dear! I was by that time laughing so hard, snorting really…oh dear, glad I am an old lady, been there, done that sort of person…take whatever happens and find the humor I always say…never a dull moment on the train!
I love train travel!
Fun story! Thanks for sharing! I haven’t been on a train in ages!
Hi, Lee J,
Love your train adventure! That’s the way, girl… Live life to the fullest… Catch a strange man sleeping naked!
To answer your question, Bridget is okay. She’s still limping though. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain. I’m wondering if her leg is drawn up from lack of use. I’m going to massage and flex it to see if that helps, as long as it doesn’t hurt her to have me do that.
I didn’t know you could slam a curtain either! Funny 😀
Your title had me going!I thought “What’s she do,have the PTV and BLT flown to Idaho or something?”When I understood that you meant you two, and not a camp’s name,I burst out laughing.Now I’m playing with it-lounge potato,beach potato,pillow potato too
Fascinating story about Jack’s life-again I love the way your gifts/demeanor makes people feel safe or free and they open up to you.It seems some people’s ways of surviving early struggles gives them resilience,that they overcome and flourish.Sixteen plus years of full timing takes strength and the ability to switch gears – through life’s and the land’s- valleys, rough roads, mountain top or sweet home days ..
Bridget looks so cute in those photos,and your home-so cozy with a view,heart warming post,Sue,thanks
You’re welcome.
You gave me a laugh, weather. I can imagine a campground called “Camp Potatoes,” located in Idaho. 🙂
When Jack told me his story, my heart broke for the little boy of seven and also for his parents. People can be remarkably resilient. Jack hasn’t let that early experience keep him from enjoying life.
It is heart breaking to hear stories of suffering,too seldom heard the ones with happy endings -precious all the more that you included it.As ever,I’m proud of you,Sue.Would that the media or at least more folks imitated you in that-we’d all be enjoying life more-living on less or not!
In case we turn in early,-may blessings and knowing you’re loved be your coverings and sweet dreams what keep you tucked in,n’ nite
Do you think the princess (AKA Bridgett) will get used to being pushed and refuse to head out for a hike once her leg heals? She’s such a cute thing she might use her cuteness to her advantage.
Hi, Dawn,
You may very well be right. Bridget already has a habit of staging sit-down protests. If she doesn’t want to do something, she plops down her behind and stares. She can be a defiant little “princess.”
I have a princess that does the same thing. She likes to wait till we’re at least a mile away from the car and then she decides that’s far enough and sits down. She’s cute too so she thinks she can get away with it. Sometimes she does. But carrying a 20 pound sheltie gets pretty warm pretty fast. I’m so gullible.
It’s a miracle that Jack was ever reunited with his family back during those bad times.
Hi, C.W.,
“Bad times” indeed… Too much suffering all over the world!
We have met a dear little man here who was one of the youngest to survive Auschwitz…one of the sweetest people you could meet!! Still in comprehensible that one group of people could try to kill all of another people group…but this continues someplace in the world yet today. Beyond sad…
Hi Missy, The weather here is wonderful now. We “Zonies” (you are a honorary member) welcome you here for the winter. Bridget seems to be relishing being spoiled. Oh well, she is a good little companion and deserves the best and with you, she gets it. Keep the wind at your back and be careful…..
Hi, Jim,
I’m guessing the weather here is similar to what you’re having now. Beautiful! Sunny but not hot, no annoying wind, a gentle breeze now and then, wispy clouds in blue sky…
I drove to Arizona today and back to Utah. The border is only a mile or two away. 🙂
I don’t know Jim. Only coming to AZ in the winter makes you a Snow Bird. You have to spend a summer, 120 degree heat and all, there to be a Zonie. 🙂
Well I spent the summer in Tucson and we never got near 120 degrees…not even close. But I still think I’m a ‘zonie’…this is home, year round. And most of us are just waiting for Sue to show up!
Only kidding Ginger. Sue is a natural Zonie.
Allan, I have lived in Arizona year round for 9 years. I spent 4 of them in Lake Havasu City (One of the hottest in summer). I camped in AZ around Yuma on the river for 35 years when I took vacations from my home in San Diego. I know heat. Sue is a “honorary” Zonie. I wasn’t expected to make arrests when I was a “honorary” sheriffs deputy in California.
🙂 Just Having Fun
Your royal preciousness, the sight of you sitting in your carriage at your reserved site just broke up what had been a grouch of a day. Have been sitting at the computer attempting to get a couple of easy tasks done, now, 4 hours later, this computer that is slower than a turtle going backwards, has not won this battle. Moms’ blog was just what was needed to break up the teeth clenching mood that had set in. Sue, thank you for your sense of humor, you have given us all many good chuckles these past three years. Never stop finding humor in the little things we sometimes over look. Hope Bridgets leg gets better soon as she is looking way too comfortable in these pictures. Enjoy the nice weather. It is cold, damp and raw here in W. Ma. Oh how I miss the Arizona desert. Be well.
Jazz Lover
Hi, Jazz Lover,
I’m pleased that my blog helped you out of the grouchies. I can relate! Computer stuff has made me irritable, too. I give up and walk outside and therefore the computer problems are taking forever to solve. I hate it. “A turtle going backwards”… You got that right.
“Cold, damp and raw”… Oh, I remember those days in the Northeast. Good cuddling weather!
Thanks for the nice words toward me, Bridget and my blog. I’m happy to bring the Arizona desert to you over the coming months. You be well, too…
Wow all that and free too!….maybe you just need to decompress some more…you know when you get the hitch itch and clearly you are not itching yet….why should you, beautiful scenery, nice conversations, nice toilet facilities, handicap access for the Bridget, now all you need is someone to cook dinner for you…Weather are you available?
Ha!Sue might enjoy my version of cuisine-rye toasted dark with jalapeno cheese between it,antipasto with salami ,of course, bakery wrapped chocolate pastry,a plate of rotisserie chicken nicely diced for Bridget-You might notice that none of that needs cooking,that way it can be dropped off without dropping in 🙂
Sounds yummy to me…make it 2 to g0.
🙂
Sue MIGHT? Sue ABSOLUTELY WOULD enjoy your version of cuisine. 🙂
I love all those things!
Me,too,bonus-I wouldn’t even have to change my grocery list 🙂
🙂
Mmmmm….that sounds so good, Weather! I’d like a boxed dinner to go, too! 🙂
Denise,I have a box it would fit quite nicely in 🙂
raises hand, Um, Miss Weather, can you make one more order for me? That sound delicious!
OK.Cari,and for being so polite-you get extra recess,too!
😉
What is it about food and this blog? We always seem to end up talking about food and salivating into our keyboards.
You’re stimulating ,Sue!We start thinking of things we like and want…Then it’s off to the races for appetites of this sort,too 😉
You’re making me hungry to!. Trying so hard to stay away from the fridge before going to bed tonight 🙂
But I’m taking notes ’cause I’ve just got to try that combo! Love rye, and jalapeno cheese also.
Yes, I thought this post was about a yummy potato recipe. 🙂
Hi, Shirlene,
“Decompress”… That sounds good. I’m in-between hitch itch and wanting to stay. It’s like I’m neither here nor there… an unsettled feeling which has me sitting around, putting off things I should be doing, hiding in 18th century Scotland through the book I’m reading …
Thanks for telling me it’s okay!
Beautiful place, it seems perfect to spend time reflecting, pondering or as you say being camp potatoes…
How nice meeting Jack and hearing about his life experiences perhaps sharing yours as well…
Hope the princess will not have to use the chariot much longer but seems to work well for her in the mean time!!! Great parking spot y0u found for her too 😉
Seems the summer was far too short this year and tho we have enjoyed an extended fall with mild temps and not many storms in N. Ut. just not ready for the extreme weather changes yet… There is already Christmas in the stores and the tv movies to start this week…. Now why is it we have thanksgiving (scratching head), maybe the powers that be should just combine the 2 (since the commercial powers that be essentially have), well time flies no matter, I like January when once again the stores pop up with things for spring, gardening, etc, kinda helps get thru the cold snowy winter in these parts 🙂
Moving forward….
(((Hugs))) to you both!!!
T~
Hi, Tawanda,
Thanks for the hugs. 🙂
Christmas in the stores already? I wouldn’t know because the only stores I go to are groceries and they have all those pumpkins to unload.
I don’t miss my vegetable garden or flower beds or any of that. I will admit, though, that I do feel a twinge — only for a moment — when I walk by those racks of seed packets in stores. The familiar names … Kentucky Wonder green beans, Cherry Belle radishes, Sugar Baby watermelon…
I guess you do get some severe winter weather in northern Utah. Of course you do… Utah has everything! Before long people will be pulling out the skis and revving up the snowmobiles…
Winters can get pretty gnarly up this way.. Have a tune up scheduled for our snow blower next week. Snow is due in the mountains this weekend, skiers will definitely be happy when the resorts are up and running…
Small town grocery stores do keep the holidays in order, I miss that… In the big city (commercially) it’s all Christmas from here on till it’s over it seems like… In Costco and WW the decor has been out for a few weeks 🙁
Beautiful sunset tonight… Enjoy!!
T~
Hi, Sue!
The picture of Miss Bridget’s throne in the handicapped parking zone cracked me up! Thanks for the chuckle!! 🙂
That rig on the beach is HUGE! I can only imagine what it costs to take that thing anywhere!
Lovely pictures…beautiful light on the rock formations!
Enjoy the rest of your day….it is ok to be lazy sometimes. Methinks the Bridge is milking the stroller for all it’s worth!! You are lucky that Bridget will sit in the umbrella stroller. I had picked up one a while back, because I was going to a huge outdoor book fair that was spread out between 2 barns. I did not want Gracie to get stepped on. Well, you would have thought the thing was lined with barbed wire! Little Miss REFUSED to sit in it, and would bark aggressively at it. Back to Target the thing went. I ended up going to the book fair with her on the leash and she did just fine – charming every dog loving person that she met.
I used to think that dogs strollers were beyond ridiculous….but now I know how they can come in handy and actually be practical. Not a vanity thing, but to protect our small pets or help them get around if injured. Please do let us know what model you decide on. I saw several at HomeGoods over the weekend, and even discounted, they are expensive!
Hugs! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
You never can tell how a dog is going to react to something like a stroller. Who would’ve thought Spike, the tough guy, would ride in an umbrella stroller? He did!
Amazon sells several models of pet strollers, ranging from $40 on up. Of course I like the kind that go for about $190 and have big wheels for rough terrain. Not going to pay that though. There are decent ones for $80-$90. That’s still a lot of money for a dog’s ride….
I have a feeling Bridget is going to have leg problems, on and off, from here on out. If not from her injury, then arthritis. The umbrella stroller is okay for short walks on smooth pavement. However, the wheels are small and there’s nothing to absorb shock, so it’s useless on rough ground or gravel.
If I do go ahead and buy one, I’ll order one big enough for a two-dog crew.
A stroller big enough for a two-dog crew is smart thinking. It will come in handy if you decide to venture/shop in Quartzite. If you have one pup in the stroller, you’ll have room for stuff, so you can browse with your hands free.
Of course you like the $190 model….you have good taste!
Hope you and Bridget have a good evening! Sending you hugs!
I got the big one with big terrain wheels, but also got baby blue to match my car…lol….it worked really well for my two poodles who are about the same size as Bridget, both fit in cozy…very happy with it….no expense spared for my doggies also.
Ooh… That’s Bridget’s dream car!
Hi, Sue…I thought for sure that while camping you have discovered a new yummy dish made with potatoes!! Ha…instead of the word play. Well, I rarely have eaten any potato dish I disliked!! ESPECIALLY made with Idaho potatoes by the way…where the climate and soil is the most perfect for growing them (yea, used to live there and Grampie grew them, to die for, the best you could find).
Funny Bridget…heh, wonder how she likes you taking photographs now that she is somewhat captive in the little stroller??
Sometimes when I change locations, if the altitude difference is very much, it makes me feel almost drugged…like I am waking up from surgery!! But lovely breezy days with lots of lovely FALL thrown in also do the same thing…my very favorite season. Been just so happy enjoying the scenery and the different plants with such changing colors. I am not sure what kind of deciduous tree it is, but they are all around here, and they usually have at least 4 distinct colors on them, if not more, at one time…one is simply a FLAMING RED!!! Heh…was born auburn haired….so red in trees….kind of nice.
Oh and the rain….I LOVE IT SO….especially so with living near the noisy community center….oh it helps so much!! I am asking GOD to send more on weekends especially!!! Today the rains cleared for several hours now….due to return by evening…so we got in a very long walk which is just the best….we began dating Aug. 31st 1969…spent GOBS of time in the wonderful FALL IDAHO weather before he was sent off to the Navy (thanks, Viet Nam war)….so this time of year means a lot to us!! Ahem, be careful young lady….FALL has this effect on some folks’ hearts….au contrare….compared to Spring!! HAHA…
Hi, Elizabeth,
You sound very happy today, enjoying the weather and your surroundings, reminiscing about dating and your time in Idaho. I enjoyed your comment very much.
I figured people would think I had a potato recipe to share. I like sliced potatoes and onions wrapped in heavy foil with lots of butter and put over the fire until done… a little salt and pepper… Yum! That’s how Larry made them for me when we camped next to each other at Brooks Lake, Wyoming. They taste even better when someone else prepares them. 🙂
Have a great evening!
NOW I am hungry!! Onions and potatoes…very yummiest of combinations!! I used to make this very decadent dish…but only with company so we would not eat it all by ourselves…you know, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter, corn chips, cheese, green onions, with a topping made of corn flakes, cheese etc. I do not think anyone ever disliked that dish either. But alas, probably not too good on the arteries…have not made it in ages.
Just saw in newspaper that we are supposed to have rain from Friday evening on until early next week…YES, YES, YES…what good news…maybe no migraine headaches from lousy loud music. Ever notice, they never play classical music that loud?? Actually, I can stand drums in music if done tastefully and without the noise level so loud you cannot even hear yourself think. Saw in the paper under the police report that the center shut down that night last Sat. that was so bad, early even…LIAR, LIAR Pants on fire!! Those of us living nearby know the truth. So this weather should help if we get more of the same this weekend!!
Oppsss….forgot to mention that dish was basically made with grated cooked potatoes…rest of that stuff mixed in…
Sounds yummy! 🙂
HI Denise, Heh…good ole days…yep very tasty. Not my recipe…one I found in a book, by the way.
Bridget, you sweet girl, getting to park in a handicap zone is so cool. talking about cool, the weather man says it’s going to be in the 60s by the first week of November, with 40s at night , then warm up to the low 70s, all in Havasu area, but we don’t camp in L.H.C.. , ether to the north or south of town ,,,dad’s out looking at the clouds to the north of us,,,,,,,,,,,Timber
Hi, Rusty and Timber…
You’re going to enjoy that cooler weather!
Nice, as always. Sounds like instead of “cabin fever,” you’ve got yourself a touch of “campground fever”…wanna go somewhere…wanna go somewhere…but can’t think of anyplace to go, or anything to do. I know this feeling well 🙂
Hi, Teresa,
Well, we did go on a little ride today and I took some scenic photos. When we don’t do anything it makes blogging more difficult. I’m always more at ease when I know I have some photos from which to spin a blog post. It was good to get out and about and really good to come home.
The Horesehoe Bend is a fav stop not far from Page, I found it to be well worth the time if you havent seen it yet. I was thinking Yummy camp food was in this blog too..haha.. I did cook some potatoes when I was road tripping last week,,,it tastes so much better when eaten outside!!
Hi, Sondra,
Well, we left Page today so we won’t be going to Horseshoe Bend. I’ve put away my Utah benchmark for another year. Unfortunately my connection is weak at our new camp. We’ll stay overnight and continue moving south tomorrow. I was able to download the next book in the Outlander series. That will entertain me from now until bedtime.
I hate it when I leave the blog with the same ol’ post for a couple of days… Oh well, at least the comments keep it alive…
Whoops, Dad says , 80s to 70s and by mid November down to the 60s. my bad, I was looking to far ahead, Dad says , don’t worry, be Happy ,,,,,,,,,,,,Timber
Woof
Woof, woof, Shirlene, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Timber ;>)
When I read the title, I thought for sure you had pulled up stakes and moved again. I was scratching my head because you had said previously this was a great spot – free camping/water/restroom/etc, and a pleasant new friend in Jack. Then I laughed out loud when you explained the meaning of the term. You have definitely retained (or found again) your sense of humor!
I’m back at work again, but it’s all right, because this is my LAST quarter to work cleaning and photographing ATMs!!! My finances are in order for me to completely retire at the end of this year, with my IRAs and investments replacing my ATM income until Social Security kicks in at age 66.
Hi, Cari,
It’s a wonderful feeling to see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” Once I made the decision to leave teaching and retire, stuff that I took seriously at work didn’t seem so important any more. And then when I walked out of that building for the last time… Oh what a glorious moment! I’m glad you can see how you will retire and have a plan!
And here I thought I was getting a new (and of course easy) recipe for potatoes when out camping. Dang! Now I’ll have to go back to the recipe post and dig through those. 😉
Like Elizabeth in WA, I’ve never met a potato dish I didn’t like.
And like some of the other blogerinos, I too got a smile from her royal highness in her special chair parked in front of the loo. Probably wondering when her servant would return so as not to break a sweat. I know you’re looking for a true dog stroller and one more comfortable for Bridget, but she is just so darn cute in that stroller. Queen of the world.
Love the camp potatoes reference. Everyone needs some down time, Sue, no matter one’s life situation. Whether schlepping to a 9 to 5 or retired and making the most of the days, a body and mind still need a recharge. So enjoy it! Put your feet up for a while with yet another Outlander novel (aren’t there about 500 of those now? Oh, and a TV series), a glass of tea (or wine — your preference), a cool breeze, and a loving pup to stare adoringly at you and enjoy the break. I’m sure you’ll be making a move again soon to yet another fantastic camp.
Cold and rainy here in Boston, so I’m loving pix of the desert right about now.
Wishing you and Bridget all the best.
David
Hi, David,
I’m with you… There are no bad potato dishes.
Yep, I’m hooked on the Outlander series. I’ll be speaking like an 18th century Scottish lassie before long. It was kind of neat to see a reference to my Sutherland clan in this latest book in the series.
Oh gosh, another blogorino in the cold and rainy Northeast.. . 🙂 I’ll keep the desert photos comin’ for you, David.
Nice to hear from you again, bringing a “best wish” for Bridget and me.
Oh, Sue…you are a Sutherland? The girl who was engaged to marry my brother (who was killed by a drunk driver 6 weeks before their wedding) that was her last name….interesting!!
Yes, Sutherland on the maternal side. 🙂
These Sutherlands lived in Spokane, WA. Nice folks.
Good Morning David, I am glad you joined us, I so enjoy your posts…you say the most thoughtful things…Enjoy your day.
Thank you, Shirlene! I hope you’ve had a wonderful day. Have a great weekend too!
Ok, Bridget has outdone herself with being cute. Those photos of her in the stroller were hilarious, especially with that self-assured expression on her face. “Why, yes, my leg is feeling somewhat better. Thanks for asking.” says she.
Hi, Susan,
You should see the looks I get from people driving by or walking on the road. Of course they think I’m an eccentric ol’ lady playing “my baby” with a dog.
Bridget has come to expect this service from me. She stands next to the stroller waiting for me to pick her up. She’s turning into a dumpling again from lack of exercise. We were doing great with our exercise program. Darn!
Well, maybe you should buy Bridget some frilly dresses from the thrift shop, so folks can REALLY wonder…heehee…didn’t you dress up your dogs as a kid?? We did….heehee
I so relate to not wanting to make decisions and that’s where I find myself now. I lost my job which I did like but I realize it wasn’t right for me in a few ways. Anyway my Lawyer called and finally after 15 months of wondering I now know how much money is coming with in the next 2 weeks. So I am starting to look at RVs and today I saw a 1995 Dolphin 33′ Class A that was so clean and well taken care of and it was nice! The man owned it for the last 12 yrs and he had a beautiful home with a bunch of cars that he works on and collects. I could get it for $10,000. Very classy place and gentleman. I am also looking at travel trailers up to 25ft. Man I don’t know if driving a class A is going to be easy. And my 2007 Chevy Avalanche would need to be sold and get a small towable car. Whew… too much to think about so I will chill out and take my time.
Bridget looks very content being wheeled around, I don’t blame her. LOL Hope your massages will help her. She looks adorable.
Well I spilled out my self here and appreciate any feedback. I’m thinking I’ll be full timing in around 4 months. sigh… so many changes.
Hi, Deb,
If you’re finding it hard to make a decision, then it’s best not to make one. Never force a decision if you can wait.
You know I’m biased in favor of travel trailers so take what I’m going to say with “a grain of salt.” One thing to consider with the Class A is the cost of maintenance and repairs. Plus, if you go ahead and get the Class A and pull a toad behind it, you have a lot of tires to maintain and replace, two engines, two transmissions, double the oil changes, etc. You’re more likely to have higher bills with the Class A than with a vehicle towing a trailer.
Now that I’ve rained on your parade . . . Step back and remember I’m biased toward travel trailers and the Dolphin may be a great deal for you, regardless of what I say. I really don’t know!
It’s a daunting task — deciding on a rig — and it’s also exciting and so much fun when you finally take YOUR OWN RIG out on the road!
I don’t think you “rained” (but I know what you meant). It’s like they say, “horses for courses” — each rigs has its pros and cons, and there is no objective “best” one. There are sometimes best ones for a given person/situation. Such as, you have your PTV and BLT. Kay has her “PDP” (perfect diesel pusher).
One thing that I think makes it hard is that oftentimes, it’s hard to know how you’ll end up traveling (and of course even one person can travel different ways). But I mean for one example, small national forest campgrounds in California are small! So for those you would want as small a rig as possible. But are “you” even going to want to camp in those? Maybe… maybe not. Kay has a good point about the living room/facilities being right there in her rig; but then the way Sue travels it’s probably not a big hardship to pull over and move between tow vehicle and trailer.
I’ve mentioned this before, but, do you want to “feel” nimble? If so, what would that take? It’s no good if your 32′ motorhome will fit into X campground if you never find X campground because you didn’t want to poke down that road that had a tent symbol (indicating camping somewhere down there…) But maybe that wouldn’t be “you” anyway. Or you just don’t know yet. Maybe you’ll be happiest going from commercial park to commercial park, so even a 42-footer is no biggie. As Kay says, they are easy/comfortable to drive once you have experience. Or maybe you’re the type that can combine them both, because you like to research ahead of time, so you’ll know about X campground well in advance, and know that your (theoretical) 32-footer can make it in and out no problem. Maybe you’re the type who will have a site reserved well in advance.
Is your RV going to be a base camp (maybe parked in a campground for weeks at a time) and you’ll go off exploring in a toad? Or do you like to have it all with you? Do you tend to move along often? Do you like to set out a lot of things and make a homey camp, then venture out (in the toad) or just sit tight? Or do you like to roll and ramble? Will you be visiting a lot of friends who may have short driveways? Do you want to be able to park there?
Are you going to keep a land home? Sell it and pack light, only keeping what you have with you? Pack light but maintain storage somewhere (perhaps swinging through annually to exchange items)? Bring it all in a larger rig?
As I mentioned above, sometimes you just don’t know how you’ll end up traveling. Or you think you do but it evolves and changes. Or your travel style ends up matching your rig because that’s the rig you have. Everyone can’t just try one of each, and even the folks who do end up “evolving through” various types don’t typically do it all within, say, a year. So in a way the rig style you choose can dictate how you travel, and can make it easier or harder to “try on” various travel styles.
In the end, no matter what you choose, there will likely be some things you’d change if you had a magic wand. Personally, I’d like the nimbleness of a “B,” the storage compartments and huge windshield of an “A,” and the “I can change tow vehicles to update them whenever but hang on to the RV for life” of a travel trailer. All in one rig of course 😀
Wow Sidewinder Pen,
You’ve given me lots to think about and I truly thank you for your valuable input. This morning I was showing my 2007 Chevy Avalanche to a male friend and he was impressed with the size and look of it’s V8 engine and says it is ready for pulling a good sized trailer and boy is it a pretty silver truck decked out with lots of chrome. My husband really took pride in his truck and now I find I do too. I’m going to take my time on this decision and look at all my options.
thanks so much.
Debbie
You do have a nice truck, Deb. Quite an asset….
My dear husband is still providing such magic in my life. You know Sue I’m leaning toward a trailer now that I have thought about it. Why not take advantage of having the truck paid for and finding a nice trailer to suit my comfort and needs. I’ll spend a lot less and keep the $ for expenses and life mishaps. Yes it makes sense. thanks for such good advice and all the wonderful blogorino’s thank them t0o!
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I can totally see starting out with a trailer since you have a truck you know and love (and it has sentimental value). I mean, not that a trailer is “settling,” either, but just…. you have to choose somehow, and who really knows (unless you are lucky like Sue and just know…)? So why not start out with what comes easily (trailer to go with your truck), and give it a whirl? As a side bonus, being non-motorized, trailers are less expensive, so if you change your mind… (or you can go larger or smaller with a different trailer).
Do know your tow capacities before getting a trailer. A big engine doesn’t always mean big tow capacity (or it may). And also know that the listed tow capacity may not even be achievable. It can be tricky that way. But if you have your facts and figures, it’s simple. So check out your GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR (front and rear), plus your tongue weight allowance (may be on hitch). One of those will be your “stopper” that keeps you from going larger; you just have to figure out which one it is. For example, on my rig, it’s GAWR-rear. I hit that limit long before I hit the GCWR (i.e. tow limit), so that is my real limit.
Also, now that I’m the one “raining” ;), don’t take trailer mfgr weight figures as gospel. Weigh it yourself. Also good to know the weight with all your stuff in it and either fresh or grey/black tanks full (because usually it will be one or the other).
In other words, information/numbers are your friend. Armed with them, you can make it all work and have piece of mind.
Happy shopping!
PS: And say it turned out you fell in love with a Class B? I bet your husband would say “go and enjoy” and you could exchange your truck. That’s just a guess on my part (and I have no idea that you would even want a “B,” but just as an example).
And even peace of mind 😀
Well, Deb… Keeping the truck for a tow vehicle makes a lot of sense. You’re familiar with its maintenance and repair record and it’s paid for. Now you can look around at trailers and see if there’s one that suits how you see yourself traveling and living in it.
Keeping my truck is the best decision at this time. I don’t need a huge trailer just a small 19-25 ft should be more than enough. thanks everyone for your help.
You have brought up a lot of interesting points, Pen. I will be going through the same decision making process that Deb describes after I retire next year, and these are all things I need to consider as well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and input!
Hi, Deb,
It is ok to take your time to look at all your options. If you are unsure, wait. When you are 100% comfortable with decisions regarding your future, the answers will come easier and not cause so much stress. Excitement will replace aprehension. Be gentle to yourself…you have been through a lot.
RVs: Think about where you would like to visit and where/how you would like to camp. Some national and state parks have total vehicle length restrictions just to drive through the park. This may help you determine what may work best for you. Good luck, Deb. It will all come together when it is supposed to. 🙂
Hi Denise,
Thank you for your reply to my decision making. I have been thinking about this for so long. Before my husband got sick we were going out looking at different types of RVs. I always wanted big because it was to be our home. Now that it is me and my two puppy girls it’s changed. Before I’d say oh nice passenger seat ooh a place for my laptop while YOU drive. lol
Now it’s all about me and I will be really getting into choosing the right type for me. I paid my last truck payment and now I don’t owe any monthly things except the usual stuff. No house or car pmt. Hard to believe but true.
Just going to have fun now.
Although it was certainly not your choice, it’s smart of you to realize your situation has changed and to re-asses your “known” facts. Go you! Glad you have your pups, too.
Along with the grief/doubt/pain/etc. I hope you will end up (or are) taking some pleasure in calling on your strengths and learning new capabilities. I have a feeling you will rock them 🙂
May I, offer a bit of info to think about as well as first hand experiences?
If not, Sue may delete this comment.
Trailer trailers: Have had big and small ones. The ones back in the um…70’s and 80’s.. built heavier… than today’s trailers. Pros: you can drop and drive off to do your errands… Cons: As you are driving down the road, and need to tinkle… you have to stop.. get out of vehicle and run back to trailer… then run back to continue… even if it’s rainy, nasty cold… 5th Wheels… same thing…
RV’s as in CLASS A’s: You have your living room, kitchen, potty, and bedroom following you wherever you may go. Now, on that rainy, windy, cold day, and you have to tinkle… pull the baby off, flip the hazard lights on… and stand up… trot back about 20 or 30 feet and enjoy your in-house potty. You don’t even need to put your coat on. Now, on your way back to your driver’s seat, stop by the fridge, grab a Pepsi, and some cheese, crackers and summer sausage… take that all with you to the driver’s seat. Sit down, and enjoy a snack while you are looking out a LARGE window. CONS: They are expensive to maintain. HOWEVER, they have extended warranties available and I have good Sam’s… no complaints with them… Now, one suggestion I can make is to create a “bill” for yourself. SAVE a couple hundred bucks a month SEPERATE from other funds.. for the rainy day, you might need to pay an extended warranty deductible.
On the RV you found. One Question. When was the last time it was on the road? How many miles? Call Good Sam’s and ask them how much an extended warranty would cost you, if you bought that RV.
I, personally have driven trucks, vans, cars pulling trailers.. and I drive my 40′ diesel pusher… ME ONLY. We have a 37′ Pace Arrow… great shape, its gas and I drove that 15′ feet, parked it… told hubby it’s HIS… I would go by my own and I did. Now, he has to sell his because I REFUSE to drive that BOAT. HATE IT! Love my diesel…
I tow my full size Suburban all over… Yes, I am a big rig going down the freeway, but I want my comfort and it’s EASY to drive.
Everyone is different… you have to be comfortable and CONFIDENT with what ever you chose. I’ve always said “If you don’t have the confidence to handle the power under you, stay off the road as you don’t have permission to cause accidents and hurt others.”
Order a CARFAX report to see if that RV has been in any kind of accident. Also, be careful with those vehicles that were around all the major flooding years back… a lot of them, RV’s and Trailers alike, were rehabbed… but I have seen the rusted frames and bad wires of some of those that receive a pretty facelift. So, you have to do your homework really well when buying a traveling home. I personally looked 8 months DAILY before I found the one I bought.
And… No… hubby does not drive this RV… He can be the co-pilot, and he knows the driver’s seat does not fit him well enough to be comfortable. HA! Go ahead… call me a brat… cuz that is what I am when it comes to My RV, I admit it.
You go Kay, a woman after my own heart…I am going to get a Diesel for myself, and look out world….
Alright, Shirlene… join the club!
Another thing I really love, and truly enjoy the sense of safety in Class A, B, C’s is this ONE FACT.
If ever, I am parked overnight, and wake up to someone messing around outside, I can trot to the driver’s seat, turn the key, and leave without going outside, trying to sneak into a truck to pull out.
I have only had to do it one time, but thank GOD I was in the Class B at the time.
I pulled into a Motel 6 lot to sleep a few hours while heading home to Dallas. I woke up from the senses of someone outside my van. I see front the back bed, a police officer standing in front eating sun seeds, while watching something…
I never felt so stuck in all my life… I laid wondering what the hell to do… I had JUST BOUGHT that van and was going home.
I finally got up, told my son to stay laying down and not to move… I gently got into my driver’s seat, with police officer standing RIGHT in front.. he did not see me… hear me or anything…
I started the motor and startled him, he came to my window and I asked what was going on…. OH CHIT…
I noticed a police car parked behind me… I DIDNT DO ANYTHING….
The policeman informs me they are watching a suspect. Then asked me how long I was there… we talked back and forth, and I am pretty observant so I knew what kind of vehicles were parked where when I pulled in… the nice shiny mustang parked next to me on the other side of the little grass curb pulled in 10 minutes after me, I watched the guy and girl…jackets over heads,,, running tight together into the end hotel room. I told the officer it all. UNBEKNOWN to me what was going on.
They moved the police car, and I backed out… as I pulled away, I told the nice officer I hope they are safe and get the bad guy… I learned he kidnapped the girl and was hold up in a room but they were on a different room… I gave them the real room by being nosy…
As tired as I was… I drove like hell out of KC… was home by noon the next day.
Okay…. I’m a travel trailer person. Everybody here knows that. I have to say one thing in response….
Readers: Don’t park in motel parking lots and you won’t have to make a quick getaway. Going on 4 years now and I’ve NEVER had to make a quick get-away. Never had a suspicious person around my rig. Never felt threatened. I say this for those who cannot afford a Class A, B, or C and who want the benefits of a travel trailer.
Interesting story, Kay!
Not to mention, you can’t get away if someone is blocking you in no matter what rig you have!
Of course, each person should choose what they like for their own reasons, and if a person (male or female) feels most comfortable in a one-piece rig, then that’s what they should have. It’s all a series of compromises and figuring out which ones work best (since no rig that I know of can combine all of the “perfect” things in one).
Yes, DO NOT slip into a Motel 6 parking lot, go to Wal-Mart as they are safer! Seriously.
And, I also like the travel trailers… we have tow low and its nice to take on little jaunts for several days. But, to go across the USA…. I like the Class A best because of the VIEW the most out the front windows.
Now… the fuel… UGH… it is a PITA on the wallet, or debit card…. oh, and if the wind takes your roof. it’s all a PITA to climb up and tape tarps down….
Get what you are comfortable with, and can afford and can handle…
I like your set up Sue… and if I ever get ready to do it alone again, I would opt to consider your set up… It looks easy and lightweight… of course, I’d stay clear of windy driving days too.
I would add that we learned some years ago that staying INSIDE a Motel 8 was seriously not a good choice either…some scary events happened to us that couple of nights….little town in Southern Idaho. May be different elsewhere, but we have been afraid to try them.
You might want to start reading rv blogs/sites like
http://www.doityourselfrv.com/7-dependable-tips-avoid-buyers-remorse-get-rv-really-want/?utm_source=Campaign+Created+2014%2F10%2F07%2C+11%3A37+AM&utm_campaign=ConstantContact+&utm_medium=email
and check out rv.net and iRV2.net (may be .com, can’t remember).
As far as buying an extended warranty for a 1995 moho, I don’t know that it would be cost effective. You might do better putting aside a certain amount of $/month for repairs. That rv is getting to the age you’re going to have to expect to start making repairs/replacement…it’s old no matter how much rouge/lipstick you put on it. I’ve got a 2000 Winnebago and it’s costing me to keep it. I’m presently saving up to get another travel trailer. I travel with 4 cats…none will share the driving, so I have to pull over anyway to go potty, might as well have a trailer.
If you decide you’d rather have a motorhome, don’t focus on the length. You see women all the time driving long school buses with screaming kids and tractor/trailer rigs. They’re driving it, not pushing it, so you’ll do fine, too. Practice, practice, practice. You’ll lose the fear.
Realistically, how much time are you going to boondock or camp at national parks/blms? This will be your home so buy for your comfort and not base the size/length on what you can get in/out of at a national park. Too little room can be just as bad as too much. Again: be realistic.
Don’t fall in love with the first thing you see and let the salesperson see your reaction. DO NOT let the salesperson talk you into buying a trailer that is too big/heavy for your tow vehicle…they’ll do it if you let them.
A travel trailer will probably cost less to operate but that’s something only you can decide.
Whatever you do, don’t rush into a purchase. Arm yourself with knowledge; take a deep breath; then enjoy the selection process. Remember, walk away from strong-arm tactics salespeople. It’s not rude, your saving yourself money. God didn’t make one rv and quit…you’ve got all kinds of selections out there. Enjoy.
These are just some thrown-out-there ideas for you to think about. When you’ve narrowed your choices down to a couple, ask other folks on rving forums their thoughts. In the end, it’s still what you want that counts, you’ll just be better informed.
Good luck and enjoy.
Cat Lady
Wow! Look at how helpful and knowledgeable these folks are, responding to Debs search for the perfect rig. I know she appreciates your input and I appreciate you enriching my blog with your perspectives.
Good point on the school bus driving. I used to do that and for Pete’s sake, you have to not only drive (add in a clutch/manual trans too) but also basically be a psychologist, a law enforcement officer, and (almost) a teacher at the same time! With eyes in the back of your head. What a job. Not to mention it’s 4:45 a.m. and the bus is covered in ice… Guess I don’t miss those days 😀
Another “world” in which there are plenty of women driving big trucks and trailers (very capably) is the world of horses/riders. You may not “do” horses (I don’t), but there is some good inspiration coming from them.
Hi Kay,
You are quite the woman driving a Diesel RV and I am in awe of you. When Mark(husband) was alive his ideal RV would have been a big Diesel. Saying such good things about them. Since I have very little knowledge of any kind of engine it still freaks me out thinking of driving one alone. No one to help with anything. Still I eventually might get to that point.
I love the idea of letting the dogs be comfortable in a Class A and not having to get out to use the bathroom and fix food. So many comforts with a Class A. On the other hand I know my truck and it is paid for and a nice Trailer would be cheaper and fairly easy to drive. I have pulled a big pop up on a few occasions and lived in it with a friend for 16 weeks one summer while selling art at the Renassaince festival in the 90’s.
Anyway I’m gonna take time and look at all my options
Thanks for all your wisdom it is so appreciated
Debbie
Depending on how many dogs you need and how much other “stuff” you need or want to carry, a Class C or a Class B+ might also be an option. (If I’m not mistaken the main difference is that the B+ does not have the cabover bed as an available option.) These come in many different lengths, and at least some of them would be capable of towing another vehicle if desired. The author of the Take to the Highway blog is a single woman RVer who has a smaller Class C motorhome and tows a Geo Tracker behind her. Not to further muddy the waters or anything. 😀
Walt…
I removed the link because the blogger has a statement at the bottom of her blog telling people not to link without her permission.
Also, as long as I’m on the subject… A NOTE TO EVERYONE… Redirecting my blog’s traffic to another blog puts a dent in my pocketbook. It’s been happening a lot lately… OUCH! Just so you know what you’re doing when you do that…
Posting a link and recommendation to another blog is like standing up in the middle of my party with an announcement, “Hey, guys, there’s another great party up the street! Let’s go!”
Okay, so I like money. I admit it. I want people to enjoy this party and then shop Amazon here! 🙂
Hey Sue, I am excited to tell you that just me and the other people on the Facebook talking about you from time to time that I have heard from at least one person that has started following your blog.
She told me she loves your blog and when she grows up she wants to be just like you!! So there is a pat on the back for you today!! I am doing my best to draw people here!! Have a good one, it is sunny and nice here in Iowa today. Not sure how many more of these we have!!
Thank you very much, Jolene, my Iowa pal. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. When my ears burn I’ll figure it’s you and the Facebook friends. 🙂
Hi there Sue and Crew!
Miss Bridge, you are LQQKING quite the picture of Casual Chic! Sue, good thing you don’t go to the shops, she would be wanting a matching day bag to complete her outing attire…
Speaking of Bridget, I have a question. How do you manage Fleas for Bridget? Is it more of a problem in some of your travel areas or not? We have found some camp areas and campgrounds spray, that helps some, but most do not. Even with our Golden’s flea meds she still suffers when traveling during certain times of the year. Since Bridget is such a seasoned Trekker, gins now, I thought you may have some pointers about Fleas when traveling. I know we could benefit from any wisdom, others might too. Oh! Our Golden, Her Bearness, says to tell Bridge to ride that free-ride buggy as long as it lasts 😉 LOL, both of us and our Canine Royalty…sigh…together they would surely be holding court complete with Pearls!
Hugs to you both.
Hi, Pamela K.,
You’ve probably told me where you are located. I can’t remember. I’m guessing you aren’t in the desert!
I don’t have any tips about dealing with fleas while full-timing because we haven’t encountered any. Hard to believe, I know… Gosh, fleas were a constant battle where I lived with dogs in Georgia and Florida. I LOVE that we don’t have to deal with fleas or ticks while traveling the West.
Maybe blogorinos will have suggestions for you . . . . .
Sue,
No ticks or fleas in the West? Well, that does it, I’m seriously going to look at going there then, sounds wonderful! can’t do it this year but maybe next. I am in the Rome, GA, area. Fleas everywhere you turn. Of course a long haired dog really takes a double beating with them, my poor Bearness fights with them all the time. I have tried most everything. Some meds give more relief than others. Bridget is really blessed to not have them there…something about being a Lucky Dog 🙂 And that stroller seems to do wonders for her. She has a lot more expressions on her face since riding in it. Did I even see a smile coming from our girl?! I think so. Spike, of course would not approve. I can just picture him saying something about Bridget, her butt and lack of walking, lol. He was always teasing at her about her backside. See, I did go back and read up!
Well, Miss Sue and Crew, loved the pics and hearing about Jack’s story. Nice that you both get on well.
Hugs and enjoy your evening.
That’s right — You’re in Georgia. I remember now– The Flea Capital of the World!
Yes, it is good that Bridget doesn’t have to put up with fleas any more. Her hiney used to be raw. I never did figure out if the sore, hairless section on her behind was from flea bites or the treatment against flea bites. We come out West — Problem solved!
I hope you can find something that works for your Bear.
Yep, Georgia. I sigh a sigh of relief to know that I am NOT the only one who has had problems with fleas here. I swear the fleas here are the size of the potholes! That’s saying a lot. I did talk to a neighbor RV’r and she confirms my feelings about it all. Said she has over $400.00 spent already in meds for her two
~Chee-Wa-Wa-s~ so cute!
So, Now I guess Bearness will have to wait until the Winter to be completely rid of them again. In the meantime, I shall do my best. At least they only attack a patch on her back, not on her butt. Thankful for that!
Have a fine weekend, it’s FRIDAY!
Hi Sue and Princess Bridget,
I also loved the picture of Bridget. I am guessing that her leg really still does bother her a bit. There is not a dog I ever met that doesn’t like to be out exploring and sniffing. I am just glad she will let you push her in the stroller.
Sue, could it be that you are taking a few days to just “BE” as you said you needed? It is so pretty there what a better place to just relax a little bit.
We have been quite busy this week and away during the day so I haven’t been on as much.
Hoping you continue to enjoy your stay there for as long as you are there. 🙂
Hi, Jolene,
Good to see you here. I’m following your suggestion… I’ll relax and “BE” in this pretty location, at least through the weekend. My recent restlessness may be due to an awareness of the calendar pages flipping toward winter. (That’s dating myself… Don’t see paper calendars the way one once did.)
I hope you have a great weekend and are able to slow down after a busy week.
I love the last picture…You’re lucky she can’t read! be safe.
Hi, Ron… I love how you drop in here with a few words, making your presence known. Maybe you’re “the strong, silent type.” 🙂
Wish more lurkers would take the time…. One doesn’t have to say a lot…
Have a great day!
Hmm. What to do around Lone Rock? Hmm. I thought about what we did or where we went when we spent 8 days there … and I think the answer is “nearly nothing”. We had a ball – doing pretty much nothing. Sounds a little like the Seinfeld sitcom – a show about nothing. Have a great time … doing nothing. Never hurts now and then. Oh yeah, love the pic of Princess Bridget in her carriage. Don’t tell her she’s temporarily handicapped.
Hi, Paula..
Your comment made me pause for a moment, thinking… “Well, that’s my blog many times… a blog about nothing.” People seem to like that, me included. I sit around doing nothing and enjoy every minute.
It’s fun for me to bring back memories to my readers of times when they “had a ball” in the same place we’re at.
I so understand how you are feeling Sue. It’s like being a bit restless and yet not motivated…I’m there almost every day!
Today was my second H&R Block class. Fun and I made a study date for Saturday with two guys in my class. One of them is very young and cute! Fun. Then I came home and whipped up a bowl of potato salad and went to the park activity planning meeting and potluck. I’ll be hostessing the Saturday morning coffee and donuts for two Saturday’s in November.
So Friday I will go to gym again, and work on mail/bills/filing. I’m finally starting to have a little bit of a life again….so happy about that. I saw Dr. Chaisson this week and an officially in the gastric sleeve preparation program. Should be ready in a couple of months. I’m so excited! By next summer I will be a new me. Thinner and healthier.
I saw the eclipse today. A neighbor had set up his telescope to face so , and it projected the image onto a paper plate. Here in Tucson we could only see it when the sun was about 40% obscured…still very neat. The image on the card was almost like looking at the moon, midway through its cycle…but it was the sun! I hope some of you saw it.
So that was my day. Love and hugs!
And it sounds like you are keeping VERY busy, Ginger…hope your strength holds up well!!
Hi, DesertGinger,
I missed out on the eclipse (again!), due to clouds. Glad you were able to see it!
Sounds like you have turned a corner….feeling better and doing more – yay!! Whoo-Hoo! Keep it up!
Hope you and little Chloe have a great day!
You do understand, Ginger! You described my mood perfectly with “a bit restless and yet not motivated.”
It’s a pleasure to read about you building a life for yourself after many setbacks. Please pace yourself. Don’t take on too much, too soon. (Sorry, I had to write that!)
Pauline will tell you about her gastric sleeve experiences. She is very open and positive about the course of treatment and surgeries she endured due to breast cancer, and she’s just as forthcoming about the gastric sleeve surgery and aftermath. Pauline has an incredibly powerful “life force” and a goodness toward others that radiates from her smile, the light in her blue eyes, and her tendency toward warm hugs.
Best wishes to you and Chloe for a wonderful weekend together…
Awwww….how sweet of you, Susan. I love you also!!! I am glad to tell people of my experiences with IBC and Gastric Sleeve. The Lord brought me through all that for a reason…maybe to help others. I sort of answered DesertGinger in a post above.
DESERT GINGER: I do want to add that for 2 weeks BEFORE surgery you are on a liquid diet. This is to reduce the size of your LIVER! It is amazing to me that this is necessary but they have to lift your liver in order to do the procedure on your stomach. They want it small enough to handle to prevent any damage. Then you are on liquids for 2 weeks after surgery…depending on your doctor. Soft foods were added then. It is a progression.
Yes I know this stuff. We saw a film. But no one said anything about what you can eat once everything is normal….like for the rest of your life. I can get thru anything for a few months….but not forever.
I’m FINALLY home! And… 🙁 Auntie Kay and Lady Comet… are NO MORE. She’s been 86’d out of RV… I’ll post the story when I COOL down.
Glad you got home ok, Kay…oh oh on the doggie business!!
Glad you are home, Kay. Hope you are feeling better! 🙂
Good to hear you made it home safely, Kay.
I totally understand where you are coming from with the beauty in this place. It is amazing, especially at sunset.
Love seeing the Princess in her chariot!!
Hi, John and Pam,
The sunrises are beautiful here, too. I haven’t posted any photos of the sunrise because from our camp Jack’s rig is in the way . . . . He doesn’t know that sunrises belong to me.
That last shot of her highness is classic but I do hope that her leg is getting better. You both worked so hard on your exercise program and I know all too well how hard it is to start over in something like that.
Bridge honey, Dexter and I am sending you lots of loving, healing thoughts from the Northwoods.
I wouldn’t worry too much about her getting too used to being pushed around. If you start to think that she is faking all you have to do is park her in her the “Royal Carriage” and tell her that you need to take some pictures. Than start just firing off shots one after another like a fashion photographer capturing her cuteness from ever conceivable angle. I would imagine after about 60 seconds she will be healed; hopping out of there to get away. 🙂
Having said that, I would also encourage you to embrace your “camp potatoeness”. If you’re not feeling the urge to do a lot than please just be gentle with yourself and be where you are. You have been wrestling with so much stuff including these tech issues for awhile now. A little bit of rest might be just what you need.
I do have one question however. In a couple of the pics there is a large rock outcropping in the middle of the lake with a white strip around it. Is that white strip a layer of limestone or is that the high water mark of the lake? I’ve seen some amazing pictures of drought starved lakes in California but I wasn’t sure if Utah was seeing a similar impact. If so OMG!
Oh, and I almost forgot. The idea of you pushing an all terrain dog stroller built for two.
TOO ADORABLE!!!!! I can’t wait.
Oh Rick… I saw a man walking across a parking lot in Page yesterday. He had two dogs on a leash…. an older, scruffy terrier and another young dog, female, white with a brown face, short coat, skipping around, acting silly and slightly insane the way rat terriers do …
🙂
Hi, Rick,
Thanks for the healing thoughts toward Bridget from you and Dexter.
We are thinking alike! I’ve been wondering the same thing about the water level while looking at that lower white strip on Lone Rock. I meant to ask Jack when he was over here last. He’s camped at Lone Rock 6 or 7 times, so maybe he knows. If the water were ever that high, that means the present beach and where all the sandy roads leading down to it are now would be totally submerged. Gosh, I can’t imagine how lovely that would be….
The white “bathtub ring” you see around the shores of Lake Powell indicates the “full pool” level (aka high water mark). When the lake was first made with dams, it took some years to reach full pool, but it finally did. It has not been at full pool for a long time, but the mark from where the water was remains. Right now the lake is somewhere around 3600′ (haven’t looked in a week or two), which is low but not super low (relatively speaking). There is more water level data here for anyone interested:
http://lakepowell.water-data.com/
Pen . . . I talked to Jack and he says that white ring is the high water mark, seen when the dam was first made, like you wrote.
The lake is way low, too low for the dam to be used for what it was designed for, peak hours electricity. I guess it is mother natures way of getting back at the corps of engineers. They destroyed a very beautiful canyon in Glen Canyon and are harming the grand canyon itself and now mother nature denies them the water to make it useful. I love it. In about 20 years all the silt coming down the Colorado will fill up the lake to the point where the inlets to the generators are covered. The engineers new this and it was all part of the plan.
I could be a potatoe here!
Travelled through, did not stop, thanks for your photos and input.
A future must!
You’re welcome, Janet.
HRH (her royal highness) Ms Bridget is adorable in her chariot!
You have met very interesting individuals along your journey!
AO survived her first night at the kennel. I think she knew we were going away as she refused to get in the SUV. Jules had to lift her up. She started shaking like a leaf! Then she proceeded to give us those sad brown eyes!
Have a great day!
Have fun in Sin City!!! 🙂
Hi, Cinandjules,
How nice that you think of Bridget, me, and the blogorinos and post a comment from the airport in Syracuse . . .
I hope you had a comfortable flight. You have such a fun weekend ahead of you!
Poor AO… How do dogs know these things? I guess she saw you packing… Maybe she’ll make some doggie friends at the kennel.
Okay, now, don’t go too wild with your birthday celebrations — 🙂 Have fun and come back to us soon!
Sue, it’s the books. They’re putting you in a hazy kind of time warp. You’ve probably slipped back through the portal by now…at least for the time being. Hope Bridget is back on her little legs soon–the massage & passive range of motion sounds like a perfect idea.
Jack’s story is amazing. He is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. In today’s world, there are so many others demonstrating the same kind of spirit. Awe-inpsiring people are everywhere.
Hi, Dawn,
Yes, Jack must be a very resilient guy. He doesn’t seem to carry bitterness, has a good sense of humor, loves people, and tells great stories. I don’t talk much, mostly listen. Why listen to myself when he’s around . . .
Maybe the book has put me into a “time warp!” It certainly has me engaged. The second book dragged in places due to an abundance of historical details. The third book is full of twists and turns as well as unusual characters — A tiny Chinese man with an attraction to women’s feet who’s expert with acupuncture, a poet of poignant verses . . . . Don’t run into people like that often!
Good morning, Sue,
It was in the 50s this morning, but it is supposed to warm up to 70 by this afternoon. Just enough chill for a coat – I will be carrying it on the way out tonight. Sounds like it will be a nice weekend, too. Perfect weather for catching up on some neglected yard work. Haven’t played in the dirt for a while…. Have to feed the birds and clean out the birdbaths. Must take care of my little entertainers, who sing so sweetly for me!
Hope you and Bridget have a great day! Embrace the potato state of mind…resting and recharging as needed. 🙂
Dig in the dirt for me, Denise! Sounds like the perfect, cool day for yard work…
You are in a magical, memorable spot! With Lone Rock in view, it’s a perfect setting for reading the Outlander books.
There’s a nice clean Safeway grocery store near you in Page. You’ll probably find it soon. We really enjoyed our time here. I sure hope we get back, although our plans will keep us east for the next couple of years. I’m really enjoying your photos lately–thanks tons!
You’re welcome, Gail . . . It’s always a pleasure for me to hear that someone enjoyed my photos.
Funny you should mention the Safeway grocery… We were there yesterday.
I hope you do make it back to Page and Lone Rock someday!
Good Morning Sue,
Hoping you’ve had a good one,I’ll just mention mine to say it’s been and is gorgeous out.I wonder if you know that lots of cities,Yuma being one of them,have Geek on site service.They’d come to wherever you have the BLT and do your tech issues for you.Services run a hundred dollars an hour,or three hundred for four hours(broken up any way you need). What you could spend weeks stressing over they could accomplish in no time.
Sometimes I pay for what some might think frivolous,and find it worth it for my overall health.We economize in so many ways-yet if the expense were for our pup’s health we’d spend it in a second.I honestly think it’s right ,for me anyway,to indulge in my happiness so those that love/need me will have me longer and better…
Hope your reading was filled with some sweet scenes,old movies can do that for me-take me where life is a smiling soft world-let me bring the smile to the one around me now.Happy strolling,weather
Good day, weather…
I’m late with my “good morning”… I turned the laptop off early yesterday and was greeted this morning with many interesting comments.
Your advice is wise. If one can afford to pay someone to remove a burden, why not? In my case I think I’m capable of solving the tech issue. My procrastinating is in the way. I have a feeling it’s a situation where I’ll eventually work it out and then say to myself, “Why did I make such a big deal out of this. It wasn’t that hard!” I’ve done that a lot in the past. 🙂
Good to know about the mobile Geeks in Yuma. Thanks for the tip.
You got me thinking about economizing and how it affects our behavior. Very often one hears or reads the grumblings over the price of gas. You know, I hardly pay attention to gas prices. Sure, I look at the signs and choose the lowest wherever I may be. Then I pump the gas, watch the dollars add up, and don’t give it a care.
Quite a stretch for a frugal person such as myself.
Gas prices don’t bother me (well, when they vary less than a dollar anyway) because I’m living very inexpensively. I consider gas as my “rent” (or mortgage payment) because it’s the gas that takes me to free camps! Love the freedom from thrift that allows me. . . .
Ah, yes, old movies… I love the old Jimmy Stewart movies. Maybe because my father looked like Jimmy Stewart to me! One of my favorite black and white films is “Grapes of Wrath.” It may not be historically accurate in all respects, but the bonds of love and family in that story touch me to the core.
Sending smiles your way, weather… Always fun talking with you…
Some phrases that you make up please me so-“freedom from thrift that allows me”…”bonds..in that story touch me to the core”
They reveal what you’ve had to live through-what in ways you’ve lived without-what you value, reach,are…
You made me think,with a lot that you said,for example I let color dictate my spending-Can’t abide what I consider ugly-would pay extra for a dark brown leather journal because the bright plastic cover on the cheaper one actually bothers me to look at,smell or touch
Story itself touches me to the core,I see everything that happens as part of it,and my faith in happy endings makes the pages beautiful.I look forward to the days that you do begin to paint again- rendering what we perceive into images by hand gets makes what needs to,finally, come out
🙂
I agree… Why live with ugly if you don’t have to…
said the woman living in one of the prettiest places on earth-again-I’m happy and not surprised that you agree!
BTW-liked that you chimed in above about never feeling threatened during your years full timing-
TEACH IT WOMAN!!!
Today will be sunny here,and probably there ,too-“one of the most scenic places on earth”. Why live with ugly ?,in your reply yesterday made me laugh at the time as you never settle for less than the prettiest place you can find.This morning I look at the twigs strewn on the ground and think of Champ the butterfly,Whats His Name the prairie dog,Camp Potatoes and wonder…What name would we give autumn if it had none?What will you call your next home?What will I call mine?
Finally I realize what started my thinking about names ,words and songs as soon as I opened my eyes.Last night I’d listened to Roy Orbison again-remembering that’s how I’d learned English.I still understand words people say,less often what they mean in a phrase.Full Time Recreational Vehicling-transporting life from hours of emptiness by making them replete with new wonder each day?
Good morning, weather…
Let’s see… What would I name autumn? The first word that comes to mind is Glory!
Interesting that Roy Orbison taught you English. He did a great job. 🙂
Your definition of Full-time living in an RV is perfect!
Yippee! I figured out the meaning of another expression -sort of 😉 I trust your assessments more than any other’s.Glory is a great name for it !Instead of an autumn day we’ll have a Glorious one!
P.S. Glad you addressed the links issue above -that putting links to other blogs is something you’ve requested not be done,and is something that makes you lose money. This party you host is precious to all of us and comes at your expense-of time,work and devotion.You should be rewarded-with income ,appreciation and more. At the least the respect of yourself and your requests-by all that comment here!!!
I appreciate the feedback re that message, weather.
Bridget and I are on the road today! I hope to have a strong enough signal to post tonight. I won’t know for sure until we get there…
Hope your move goes smoothly and you find somewhere great,Sue!I appreciate the update a lot.In case we can’t connect later,squeeze Bridget an extra time for me.Have a nice dinner,sunset and night
🙂
Thanks, weather… The same to you and yours. 🙂
sigh…z-z-z-
Interesting about language…all of them probably have idioms. Maybe not as crazy as some of ours…but nonetheless, makes learning another language a challenge as well as interesting. Hubby and I have been on that adventure for a bit past 2 years now. Very rewarding too.
Elizabeth you always amaze me,usually with your sweet kindness to everyone,but today with having traveled to Israel apart from a tour and studying another language.You would be a fascinating neighbor to visit,I’m so glad we can visit here!I’m thrilled that you find studying words a rewarding adventure,too,have a wonderful night,weather
Oh Weather, what a sweet thing to say…thank you!! Ha…believe me I am a huge chicken…but Hubby wanted to do this trip SO BAD and in ways I did too…he, being male, has lots of confidence in some ways…he was just sure we could manage. Well, we knew that everyone under about 40 anyway, speaks good English so we would be ok that way…but it was scary. And the first 24 hours after we got there, I felt simply overwhelmed. I wanted to just stay in our room and go nowhere. All the sounds were so different as well as the smells (not bad, just different) and the lady we stayed with…I have never seen a place so full of extremely bright colors. I love bright colors but this was beyond description. However, in the bedroom we stayed in, it was low key and not overwhelming like the rest of her apt. I prayed a lot and rested a lot those first 24 hours (if on a tour, you hit the ground running virtually…and we knew we physically could not do this). Turned out to be the best times of our life however. It is very much a very special place. It is no wonder most who go there never want to leave. You can actually FEEL GOD there…hard to describe. We were there over Hanukkah…a time of great joy and celebration so no doubt we felt that too. I encourage anyone who can to make the trip there. It will change your life!! It was the beginning of conquering a lot of fear inside me. (If you knew my raising you would know why). We were only in Jerusalem, other than the airport, those 16 days. I have never felt so safe in my whole life (tho we purposely did not go into certain parts of town either…just as we do in any big city…we were careful). But it is more than that too…a huge blanket of peace enveloped me…making me feel so safe and loved. A little lingers over me yet, truly…awesome!! BLessings on you too dear…sleep well.
Elizabeth,
Your writing of Israel are so wonderful, about the feelings you felt while there! Truly the history of the Children of Zion laid there for you to behold. I wish to one day go, just once before I die. I was suppose to go in 1968 with a group but the US State Dept put a travel ban in place due to the war happening at that time. In liu of going I donated to O.R.T. to help the building fund for local buildings and school that were damaged during the on-going war. O.R.T. stands for Occupation Rehab through Training. It helps to put local people back to work and the schools back in business quickly. Through the donations I was able to get current reports during that time. Before the internet that was a very good way to track the progress of Israel. That and through the Temples. Anyway, I don’t know if I will see Israel, in this lifetime, but I always keep it and the Children of Zion in my heart hoping that one day I can go there. I’m not surprised it made you feel so loved and at peace. They say that happens even in the midst of troubled times there. You were truly blessed to see her in person. Thanks to the internet I go and roam there from time to time, it is so beautiful in so many ways.
Thanks Pam, for telling me of your experience and knowledge. I do hope you get to go if just once!! If we ever get a blog going (it will depend on hubby) we hope to share more from that trip…met some amazing people from other places in the world too…just out walking.
Best of wishes for your future blog. Yes, let me know if or when you get it up and running. I would follow it for sure. I have already enjoyed your postings on here so I know it would be a successful.
What a nice thing to say Pam…thanks so much. Heh, we are SO busy right now, I think it will be awhile yet before we get one going…and living in an apt. might not have so much to share that would interest others…but thanks for the encouragement!!
Thank you ,Elizabeth,for your blessing,I did sleep well,and hope you both did,too!I like your description -a blanket of peace that makes you feel safe and loved…Trust me when I say I understand both needing and receiving that,as well as feeling Him.
Israel, I believe,calls everyone wanting to go there,by offering all that in ways,whether they’re aware of that or not.So does solitude for some of us.I also think the need to feel safe was at some level and time an issue for all the rescuers among us-we give what we once needed because we understand…
As ever,it’s a pleasure to “see” you here,I hope you’re getting the rain that keeps your neighborhood nicer-I am! 🙂
Thanks again Weather…aw yes, a quiet peaceful night…RAIN helps that happen and yep, rainy weather now here I guess…which I have never been more grateful for considering the living situation here!!
I agree with the other things you said too…well, long ago I learned that one reason we are comforted is so we can comfort others…basically what you said here. Or try to at least.
🙂 🙂
Good Morning Sue, and top of the morning to Weather….Have a great day and a good weekend….Hope your weather continues to be happy strolling weather to you both.
Thanks, Shirlene, and good morning to you, too! 🙂
Hi Shirlene,it’s fun to imagine you strolling- baby blue surrounding your poodles-give them and yourself a hug for me 🙂
Hugs back to you and your troupe. 🙂 Wishing you beautiful weather this weekend….
Bridget… I LOVE you’re parking space! Isn’t it great when we women hurt, they make such easy parking with such great views!!!
Hope your leg heals and you are able to scamper around the desert soon.
A thanks to you, Kay, from the Bridge…. 🙂
Well I had to hide the screen from Toby and Lily, no way they are getting a stroller!
I agree with the come and get it pay issue. If they don’t have an Iron Ranger or a nearby camphost… what are they thinking? Also, the fact is there are some days meant for just goin’ slow.
Looks like a great camp.
Hi, Wayne,
I notice there’s a sign on the broken machine directing people to go to the “north or south entrance”, referring to Wahweap Campground, I guess. That’s not next door… It’s a drive. Forgeddabouddit!
So…went to the gym with my physical therapist, then nurse came to change my bandage.
My new suitcase arrived; it’s a spinner, which I wanted for long time, and small….17″ tall. When I travel I have to pack lite….just can’t lug big suitcases around. I think this one looks perfect…it will hold several days of clothes yet be easy to lift into overhead. So, with this and a medium backpack…I’m set. I don’t fly that often anymore, but I like to be prepared. I’m hoping to get back to Europe before too long. Anyway I got it on sale and with a coupon, so it was $40. Not bad.
Now I think I will go to Crackerbarrel for Friday special…fish and chips. Probably won’t be able to do that after my surgery.
Pauline…if you see this, still waiting for a typical day menu.
Hi, DesertGinger,
It’s fun to order something, have it arrive, and find it’s just what you wanted. 🙂
It makes me happy to hear the enthusiasm for life in your comments.
I’m finally getting back to a more normal me. I’ve always been super enthusiastic…why not? Every day is a new opportunity to learn, have fun, grow…that’s exciting to me!
“So…went to the gym………”
“I’m hoping to get back to Europe before too long……….”
“Now I think I will go to Crackerbarrel……………”
Wow oh wow, sounds like the old DG is back with a vengeance!
I can’t tell you how much that makes me smile. I’m so glad to hear you doing better and better.
Yeah Rick, I’m getting there. Thank you so much!
You know ,Ginger,I think you’ve been “there” all along.Though you’ve had to cut through what seemed like a jungle of things tangling you on your path,you kept fighting your way into the clearings.It’s wonderful to see how making it back to where you feel the sunlight again makes you happy.
Good morning, Weather,
I believe our DesertGinger has a machete to clear the tangled vines that have temporarily blocked her path! Don’t even THINK about keeping her down for long! Go Girl!
Good Morning Denise-Glad to read below that you have clear blue skies.You Go Girl
enjoy your yard and life today!
Good morning, DesertGinger,
Oh, a trip to Europe – how exciting! Where would you like to visit? Glad that you found a good deal on the suitcase. Finding a bargain makes it all the more sweeter! After all, the money you saved on the suitcase can be put towards the trip. Sounds like it will be the perfect size and easy to handle.
I think Pauline answered your question…her reply is almost at the top of the comments on this post. I saw your comments last night, and was ready to reply when my iPad ran out of juice!
Hope you have a great day! It makes me so happy to hear that you are feeling more like yourself! Whoo-Hoo!! 🙂
I love France….Paris, the Riviera. And Italy. I think I want to see more of Italy, Barcelona and possibly more of Spain. And I’ve never been to UK. That’s on my list for someday. I love to travel!
Her Royal Highness and in her own parking spot…………….gave me my first chuckle for the day. So cute! Love that your Mum takes such good care of you!!
Hi, Glenda,
It’s me — RVSue — also known as Lady in Waiting — waiting to wait on Her Grand Perfectness.
If you were a British lady-in-waiting, you would have to carry her handbag (you know, the one with the keys to the palace). So things could be worse!
If the computer stuff gets too overwhelming, I know a couple of kids who owe me favors who could help out. There is certainly a lot of software out there that seems user hostile instead of user friendly. As far as different vehicles go, our new (1 week) trailer is fine, except perhaps for the backing up aspect. Could not be more pleased as we head to Texas for some grandson watching.
Hi, Rhodium,
And your new trailer is a ???
Why isn’t the backing up “fine,” too?
Have a good time with the grandson in Texas!
“Grandson watching”! That is so sweet!
If you can leave Bridget for awhile, take the Glen Canyon Dam tour that starts at the Visitors Center.
Hi, Joe,
Even if I could leave Bridget for a while, I don’t want to go on no dam tour. 🙂
And you say I’m funny… 🙂
You seem to have a Dam bad attitude.
No interest at all in a dam tour. In any tour, for that matter. I’ve been on too many tours where, in the first 3 minutes I realize it’s going to be a grueling experience — the guide’s voice grates on my nerves or he/she talks too slow or makes stupid comments or the tour goes on too long or I get claustrophobia and there I am … stuck!
Or drag you along at a frentic pace, when you wish to walk slower and savor things too…that is why we went to Israel, without a tour…just hired one for a half day to learn to get around the old city…was super!! We also stayed with a local lady who was of great help to us. We have felt that tours in general are just not fun enough to account for the money….heh….wanderers we are…
LOL
I have revealed… the….Future SPOT…. of the ……
SPAW CENTER at Kamp Kay’s…
Posted on the blog…. and ?… what do you think about something old fashioned for the RV Park… ?
Greetings from Tucker, Ga, Sue!
If all goes right this AM, will be driving my van back to Il today–might just have to stop for the night, I’m thinking. Having arrived at Wade’s after 4:30 yesterday, I saw it, briefly. It looks like I could just put the Casita inside! The heck with storing stuff at my brother’s! Well, maybe lamps. :))
It’s blue, btw. Sure did not want people being repeatedly disappointed that I’m not RVSue!
Met the nicest young man, Lars from Denmark, this AM at breakfast. He flew into Dulles in DC and was finger printed, had his eyes scanned then drove in 6-lane traffic here! Quite an exciting experience for his first day here!
Bridget looks so cute in her stroller. Do hope her leg is healing nicely.
Todd is picking me up shortly. Wish me luck!
Jane
YOU DID IT, JANE! WOW! Yes, I’m wishing you the best of luck with the deal and all that follows. What do you mean, Wade is picking you up? From your hotel? I want details! 🙂
I realize you’re “in the moment” this morning, and it is an exciting time…. When you have a chance…. I’m curious what your van is like….
Gosh, when I drove to Tucker to look at the vans at Wade’s, it never occurred to me that someday, someone reading my blog, would fly to Wade’s to buy their tow vehicle. Todd needs to give me a cut of the profit, darnit! 🙂
I am so excited for you! I look forward to updates…. Have a safe trip back to Illinois!
Good morning, Sue!
How’s the weather in your neck of the woods? It is sunny, with clear blue skies here…and cool…45 now. It is supposed to warm up to close to 70. Perfect weather for the yardwork I would like to tackle today. 🙂
The past several months, I have picked up two screws and a nail in my tires, requiring repair plugs. Ugh! Must be my magnetic personality! I am fortunate to work with a few good guys who are happy to help me out when it comes to car stuff. They have a tire plug kit and were able to plug the tires for me. They sell the kits at Wallyworld and auto supply stores. Also, I have a portable air compressor that plugs into the car 12v outlet. It has been a blessing to have. Do you have a tire plug kit and portable air compressor in your emergency kit? To be honest, I am not sure that I would be able to plug the tire myself (you need to have strength in you hands), but having it on hand would allow a repair to be made by a friend. You will need pliers to pull out the nail/screw and a razor blade to cut off the excess plug material. I think I am going to pick up a portable air compressor for my brother in laws for Christmas. I was given mine about 4 yrs ago and have been thankful to have it many, many times over! My tire size is 17. I would guess that you have larger tires on the PTV….fellow blogerinos can chime in if a portable air compressor would be viable for your size of tires.
Ok…gotta tackle those yard chores! Warm hugs to you and Bridget from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie…
Weather is great here!
Yes, I have had an air compressor for several years. It’s an item everyone who drives should have, methinks. I use it often to “top off” the air in my tires. Of course, it’s 12-volt. . . . It was very handy when I had a slow leak on my way to Zion.
I don’t have the tire plug repair kit for the reason you mentioned. I don’t have a lot of strength in my hands. It’s easier to use Fix-A-Flat. A couple cans are also important for anyone who drives to have on board. It works great!
For those who don’t know… It comes in aeresol cans. You connect it onto the stem of the tire, squirt it in, and off you go. One weekday morning I came out of my house to find I had a flat tire. I used Fix-A-Flat and soon was on my way, wasn’t even late for work. After work I went to my usual garage mechanic … It was late, almost closing time. He said I could drive on that tire, back and forth to work, for several days… that I could come in at my convenience on a weekend.
Since then I always carry it with me… standard equipment!
I love fix-a-flat. I don’t have it in my trunk right now….must get some. I’m going to go to my study group today with the two guys from my class. Then come home and work on mail that has to go out Monday. Im starting to get back in the swing of things! I love that!
Dyed my hair this AM. I don’t have gray…my family doesn’t turn gray. But my hair is thin and when I color it, it has more body. Still, first time I’ve done it in ages…and my hair looks so much thicker! It’s great. I went from medium ash blonde to light golden blonde. I think it looks a touch pink..hope that’s my imagination.
Now, when I lose 60 or 70 pounds and get some cowgirl boots…lookout. I’ll be back!
Hahahaha.
Ginger, As my English mother would say ” I bet you look smashing.” A little hair dye can really perk us up along with hot pink fingernails. Lol
Omgosh we must be camp potato sistas! Ozzie and I are doing the same thing at Elephant Butte NM.
Sue I’m sorry for your recent loss. I just got my Ozzie a couple months ago -when its right it’s so right. Keep on doinv what you do….us gurls our vans n our FG tiny homes in tow.
It would be nice to bump into you one day. ..well not literally.
Hi, Lesa,
I did the camp potato thing at Elephant Butte shortly after picking up the Best Little Trailer and heading into NM. It’s a good place to settle… Pleasant scenery, T or C nearby…
Thank you for your sympathy regarding Spike’s passing. You and Ozzie enjoy yourselves!
Hi Sue,
I’m being a potato this weekend because my husband is fishing. It’s 7 PM and I’m still in my robe. The only guilt I feel is because the day is beautiful and I know there won’t be that many more perfect Fall days.
I am thrilled to read that DesertGinger is so energetic. I can’t imagine hosting donuts and coffee for a group so shortly after being hospitalized. Good for her.
And I have a question for you, Sue. I get several free or cheap book sites daily. When I see a book I want, I try to remember to go first to your site to click on the shop at Amazon site. Then I select the book that interested me. I know most of them are really inexpensive and your portion must be small, but I thought I remember you saying once that it is your volume of clicks and not the prices that count??? Maybe I’m just dreaming that you said that. Please tell me how the system works. Christmas is coming and I know I’ll be ordering more expensive items soon.
Hugs to Bridget. She is too cute.
Hi, Pat,
You’re sweet to care about my Amazon earnings. This is how it works. . . .
My earnings are based on a percentage of the total dollar amount of items sold. That percentage is low at the beginning of the month. The percentage rate is based on the number of items sold during a month. The percentage increases a half of one percent as the number of items sold goes to the next level. I usually make it to 7.5% commission rate. What is nice is the new percentage rate applies to everything sold that month! Last month I missed my rate going to 8% for everything that month by 14 items. The new month, the process starts over again.
To answer your question… Both volume and prices count. I appreciate those 99-cent books because they work toward increasing my rate of commission. Of course the big items are great, too!
Thanks for asking, fellow camp potato. 🙂
Hmmm, wonder if you shared this in the body of the blog, since many probably do not read every post, that would help. I, not having a blog, was not thinking of it causing you to loose revenue by listing links. I wish there was a way to send you a link, and not post it here, so if it was useful to you, you could use it. But no matter…maybe letting everyone know up at the beginning of the comment section maybe, that you would rather no links were posted, would be helpful. I think most of us here are friends and would not want to cause any difficulty to you. Certainly not intentionally.
No,no….I need to clarify…. I don’t mean to say no links. I love informational links that contribute to our conversations or are helpful tools for RVers.
I meant luring people to other blogs. There’s a reason the aisles at check-out lanes are crammed with products.
People shop Amazon after reading my blog and comments. If they are encouraged to go to another blog, it is unlikely they will come back to my blog to shop.
It would help maybe, when posting a link to another blog, please make it appear in a separate window so that my blog doesn’t disappear.
Test. How to open page in new window.
go to Amazon
Try again.
go to Amazon
My second attempt should have worked. I’ll work on this later.
Sorry, it takes me to amazon but in the same window. I “think” that it’s a matter of my browser settings not how the link is formatted. But I might be wrong.
Well I put a target in the link, which should open a new page. But not working for me either.
Gosh! Now we have a link posted to Amazon that doesn’t have my code in it. errgghh!
Oh well… never mind. 🙂
Crap! I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry. I was trying to work on code for opening in new window.
It’s okay… 🙂
Mercy, this is all Greek to me girls…totally. My hubby no doubt would get it…probably just best I don’t post any links so as not to cause any grief!! I am glad others understand the internet and computers…I am barely literate enough to post here and email and research…maybe one day I will get it learned. I find my computer here (a laptop cause my desktop one is stored back in NC) to be the hugest pain!! If running over it with a car would help I would do it!! A bigger hammer does not fix all things however!! HA!
On a side note….
I was thinking of taking you all on a tour of Kamp Kay… changed my mind because, well, I talk funny, sound funny, and dragging a box of Kleenex around would just slow me down… and besides DAM TOURS SUCK.
I’m going to work on PITA Shop again.
Hi Sue,are you still having coffee?Moving your home two days in a row may not leave time to linger/meander until you settle in later today.Hope Bridget’s being her usual good traveling pal and resting through the drives.I know recently her equilibrium’s been off and in ways that makes her a handful.Hope you both enjoy today. Whether things are more settled down or filled with bumps, having each other through it all-you really are rich-…so am I.
At sunset last evening we had the most amazing event here-A tiny beautiful storm that left as quickly as it came.The pink,gold and corals seen in clouds and trees and reflected on water sporadically lit by flashes of light everywhere…
Looking forward to hearing news when you’re able to share it-may you ride through/in and on beauty until then
Good morning, weather,
I’m still having coffee. I’m enoying the second cup. 🙂
I thought we’d only be at this camp overnight. Now that we’ve slept here and the temperature did not drop into the 30s last night as predicted, I’m wanting to stay another day. The only problem is internet. I’m going to try to make a post. It make take several hours with broken connections. If I can put up a post, then I feel like I can relax in this very pleasant camp.
Storms makes the best sunsets! A storm at sunset must have been quite spectacular.
Have a wonderful day… I’m off to see what I can post! 🙂
Know you gotta dash off,just want to mention the only way I can think of for someone to refer to another website w/out yours disappearing would be to “copy/cut and paste” the page they want to share and post it here in their comment.Perhaps,of course,I’m wrong.Anyways-toasting with coffee “Here’s to no lost connections-of any kind we want to keep 😉 !”
Hi again…
I recommend that people simply mention the blog… For example… (I’m making this up)….
If you go to “ourRVjournal” you can see a photo of a solar panel…” whatever. Then a person can do a search. Simple as that! No link necessary. A link carries a person away too easily.
I’ve finished a post and will try to publish it in the next few minutes. The internet is smiling on me today!
Yippee-maybe we should toast to no lost connections more often 😉
Great recommendation idea!!!Hope you publish it as an instructional strong request at the bottom of your posts now and then.