Friday, April 22
Big O Tires, Silver City, New Mexico
“May I help you, ma’am?”
“Yes, thank you. I want tires for my travel trailer. 15-inch, 225s, Load D range.”
The man behind the counter clicks his keyboard and studies the computer monitor.
“We don’t have any Load Ds in stock, but we do have Es.”
“Es will be fine,” I reply. “What kind and how much are they?”
He tells me they’re Vanguards and what they cost.
(Taken from the final invoice: $79.95 per tire, $25.00 to mount and balance them, $5.90 tire disposal fee, shop supplies $1.75, sales tax $15.40; Total: $207.95).
He continues, “There will be a 2-hour wait though. Eight people are in front of you. Maybe you’d rather go home and come back tomorrow.”
“No, I’m traveling through with my travel trailer. There’s no home to go to. I don’t mind waiting. Really. To come back tomorrow adds the price of an RV park onto the price of the tires. I’ll wait.”
I’m ready to plop into one of the waiting room chairs.
Before I can do that, the counter man surprises me with another suggestion.
“How about this? You have the trailer with you, right? That’s it out there? You drop the trailer and leave it with us. Then you’re free to go about your business for a couple hours.”
I hesitate.
“That’s a great idea,” I reply. “Only one thing though. I’m getting over a bug and don’t have much strength. Normally I do my own hitching and unhitching. I don’t think I can handle it today.”
“No problem!” he immediately responds. “We’ll take care of all that. Just pull the trailer around to the end of the building and someone will come out and unhitch it for you.”
~ ~ ~
Wal-Mart is right around the corner from Big O Tires.
The crew and I walk around a grassy area next to Wally’s parking lot. I let them wander around at a leisurely pace and they’re loving the chance to do so on this beautiful day. After they have a drink, I pop them into the Perfect Tow Vehicle and go inside the store.
We don’t really need groceries. However, I want to stock a few supplies, including inexpensive chicken breasts for the crew, because we’re moving to a location where there aren’t big stores. Also I may need to recuperate for a while at our next camp.
~ ~ ~
Soon after we return to Big O, the new tires are on the Best Little Trailer.
While I’m inside the building paying for the tires, a forklift takes the BLT to a parking space out of the way of where work is done. (I’m glad I didn’t see that maneuver!) I come out and move the PTV, backing her up for hitching.
A man trots out to help.
I make an exception to my rule of rejecting help with hitching, simply because I don’t have the energy to be jumping in and out of the PTV to do it myself.
The man directs my backing and then hollers with hands up, “Good!”
I get out and watch as he lifts the tongue of the BLT and hefts it a few inches to place it on the hitch ball. I thank him and set about completing the hitch — putting a lock on the coupler, plugging in the power cord and the solar cord, and attaching the chains, the brake cable, and the anti-sway bar.
I fire up the PTV and attempt to pull out.
No go. What? The emergency brake isn’t on. Maybe they put chocks at the wheels . . . .
I get out and look. Nothing is hindering the wheels, except the gravel is loose and deep.
I try again. More resistance. This is very weird.
This time I walk all around the Best Little Trailer.
And I find the problem. The bumper is caught on a 4-foot pole about 3 inches in diameter. In my effort to pull away, the bumper bent the pole into a 60-degree angle.
I motion to one of the guys to come over and look. I state that I did not at any time back up the trailer. The guy says he placed the trailer beside the pole with the forklift, not behind it.
“Maybe it rolled back when it was hitched up,” he speculates.
He grabs the pole, which isn’t very sturdy anyway, and pulls it out and around, freeing up the bumper. No damage to the BLT other than some blue paint on the tail light cover!
Before leaving Silver City I stop for propane at a gas station ($20.02 for 6.2 gal. including $1.48 tax).
We have about an hour’s drive to our next camp at Bighorn Campground, Glenwood, New Mexico.
The two-lane road rolls over small hills that look much like the one in the photo above. Very little traffic. The Mogollon Mountains are to the east of us. Easy driving. Mostly a straight path until the last one-third when the road becomes curvy and takes us past interesting rock that reminds me of Utah.
We roll through Glenwood.
I don’t take much notice due to my depleted energy, which means I have nothing to forget about Glenwood! Ha!
At the edge of town the sign for Bighorn Campground appears. Yay! We made it!
I pick a level site next to a cottonwood tree.
I walk Bridget and Reggie around our new home . . . .
Then together we crawl into bed for a long nap.
Gee, I’m glad we have those new tires.
As I drift off to sleep, it suddenly comes to me how the BLT’s bumper became hooked around that pole. When the man moved the tongue of the BLT to place the coupler on the PTV’s hitch ball, the BLT pivoted. That pivot moved the bumper behind the pole. I was standing right there and didn’t notice.
Yep, that’s what happened. Nobody’s fault. Just one of those things . . . .
More about our new, free camp in the next post!
rvsue
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Wow, there you are!
CONGRATULATIONS, LEE J! FIRST PLACE WINNER!
Whooo hoooo! Am I #1
ANOTHER FIRST PLACE WINNER! CONGRATULATIONS, SHIRLENE!
Close!
CONGRATULATIONS, RENEE! A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST PLACE!
What a pleasant surprise! Thank you!
Wow, its a tie….glad to share it with you Lee J. 🙂
Fun!
Love the red barn picture. So glad you got the tires out of the way, now rest up!
And Applegirl comes in at 2nd place! CONGRATULATIONS!
#4?
I’m moving up! Good to know your tires are now ready for more adventure! Rest and feel better soon!
Cathy
Thanks, Cathy S…. and congratulations on being in 3rd place today! 🙂
Ok, I’ve gone back to read the post and am glad that you have your new tires and are settled in your new place to rest.
New tires are a relief for sure. We had a tire separate and had to get all new tires. We are taking our FW in this weekend to get the tires inspected and rotated for the season. It’ll be a piece of mind.
Take care and get better.
Thanks, Renee. Good idea to have the fifth wheel tires checked before a new season…
Wow that’s a good price for load range E tires! New camp looks nice – and you sure can’t beat the price 🙂
Hi, Debra,
I’m happy with the price, even with the extra charges which you always have anyway.
I finally made it!
I stumbled on this blog a couple months ago and started from the beginning. I finally caught up to you 🙂
Love to see you do what you’re doing, rvsue, and love your writing style. I’m two or three years from retirement (hopefully) and hitting the road myself. In the meantime, I’m one of the many who live vicariously through your adventures.
Welcome to my blog, mayble! Glad to have you riding with us. I’m always happy to learn someone went to the beginning of my blog to read the complete “story.” Thank you for that. I take it as a big compliment. 🙂
Congratulations on becoming a blogorino! Best of luck as you prepare for your own retirement adventures!
welcome mayble!
It is official…you are a Blogorino now.
Hi Sue, Boy do I know how you are feeling…I am still trying to get over my UTI, felt like I was hit by a truck…still low on energy, and still minor symptoms. So WE need to rest and take it easy huh. I hope yours goes away without antibiotics, me no so much, still hanging around after 4 days of antibiotics, it is stubborn this one. I was given Cipro in case yours comes back and you have to hit an Urgent Care…fingers crossed you dumped it and all is good except for the recovery. I feel with you and for you…have a good day and week…extra treats for the dogs for being so good while you are recovering.
Hi, Shirlene,
You poor baby. I think you received a bigger wallop than I got. UTI can be very stubborn. You think you’re done with it and then it comes back. I wish you a complete recovery soon.
I’ve taken Cipro before. I avoid antibiotics, if I can. They tend to knock me off my feet and I need to be able to care for the crew.
Here’s to you becoming strong and energetic again soon!
Glad you got all that done without any other mishaps. Feel better soon!
Thanks, peggy. I’m feeling pretty good today. Still limiting my activity though and resting a lot. This isn’t something one tosses off quickly.
Geat post. Seems everything goes wrong when we don’t feel well doesn’t it. I am so glad you are feeling fine now and that you have new tires and no worries. I like Reggies armadillo toy. I have a dog that would love that one too. You haven’t been to New Mexico in a long time have you? Seems like that is where you started out that first year. We are seeing Hummingbirds now. Love them.
Hi, Jean,
If you see that armadillo in a store, buy it. It has held up to Reggie’s abuse better than any of his other toys.
We were last in NM at the end of 2011. We camped in the state parks. Our last few camps were on the other side of the Mogollon Mountains (We’re on the west side of them now.).
Love the picture of the red barn!!! Put some maple, oak and birch trees on that hillside and you would have New England!! So glad you are feeling better and equally glad that you are taking it easy. Rest for a while!!!
Big O Tires sounds like a friendly business…you gave them a good plug. If I am ever in the area……………. LOL
Sending lots of love and big hugs
Hi, Pauline,
It is very dry here compared to New England. I see what you mean about that photo. Well, red barns and covered bridges do that…
Love and hugs to you and the family…
Nice post! I like the new campsitee. I know you post with a lag, so I’m hoping that by now you’re all better and fully back in business.
Thanks, Suzette. I’m not “fully back” but I’m much better and I’m grateful for that.
I’ve rarely posted … but, seeing only 11 responses is a first … so, I had to add mine. Usually, there’s a bunch more before I see the new post.
Join us whether there are a few posts or a couple hundred, Jeff. Every person who takes the time to write a few words adds to the enjoyment for everyone (and is very encouraging for me!).
Sue, just rest in the fact that if you are ever too sick to travel or take care of the dogs, there are any number of us out here, who would drop everything to drive to wherever you are and come to your rescue.
We are community! Hope you are feeling stronger soon.
Hello, Prairie Dawn!
Welcome to my blog and to your new status as a blogorino! 🙂 What a nice message to me. You are very kind.
Hi Sue: I just caught up with 2 weeks of posts since we just got back from our 2 week trip to Maui late last night. I’m glad to read you are feeling better; I think fasting for a day was a good idea. I always get confused about that old saying “Starve a fever, feed a cold” or is it “Feed a fever, starve a cold”? Whichever – it seems you did the right things. I do agree with Prairie Dog that you have a huge, loyal community of blogorinos and you should call out for help if you ever need it – you’d probably be mobbed with volunteers!!
Oh wow, Cynthia… Maui. 🙂
Glad to have you back and all caught up!
So glad that you got your new tires! I have a commute to work, so I know how important good tires are when traveling. My sister’s dog, Lucy, does what Reggie does…she kills those that she loves best! LOL. One of her favorite frenemies is a stuffed toy with a squeaker named Mr. Squirrel. Mr. Squirrel takes a lot of abuse for the team!
Hi, Dawn,
“You always hurt the one you love” is a lyric perfect for Reggie and Lucy! Reggie has killed Sock Monkey and Limey Dog. Bite Me, the flea, is hanging on. Pink Piggy has gone into hiding. Haven’t seen her in a couple weeks. Armadillo is putting up a strong defense. It’s a battleground around here!
Best wishes to you, your sister, Lucy, and Mr. Squirrel. 🙂
Ahhhhhhh, seems like a perfect place to rest and recharge. I know this is a few days delayed but take care of yourself dear. No one deserves it more than you.
I’ll bet you realize this but do take note of the recommended PSI for those pretty new E range shoes that the BLT is dancing in. As a general rule the higher the load rating the higher the recommended PSI.
BTW: I notice someone bought a blue Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose. Don’t ya just love how a blogarino shares a bit of knowledge and someone perhaps on the other side of the country is better off for it? Pretty special place you’ve created here.
Thank you, Rick. I haven’t created this “pretty special place” on my own.
It grew out of the contributions of helpful, kind, and caring people. Their presence, including yours,is what keeps my blog strong, dynamic, and worth visiting. That’s why I’m always trying to persuade people to write a comment — anything! Even if it’s something that has been said several times . . . .
About the PSI on the new Load E tires…. I don’t think they inflated them enough at 50 psi. I’d like more air in them than that. (They’re only slightly flattened while parked; even so, 50 seems a bit low.)
When I ordered Bridget’s car from Amazon, I also purchased a new air compressor. When I’m feeling stronger, I’ll put more air in those tires.
Yes, I do love to see it when someone makes a purchase after reading about it here…. People helping people…. Fantastic!
You have a wonderful day, Rick. Thanks for the kind words for me.
E instead of D! Looking at the specs I think you will be pleased. Yay new shoes for the BLT! Yikes…thank heavens there wasn’t any damage to the BLT.
Being under the weather usually takes all of your energy just to function…not nearly enough to make decisions or deal with more tasks.
Then you had to drive another hour….ugh…..beautiful site you found. A good nights rest and with the peace of your surroundings….glad you feel better.
Hi, Cinandjules,
Yeah, I’m happy to have Load E tires! I read that they may make for a bouncier ride, but we’re not riding ON them. The BLT bounces around anyway.
You’re right about making decisions when not feeling well. I really wasn’t going to be too particular… just gimme some tires that are round and that roll and let me go where I can take a nap. Ha!
Sue aka Perils of Pauline but you are too young for that. (Smiling)
Hi, Marilyn,
I did a quick search. I was born the year after that film. Not the melodrama film serial of 1914… The later film of 1947. Just want to make that clear. 🙂
Take your time, get your strength back, get plenty of naps with the crew, as if anyone needs to tell you this. You know what is best for you, you always do. We’ll be here.
Thank you, Jazz Lover. Yes, I do know. Even so, it’s really nice that you told me.
So Sue, I was thinking today as I am also recovering that I think I understand what UTI means…..Unidenified Truck Incident… I remember saying I am better but still feel like I was hit by a truck! Ha! Anybody? Anybody?
We just have to give ourselves time to get better. It’s “two steps forward, one step back.” We will get through this, Shirlene! Yes, we will!
Hi Sue!
I may not have been first today, but I feel like it…..as you picked out the Kitchenaid
Mixer (that we are giving to our dear DIL) to feature, from all the stuff purchased through your blog!
I’m glad that you are on the mend…try to get some rest.
That’s a very nice gift, cc. It will give her many years of service and it’s pretty, too! Thanks for buying it at Amazon through my blog.
It’s the little things that get you! Glad it was easily solved. Continue getting better. I just finished my Curves workout and am in the PT under the shade of a tree. Time to get home, have a good afternoon.
You, too, Velda. Thank you for all you contribute to my blog…
hi velda, how is your husband’s health?
Mel is progressing. He is doing a little around the house some days. A visit to his surgeon last week revealed a possible new tumor or polyp in his sinus and it will be a month before they relook and decide what to do. I’m praying it’s a polyp. Normally they would give a steroid nose spray to see if it shrinks as a polyp would but he can’t take steroids. Meanwhile he is trying to regain chewing strength in anticipation of a plate the prosthodontist is making, but it’s difficult as he has swallowing problems of anything not liquid. Overall I’m pleased with progress if we could just stop having these monkey wrenches thrown when we are trying to walk. Thanks for asking. And of course today is the day his Dad will be buried in Oklahoma and we can’t be there which is upsetting. If any of you are in Oklahoma and near I-35 and see a Patriot Guard procession headed north from Guthrie, wave to our Dad as he’s escorted home.
My sympathies to you and hubby…such events make the other difficulties harder no doubt…pray GOD will comfort you both in this time!!
Velda, I’m sure it’s hard on Mel not to be able to travel but of course he is there in heart and spirit. Please pass along to him that I for one am forever grateful to his father for his service.
I learned about tires the hard way. Decades ago, when I was much younger and very unwise, the left rear retread tire peeled away from the rest of the tire as I was doing 85 mph in northern Mississippi. I had a moment of high drama, but a loving Greater Power protected everyone on the road from my foolishness. I made my way to the shoulder for several hours of frustration. I learned eventually that nobody in that part of Mississippi had ever heard of AAA back then. I and my buddy/passenger were saved by a government worker who gave a couple of hours of his time to make sure my trip got back on the road.
Moral of the story: take care of your tires as if your life depended on it. It might.
Oh, the things we did when we were young, right, Calvin? It could’ve been over for you that day and for others, too. An important moral to that story!
Wow RVSue, thank goodness the PTV is good! I held my breath for a couple seconds until you clarified everything was a OK. Sure hope you feel better soon, well wishes to you and crew! Safe travels!
Thanks, Linda. It wasn’t until the next day that I noticed the blue paint on the tail light cover. It wouldn’t have been the end of the world if it had been broken, but it sure is nice that it wasn’t even cracked.
Hi, Sue and crew –
So glad you are feeling better. Being sick when you are solo can be scary. Not long ago, I had a bout of food poisoning and you know how terribly weak that makes you.
I was in the middle of all the discomfort and wondered if I would make it. I didn’t even want to call an ambulance, because that would mean having to muster the strength to get to my phone.
Then, to get dressed and get to the door. It didn’t seem possible, at the moment. After a little bit, I felt my strength returning, even though I didn’t feel well yet. Thank goodness some of those episodes don’t last long.
I’ve been on my own for the last twenty-nine years, so I should be getting used to taking care of myself.
Do what you need to do to take care and feel your normal self again. Thanks, to the crew for keeping you company.
Happy Trails and like the new camp. Thanks for the post, in your condition.
Pamelab in Houston
You’re welcome, Pamelab, and thank you for giving us a glimpse of how one soldiers through illness when living solo.
Food poisoning is tough. I remember hearing someone say that his doctor diagnosed food poisoning by asking the patient, “Did you want to die? If so, that’s food poisoning.”
Thanks also for the wish for my recovery. I’m fine, just careful not to give myself a relapse.
Glad all worked out well!
Hope you’re feeling more like yourself!
Lynn B. (Baltimore)
Thanks, Lynn!
The Land of Enchantment! It truly is. A great place to relax and recover.
Big O Tires seems to have excellent service. So glad there wasn’t any damage to the BLT.
Sounds like Pink Piggy is aware of her fate at the hands, er paws of Reggie man and has gone into hiding.
I hope this new camp is a great place for you and you sure can’t beat free!
Hi, Gingerita,
This is a camp that looks, at first glance, like not much. For us it has been just right. The weather has been balmy (although today it is cooler and very windy) and there haven’t been any annoyances that one often encounters in a campground. I like it here. It’s still a bit too cold in higher elevations. We’re at 4715 feet elevation (approx.).
Pink Piggy may have decided her chances were better to stay in Arizona.
Hi Sue,
Glad you are feeling a little bit better AND that there are new tires on the PTV. Hope you are feeling much, much better soon.
Thank you, Lisa. The new tires help me feel better. 🙂
Always love a story with a happy ending, my favorite parts in today’s -“…next to a cottonwood tree…together we crawl into bed for a long nap”. Nothing like tucking in with those precious to you after a hard day. I’m glad, too, that you got good tires, good service, groceries, propane, a nice free campsite and got through the day. You accomplished a lot despite feeling as worn out as you were. Having all of that done must have helped you rest more peacefully, awake or asleep since you’ve been there. I’m sorry you’ve needed to be strong often in life yet grateful that’s given you such an admirable ability to be that way when you need to today. Hug the crew and you and pat yourself on the back for me 🙂
Thank you, weather. It was a good day. At the end of it I evaluated our situation, as is my practice, and “the checklist” was in great shape: plenty of gas in the PTV, well-stocked larder, water in the tank and in the jugs, two propane tanks full, waste tanks emptied, strong internet connection, and a pleasant campsite (at the right elevation/weather) secured. I can rest, relax, love my crew, and there’s no hurry to do anything more than that!
I hope your jeep maintenance/repair went well.
Your checklist and evaluation practice is similar to mine in most ways. Having what’s needed on hand is always a source of gratitude , all the more when our situation calls for us to stay put. Thanks, the jeep ended up not needing work done . It took my mechanic well over an hour to discern that yet he didn’t charge me, what a great guy he is- as a businessman and as a friend.
Would you take a natural antibiotic, called sovereign silver if you had some? It’s a liquid with no side effects like we both get from pharmaceutical ones. I ask because I called a place in Silver City(Silver City Food Coop 520 North Bullard Street-that’s the main street there). They have some in stock, I said I’d call them back because they’re holding a bottle for me in case you’d like it.
How very thoughtful of you, weather! You can tell them to take the hold off the sovereign silver. Returning to Silver City is too far for me, too much for me to attempt. Thank you for wanting to make it available for me.
We are hunkered down — It’s cold this morning! Thanks again…
I’m glad you have an honest, reliable mechanic for your jeep and that there was no need for any repairs.
Thanks for your quick reply, I’ll let them know not to hold it. I’m hunkered down, too, cold rain outside, cozy inside, kinda nice sometimes, isn’t it?
🙂
Sue, another suggestion to flush your kidneys: drink a beer every afternoon. That’ll flush the toxins. It worked for me…I just have to hold my breath when I drink the stuff. It also helps if it’s icy cold. I’d rather a beer than antibiotics.
I used to buy Sovereign Silver, until Mel began doing research and decided to begin making his own Colloidal Silver. He was a chemistry major amd likes to do research. He bought a kit from a place in AZ which seemed to be the best company. All we need is distilled water and the little machine which fits over a glass jar plus a power source. I bought a couple of quart dark amber jars at health food store when I saw how much he would be making. He has rinsed and drink it daily since 2013 ( he drinks about half ounce based on his research) and has never had an infection in his graft or nose needing antibiotics since all this cancer thing with its huge surgery. If I feel some bug coming at me I take it too esp in flu season. It’s remarkable stuff. The brand name is Sovereign but the liquid is Colloidal Silver. If you can’t make your own that Sovereign brand is top rated.
Gosh, it’s terrific that Mel makes it for both of your sakes, Velda . I’m glad it’s been such a help. I buy mine through Sue’s Amazon link, before that at one store an hour’s drive one way from here at a much higher price. Worth it either way, as you’ve discovered. As a preventative or cure for bacteria, virus and other problems I haven’t found anything more effective when used on time. I have found a couple of occasions when prescription antibiotics were needed because of a sudden onset of a type that needed the strength and speed those can provide. It’s shelf life of a year plus that doesn’t need refrigeration makes it easy for me to keep stocked. With my vet’s hearty approval I used it on a few pets, too.
My condolences to you both about Mel’s father , and best wishes regarding Mel’s recovery.
Thank you.
It’s always a good feeling to get new tires. In the last year I’ve replaced all of mine(6). For only the third time in three years we are in the same state, I’m in northern NM and you’re down south. Glad your feeling better. Mom says ‘Hi’.
Good to hear from you again, Evelyn. Say Hi to Mom from me. 🙂
You’re all set with 6 new tires. Safe travels ahead!
Sue, glad to know you will have some time to rest up. I don’t know why but it always surprises me when people are so kind. The tire shop went above and beyond for you. Now I’ll let you and the crew rest.
Hi, Jules,
You’re the one with bedding just like ours! 🙂 Yes, Big O Tires treated me very well.. . and at a time when they were very busy. It’s easier to be nice when there’s no pressure.
Hi Sue!
It’s been a pleasure finding your blog and getting to know you a little. Finally made it to the present day, this is my first post ?. I am spending the next several months researching the solo RV thing, wasn’t suppose to be solo but ya gotta roll with what life gives you. I figure if I am making a new life for myself it should be a grand adventure, especially now that I don’t have to share any of the decisions ?. My biggest worry is being able to afford it and keep my house as well, I look forward to the financials going back up to help in that research. Any other advice for ways I can figure it out are appreciated. My BFF’s are out on the Oregon/Wa coast and I would love to spend several weeks there most summers. If I wasn’t a Great Dane mom I might not have even thought of traveling around and back and forth in an RV, but I can’t fly with a Dane and just driving back and forth staying in hotels would be so boring and monotonous, plus there is so very much I want to see and explore throughout the country.
I retired in 07 at 50 years old, I’ve been doing some contract work, very part time since then, the last of which should be done by Nov, unless they dangle a very lucrative carrot I think I’ve had enough with the working. Mostly I did it because I was married and he wasn’t ready to retire, the divorce took care of that little problem and since I’m not having to fund everyone else’s play anymore I can fund mine lol. About time I say….sorry I digress…. I’d like to stay in Fl in winter (Nov-Mar) as my kids and grandkids are here and we are very close, then travel around the rest of the time while I am still physically able to do so. This is actually the first time in over 25 yrs I’ve been without one or two Danes, I lost my 10yo girl about 18mos ago during my divorce. Sadly I just lost my 7yo boy to sudden onset cardiomyopathy a few weeks ago. I need to recover and stop working before I get another.
I love seeing the country through your (and the crew) eyes, thanks for writing such a great blog!
ChrisAnn
Hi, ChrisAnn,
Welcome to my blog and to Blogorinoland! Thank you for reading all my posts. I appreciate that very much.
Wow, your life has a lot of changes and adjustments going on… divorce, possible retirement, the loss of your two Great Danes, one recently. I’m sorry for the heartache of loss you must feel.
Not knowing what kind of rig you plan to travel in, the style of travel you want to experience, the budget you have to stay within, and several other personal factors, it’s difficult for me to give you any meaningful advice or tips. I think I’m safe to say that, in general, a nomadic lifestyle is less expensive in the West where public land (free or inexpensive camping) is available. I probably won’t resurrect the financial pages on my blog, at least not in the same detail I once had. I need to pull together a synopsis of previous years and write up enough information to help people plan their own budgets.
Thank you for calling my blog “great” and for introducing yourself to us. Keep in touch and together we will learn as we go along. Again, my condolences on the loss of your dear ones.
Welcome to RVSue’s Blog! Sorry to hear about the death of your beloved “kids”.
Thanks so much. It is never easy, my show and breeder friends have been keeping me in puppy porn pics to make me smile.
Missy! Stop! Rest in one place a few days or risk things getting worse. Just take time to breath! This is not a request, it is a direct order. You mean too much to us to wear yourself down and bring on a jolt of bad health. I feel kinda like a big brother and I am concerned as are many others of your blogorinos ….
Don’t worry, Jim. We’re not going anywhere. The only reason we hurried out of Silver City was to settle in a free camp at a comfortable elevation where we could stay put for as long as it takes to recover from the recent setback. We’re equipped with water, gas, propane, food, tanks are emptied…. I haven’t unhitched because I don’t want the temptation of riding around somewhere.
You’re kind to me with your concern. I’ll be careful. Promise!
Geez Sue, you sounded like me. I have to walk 10 feet and rest. Plus I can’t really stand up straight as my chest muscles pull, so I have to slump. I’m sure I look perfectly ridiculous shuffling along.
I ordered a blood pressure cuff from Amazon, and paid 3.99 for next day delivery. I’m still waiting 4 days later. Getting ready to call them now. Not happy. Website says it was delivered. Not even.
I start physical therapy for my chest muscles tomorrow. Yippee! They don’t seem to be getting better on their own. I can’t do much, can hardly use my right arm at all without causing pain. What a hassle, especially since I’m starting to feel better otherwise. I have things I want to be doing, darn it, but I just sit in my recliner all day and read. Thank god for books!
I love the pics of New Mexico. New Mexico has very appealing topography, but I’m afraid that, for the most part, the elevation is too high fo me (have copd). But maybe ill get better, at least enough to visit and camp.
Ok, I’m off to phone Amazon.
Hi, Ginger,
I’m sorry you are still having pain and are limited in what you can do. Good luck with the physical therapy tomorrow. I am pleased to read that “I’m starting to feel better otherwise.” Maybe there’s a positive — You are kept in your recliner all day and your body can rest and restore itself.
I don’t understand about your Amazon order. Something sounds screwy. Are you sure the address is correct so it wasn’t delivered somewhere else? I’m curious what Amazon says. I saw a blood pressure monitor on my orders sheet. If that was yours, thank you, Ginger.
Have a good evening. Sleep well.
Visited the Gila Cliff Dwellings in 2013. It is a sacred, magical, serene place.
I second that, Joan.
New Mexico is truly the land of enchantment, and the cliff dwellings are but a brush with the intensity of ancient spirituality.
Sue, you’re within a region of sacredness and healing.
Ditto, AZ Jim’s advice. Encouraged to read you’re taking time and space to heal.
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Yup — 50 PSI for Load Range E ain’t much — their maximum PSI is usually 80. But, then again, each one of them will usually support over 3,000 pounds and two of ’em means 6,000 pounds for your one axle. I’m guessing BLT is maybe 3,000 pounds total? So you can try 55 or 60 . . . look at the tires while parked on concrete/asphalt and see what you think. You want *some* flat spot at the bottom but not too much. Even 2 or 3″ of ‘flat’ is enough — avoiding seriously HOT roads as us fulltimers are able to do. If the tires look completely round then, obviously, that is too much air.
JIM & ANNIE (Still stuck in the backyard while I’m installing new shingles on the two-story rental house. If the rain and the WIND would give me a break! After today, this week looks pretty good — need to getter’ done before those highs get up in the 80s. We split the roof into four ‘phases’ and even getting ONE of them done has me pulling out what little hair is left.)
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Hi, Jim and Annie,
Installing shingles? Not fun. Be careful with that job. Don’t want you blown off a ladder or the roof.
I want you to know I appreciated the very detailed information about tires that you posted under a recent post, as well as what you’ve written here. I was thinking of going to 55 psi. Right now there’s more like 4-5 inches of flat — too much.
Keeping our speed around 58 mph helps us avoid blow-outs, I do believe. I’m often shocked at how fast some folks tow big trailers and drive big Class A homes down the interstate, and on the hottest days, too. Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
Again thanks for the tire tutorial — helpful for me and, no doubt, for others.
Hi Sue and Crew
You might run the BLT across the scales just to see how much it ways then either pull up the web site for your tires to see what the manufacturer recommends for the weight the tires are carrying or call Big O Tires and ask them what pressure they recommend for the weight. You don’t want to beat the BLT to pieces with too much pressure or heat up and ruin the tires with not enough pressure. I would imagine you are close at 50 to 55 pounds.
Thanks so much for your great blog! It is so enjoyable to read every night.
My 15″ load range E tires have a maximum psi of 65lbs. I will say on the sidewall of your tires what their maximum recommended pressure is.
I tried to read the sidewall to find the max. The “print” is so small I couldn’t see it. I’ll find it online.
You’re welcome, Don. I’m pleased to see you here.
Big O Tires sent me on my way with 50 psi in the tires. I’ll be influenced very much by what the maximum pressure amount is stated on the sidewall. Both wheels have the small print upside down the way the BLT is parked now. I’m thinking 55 psi, judging from the looks of the tires with 50 psi.
thanks Jim for the advise about the tire pressure and how to determine when the tire is too flat. we are sort of new to having our vintage trailer, which weighs about 2200 pounds fully loaded, and we have thought the tires looked flat. the Les Schwab dealer here says 50 is just right and that is what is on the tire.
do you agree? thanks.
YAY! The BLT has some new fancy shoes, and you are resting and healing under the arms of a cottonwood tree! Life is good! I love the armadillo! I’d love to get one for Radar (now sound asleep on my lap!) but Doogie won’t allow any toy in the house except those that belong to him! All of Radar’s toys end up in Doogie’s bed and that darn Doogie won’t let Radar play with them! We finally just gave up buying toys for Radar! We just give him more hugs! Hug your babies from us, such sweet babies!
Well, that Doogie is a little devil! I had no idea! (Although I bet Reggie would be the same way. He’s very possessive, whereas Bridget shrugs a “whatever” and doesn’t bother about it.)
I know you give Radar lots of loving. He melts in your arms and becomes part of you. Love his face. Okay, Doogie’s cute, too, Chuck. 🙂
I don’t want to be too hard on Glenwood, nor do I intend to insult the 143 residents of the town, but there is not a lot to remember about Glenwood. Perhaps that is what it is that you never forget.
I was out and about in Silver City on Friday but most likely back in my Park by the time you got into town. Rarely am I in WalMart but I stopped there and next door at Tractor Supply also – big shopping day for me!
Lots of wind here this afternoon also with gust of over 40 mph.
Hi, Ed,
I do find that slogan to be somewhat cryptic, “A place you’ll never forget.” That could be said about the Hotel California, too, or the Maximum Security Prison. Weird. Oh well, I think they’re trying to send a positive message. At least they put up a neatly painted welcome sign. I’ll give ’em credit for that. 🙂
I read your blog about finding Patches food at Tractor Supply. I didn’t expect to bump into you at Wal-Mart as you don’t mix with Wally’s crowd. haha! You’re more a Fry’s kinda’ guy. Too bad I missed you. You could’ve seen me looking like h*ll.
Windy here, too! A few big gusts, not too bad… We’re sheltered being between two ridges with a hill close by at one end.
Just curious, you move a lot, are there some places where you do spend a week or two? So enjoy your blog.
Sure there is, Shirley. I think I can use the word “often” in regards to times we camp up to the 14-day limit. We did that recently at Roosevelt Lake. Camped for a week at Haekel Road near Safford.
This past winter we camped for several weeks at Midland Long Term Visitor Area. That was a first for us.
When we’re moving a lot there’s a reason for it — such as last summer when racing ahead of smoke from wild fires or in a previous year when I wanted to tour the West, following good weather, all the way to the coast of northern Washington from the Black Hills of South Dakota after a winter in Arizona and southern California . . .
Another reason to move is to stay comfortable … Our next camp may be higher than this one and thus a little colder than I prefer. If that’s the case, we won’t camp there long.
I’m glad you enjoy my blog, Shirley. I enjoyed answering your question.
I am glad you got your tires taken care of. We almost had a big problem on our long trip last fall when we noticed several bald spots on the Casita’s tires. Thankfully we did not have a blow-out driving on the expressways in New Jersey! We were able to get the tires replaced the next day and felt much safer when we got back on the road.
Not a fun way to travel, worrying about a possible blow-out. I hope you are having a good night…
So nice to have the new shoes on the trailer – great peace of mind. Hope you’re soon feeling 100%!!
Thanks, Jodee!
Haven’t commented for a while, but still following! Don’t know if you have a destination in mind, but you’re getting rather close to our neck of the woods (south of Datil). I do know how you enjoy your solitude, so I thought I’d mention that if you’re interested in hiding out for a week or two on our 10 acres, send me an e-mail. We border BLM land & a big huge ranch on two sides, and it’s very private. I’d be happy to give you more info if you’re interested…
We won’t be there until sometime this fall.
Thank you very much, Renee. Not sure what we’re doing at this point. Your place sounds very nice.
Sue,
The new camp looks nice and relaxing. So glad you are feeling better and have the new tires on the BLT. Please take care of yourself.
Laughing about Reggie disarming the Armadillo. Angel does not care too much about toys except for her sock. The fuzzy tail thing no longer has stuffing, so she doesn’t care much for it anymore and the catnip ball is in hiding somewhere. She is very possessive of her sock. I don’t buy my dog toys as they all have squeakers and she is afraid of noisy things. She will jump and run if you drop anything on the floor, of bang something, etc. She is very jumpy.
Hi Barbara,
Reggie is jumpy about sudden noises, too. For some reason though, he likes toys that squeak. That’s funny about Angel having a favorite sock.
Hoping that you feel much better very soon Sue and back to your old sparky self……….you have me worried!
Thank you, Glenda. No need to worry. Just a speed bump. 🙂
Phew!
It looks like you found a good place to rest and recuperate. Hope you get a lot of enjoyable travel on those new tires!
Thanks, Marcia. I hope so, too!
Dear Ms. Sue,
Recently, I detected some trepidation on your part relavant to hitching trailer to van, i.e., numerous trips from drivers seat to rear of vehicle. There are solutions to that problem. I’m afraid you’re going to wear your adorable self out mult-tasking like that! Answer? Waha! A back-up camera! (available at Amazon).
Note: I removed the link you posted because it sends people to Amazon and I wouldn’t make a commission on anything they might buy for 24 hours thereafter. — Sue
Thank you, Randall. I don’t see getting out of the driver’s seat to look at the hitch as a problem. For me, reliance on external devices can create a problem, i.e. dependence!
Without spending a dime I know I can hitch up my trailer without any devices. A little physical exertion is a good thing. When I’m unable to do that due to temporary illness, I’ll ask for help or I’ll wait until I’m better. If I’m permanently unable to get in and out of the PTV to hitch up, well, that’s when I should quit full-time RVing with a travel trailer.
You’re being thoughtful, Randall, and I appreciate your kindness. What is an aid to one person is an unnecessary crutch to another. Just my point of view. 🙂
Well done. Thank You. Hope you’re better soon. We had a round of terrible illness last month. Not fun.
And thank you, Randall. Take care — No relapses!
Great posts as usual. love the dog toys, my dog is so small he steals the cats mouse and plays with those lol… he loves them. Glad to hear you are feeling better nothing worse than being under the weather. well i want to thank everyone for the information on “camp showers” I just picked up Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower so no more doing without a shower when we are camping. i usually stay in camp grounds, but some the showers are “gross” and cold water. Yuck.. This year three weeks camping, so looking forward to it. Time to rebuild the portable outhouse and include a part to shower in 🙂 .. snow almost gone and see a little green now Yah… hugs to the crew and you take care of yourself .
Thank you, Patsy.
Here’s a link to the product you mentioned:
Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower
yes that is it, i am just sorry i could not buy it from the american site, you would have gotten the commission from it. lets hope it works great 😉
I hope that you feel better soon! Sounds like a cliche but isn’t….
Thanks, Moe. . 🙂
Good Morning, Everyone! I am getting ready to take Olive, 9 years old, to the vet to have bladder stones removed. I noticed she was squatting a lot with very little liquid coming out, so after x-rays, etc. were done, bladder stones were diagnosed. She is the one who attacked my older dog, Dixie, a couple of months ago. It’s weird to think that we were thinking about putting her down after that happened but now doing everything we can to keep her comfortable. I am using doggie/baby gates to keep them separated but need another long one so will be ordering that through Sue/Amazon in the next few weeks. I will sleep down here in the living room with her tonight because I’m anticipating the collar around her neck and I want to make sure she can get water if she’s thirsty. Take care, everyone!
Kay from KC!
Good morning, Kay…. Best wishes for Olive! May she recover soon…
Glad you are on the mend. Dr Corker prescribes either rotessarie chicken or Carl’s Jr for a complete recovery.
Hilarious! I wonder how many people think of RVSue and her crew when they pass a Carl’s Jr. 🙂
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better, Sue!!
Thanks, casitagirl! My stamina is coming back. Not totally there yet which gives me an excellent excuse to do nothing. Enjoy your day!
Hi Sue, glad to hear you’re resting up, I enjoy solitude and envy your life, but illness or injury would definitely be a challenge. Thanks for sticking with your blog–I discovered it last year when dreaming of hitting the road in a TT, didn’t read for a while, but it takes me back to my childhood–my Dad packed the four of us into a VW popup back in 1970 and we spent an entire summer touring the west–magical times. Happy travels,
Steve
Hi Steve!
Is this your first comment? We have lots of Steves, so it’s hard for me to tell. Just in case it is — WELCOME, BLOGORINO! 🙂
How wonderful that you have those memories of a summer roaming and camping in the West with your family. I’m glad my blog helps you remember that special time. You say you were “dreaming of hitting the road in a TT.” Is that still a dream?
Thanks for taking the time to write and for the kind words.
It is my first time commenting–I envy your commitment, even though you’ve been feeling low lately. Enjoy exploring!
Good Morning Sue, I think we haved turned the corner on this UTI thing, I seem to be feeling better today also, a little more stamina today. Boy we were on the same road for a while, glad to be making a come back. Continue to rest, almost there! Have a good day Sue. 🙂