Meet Donna and Doug . . . .
It’s early evening as Reggie and I stroll through Ponderosa Grove Campground in the coral-pink sand dunes area of southern Utah.
At the last campsite, Reggie darts forward, pulling on his tether.
“Okay, okay. Take it easy, Reg. I know what you want to do.”
A young man sees us and immediately brings his dog out. The man tells me his name is Doug and the dog’s name is Sadie. The woman standing at the picnic table is Donna. She doesn’t come over because she’s in the middle of making supper.
Sadie is part Labrador and part Blue Heeler (if I remember correctly!). Sadie is a beauty, all 70 pounds of her!
Donna and Doug are from northern Washington, close to the border with Canada.
They have a way to go before retirement age. I glance at their campsite and see a tent, two hammocks strung between trees, a propane stove (in use) and camp chairs.
These two are experienced campers. In fact, Donna looks up from her cooking and calls out to me, “I remember you when we were here last time!”
Doug tells me the dinner menu includes grilled pork chops and baked potatoes.
Doug and I talk for quite a while. He’s a relaxed sort of guy. I dare to tease him.
“So. Donna does the cooking and you do the gabbing. I see how that goes.”
He smiles and comes back with a quick reply.
“Well, I do the clean up . . . . and it’s a mess!”
~ ~ ~
Meet Susan and Curt . . . .
“Your dog looks like a smaller version of our dog!” Susan exclaims as we approach the campsite she shares with Curt and their Jack Russell Terrier named Jackson.
Reggie sprints over to make Jackson his friend, which he accomplishes in an instant. Reg is so excited he goes airborne!
After complimenting the couple on their handsome dog, I add, “Gosh, he seems very tall for a Jack Russell.”
“Oh, he’s the long-legged variety. You’re thinking of the short ones.”
We watch the two canines play and I note their resemblance to each other, “Reggie is Minnie-Me!”
The next morning Reg and I pass their campsite again.
Curt and Susan are outside their tent, sitting at the campfire sipping coffee. We exchange good mornings and a conversation starts. I notice they aren’t as perky as yesterday, but, of course, I don’t say anything. No need to. Curt soon explains.
“Our air mattress went flat in the middle of the night.”
“That’s okay,” pipes up Susan. Curt smiles. The sun is up. It’s a new day!
~ ~ ~
More Ponderosa Grove campers in a future post!
Reggie and I plan to leave Ponderosa Grove on Sunday, October 16th. That morning I decide we will stay one more day. It’s windy and gusts are predicted to increase in velocity as the day progresses.
I write and publish the previous post. Reggie and I enjoy a last day at this special camp. It’s a peaceful time.
Monday, October 17
I break camp, hitch up, and move us out. Reggie snuggles in his doggie bed next to me as I drive us to Kanab, then turn south to Fredonia, across the Utah border into Arizona. From there we take Route 389 across the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation.
I’m glad I waited a day. Very little wind, a perfect day for travel . . . . It’s great to be on the move again!
“You know, Reg? This is a pretty good life.”
rvsue
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Reggie waits outside the laundromat, Bluff, Utah — May 2016
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And she is 50th?
NUMBER ONE! CONGRATULATIONS, LINDA!
Congrats Linda-NC!
Just had to sneak in there and then go back and read. I am usually way down the comments section. Just give me a challenge and I will keep trying until I do it:)
Looking forward to what life brings you in AZ.
Hi, Pat…. YOU’RE SECOND TODAY!
So glad you’re back. Thanks for the next update. Reggie is sure a cutie!
You’re welcome, Dawn. THIRD PLACE!
Sounds like Ponderosa Grove was a very nice place to wander and ponder for awhile. I just love Reggie’s exuberance for everything new – good reminder to keep looking around with an intention to discover something wonderful. Weather is getting chilly and wet here, so looking forward to your sunny AZ posts.
I like that reminder, Molly…. Expect to discover something wonderful!
“Chilly and wet” in Washington already. I can understand you wanting some sunny stories from Arizona.
Stay warm and dry…
It is an amazing life! :). In so many ways!
Hey Sue, have you, or any of your Blogerinos, ever traveled up the Pacific Coast highway? Right along side the beaches? If so, any places to spend a night or two along the way? Campgrounds are booked 6 and 7 months out and I am hoping to spend December, January and maybe February, very close to the beach. I need to try something different this winter and since I have no way yet to heat my little home, the seashore sounds doable.
Besides, I’ve been hankering to see the ocean again. It has been a long time! :). Let me know!
Rachel. How far up are you wanting to go? I am a TAD familiar with Eureka, CA north and have spent time on the Oregon coast late December into early January. It can rain, rain, rain, and then more rain which means it can be darn chilly so keep that in mind if you are going north. Of course, it all depends on any particular year. It could be a lot less rainy, too.
Hi Shawna, Chilly is okay, downright cold can be an issue! It gets down below freezing in Elgin Az, which is where I spent spring, summer and fall, this year. Good Lord willing, I will be back again next spring! The air is good and clean here! But winter here just sounds a little tough! I’m not sure about how far North yet, though I suspect I will stay in California. But any info you have would be welcome!
Chilly and damp is not for me. It makes a person cold, at least that’s my experience. You won’t find any free campsites along the California coast, not any that I know of anyway. If you are looking for sites with amenities any of the state parks should have sites available without reservation starting this time of year. North of Trinidad a bit is a private campground called the Red School House or Little Red School House, something like that. It was too congested for me, but this time of year it should be fine, but it is not right on the ocean., but close to it. There’s Big Lagoon and Stone Lagoon north also north of Trinidad. A long stay could get expensive though. In Oregon you can stay the night in any pullover area, but you can’t camp in those areas. Finding dispersed camping along the coast will be tough. I just reread your post and it appears you may be looking for a place to park for the long term. I don’t think you will find that along the coast. Hate to be discouraging, but …
Hi Shawna,
Not discouraging, just giving me the straight skinny! 🙂 That’s what I need to know. I have finally found some prices, and for beach front property, $28 a night, the cheapest I found, is not bad, but certainly not something I could do for more than a week or so. I may have to visit for a bit to get my ocean fix, then head inland for some long term camping.
I have also been checking out Windy Hill Campgrounds by Roosevelt lake in Arizona. I understand they are high enough in elevation to avoid the Teddy Bear Cholla, which my poor Macha had a nasty run in with. Ask Sue! They are at $8 a night until January 1st, when the fee machines go in, when the fees will go up to $20 a night, $10 for seniors and Access passes. That was sounding pricey, until I started looking at beach front property! Lol.
Anything right on the beach, or within a mile of the beach according to my doctor, is probably doable for me, because the sea breeze keeps all of the pollution at bay. Anything inland, and I would probably have to come back to Arizona to find elevations low enough, and air that is clean enough, to keep me warm and well. I dry camp all the time, and prefer, okay, kind of need, to be away from Wi-Fi, cellular towers, and even electricity. In some ways, it is kind of limiting, but when I find spots to stay, they are usually private, secluded, and gorgeous! 🙂
Hi Rachel. I haven’t camped long the coast, but I’ve visited there in the winter. It will likely be quite cold Dec-Feb. Not quite snowing-cold, but the damp ocean air will make it feel like it. Perhaps you can use a small ceramic electric heater. Of course that only works if you have an electric hookup. 😉
Hi Victoria EP,
I am hoping it will be the better choice! Lol. I am around 5000′ here near Elgin, Az, and it get down in the teens. I am just not sure where else I could go for the winter this year. I dry camp all year. I do have a good solar system, but I run everything off my DC system.
It is pretty hard to find dispersed camping at the beach in California, it is very regulated…
There is a wonderful camping area between Willits and fort bragg in the Jackson National forest. There is a website for free camping. Just plug in California and look along the coast.
We spent one winter in Fort Bragg running my sister’s restaurant while she was ill. We stayed in The Trailer park located just behind the Boatyard shopping center, very reasonable rates.
The weather along the central coast is pretty moderate. We loved being there.
But it does rain, not like further north, but it can get chilly when the wind kicks in with an approaching storm.
Hello Lee,
Thanks, I had not thought about the military bases. Most do have some kind of camping. Since my husband retired out of the Corps, I can get onto most bases. I know the free camping website. I use it a lot, but as you have said, there is not a lot of dispersed camping available, which is what I usually need to keep my little world happy. 🙂 I will check out that area online and see if it could work for me!
Hi, Rachel!
I have no experience camping the California coast, and very little camping along the Oregon and Washington coasts which you can read about by searching old posts. Many of our readers do have that experience so I’ll see if I can bring some more comments in for you…
Blogorino Alert: Rachel seeks info on camping along the Pacific Coast highway, including beach camping.
Sue! You are the best! Several of your Blogorinos have already responded! Such wonderful people out here! You know my bizarre little world. I’m just trying to find someplace to spend the winter, that is not filled with the toxins of our modern world, that would be a little easier on Macha and I. It is wonderful and clean here, but it can get in the teens!!! Below freezing is tough. Especially for Macha, since she doesn’t have much hair to start with!. Got to take care of my girl. She will be 11 soon!
We just came back that way from Pismo Beach…after Santa Barbara going South we saw many RVS parked right along the ocean…plenty of spots were empty..this was last Wednesday…not much competition during the week for spots between Santa Barbara and Ventura. .right along Hwy 1.
Shirlene, I was born in Los Angeles and live my first 8 years there. I first saw Pismo Beach in 1939 and as a small boy it was a wonderful place. Almost deserted. In fact my Grandpa and Grandma and I were the only ones within sight. I loved California then before the world found it.
Hi Shirlene,
Pismo beach is one of the places I was hoping to get to, but, they are out of my price range, and evidently, they are hard to get into. I was told I could reserve a spot, in six months! But I like the sound of being parked right on the ocean! 🙂 Any idea how long you can stay in that area between Santa Barbara and Ventura?
Hi Rachel, Pismo Beach also has dispersed camping right on the beach, no hookups, water or toilet facilities although I did see trucks come around to pump sewage (for a fee). You do have to have a vehicle which can travel and tow on the sand. On the weekends there are lots of atvs but the price was right, 6 bucks a night.
Hi Pam and Maya,
Travel and tow on the sand? Hmm 1983 Ford van, E 150, my old E250 was a great mountain climber, rock climber, back roads wanderer, but in the sand? Oh my! I even wrote a post about it on my little blog. Stone, Sand, and a Sherman tank! Lol. But oh my $6 a night! That would be worth investigating!! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Hi Sue,
Greetings from near Des Moines, IA on my way from VA to WA in my RV. My house sold and closed escrow a month ago, but my daughter had taken me and the RV to VA with her in July, because I was in sad shape. With the help of one little pill a day I am loads better now. I mostly live in WA with my son and wanted my RV back. So it’s a rush trip of maybe 4-1/2 days. By mid December I want to be RVing in the desert.
Cheers, Ilse
Ilse, so glad to hear you are doing so much better. Take care
Hi, Ilse,
Good to hear from you… I think of you often. I’m sorry you had a bad spell. Thank heavens you have adult children to come to your aid. Have a safe trip returning to Washington and maybe I’ll see you in the desert this winter!
Cheers to you, too…
So happy for you! Keep us posted
Love the photos as always! Reggie definitely looks ready for the next adventure:)
I agree Gingerita! Reggie certainly does look ready for the next adventure down the road! New dogs, new neighbors and new smells!
Hi, Geri! How are the Mermaid Tears coming along?
I will finish the last 2 double stringers today and my order for Dena in Mexico Beach will be finished! Then we can get caught up tumbling the glass and drilling until the next order from a shop or hit the Farmers Market! Weather outside has been perfect in our glass room, nothing more than a portable garage, hurricane took our screen room ! Turns out we like this portable garage better than the screen room. We have much more room, and now, during the monarch butterfly migration, we have butterflies fluttering by all day! It’s fun! Hope you are having a fun day too!
Thanks, Gingerita. Reggie is a travelin’ man!
Hello RV Sue!
Bob Wells sent me! I’ve looked at your site many times and enjoy the landscape photos greatly.
I’m a single retiree, in good health, and have decided it is time to take to the road. I originally ran across the RV lifestyle while looking for an economical way to retire, and a desire to get out of the miserable cold winters in Minnesota. Tiny homes seemed rediculous, but as a child my parents and I lived in a camper for awhile, and that led me to get a Scamp 16 ft. Which is similar to your Casita.
I am worried about being able to find places to camp, and whether solar would enable me to use my furnice if necessary.
I will have unlimited data Sprint phone, an iPad, ordering 300 watts solar and 2 or more batteries. Don’t understand batteries and there are so many different things online about them, that is a tough one. How many do you have ? What wattage?
Any advice or insights would be wonderful!
Hi Sandy, You can read about RvSue’s solar at the top of the blog on the right side.
Hi, Sandy,
I assume some of your questions have been answered by looking where Mick indicated. As for running a furnace off your batteries — No, that’s not a good plan as it would drain your charge very quickly. I installed a Wave 3 propane heater which would heat your Scamp very well. See here for details: “Catalytic heater installation”
The primary way that RVers stay comfortable (those who don’t rely on electric hook-up) is to move with the weather. In other words, follow the weather that you like and that is warm enough for you. Changing elevation is the key. When you migrate like that you can live without heat or air conditioning and only need to turn on the propane heater a few times throughout the year.
If you have good atlases (I recommend the Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas for each of the western states) you won’t have a problem finding reasonably priced campgrounds (forest service and BLM). The atlas will show public lands where you can camp for free. Check out freecampsites.com or Campendium. Also I have shown several free boondocks in posts on my blog for the past five years.
Blogorinos: Please add your “advice or insights” or whatever to help Sandy worry less. 🙂 Thank you.
Hi Sandy,
There is a lot to learn, and it can seem overwhelming at first, but solar is a great way to go for power. I have 2 – 195 Renogy panels on top of my van. Each panel is controlled by a controller! Sounds simple, but it took me awhile to understand it all. So don’t worry if you feel a little lost. I have one Sun Saver for each one of my panels and two 6 volt 105 Trojans for batteries, tied together to make them a twelve volt system. I did that so the batteries would be manageable. A single 12 volt battery would be impossible for me to move myself. My set up is what most would call top heavy, more panel than I need, but it has worked well for me. If you are willing to plow through the details, here is a post from a friend, who really went in depth to explain it all. I referred to this post often, when I was setting up my new (to me) panels this last winter.
https://strollingamok.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/solar-demystified/
Follow the sun is the advice I saw another camper give you, and I would agree! There are many wonderful places to camp for free and you will see some of the most beautiful places as you start to travel. People out here are so helpful and kind! You are starting a whole new life! An adventure! You can do this! 🙂
Hi Sandy,
How exciting for you to be making these plans. One thing I want to caution you on is your phone. I live in rural Iowa. I had Sprint for years as my cell phone provider. Until I moved to rural areas, Sprint was great. I think others may tell you as well that Sprint isn’t real good when you get out away from towns and major cities. You may want to have a back up plan for when you are in more remote areas, my gut feeling tells me you may have issues even getting signal to make phone calls. We finally switched cell phone providers a year ago and life is so much better. Sprint just doesn’t work too well when you get too far off the grid.
Sandy, a Voronado electric heater is a freestanding fan/ heater an very efficient. It would heater up your Scamp rather quickly and you would not need to leave it on for long.
That would be good for when Sandy has electric hookups. I think it would pull too much power when she relies on her batteries from solar.
You’re right on the space heaters pulling a lot of power. We too have solar and use the RV heater sparingly as needed, but have a Mr. Heater Big Buddy for when we need to run the heater during the day. What we do is set the thermostat to about 45 at night, just to keep the deep chill off and warm the basement as needed since our heater is vented to the basement to keep the pipes from freezing. When we’re awake, we use the Heater Buddy. It’s safe to run all night, but we prefer not to. As long as the next day is sunny, the solar will recharge what was used during the night running the heater. When we first started RVing, the dealership tech told us if we wanted to camp in the winter, to also open the kitchen sink cupboard and bathroom sink cupboards to allow the heat from the room in, and to also place rock salt in the grey and black tank to keep them from freezing. We’ve never camped in that extreme weather so we have never used the rock salt thing. The coldest we’ve camped is maybe low 30’s, high 20’s, but that would last only a couple of nights with the days warming up to the 70’s. Basically, Sue’s Wave heater is the same as our Heater Buddy, but hers is permanently attached and ours is not. But, both will almost “heat you out of house and home”! We end up turning it off, it gets so warm for us. We have a 35 foot fifth wheel. For you, the smaller Mr. Heater with one propane tank, would be more than adequate.
Reggie is so darn cute!
I agree, Collene!
Maybe Route 389? I am reading “Red Gold”; some interesting New Mexico history and geography spun into the story. Not a bad mystery with some improbable incidents.
Good to see Reggie having so much fun. 🙂
Gee, I’ve made a lot of errors lately! I guess I was dreaming about another journey on 395 when I typed that. It’s fixed now. Thanks for catching that.
It is indeed a great life. And you have found a great way to live it. Glad to hear that Reggie found some canine playmates. Thanks for telling us about them.
You’re welcome, Lisa W.
Yes, I love the way Reggie and I live. As I’ve said before, the great thing about RV living are the many ways you can create a good life, according to what suits you best. I’m sure there are many who wouldn’t be caught spending one night in some of my secluded camps, just as I cringe at the thought of staying at an RV “resort.”
It’s all good!
The worst place I have ever stayed in was the RV resort where we workamped hear Zion. Great place if you like 200+ RV’s all parked together like an organized sardine can. Chuck and I have very different views about what camping should be! LOL! I prefer the RVSue camping adventures!
I too cringe at staying at an RV resort, but late Fall, we often do for the convenience of the electricity and the fact that the place is practically empty. I love secluded camping, by ourselves, boondocking. So peaceful.
I enjoy all the dog pictures.Having Eddie (and Juice in the past) meet buddies on the road is one of the joys of rving for me
I agree, chas. I don’t think I’d have half the fun and enjoyment if it were me traveling alone without a crew. I know you miss your Juice, as I miss my original crew. The pain is awful, but the joy we receive from our pets makes it worth it.
I think we have done some time traveling! Or, I suppose, a much less entertaining mistake. I assume you mean October instead of September in your dates? Given that I am months behind on my chores, maybe I could just go with September, and tell myself I have lots of time to do the fall chores :).
I don’t comment often, but I read your blog every day, and am still incredibly impressed with your life and your way of including us all in the beauty around you. You have a way with the words!
Josephine
Thank you, Josephine. That’s a very nice compliment.
Well, darn, what’s the matter with me lately? You’d think with me receiving a gazillion happy birthday messages over the past couple of days that I’d remember what month we’re in! And I wrote September twice! That’s it. I’m losing it. Haha!
Thanks for letting me know. I fixed the text. BTW, you still have to do those chores. 🙁
I can’t be first.
Yes, you can, Cat Lady. But you aren’t. Not this time. 🙂
right…not, lol
🙂
I keep watching for a new post to be first again, then I let my guard down and BAM! I’m 23 + on the comment list. Oh well. I love reading every bit and pondering Sue’s travels. The Kaibab plateau is lovely this time of year. We’ve been through there and stayed several nights in campgrounds. I could go back every year but there is so much to discover in so many other areas.
“… there is so much to discover in so many other areas.” Ain’t that the truth! I feel that way often. When the 14-day limit is reached and I want to stay longer, well, I realize that there’s more to discover…
It makes me smile to read that you “love reading every bit…” Thanks, Renee.
You are most welcome!
You are right, it’s a very good life! Glad you and Reggie met such interesting people and their dogs! Reggie is a cutie, he’d be a great ‘welcome dog’ at any campground! He likes everyone!
Ha! That’s right, Dawn. You gave me a picture in my mind of Reggie as camp host. He’d do a much better job than I could ever do!
Hi Missy! As usual a great post. I always enjoy it when you get out and say Hi to your fellow campers. I always found the nicest people out on the road and it looks like you do as well. That Reggie is everybody’s buddy. He’s so damn cute. I am glad you’re back in Arizona. I feel you belong here with us Zonies. Happy days…J
Well, Jim, I do feel like I belong in Arizona. Probably because you and Detta are Zonies and also because I keep returning to this state every year. The state of Arizona is the closest thing I have to a “home base” right now.
I keep checking the calendar to see if it’s time for the report on your ankle. If I’m this tired of waiting, you must REALLY be weary….
I’m glad you liked the posts with me and Reggie out socializing. We have met some wonderful folks…
I haven’t commented in quite a while. With traveling to Eugene, OR and up the coast and back to Washington last month. You’d think being retired would give me more time to read and comment. My friend and I camped in 4 different campgrounds, that was different for me. We’re traveling back to Eugene for my Dad’s memorial at the end of the month. I am still in denial from time to time that he has passed. Even though, he is 5 hours from me, we had some really good talks and that I miss so much.
My aunt’s dog passed away yesterday. Yuki was her child, she is distraught as well as me. I saw her a few weeks ago in Port Orchard when we were traveling back home.
I went to church last Sunday and the pastor was sobbing while he talked. I went up to him after the service to give him a hug and to get a hug. He told me he went to his Dad’s funeral a week ago. Looking into his eyes was so surreal to me.
I am not used to these kind of feelings, it is very overwhelming. I have waves of sorrow come over me now and then. I am writing this to get it out of my head and have some form of relief from my grieving.
Reading your blog lately with Bridget passing and all has comforted me knowing I can get through these times. Thank you.
Dear Cheryl,
I’m so very sorry that your father has passed on and that you are suffering with grief. The last we heard from you was at your retirement a short while ago. You were happy and excited about starting a new phase and then everything changed.
I wish I knew the words that would comfort you. In a short period of time you’ve seen that you are not alone in feeling the awful pain of grief… your aunt, your pastor. Losing a beloved parent is tough. This sad time will pass. I’m glad that my blog gives you some relief, albeit small.
Take care of yourself and keep on keeping on, pushing through each day. Eventually those conversations with your dad will speak to you again and you’ll be able to remember him without the drag of sorrow you’re feeling now.
Hugs to you, Cheryl. Your father was blessed to have your love. I’m sure he knew it.
I thought we passed each other on a highway sometime in the last two days, now I am sure it was you. LOL
Yes, I remember passing you!
My beloved Daisy was a long-legged JRT. Still miss her; she was the best.
Great pics of Reggie, especially the one looking out the truck window. He looks adorable. I’m currently looking for someone to keep my baby so I can go to New York in November. No luck yet. I hope to go, but if I can’t…oh well.
I have been thinking how fortunate I am, even with my health issues. Two of my friends died recently, and look at those poor people in Aleppo, or the Sudan. Starving and dying. It feels small to suffer about my little problems.
Meanwhile I’ve got plenty of work to keep me busy!
Hope everyone is doing well.
I’m sorry you’ve lost your two friends, Ginger.
Hugs Ginger, you are an inspiration, sorry for your losses
Hi Sue,
That Reggie, Mr. social butterfly. lol I just love his excitement. You can just see it in your pictures. I hope you are doing well. Loving the journey with you!!
Thanks, Jolene. Hope you are doing well, too!
So good to see everyone back together. Add me to the list of those missing the blog.
More questions about solar. I’ve read the postings under “solar” and have gone back and reread your posts from when you were getting your solar power setup. Actually several times, because every time I understand one part, I have to go back and work at understanding another.
I can see how it works when all the batteries are in one place, but you have some in the van and the one in the trailer. It seems like a very long wire to charge the battery in the trailer, which would incur a noticeable loss. Is your charge controller able to even out the charging out among the batteries?
With the inverter in the van, how do you get A/C to the trailer? Do you have just one A/C outlet that connects directly to the inverter, or do you have your whole a/c system wired to the inverter?
I know you have a second plug in between the van the trailer. Does it carry both an a/c line and lines from the charge controller to the house battery?
I’d really like to understand solar enough to “give it a whirl” installing this myself. I may be fooling myself, but I do think I’m beginning to understand how to set up a solar power system.
Loving it, that we are headed back to the southwest and are seeing the beautiful desert again. Take care, Pat
Hi, Pat,
I’ll try to answer your questions. I’ve forgotten half I knew and that wasn’t much to begin with. 🙂
About the A/C… It isn’t a part of the 12 volt system. I only turn it on when I’m hooked to shore power. It can be set for cooling and for heat.
My inverter in the Best Little Trailer is plugged into one of my two 12v sockets. From the inverter I have a power surge protector strip. Into that I plug in my computer, little desk fan, chargers.
I was told numerous times when considering my set-up (batteries and panel at the PTV) and when I considered having an extension cord made that I would lose too much charge over that distance. Not noticeable.
-The professionals at Starlight Solar in Yuma didn’t blink when I asked for an extension cord with Anderson connectors on each end.
—My keyboard is acting up. I’ll have to stop now. I welcome anyone to add their thoughts in response to Pat’s comment.
oops… I realize now you were talking about AC power, not air conditioning! Ha!
For me, it’s when I see TV; my first thought is television, but most every time, the person is referring to their tow vehicle. 😉
Safe travels Sue! Enjoyed meeting the Campground dogs!
Cheryl, Tennessee
Thank you, Cheryl!
Little Reggie is so cute when he is in flight! It sure sounds like things are going well for you both. Great post.
Thanks, Rhonda. Reggie goes airborne quite often. His joy of living keeps him turbo-charged!
Hey, Sue, hugs to you and The Reg. I’m confused. Did you leave Ponderosa this past Sunday Oct. 16, or really Sept. 16th?? ;~D)
I’m also a BC survivor. Since 2001. Oh yeah. Had double surgery & chemo. I’m blessed. Lots of prayers & spouse support. My first chemo treatment I’m hooked up to tubes, machine beeping the drugs into my veins. I’m in a small single room on a recliner, my hubs sitting nearby reading a magazine. He looks over at me and says: You know. This is not all that bad.”
We got to laughing so hard about that comment and the situation a couple of the nurses came to check and make sure we were ok. They never had that reaction to someone taking chemo before.
Also, I actually found my lump by accident two short weeks after 9/11. When I started chemo in Nov, two weeks after surgery, America was at war. I named my three chemicals after the Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Green Berets. So when I took chrmo I’d say: Come on Army Rangers, etc. , kill those cancer cells. My coping mechanism.
I’ll ask for all your prayers on Oct 28th. I’m having ultrasound for hard spot I felt week and a half ago. I’m saying it’s scar tissue, but just want to be sure.
We’re enjoying nice weather at Hiawassee GA area. Gorgeous. Sorry for such long post. Congrats to Pauline, and all other cancer survivors. For those in treatment, try to have a positive attitude. Ok?
Hi, Virginia!
Congratulations on your fifteen years! That’s quite a chemo story, says more about your relationship with your husband and your sense of humor than anything else. Instead of being grumpy, “Easy for you to say!” … You both laughed together. 🙂
Prayer on its way for October 28th on your behalf!
No need to apologize for a long post… Your post is packed full of good things!
Yes. At that time we had just passed our 3rd anniversary. I’m now his caregiver, and it’s an honor. 😐
Well I’ll be, we went to the VAMC today and saw “Jan”the wound Specialist and found out that it’s a Ulcer on my leg and it’s healing slow, then went and had ultrasound on my thyroid and the technician that’s been looking at thyroids says it looks normal, we got there at o930 and left around 3pm,, Piper got a lot of walks there and a lot of petting from Veterans and from the folks that works there saying Piper is a beautiful dog and I think she likes going to the VAMC now,, I think at first she was afraid that I wouldn’t come back, but now she is OK with me seeing the doctors,,,, now I just opened up the Tablet and here is a new post,,, it’s a great one on the camp and the folks and their dogs there and of course Reggieman waiting at the laundry mat for you,,,, have a great week and stay safe and give Reggieman a huge hug from us, will ya,,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Hi Rusty! Glad you are doing well! Keep taking care of that leg! Give Piper a big hug from us, I know she is good company for you!
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Thanks for the update, Rusty! Enjoy your week!
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yes you do have a very good life….
thanks for the post
chuck
You’re welcome, chuck. 🙂
Whenever the doubts come and the fears laugh at me, all I need to do is look at a picture like the one under Oct. 17…..take a deep breath……imagine myself at the wheel…..and they all retreat. Thank you Sue. MB
You’re welcome, MB. 🙂
Sue
I have been doing a lot of traveling for the last couple months so i was behind on you losing Bridget , I am very sorry .
If I see you on the road wave lol
Ron
Thank you, Ron.
Reggie has become so muscular and lean that I seldom think of how little he really is anymore. Seeing him next to Sadie , and even Jackson, made me notice again what a huge bundle of joy he is for his size 🙂
Both couples you mentioned were camping in a tent and still had the terrific environment that you did around them. A chance to stay out in nature can be such a gift, especially when it’s not available on a daily basis the way it is for you now. It’s always nice to see folks getting out and enjoying this world’s beauty in whatever way they can or prefer to.
Your usual preference is to spend less time socializing than you were in these recent two posts. As nice as the people are I imagine you’re happy to be back to quieter walks and more secluded times(if you are?).
Yesterday it was in the low eighties here in central NY state with strong southerly winds – a rare treat for mid-October. I couldn’t drag myself away from enjoying how wonderful it felt, smelled and looked beside the lake to get much done. Today is cooler yet still gorgeous in a more autumnal way so I may act grown up, at least for a couple of hours. I hope you have a day that is just right for you…
Hi, weather,
A warm, windy October day next to a lake in New York… *sigh*…. “A day that is just right for you.” Your description takes me there! 🙂
My “muscular and lean” little boy turns into a warm puffball at night when those muscles relax and he curls up alongside me or in his bed. He’s in his bed right now, taking his morning nap after a refreshing, brisk walk with me this breezy morning. Reggie is my treasure.
Enjoy the treasures that surround you today . . . .
Sadie is a real beauty! How fun for Reggie to meet some new pals . Glad your one day delay gave you a perfect drive – flexibility is still my favorite part of this life. Although nice people and beautiful nature are way up there too 🙂 We’ve been fortunate to have lovely weather in New England and of course hoping it stays with us as we move south for a few more months. Late winter will find us back in AZ as well. Look forward to seeing where you two get up to next.
Hi, Jodee,
Gee, it’s been ages since I’ve seen Connecticut. I think I was in my 20s. New England in the fall — fantastic! Have a safe trip to Arizona later on!
Sue and I have slept on a motley collection of air mattresses over the past year and every single one of them got low on air in the middle of the night. Most of the time one of us could just push a button an a hidden air pump would restore it; at least temporarily. But it always wakes both of us up.
The only ones that seem to last are the camping types from REI that we use on the floor of the mountain tent or on cots in the cabin tent.
Reggie is such a character. I keep thinking he’ll slow down but it doesn’t look like it. We have a Parson Terrier (looks like a Jack Russell) that has to be over 12 and still jumps around like a puppy. So. Much. Energy!
Enjoyed the photos and stories of Raven in your last camp.
I seem to be recovering from surgery. Started cardio therapy today featuring lots of fancy equipment and exuberant young therapists. Since I have skied and cycled all my 73 years my legs, despite a titanium left knee, are still strong. Three 8-minute sessions on their cycle machines did not seem to have any effect on my blood pressure or breathing at all even though I pushed out 90 watts at one point just for fun. This was good for me because all summer I had a much lower energy level; apparently the docs were right and the surgery (quad bypass) was effective. Can’t wait to get on a bike!
Of course, the therapists were aghast at watching an old guy suddenly crank out so much. They had been concentrating on taking my blood pressure, oxygen levels, and assessing how I felt during these sessions that when I spun up just to see how far I could get it their protestations were lost in the excitement. LOL
Always good to read of your adventures. So glad you resolved the issues with the blog. Stay safe.
Craig
Good news about your rehab from surgery, Craig! I bet the staff was blown away by your cycling! You point out the importance of keeping in shape in case one ends up in post-surgery rehab. Best wishes as you continue to work toward biking again. Thanks for the “meaty” comment. I appreciate all the feedback on my blog posts…
Hi Sue and Reggie, What a pleasant, happy post. Looking forward to your next camp. We’re enjoying beautiful colors and a very mild fall here in Upstate NY.
Maybe I’ll make some apple crisp (just what I need – LOL).
Hi, Applegirl,
From what weather has written lately, I got the impression this in one of your best NY autumns. How like you to want to make applecrisp. Ha! I can smell the aroma from here! Do you pour milk over yours before eating? 🙂
That Reggie is such an ice breaker.
Hope my two will be as good as he is.
Got my new truck totaled last week from behind. No one hurt thank God.
Picking up the new truck next week and picking up the new trailer by next Friday.
I’m staying local until the house is sold. I’m so ready to hit the road.
Sue your post are an inspiration to me. Keep up the great work
Tom! The truck was totaled! You wrote that news like you were telling us you stubbed your toe. 🙂 Well, I’m grateful that no one was hurt.
Exciting times – picking up the new truck and trailer. You’ll get out on the road with it soon.
Thanks for the encouraging words in your last line. Needed right now as I struggle with a new post!
Hey Sue,
Loved this post with stories of meeting new friends, both human and canine. I just cannot imagine life without my two girls. I’ve got a Lab/Golden mix, age 12 and a Chow/Beagle mix, age 10. They’re both still spry and supple and love to go RVing.
Well, they got their wish! I had gone on my yearly fall trip to MI in September, with stops in TN and KY, then started watching Hurricane Matthew coming up through the Caribbean, so headed for home. Rounded up my mom, husband, and 2 cats, got my mom stashed in the Athens GA area with my sister, and then camped nearby. After 4 days of that it was over for the most part and time to try to venture home.
We got within 50 miles of Savannah and the roads were closed, so we stayed another 2 nights parked behind a Cracker Barrel Restaurant. They very graciously offered us the use of power from an outside outlet so we had AC and TV. We felt very thankful and patronized them for all of our meals, and I even bought scented candles and other items as a way of thanking them. Their parking lot was full of other people sleeping in their cars. Finally made it home the evening of the 3rd day to find no damage to our house, however, my mother’s house wasn’t so fortunate with both flood damage and a tree on the roof. But we’re just grateful overall that no one was hurt.
Just a report from South Georgia, Sue. I’d like to be where you are with those sand pink colors and cool nights.
Quite an informative report, Nancy, with lots of detail! Thank you. I’m glad you were made welcome at Cracker Barrel and that you returned to find your house okay. It must have been a shock for your mother to find her house with flood damage and a tree on the roof. You were wise to leave the area!
I know you cherish your two pups and realize every day that they are with you is precious.
BTW, I used to live in Athens!
From: The office of totally unimportant information (OTUI )
If you ever find a few pieces of Mesquite lying around and want the hottest fire you ever burned, light it up! If you put it in a fireplace, it can drive you from the room it’s so hot burning. Probably to do with its oily content. End of message.
Hi again Missy and the Reg man.
Thanks for the tip, Jim. I didn’t know that.