Easy living at Midland LTVA

Sunday, January 14

As you can see, the crew and I haven’t moved camp.

Midland LTVA, Blythe, California

Sometime this week the starter will be installed on the Perfect Tow Vehicle. Then we should be fit and able to hit the road.

I don’t mind the delay one bit.

Our life at Midland LTVA is peaceful and relaxed.  Lord knows, the boys enjoy the daily routine.

I do, too.

Here they come to meet me — the younger set — BeeBee, Skeeter, Roger, Buddy, and Reggie.

The weather is perfect!

Sunny and warm.  We had one day and one night with rain. It rained enough to tamp down the dust and freshen up the desert. It was nice to listen to the tap-tap-tap on the roof.

Reggie and Roger play on the mat while I play with my griddle.

As I use up the initial supplies for meals, I replace them with higher quality. I look forward to trying one of the many Mexican cheeses available at Smart and Final in Blythe before we leave the area.

The photo at right shows the new cover for the griddle.  I’m glad I sprung for that.

I found a salsa that I love.

“Hatch Valley Green Chile Chunky Salsa — 505 Southwestern.”

It tastes fresh, isn’t laden with salt, and has the right amount of kick.

I use the griddle at least once every day and wonder how I went so long without it.

 

Mostly I make tostados, quesadillas, and burritos.  Inexpensive meals and healthful, too!

Let’s see . . . what else?

Oh, I used my air compressor on the Best Little Trailer’s tires. And there’s always tidying and cleaning to be done.  Not that I do much of that . . . .

One day I put the new cover on the BLT’s spare tire.  It went on easily without having to wrap the tire in cling wrap.   Major improvement!

In the photo at left, I tried to crop out all the dirty parts of the BLT.  I don’t see the point in being obsessive about keeping it perfectly clean.

Live in the desert, live with dirt!

In other news . . .

Whenever I want a thrill, I can always look at the nude guy.

Ha!  Just kidding!  

Midland has acquired a few “naturists.”  (Sorry, no photos!)

A large group of RVers who like to shed their clothes in nature disperse camp in an area south of Quartzsite.  A few come to Midland for alone time, like I do.

I tell you, whatever your interest, you can find a group of like-minded folks somewhere that you can join while living on the road.

The crew and I continue with our exercise.

The walks and play dates wear out the crew causing them to sleep late mornings. Yesterday they didn’t get out of bed until 9:30!

Reggie gets so tired playing that eventually he comes up to me, interrupting the conversation with Del, and pleads with his eyes, “Can we go home now? I want to go to bed!”

Roger never wants to stop playing with Skeeter.

His eyes look like they’re going to fall out of his head and he keeps going. When it’s time to leave, I clip him to a leash — “Time to go home!” — and he plants his feet like concrete columns embedded in the ground. I have to carry him away.  Del laughs every time.

You can see why we return to Blythe.

It’s easy, comfortable living here.  We’re in our 71st consecutive day at Midland Long Term Visitor Area, camping under the $180 permit.  Seventy-one days works out to about $2.54  a day.

rvsue

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107 Responses to Easy living at Midland LTVA

  1. Stephanie Turner OR says:

    Love egrets. Terrific pictures of both birds and dogs.

  2. Been seeing all the posts about Quartzsite and everyone getting the flu! Man there are a lot of folks there!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Sandra,

      The flu is attacking all over the country. Know someone who visited New York state and caught the flu there.

      Yeah, Quartzsite is crazy crowded and it’s not even the peak time yet. That’s why they call it Big Q! 🙂

  3. Pat H, Oregon Coast says:

    I’m glad you are enjoying Midland. I really liked spending time there. It’s a beautiful place. Maybe next winter….. Great pics

  4. Deena in Phoenix says:

    Just might have to get that Ottoman rug, would look great in the kitchen area and bring colors together…I enjoy the pictures of the all the dogs…reminds me of the times that Partner and I had many different dogs and the outings to let them run in the desert or run in the back yard…it makes me laugh out loud remembering.

    I have been thinking about your griddle and the different meals you’ve describing…I am finding that I just don’t enjoy the process of cooking any longer…so something simple and easy seems to be the way to go…not allowed to have an outside grill/griddle so I’m checking out a better stove top method…the little pan I have now just doesn’t seem to “griddle” correctly, everything comes out a grey color…be looking through Amazon this week.

    Glad the event of the starter will be completed with a good outcome…been there done that.

    Well, neighbors in a fight and the Phx police have arrived on sight – right outside my patio, don’t need to move from my recliner…another “soap opera”.

    Take Care RVSue with Crew and Del with his Crew

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Deena,

      Oh, geez…. Domestic disturbance in the neighborhood. Sorry you have that…. May it resolve quickly without injury.

      Maybe a blogorino will have a suggestion
      for a way to make cooking more enjoyable for you. I had to move the grilling/griddling outside because, with this small area, the grease splatter was a problem.

    • Deena, Lodge makes a cast iron grill pan with ridges which we find grills a steak pretty well, though now we prefer reverse sear.

      Reverse sear… You need oven and stove top or induction burner in our case. Preheat cast iron on stove top as you preheat oven, having oven hot is critical we set to 400. When both pan on stovetop and oven are hot, season meat ( I have used steak, pork chops and chicken) with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add small amount of good oil. We like avocado oil due to high heat profile, and put meat in pan. After 2 min check for browning. When brown, flip meat, put pat of butter on top and slide into hot oven.

      With steak I begin to temp check with instant read thermometer in about 8 to 10 min. When steak reaches 125 degrees we pull pan to heat proof surface and cover pan to rest. Best juiciest way to cook meat and have exactly right done ness with no fuss. The 8 to 10 min meat is in oven gives me time to sauté RA steam a low carb veg to go with it. We have even done this method with meat straight from freezer- the oven time is slightly longer but works same, perfect done mess as long as you check the meat for correct internal temp.

    • Mary in CO says:

      Amazon sells a Cuisenart 5 in 1 electric griddle which is easy to use and cleans up well. it comes with interchangable flat and ridged surfaces, and cooks both flat / open and closed for burgers and grilled sandwiches

    • Rhonda says:

      We love our George Forman for all meat. So fast & easy. Many sizes available too. Never use the barbecue any more. Would be fine for what Sue makes as well, just do not put the top down for those. To clean I just put a wet paper towel on top after use. Leave it till you finish your meal & it cleans right up.

  5. Awwwww….the dogs make me smile. I’ll be sorry when you leave, but excited too, to see where you go next. The griddle looks great.

    Katie does the same thing as Roger when she doesn’t want to go where I want her to go. She just plants her feet and holds her ground. She’s 21 pounds, so I just pick her up, but I sure can’t carry her very far. Usually I put her down a few feet in the direction I want to go and she trots along like a good girl. But she sure is stubborn at the beginning of any discussion about which way we should go.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      Ha! Katie and Roger remind me of a common expression (aka excuse) for middle schoolers who frequently get in trouble for mischief during class changes. When speaking with or writing a note to the parents, the situation is described as “He/she has difficulty with transitions.”

      I could explain it more clearly than that! 🙂

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        Angel falls in this class as well. She knows where she wants to go an that’s it. I pick her up to go the direction I want to go, which she will walk maybe 20 steps, then turns around and plants herself until we go her way. STUUBBBORN!

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Whoa! Gee, Barbara, Angel sounds more stubborn than Roger. I didn’t think that was possible! 🙂

          Hope y’all are keeping warm…

  6. Lily says:

    Wow! Did I actually make the top TEN???

    Hi Sue!
    Glad to see you are enjoying where you are camped and that the boys are enjoying their playmates. Hope the PTV gets fixed without drama. I recently bought a conversion van with the 5.3 engine. It is a 2003 and looks like new with only 85000 miles. I hope to do some camping in it this spring!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Congratulations on the new rig, Lily! It sounds like a great find! You are going to go places and have a wonderful time with it. I’m happy for you.

      You know, within the span of a week or so, I had two different people comment “Nice engine” when I told them it was a 5.3. 🙂

  7. Rover Ronda (WA) says:

    Hi!
    I’m still out here. Haven’t missed a blog but I do miss spending time with y’all in comments. Pray all is well with you. I’m doing well just busy with work and family. I realize I have work and family backwards but sadly that’s the situation for now. Looking forward to changing that sooner than later.

  8. Hey, Sue, So glad you are enjoying your time at the Midland LTVA! The joy in your life is evident in your “voice.”

    I’m finally recovered enough from my broken ankle with all its supsequent issues to try to hit the road this week. Headed to Q. to meet up with a group made up Escapees. The gathering starts today, but I have my final follow-up with the foot surgeon this week. Been a long 9 months.

    So glad you got the DBPower battery jumper. I put a note in my calendar to check the level of charge every month, and I’m happy to report that at the 1st month check it still shows 100%. After I test jumped my battery last month (old half-dead one) it read 98% and it took about 5 minutes of charge to fully recharge. So far I haven’t used it to charge my laptop but I’m sure I will once I start boondocking.

    OK, the real purpose of this epistle is to inquire about your air compressor. I have a very old workable, but underpowered one and would really like a better one. I’ve read all the good things about the Viair family of compressors, but the price has me holding back. Would you mind sharing what you use and whether it serves the purpose. My motorhome tires are huge so I need a pretty powerful one. Any other Blogorinos feel free to chime in!

    Thanks for sharing your life with us!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Rhonda. I’m happy to read that you’ve recovered and will be on the road soon to Quartzsite. Good news on your battery jummper. 🙂

      To answer your question…. For some reason I couldn’t link to the exact model of air compressor I have. Mine is the 85P model.

      This link goes to one that is slightly more powerful at 88P:

      Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor

      I’m satisfied with the one I have. It works well, although I’m careful to give it a couple minutes break between tire inflations because the motor gets hot. I like that it has a gauge I can watch while the tire is being inflated. I have no idea how it would perform with big tires.

      Blogorinos: Do you have a recommendation for an air compressor good for big tires? Please share what you know.

      Safe travels, Rhonda!

  9. Beth and Rosie dog, near Congress, AZ says:

    Great post as usual! Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your “Full moon rising” post with your reasons you like the desert (Jan 2, I believe). I feel that way too, but you put it into words for me! I’ve been meaning to tell you but time goes too fast sometimes and I don’t get the comment written. The desert does have four seasons but you have to learn what to watch for and pay attention because the desert changes all the time but you really have to look or you miss ALL it’s beauty 🙂. Hope that made sense. Thanks again for your blog, your writing is like a breath of fresh air for me. Thank you!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      What you describe does make sense, Beth. I’m glad you liked that full moon post. It did receive several positive reactions, making me think there’s a lot a folks who yearn for or remember fondly the beauty of the desert.

      Thank you for your positive words about my blog. 🙂

  10. Pamelab says:

    Hi, Sue and crew –
    I’ve been dancing as fast as I can for a while now, and am finally chilling a bit. I decided to attend the RTR in Quartzsite AZ this year.
    First, on my drive here, I realized my Casita travel trailer’s battery was not charging while I drove.
    Then, my brand new portable solar panel was not working. What in the world?!
    I put a note up on the bulletin board in the main meeting area and had six people offer me help! So many friendly and helpful people.
    A few fixes here and there and a neighbor with a generator to share and I’m feeling much better.
    Glad your PTV is getting a fix. It makes such a difference when things we depend on are in good running order.
    Happy Travels! and take care.
    Pamelab in Quartzsite AZ for now.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pamelab,

      I’m so glad you shared your “story” of needing help, putting a note on a bulletin board, and receiving six offers. I’m sure there are readers who are considering RVing, who don’t have the mechanical knowledge or fix-it skills (such as me), and are nervous about handling problems that arise. I found that there always seems to be someone around willing and able to help.

      Good! You’re “feeling much better.” Enjoy the Rubber Tramp Rendevous!

      • Pamelab says:

        Thank you, Sue. You and your posts gave me inspiration and hope to be able to try this. Even with obstacles, people appear in our lives when we need them or they need us, and it works out.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          If you have a dream and you’re determined to make it come true, you’ll find the way being cleared for you, bumps in the road or not. 🙂

  11. Joe in TN says:

    Sue and crew,
    Glad you got to squeeze in a few more days in the LTVA but I’m sure you would have preferred a better reason than PTV issues. Still eager to learn about the next stop. Very cold in Tennessee so we’re taking our RV to Florida for a month, but will still follow your journey. Stay safe.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Joe,

      This must be a record-breaking winter so far, judging from what I hear from readers. Yeah, fire up the RV and head south! Safe travels!

  12. Cathy says:

    Greetings from Las Posas South LTVA! Things are getting busy around here as you can well imagine😉 Staying here has been great so far. No big rallys near here. Quiet and easy access to water, trash and dump station! Well worth the $.
    Our Casita is a 2012 and she proves over and over what a happy choice we made! We’re very comfortable and have all the comforts of home! Left Kansas City October 24 and not a single regret! We saw the same double rainbows but your photos are much better than ours! What a thrill! We miss our Fiona, but enjoy your adventures with the crew.
    Being out here was worth all the effort….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cathy,

      Great hearing from you…. that you have no regrets and you’re happy with your Casita. I love your last line: “Being out here was worth all the effort.”

      Keep lovin’ it! Beautiful weather, isn’t it. 🙂

  13. Renee still in Idaho says:

    Great post! I love the photos of the dogs coming and going and your description of the two different personalities between Reggie and Roger.

    The food! Agghh! Sounds so delicious! Yes, healthful. You can make all kinds of quesadillas! The Mexican grilled cheese sandwich!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Renee. I’m happy you liked this post. It’s one of those “little stuff happening around camp” posts. About the crew… I think Reggie is a morning dog and Roger is a night dog. Reggie wakes up raring to go, full of kisses and energy, scratching at me to get up and get going. Roger sticks his head out from under the covers, disoriented, dopey… “Wuh?”

      • Renee still in Idaho says:

        It’s amazing how they each have their own personalities. Our Lab, Maggie, is happy go lucky all the time and ready to go. Our little Terrier, Mica is a slumber bug and I often have to remove her from the bed in order to make it. Oh, the look she gives me when I do that! And I can tell how she’s feeling by her eyes. Big, dark, and round and she’s in a loving mood. Small with the whites of her eyes showing and she’s in a grumpy mood.

  14. AZ Jim says:

    Missy, I wouldn’t be too hasty in leaving there, you are gonna miss your little chats with Del and your boys will be lost without Skeeter et al. Well, I suppose you all will survive but there will be a sense of loss methinks. Still, knowing you, and I do, that sense of adventure beckons you forward. I kinda hope you stick around there a bit. You are a natural Southwestern girl…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      “A natural Southwestern girl”…. I like that! You have a way with words that makes me feel 16 again. I bet that’s how you charmed Detta into your arms. 🙂

  15. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Love the pics. all of the pups are so precious. Buddy is a beautiful Aussie. He looks so regal in the photo by himself. I need to get dinner and do some work. I am filling in for my cohort this past week and next. She is having some health issues (not flu) and needs a break. She is my friend, so I don’t mind helping her.
    Joe is right, it is really cold here. Our average this time of year is 47, we are only about half of that.
    Saw a place near my sister in Florida and asked her to check it out. May buy a small place there to have someplace to go during these cold months, since hubby doesn’t travel well these days. I don’t want to spend too much as I really don’t want to live there permanently.

  16. Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

    Florida is not very warm this winter! Woke up to 27° this morning and the high was 45° ! Bring warm clothes and head south….. West Palm maybe! 😁

  17. I’d love to see some pictures of your grille creations. I’m thinking of getting one myself and the pictures of delicious foods might spur me on.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Okay, I’ll do that, Sherry. I included pics of my first creation a few posts back. Everything I cook on the griddle tends to look similar because I like to finish with a lot of shredded cheese on top, melted to perfection. Mmmm-mm.

  18. Cinandjules says:

    Ah life in the desert! The gang looks so happy! Funny to see them wth smiles on their faces…must make you laugh as they know the route back and forth. I’m really liking that Skeeter!
    Spare tire cover looks great! Glad it wasn’t a struggle to get it on! Grill cover is snazzy! Love your culinary adventures.

    Whatdayamean….people are trapsing around the desert with no clothes on? OH my GAWD! Nekid? BLechhhh…..😩
    Is it hard to get close to someone (Del) knowing you will eventually go separate ways, not knowing when or if your paths will cross again? Or is it the life a boondocker friendship like the one with Rusty?
    Jules is just getting over the nastiness of pneumonia. The flu is wicked crazy everywhere..make sure you wipe your cart down and take your energy c before you mix with people in town. Geeze…I don’t remember a time when so many folks are falling out dead! Stay healthy!
    Have a great evening…..

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cinandjules,

      I told Del today that Roger is so anxious to be let out the door to run over to his place that I fear if I don’t open it fast enough, Roger will shoot right through the door, leaving a big hole. He’s like a rocket! At least Reggie has the decency to wait for me. Sheesh.

      I’m expecting to see Del again. He was at Midland last year, this year, and plans to be here next year.

      Speaking of Rusty, he needs to write us a line! Haven’t heard from him in a while. I imagine he’s loving his wood stove this winter while Piper is loving the cold.

      Wishing Jules renewed strength…. Both of you stay healthy. Yes, I’m using the wipes at the entrance to every store. Folks are beginning to wear hospital masks. Darn flu is nasty.

      You have a great evening, too…

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        One more thing…. I just got a vision of nekkid people walking around wearing only hospital masks…. NO, not there… On their faces! Hahaha!

  19. Cinandjules 🌵 says:

    PS. In your culinary adventures….stay away from romaine lettuce….e coli and they (FDA) haven’t figured out the source as of yet.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks. Good advice. I’ve been crazy for pears lately. I was thinking about e coli today as I peeled one before eating.

      • Ed says:

        The people that got sick did so during early December 2017. The CDC made an announcement on 28 December 2017. My guess would be that the Romaine lettuce in question has all been eaten by now.

        “The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified romaine lettuce as the source of the outbreak in Canada. In the United States, state and local public health officials are interviewing sick people to determine what they ate in the week before their illness started. CDC is still collecting information to determine whether there is a food item in common among sick people, including leafy greens and romaine.
        Because we have not identified a source of the infections, CDC is unable to recommend whether U.S. residents should avoid a particular food. This investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.”

        Nothing has been forthcoming from the CDC in the past 3 weeks.

        I eat 3 Romaine hearts every 6 days and have been doing so for a couple of years – so far so good.

  20. You’re too funny RVSue…hahaha nek ked people wearing hospital mask…had me laughing so hard. Thank you cinandjules for heads up on romaine lettuce. Aaaw Roger and Reggie are going to miss Skeeter when you move camp…hopefully not for long. Roger sort of reminds me of Spike wanting to go visiting. I’ll wave your way as we drive past Blythe on our way to Los Angeles this Friday. Take care and safe travels

  21. Linda a says:

    Love the looks of those happy, happy dogs.
    Sounds like you may have to take Skeeter with you when
    you leave……Roger’s heart is going to be broken, and ‘she ?’ Looks like
    ‘she’ is related. ( smiling)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Linda…. Skeeter is a he. I’m thinking Roger is going to make strong attachments to every chihuahua-type dog he meets. Skeeter is the one who is going to suffer the most. Del tells me Skeeter starts his day up on the dash of the Class A, waiting and watching for Roger and Reggie. He’s there most of the day until we appear, usually around 3 pm.

      • Cinandjules 🌵 says:

        Skeeter will be fine….until the next rendezvous. AO pouts for a couple of days…when Uncle F-R-A-N-N-I-E leaves….and is beside herself when he returns. As long as we don’t mention his name in between….she goes about life.

  22. Cinandjules 🌵 says:

    Is it Del or Dell? Lottie-Dell

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It’s a shortened form of Delbert so I write it as Del.

      I think “Dell” is because it’s the name of an RV park… Dell like in farmer in the dell. I could be wrong. I’ll ask him.

  23. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue,

    Easy living, indeed! I love all of the pictures of the happy pups! They will miss each other when you move on to your next camp. Reggie and Roger are living it up, too. play hard, sleep hard! Thank you for sharing your favorite salsa with us; I am going to see if I can find it here or online. Sounds delicious and lower soldium is always a plus! 🙂

    Have a good day, Sue! Sending you and the Crew love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Denise,

      Well, the salsa I mentioned isn’t low-sodium, more like lower-sodium-than-some. 🙂 I like the Medium version. Kinda’ like Goldilocks, some salsas are too bland, others too hot, this one is Just Right. Hugs to you and Gracie pup! I hope your day is full of special blessings.

  24. Jackie-NC says:

    I love the beauty of trees and green grass and plants, but it wasn’t until I was traveling out west that I learned a different kind of beauty that man had nothing to do with. The desert has a beauty all its own. The sunrises and sunsets over the horizon and against mountains most any where you go. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder..
    Sue I did not get to leave out like I wanted to. I wanted to go to the RTR for the information part and visit areas around. My final parts gps monitor for backup camer did not arrive until couple days before I was leaving. My neighbor ‘a house burned and did damage to my house before Christmas so that interfered with me leaving. So now since I am missing the only scheduled thing, I am just going to wait till I finish some things I was working on and now repair my house. At least I have my camper set up now to travel. Only thing we are going to have a real cold front coming thru this week so don’t know how much I can get done in the cold.
    Wishing you and the boys a Happy New Year and safe travels.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jackie,

      I’m sorry your plans have been stalled and your house damaged. It will be especially sweet when you roll down the road with your camper at last. 🙂

      Okay, sending warmth to counteract that cold front…

  25. ApplegirlNY says:

    It’s a dog party! That picture of the crew and friends reminds me of the book “Go Dog Go.” They are a beautiful gang.

    The flu is going around here too. Both the head congestion type and the stomach variety. Thankfully we’ve been passed by so far. It’s pretty nasty.

    I love my Lodge Cast Iron cookware. I use it at home, and then it gets packed up in the camper for our travels. It’s really the only cookware we need when we’re camping. I’ve used it on the open fire, on the Casita stove as well as the propane camp stove. I have the 3 1/2 qt combo cooker. It’s a pretty deep skillet/dutch oven with a lid that doubles as a skillet. It’s a great combo that does just about everything for us, although the lid/skillet piece is pretty heavy – heavier than the base. Easy to clean, too, now that it’s seasoned.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Applegirl,

      Yeah, it’s dog party every day here! It’s fun to watch them having fun. 🙂 Wishing you and yours a flu-free season!

  26. Sarvi in OR says:

    I’ve just recently discovered the wonders of cast iron! I bought a set last summer for my trailer, but never got around to using them. I finally used my pan a month or so ago and made some lamb chops. OHMYGOODNESS it was amazing!! I’m totally hooked! I got mine at Cabela’s when they were having an amazing sidewalk sale (Lodge), but Amazon has good prices, too.

    I survived my cross country drive in the moving truck. Weather was absolutely gorgeous until just west of Cheyenne. I-80 was getting hit with 60+ mph winds, not easy to drive a sail on wheels in that! Once we hit Utah, the drive was smooth, but then came Idaho. The winds in Wyoming were just a light spring breeze compared to what I went through in Idaho, basically from the border until Burley. That was madness! We stopped in Boise for the night, and set off early in the morning for home. When we hit the mountain passes just inside the Oregon border, the snow came, fast and heavy. At one point, we had to crawl on the shoulder past a jack-knifed semi truck blocking the freeway. After coming down off the mountains, the snow turned to rain, and it was pretty torrential in the Gorge. But, we made it home safe on Thursday and got the truck unloaded. Now I’m trying to figure out where to put everything!

    • suzicruzi from the 'Couve says:

      Sarvi,
      I know that drive well, coming into OR from Boise, and that wind/rain/snow thing we get here! ugh! I’m glad you made it okay with no issues. Wondering if you live in or along the Gorge somewhere… as we (sort of) do. I spend a lot of time quite a bit East of where I do live – East of the Dalles seeking sunshine when the PDX area is socked in. We just had a few glorious days of 50’s (Thursday and Friday reached 60 – o. m. goodness!), and the weekend has been lovely, if not windy in the Gorge yesterday. I’m sure you’ve been enjoying the reprieve from Winter too. I hear this week, the cold and snow are headed back in. Oh well, it IS January. This too shall pass……

      • Sarvi in OR says:

        I’m in Albany, and we had some gorgeous weather over the weekend, also! I spent the last 5 weeks in Michigan, where we received over 70 inches of snow in that time. UGH! It was terrible!

  27. suzicruzi from the 'Couve says:

    Morning! Having my cuppa with ya. I have a request, Sue… I dunno, but I think I like “Fart and Smile” much better. 🙂 What say the blogerinos?

    Hard to believe you’ve been story-telling to us for 7 years Sue! Now, I haven’t been following you for 7 real years, but I’ve read every single post of yours. For the past year and a half, I’ve been binge reading them. I know I told you this before, but wow, I think it’s just sinking in that you’ve been on the road for 7 full years now. It’s been a beautiful ride-along, and I’ve enjoyed every story, every photo, every pooch, every camp… Every tear, and every smile. And of course, the Fart and Smiles along the way, which I’m sure have been plenty! 🙂 🙂

    Have a gorgeous day, and smooches on the beaks of “those two”.

    Suzi xo

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, suzi,

      Actually it won’t be a full 7 years until August 2018. Even so, the time has passed quickly. Thank you for your summary beginning with “It’s been a beautiful ride-along….” I agree!

      Today is gorgeous here. I hope for you, too!

  28. Susan says:

    That egret is beautiful.
    What is the body of water? River or lake?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Susan,

      Neither river or lake…. The water in the photo is one of the main irrigation canals. People fish the canals and so do the herons/egrets.

  29. Dawn in NC 🐕 says:

    Good morning Sue! I have today off work , so I slept late. I had my coffee and doughnuts with you and the Blogorinos this morning. A perfect morning! I love the pictures of the dogs all running forward to greet you. It makes me smile. Your descriptions of Reggie being a morning dog and Roger not so much made me smile! I’m with Roger on this one! I too would love to see pics of your griddle creations. I’m glad you are really enjoying it.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good afternoon, Dawn,

      Busy morning for us. I didn’t see your comment until almost noon. I’ll be sure to take photos of the next griddle meal. 🙂 Enjoy your day off!

  30. Karen LeMoine says:

    I hope all the dogs survive until end next meet up.Im already sad thinking about your departure.

  31. weather says:

    Yes, I can see why you return to Blythe with it’s beauty and distance from human crowds. It offers so much of what you and your crew enjoy and is amazingly inexpensive, too. This long visit there has held a tremendous bonus for the canine crowd, still, I can understand your becoming restless and ready to move soon.

    “Live in the desert, live with dirt”, good answer 🙂 ! I can’t remember the last time I thoroughly washed a vehicle, trailer or outside of a home. It’s a lost cause with how much mud and grime is part of living here, at least the way I do.

    A good salsa one needn’t make from scratch is hard to find. I’m glad you found one you like. I’m guessing it may not be available everywhere, and might be a good thing to stock your larder with while you’re there. I use salsa almost every day so I just try to keep a back up jar around, because I can buy mine right up the road about a mile from home.

    Great photos -of all the dogs and the egret! I almost take for granted how much I enjoy your pictures until I look at a lot of other people’s photography.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good afternoon, weather,

      Busy morning here, getting things done. Thank you for the very nice compliment about my photography. Wow. One of the reasons I don’t read other blogs much is the way they make me feel. I see their photos in perfect focus, vivid colors, and exciting subjects and I feel ashamed. I know that usually their photos are better because they have better equipment, but it still isn’t fun for me to see them! I should be happy for their accomplishments. Instead I see them as so much better than mine!

      We do think along the same waves… I stocked up on that salsa yesterday! There probably are better salsas, freshly made. However, I need a good salsa I can keep in the cupboard and this one is it. I also bought a jar of their tomatillo salsa. I’ve never eaten a tomatillo. That’s one of the great things about my griddle. It has me trying new foods and recipes. 🙂

      • weather says:

        Not to disparage other blogs, but, Sue, I just really put you alone in a category above the rest. Yes, their photos are crisp and bright, and they seem to enjoy their lives, however… all that colorful stuff seems to be on one big surface, as though it’s not intended to give a sense of depth that includes emotion except on a shallow level. Often I read their describing someone they have just met casually as a new friend, as though a light conversation can establish a meaningful relationship.

        Your photos, and you, have a soft feel that’s very appealing. Your pages reflect the way you react to what you see and encounter, the way places, people and creatures make you care about them. Rather than flit around the country to see exciting destinations or events you get to know a place, take time to ask people you meet about their lives- as though everyone and every place has something worth being interested in, worth letting them matter to you. I may not be describing this very well because I take your wonderful writing style into account when I read your posts, it’s the whole blend that fits and works like no other.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Reading your message to me has brought me to tears. Thank you, weather.

        • Ruthie in Fontana says:

          Weather, I totally agree with every word. You also have a way with words and feelings. That why this blog works. We have communication. The pictures are perfect just they way they are, I even have more then a few of them on my screen saver. Thank you Weather and Sue for all of the work and expression you put in this blog.

          • Calvin Rittenhouse says:

            I’m getting in on this, too. The important part is how much of yourself you put into your writing and pictures. You write well and I like your pictures (especially sunrises and sunsets, of course), but the important part is the real you. Everybody has a “real” person behind the writing, of course, but many do not share that with the readers. I understand that you don’t give us every thought and feeling you have, but you do well at letting us “feel” your trip. That adds more to the value of your blog than expensive equipment ever would.

          • rvsueandcrew says:

            You’re welcome, Ruthie. Thank you for being a part of the “communication.”

        • weather says:

          Aw-w, group hugs y’all 🙂

  32. FloridaScott says:

    Hi Sue,
    I agree, your blog is just the most friendly, easy going, fun, informative one there is. You, your adventures, stories, photos and the crew are the Main Attraction. Your Blogorinos and their participation and comments just takes your blog over the top! Getting closer and need some advice on chairs. I notice you have the director type chairs and the zero gravity type. Should we get both? Which brand in each style? Looking for light weight that won’t break the bank. Any suggestions appreciated. Stay safe, be well and keep on having Fun!
    FloridaScott

    • weather says:

      In case you want a lounger like Sue’s, it’s a Caravan Sports Zero Gravity Lounge Chair, sold on Amazon for $53. Sue may decide to put a link to it here for you, the ASIN ( B01BJ395H0 ) will help her find it. I found this and the side tray she has by going to her Delivering Sunshine in the Desert post from last January.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Scott,

      You say the nicest things! Thank you!

      Thanks to weather I was able to easily and quickly make this link to my lounger:

      Caravan Sports Zero Gravity Lounge Chair

      If you buy a lounger, an attachable side tray is essential. Scroll down the page at the above link and you’ll see Prime Products 13-9003 Utility Tray. That’s the one I have. I like it.

      The tray can be attached on either side of the chair, good for lefties or righties.

      I have two sit-up-straight chairs, both with a side table that folds up into place. Everyone that has ever sat in one of those chairs has remarked how comfortable they are. I bought them from a vender at Quartzsite. I think they were about $55 each in 2012. Here are similar chairs from the same company: EEZRVProducts.com

      On occasion I have purchased a 3rd type of camp chair, one of those cheap, foldable ones sold in supermarkets for under $10. I use them for sitting in creeks, rivers, or lakes. They serve their purpose and don’t last long.

      The lounger is great for lounging, snoozing, and reading. The only complaint I’ve ever heard about them is their weight. That doesn’t bother me.

      The director type chairs are great for conversing with visitors or eating a meal with a plate on your lap. Or sometimes I like to sit up in a chair rather than recline to enjoy the sunshine, watch the crew, etc.

      I explained all that to explain why I have both kinds of chairs. I hope it’s helpful.

  33. Hi Sue , another great post as always,,,,,, 🐾👣👣

  34. rvsueandcrew says:

    You’re welcome, Kat. I’m absolutely delighted that you are “finally out west camping” and you and Cookie dog are healthier and happier. Have a wonderful time experiencing Quartzsite — It’s a unique atmosphere. I hope you will have fun but don’t forget about us! Blogorinos love to hear tales from the road. 🙂

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