Tuesday, February 7
Reggie and I greet a pink morning at the Salton Sea!
Ahh . . . Stretch those muscles, Reg!
The sunrise is best viewed by looking west.
I open our door to the Sea and to mountains and clouds painted pink.
What a way to start a day . . . .
I leave the door open as I prepare a pot of fresh coffee in the french press. Reggie lingers outside. He likes this camp at Corvina Beach.
Feels like this cool morning may turn into a warm day . . . .
Mecca Beach Campground, Salton Sea Recreation Area
After breakfast Reg and I hit the walking trail that leads away from our camp, heading north to the next campground, Mecca Beach.
Reggie loves his green jacket! It’s his favorite.
The trail is soft sand without any rocks, a pleasure, I’m sure, for Reggie. He lags behind to sniff and “water” a bush, then sprints to catch up and pass by me.
For me, this is what full-time RVing is all about.
Positioning one’s home in good weather. Shirt-sleeve weather. Sandals in sand. An eager pup leading the way. Sea gulls calling. Pelicans floating. Beautiful blue water on one side and a train passing on the other.
I’ve become accustomed to the trains. I’d miss them if they stopped passing our camp!
“Hold up a minute, Reg.”
I stop to wave to the conductor.
Not because I expect him or her to see the wave or to respond. I wave because it’s that kind of day, a stop-and-wave kind of day.
The trail weaves through the bushes, following the shoreline, until we reach Mecca Beach Campground. Reg and I walk the paved road. Only a couple RVs are parked here and at least one of them is for the camp host.
As you can see, the campsites are parking-lot style.
The picnic tables are on gravel and many of the campsites have trees.
The camp host’s site
Several sites have a pleasant view of the Sea.
Rows and rows of picnic tables with no people . . .
Camping fees are $30 for hook-ups (4 sites) and $20 without hook-ups, plus $8 fee if you place a reservation, $7.50 if you cancel a reservation, fee forfeiture if you cancel after 5 p.m.
I’m so glad I have solar. Paying $30 a night would drag me down, even if I could easily afford it. It’s nice to be able to camp for $8 a night instead of $20 – $30.
Bumper sticker seen in Blythe
Wednesday, February 8
A regular day . . . wash a basin of dishes, spot-clean the Best Little Trailer, walk Reggie up and down the shoreline, watch the birds, do some reading, take some photos, bask in the sun, and talk with a guy who is car-camping at Corvina Beach.
He tells me he tried camping in his tent and discovered he became cold at night, so switched to his car.
“I like it here,” he says, gazing out at the Sea. “I may stay another week. I live not far away and wanted to see what this is like.”
He set up his camera on a tripod on the beach.
The sun is low in the sky across the Sea. We talk about the conditions that create a beautiful sunset.
We exchange wishes for a good night, and Reggie and I walk back to our home.
Reggie sniffs where an RV was parked. There are only a few campers at Corvina Beach.
While I sit in the lounger eating dinner, the sun paints the sky and the beach.
I put my meal aside to run around the BLT for the next shot.
The show continues and I take many photos. I’ll show you some in a future post!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Use any ad or link to enter Amazon and a commission goes to RVSue and her canine crew. Here are a few of the items readers recently ordered from Amazon:
Light Up Bubble Fan
Grandpa’s Pine Tar Bar Soap
Dell Monochrome Laser Printer
Pendleton Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt
Camco Wash Brush with Adjustable Handle
Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Gluten Free
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
First?
YAY, CYNTHIA! FIRST BLOGORINO TODAY!
Now that I’ve gone back to read and look at the pics – those are some lovely photos. The pinks and blues in the sunsets look like they were custom designed for a baby’s room. It looks like there is a good sized storm coming this weekend – I don’t know if it will hit your area, but I’m sure you’re keeping an eye on it. Hope you and Reg continue to have these restful, peaceful days.
Thank you, Cynthia. I’ll see what I can find about the storm. There’s some kind of kayak thing planned at Salton Sea for this weekend which may be affected.
Yeah, those colors do say “baby’s room.” 🙂 I see the strokes of a broad brush. Fun to watch and to photograph.
First??
COMING IN AT A CLOSE SECOND IS CC AND CANINE! WOW!
Well 2nd isn’t too bad either! These photos are some of your best, and I’ve been following along for quite some time now.
Coffee in the french press??That’s our method too, for some reason I remember you mentioning a percolator….is the press new?
Nice weather, shorts, sand between your toes, and a happy dog…doesn’t get much better, does it?
Thank you, cc.
You remember correctly. I used a percolator for the first years on the road, up until last summer when we were in Colorado. I guess the altitude affected the perking. It was terribly slow, so I picked up a french press at Wal-Mart (the last one they had!) and I like it.
The weather is absolutely perfect! Warm in the sun, cool in the shade. Reg and I have to take our long walks before or after the heat of the day.
Looking out the back window right now at the snow on the mountains and imagine that’s what much of Oregon looks like now.
We’re drowning in the Willamette Valley…
3rd?
THAT’S RIGHT, DAN! THIRD PLACE TODAY! YIPPEE!
Wow, you just popped up! Good morning!
GOOD MORNING, LEE J! YOU TIED THIRD PLACE WITH DAN!
my 1954 Kenskill was rescued from a camper graveyard at the Salton Sea!
Really? Well, this is a special place for you then! Is it ready for the road?
Oh my goodness, I am so jealous of your full-timing life. I think I enjoy your sunset pictures the most!
Hi, Toni,
I don’t mean to make anyone jealous, really, I don’t! I remember that feeling. I had it, too, and it motivated me to make this happen.
I like sharing what I enjoy and I appreciate you letting me know you also enjoy the sunsets. I have several sunset pics I want to post but I restrained myself. Posting too many at a time diminishes them, I think.
Absolutely gourgeous! ……I must go there one day.
Yes, you must, Diane! For someone who spends the winter months in the desert, it’s refreshing to break that up with a visit to the Sea. It’s quite a treat!
What a stunning sunset and I love your philosophy of what RVing is all about. Add to that a comfortable lounger that faces the sunset and what more could anyone want!! Ahhhhhh…..
Hi, Millie! I hope your day is progressing as you like it. 🙂
I was hoping you got pics of last night’s sunset. It was gorgeous here. Have fun and enjoy the wonderful weather.
Thanks, Pat. It’s neat that we see the same sunset! You have fun, too! What weather, eh? And in February! 🙂
Pretty pics, Sue!!! That sky was absolutely gorgeous! I don’t think I would enjoy the parking lot kind of campground very often…maybe just occasionally and only if I had no other choice. Not only is it expensive to park, but it doesn’t fit my “dream-vision” of what camping is all about. I am sure it is very nice, and it did look clean; but still, not my dream of camping.
I have the stainless steel versions of the French Press pots in two sizes. I use them for coffee and tea (after snipping away the string and tag). For years I used the ones with the glass carafe, but I broke so many I realized I would actually save money with the stainless ones.
The first two shots of the sea and Reggie are truly beautiful. Sunrise is my favorite time of day. What an incredible sight to wake up to and enjoy! And those sunsets are equally as gorgeous! Take care and enjoy your stay. Belly rubs, hugs, and prayers!
Hi, Retiredcajunlady…. thanks for the “belly rubs, hugs, and prayers.”
A pink sunrise beats waking to a clock alarm! I saw the glow inside the BLT while lying in bed and jumped to my feet and out the door…
We shall see how long the glass pot lasts for the french press. I didn’t think about using a press for tea… good idea!
Yeah, having pavement or concrete to camp on is a plus for some RVers. Too much a reminder of city living…
We have a stainless steel thermal French press for coffee – it will never break! We love it! Bought from Amazon. They have several different brands – I’m sure all are similar.
Hi Sue and Reggie, as always you never fail to delight me in all the wonder around you. This set of pictures, as someone already mentioned, are some of your best. That sunrise is breathtaking to me. It is my favorite time of the day as the sun rises and tells us a new day in dawning….get up and enjoy.
Reggie doing his morning stretching is so cute. That was a great shot, you must have been on the ready for that one.
By the way, I’m here in your old stomping grounds, Atlanta. Working of course, in a windowless office no less! So it is with great joy I open my emails to find that you have once again come to make my life just a little more bearable and to show me what is to come!
Thanks again and stay safe out there Sue and Reggie, your friend Judy
Oh dear, Judy, a “windowless office.” My heart goes out to you…. been there, done that. I’m pleased my post makes your day better and gives you a vision for your future.
Daybreak is my favorite time of day, too. I don’t like it when I sleep late and miss the sunrise. That stretching photo of Reggie… I knelt in order to take a pic of him with the pink mountains in the background and Reggie being Reggie — rarely does he stand still — he walks toward me and stretches, so that’s the shot I get. 🙂
Thanks for the wish for our safety.
Looks like you are going to have high winds Sunday. I hope they won’t be too bad.
Hi, Pat. . . . The winds may come, but we (meaning you and us) will be fine. If you’re still at Midland you may get some dust in the air. Seems I remember seeing your Class C parked along that wash which means there are a few trees to slow the wind before it reaches your rig.
The beach at the Salton Sea doesn’t have sand to be blown around. The fine sand is up on the higher level where bushes will probably keep it from flying. I look forward to seeing waves on the Sea….
I hope you are enjoying this winter!
Well, where are all the guys today? Gee.
what a way to start a day……..well said Miss Sue……….
love the sunsets….makes me wanna to down to galveston
for a few days to see the sunsets…..
do you let Reggie man go swimming or is the water not
good for that sort of thing……
thanks for the post
chuck and pookie
You’re welcome, Chuck and Pookie,
No, this isn’t a good place for swimming. We don’t even walk down to the water’s edge because the barnacles are deep and difficult to walk in as you get further away from the bank where we’re camped. Also there’s old fish bones and it’s not pleasant. I haven’t had the opportunity yet to see if Reggie likes water. I should take him to those hot springs in Nevada for a dip. 🙂
Ah, Galveston! Drove through there once… I’d love to go to the Texas coast but it’s too dang far. You could go… 🙂
I assume you’re over the pneumonia… I hope so!
Reggie got bumped off my Computer background by the first sky shot. It’s a beauty Missy.
That was a beautiful scene. I put the first sunset photo on my screen. 🙂
Ha ha. I got a good chuckle out of that photo of Reggie stretching on the blue mat. It reminded me of the many exercise shows I use to exercise to where the instructor worked out on a blue mat on the beach. Reggie is much more buff though!
Ahhhh, I can smell your coffee through that open door.
Ha! I remember those shows. Reggie IS buff. I don’t know if you can tell from photos how muscular and trim he is, especially his haunches. I’d love to be that fit!
Hope to be doing the same thing by the Sea of Cortez in a couple weeks! Your descriptions are aiding in the anticipation
Glad to provide that service, Mary! 🙂 You’ll be soaking up the rays soon….
Beautiful pictures!!! Wow, it must seem so wonderful to wake up to and go to bed to scenes like that. Looks like Reggie enjoys walking the beach! Nothing like the sand between your toes.
Looking forward to more pictures.
Love to you and Reggie
Pauline
Hi, Pauline…. Wish you were here! Love to you, too!
Beautiful photos! Glad to see you and Reggie having a great time at the Salton Sea. We camped there years ago when we had our wolfhounds but I can’t remember which campground we were at. I think that was the trip we rented a van, took the back seats out, put the double mattress from our guest bedroom in the back. How 2 adults n 2 wolfhound mixes fit in there I don’t know,but I remember it being a fun trip😎
That does sound like a fun trip, Ronda. You found a way to make a camper and got going!
What a beautiful place to be camped. Sunset photos, actually all of your photos, are great! Expecting temps in 80s today and tomorrow. Hope you are enjoying the same.
Thank you, Carolyn. Yep, that’s about what it’s like here, too, and it’s going to be even warmer tomorrow. I’m using my small, clip-on-the-desk fan. It’s blowing on me as I type and on Reggie as he naps in his bed beside me.
Enjoy this February summer!
Gosh, beautiful sunrise and sunset! And I envy you your sandals and short sleeves. Temperatures dipped here again today, even had some flurries. I am thinking about Linda – she’s heading out today or tomorrow if I had that correct.
Freyja-girl is limping – did something to herself last Sunday and took her into the vet yesterday when it didn’t seem to be healing on its own. She’s on anti-inflammatories now but not seeing a whole lot of difference yet. Worry about her. Have to face she’s a senior dog now and looks like she has a heaping helping of underlying arthritis (we’ve known this was coming for a couple of years now and been trying to ward it off with glucosamine supplements). So hard when she still has the heart of a puppy and just wants to run. Vet says no more bursts of energy like that – gotta channel it into sedate old lady walks.
One of my big pushes to get Juno ready as quickly as possible is so we can have some beach adventures – and other adventures – sooner rather than later. Despite the warning this still kind of snuck up on me. Have to reframe my perception. You know? Gotta slow down and just be…
Thanks for sharing your lovely day – made me think of something I watched lately – talking about how our culture has lost it’s ability to be “present”. Just absorb through all our senses and “be”. Sure sounded like you were doing a lot of that today and what a balm to me living vicariously through you 🙂
Beautifully written last line, Dawn. Quite a gift for me to read that.
Oh, poor Freyja. It is tough to see our pets slow down. You want to help, eliminate the aches and pains, and it can be difficult knowing what to do. I wish your sweet girl healing, comfort, and many good times ahead.
As for your plans, you know the best pacing, as I can tell from your comment that you’re adjusting to Freyja’s situation. Sending you both hugs. Whether you are on a beach or not, I’m glad you are together, and I bet that’s most important to both of you.
Hi Dawn-Heading out tomorrow or Saturday. This cold blast slowed me down some. Snow up here in the mountains. My send off! Right now I am sitting with my feet up and still have things to do. Thanks for thinking of me. Next week I will be sitting by Lake Hartwell and the weather is going to warm up next week. I hope that you can at least get on the road part time in the near future.
Hi Sue …..
Always love your pics.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for telling us how Pauline makes pony
tail hats. I bought three red hats and they are super special WOW.
Thanks for being here for all of us. We all enjoy your wisdom.
Thanks again Pauline!
Ken Canada
What a super note from you, Ken. Thank you! You have me grinning and I’m sure Pauline will grin, too, when she reads what you’ve written. I’m happy you like the hats.
Trains are neat.
I was camped on the Columbia river (BLM) by Rufus Oregon & the John Day dam , trains on both sides of the river, it was great!
That does sound neat, Rob! I’d like to go there. I agree with you about trains. The ones here take some getting used to because they are so close. I’m loving them now!
Sue, I love your pelican photo!
A wonderful bird is the pelican;
His beak can hold more than his belican.
He can hold in his beak
Enough food for a week,
Though I’m damned if I know how the helican!
—Dixon Lanier Merritt
That’s a good one, Paula! Thanks for posting it. 🙂
You and Reggie are in one of our favorite spots to camp. Corvina beach in the winter is a great spot. I understand it can be a little smelly in the summer, but then I really don’t want to spend my summers in the heat of California. Reggie looks so cute in his green jacket, maybe that is why he likes it. Have a great stay.
Thanks, Lisa. I wouldn’t want to camp here in the summer either. It’s been known to be 126 degrees here. Can you imagine the heat radiating off the white beach? But in the winter is makes a fine camp and I can see why it’s one of your favorites.
Reggie has three “jackets” or “suits”…. the camo suit, the cowboy suit, and his little green jacket made of fleece. I think he likes the green jacket best because it is loose and comfortable. His eyes light up when that’s what I pull out to dress him for outside. He also likes to wear it to bed on cold nights. And maybe he knows he’s cute in it, too. 🙂
Beautiful skies out your way! All pastelly (I think I just invented a word!). Pastel colors is what I meant. Chuck tends to be a parking lot sort of camper. Remember where we were workamping in Zion? That wasn’t just a parking lot, It was a whole community unto itself! I was so glad when we left. The main thing I liked about it was all the hummingbirds! Remember how many??? Wow, never saw so many in one place! Now me? I woulda been happy as a clam in that spot where you were, down by the creek!
My coffee press is a stainless steel one, I think you saw it, and it keeps the coffee warm for a long time. It makes 2 big mugs or 3 regular cups of coffee. It has lasted me 6 years now, well worth the money. Pretty sure I got it from Amazon.
Weather here has been glorious! We did have a severe thunderstorm roll through Tuesday night and drop at least 6 inches of much needed rain! Not as bad as the weather channel made it sound, just a lot of lightening crisscrossing the sky. We found out that Tater doesn’t like loud thunder claps!
Have fun at the Sea, give Reggie an extra treat today for being such a sweet boy!
Hi, Geri,
Oh yes, I remember the “resort.” That isn’t camping. It’s condo-living on wheels. Some folks love it. I’m like you — I’ll take a creekside camp any day over the manicured and paved resorts.
You were Queen of Hummers there! They arrived in GROUPS. Haha!
How nice that you’re having “glorious” weather. Florida, when she’s good, is very, very good and when she is . . . .well, we can pass over that part!
We’ll have fun at the Sea while you have fun at the Gulf! Hugs to Radar and Tater… Hi, Chuck!
Hi Sue- I am going to take that sunrise and sunset with me as I leave. No snow! I am trying to get the energy to get out of my only chair in the house, but your post popped up and I had to read it first. Reggie looks charming in his new coat! I think green is definitely his color:) Thanks for the pretty photos as always!
You’re welcome, Linda. Have a safe and enjoyable drive tomorrow!
Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset photos Sue,, ain’t it great Boondockin and having fun too,,,, we got the new windshield replacement today with a new seal gasket for a good price, 280.00 and both fellas are fire fighters and one is x Army, he gave me a discount on the job, was 305.00,,, we are camped a cross from Sarah Park, we are early to have a good spot for the Winter Blast Show at night , pyrotechnics of the Great West, starts next Thursday the 16th thru to the 19th Sunday,, it’s a great fire works from all over the world, cost 5 bucks per night, but free if your a cross the highway,, there is a lot of rvs over here on this side , we are alone for a few days till just before a day before it starts, it’ll be alot of “oooooos and awwwws,, have a pleasant weekend and hug Reggie for us,,,,,, 👣🚀🐾🚀🚀🚀☄☄☄
Hi, Rusty and Piper,
Sounds like you’re all set for some fun coming up. You must feel good about having a new windshield on the truck. It was nice that they gave you a discount.
You have a pleasant weekend, too!
Hi, Sue –
Wow! Those are some beautiful sunset photos! Thanks for your very enjoyable blog. And I don’t think that furry guy can take a bad photo .
You’re welcome, Pamelab. Also a pleasure to hear someone enjoys my photos and blog. Have a great evening!
Great pictures, my favorite of them is Reggie-man doing his morning yoga.
Hi, Rhonda…. Reggie the yoga man. Those stretches are so important during warm-up!
Those pastels are stunning. I agree about trains, always a sound we find appealing when they are near our site. So fun to see Reggie loving the beach 🙂
Hi, Jodee…. Sea and mountains in the front yard, trains passing through the back yard… 🙂
Hi Sue,
Camping and a train. Doesn’t get any better than that with a wonderful complimentary sunset.
Norman
Good morning, Norman…. Hope you have a wonderful day!
I thought Reggie was doing his push-ups!
Good morning, Barbara… Reggie and I just returned from a walk along the beach. This boy will not let me skip exercising!
Hi, Sue,
Gorgeous sunrise and sunset pictures! Reggie is so cute, doing his morning stretch! Gracie starts every day with her downward dog pose – abosolutely adorable!
We have been having crazy weather! Seventy-four degrees on Wednesday… yesterday the day started in the teens and the temps struggled to get above freezing. And the wind! It has been fierce – cuts right through you! Another bitter cold start to the day is on tap for today. I am very thankful for my unfashionable, but very warm LL Bean parka! 🙂
I am looking forward to the weekend. I will be meeting friends (of 30+ years!) for a leisurely Chinese lunch on Saturday. Good food, a pot or three of tea, good company, and good conversation – a winning combination!
Sending you and that handsome Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Enjoy those watercolered skies! 🙂 TGIF!!
Thank you and good morning, Denise!
I’m glad you have a warm parka to protect you from the cold and wind. You did an excellent job describing the wintry weather of Virginia at present. I remember that “cuts right through you” kind of biting wind. Brrr! Your home must feel extra cozy for cuddling with Gracie pup.
I’m also glad you have a pleasant get-together planned for the weekend. Enjoy your good friends and good food!
Hi Sue. I know what you mean about trains. I’ve always loved them and there is a very active track that borders the farm. We have a trestle across the river too. When my dogs and I are walking in the river bottom field on a day like you describe……I always wave at the conductor as the train crosses the trestle. It is one of my “I’ll miss this” things in a game I play with myself.
Sometimes when I am having a low day and feel like I will never get on the road, I play the game of things I’ll miss to remind me of how great this life and job at the farm has been. It has brought freedom, people and experiences I would never have hoped for anywhere else.
As for a leaving time frame…..my last horse will leave in March going to northern VA to live in a stable closer to his mom. (I have had a horse of my own or someone else’s to care for since I was 15….uhhh….42 years! YIKES! It will be strange to make plans that don’t include “who will feed the horse”). At that point, I have a choice….to work through June when the owner moves back full-time or leave. I will probably stay till June because of the extra money and because the owner has been good to me. And because I wouldn’t want to leave the farm I love without a caretaker for 3 months. We’ll see…..maybe it will sell before then, which would be awesome for all involved!
I have a friend possibly interested in the house I inherited from my parents. If she wants it I’ll begin to work on “Plan A”. If not I will decide on “Plan B, C or D”. I should know her preference by the end of this month. Each plan has it’s good points and it’s challenges. Exciting, scary and frustrating times. I know that you and many of the Blogorinos can relate. Take care and have a wonderful time with Reggie in the beautiful sunlit, soft sand……………
Good morning, MB,
You have lived an interesting life so far! Always had a horse for 42 years… *sigh*
Your connection to the land and the farm must make leaving it all particularly difficult, which, in turn, earns you my admiration for your openness to a different way of life. “Exciting, scary and frustrating….” You are built strong from years of decision-making, working hard, and being aware of the world around you, in a way that many people are not. I wish you the best in whatever plan is the path that leads away from the farm and toward new and wonderful experiences.
I assume your weather is similar to Denise’s in Richmond…. Keep warm!
Thank you Sue. Truly…..thank you. I needed those words. I have a special book where I write quotes I like or my own thoughts….I will be putting that second paragraph in that book for the tough days. I have a couple other RVSue quotes in there already. 😉
As for the weather…..this week we’ve had everything from 70s to teens….with awful winds. Today is just very cold. Sunday it will be back to 70 again. Whew!
Have a wonderful evening. Love from VA! MB, Wyndy and Bella
You’re welcome, MB. You have a great evening, too! 🙂
Oh Reggie! We thought you were doing yoga on your mat in the sunrise like some humans do…nobody we know though.
Have a fun day,
Your fans, Izzy and Lilly
RVSue,
The sunrise and sunset photos are breathtaking!
Irene
Hi, Irene…. Thank you for your comment on the photos. Give Reggie’s regards to Izzy and Lilly! 🙂
Beautiful pics. I ordered your camera today from Amazon. Love reading
Your posts.
That was YOU! 🙂 Every morning I check the orders report and today I saw my camera in the list. Thank you, Deb! I’m sure you will take fabulous photos with it. Enjoy!
And thank you re: the photos.
There are some really beautiful photos in this post, Sue, Wow! I love the ones of sunrise, sunset and the pelicans. At sunrise the way it’s light colors the mountains and at sunset it colors the water-how wonderful for you to be given and see both.
It’s nice that the guy is comfortable enough camping in just his car so that he can enjoy prolonging his stay there. I’m guessing whoever brought the Class A RV shown in the host’s site photo wouldn’t be comfortable in anything less than what they’re in, at least not for more than a quick week-end trip somewhere.
Reading “I stop to wave to the conductor…I wave because it’s that kind of day, a-stop-and wave-kind-of day.” made me grin and be glad for you. That’s such a sweet, happy kid’s type of thing to feel and do, it tells me how much you’re liking that place and your life these days.
Good afternoon, weather,
It is wonderful to have each day’s beginning and ending wrapped so beautifully. It’s a unique pleasure is to live in a beach environment trimmed with mountains topped with snow.
Thank you for visiting here and sharing a few thoughts. I hope you are a happy kid today!
As I typed “…how much you’re liking that place…” , I was aware that in this post you were writing about a morning that was a few days ago. Knowing that every day isn’t necessarily as carefree as the stop-and -wave one was, I worded my comment the way that I did based on the post. I hope that currently it’s really pleasant being where you are. Has the kayaking event you’d mentioned would happen there this weekend brought campers and activities nearby you yet?
Thanks, I was a happy kid yesterday, though a bit more pensive than usual for parts of it. The past 2 days here the real feel temps hovered near zero degrees day and night, so I nestled in with the kitties, enjoying the views outside my windows rather than going out to feel them, too.
Seeing activity in a nearby diner that’s now closed held my attention and thoughts a lot. I mentioned briefly long ago that one day a friend that ran it closed early so we could have coffee and a visit together there. How and why we became friends is too long a story to relate here. The more recent parts are what’s been on my heart lately.
He and I both knew for months that there wasn’t enough financial profit for him to keep the diner open for much longer. A lot of what caused that was the terrible condition of the long driveway used to get there. In a verbal only agreement the owners ( of the diner building he rented from them) had said they would improve and maintain the entrance road and parking lot, they just didn’t do that.
Being justifiably angry, while understandable, wasn’t helping him enjoy life. I would help him see both sides to calm him down and try to keep things as peaceful as I could for all involved. My primary concern was to remind him of the future’s possibilities, to focus on hopes for those instead of his dread felt about losing his business. I’d mention how Providence had given me options to pursue when my world as I knew it and some that I loved kept disappearing.
You know how a lot of people only heard church folks talk about what they’d done wrong and so needed to be forgiven? Well, that’s all he’d heard, too, so never thought of that stuff as a way to find hope, comfort and strength, much less happiness. The last time he came over to visit me was to show me his new, first (and he says will be his only) tattoo. It’s few words ended with ” by the grace of God” . That was his way of showing me, and thanking me for, the fact that he’d found what I wanted him to- a measure of peace about all that had happened, hope and enthusiasm for today and the future.
Once a while ago, Sue, you and I agreed that sometimes the reason for our detours and pauses in life are more for the sake of someone else we encounter while we’re there, though they’re designed to bless us as well. I think that’s in part why my path led me to where I am today. I also believe that’s why you have your current lifestyle and blog, and all that happened in your life before that led to those. If this all is too close to the boundaries of what we should discuss here feel free, as always, to delete it. I hope you and Reggie have a wonderful day. It’s going to reach nearly forty degrees out here, so I will -while I get out for a ride and walk along the lake.
P.S. My reply posted almost simultaneously with your new post. I can well understand your not being in the mood to write sometimes- for whatever reason. After writing the long reply that I did here I’m not in the mood to write at the moment , either 🙂
Considering some of what I’d included it’s likely just as well that it won’t be seen as this is now the back page. I’ll come back to comment on the new post page at another time.
Sue, I apologize for not posting more often. Have read your blog since you first started, I think Tioga George introduced you to many of us! I am also a earthquake watcher and right now there is a bunch of activity in the Salton Sea area. I was just curious if you had felt anything unusual. Here is a URL for anyone interested in ‘watching’. Discussion is that it could be some military practice activity…..
http://www.scsn.org/index.php/earthquakes/live-seismogram-feed/index.html
Love your pictures of flora and fauna and one certain very special doggareno.
This URL did not work for me.
It doesn’t work for me either. Here’s a link to Southern California Seismic Network. When you scroll down that page there is a map of “Earthquake activity this week” which can be zoomed. It shows two occurrences on our side of the Salton Sea.
add ml to the end, i.e. “html”
I fixed the link in AR Rose’s comment. Thanks for the tip, Lisa!
Hi, AR Rose,
Nice hearing from you! Thank you for riding along with me and my crew since we started this life on the road. Also thank you for alerting me to earthquake activity. I remember reading about a quake in Brawley over a month ago and I havent’ given much thought to the topic since then. 🙂
scns.org shows two quakes within the past seven days, not far from our camp. No, I didn’t feel them. If rumbling of the ground is discernible, I would probably assign it to the rumbling of long trains that pass by frequently, sometime two at a time. (going in opposite directions, on separate tracks, of course!). As for military activity, two fighter jets shot across the Sea yesterday, disappearing between the mountains on the other side. The shorebirds didn’t pay any mind.
I happened to be talking with a fellow camper last night who wondered about the activity of the fault that he says is “out in the middle of the Salton Sea.” That led us to speculating on a mini-tsunami occurring… Whoa… Imagine that showing up in a blog post! 🙂
I hope you continue with us for a very long time, AR Rose.
That is soooo cool, AR Rose!
Lisa in San Diego thank you for correcting my URL. I apologize for not testing before posting. I believe there are almost as many earthquake sites as there are earthquakes on the west coast. Having felt one earthquake in my lifetime it was one too many. They are scary.
Here, we just put up with tornadoes, heat and on the news tonight they announced we have had such a mild winter we already have mosquitoes!
This is the site I use.
http://scedc.caltech.edu/recent/
I love the pink sky and Reggie in his green sweater! The views help me take a deep breath and relax! Another location for future travels!
“I stop to wave to the conductor….” just goes to show you can take the girl outta the South, but you can’t take the South outta the girl.
BTW, how’s the new frig working out?
Cat Lady