Tuesday, January 1, 2013
What to do on a windy, winter day
I remember a time as a kid in the 1950s, I thought, “Gee, I wonder if I’ll live to see, uh, 2012.”
I grabbed a pencil and did a little arithmetic (future math teacher that I was). My calculations completed, I exclaimed, “Oh, gosh, I’ll be so OLD!”
(Remember when kids said words like gosh? And gee-willikers? Now it’s what the . . . ?)
Well, I made it to 2012 and beyond!
And apparently you did, too, or you wouldn’t be reading this. Congratulations and Happy New Year!
What did RVSue and her canine crew do on the very first day of 2013?
More winter activity . . .
After the usual morning routine, I go outside and dump some birdseed under the scraggly tree. The only visitors have been ground-feeders. I guess I should clarify that I’m talking about birds, not neighbors.
Not one bird has perched on the feeder!
So I give up and throw the seed on the ground. It pains me greatly to do so. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill finch food. This dang stuff is GOURMET. I don’t know why I sprung for the good stuff, but I did and there it is on the ground.
I go inside and get online.
Uh . . . Is it time for lunch yet?
A few minutes later I look up from the monitor.
What is this! It’s a dadburn Chipmunk Convention out there!
Out of the earth throughout the desert come rodents (Let’s face it. Just because they’re cute and have a stripe and fluffy tail, that doesn’t erase the fact that they’re rodents.)
I study the flurry of activity and a pattern emerges.
You could be watching paint dry.
Why, the little buggers are filling their cheeks and then ferrying the gourmet food over to their holes in the ground.
Hey! Do you have any idea how much that cost? Leave some for the birds!
I might as well stick a funnel in each chipmunk hole and pour it in. Talk about money down a rat hole.
Bridget, Spike, and I take off for Yuma.
I go the long way to Interstate 8, taking the dirt road that winds through Sidewinder Pass. I notice several opportunities for secluded camping, only a few of them occupied. Right before we arrive at the center of the earth . . . um . . . How can you have a center located on the surface of a sphere? Oh well, anyway . . . That’s what the sign says, The Center of the Earth, so I’m going with it.
Right before Earth’s center, we come upon an unusual sight.
I walk over to take a closer look.
Hmm . . . concentric circles, center of the earth, a pile of quartz, cherubim, everything perfectly maintained. A grave site? Sacred ground? A hidden vortex? Someone went to a lot of trouble and took great care.
I take a photo and leave without stepping on any of it.
As for Yuma, well, it has a personality like no other city I’ve ever been in.
I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing. I do know I’m glad it exists for a whole lot of people escaping winter. Wall-to-wall RVs! The PTV carries us across town on the interstate until those big blue letters appear . . . Wal-Mart! Down the ramp we go! I want to replenish our food supply with fresh veggies and milk.
One of the many reasons I love having a travel trailer is seeing it when we arrive home.
Every time that little egg-home comes into view, I smile. Home sweet home!
Groceries put away, I take the crew on a long walk.
I feel guilty because they were so excited when I opened up the PTV for our jaunt to get groceries and then I didn’t let them out until we were home again. The winding, narrow washes are all over the place and they make good paths for walks. The sand is gentle on paws, for one thing.
That evening I watch television.
Of course, I do. It’s New Year’s Eve! I endure watching the celebration going on with great enthusiasm in NYC (meh) which, of course, occurs before midnight due to the time difference. How convenient for an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person like myself!
At midnight, I hear a few booms. I rise up on one elbow, peer out the window, and see a pathetic excuse for fireworks over by the mountains. Is that all ya’ got, pal?
Hello, 2013!
rvsue
Happy New Year, Sue. Hope you have a wonderful winter in our neck of the woods.
Same to you, John!
Maybe the center of the earth has something to do with this: http://clui.org/ludb/site/felicity-center-world
Actually, your picture of the BLT looked like the “center of the earth”
The BLT is the center of our adventures! Without her where would we go?
Thanks for the link… Interesting, but still makes no sense to me!
Hey Sue,
I hope you have a great 2013. Funny, I remember being a kid in the 50’s and thinking I would be 56 years old in the year 2000. Seemed like it was soooo far off. Now 2000 has come and gone and I am still here. Wow.
We will be arriving in Yuma on 1/17 for several months at Caravan Oasis RV Resort. Our first time in Yuma and I hope we like it.
I know you have a lot of followers so you probably don’t remember me. I am the guy that referred you to Willard Springs BLM area. It was our daughter, Michelle Sathe, that got the rescue guy from LA involved in trying to save Buddy. We crossed paths at Custer State Park, but did not get to meet you. Hopefully, someday we can say Hi in person.
Hi, Jim!
Yes, I remember you. Williard Springs is a great camp. I love the little white “nosegays” all over the meadow by the cow pond.
I hope you and your family have a fantastic 2013. Yuma awaits you with her warmth!
Happy New Year! It’ll be even better than the last!
Happy New Year, Sandi! I don’t know how 2013 could top last year, but I’d love to find out.
Glad you enjoyed shopping in Yuma. If you went to the Walmart next to I8, I used to live 5 minutes from there. That is the newest one in Yuma and was really nice. I haven’t been to the new Frys, heard it is very nice. Yuma is a completely different town in the summer, hot but much calmer. Have a great night.
I imagine Yuma is quite different in the summer. It’s a bustling place right now.
That’s the same Wal-Mart. I drove across town specifically for that one. I’d shopped there last year when camped at Fortuna Pond.
The new Fry’s is a super supermarket. One of the largest that I think I have been in with all the specialty departments and a wonderful produce section. They also have a fuel station if you use their Reward Card to get gas discounts. Great store, highly recommended.
Gee, I’ll have to check it out. . . I keep hearing about it.
Cracking up over the chipmunk/rodent story. Cute actually. You have a great sense of humor.
Happy New Year…even though I live in a 24 hour resort town, my NYE was quiet. Don’t want to get out with all the crazies. lol.
Ginger Las Vegas
You are wise to stay home on New Year’s Eve. The last place I want to be is out on the roads with all the drunk drivers. No offense intended, but aren’t you out with the crazies at any time of the day in Las Vegas? Never been there, I admit, so pay no attention. . . .
Happy New Year to you, too, Ginger.
Cute pictures of the crew….lazy…stay curled up to stay warm kind of day.
Weird statuary indeed…kind of looks like a gravesite. That Prince song..tonite we’re gonna party like it’s 1999…popped into my head. Doesn’t it feel like Y2K was just yesterday? As a kid…years used to seem very very long…now it’s flying by!
The BLT looks great…..no wonder it’s a conversation piece! (Aren’t you concerned someone will make off with your Wilson antenna?) Someone actually stole our pooper hose..I was shocked! REALLY folks…my DIRTY pooper hose?
Have you ever tried those Debbie Meyer green bags? A dear friend in Calee sent me home with them and plastic containers she bought from HSN or QVC. We used to throw veggies away weekly…now our veggies lasts for a month. All you do is put a paper towel inside…when it gets damp…change it. No kidding…I was a skeptic…but not anymore. They are reusable.
I can’t tell you how much $$ we’ve saved…if you want I can send you a couple. That way YOU can save $$.
We’ve had 2 feet of snow in a week…tonight it is clear..colder than a witches you know what….minus 20. brrrrrr
Hi, Cindy and Jules!
There may be times in certain areas where I might feel concern for the antenna. Where I am now I feel pretty secure about it. Actually, from a distance, which everyone around here is, it looks a lot like a flag. It helps that my two nearest neighbors strike me as old-school (read “honest”) guys who would keep an eye out for the bad guys, rather than be one.
Those green bags sound super. Let me know how much they cost and I’ll reimburse you. I’d love it if you send me one when I go to Ajo. I wonder if they are available online… I’ll look into that. Then I’d simply order my own. Great idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Two feet of snow in a week and -20 degrees. I appreciate the reminder of why I left New York state. I remember being a kid waiting for the school bus in my plaid skirt and knee socks (girls weren’t allowed to wear pants to school!) and my knobby knees nearly froze. What is it with me and the childhood memories today? When I left NY I went straight to FL and never went back. NY is great the rest of the year though.
They are quite expensive, $10 a box. You won’t need that many because they are reusable. My dear friend gave me a half a box plus three containers. I believe in ” paying it forward” (spreading the wealth)….so I will send some on to you.
General Deliver to Ajo……….I just need the zip.
Thanks, I’ll get the zip to you when I’m sure of our arrival date in Ajo.
Heck that cucumber would have made it two states farther! 🙂
You mean the contraband zucchini that I smuggled into California!
Sue, I get my Debbie Green bags through Amazon. Last a long time.
Great! I’ll order some.
I would read the comments on Amazon. There are about an equal number giving them 1 star as 5 stars. Some of the negatives may be people who don’t read and follow instructions, but they were interesting.
Happy New Year! Isn’t it funny how we classify things. Take dandelions. I think they are beautiful, but they are considered a weed and most people hate them. We think birds are great and we put out food for them, but chipmunks are rodents and rodents are bad. My canine buddy Max(well Smartypants) remembers every tree he’s ever seen a chipmunk run up to escape. I bet the crew would have had a ball chasing the little critters back to their holes.
Hi Ilse!
You’re right about categories. However, let me say this about chipmunks. I still hold a grudge because it was chasing a chipmunk that resulted in Bridget’s torn ligament. And when birds start chewing electrical wires, I’ll rethink my preference!
I think a yard full of dandelions is pretty, too. Happy New Year!
We do all have our preferences. I’m partial to chipmunks but probably because as a child I had one as a pet. I also have never experienced any problems with them. But, I’ve always had cats so it keeps the rodent population down around my home.
We’re all a product of our experiences, right? Chipmunks are cute to look at. I’ll give them that much. 🙂
To get to the center of the Earth you have to go into the polar openings, one at the north pole and one at the south pole. Admiral Byrd flew into this opening that is about 1200 miles wide at the north pole. He saw animals and vegetation at this opening. This information was hushed up because the knowledge we receive about this area is Filtered Information. Even the so called Polar Flights that the airlines make are not really over the north pole. “They” don’t want us to know about this secret polar opening into the Earth. What do you suppose is down there that is so important?
Yer freakin’ me out, Joe . . . 🙂
I’m almost embarrassed to say that I know that which you speak of. My oldest son believes in the polar openings, and I’ve heard nothing but for the last couple of years. I, however, am quite content to be oblivious. Don’t worry, Sue–I don’t think you’ll be sucked into the vortex!
”The whole solar system is in a photon belt of light and the Earth and all of us at a molecular level are speeding up and getting lighter and lighter…until the time comes when we leave these 3rd dimentional bodies and go into the 4th dimention. So you see we are already being sucked into the vortex and every day brings us closer to our destiny.”…cut…okay that’s a wrap…lets break for lunch.
I’m not sure how I found your blog; it was probably mentioned on someone else’s :>).
Anyway I think I’m hooked; I’ve been trying to catch up, starting with Entry #1 and I’m finally getting there !! I like your writing style so it’s been an enjoyable read. Lots of great info for anyone thinking about fulltiming, or in my case, roaming for 2 years so I appreciate all the details. That solar set up sure opens up a lot of opportunities. Best of all, I love reading about a solo woman’s perspective.
No need to respond. Just wanted to say thanks, and to wish you safe and fun travels in 2013! Cheers, caroline
I have to respond, Caroline, to say Welcome to my blog! I’m happy that you’re hooked. And congratulations on reading from the beginning . . .Thanks for the compliment.
Happy New Year to Sue and Crew……we watched the ball fall and then he crashed!
Can you believe those people in NYC standing in those pens in the cold for more than twelve hours with no bathrooms, no food, no breaks . . . crazy.
A Comment about your previous post, looking back and looking forward. When I did two long bicycle tours I would arrive at my new campsite in a new town and someone would ask me where I was coming from. More than 1/2 the time I could not remember the name of the town that I had left that morning. I asked other riders about this and they had the same thing happening to them. We discussed it and decided that we were SO focused on where we were going that we subconsciously forgot where we had been. I continue to be that way to this day, focused on the future and not caring much about what has past.
How intriguing! The same thing happens to me. It has nothing to do with how much I enjoy the camp, the setting, or the people I meet. I figured it was part of aging.
Like you, Ed, I focus on the future. For example, I did not bring one sentimental item, not even a photograph, with me when the crew and I set out on this new life. What is important is stored in my heart and mind. I didn’t want to find myself sitting around ruminating on the past, bringing up regrets, etc. Enjoy the moment and look to the future!
A very thought-provoking comment . . .
Hi Sue, I like your type of attitude about not bringing one sentimental item (not even a photograph) how refreshing it was to me to read that statement.. About enjoying the moment and look forward to the future..Learn from the past but let go of all material items .. I found they just clutter ones life up and can prevent one from being truly progressive. As you say what is really important is what is stored in your mind and heart.. there is a saying that goes. ” possessions, the more you own the more they own you” Less is really more in more ways than one..You have become a real inspiration. I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog when surfing the net.. cheers Dominick
Happy New Year.
We are at Fort Pickens SP Campground in Pensacola FL. You would not believe the number of Casitas here!! From our campsite we can count about 13 and there are four more loops with more there. Incredible and a true statement on the quality of the rig you have.
Have a Great 2013. We are really looking forward to being in that part of the country later this year.
Wayne & Rhonda
Hi Wayne and Rhonda!
Wow! All those Casitas in one place must be quite a sight. I looked at your blog. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the Pensacola area. I’m sorry that the departure of your beloved pet draws near. The photos on the beach are priceless.
Yes, when looking at Casitas as my possible choice, I was reassured to find so many Casitas on the road. The difficulty in obtaining a used one (although I changed my mind and decided to buy from the factory) is a testament to their desirability and reliability. It’s nice of you to make a positive statement here on the quality of my rig (and yours!).
Best wishes for your trip to the West later this year.
Happy New Year Sue,
Don’t know it you remember me, but I barged in on you last Jan. at the pond in Yuma. You rewrote me in your blog as “Raymond.”
I’ve loved seeing your travels since then and had a comment on your bird feeding.
I have a ornithologist friend who says the best way to attract birds is with a water feature. Just a pan or bucket lid of water with some pebbles will do.
Hope this helps and happy travels.
Robert
Hi Robert!
As soon as I saw your name Robert, before scrolling down to your comment, I knew it was you! I remember our conversation, very enjoyable… You worked for the forest service or something similar. That sticks in my mind because I remember thinking… Why didn’t I do that for a living? I also remember you caught me when I was in dire need of a shower and I tried to stay downwind and then you hugged me goodbye! (cringe)
Good idea on the pan of water . . . lots cheaper than birdseed! I’ll do that this morning.
Happy New Year to you, too, Raymond … er . . . Robert! 🙂
I didn’t see or hear one fireworks and almost made it to midnight. As a 50s kid I didn’t think l’d live to see 2000.
Yuma is different. I like all the fresh produce and flea markets. And a good library. Used to camp out above Mittry Lake.
I don’t know why I picked 2012 when I was a kid… and why I remember that.
I’m going to take a look at the Mitry Lake area one of these days. You know my Spike likes to be around water . . .
I can’t believe how old I am and yet here I am.
I hope the New Year is a good one for you and your fur kids. May your adventures all be good ones!
I wish the same for you, Senora Julia!
Sue, I’ve been following your blog for about a month & your sense of humor cracks me up. Much admiration for the lifestyle you have chosen, but do you ever get bored? We’re in central Ohio freezing our buns off right now & can’t wait to travel out west someday. I remember sitting on the school bus when I was in 7th grade and thinking how “old” a senior in high school was. LOL As a child of the 50s and 60s, I wish you a groovy New Year! Farm out and peace. Gosh, geewillikers, I better quit with the “old” terms.
Hello, Patti…
Holy cow! Those are “fab” old sayings . . .
I used to get bored all the time when I lived in a stationary home. Since the day I picked up my house-on-wheels from the factory, I have not been bored once! That’s the truth. In fact, every morning I mull over what I’m going to do from the many things I want to do! And I’m not a particularly active person (as in running around sightseeing and climbing mountains, biking, etc.).
I don’t read as much as I’d like, and my paints are rarely brought out of the PTV . . . just too much to do! Blogging, looking for photos for the blog, answering comments, walking the crew two or three times a day, and puttering around fills each day . . . in addition to exploring new surroundings. My Things I Want To Do List keeps growing!
Sorry about your frozen buns… If there’s any way you can get to the West, do so. I have no desire to go back East.
Neat O Keen O, or “T” in 58 at 9, When our skate boards were made of a 2x4x4 and real old skates ya need a key for,,,,,,Remember???
Hi, Sue and crew!
I’m a little late to the party, but I wish you, Spike and Bridget a very Happy New Year!
Hey, Bob! The party never ends at RVSue and her canine crew. Happy New Year!
Better late, than never… a truly good, safe, adventurous and interesting ( though not in the Chinese Curse sense) 2013 to you and the crew. . G
No cursing on my blog! Happy New Year, suburbanlife . ..
Roadside America write-up on Center of the Universe: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2036
Hunh, who’d a thunk it?
Love your description of visitors coming over. You crack me up.
Susan
Thanks, Susan
Was looking thru the comments to see if someone could enlighten us on the concentric circles, didn’t see anything. Have you learned anything?
Nope.
I’m still wondering about that circle thing, too! It is all Sue’s fault (LOL) that I now feel the desire to put that on my list of things to SEE and figure out what the heck it represents. Ahhhh so many places to see and never thought I’d wish myself older, but hurry up retirement!
Hi Sue and Crew , Happy New Year too.. I’ve been cooped up in this house for one solid week now. Due to the fact I just got plowed out today.. Way too much snow for my taste. Cabin Fever has already set in. Funny you mentioned that thing about the 50’s.. I did the same thing as well And I’ll be turning 63 the 14th of this month and can’t believe I made it this far.. Seems like only 5 years ago I was only 40.. My how time flies by now so fast.. Your post has brighten my snowed in days.. Stay safe and healthy.. Cheers… Dominick
Snowed in for a week? Where the heck ARE you? New York State?
Yeah, the time just zips right on by. Except when you’re snowed in, right? I’m glad I brightened your days. Best wishes to you, Dominick.
Yes I’m in Rochester NY. I have a little teeny tiny house almost in the downtown area of the city.. It’s a one way street (Broadway) very busy. And the damn snow plows plow every 20 minutes (which snows me in) I don’t shove at all since my open heart surgery in 2003…