Wednesday, January 20
Montezuma Head Mountain, southern Arizona, as seen from our campsite
The Perfect Tow Vehicle is due for an oil change!
I call up Kord’s Auto in Ajo to make an appointment. Several tries and each time the connection breaks before I can get a word out.
“You know?” I say to the crew. “We ought to drive into town anyway. We could pick up fresh vegetables while we’re there.”
Bridget, Reggie, and I board the PTV.
I’ve unhooked the power cord from the bumper. We leave our peaceful camp behind.
I’m pleased that not one vehicle has passed by our home during the week we’ve been here.
The days and nights are quiet. One night a jet roared over, probably from the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range northwest of us. Occasionally, as in every other day or so, a helicopter flies over, low to the ground. Border Patrol works this area.
As we approach Ajo from the south, we pass the different colors of mine tailings.
These photos were taken near the turn for Darby Well Road.
Kord’s Auto is located behind the Napa Auto Parts store in Ajo.
I ask for an appointment and the man behind the counter looks at the computer screen.
“How about now?” he asks.
Of course I agree to that! I’m also asked whether I want regular or synthetic oil.
“What’s the difference?” I ask.
“Well, regular is good for 3,000 miles and synthetic is 5,000 miles.”
I choose regular, I guess because that’s what I’m used to putting into the PTV. (The PTV is ten years old; the odometer reads 158,110.)
I walk the crew outside while we wait.
Mural at Napa/Kord’s Auto — Paul Newman and Lee Marvin painted on cut-outs.
About twenty minutes later the job is done!
Oil change bill: $37.95 plus $2.31 tax = $40.26.
From Kord’s we stop at True Value Hardware, Family Dollar, and Olsen’s IGA grocery. I remember to buy garlic cloves this time!
In other news . . .
I promised you I’d take a good photo of the friendly hummingbird that visits our feeder several times each day. Well, I never got around to doing that, so here’s one that I have on file.
See how well camouflaged he is in front of the creosote bush!
No wildlife sightings . . . yet!
I keep the curtains pulled back in hopes of spotting a deer or javelina or coyote or whatever. Animals cross our lane at night. More tracks give evidence of that.
Which leads me to discuss something I find interesting about the Reggie Man.
His tail sends messages! Really! I’ll show you what I mean.
See his tail in the next photo? That’s the everything-is-copescetic position.
His tail seems to be a handle for picking up his hind end and tipping him like a tea pot.
As we walk the lane, Reggie stops suddenly!
He stands very still with his nose pointed toward a scent. Only his nose moves, constantly twitching. This is when I perceive another message from his tail. I let him walk off the trail in the direction of the scent that intrigues him.
A tail bent to the left means “Warning: Something strange is over there!”
Maybe there’s a wash or depression by the hill where wildlife are resting.
Cholla inhibits any further investigation.
We stand motionless for a few minutes, Reggie sniffing the air and me scanning the creosote, brittlebush, cholla, and saguaro for any movement.
A few minutes later we’re in a wash when Reggie gives the same tail message.
Look at the intensity in his eyes! And there’s his tail bent to the left!
Bridget doesn’t come with us on this walk.
She walks with us at least once every day, sometimes twice. She lets me know when she doesn’t want to go by making her body “dead weight” when I attempt to move her off the bed. As I’ve explained before, I don’t force her to come with us.
How ’bout some sunset photos!
Yes, that’s a cholla cactus right beside the Best Little Trailer!
I step back for a wider shot.
A beautiful, quiet, private camp . . . perfect in every way (Well, except for the cholla)
This sunset strikes me as unusual due to the color blue being prominent. Who ever heard of a blue sunset!
No artificial enhancement of color. The only editing is cropping and framing.
I trot away from our campsite to find a foreground that isn’t too cluttered. It’s becoming dark, of course. A ball of cholla spines clings to my sock. Fortunately the spines don’t penetrate to my skin.
I pick up a small stick and flick them off my sock. Good riddance!
Pink and blue sky behind a mesquite tree
Bridget and Reggie are asleep inside the BLT as I take these photos. At least I think they are. If I’m gone too long, they’re sure to wake up.
The sunset passes through several stages.
It wraps about 180 degrees around our camp.
Thinking the show is about over, I sneak into the BLT.
Two sleepy heads lift up momentarily. I push the camera’s memory card into my laptop to see the photos. While looking them over, I pull back the window curtain for one last look.
The sunset is even more intense!
Rather than further disturb Bridget and Reggie, I quietly look out the window from my seat between them. I’m transfixed until the magnificence fades.
rvsue
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Meanwhile the moon presents a more subdued picture
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Hello this cold day
CONGRATULATIONS, JUDY — FIRST PLACE WINNER!
Thank you. I really enjoy your posts and pictures. I feel like I have been along to all these beautiful places
You’re welcome, Judy.
Wish we had some of your sunshine
AND CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN, JUDY — SECOND PLACE WINNER!
I’ve said it before and I will repeat it again, I totally enjoy your pictures. We here in Lancaster, PA are hunkering down and anticipating a major snow storm tonight into tomorrow, quite a different story from where you are. What a great life you lead!
Hi, Sandy,
Yes, we are very fortunate. Stay indoors during the storm and be safe and warm. I was shocked when reading the forecast for the east this morning.
I fondly remember the morning this California girl awoke early, in my tiny rented house, just across the river from Philadelphia, (1971) having heard we might have a little snow and knowing I had to head across the bridge to the Naval Hospital to work, looking out my window, seeing snow half covering my hubcaps in my Fiat Spyder, and picking my jaw up off my chest. Wondering how I would get to work on time. When you are a very junior Ensign, there is no calling in for a snow day, much less a sick day. Somehow my Fiat and I crawled into work. I expected to be reamed by the head nurse. Much to my surprise, I was the first in my shift to arrive, though two hours late! She praised me for getting there at all!!!! I feel for those in the path of this storm, in a way you might not think a mostly CA gal would!
Hard to believe when we’re under a blanket of snow here in the Appalachians!
Hi, Dawn,
Quite a contrast! And probably more snow to come your way . . .
Love your sunset pictures. I, too have been taking plenty of pictures of them. Love the desert.
Hi, Evelyn . . . fellow desert-lover!
Isn’t it fun? We get twice the enjoyment … once to see the sunset and once again to photograph it.
Well, actually three times the enjoyment… The third is sharing our photos. 🙂
Dang! Judy you beat me? Awesome photos, Sue. Would love to be in that country.
Take care, all you blogorinos who must endure that storm.
Thank you, Diann!
? Diann I was just reading emails today when this popped in and I got lucky. It is too cold and snowy to be outside for me
Love the pics. I’ve enjoyed some wonderful sunsets here. I’m going to stay here a few more days and then head to Yuma. Doesn’t look like I’ll make it to Ajo this winter, maybe next year.
Hi, Pat H.,
I’m glad you enjoy my photos and have seen these beautiful sunsets in person. Happy, safe travels to Yuma and beyond! Ajo is something to look forward to…
Aha! 7th! This is the closest I’ve gotten to the top in a long time! I knew a new post was coming too, but had to have two meetings.
Another reason to detest meetings. .. Ha!
Hi, Renee! I wonder if you’re in snow in Idaho…
Hi Sue!
Unfortunately, and fortunately, my life is meeting filled. I’m a PMP for the State Department of Education and we stay busy.
No snow and I am bummed. The ol Farmer’s Almanac was spot on for our part of the country this winter. It’s been unseasonably warm in the valley here, but seasonably cold as it should be in the mountains with lots of snow. Our friends in the South are experiencing the winter we should be having here. My nephew is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and they got anywhere from 6 to 8 inches of snow and everything is closed down, military and civilian.
Thanks for the report. And you are Personal Military Police? Public Money Protector? Past Making Promises? Ha! I have no idea.
Oh! I guess I should spell that acronym out – Project Management Professional. Your versions were more exciting! 🙂
🙂
I couldn’t help but giggle at the signals from Reggie’s tail! Oh, and the hummingbird! What a shot. I almost didn’t see him.
Thank you… The hummer photo isn’t anywhere near as great as some I’ve seen. It is what it is, as the saying goes…
First!!!! Love your post
lol far from first!
It’s a tough game, Peggy…
Thanks, Peggy, and I love your optimism. 🙂
How funny….Reg man’s tail positions!
Danger Will Robinson! He’s such a love!
Dead weight Bridgee….I got a kick out of that! Beautiful photos again! Way to go on getting the oil changed right on the spot!
Have a nice evening!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Okay… Explain “Danger Will Robinson” please? 🙂
You have a nice evening, too. Speaking of tails, I guess upstate NY will be at the tail end of the impending snowstorm…
What? Ya must not have gotten that tv station…
Lost in space….had a robot named robot and when he perceived danger he would flap his arms up and down…danger Will Robinson. Will Robinson was the son.
45 second video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OWwOJlOI1nU
I haven’t seen the video yet. It’s loading way too slowly right now. I’ll try later.
No doubt I’m not the only one who doesn’t get the reference, what with international readers, so thanks for the link and explanation.
There are decades-long periods in my life when I didn’t have television.
Hi, Cinandjules (NY),
Yes, I am one of international readers.
Thank you for the link to the video of “Danger Will Robinson”.
The robot in Lost In Space! Perhaps you remember it as “Warning! Warning!”.
Thanks, Ed. I never saw Lost in Space.
Robbie the robot? loved it!
chuck
Great TV series. Angela Cartwright, Billy Mummy, June Lockheart were among the stars.
Famous expression from the tv show ‘lost in space’
I got it right away, CinandJules. I’m a product of the 60’s TV generation, for sure.
Huh,,,,,, My tail goes down between my hind legs when I smell or sense something near us and Dad asks me, what is it?,,, Oh,, Dad says hi and nice sunsets,,,,,,,, Piper
Hi, Piper! Good job looking out for your dad! Hi, Rusty!
A beautiful camp indeed. What ever happened to your new secret hobby?
Hi, Teri,
I stalled out on the hobby. It was more of a learning exercise for a hobby I would like to pursue if I ever leave the road for a stationary home again. Maybe I’ll actually finish something someday and show it here.
The saguaros seem like sentinels surrounding your home to guard you, crew and the private beauty there…- in the pic above “I’m pleased that not one vehicle has passed by…” How perfect to place the picture and story together that way. Your wise to be attentive to the PTV’s maintenance, gosh that vehicle has served you well. It truly is amazing that creatures are made exactly as they need to be so camouflage protects them. That’s a great shot of the hummingbird ,for displaying that and for showing how pretty the tiny thing is. Fascinating about Reggie using his tail to communicate, wow! It’s like a human holding their hand in the halt position to warn of a presence to be cautious of. Your appreciation of all around you in earth and sky comes through in your photos. They have a quality that transcends showing what you see, it shares how you feel about while looking at and being in awe of it. Beautiful pictures and story, Sue, beautifully done post. My body is more at peace than it was before seeing it and all of me is delighted for your having all that camp offers you.
Weather,, I bet your spouse loves to hear you talk like that,, It’s so pleasing to ones Soul just to read your reply,,,,,,,,,, rusty
Thank you very much for telling me your soul was pleased by reading my words, Rusty, I’m ever so glad for you to have pleasure in your days. When my spouse walked this good earth with me we both loved our conversations. Now being in Heaven I’m sure he loves hearing angels sing …
weather, you perceive so much! More than I do from my own photos and text! I enjoy your analyses and reactions. Yes, the saguaros are stately sentinels around our camp. I chuckled at Reggie’s tail like a warning hand, thinking how, before the time of seatbelts, a mom would shoot out her hand to hold her child whenever suddenly applying brakes.
Thank you for the many compliments and kind thoughts toward me and the crew. May your body remain peaceful and your spirit serene…
I got a smile out of the “Mom Safety Arm.” I guess that must have been somewhat universal. I mean, as if an extended arm would actually be able to do anything in a real accident, and yet so sweet and protective that we can’t ever forget it. The 1950’s and 1960’s Mom Safety Arm – the shoulder belt of its day. Maybe not as effective as a current day one, but so heartfelt.
Hi, weather,
I quite agree with you.
Yes, the saguaros seem like sentinels surrounding RVSue’s home. They must be alter egos of blogorinos who keep guard over RVSue and her canine crew against Clingers or Fierce Creatures. 🙂
A great shot of the hummingbird, Reggie’s tail to communicate and RVSue’s appreciation of all around her in earth and sky. I guess they are more than wonderful and beautiful!
I left a late comment attached to Lees pickle post on how to pickle in a mason jar. Somehow though I check often, I seem to come in a while after Sues blog posts. Have a good day all, raining off and on here in Northern California.
Hi, Velda,
Your settings may have notifications set for once a day or something like that. Chuck (pookieboy) seems to have the same situation.
Thanks for alerting folks of the additional info they can find under the previous post.
“What’s the difference?” I ask.
“Well, regular is good for 3,000 miles and synthetic is 5,000 miles.”
There is also the difference in price with the synthetic being more expensive. The 5,000 miles is very conservative; 7,500 miles between changes would not be a problem. The majority of automakers today call for oil changes at either 7,500 or 10,000 miles.
I have been using synthetic in cars that I had before Desperado and now in her. I drive about 5,000 miles/year now and change oil only once so the synthetic is the better buy. I also have the old oil analyzed every year to give me an early warning if something might be going bad.
Okay… Good to know! I’ve been told it’s not wise to change at this point. Also that the synthetic is “good for the engine.” Others recommend a “synthetic blend.” My head is spinning. 🙂
I have the oil changed based upon it’s appearance together with number of miles since the last change. I don’t mean to imply that I know what I’m doing! In any event, the PTV keeps on keeping on…
Thanks for sharing your experience and related info.
Hi Ed and Sue,, on engines that have been running on the regular oil, it’s best to stay with the same type,,, I was thinking of changing to the “new’ synthetics stuff on this ol’ 302 and was told by a rebuilder of engines , not to do so till I rebuild, because of the gap clearances on the Mains, Rods and Cam bearings,,,, the Synthetics are a lot thinner than regular oil,,,,,,, rusty
This is the first time anyone has explained the reason not to change from regular to synthetic. Thanks, Rusty, for sharing what you heard from the rebuilder.
Sue, I drove a company car for 35 years mostly chevys and the company always had us change oil at 5000 miles…….I usually put 200,000 on a vehicle before a new one was purchased and never had engine problems….only the traditional stuff like brakes, etc….. my wifey bought a new Hyundai last year and they recommend 5000 miles now which I like….
chuck
I wonder if the newer vehicles can go longer due to cleaner fuel, as well as better oil. But then you say you went 35 years changing every 5,000.
Wow,, GM must be in the Bucks with the Oil Companies,,, cause, VW’s, Fords say every 6000 or 6 months, which ever comes first,, I change every 6000 miles and in doing so keeps the maintenance on everything by 6000-12000-18000 and 24000,, from the front to the Rear of checking,, Greasing and doing this keeps this ol’ 1975 Ford a runnin’,,,,,,,,,
The newer engines have tighter clearances,,, the folks that have Muscle Cars or Hot Rods call the newer cars engines Sewing Machines,,, Datsun, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi made World War 2 Airplanes known as Zeros and they were fast too!,,,,,,,,,,,
Hi, Rusty,
Sewing Machines… I think so too.
Nakajima (former Subaru) was a one of manufacturers.
I changed to synthetic on a vehicle with quite a few miles. I had read the idea that you shouldn’t, because leaks could spring up, etc. But I just decided that if they did, I’d fix them. As it turned out, no new problems cropped up (I’ve been running it for around 25,000 miles now, so I think anything that was going to show up would have).
What I love about it is that I can run the Mobil 1 extended interval oil (available on Amazon, or often at Wal-Mart), and only change every 15,000 miles. I don’t always go that long, but when traveling I like the flexibility.
This next isn’t about synthetic vs. non-synthetic, but just to mention that wow, I was surprised when I got my previous camper van – my first “modern” rig (late 90’s). 5W20 oil? Who ever heard of that weight? Well, not in older cars, I hadn’t. I guess the oil galleries in (at least my) newer engine are smaller and they like the thinner oil. Sounded shocking when I first saw the manual!
Great photos of Reggie! I, too have a Chihuahua mix…mixed with Cairn Terrier. She also hates to be left in the car and her favorite is a good belly rub. BTW now I know why you are never lonely! It’s because you have a huge number of blogerino friends!!! I am amazed by the number of comments you get from each blog post! Kudos to you! Robin in NC
Hi, Robin,
Chihuahua mixed with Cairn Terrier… very interesting mix. Long hair? What’s does she look like?
It is amazing how many people appear here. I love it! Thanks for the kudos.
Yes, blogorinos do keep me company, although they aren’t the reason I’m never lonely. All my life, including during childhood, I’ve sought solitude and I’ve never been lonely for one moment. I see it as a gift.
That’s interesting, Sue. When I’d read where you said you are never lonely, I believed you of course (and I’m envious, as I’m a bit of a hermit but do get lonely sometimes – annoying combination!); but I always wondered if you would feel that “lonely” feeling if you didn’t have pups. Not lonely for humans necessarily, but lonely nonetheless. But it sounds like perhaps you’ve felt the same when you were sans pets.
To tell the truth, Pen, I really don’t know if I’ve been lonely when without pups because I don’t know what lonely feels like. I assume it’s a lot like grief so when I’m grieving the loss of a dog, am I feeling lonely? I’m guessing no, unless one can say I’m lonely for that particular dog that’s gone.
I’ve never run into a person who’s never been lonely. Maybe I have and didn’t know it because it’s not something you go around talking about. Anyone reading this not ever experience loneliness in their life, even when alone for long periods?
I can say that I have never been lonely or don’t know what the experience feels like. I have been alone much of my life and consider that to be a ‘normal’ condition.
I can not understand what people are talking about when they keep asking “do you get lonely”. You have said repeatedly that you do not like to be around other people yet the ‘lonely’ question keeps coming up. I assume the questioners think that the absence of others must cause everyone to feel ‘lonely’.
Your assumption is probably true. People see the world through their own lens, of course, and, if the absence of people makes them lonely. then they project that same reaction onto other people. Usually when the “don’t you get lonely” question comes up, it’s from a person who hasn’t read all of my blog or from someone who can’t believe it’s possible for me to be by myself so much and not be lonely.
ed….I have been married 52 years and have never been alone since I got out of high school in 1964 so Ive never experienced lonelyness…..
there are times when Im home alone during the daytime for 3 or 4 days then I get restless so I get in the truck and go fishing or just go to the store just to do something…..
chuck
I didn’t mean my question to be yet another in an endless stream of “but don’t you get lonely? I get the question a lot myself, since I live/travel alone. For myself, I get lonely from time-to-time, but it’s not enough to spoil the enjoyment I get from solo traveling. Maybe it’s similar to people who are, say, married and like to be by themselves from time-to-time (only it’s the opposite).
The reason I asked Sue what I did is because she doesn’t “know” what loneliness is, and yet she seems attached to the crew. So I just wondered: Would she feel loneliness if she were without crew? It was meant in the spirit of genuine interest and curiosity; not in the “Oh surely you must be lonely out there traveling by yourself” way.
I can feel lonely when I am around other people, but no one seems to share what I am experiencing. But lonely and alone are two entirely different things. It’s the ability to share and have what I share understood and valued by others, and the ability to enjoy my own company, which allow me not to experience loneliness.
Hi, eliza,
Yes, “the ability to enjoy my own company” is a gift you are fortunate to possess!
Hi Sue! Our 5.5 lb Chihuahua/Cairn terrier mix is long haired…my husband says she has Phyllis Diller hair! I would post a photo of her here if I could. She is off white with an apricot stripe down her back…brown eyes, brown nose and Yoda ears. We just love her to pieces, and love traveling with her. She loves our RV! Robin in North Carolina
My take on lonely might be understood be seeing it on a scale of 1 to 100 . It can feel like different things at all points within that range.
For instance 1 to ten being curiosity about another life form that causes a desire to see it more closely. An innate desire to connect with other living beings has been felt though not usually recognized as part of an emotional response -interaction or the lack of it even at this level has an effect .
At 50 I strongly feel the urge to communicate when stimulated by maybe a comment on here or when I encounter an animal or human that appeals to me. A bit like a magnet’s pull that I can turn off easily enough by focusing on another direction.
At 80 no outside stimulation is needed to make me aware that I miss the voice or presence of a particular person or just life other than my own. Without necessarily being aware that I’m trying to satisfy an appetite for connection I have a heightened urgency as I feed wildlife, decide to go driving just to relax, visit a grocery store, exchange attention or affection with another being and feel more at peace afterward.
At 100 pain is felt because separation has occurred. For example a loved one is suddenly gone from my life or I’ve distanced myself from someone in reaction to being hurt by them. A connection has been severed,it’s time to heal, begin again, rinse, repeat…
Having a preference for and comfort amid solitude is something I attribute in part to the feeling of wanting to get away quickly when being with most people. Not because I dislike them , it’s just seldom really a comfortable fit for me. Giving myself enough room to breathe in what replenishes me actually helps me to love more.
There is a balance needed of time alone and time spent with people that I’ve far from perfected despite earnestly trying to, for the sake of others and myself. I’m sorry if this reply is too long , doesn’t belong here, or is just not positive enough for your blog, Sue. As always, feel free to delete it for any reason.
Hi, weather,
I don’t see anything the least bit negative in your explanation. As always your comments are thought-provoking. Thank you for a well-crafted comment, for the care with which you present your thoughts!
It’s nice to have a teacher appreciate the way I compose a comment, thank you. I appreciate the considerate wisdom you use in deciding what to edit or not, as well as enjoying sharing our thoughts.
Good morning, weather… I hope all is well. Are you snowed in?
I’ve questioned myself many times over the past few days if I made the right decision regarding what is “positive enough” for my blog. My doubts are overcome by the importance of keeping this a peaceful place. Still, I’d rather not have to make those decisions.
You seem sad. I hope you are okay.
No, I’m no longer snowed in because I hired someone with a snowplow on his truck to clear my driveway. It had been so cold here that the snow had turned into ice too hard for a shovel to break through. I appreciate your caring enough to be concerned about that and my being okay. I’m not sad, just pensive. While taking care of business matters my husband’s death certificate was among the papers I was placing in order. A bit of rocking my world with waves , some beautiful thoughts, others not so much, goes with the turf when we no longer have something we treasured as you well know. Honestly, I’m alright and at the moment quite pleased about what the warmer temps are allowing 🙂 The kitties have been outside scampering around as birds nearby call to each other and mine until they sing back , so-o cute!
Hi Weather, I am glad you are warm and so are the fur babies. 🙂
So this doesn’t start a thread about problems I’ve delayed addressing the part of your reply about your questioning or doubting your judgement in that decision until now. We do no kindness to someone by leaving unchecked a pattern of hostile behavior . By not allowing it on here you stopped what would in all likelihood have become more repetitive and would have escalated. There are places where they can be helped to have a more peaceful and happy life. A blog is not among the many healthy and safe environments that can or should happen in. I hope you read, then delete this if you choose to, and don’t give the matter another thought.
Thanks, weather, for validating the reasoning behind my decision.
🙂
Great sunset photos, as usual. And I love the tail language lesson!
Thanks LBL Janis P! I’m glad you like the photos.
I don’t know if Reggie’s tail language is universal. I don’t ever recall seeing the bent-to-the-side message before in another dog. 🙂
is it really in the 70’s there? your late afternoon pictures sure make me wanna
be out there in that desolate country…………..
thanks for the post…..ya made my day young lady…
chuck
You’re welcome, chuck! Yes, the weather widget is correct. It’s in the 70s and very pleasant. No breeze at the moment, blue sky, a few white clouds. I wish you could be here, too.
Hey, you’re here early! 🙂
Reggie is doing a great job of training you Sue! Now that you have begun “reading” his tail signals, he can teach you new tricks! hahaha!
We were under serious weather warnings last night even tornado warnings but all we got was a lot of rain! Thank you! Today was like being back in NM with 20 to 30 mph wind gusts! But better than 2 feet of snow! Hard freeze tonight and tomorrow night so I have all my plants covered and my Jade plant is in here with us!
Loved the sky blue pink sunset photographs! Beautiful sky! Loved it!
I’m a lot like Bridget these days! Some days I am just dead weight and don’t wanna move or do anything! hahaha!
Take care hon, we love ya!
Hi, Geri,
You and Chuck have had some exciting weather since you moved to Florida… flooding, wind, rain, tornado warnings, freezing… Okay, so no snow… but wait! Winter’s not over yet! 🙂
I hope the “hard freeze” doesn’t hurt the citrus farmers… They’ll have the sprinklers going.
Thanks for noting the sunset photos. I hope Radar and Doogie Bowser are okay. Hugs to all!
Funny! Snow flurries were seen in the panhandle today, in Panama City, 60 miles west of us! Hahahahaha! ??
Hi, Geri and Chuck!
Having read Sue’s old posts, I know you since you’ve been to the Sand Island Campground in UT with RVSue. 🙂
Snow flurries were seen in Okinawa, Japan too, situated on the same latitude as FL. It is the second time in history!
BTW, are you forever offline on your blog? 🙂
Hello Everyone! Sue, isn’t it amazing what our pups tell us? I can read my dogs pretty well, although sometimes I wish they could talk. Lovely sunsets again. What a wonderful panorama. I loved how it just kept getting better and better.
I did want to say Desert Ginger and Az Jim – I’m thinking of both of you. Be encouraged that folks are praying for you and I hope you find peace in that, and in knowing that you have capable medical experts who seem to be very in tune to your needs. Blessings.
Let’s add Ilse to the prayer list and also the many blogorinos, lurkers, and family members who have medical issues that we don’t know about.
Yes, thank you!
? Thank you!
Hi Sue, as always your pictures are great. I was surprised to see that the wash you walked in(previous post) was so crowded with brush and spiny sharp things sticking every whichway. I guess I thought of them more like dry riverbeds, so a good lesson for me.
Well I went and did it. I bought my ticket for the second national tiny house jamboree, in Colorado in August. Which means. I have to be on my way west in July. Right now I plan to leave in late June. So Sue, a question, how long did it take you to get your SD Reg and title? Can I do it by mail? Thanks. I guess I better get busy getting ready for the road!
Hi, Lisa,
Thanks on the photos… Not all desert washes are like this one. Some are more open on the sides.
Well, the tiny house jamboree sounds interesting! It will be fun seeing and standing inside the models.
About the SD registration and title. Mine were handled by mail via Americas Mailbox. I was given a month from the date of purchase before these things needed to be up-to-date which gave plenty of time for the new tags to be sent to me. Of course, that month time period doesn’t apply if you’re switching registration from FL to SD. You need to set up your domicile in SD first, of course.
You might learn more than I can tell you by doing a search for “SD vehicle registration” and by reading what it says at Americas Mailbox’s website.
I just started reading your blog the other day and it was interesting enough that last night I went to the beginning, which I believe was April 2011 and started reading from there. I feel that you need to get to know someone a little bit before their blog will be interesting. And one of the things that I find fascinating in your blog is that you have the ability to make common every day mundane things sound exciting.
I just started full-timing in my Arctic Fox 5th wheel about 3 months ago, and started blogging at the same time. And the first problem I had was finding things to write about. My life in my Arctic Fox wasn’t exciting and adventuresome it was nothing more than living a normal life in a home that wasn’t nailed to the ground. I read other blogs and some of those folks were living exciting lives, but others were writing about everyday mundane things and they sounded well…. Mundane.
But when I came across your blog I saw that you were living a life very similar to mine, relatively small trailer, limited budget, an interest in blogging, and Boondocking because you enjoyed it and it saved money, and that basically describes my life at the moment. The difference is your able to describe everyday things in an interesting way, and so far that ability has eluded me. I’m Boondocking in Quartzsite right now so I walk in the desert almost every day. When you walk in the desert you come back with a story about, animal tracks, poop, and dogs tails. And I come back from my walk with something stuck to the bottom of my shoe that I cant get off. I believe that I could spontaneously combust while sitting here in my easy chair and I still couldn’t think of anything to write about tonight.
I know there must be some secret ingenious way that you get so many people to read about your everyday life. I don’t know what that is just yet because I just started reading your blog but you can rest assured that I will keep reading until I find out no matter how long it takes.
theboondork
Love, love, love your perfect capture of Sue and her wonderful way with words! ? Welcome to Sue’s world and welcome as a Blogerino !
Welcome to my blog, theboondork! It’s great to have you join the blogorino gang!
You charmed me with your comment. I am absolutely delighted with the compliments. Thank you.
I don’t know if you present your difficulty with blog writing as an account of fact or as tongue-in-cheek. The reason I’m uncertain is I see in your writing several elements for a successful blog — excellent command of English language, a recognizable and comfortable “voice,” a wonderfully droll sense of humor (“I come back from my walk with something stuck to the bottom of my shoe”), and lots of material available from your full-timing life.
If I take your comment as a serious inquiry on how to write a blog in a way that people enjoy reading it…. then, I say, be YOU. Find a “handle” for your blog. What do I mean by a “handle?” Well, mine is story-telling based in daily life and what I encounter on the road, with a subtext of canine antics, and an enhancement via careful photographs. I throw in things that border on controversial (you’ll come across those as you read the archives), some of my personal weirdness (loner, noise sensitivity), frequent change-ups of the format (guest canine blogger, philosophical vs. mundane details, travelogue vs. instructional, and so forth.), changes in mood (serious, poignant, off-the-cuff, personal, cutesy, wiseguy, silly, whatever!). And, of course, I work hard on developing and maintaining relationships with my readers.
Gee, it’s fun being a know-it-all! Thanks for the opportunity!
I wish you many happy and interesting experiences with your Arctic Fox and best of luck with blogging! You have what it takes, theboondork!
Hi, theboondork!
Welcome, New Blogerino! I’m Japanese writing in weird English.
You write very well about your thought and feelings in your comment, don’t you? I guess it’s the same way as blogging. Everyting must be exciting and adventuresome if you have written something in your blog or here in Sue’s blog. Even if tiny things about your Arctic Fox 5th wheel.
BTW, where is your blog?
My blog is, theboondork.com
I assume you are in Japan, I spent 2 years in Japan when I was in the Air Force and stationed at Yokota Air Force Base. I really enjoyed being there and all the people I met were very nice
theboondork
Nice to hear you again! theboondork,
Yes, I am Japanese living in Japan, so I know the Yokota Air Force Base, also know Sagamihara, Atsugi and Yokosuka. My house is between them. I’m glad to know that you have enjoied working in Japan.
Thank you for your URL informed. I am visiting your blog and see your rig. Northwood Arctic Fox fifth wheel, Great! Never seen such a big trailer like yours in Japan, you might not too. But everything has exceptions. I know some maniacal guys towing with their fifth wheels in Japan.
I have traveled around the US several times by a rented motorhome. I wrote about those and continue writing sometimes on my blog. Can’t wait next travel since one of RVers!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I would very much like to see your blog what is its URL. Are you going to come to the United States again?
I almost go a nap, but came here again. 🙂
You are welcome. Name of “Fuji-maru” underlined includes my URL.
Yes, I love the US and want to go your big country again as long as time and money allows.
Hi Boondork and Welcome! I agree with Sue that your stuck on shoe comment is a riot. My guess is that you’re too critical of your own writing. Just write and if you see you need a change down the road, tweak it. I admire you for even starting a blog. I’m always amazed at Sue and her consistency and dedication to her blog and blogorinos.
Welcome, theboondork! 🙂
I just started reading your blog and it is excellent. Too bad about the stuff on your shoe, though….
Hey Sue! Another great post with great photos! I have trouble reading my dog’s signals, two of the three have no tails!
How is the healthy eating going? Had to laugh as you drove past Carl Jr on one of the last posts. Poor Reggie is going to suffer!
Hi, Linda,
Thanks for putting your location with your name. I appreciate that! And thanks also for the nice words about this post and photos..
How’s the healthy eating going? Pretty good. I haven’t eaten any rice, potatoes, bread, pasta, or other carb food since I started on this kick. Cravings have been few and pass quickly. Eating lots of fresh vegetables, nothing canned. Eliminated cane sugar from my coffee, using honey instead. Dairy is limited due to lack of control over what the milk contains (hormones and junk). I threw out my salt shaker.
Eating enough protein is a challenge. I’m back to eating eggs again — no hormones, no antibiotics, free range (the latter if I can find it). The eggs are delicious, BTW. Mixed nuts with no salt. Cheese sparingly (again, the milk problem, but I love cheese!). I’d be eating yogurt if the local grocery carried Greek God Yogurt.
Okay, this is a good time to ask a question that has been on my mind.
Blogorinos: If one cannot find organic milk without the crap in it, is soy milk a good alternative? My research gives varied answers to this. What say you?
Here’s a good list of alternatives and their qualities. I think the “best” milk alternative depends on your own personal needs and taste preference.
http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101/shopping_cooking_guides/a_buyer_s_guide_to_milk_part_ii?slide=2
Question: how do you prepare your eggs with the nuts? Scrambled? Omelet-style? I eat a lot of eggs and this might be a yummy addition to my recipes. 🙂
Thank you for taking time to respond to my earlier comment, Sue. I appreciate it! I went and re-read my “about me” section and saw I should update it a bit now that nearly a year has passed.
Parker
That’s a helpful guide, Parker. Thank you for posting the link. It taught me a lot! I think I’ll stick with soy milk (until someone tells me it’s bad, like everything seems to be for one reason or another!)…
Sorry that I confused you with my shorthand writing. I don’t prepare eggs with nuts. The nuts were the next item on the list. I usually scramble my eggs with real butter that’s lightly salted. They come out very tasty. Once in a while I have them over easy.
As for updating your profile… mine is about 4 years old! Oh well . . .
I always use soy milk.
I’m curious as to why honey is ok and cane sugar is not. They are both disaccharides consisting of fructose and glucose. Honey can also contain dormant spores of clostridium botulinum, which is why it’s not recommended for infants.
On the soy milk issue, read the ingredients. There are many things in soy milk that I can not pronounce.
Hi, Allison,
I’m not at the point where I want to give up sweetening my coffee. Honey seems to be a better alternative to cane sugar (the white kind I was using).
Here’s a quote regarding the difference: Both sweeteners contain glucose and fructose. However, for sugar, in the process of manufacturing, the organic acids, protein, nitrogen elements, enzymes and vitamins in the sugar cane are destroyed, whereas honey, a natural sweetener, subjects only to minimal heating. Also, honey has certain beneficial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which are not present in table sugar.
The quote is from “Benefits of Honey” webpage. I realize the source of the page could be the honey industry. Take it for what it’s worth.
As for the soy milk, it says this:
INGREDIENTS: Organic Soymilk (Filtered Water, Whole Organic Soybeans), Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Sea Salt, Carrageenan, Natural Flavor.
VITAMINS & MINERALS: Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12.
It’s not perfect. Maybe there are brands better (or worse) than this Silk brand. I don’t know.
Hi, Allison,
I know Honey wagon only. 🙂 Sorry for my bothering.
Organic Almond milk and Organic Coconut milk are nice alternatives.
In regard to milk alternatives, we have transitioned to almond milk. I use unsweetened almond milk with protein powder added as well as 1/4 t. pure maple syrup. My husband uses vanilla almond milk. I like high protein flax milk as well, but that’s more expensive and harder to find. Good for you for improving your diet! Robin in NC
Hi Sue,
This is my first comment, as I just starting reading your blog (from way back in 2011’s first post). I know I heard about you before, but I can’t remember where…this time I came by way of Itty Bitty Living.
I have to agree with others who commented before me; you have a clear voice that engaged me from the first. I love on-the-road photos, and you have so many, and they are so good! They help bring me into your world.
I can’t wait until I finish building my “Tiny House Truck” this upcoming summer and hit the road. It’s frustrating to be stalled by excessively wet and cold weather. I guess it’s just another phase of the process, or another chapter in my story. A very quiet one. 🙂 It’s giving me time to adjust to a completely solitary life, though, and time to reflect on who I am and what I want my life to look like moving forward.
Anyway, glad to finally meet you!
Parker
Hi, Parker,
Welcome to my blog! Wow! Two new blogorinos within minutes of each other. I’m happy to have you join us!
I glanced at your blog and was immediately impressed with your title and slogan: Tiny Cabin On The Move: Tiny home, very big dreams . . . rebuilding my life to something meaningful.
I like that!
You are a reflective person. You reflect on your life and where you are in it, instead of rolling through it like you’re looking out a window on a train route. I also see that special quality in your last paragraph.
You intrigued me with your comment so I read your profile on your blog. I see adaptability and much courage!
The truck project (Oliver) is interesting to a lot of readers, I’m sure. Good luck with it.
I’m glad to meet you, too, Parker!
Hi, Parker,
Welcome, New Blogerino!
Mobile Oliver’s Nest seems like a good travel gear for your new life.
Sorry for my poor English. I’m an international readers from Japan.
Welcome Parker, How exciting for you.
Welcome too, Fugi-maru, How exciting for us to have you here from Japan. I love the different insights that you bring.
Hi Fuji-maru,
Your english is fine, and better than a lot of American’s these days…online “English” is becoming a relic.
I do think mobile Oliver’s Nest is what I want for now. I am still sad that I won’t be finishing the original though. If it was staying put, it would be a lovely Tiny House! Just too dang heavy for pulling around.
Oops, I failed at comments by not seeing your welcome, Applegirl NY.
Hi! o/
So funny. I’m never sure how it all works.
Welcome to RVSue’s Blog Parker!!
Hi, and thanks, Krystina. 🙂
Welcome, coffeewitholiver! 🙂
Beautiful photos, Sue! I love sunrises and sunsets too. Since our home is on a hill, we often get pretty sunrises, especially in winter. Houses block most of the sunsets.
Hi, Sharon in MO,
Thanks re the pics. I’m glad you are able to see pretty sunrises. Enjoy!
Hi, Sue and Crew –
I like this desert camp site and all your very nice photos of the surrounding area. And the pretty throat on your hummingbird! Great shot.
Here in Houston the other day, it almost looked like a smokey sky – not smog or fog. Don’t know what caused that, but it was different. Couldn’t smell anything like smoke.
I do remember Lost in Space and the “Danger, Will Robinson” quote. When you look at some of those old shows, the costumes and acting were so different and not nearly as sophisticated as these days.
When I get out there in my Casita this summer, I think I don’t want the responsibility of having a pet, but then I see your photos of little Reggie and Bridget and think they must be a great comfort to you.
Happy Trails, Sue, and thank you for your very special blog.
Pamela
Hi, Pamelab,
We’ve had “smoky sky” here, too! In fact, I think I captured it in a recent photo. I like the way the world is softened and I don’t know what makes it either!
Thank you for complimenting my photos and for calling my blog “special.”
To travel with a pet or not… Hmm… I can’t imagine living without a dog or two. I was thinking about that this afternoon as the three of us were sitting outside on the blue mat. Bridget was lying on the quilt having a great time with a chew bone. She loves those things! They put her in her own world. Reggie was running around with his armadillo in his mouth, teasing me to play fetch if I could wrench it out of his massive jaws…
I burst out laughing, disturbing the mostly silent area of the desert where we are camped. My laughter brought to mind the happiness the crew gives me with their presence. I enjoy their company very much. They add dimension to my days.
Something that brings happiness to one might be a burden to another…. or somewhere in between. You’ll know what will work best for you.
You’re welcome, Pamelab,
We’ve had “smoky sky” here, too! In fact, I think I captured it in a recent photo. I like the way the world is softened and I don’t know what makes it either!
Thank you for complimenting my photos and for calling my blog “special.”
To travel with a pet or not… Hmm… I can’t imagine living without a dog or two. I was thinking about that this afternoon as the three of us were sitting outside on the blue mat. Bridget was lying on the quilt having a great time with a chew bone. She loves those things! They put her in her own world. Reggie was running around with his armadillo in his mouth, teasing me to play fetch if I could wrench it out of his massive jaws…
I burst out laughing, disturbing the mostly silent area of the desert where we are camped. My laughter brought to mind the happiness the crew gives me with their presence. I enjoy their company very much. They add dimension to my days.
Something that brings happiness to one might be a burden to another…. or somewhere in between. You’ll know what will work best for you.
We went geochaching on Darby Well Rd today. Lots of fun. We also saw burros on the east side of 85 North of Why. They were beautiful. A coyote left us a marker last night right by our trailer! Lots of howling out there. We are being very carefull with Samantha and Julie.
The sunsets and moon rises have been totally amazing the last week. Your pictures are beautiful.
Oooh, I’m jealous! I want to see burros, too! I couldn’t care less about geocaching, but it’s nice to be out and about. Beautiful day… Yes, be careful with your canine crew!
Thanks re the pictures. Nice seeing you yesterday!
Thank you Sue for your encouragement and your advice. Because of the quantity and quality of your readers I believe that qualifies you as an expert on blogging, so I will definitely heed your advice. And yes I’m serious about wanting to know what your secret is, although I know it’s not a secret is just a way you have of connecting with people that a lot of other folks don’t.
I like the idea about breaking things up and saying and doing things differently to avoid writing about the same desert walk every day, but I think one thing that will always give me problems is opening up to people the way you do. I don’t have any problems telling people what I’m doing, or even what I’m thinking, it’s the telling people how I’m feeling that is not at all easy for me. And I think that it’s your ability to tell people about your feelings is what opens up a window into your life for them and makes them want to peek in and become a part of it. And I’m not sure if I can deal with people peeking in my window, excuse me while I go close the drapes.
Any advice you have will always be appreciated.
By the way my doctor told me a couple of years ago that soy milk may cause thyroid cancer, I’ve been going to him for 30 years, so I quit drinking soy milk.
theboondork
Ha! I knew there had to be something bad about soy milk! It’s so hard knowing what to ingest and what to leave alone. 🙂
Well, maybe you’re better off not sharing your feelings. I can relate to “I’m not sure if I can deal with people peeking in my window.” I don’t mind people knowing stuff about me. It’s being recognized in public that bothers me.
Allison in Tucson and theboondork…
In three minutes of research I found that soy milk can kill you and it can also save your life.
Oh-kaaaaay.. . .
I’m signing off now. Good night everyone! Good morning, Fuji-maru!
Good night! Dear RVSue and canine Crew, and blogorinos!
Now that RVSue handed over the baton to me, I go a nap. 🙂 It’s hard work for me to read & write comments in English. It exhaust me with my poor English. You Know? It took nearly four hours to reach down here, but I really enjoyed reading Sue’s post and comments. Thank you!
Fuji-Maru, I think your English is excellent! And I’m so glad you participate here.
Good morning, Velda,
Thank you for your compliment. 🙂
I’m enjoying Sue’s blog and also studying English at the same time. Please correct me without reserve or hesitation if my English is wrong!
Thank you for all your comments, Fuji-maru. I didn’t mean that you have to reply to comments for me, but I’m glad you did!
Good Morning! and Sorry, Dear RVSue,
Just kidding. I’m glad if I could reply to comments on your behalf, as blogorinos did sometimes.
Goodnight Missy, We’ll have to add EWS (Early Warning System) to Reggies credentials. I’ll drift back later….
Good morning, Jim. Come back whenever you feel like it…
I love when you can see the moon during the daytime!!!
Beautiful sunset pictures!!
Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)
Thanks, Lynn! Stay safe during the snowstorm!
Gorgeous sunsets…what better!! Lovely!! Listening to some fine music…while viewing them…only makes for better enjoyment!! Thanks!!
You’re welcome, Elizabeth in WA!
I shared your pictures with my husband and we love how the BLT looks tucked into the desert landscape!
My dogs also have signs that let me know how they are feeling. I have a long haired chihuahua, Lucy who really tells a story. Her long silky tail stands tall like a flag when she is happy and drags along on the floor when she has been a bad girl. If she is watching for my husband to come home, I can tell how close he is by her tail. When she first sees his truck the tail starts slowly moving and as he gets closer the speed increases. When he gets out to the truck the tail is moving so fast and when he is close to the door she starts jumping up and down!
I started drinking almond milk a couple of years ago and just love it! It also keeps much longer than regular milk. I get the low sugar vanilla almond milk and it is delicious on cereal or in smoothies.
Good morning, Laurie in NC,
I can see your Lucy going through her messages — Oh, I see daddy’s truck, oh, he’s closer, and he’s closer, and he’s getting out of the truck… Ha!
Thanks for the suggestion for almond milk. I’m not buying soy any more. I could make life less complicated by drinking coffee black. 🙂
Sue, try stirring some ghee or coconut oil into your black coffee and see what you think! I don’t drink coffee but I understand both are delicious! Robin in NC
Thanks for the suggestion, Robin.
Good Morning RVSue and Bloggerinos. Love the pics of Reggie man telling you what is on his mind! I have been using Almond Milk for almost a year and love it. I use it on my cereal but not in my coffee, I also use it to cook with…like mac and cheese. Have a great day everyone.
Good morning, Krystina… I might try almond milk. Always good to hear from you…
Watched a tv show showing that dogs tails wag “to the right” when they see their owners. They isolated the dogs in a box and opened a window to show them things like treats, other dogs and people they knew and noted how their tails wagged. When the dog saw their owner through the window their tails consistently shifted and wagged “to the right”.
Interesting, Dasher!
Dear RVSue and blogorinos,
It’s a Blissful Moment while I watch your stunning photos and read your artistic phrases. The names of places attached blogorino’s names excite me because I’ve been or passed by there. My soul flies across the Pacific ocean and be with you and blogorinos in the US where I love. So I want to be able to read, write and speak like a native through the favorite blog.
I used to think I could learn more English from you if I were Bridget or Reggie. 🙂
Thank you for choosing my blog as your favorite. 🙂
🙂
Hi, Fuji-Maru,
Good morning! Your English is just fine! I enjoy reading your comments! 🙂
Good morning! maybe not, Denise,
Thank you for reading my comments. I’m so glag to hear you!
Every reply pep me up and encourage me. 🙂
Several days ago, I wrote a comment below in a prior post.
I ‘ve passed VA on the way to Washington D.C. from the Kill Devil Hills, NC through the northbound I-95 about two years ago. Want to stay in VA and come by the HQ of RVIA in a suburb of Reston, VA in my next RV journey.
I have one more thing to add above.
I traveled on from WB I-64 to NB I-295 bypass highway near Richmond. I remember that the Hwy surrounded by woods was very impressive. The cold weather had turned the leaves into beautiful autumn colors. No Hwys like this in Japan.
Good night!
Oops, I forgot to put “s”, peps and encourages, right?
That is correct, Fuji-maru….but I knew what you meant! 🙂
Have a good day!
Yes, the I64 corridor still has some areas that are not developed, where nature is the main attraction. The Fall leaf color is beautiful! 🙂
Good Morning, Denise, RVSue and blogorinos!
It’s Monday morning 1:15 am in Japan.
Have a good day! And Good night!
Hi All
Anyone have any comments about Stevia as a sweetener? It is natural and has 0 calories! And remember Sue, you do need some dairy and grains for a well rounded diet. At WW they recommend at least 1 dairy a day. I found that if I deprived myself of something too long, then I would over indulge later. It definitely is a balance! I remember WW liked honey as an alternative. Good luck on your new “diet”. And I did go read about javelina! They are misunderstood but I dont want to get too close to them!
Have a wonderful wonderful day!!
I disagree on ” needing” dairy and grains. Lots of research out there now Supportimg being grain and dairy free. I’m lactose intolerant and wheat sensitive and do much better without either. As to Stevia its good as a substitute but better to reduce all sweet use and allow our bodies to get back to not “needing” the sweet taste so much. Some Stevia preparations are extracted using harsh chemicals so do your label reading and research. Also some Stevia is bitter which goes back to how it’s processed. Key there is, it is a processed food, so try another brand if you don’t like the one you got. If interested in Grain and dairy free, check out blog and books and Facebook by Danielle Walker author of Against All Grain. Great recipes, vegetable, fruit, and organic meat and poultry focused. Look up Wheat Belly for more information on why grains, and wheat in particular has become a less healthy food to be avoided. Wheat as a grain is just not the same
When I am baking, Terri, I use Coconut Sugar…looks like a kind of rough brown sugar. It is not easy to get to be smooth in anything not cooked…but tastes just fine. I have read that it bothers the blood sugar less. I try to cut sugars down, including Coconut Sugar, when in recipes. And over time, drop it more, etc. We do not eat desserts per se, hardly ever…but even in muffins, etc. it helps to have a bit of something. Honey being natural is a good choice in small amounts. I have not used Stevia much and prefer it blended with other things, such as xylitol. I try to get the xylitol made from birch trees, rather than corn. Costs more, but seems better to me. Again, I don’t use them much and certainly not regularly… I do think we are wisest to use as little sweetener as possible.
We have found an awesome herbal tea that you make cold…just drop packet into cold water and let sit a bit. If you want to use less tea bags, to save a bit of money, just put 2 to a quart or so of water and let sit longer, maybe overnight, in the fridge. It is called Tropical Fruit Iced Herbal Tea by Celestial Seasoning. We have to get it from Amazon because we have not been able to find it in the local stores (I got it in a tiny town in Oregon on vacation last summer in a Safeways…but have not found here in WA). Its natural flavors taste lovely with no sweetening.
As to eating more healthy and dairy free etc. have found just tonight a super blog with all kinds of ideas for that (such as a cheese sauce with a white sweet potato base which looks awesome in the photos)…plus another one using unusual things to make cakes, like parsnips and claim it is so good and no one knows what is in it. I have made black bean brownies for hubby before and he had no idea what was in it…said it tasted a bit different and continued eating them up!!
Hubby and I just got a Nutra Ninja and have begun making smoothies, etc. FINALLY he is eating even greens happily!! He does not like veggies. I like them but not sure I can keep eating the raw stuff as much as he is…but we shall see (my stomach has issues with raw stuff). This blender works awesomely and has even 2 preprogrammed settings and so far they have worked perfectly. Easy to clean too.
Hi, Elizabeth…
This link goes to one of the models. There are a few different models and various prices. Nutri NINJA BL455 Professional 1000 watts Personal Blender Bonus Set with 3-Sip & Seal Single Serves & 75-Recipe Cookbook
This tea sounds refreshing… Celestial Seasonings Cool Brew Tropical Fruit Iced Herbal Tea Caffeine Free — 40 Tea Bags
Thank you for sharing your creative ideas.
Going to use the blog to help me with the new Class C.We got out here in AZ and have 4500 miles on it.I intend to change it before we go back or at around 5k.Any recommendations for service from those readers with a Ford 450 Triton V10.
Before snowbirding we drove Subarus and changed oil at 3K.Got 300,000 miles on 5 straight cars.
All is good after I told Domedic that they needed to replace the fridge under warranty.
You don’t say where you are now nor where going back to might be. If I had that bit of information I might have a recommendation for either where you are or along your way.
I have a Class C 1999 Ford E450 with the V10 that I have put about 30,000 miles on since buying it used. Have used Mobile 1 synthetic since I got it. Live in it Fulltime and have had the oil changed at a number of different places.
Thanks.Live in PA and are in AZ until April.
Well AZ is fairly large but I’m guessing you are in the southern part where it is warm. In Yuma I recommend:
Valvoline Instant oil Change
790 E 24th St, Yuma, AZ 85365
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of E 24th St and S James Ave
(the Valvoline name does not mean they do not carry other oil, I got Mobile 1 there)
In Sierra Vista I recommend:
Desert Automotive
4119 E Anderson Rd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650
My experience has been you are wasting your time talking to Ford dealerships. There may be one that will service a Ford RV but I have quit asking. I have had oil changes done by Big O but the one that I asked in Yuma said no. Heavy truck service places are good possibilities also i.e International, Freightliner.
Thanks we are in PHX now but will be heading down to Yuma before we leave.I agree with your comments on Ford.I avoid dealerships like the plague.Also, will no longer let Camping World touch anything that I own.
Hi! Curious to know why you won’t let Camping World work on your rig ever again? Thanks, Robin in CT
I’m not speaking for Chas here, but guessing based on CW work I’ve seen on a friend’s RV. Reason I saw it is we had to go in and correct several issues!
It was a Wave 3 heater install (so relatively simple job) that he (ironically!) took to CW because he didn’t trust himself to do professional work in installing it. They installed it and sent him on his way with the following issues:
1) Where they tee-ed into the main line they did not support the joint, thus it was flexing which may have contributed to a small leak.
2) No shutoff valve to the heater (instructions specify one), so we had to take the whole propane system down to work on the heater.
3) Heater mounted flush with floor so (seriously) overheats floor when it says right on it and in instructions that it requires 4″ of clearance to floor.
4) Where they made a 90º bend in the propane piping they didn’t use a tubing bender. Looks like maybe they bent it over a knee (?) The result is a flat spot in the tubing at the bend (improper).
5) Where the gas piping comes through the wall instead of making a correctly sized hole with some chafe protection (such as a grommet; or a large enough hole to not touch the piping), they made a “jammed tight” hole and just shoved the pipe through (splintered wood and all).
A different CW installed his replacement cooking stove and it wasn’t what I would call profesionally done either and (in neither case was a “cheap” job mentioned as any sort of priority – he took it in because he wanted pros to do the job). We corrected a few flaws on that as well (and he learned to flare copper in the process :)).
So from what I’ve seen, the work varies from non-professional and dangerous (floor catching on fire) at worst, to “inconsistent” at best (because some techs at some CW’s probably do a great job – I feel badly for them because they get painted with the same brush as the person who put my friend’s Wave 3 in).
Thanks for your comments about having work done at Camping World! Good to know and now we will avoid them! Thanks again, Robin in NC
Thank you, Pen, for the report with specifics!
Chas, I left a note in the previous post about your battery situation and a possible fix.
Saw it thanks a bunch.All new to me.
I’ll have to pay more attention to Tessa’s tail while we’re hiking! We stayed at the Highlands park near that Napa Store in Ajo (not Belly Acres next door), and that auto parts/shop was doing a brisk business. Great shot of the multi-colored tailings pile. Wonderful to be wrapped up in such a beautiful sky 🙂
Hi, Jodee,
Somehow I missed your comment, so here I am two days later!
Yes, Kord’s is kept busy. There may be another auto place in Ajo. If so, it’s a well-kept secret.
Got inspired reading all the suggestions for healthy eating. Got me to experiment with tea. Tried making turmeric tea combined w cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, fresh ginger; sweetened w honey & coconut milk for creaminess. Found that I really liked coconut milk; may be an alternative for me as I think my system doesn’t like milk products so much anymore. Also am trying to start my day with water infused with fresh lemon juice. I like it & heard it is good for you. Major goal for me is to wean myself from diet Pepsi. I know, I know!!!! I’m trying!!!?
Good luck getting rid of Pepsi from you diet. You know that is bad, bad, bad. 🙂 The tea sounds interesting. I’m hearing coconut milk from more than one person. Maybe I’ll try it if I can find it was we travel.
I abandoned soft drinks back in the 80’s when I went on a 13 week diet and no soft drinks allowed. About killed me to drink 8 glassed of water a day instead. If DH has a 7-up, I will drink 1/2 glass. Since he doesn’t want that too often, so I seldom have any.
Now it is just coffee, water and occasionally tea (when I’m sick)
Add a tiny amount of black pepper to your Tumeric tea. The Piperine in black pepper allows the body to use more of the anti inflammatory properties of Tumeric. In a hot liquid with just a sprinkle, you don’t taste pepper. Hope you aren’t buying Tumeric tea, because organic Tumeric bulk powder from a health food store makes it cheaper. I use a tsp of Tumeric powder per 8 to 10 oz boiling water. I make Tumeric infused (tea) liquid for Mel to gargle and swallow to help his throat heal.
See above comment I wrote to Terri in Texas about a wonderful herbal tea we love that you make cold even…so fast and easy!! And delicious!! Hubby used to be a heavy pop drinker…kept Coke in business…then he got diabetes, (and me later too…but not from Coke)…oppsss…but while he still has some Zevia pop, at least healthier than others, I can get him to drink this tea quite a bit too…esp. in hot weather…though I am here right now in a kind of cold apt, with a glass of it cold beside me…heh!!
Hey Sue, Aren’t dogs great!! Harley is the same way, the tail, the ears, you watch them and they have their own signals.
I have a prayer request for one of the blogorino’s. I have not had time to check the last few days comments to see if they have said anything but we have a very seriously ill friend that I believe is undergoing some serious testing next week that in itself can be life threatening for them. Just please offer up your prayers even though I am respecting their privacy in case they haven’t said anything by not naming names. Hang in there friend if you read this!
If you’re referring to DesertGinger, she has shared her situation with us.
Ok, I didn’t know if she had or not and I have been super busy this week with work. I just wanted those who prayed to send up some prayers.
My take on what to eat may be a little different from most since I am a chemist and biochemist, but basically I see the body as, in part, a machine very good at breaking down food into little bits (small molecules to be technical) and building them back up into a person, or dog or hummingbird or whatever. Its remarkable, for example, that hummingbirds can break down your sugar water and whatever nectar they find and build a hummingbird with it. As far as cane sugar vs. honey, the sugar is a pure substance while honey (which I eat too) is bee puke, so it has more than one thing in it. Personally I think everything in moderation is a pretty good rule for most things, including diet. There is no good clinical data on human diets, by the way. We have a hard time getting people to volunteer to stay locked up in a warehouse, eating only different kinds of people chow for years at a time to see how their health changes.
If you (or somebody else) likes ice cream but wants to go nondairy, cashew milk ice cream is superb. I have only seen it at Whole Food$, unfortunately.
Smiling and tending to agree. I like bee puke- err honey!
Me too, Velda! Honey is bee puke, got into my English Dictionary now.
Oh dear! ?
Well Sue this is completely off topic. We got 8″ of snow here yesterday. Angel didn’t want to go outside at first. After I shoveled the driveway, she got to the street and decided it was fun. She was so funny hopping around out there, as her belly was dragging in the snow, when she stopped. Her solution to the potty was going in peoples footprints right in the middle of the road. How unladylike!!
She also has a new cat toy that she likes to play with. It is lightly stuffed nylon with a fuzzy tail. She likes playing tug of war with me. However, the sock is still the prized possession, since that is still my reward for putting her back in bed after the midnight snack.
Oh, I forgot to tell you, she has a boyfriend. I took her to a small local shop for a bath and nail trimming. The lady that owns it went to the same high school as I did in Cincinnati. Anyway, her dog, Joey, an Italian Greyhound just loves her. As soon as they met he started kissing her face, even lifting her lip and licking her teeth. It was hysterical. Joey is a beautiful dog. He is not gray like most, but almost a taupe color. Just a stunning looking animal, and so friendly. I was so proud of Angel being social.
Sorry to ramble about my little girl, but she does get us tickled.
Hi, Barbara,
I apologize for not finding your comment sooner! I checked my SPAM folder this morning and was surprised to see you there from last night. I don’t know why the filter caught your comment. Again I’m sorry that happened.
I love your Angel stories! I can picture her escapades in the snow, playing with her cat toy, charming a debonair Italian Greyhound at the beauty shop… Isn’t it wonderful how our pets enrich each day?
Ramble about your little girl anytime you wish, Barbara! Be careful in the snow…
Oh how funny about your baby’s boyfriend!! heehee…thanks for the chuckle. Dogs can be so hilarious!!
Hi Sue & Blogorinos; I’m stepping out of lurkdom ‘cuz I have a book recommendation, if you haven’t already read it. Right now it’s an Amazon Kindle freebie–Vanished Arizona by Martha Summerhayes. (Sue can provide a link if she wishes.) It’s the personal history of an army wife who lived in AZ in the mid-1870s. VERY interesting, well-written read. Until reading Sue’s blog I had no idea of what AZ is like. It was fun to see Mrs. Summerhayes references to places that are now somewhat familiar.
Hi, Jillian, and welcome to my blog and to comments! Always glad to see another blogorino!
Thanks for the book recommendation. I downloaded it and plan to read it soon. I love this kind of historical account from a personal view!
Vanished Arizona
I hope we hear from you again …. Not many folks here from North Dakota. Have a great day and stay warm!
Welcome,Jillian! Sounds like a great read. I enjoyed camping in Valley City North Dakota and the Peace Gardens as a kid. We lived in Jamestown during my elementary years— home of the world’s largest buffalo . The Power of this blog is it’s ability to teach….one does not have to comment to learn! Good to know the name of another of the Loyal Viewers Club. 🙂
Thanks for the book recommendation! I just ordered it…it is still free on Kindle! Robin in NC
Welcome, Jillian! 🙂
Thank you for the book recommendation!
Happy Sunday! Yea! NFL Conference Championships today —for football fans. Since we Seahawkers are out, we will be rooting for Broncos & Cardinals. Australian Open Tennis also playing. Today we will be roasting a whole chicken to see if we can get it to be rotisserie-like in our Nu-Wave which we got for the trailer. Got the chicken for $4.50at Smart & Final. Gil really likes the prices at that store! Wine prices especially. Also yesterday gas in Bullhead City was $1.69/gal. at Fastrip!
Just finished Rogue Lawyer by Grisham— not bad for newer Grisham. Now reading The Promise by Robert Crais. Gil is reading Dead Wake by Erik Larson, about the Lousitania.
Yesterday we enjoyed late lunch at El Charro in Bullhead City. Absolutely the best Mexican food here for anyone visiting the area. Daily specials, great prices, lady makes fresh tortillas right there and delicious!
Happy day!
KGDan……let us know how the Nu-Wave works out….we have
the plate but dont have the oven but thinking of getting it…
chuck
Really like it. Allows us to use electric instead of propane when we have hookups. Chicken turned out great altho Gil says easier to just get store rotisserie–not so much cleanup. Baked cookies–perfect, as well as pizza. Very good for toast.
Your pictures in this blog are especially great! Makes me long to get away from the old frozen snow and winds here. But not to get what the folks in the east coast have!
Just 4 more months.
I’m still in the process of reading your blog from the beginning. I’m only in October 2011 , so I’ve still got a long way to go. It’s not that I read that slowly it’s just that my Internet has been kind of wonky for the last couple of days.
I don’t think I realized what a complete beginner you were to RVing, because I started reading your blog at the latest posts I guess I kind of thought that you were an RVer that decided to go full time, and not someone who decided to go full-timeing AND learn all about RVing at the same time. But that does explain why you would be in Texas and New Mexico during August.
But it does tell me that you are very strong and courageous for jumping into something like that, I don’t know if I could have done what you did without my years of RVing experience behind me.
Some of the things you write about in 2011 have me concerned about your survival, I’ll have to keep reading to see if you make into 2012,…… don’t tell me I want it to be a surprise.
🙂
You have me laughing at your last lines… There’s that sense of humor of yours again! 🙂
You’re right. I didn’t know much when I started full-timing. My only experience was a few tent-camping excursions in Maine with my parents when I was a kid. I mention this for wannabes who may be overwhelmed by all there is to learn to live successfully as a vagabond. I prepared and researched and then a lot was learned as needed along the road.
One correction: Being in Texas and New Mexico in August was not my decision. That’s when the closing on my Georgia house occurred; the buyer was prepared to purchase in late spring and then he had to delay a few months for financial reasons. It all worked out!
My computer is super slow, too! Or it cannot connect at all… What the heck? Is it the blizzard? Anyway. . . Thanks for reading my blog from the beginning, theboondork. If something interests you, open the comments — lots of info from blogorinos.
hey boondork! you are funny and i am also reading the blog from the beginning. reading the comments has been great. i have seen products described and gone out and purchased them. i have collected recipes, learned when to go to which states and tons of other things. and yes Sue is an inspiration. we think she survived….unless a cholla got her. bess
You remind me of something I’ve wanted to mention…
My blog is full of links. Over four years of links. There’s no way I can keep them all working. If you find broken links, you may be successful by googling the topic. If it’s a link to another post within my blog, the best method is to google (or use any search engine on the web) using “RVSue + and then the topic.” (quotes not necessary)
Thank you for that comment and positive words about my blog, bess.
Sue, I have yet to see you mention doing laundry? Do you hand wash, or go to the laundromat? Just curious… Robin in North Carolina
There have been a few laundromat tales along the way!
🙂
I go to the laundromat. It’s quick and easy and the wash is done… I encourage you to read my blog from the beginning. You will learn a lot, as I did, and you might be entertained along the way, too!
My first post
i remember the laundromat somewhere in the North where you splurged and had a shower too.
I commented on your first post. (Bragging) ,,, How many on here now can say that? 🙂
Mick……..Im jealous……congratulations on commenting on Sue’s
first blog……….
chuck
Congratulations, Mick! I didn’t look to see who else was there. I don’t want to know the names of those I’ve lost…
Sue………you’ve come a long way baby…….
as my wifey tells me….I GET BETTER AS
I GET OLDER…….
chuck
Wow! You’ve had 52 years of “getting better!”
Thanks, chuck. 🙂
I keep coming back here to check in because I no longer get the notices and replays in my inbox. Looking for new post and since it wasn’t forthcoming went shopping instead. Bought bunch of new quilty stuff. That Amazon link again!
Thank you, Joyce!
Gee, I wish you were being notified of new posts. Maybe you could do a restore to a point when you were receiving notices. Just a thought…
Well, still here one more day. Really appreciating every day now. I just had some pineapple coconut ice cream, and it seemed like the best I ever tasted. Tomorrow I will be creating a will and a health directive, just in case. I hope I sail through Tuesday with no problems, but I don’t know for sure. Just one step at a time. First get through Tuesday. Then get through heart surgery (knock on wood). I hope you will all send good energy.
You guys are the best. So glad to have you in my life.
Good morning, Ginger . . . You can count on loads of good energy on your behalf. You come to mind several times each day and those thoughts are turned into prayers. Thanks for keeping in touch, dear one.
Any babies yet?
DeGin,
No doubt you will be on our minds…like you have been in the past. You are strong and determined……stay positive. That’s YOUR job…..
My aunt had triple bypass at age 83 last year…has taken some time to recover and I think she still does go to therapy some, but she sounds like her usual self. So it can work out ok…take courage, Ginger. Prayers for you Ginger…and that all will go smoothly and soon you will be back to normal!!
Desert Ginger,
Here’s to sailing through tomorrow!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kitt
Ginger, I am in the area, if you need anything, please contact me.
sis2yu2@hotmail.com