NOTE: An update on Rusty and Timber is at the close of this post. No, don’t look NOW! Read the post first!
Okay, here’s the plan . . .
As you know, if you’re a conscientious reader of this blog and I certainly hope you are, I’m about to run out of propane. I probably could make it until Friday when we’d have to leave, because I won’t risk running out on the weekend.
Campsite #2, Delmoe Lake Campground, east of Butte, Montana
Propane isn’t the only concern. The larder is looking poorly. I’m almost out of milk, I have no fresh vegetables, and I’m getting down to food that’s not fun, like canned beets.
Today I make a decision!
First thing in the morning the crew and I board the PTV, motor off this mountain, and take the interstate all the way back to Whitehall, leaving the BLT behind. I call Cliff’s Auto Repair in Whitehall and secure an appointment for the PTV for four o’clock tomorrow.
In Whitehall we can load up on groceries and propane, plus fill up the empty water jugs. (Water is available at the campground from very recalcitrant hand pumps.) The trip is an arduous one, but at least the PTV won’t be towing the BLT.
Early morning visit to the lake
I’m psyched at the opportunity to stay at Delmoe Lake until as far as Monday, August 12th (The limit is 16 days.) This is such a pleasant place. Why barrel up the interstate in search of another camp?
Misty morning glow
Another facet of my plan . . .
I’m scheming to snag the best campsite in the campground, the enchanted site #7. Right now a woman and various children are camped there. I stroll up and ask as politely as I can muster . . . “Um, when do you think you’ll leave?”
Heh-heh. On Thursday I’ll have the BLT and PTV hitched and poised to claim the site the moment that family pulls out. Then it’ll be mine, all mine!
Early morning is the best time at the lake
Boy, what a dream I had last night . . .
I know. I know. Other people’s dreams are incredibly boring. This one is short, I promise. I have to tell you about it.
Don’t go away. Sit. Stay.
I dream I’m walking on a beach along the water’s edge. Suddenly I notice a long, dark brown snake lying on the sand between me and an escape route. This thing is long — about fifteen feet and it has a scary, triangular head.
Immediately the snake turns its head and looks at me!
It rears up into strike position. Frightened, I back into the water. The snake lunges! In an effort to avoid the strike I pitch myself into a roll, falling into the water . . . and landing on the floor of the BLT!
Yep, I rolled right out of bed! I haven’t fallen out of bed since I was two or three years old. What’s next? Depends?
That’s the snake in the lower right corner. Just kidding!
Update on our friends, Rusty and Timber!
Rusty sent me this email today. His words convey how happy he is better than anything I could put together. I asked him if I could share it with you.
Sue,
Wow, things are working now. My doctor is getting me a chair for the shower/tub. It’s real hard for me to get in and out. I get dizzy standing up to take a shower. And a maintenance man is coming to fix a leak that is in the bathroom window. It leaks when it rains. The washer is working great. I went to Amazon on your blog and got a 8 inch mattress. It’s coming tomorrow. Thursday I give a short talk on how great it is not being homeless, and pay my first full month’s rent, and Timber will stay home in our AC cooled home while I’m at the VA and getting things in town. I’ve been leaving him home to get the mail at the PO and a little shopping and he’s doing fine. When I come back he’s waiting at the kitchen window or he’s on the couch watching TV.
— Rusty
Photo taken by a dear reader of this blog, Vicki, the day she and her husband Larry delivered the table and chairs, glasses, bowl, dinnerware, and seat cushions to Rusty’s new home.
My curiosity got me typing.
I immediately sent a reply email. “What is this short talk you’re going to give?” I asked.
Rusty’s best pal, Timber
Hi Sue,
I’m doing the talk at the VA on Thursday with other veterans on how the change is from homeless to having a home, on how it was, how I dealt with it, being homeless, and how I feel about having a home . . . . I will be on stage in front of 100-150 people, other veterans, congress, government folks who are trying to help more and there will be other speakers. It’ll be during a luncheon.
–Rusty
Wow! This story keeps getting better and better.
Rusty will help other veterans by sharing his experience! I sent him another reply email.
“Rusty . . . Just be yourself and speak from your heart.”
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
Here are a few of the products recently purchased through my blog:
Food Strainer and Sauce Maker
4-Piece Accessory Kit for Food Strainer
Signature Sleep Contour 8-Inch Mattress
Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Wilson Pole Mount for Antenna
