Sunday, January 29
Irrigation canal on the north side of Blythe, California
Several fields along Midland Road are bright green with alfalfa.
A few are brown, having been freshly plowed. I’m told the crops around Blythe are alfalfa, bermuda hay, cotton, and sheep (wool and natural fertilizer). I don’t know in what order the crops are rotated. I’ve also seen groves of palms, including date palms (I think), and citrus trees.
Irrigation canals run alongside the fields.
The width of the canal is exaggerated in the photo below. The bright blue is refreshing to my eyes. The view of the mountains is softened by dust in the air from recent winds.
Today is laundry day.
Even though I feel like taking a nap after sleeping about twelve hours last night (!), I force myself to sort the dirty laundry. Sort and sit, sort and sit. Eventually the Perfect Tow Vehicle is loaded up with dirty clothes, towels, bedding, rugs, a container of quarters, the bag of trash, a doggie bed, Duck L’Orange, a water dish for Reg, tether, camera, empty water jugs, plastic shopping bags, a bottle of emergen-c dissolved in water for me, and, let’s see, what else?
Oh, and one cute, floppy-eared pup!
Although my strength fades quickly, I am determined to complete several tasks.
On the way out of Midland LTVA, I dump the bag of trash in the bin.
In town I do the laundry. Following routine, I give Reg a walk-around at the laundromat. The laundry folded or on hangers, I pack the PTV and we head up the street.
At Smart and Final I buy oatmeal, oranges, plums, bananas, protein bars, coffee, soup, and bagels.
It’s a beautifully warm day with no wind.
Crossing the parking lot, the PTV’s window comes into view and there’s Reggie’s happy face. This, of course, requires that I speak lovey-lovey through the window glass, my nose a few inches from his.
Our next stop is the water vending machine one block up the street. Reggie waits quietly in the PTV while I place the filled jugs along the bench seat. That job done, away we go for gas: $2.95 a gallon.
Without refrigeration, planning main meals is tricky.
I know! I’ll pick up a foot-long at Subway! That will be tomorrow’s meal.
I have the guy sprinkle the sandwich lightly with oil and vinegar. Mayo-based toppings might spoil.
Starting up the PTV again, I turn to my sweet companion.
“Reggie, you know what? You look like a guy who could use a burger. Are you my burger buddy today?”
Silly question.
The young woman at the Carl’s Jr. pick-up window hands me a bag holding a turkey burger and a plain, beef patty.
“Is your refrigerator fixed yet?” she asks, smiling.
Oh my, I’ve been waiting for that fridge so long, we’re becoming friends!
Monday, January 30
When the sun rises, spreading soft light over the harsh, desert landscape, one can imagine it accompanied by a gentle violin.
But not this morning!
Today we have a full-orchestra sunrise! Da-da-da-dum!
Today I need to prepare for tomorrow’s appointment.
When I tow the Best Little Trailer over to Valley Palms RV supply for the refrigerator installation and propane check, I’ll leave several items at our campsite at Midland LTVA. I want to give the workmen plenty of room.
For instance, the cabinet over the propane heater will be put on the blue mat. This will provide access to the channel that runs the length of the BLT and houses the propane line. (I’ll have to stack the drawers on the bed because I don’t want to leave the contents outside where critters can invade.) Stuff needs to be put away so I can move the cabinet tomorrow.
I’m the type that cleans house before the house cleaner person arrives.
Not that I’ve ever employed a house cleaner. Today I hope to have the ambition and energy to clean the Best Little Trailer. It seems proper that I do this for the arrival of our brand new refrigerator!
rvsue
NOTE: Please excuse me from appearing in the comments section. I’m not 100% back to full energy, although feeling stronger every day. Thank you for participating in my absence. — Sue
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I count eleven new Desert Lily plants around our campsite! (That’s a quarter in the photo to give you an idea of size.) Follow this link to see photos of Desert Lily blooms.
If you’re in the desert this time of year, be careful where you step (or drive) because the Desert Lily sprouts are easily overlooked and damaged.
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