“How fortuitous!”

Several of the photos in this post are from the day Roger and Reggie met at an RV park in Rogerson, Idaho, in the spring of 2017.  In the moments you see here a lifelong friendship began.

“How fortuitous!”

I blurt out those words as I step out the back door of our house in southern Arizona.

You see, Roger didn’t sleep well last night.  And when one of the crew doesn’t sleep well, none of us sleep well.

Several times between the hours of eleven and four, Roger hops out of bed and whines to be let out.  I quickly obey because I know he means business and yesterday his stools were loose.  Not full-blown diarrhea.  The sort of thing dogs go through from time to time.

Particularly dogs like Roger. 

Roger eats anything with the slightest resemblance to food, emphasis on “slightest.” More than once, actually many times, I’ve said the words,

“Roger!  WHAT on earth are you eating?”

Probably this eat-anything behavior is a carry-over from when he had to scavenge for meals and never knew for sure he’d even find his next meal.

(BTW, a while back I replaced ALPO in the boys’ diet with 4Health and they digest it well. ALPO was making them psychotic.  No kidding.  Weird.)

Same with water.

Roger drinks water from any source.  Whereas Reggie would have to be crawling-on-his-belly thirsty to drink out of a ditch or puddle or any place other than his water bowl, Roger is compelled to take a sip of any and all water he finds.

Although I’m good about not having standing water on the property, I did place the birdbath bowl on the ground.  I do change that water every day.  Even so, it’s not something Roger should drink.

Yet I’m sure he has.

(I’ve since raised the birdbath off the ground.)

Anyway . . .

About “fortuitous.”

I’m getting there!  

Because of the poor night’s sleep and because I’m a napper, around 4:30 today the boys and I settle into a delicious nap.

“Boom!  Boom!  Boom! . . .”

A car stereo wakes us up.

Oh my, the light through the window is pink! 

I swing my legs over the side, slip into my slides, and scurry to the back door, grabbing the camera on the way.  Reg and Rog are tight to my heels.

“Oh, look at that sky! How — okay, readers, altogether now —

“HOW FORTUITOUS!”

 Sunset over the Backyard Fence, Southern Arizona

And how glorious!  If that car hadn’t come along and awakened us, we would’ve missed it!

~ ~ ~

Friday, November 30

Roger is much improved today.  He eats a little breakfast (and finishes off his supper).  I don’t catch him at the right time to check his stool, but everything else indicates he’s getting over whatever ailed him.

After lunch I go to the Resale Shop.

This is the place where I search for big pieces of furniture.  I’m looking for the quality and condition that’s practically impossible to find at a thrift store.  Items cost more at the resale store, but they’re a heckuva lot cheaper than buying new.  Especially furniture!  This is the same shop where I purchased the love seat that’s in our living room.

Immediately I spy the chair.

It’s a Drexel in excellent shape. Immediately I love the color, the fabric, the style, and the petite size.

The cost of the chair plus tax totals $85.48.

Hmm . . . This chair will pair nicely with the duck lamp in our little “den.”

And here’s the chair cozied up with Dorky Duck!

rvsue

~ ~ ~

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~ ~ ~

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!

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70 Responses to “How fortuitous!”

  1. rvsueandcrew says:

    . . . AND THE WINNER IS . . . ROBIN B! CONGRATULATIONS!

  2. ReneeG from Idaho says:

    Wow. I instantly received your email posting! Great, I’m thinking, how fortuitous indeed for me as I will be first this time. Ha! There are already two that beat me to it! Quickies!

  3. Terri in Tx., for now says:

    Love the chair, RV Sue! Looks great with the duck! I think I am Incredibly close to the top! Wow!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Terri! You and Renee came in together. 🙂

    • Barbara from Camano Island says:

      I agree. It looks perfect. And I loved seeing the pictures again of Roger’s and Reggie’s first meeting!! Yes, match made in heaven with a little help from a woman named Sue! Great story by the way. Fantastic sunset.

  4. John in Duluth says:

    AZ skies! Pretty.

  5. Gingerita says:

    Gorgeous sunset!! We have freezing fog at the moment, so it was wonderful to see your beautiful sunset. That chair looks so comfy and pairs very nicely with the duck. Glad that Roger is feeling better.

  6. ReneeG from Idaho says:

    Oh, I have to report back. Loved the story today (when do I never love the story?!). Loved the photos of Roger’s curiosity with the little brown and white dog in the green coat that appeared in the little RV park in Rogerson and Reggie’s eventually luring Roger in. I bet Roger is sure happy he was!

    Yes, the chair and lamp make a handsome couple. Drexel. Wow! I too go to consignment shops now for furniture. We purchased a beautiful Thomasville buffet recently for a steal compared to what it may have cost originally, new, and the shop delivered it free of charge!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I bet your buffet is very nice. It’s fun searching for just the right piece of furniture and, then when you find it, realizing the good deal. Recycling can be very enjoyable! 🙂

      • Renee from Idaho says:

        It’s very nice. After showing a friend who spends thousands on new furniture, she started going to consignment shops too.

  7. milliehubbard says:

    Love that chair! A Drexel for $85 – what a steal!! The photo of the sky is gorgeous, nothing like a beautiful sunset. Thanks too for sharing the photos of Reggie & Roger meeting…so, so cute. Rog hit the puppy lottery when he and Reg became friends. They are quite a pair!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, millie,

      “The puppy lottery” — Ain’t that the truth! I laugh at Roger when he’s trying to figure out which warm and comfortable spot he wants to lie in. He curls up in a dog bed for a while, then goes to a chair for a brief snooze, up into my lap for some love, trots down the hall to the bed . . . I find him under the comforter.

  8. Dawn in Michigan says:

    There’s a website that compares dog food for quality. I’ll find it and send it to you. If nothing else it’s interesting.

    I’m sure you’re right about Roger foraging for food. He lives by his wits for a long time. Even though he’s very very happy to be with you and Reggie I imagine he’s always looking for the next thing to eat.

    Love the chair.

    Love love love the sunrise! That has happened to me once in awhile too, Katie insisting that I get up and I’m grumpy about it but when we get outside there’s something spectacular waiting for us.

    • Janet Parker Doublier says:

      Please send the website. My three kids will benefit.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      I’m convinced dogs have been given a great responsibility: Keep after their people to make sure they appreciate life. The boys nag me about that all the time.

      Keep up the good work, Katie!

      • Dawn in Michigan says:

        So true! So many times I’ve seen skies filled with stars, or the morning pink because of her.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You know, Dawn? Maybe that’s why statistics indicate the health benefit of having a pet. Pets help us appreciate what is around us which, in turn, helps us be happy, which in turn supports good health. A smile doesn’t guarantee good health but it surely can’t hurt!

  9. rvsueandcrew says:

    Blogorinos . . . About product recommendations . . .

    More are welcome! I expect that as the holiday season becomes more intense I’ll run out of testimonies from readers to put at the bottom of posts.

    Reminder: Explain why you like the product you purchased from Amazon and leave out price. Don’t post a link. A specific description or, better yet, the ASIN number will help me find it . It’s also nice for readers to know where you are commenting from, like Marilu did. Thank you!

  10. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    That is an absolutely gorgeous sunset. Almost looks like the sky is on fire.

    Reggie & Roger make quite the pair. I don’t think I have ever seen two dogs be so in-tune with each other. Certainly glad Roger is feeling better. We have a new manager at the pet store where I go and she is so in tune with what is in what food. I had been feeding Angel Science diet and she told me that the food is loaded with meal and not a whole lot of what they need. She suggested Ultra for small dogs. It is made with real salmon, blueberries, carrots etc. and has Chosamin for their joints and other good vitamins. It was also cheaper and a bigger bag. Angel loves it. Ultra is made in Canada and they have standards for what has to be in pet food and what not to have.

  11. Love the beautiful chair! Now I’m enticed to go visit a consignment shop…I’ve never been to one. I bought my current sofa and love seat from a Jr. League rummage sale a few years ago. They are just the right size for my small house. I want to have them reupholstered but it cost so much. If I decide to have the two reupholstered, I’ll also have slip covers made for them for three seasons…winter, spring, summer/fall. BTW my dogs love to sleep in crates day and night. I have two in my bedroom and one in the computer (spare room). I also have a futon in the computer room which the dogs use to lay on when I’m in there browsing the web or reading. I also have dog beds scattered here and there….the dog beds and crates might make a good buy off Amazon especially the raised beds.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rita,

      You remind us of the different ways to find a bargain. Of course, there’s Amazon 🙂 and non-profit thrift shops, for-profit resale shops, garage/yard sales, rummage sale sponsored by groups such as Jr. League, churches, etc., estate sales, auctions, flea markets, online places like ebay, etsy and craigslist, and consignment shops where the profit is shared. I probably left out some.

      Yeah, re-upholstery does cost a lot. Both the fabric and labor adds up, although the cost must be weighed against buying new furniture. Good luck with whatever you do for your home. 🙂

  12. Reggie and Roger’s meeting was so sweet – and fun!! I was one of the ‘inos who didn’t see the gal deciding not to keep Roger, I thought he’s stay there with her for sure. But alas he was meant to be in the crew and here we are!!

    Fortuitous indeed! Look at that beautiful Arizona sky. The orangy bits of it are similar to the new chair 🙂

  13. Diann in MT says:

    Sue,
    Your sitting space in Dorky Duck room is gorgeous.
    Your AZ sunset is gorgeous.
    You bringing Roger on board is a “gorgeous” story.
    Thanks for sharing.

  14. I love the chair next to the duck lamp. It looks like home. Roger and Reggie are so cute it just hurts me. They really did win the dog lottery.

  15. rhodium in sw va says:

    The chair, the lamp and a paperwhite reader look like a perfect match. If in the course of people writing product recommendations someone comes up with a gift for a 15 year old boy, I would love to hear it. Also, if anyone has any recommendations on those portable photo printers like the HP Sprocket or other model, that seems to me to be interesting gifts for those who like gear. The Instant Pot is overall great and you can get extra liner pots as a gift for those who already have a pot.

    • Cynthia in San Clemente says:

      Rhodium, my DIL just sent me a list of what my 15 year old grandson has asked for – maybe something on here would be helpful for you. He loves mountain biking, so anything on the list that says MTB refers to mountain biking. If your 15 YO is into any sports, something related to his favorite sport would be good. And apparently, my grandson likes Led Zepplin (who knew?) but anything related to music your 15 YO likes would be good too. Good luck!

      • Full face MTB helmet
      • Bigger tv screen for bedroom
      • Futon for bedroom
      • Flannel PJ bottoms
      • $$
      • MTB pads for leg & arms
      • Manscape shave/trim kit
      • Portable phone 7 charger
      • Xbox gift card
      • Led Zeppelin poster
      • Wireless headset for Xbox
      • Sun glasses
      • Led Zeppelin t shirt

  16. Cynthia in San Clemente says:

    That sunset was absolutely spectacular! It seems to me that fall and winter sunsets – at least in the West – are the best. I’m sure it must have something to do with the air temperature, the location of the sun, etc. – all those astrological things I know nothing about! And what a heart of gratitude you had to not be annoyed by the noisy car stereo, but instead, see that abrupt awakening as an opportunity to capture the beauty of God’s sky. I’ve really been trying to work on that lately – just being grateful for what is, and not wishing or fretting for what I wish it would be! Out running errands a few weeks ago it seemed I hit every red light on the main road leading out of my neighborhood. Later, coming home, I saw two cars involved in a minor fender bender at an intersection near our house. I wondered if I had not hit all those red lights, my “timing” might have been different and I might have been the one who was caught in the accident. So I’ve been trying to savor sitting at a red light, standing in line at the grocery behind a slow poke, or waiting patiently while the dogs feel compelled to smell every bush along their walk.

    Your new chair is lovely too and I agree, perfect with the duck lamp and wood table – all warm and cozy colors. I can imagine many hours of good book reading going on in that corner.

    Glad to hear Roger Scavenger is doing better. I’m sure you’re right that his willingness to eat and drink anything is a function of time spent without adequate food and water. Sammy, who came from a horribly abusive situation, is like Roger – he never met a morsel of food (or rabbit poop) he didn’t want to eat as quickly as possible. Lucy, on the other hand, was also a rescue but I have no reason to think she was abused or deprived. She is picky about her food, often turning up her nose if she doesn’t like what is being offered, and cherry-picking the most tasty people-food leftovers from her kibble. She does however, love horse poop, which is inexplicable to me!

  17. Lisa W says:

    Hi Sue, glad Roger’s upset stomach seems to be over. Love the chair, and it does pair well with the duck lamp (which was a find and cleaned up well). Beautiful sunrise photo.

  18. Marilu in Northern California says:

    Hi Sue,
    I’m glad you liked my Instant Pot review. I made chili yesterday. Yum!
    Your chair was a real bargain. I love it!

  19. Adrienne says:

    That was a wonderful sunset! I remember when Reggie and Roger met and you called Reggie and Roger came and jumped right into the Casita. I knew then that Roger was staying. He had already decided it was just a matter of getting through to you. I’ve been using my Instant Pot for over a year now, it makes great cheesecake too!

  20. Columbus Calvin says:

    I remember when you and Reggie found Roger. It’s a great story with an outcome to match.

    The instinct that made you notice the light when you awoke is what makes you a photographer. Anyone can buy equipment and learn technique, but knowing and noticing when that picture’s available (rather than the rude person who woke you) is what can’t be replaced. The picture came out gorgeous. The caption’s great, too. What in the world says “home” better than “sunset over the backyard fence”? It combines with that picture of the chair, lamp, and something to read to bring a contented, comfortable feeling.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Beautifully written comment, Calvin. And I’d say that even if it weren’t a wonderful compliment for me. Thank you.

      • Columbus Calvin says:

        You’re welcome and thank you back. I do a small amount of writing but lack both the capacity and the willingness to do business with it.

  21. Jan NH says:

    Beautiful sky….I agree, worth the waking by the blaring car radio.

    I so love those pictures of your boys…not only because they are so cute but because it is of the time when they became brothers and I just love, love love the story!

    You are so right. The chair is perfect with the duck lamp….great find and that is a great buy for a Drexel!

    I had previously mentioned that my boys are at obedience boot camp but I got a little cheat day today. Typically the trainer doesn’t let the humans see your dogs until he is ready to add the human to the mix but my boys had a their initial vet check today so he allowed me to go pick them up to take them so I got to see them briefly today. They were happy to see me but just as happy to go back inside when I took them back after their appointment. I take that as a good sign that they are enjoying their time with the trainers. I’m guessing I miss them more than they miss me but it will be worth it in the long run. It has only been a week but I see a difference already!

  22. Elizabeth says:

    Funny things about dogs isn’t it?? Our smart dog NEVER drank from puddles or any water outside…no siree. The other air-headed one would drink any old place (she too had been a rescue dog)…maybe it is that and not IQ that decides it. But funny…

    Love your “found” furniture…you are doing great girl…and isn’t that fun to find bargains!! Love it!!

  23. Rob, in FL tonight says:

    Great sunsets in the desert, I miss that… getting that picture was indeed fortuitous!

  24. Lauri C says:

    That is one of my most favorite adventures of you urs, when you met Roger! As I’ve said previously, a match made in heaven!!! Thank you for revisiting it!

  25. chas anderson says:

    The day a new dog wanders into a family is a memorable event.All of our dogs have been strays.We still cannot explain Eddie.One day we were driving into our garage and he ran in and was only 8 weeks old.We live in the middle of a forest and there are only 10 houses within 2 miles and we checked with all of them.No clues.Our best guess is that somebody had a litter and started dumping off puppies in the woods.We still had old Juice at that time and Eddie must have smelled her trail down the driveway which is 1200 feeet into the woods.

    Juice was still nursing from cancer operations and Eddie kept her going for 2 more years.Eddie worshipped Juice as a surrogate Mom and fit right into pur RV snowbird family.

  26. Columbus Calvin says:

    My product recommendations are few and far between, but as I got my belt bag out for still another use this morning, I realized it’s one of my best deals ever and it’s still available.

    The official Amazon posting says, “Canvas Fanny Pack Travel Clutch Waist Bag Large Purse Adjustable Strap Tote Bag”, but I just call it the black medium-size belt pack (ASIN B0051QH4F2). It’s pretty much a standard “fanny pack” in a size I bought around five years ago specifically to carry a 7″ tablet in a sleeve along with various small items. I bought another one for a friend. Both bags are still in frequent use. These probably get more use than most because my friend and I are “car free” and use bags for things others might keep in a car. All in all, this is a solid, durable bag at the best price around.

    • Elizabeth says:

      Thanks for this information Calvin…I still have my bag that is similar…but I think someplace we lost Hubby’s…so now I know where to find it!!

  27. weather says:

    What a nice chair! I like that it’s being petite suits the size of your den, large furnishings can overwhelm a small space. I love it’s polka dots, and how it’s color complements that of the duck lamp and wooden table, while still being light enough to be cheerful.

    What a great story Reggie, Roger and you have altogether. The part where you chose Rogerson as a destination that year still fascinates me. Then late one afternoon Roger and you saw each other from a distance, and soon he and Reggie began sharing a tether, home and lifelong friendship. Nice touch having the header photo with those friends running free on the red sand beach. A very dear friend is leaving this week to spend the winter on a Florida beach. I’m glad she’s free to enjoy that and I’m free to enjoy the one here.

    • Ruthie in Fontana says:

      weather, you have such a classy way of writing. I wish I could do as well. I so enjoy reading Sue’s blog and all of the comments, I really like it when you comment.

    • Elizabeth says:

      Tis good to have a friend that is happy for us!! You are a great friend Weather!! I have one of those kind of friends left too (well, that is a woman and I can feel free to keep closer contact with!)…most of those kind that I had have already left this life. But that too at least will be ok one day…we shall all be together again.

      • weather says:

        It’s hard when a friend is no longer with us, Elizabeth. I’m really glad you still have a special one to share happiness with. I smile when thinking about our all being together again one day 🙂

        • Elizabeth says:

          And the celebration that will be too huh? Sometimes I wonder what all those gone ahead might be doing to help prepare for our arrivals too…who knows, maybe there are lots of welcoming parties of sorts…

  28. Marlene Telford says:

    Hi Sue, just back from visiting family in Salmon, Id.for the T.G.holiday. Love your new furnishings and what you have done with them. That easy chair has a warm cozy look to it and the table chairs are definitely improved with your expertise and eye for design and color, love it all. The fence is amazing and just thinking about clearing out weeds, etc from between the fences is tiring but I do think you were wise to put in a maintenance area…so smart! going to make it a lot easier for sure. Was thinking maybe pre-emergent in the early spring might help. Have a great day, take care and love your blog. Marlene

  29. Paula in Indiana says:

    Your use of the word “fortuitous” makes me smile! It brings happy memories of my dad. He loved that word, and used it often. It’s a word that most people know what it means, but I don’t hear it used a lot in every day conversation. Great memories, Sue! Thanks 🙂

  30. Carol Savournin in Tucson says:

    Hey, Sue! Our 2 rescue dogs are VERY “food motivated”. The worst thing they scavenge … and only when I canot manage to get them away fast enough … is the occasional javelina poop. Apparently, it is rather fruity and delicious. Dogs can, however, pick up viruses and what-have-you just because they are constantly sniffing and breathing in stuff from the ground that birds or rodents spread. Ya never know. I have learned that when there is a digestive upset, a bit of canned pumpkin is very helpful for a few days. An entire can lasts for a very long time, so to avoid spoiling, I freeze small dollops on a plate and then transfer to a baggie. I can get out one or two at a time and defrost quickly to mix in with the meal. I also chop up no-salt green beans in my litle food chopper machine and add that to their dinner …. bulk but no calories. I am guilty of “loving” my pups too much and letting them get a bit fat!

  31. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Good morning, Sue, and fellow blogorinos!

    I love this post, reminiscing about how Roger came to be part of your Crew and heart. I truly believe that things happen (or don’t) for a reason and when they are supposed to….God’s Plan, not our own. Comparing early pictures of the boys friendship to current time, it is easy to see how both have blossomed. Their love for each other is unmistakeable. Two little peas in a pod. You have mentioned several times how Roger always thanks you for his meals, and is so grateful. I am so glad that he found his forever home with you and Reggie. 💕

    The sunset picture is gorgeous! A colorful, fluffy meringue topping on the pie crust like pickets of your fence. Home Sweet Home! 🙂

    Regarding favorite things from Amazon that would make awesome gifts: As I enjoy cooking and baking, having a good hand and stand mixer makes life much easier. 🙂

    KitchenAid KHM512WH 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer (ASIN B0096TXQNE) is a great, basic hand mixer. It easily handles tasks from whipping potatoes or egg whites to mixing a batch of cookies or brownies.

    For larger jobs, I use my KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Plus Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (ASIN B00063ULMI). Knead bread, mix a triple batch cookie recipe, whip 10 lbs of potatoes, and everything in between. This mixer handles any task with ease. This machine is just the right size if you do not have a lot of counter space. Like all KitchenAid stand mixers, additional accessories such as a pasta maker or meat grinder may be purchased.

    You cannot go wrong by investing in a KitchenAid mixer. It is a workhorse that will last and can be passed down to future generations. I have my Mom’s 1st KitchenAid stand mixer from the late 60’s, early 70’s. It still works like a champ. It has a glass mixing bowl. I no longer use it as I am prone to drop things without warning due to nerve damage. Unfortunately, KitchenAid does not offer a stainless steel replacement bowl for that model.

    I hope you have an enjoyable Sunday, Sue! I will be putting up our tree and decorations, with Gracie pup supervising. Last night, TCM had my favorite Christmas movie, “The Bishop’s Wife”, as it’s feature film. Love it! It now feels like Christmas! Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! xo 🙂

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Nice new comfy chair! Another great find at an awesome price! It nicely compliments the loveseat and duck lamp. It as if they were meant to be together…. 🙂

    • Dawn in NC says:

      Hi Denise! Isn’t it great putting up a tree. 🎄 It’s been years since I put one up, but I just LOVE the smell. I also love how a favorite Christmas movie can put you in the mood! My favorite Christmas movie is The Muppets Christmas Carol!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Hi, Dawn!

        I love the smell of a freshly cut tree, too! 🙂 Years ago I found out that I was allergic to pine (huge bummer!), so I had to switch to an artificial tree. Last year I downsized my tree to a prelit 5’. Found one that is lightly flocked, so it looks like it has a fresh dusting of snow. Very pretty! 🎄

        The Muppets Christmas Carol movie is so cute! 🙂

  32. Dawn in NC says:

    The picture of the sunrise is truly beautiful. You are better at making the good out of bad than I am. I am not as gracious when the kitties wake me st sunrise every morning. So glad that Roger is feeling better! It stinks when our fur babies don’t feel good. One my older kitties, Bree, has a uti. Poor girl! I took her to the vet and they gave her meds, but they haven’t kicked in yet. It’s hard waiting. I did some shopping thru your link yesterday. I hope you get the credit!

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