From time to time I like to change things up on my blog.
It’s a grab bag.
You might pull up stories about people whom the crew and I meet on our travels. Other times a show-and-tell appears about a boondock, campground, or even an RV park. Occasionally a situation is presented for readers to contemplate and, if so inclined, to discuss in the comments section.
Like I said, it’s a grab bag.
You never know what you’ll get.
There are travelogue posts and puttering-around-camp posts. One post might be about the antics of the canine crew, another about where an RVer can get the best melon ever, another giving the ins and outs of waste tank management.
Whatever strikes my fancy and fits my mood when I open up my laptop is what I write about.
In short, this blog is a mess.
Oh, well. . .
Today I feel like posting what I learned about rabbitbrush.
At this time of year the yellow blooms of rabbitbrush adorn the western United States. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, a member of the sunflower family, is all over the place!
I’d like to share some fun facts with you.
I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on the subject of rabbitbrush. The information and statements in quotation marks within this post are taken out of a plant guide from NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Ahem . . . If the people in the back row would stop their talking, we’ll get started. . . . Okay, thank you.”
~ ~ ~
Reggie and Roger, our adventurous canine hikers, lead us through the rabbitbrush at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, aka Red Cliffs Desert Preserve, a few miles northwest of St. George, Utah.
From the plant guide:
“Yellow rabbitbrush is native to western North America.”
“It has been found from British Columbia, south to California and east to Nebraska, Colorado, Montana and New Mexico.”
“Yellow rabbitbrush is browsed by large game and livestock. It is considered desirable fall
forage for cattle, sheep, horses, elk and antelope, and spring forage for deer.”
“Black-tailed jackrabbits consume large quantities of yellow rabbitbrush during winter and early spring when plants are dormant.”
“Yellow rabbitbrush provides cover and nesting habitat for sage-grouse, small birds and rodents.”
“Yellow rabbitbrush has been used by a variety of Native American peoples.”
Paiute Indians used yellow rabbitbrush to treat colds and coughs, and the Hopi Indians used yellow rabbitbrush as a dermatological aid.”
“The Gosiute and Paiutes used the latex from the roots as a chewing gum.”
“Hopi and Navajo people used the flowers to create orange and yellow dye.”
That concludes our lesson on rabbitbrush, more than just a pretty plant.
Class dismissed!
rvsue
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Just got the notice!
Always love reading your blog.
Thank you, Joy. Again you’re first! WOW!
That’s good information. I like to know what I’ll be seeing.
Hi, Calvin . . . .A little knowledge does make the experience richer.
Good morning! Interesting post today, I never knew so much about rabbit bush.
A funny thing happens sometime when I post. I will write out a missive, post it and when it is actually posted part of it is missing! Maybe I get too wordy and and being given my comeuppance!
Have a great day!
Thanks, LeeJ. You have a great day, too.
Well, that is weird. Are you sure the rest doesn’t show up later?
Very informative!
Hi, Sarvi!
Sarvi,
Prayers for your Mom’s healing.
Your indomitable spirit is truly an inspiration.
OMG !!! those hurricane fries!!! I’m so starving now. mmmmm.
deluxe nachos, double mmmmmmm
Your pics of Oregon made me so homesick.
Loving these pics of yours and blog entries, Sue and Boys, as I was just out where you are for the month of September.
And who knew Rabbitbush could yield so many things…PLUS, keep us totally on the edge of our collective seats reading about it on a modern day blog.
So, what’s for dinner, Sue? I am so hungry, totally without ideas and looking for ideas!! No matter what you are eating or snacking on, you make it sound so
scrumptious.
A.
Gosh, Anne, how did you know I fell off my diet! The crew and I are presently eating Tillamook Caramel Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Sheesh, I can’t sneak anything by a blogorino…. 🙂
that’s so terrific!!!
since you didn’t reply right away, i grabbed a bag of “emergency” m&m’s while the microwave “fried” the extra butter popcorn…for dessert, doncha know.
yeah, this is me falling off my diet as well. and I was being so successful. Back on the diet wagon in the morning.
but that ice cream sounds delish!!!
and I LOVE Tillamook ice cream.
A.
Anne…. I hate to say this but it must be said: I don’t think we’re a good influence on each other.
🙂
I love Tillimook everything 😃they make the best ice cream, cheese, yogurt. I used to travel with Tillamook cheese to family in other states and countries. Never knew if they were happier to see me or the cheese in my luggage. JK
Thanks!
Good Afternoon, Love the lesson today. I think I would enjoy anything you write about.
Good afternoon, Helen. What a nice compliment. Thank you.
I really liked the rabbit brush tour guides of R&R to help point out the interesting brush!
Hi, Dawn,
I think Roger would add something to “Yellow rabbitbrush provides cover . . . for sage-grouse, small birds and rodents.”
Lizards! He loves to chase lizards out of the rabbitbrush. 🙂
I feel very informed. We were in Arizona earlier this year and had no idea what that yellow plant was. Thanks for sharing…I’m ready for the quiz.
Ha! I knew someone would mention a quiz. 🙂
Hi, Joe….. Yellow is a popular color in desert plants. Another beauty is brittlebush which is dome-shaped and can be seen on roadsides. I think it blooms in spring. The leaves are a light blue-green. Very pretty, seems more tender than rabbitbrush.
Sue, this was a delightful blog with lots of info accompanied by “Buddy Walks”. Reg seems to be posing for the camera, while Roger seems to be part bloodhound/lover of the blooms. Either way, I love your story telling with words and photos…It always sends me searching for more and makes me laugh out loud, both are good for lowering my blood pressure. Thanks Sue, Reg and Rog!
Take Care
You’re welcome, Deena, and thanks for your nice comment.
Roger is much more inquisitive than Reggie. You can see in the photos how he’s frequently in the lead. Reggie is more thoughtful and cautious. I like the last photo before I signed off… the one with the glowing rock mountain in the distance. Roger is lizard hunting while Reggie seems to be awestruck, taking in the bigger picture. Typical!
Wahoo! Top Ten again! That’s me!
Calvin and Hobbs, err Roger and Reggie, look quite relieved that class is dismissed! Quite often Mormon Tea is found alongside Rabbitbrush, right?
Mormon tea? I’ll have to look that one up. Darn, I’m running out of charge again….
Okay, I looked at pics of Mormon Tea. I’ve seen that plant before. I don’t remember it being around the rabbitbrush at Red Cliffs though…
Lots of big sage as you can see in the photos of this post. The sage plants in that area have beautiful, graceful plumes — lovely complement visually to the rabbitbrush.
Sue, Thanks for taking the time to respond and look up Mormon Tea. I remember on our many trips to the Moab, Natural Bridges National Monument, and Zion area, the numerous roadside placards describing Rabbitbrush and Mormon Tea, Yes, sage, abound aplenty!
Your blog is not a mess. Its fun, every time!!
Thanks, Linda Rose! 🙂
Hi Sue, Beautiful photos to go along with your “class material” – enjoyed learning about Rabbitbrush. I hope to see it in person some day…my one and only time out west was in the summer and I don’t remember seeing it in bloom. Very pretty.
Thanks, millie,
I hope you see rabbitbrush in bloom, too. When you do, think of me and the crew!
Is it going to a multiple choice test? Ha.
😃
Hi, Dave,
As long as it isn’t an essay question, right? 🙂
Can’t find the Amazon link! Have you dropped out of the program? Moved the link to someplace different? Or maybe I’m just crazy. I do need to place a kind of emergency order and hate for you to not get the commission.
Use any link on the top right side to get to Amazon- the camera, outdoor mat or benchmark ones will take you there,then just type what you want in the search box. Hope this helps.
Thank you, weather!
I removed the little link at the bottom in keeping with the rules. Just use one of the readers links at the bottom of post or the ones weather mentioned and then shop. I’m glad you asked, Suzette. Thanks.
I thought you were up a bit late last night! I too was wondering where the new link was.
Although I have been reading your blog for a bit now, this is my first time to comment.
I love your blog, regardless of your topic. I love your sense of humor (Ahem…if the people in the back row….).
Someday, I hope to hit the open road as you have, but for now, family obligations keep me in one place.
Thank you for generously sharing your life with us.
My pleasure, Cheri. Welcome to blogorinoland! Thank you for reading my blog and for the compliment on my writing. I’m happy to see you here. The more voices we have, the more interesting my blog becomes. 🙂
Yes, family comes first. I hope you realize your dream when the time is right.
*Grabbin my books and getting out of here* I thought she was gunna yak all school day.
Meeetin some buddies behind the auditorium for a quick smoke now. J/K
Ha! Hi, Jim,
So true! Kids would do the slow walk on the way into class and leave like they were shot from cannons.
I always enjoy the variety of your posts, Sue!
That’s great, Cynthia, because I don’t think I could stand keeping to one format or topic!
Thank you for the info on the Rabbitbrush, it is a very versatile bush. I like hearing about the plants and flowers at your stops.
Good to know, Lisa!
I like to touch on aspects that readers enjoy… some like history, others want to follow an itinerary on their map or get the details on a camp, some like listening to the birds I photograph, or reading and seeing the plants and flowers… Gives me lots of topics from which to choose!
To me that’s the wonderful thing about travel, you learn about many different aspects of the locations you visit: history, geography, wildlife, plants and trees. I’m pretty sure your blog followers are interested in it all!
Good point about travel, Paula. It fuels one’s curiosity. That’s one reason I’m thrilled to have many readers traveling vicariously through my blog. If someone can’t travel bodily, for whatever reason, they can travel along with me and the crew and learn all these different things, as I’m learning them.
You’ve been with us a long time, Paula. Your first comment was in May 2014. Thank you for making my blog a better place!
Once a teacher, always a teacher! And we’re never too old to learn something!
I love the variety of your posts…..something different, but always good!
Hi, Anna,
I looked up all your comments and was impressed by how consistently you express a positive attitude. Your first comment was in August of 2014, a condolence message regarding Spike. Thank you for being a part of my blog, Anna. I hope you and your pups are well and happy.
Great post. The yellow and other colors in contrast to the red earth and the glowing mountains are a feast for the eyes. It almost feels like I could crawl into the picture and walk with you. Of course, I would have to bring my dogs along too and mayhem would reign I am afraid. I have a girl Roger and a big dog that thinks he is small and would be after everything that moved. I like the variety in your posts so don’t change a thing. Be safe
Thanks, Jean.
Yes, there would be pandemonium! Your big dog goes after everything that moves and so does Roger.
I love the way you described feeling like you could crawl inside my photo and walk with us. For me, that’s what good photos do! Thanks for the compliment.
You be safe, too.
I like to learn things, particularly about flowers and nature. Thanks
I like your “grab bag” style. It’s one of the best things about your blog. Held together by your consistent good writing and humor, your eye behind a camera, and of course the cute crew.
Interesting comment, Ronda. I hadn’t thought about all the different topics being “held together.” Nice. Thank you.
Sounds delicious, Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup Coffee. So, is it great! Sorry I’m off the rabbit bush topic.
Hi, Mona,
We don’t have to talk about rabbitbrush. 🙂 I mean, how much can one say after I beat that horse into the ground? Haha.
Yeah, the coffee does sound good…. great for the winter holiday season.
I just had to go back and look at my pictures. On my recent trip John Day Fossil Bed Nat. Mon. I took a nice picture of a jack rabbit. I wondered if he was surrounded by Rabbitbrush. It would have been a classic photo if it had been. Eh? But no he was surrounded by big beautiful sage with just a few small scraggly Rabbitbrush plants. Oh well it’s still in my vacation photo album. It was fun to see him. He just froze n posed right there for me. I think he was down wind from my dogs and knew if he held still they wouldn’t see him. Or maybe he’d never seen wiener dogs before. Haha
Hi, Ronda,
You know that rabbits freeze like that so they can blend into the background.
There wasn’t much rabbitbrush in the photo because he ate it (lightly seasoned with sage)! 🙂
😃
Side note: John Day Fossil Bed National Monument
Isn’t that an long name? And it doesn’t stop there. It has 3 units. If anyone goes there do not skip the Clarno Unit. It’s small and not really on the way to anywhere. However, the 1/4 mile fossil trail is not to be missed. You don’t have to hike from the parking lot(tho that’s only half a mile and level) you can drive to a pull out on the side of the road near the trail and arch. The fossil loop trail is steep and rocky but not difficult and very short with plenty of large rocks to take a break on if your not a hiker. The fossil trail has little signs with detailed descriptions next to about 10 fossils, but if you take the time to search on your own you’ll find hundreds. I don’t know how many we found and we spent about an hour on that little loop. All plants, but the animals over at Blue Basin were replicas behind plexiglass. It was fun to see the real thing and search for some myself.
If you’re used to Utah’s arches you’ll laugh at this one. I bet it looks cool on the few occasions water flows through it,but nothing to drive out of your way for. If you’re interested in geology go for the fossils.
I do believe that’s what I have just taken some photos of! Campground on the outskirts of Denver on the west side. I’ll have to identify…
Managing here. In a fairgrounds campground now – considering applying for workamping but at first blush internet seems to have run afoul of gremlins. Also concerned about the upcoming winter/storms and being able to get south when it’s time for the RTR. So not sure but it’s worth considering if they would consider a month commitment.
Latest mechanic thinks the issue will be resolved with a new fan clutch to prevent the engine from getting so hot. I dunno. I’m at their mercy. They also did some choke adjustments and found some issues with two of my auto fuses which is a little concerning and odd (but shouldn’t have caused the stumbling-on-hills-in-the-afternoon-problem.
Went to dump black tank and nothing came out – new valve gates – so hopefully just needed more water (shouldn’t have been frozen at that point in the day). Tomorrow morning will try again. It’s the little things like this that are keeping me from fully relaxing. Have to learn…to let things go, worry when they really become a problem, relax FASTER 🙂
Thanks again for the rabbitbrush info!!!!! And, safe journeys 🙂
It’s good of you, Dawn, to write these updates for us. You give a very real snapshot of life on the road. I do hope the “kinks” will be worked out of your rig soon so you can relax.
I was thinking about you the other day. Unlike me, you really took off into this lifestyle. What I mean is… you “jumped into the deep end.” And obviously you’re up to the challenges that have come your way.
My first weeks on the road were much more ….what do I say? cautious? sedate? I spent several weeks hooked up to shore power at a NM state park. And here you are, across the country in Denver, and dealing with mechanical issues. Good job! I’m impressed!
RV Sue and crew is like a box of chocolates….never know what you’ll get!!
Funny! Hi, Ladybug!
Feeling so educated! Just yesterday, I learned from you that sagebrush is not rabbitbrush. Now, I’m amazed at the versatility of rabbitbrush. Another thing today’s blog brought to mind: your delicious-sounding ice cream is now making me crave my favorite. It’s peppermint stick ice cream with hot fudge topping. With whipped cream and a cherry on top, of course! Such influence from this blog.
Well, Judy…I do not accept responsibility for over-indulgence in ice cream, peppermint stick or otherwise. Hee-hee.
Don’t think I’ve ever had peppermint stick ice cream. I’ve always avoided the mint flavors because I associate mint with toothpaste. I’m gonna’ hafta’ get me some chocolate soon though. I don’t bring it home because I can’t share it with the crew. I’ll have to hide behind the BLT to indulge. 🙂
Have you happened into a pumpkin pie/pumpkin spice milkshake yet? I had one last night….yum-MY!!!!
Your blog is entertaining and a wealth of information….not to mention cyber friendships made..so keep up the good work!
We all come for different reasons….
Rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight! You are part of our lives..whether you know it or not!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Rotisserie chicken saves the day! Apparently it’s very popular because even in small groceries I often find the little warmer with those beauties waiting for someone to take them home.
You are a part of my life, too! 🙂
Can’t find the Amazon link from your page? Did I miss something.
Mona, you need to enter Amazon through any one of the blue links on the right side or at the bottom of the post. It doesn’t matter if they are for products you don’t want. You can search for what you want once you get on the site and that’s how you get there. It’s the strange rules of Amazon.
I had to remove it, Mona, to be in compliance. Just go to Amazon using any of the links and that works. Thank you.
Who knew rabbitbrush could do all those things? But of course, people and creatures use what’s around and rabbitbrush is everywhere there.
I was going to say, Does Roger like to smell it?, when, lol and behold, there he is in a photo giving it a good sniff!
Nice hiking around there.
The weather has turned here in a Western WA. Now, it’s cloudy and rainy and the temps are falling. Sigh. The nice fall weather was pleasant while it lasted.
This will be my first winter in an RV. I’m nervous as heck. I am anchored here in western WA and will not be traveling (no tow truck and don’t want one). I’ve been doing all sorts of weatherization projects. I just hope I can keep it warm, dry, and that it doesn’t break the bank. Fingers crossed!
Hi, ValGal,
Your first winter in an RV and you’re in western Washington. We have some blogorinos from that area… You get more rain than cold, right?
You probably know this but I’ll mention it anyway…. Make sure you’re stocked with good warm clothes. It makes such a big difference. For instance, to bed I wear a man’s long-sleeved thermal undershirt and thick fleece pants with socks. I’ve even worn a quilted vest over the thermal shirt. Then add two warm pups… 🙂
To answer your question: Roger sniffs plants. Reggie doesn’t. He sniffs the ground instead. Don’t know why they’re different that way.
Don’t be nervous…. Take it one day at a time. And be sure to let us know how it goes…
A stocking cap is good too, one loose enough to be comfortable all night yet snug enough for it to stay on.
Speaking of stocking caps:
**PAULINE ? * * Are you still making stocking caps for people with long hair? I’m interested. I didn’t get one last year but meant to.
Ronda… You can see Pauline’s crocheted items and place an order, if you wish, at her Facebook page, “Nana’s Off The Hook.” 🙂
Oh thank you
Greetings Sue, and all the blogorinos out there,
I guess I am late. Todays topic is the yellow rabbit bush. Still I’d like to make an obervation that I thought about yesterday… about energy..
Anyone who has traveled in an RV knows that you need a certain amount to energy: physical and mental. Don’t sell yourself short. The world out there is so lovely that most of us walk a little bit, to enjoy that beauty. Many walks add up. Think of every time you haul yourself up and down the step(s) of your rig – it adds up!
Mental energy is needed to drive your RV from one place to another, often through traffic. A cup of coffee is at my side at these times to boost my concentration.
Larry and I just completed a three month trip in our Casita. We hope to do this as long as we are able and like AZ Jim we will arm chair travel through the blog when we can’t do it anymore.
At times throughout the years we have been to boondocks that you have blogged about Sue. It’s great that you vet them for us. (like Kenny Flats, Roosevelt Lake and Poverty Flats). My dear husband’s favorite activity is to grab his Benchmark Atlas and check out the areas you have visited, following your travels on his maps and researching areas of interest for a future camping trip.
I bet all the blogorinos will tell you how much joy you bring to our lives Sue. And when we can’t be “out there” – you, are there.
I am inspired by the joy (and energy) exhibited in the blog’s word and photos. My favorite posts are when you overflow with peace and contentment. It’s catching! It seems that when you are happy, I am smiling at my computer screen.
(no pressure though :>)
You give us something valuable. In return we want to place all our Christmas orders through your site.
Good wishes to you and your two best friends!
Oh, Lois. What a touching tribute. Yes, I’ll call it a tribute because that’s how you made me feel — as if I’m standing on a stage being handed a lifetime achievement award or something. Haha! It tickles me that your husband looks up our camps in his Benchmark and follows the roads we take, planning for your trips. Tell him I’m happy to have him riding along on the bench seat in the PTV!
Thank you so much for writing, Lois. I teared up (in a happy way). 🙂
Blessings on you and your house.
I meant to mention… I enjoyed your thoughts on energy. Yes, it does take both kinds of energy, yet I’ve found the old axiom to be true… “The more you do, the more you can do” (barring physical disability, of course).
I do the same thing and mapcheck your blog episodes/.Although we only snowbird out west for 3 months I check out all the places that you go, especially in Utah, our favorite state for camping.This year we are going to spend some time beach camping in Texas.Last year was Big Bend NP another favorite.
Hi, chas,
I’d love to hear about “beach camping in Texas.” I hope you’ll share here.
hi Sue! it’s been a while since i wrote to you and i wanted to let you know that i have been reading along all the time.
i also wanted to let you know i have finished vol 8 of the Lord Ramage books by Dudley Pope that you recommended last year!! i love them. i am not someone that would ever want to go sailing on the ocean, let alone do it in the 1790’s, yet these books are so vivid and interesting. the history comes alive and it is good to learn more about that era.
any new books to share? take care
Hi, bess!
I’m happy to hear from you again and glad to know you keep up with my blog. Yeah, those Ramage books are captivating. I hated it when there were no more for me to read!
I just finished reading Larry McMurtry’s (Lonesome Dove) Berrybender series. There are four books in the series. If you haven’t read them already… The first book introduces the characters and they are a very shallow bunch, but don’t be put off by that. As the story continues the characters grow and mature, all against the backdrop of the West, and by the last book you’ve journeyed with these people through all sorts of adventures, joys, and calamities.
When I return to the desert Southwest I get the urge to read Westerns. 🙂
Thanks, Sue. I will view that rabbit brush that lines our daily walks in a new light. And, BTW, I appreciate your varied topics. Same old, same old stuff gets boring, but not yours!
I agree, Mary. It can be boring to write as well as to read. Lately I’ve written a lot of the travelogue type posts attempting to catch up to real time. I had to do something different and it turned out to be a rabbitbrush lesson. 🙂 Thanks for the compliment.
I wish rabbitbrush bloomed when we are in the desert sw in Jan-Mar, but we do enjoy the foliage. Other things bloom, but I would like to see rb. Your guide says it grows in my area, but I guess there is some much to see that I overlook the rb. Thanks for the educational moment.
Hi, Kevin,
You might not have rabbitbrush in your area or, like you say, it’s easily overlooked. It isn’t always as luxuriant as what you see in these photos. It can be small and straggly.
Yeah, lots of other things to see in Colorado. 🙂
Hi, Kevin. I lived for years in Pueblo. Rabbit brush grows abundantly in the desert of southern Colorado.
Take a walk on any of the trails around the reservoir there. My favorite creature was the mockingbird.
I ordered a bunch of stuff from Amazon & I thought I did it through your site; now I’m not sure I did it right. There was an electric motor for a slide out (long story) so maybe you can tell if it “worked”or not. A repairman told me a new one would cost $250 but I saw it on Amazon so decided to have one on hand.
I certainly agree that your blog is always interesting & usually different; no same old same old, & for that I am so pleased I found it (the blog). And the photos & writing are top of the line. Too much of what I read in the daily newspaper & magazines is very poorly composed, badly spelled & shows little knowledge.So your blog is much appreciated!
Thank you, Maryanne, for that description of my blog. I agree about newspapers and magazines. The errors are appalling, not to mention the content is usually poor.
Yes, I saw the motor for a slide-out! I almost put it in the list at the end of the post. Thank you! I hope your repair went well.
Is this going to be on the test?
Boy, I’ve heard that question more than once! Hi, Donna!
Hi Sue, I think the rabbitbrush is beautiful! I like learning about new-to-me things from your blog. You may have said before and I missed it, but do you have a recommendation for a book to learn more about desert flora?
I love the way Roger is so fascinated by plants and flowers. I used to have a dog who loved to smell the flowers also. Her nickname was Ferdinand after an old children’s story about a bull who preferred smelling flowers to fighting. Happy trails to you and the crew!
Thank you, Paula,
No, I don’t have a book recommendation for desert plants… I have a few such books that I found in thrift stores, but I rely more on the internet where I can do a search for a certain color of desert blooms and then browse the group to find the correct ID. DesertUSA is a good choice. Other times I’ll do a search for images of, say, “yellow desert flower.” Then I look over the photos until I find a match. Usually the photos have a label of the plant name or I click on the web site of the photographer.
Thanks, Sue. I bookmarked DesertUSA 🙂
My grandma was a medicine woman. We had one Hogan dedicated to strictly hold nothing but dried plants and herbs. I love to sneak in to smell the wonderful herbal smells. Anyway, rabbit brush was one that was always hanging up in the ‘medicine Hogan.’ People traveled for miles around to get ‘prescriptions’ filled by grandma for this or that ailment. Sage and Mormon tea were also among the hanging plants. Mormon tea is found at about 5,000 feet elevation and above. The tea can be used to dye wool and many other uses. Some can be used in cooking i.e. sage, pinion, prickly pear fruit, succulents and other desert flowers and plants. I wish I had learned all that grandma knew. I lost a tremendous amount of cultural teachings because I was away in boarding school learning the ‘white man’s way.’ I just recently learned to weave (my mother was an excellent Wide Ruins weaver). I have trouble to this day with my Navajo and my English languages…I can’t get technical unless I study first haha. Sometimes I’m thrown a curve ball with new words I’ve never heard before or read in books, magazines, or newspapers….have to look it up! It can sometimes be embarrassing if a new word is used in conversation….have to sheepishly ask what ‘the word’ means…haha. Anyway, I have to ask sisters how grandma and mom used the rabbit brush.
I’m impressed by a detail in your comment, Rita — that you “ask what the word means.” That shows a healthy intellect (mind over vanity). Plus you like to see new places and learn new things. Good luck with your weaving!
What a shame you lost the opportunity to learn more from your grandma. You were blessed by what you experienced with her.
I loved this post!! And the pictures were just beautiful. Great to see Roger she is still smelling the flowers.
Hi, Barbara… Thank you for complimenting me on the photos. I can’t take all the credit since I didn’t create the rabbitbrush, just recorded it. I don’t want to lose sight of that! 🙂
Roger is in charge of reminding us to “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Wow you really caught the light just right highlighting the yellow rabbitbrush…gorgeous. The boys are adorable as usual. My little Peenut would love to play with them she is a little clown. We are so lucky to adopt her.
Peenut!!! That is funny! I bet she is an adorable “little clown.” I’m happy for all of you!
I learn so much from this blog and the comments! When we do get out west, I will be ready! The few times we were in the south west, we were zooming by headed to a specific destination. Your daily walks inspire me to do the same! We will slow down and enjoy everything!
Rita – Thanks for sharing your memories about your grandma! So very interesting!
Hi, Laurie… I hope when you are in the West again you will be able to make your destination where you are at any moment.
Leave the zooming for crazed chihuahuas! 🙂
You’re welcome Laurie. I learn so much from RVSue’s blog…love it.
Hi Sue, the randomness of your topics is such an enjoyable part of your blog. It is like opening a surprise gift every time it hits my mailbox. It is your ‘style’ and a much appreciated one!
Thank you, Jan! I appreciate you telling me that. 🙂
LOVED this post RVSue!!! I learn something new every time you post. Still missing the road. xxoo
Thanks, Krystina. Thinking about you, I imagine you miss the gang of crafters you met while camped at Wellton, AZ. You may not see this but I’ll ask anyway… Ever consider spending a few months at that RV park during the coldest part of VT winters? Maybe snowbirding would be right for you?
Now that we have learned all about Rabbitbrush – lets set our sights on Beargrass!! It is a beautiful plant!! Hopalong (Rog) and Tagalong (Reg) look mighty fine among the rabbitbrush.
Hopalong and Tagalong! Those names fit my boys perfectly, Jenny! 🙂
Well gee, the variety keeps it interesting. I actually thought you did that on purpose. Not a mess at all! I loved the rabbitbrush post!
I do jump around with topics on purpose. I learned early in life that making messes is fun! I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Pam.
The most important thing about rabbitbrush is that it shows off the handsome coloring of Roger and Reggie.
Aww…. That’s true! 🙂
Hi Sue,
Long time!
I’ll add one more note on Rabbitbrush. It’s said that when the rabbitbrush blooms the piñon nuts are ripe for harvest.
When I was down in New Mexico last fall I harvested a nice tub of piñon nuts. That’s when I learned of the rabbitbrush being an indicator.
Gee, Robert, it’s a special treat for me to see your comment here!
Interesting tip about the rabbitbrush being an indicator of the ripeness of pinon nuts. Someone at some time long ago noticed the connection between the two plants. I imagine there are many, many ways to “read” the timing of plant cycles.
I’m wondering how you ate the pinon nuts. Did they go in recipes or eaten out of hand?
Reminds me of the pecans from my tree in GA. Put them on a baking sheet, drizzle them with honey and a bit of salt, roast them a short while…. *sigh*
Be happy, Robert!
You roast the pinion nuts like any other nut with shell on or shelled…I like mine salted like peanuts. Some add chili seasoning. BTW while traveling in Alaska, I learned the fireweed’s last blooms at the tippy top means winter is here.
I’ve roasted them like Rita mentioned but also raw.
Two things of note that I’ve heard are, the nuts are good for the joints, also when eaten raw you can develop a metallic taste on the tongue. This last one I can attest too. I ate a good handful and it must have taken a good week and a half to get rid of it. My shoulders felt great though!
I’ll have to roast the nuts alone to see if I can eliminate that metallic taste.
Give the crew a pat from me. I’ll have to meet them someday.
Cheers, Robert
Looking at the photos in this and the prior two posts I noticed how the yellow bloom on the rabbitbrush enhanced the beautiful scenery there. Then wondering what it would look like without it I did a web search for photos taken later in the year. You arrived just in time to see the place looking so particularly lovely. I really enjoy watching how often you’re given a special gift, and how much you appreciate each one. That you describe and emphasize them in different ways doesn’t make your blog a mess, it brings life to it, keeps it delightfully vibrant!
Thank you, weather. “delightfully vibrant” — What a wonderful description of my blog!
During the years that I’ve lived on the road there have been innumerable instances of arriving “just in time.” Sometimes in a matter of minutes, like when the moose gallumphed across the road in front of us in MT or the mama grizzly and her cubs in WY. . . . the family driving cattle in UT or the desert lilies in “superbloom” in southeastern CA… on and on it goes making my life “delightfully vibrant.” 🙂
Sometimes, for the fun of it, while relaxing in my lounger, I’ll try to recall all the rivers by which we’ve camped. Next time I’m counting my blessings I’ll see how many “arrived just in time” gifts I can recall.
I’m sure you could put together such a list of your own gifts of great and glorious timing, too!
Don’t forget Roger arrived just in time!
That’s right!
Well, Sue, there are a lot of words to describe your blog and “mess” isn’t one of them. So glad you have a sense of humor when introducing a new topic. We enjoy the entire “ride.” Love and hugs to the pups.
Thank you, Applegirl. I hope all is well at your house. You’ve had a lot to overcome in recent months, and yet, here you are, writing a comment and being faithful to my blog. I appreciate that.
Love and hugs to you, too!
Heads up blogorinos! Kidde Fire Extinguisher recall.
Check your model number! House, vehicle, RV and TT
Be safe!
We now return to your regular scheduled blog..😀
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Kidde-Recalls-Fire-Extinguishers-with-Plastic%20Handles-Due-to-Failure-to-Discharge-and-Nozzle-Detachment-One-Death-Reported
The teacher in you really came out in this post. And I loved the R&R Assistant Tour Guides. I kept wondering if we were going to see a little extra “yellow” added to the yellow rabbitbrush – but I guess you left those photos out!!! We had our first real rain this morning – just a steady drizzle – but it was so nice. I took the dogs down to the harbor to walk and of course they had to roll in the wet sand. And of course I let them!!
Hope you and the crew are staying warm and comfy.
Funny 😃
Now this is the type of class I wish I had more of when I was in school. Who needs recess in this kind of classroom?
Sue, just keep messin’ up your blog. It would have to get pretty gosh darn messy before you would hear any complaints from me! I’ve always appreciated the tousled look rather than a manicured look. Thus, my style of housekeeping! Lived, lived-in, and let it be is all about me.
Thanks for the lesson and keep that pot stirred-makes for good stuff.—Audrey
Will do, Audrey!Thanks for the encouragement.
I just ordered a small set of watercolor brushes – sort of a test order for our granddaughter’s birthday before the larger Christmas orders. I think I did it right, by clicking on one of the items other blogorinos ordered and then ordering my item. Let me know if it doesn’t show up.
I see it, Rochelle. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Sue- Your blog is not a mess! Changing topics keeps us interested and now I know about rabbitbush. I will actually know what it is when I see it. Being a master gardener in the east, I know plants, but not western plants. So all good to know. Carry on!
Okay…. Master gardener, eh? I’m impressed!
Messy not. More like a bridge mix of topics and facts put together in a way that is educational and entertaining. I always like it when there is a something I can learn when reading.
Does the rabbitbrush have a strong smell? I believe that is the plant that made my wife sneeze every time we saw it.
Mark
Hi, Mark,
“Bridge mix of topics”… I like that!
I didn’t notice a strong smell. When I have a sneezing smell in the desert, I suspect it’s from dust in the air.
Hi, Mark,
“Bridge mix of topics”… I like that!
I didn’t notice a strong smell. When I have a sneezing spell in the desert, I suspect it’s from dust in the air.
The pics of R & R are great !!! What a happy pair! An 80 yr young gal in our park just adopted a Jack Russell/ Chihuahua mix only 2 years old! She would give your boys a run for their $$$ . Thankfully very well trained. Nick name Rocket girl ! Extra biscuits to the boys and you better quit all that ice cream!!!
Hi, Chuck! Just returned from the store. Passed the freezer case. Did not pick up ice cream 🙂
HAPPY SATURDAY, BLOGORINOS!
I don’t know if anyone will see this. . . . .
Update: The crew and I moved camp yesterday. Today we are on the road again, going further south. Beautiful day in the desert. We are parked in a pull-out for Reg and Rog to walk around before reaching our new camp.
I hope your day is all you want it to be!
Bye for now,
Sue
Thanks, I wondered where you’d been. I hope you like your new camp when you get there. Just a reminder, except in Arizona, everyone has to turn their clock back an hour tonight, so starting tomorrow sunrise will be early 🙂
I was just idly wondering when you would post again. Thanks!
Sue, got the following from a friend regarding National Park Campgrounds. Some of your blogerinos may find it helpful. If you’d rather not have this in your Comments, just delete…won’t hurt my feelings a bit.
As of May 9, 2012, Fred and Suzi Dow have completed research on 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, 1 national tallgrass prairie and 2,383 developed campgrounds. Some information also provided for dispersed camping locations. Research of campgrounds with 10 or more designated sites in all national forests in the U.S.A. is completed. The authors are NOT employed by the Forest Service.”
https://www.forestcamping.com/
Hi Sue. Thanks so much for the update. Whenever I haven’t seen a new post in a bit I always check the end of the comments to see if you gave us an update. I hope you found a great new camp. Looking forward to your next post, whenever you have the time to do it.
There’s so much of it across the southwest – more this year? Chewing gum – cool!!
It’s especially pretty against the red dirt. The boys are clearly appreciating the pretty colors 🙂
I’m a bit late to the party, but wanted to thank you for the lesson on rabbitbrush. I learn so much from your blog Sue, and really appreciate everything you have to share with us.
Dear SUE, I know I’m a little late commenting and hope you will see this. Your blog is never a mess, always interesting, with loads of information of one sort or another and the pictures, clear, great framing, sharp as a bees’ stinger and always a joy to look at. Brings back memories of when we lived in the southwest years ago. You keep doing things the way you like, mix it up, keeps us on our toes. Thanks for all the hard work you put into to your blog to take us along. It is greatly appreciated.