Remembering Turtle times and butterflies

Tuesday, December 6

p1150326-001Early light over Lake Mead

Reggie and I move south!

The Perfect Tow Vehicle carries us along Lake Mead on Lakeshore Drive.  Route 93 takes us through Boulder City where I do a double-take at a scene alongside the highway . . . .

Wow!  A herd of bighorn sheep!

There they are right next to the pavement, on a median between the highway and another paved road, grazing like cattle! Buildings are in the background.  The sheep don’t look up as we go by.

By the time I realize what I just saw, we’re past them. 

A short distance away on the shoulder of the highway a motorist stands next to a police officer who is writing something on a pad of paper. I don’t think they’re sharing recipes.

I’d better not turn around and park for a photo.  I wouldn’t want to startle the sheep or that officer . . . .  Gosh, what a sight!  Oh, well.  I like it better when they’re climbing the side of a cliff anyway, like I saw at Poverty Flats . . . .

We turn onto Route 95, due south.

The road stretches ahead of us in a straight line, slicing through the creosote bushes of El Dorado Valley.  After several miles Reggie whines.  I park the PTV at a pull-out and he does his business.

“That’s a Joshua Tree, Reg.”

p1150330At Searchlight, I slow the PTV to 25 mph.

Good thing I do because a police car follows us.

Seems like the last time I drove through this town a police car followed me . . . .  

We pass the casino in the center of town.  Numerous signs point the way to the slots.   Others announce where to buy the best jerky.

We keep going south on Route 95 into California.

Interstate 40 takes us east to Needles. We take the exit to continue on Route 95 south.  Reggie wakes up.

“It’s not much further, sweetheart.  You’ve been a good boy.  Hang on.  We’ll be there soon.”

We pass through two rock cliffs opening to a wide, flat plain on the other side.  

I remember driving along this stretch of road, searching for possible boondocks. Discovering boondocks is fun.  It’s also a nice feeling knowing where our next camp will be.  Oh, there’s Turtle Mountain!  The road should be along here soon . . . .

I spot the kiosk set back from the road. 

This is the place!  

I turn onto Turtle Mountain Road and follow it to the same place where we camped in November 2015 (next photo).

p1080419

As I set up camp, I remember.

Reggie meeting an ocotillo for the first time . . . .

p1080380

Bridget tiptoeing daintily through a narrow wash . . .

p1080437

Reggie facing off with the big, bad, barrel cactus . . .

p1080446

I don’t unhitch or set up an outdoor room. 

We may not stay here long.  Reggie and I walk up the road toward the Turtle Mountains.  He’s thrilled to be exploring again!   We walk through the next campsite, a clear and flat area of hard surface with a few fire rings made of rocks. It’s enormous.

You could fit ten big rigs or more in this area.

We come to a large palo verde growing between the road and a wide wash. 

This is where I saw the butterflies flying against the wind . . . .

p1150333

I haven’t driven the road all the way into the mountains. 

There probably are good boondocks up that way.  I haven’t looked because the road becomes very deep sand (see photo above) and the camps would be cooler, due to increased elevation.

p1150334

Reggie and I find plenty of evidence of coyotes and rabbits.  The light breeze turns into wind and I become cold without a jacket.

“Okay, you’ve had your walk.  We need to go home.  I’m thinking a cup of hot tea would be perfect right now . . . .”

p1150336

When the sun sets, the air temperature drops further.  We’re cozy in our home.

p1150339

Wednesday, December 7

Cold and windy!  It’s so cold that Reggie doesn’t want to go for a walk.  Good thing, because I’m not taking him for one!

Except for necessary potty runs, all day we stay inside.  I spend a lot of time online, working on this blog and researching stuff.  I even do some housework!

p1150338

“Reggie, tomorrow we will go where it’s warmer and you won’t be cooped up all day.  I promise.”

rvsue

IMPORTANT NOTE:  In comments under the previous post and under this post, readers alerted us about the increase in price of the Senior Discount Pass.   If you’re 62 years or older, purchase your pass as soon as possible (this week) for $10 before the price goes up.  See those comments for details. — Sue

 THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

When you follow any of the links or ads you see on my blog, your Amazon purchases send a commission to “RVSue and her canine crew.”  Here are a few of the items recently ordered from Amazon by readers:

White Goose Down Comforter
Fire Tablet, 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB
Amazon Gift Card in a Black Gift Box
Frogg Toggs Women’s Jacket, Sea Foam
Wild Birds and Evergreens Jigsaw Puzzle
Hobbyzone Super Cub Remote Control Airplane

p1080400“Flying against the wind, lounging in the sun” – November 2015

CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!

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89 Responses to Remembering Turtle times and butterflies

  1. Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

    Hello.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      AGAIN? 🙂

      CONGRATULATIONS, KAT AND COOKIE DOG! FIRST PLACE!

      • Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

        Honest Sue I had just turned the computer on and it did updates. When the emails came in yours was at top of the list….amazing, I never used to think I would even be in the first 3. I must be getting lucky in my old age………LOL

  2. Susan in Dallas says:

    Wow, #2??

  3. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    The banner photo is stunning. The surprise insert of Bridge made me cry. I miss her. Hope you’ve found a warmer spot and have a lovely weekend.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cynthia,

      I didn’t want to make you cry. Yes, we’re in a warmer spot. Thank you. I hope your weekend is what you want it to be!

      TIED FOR SECOND PLACE!

      • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

        I know you didn’t mean to make me or anyone else cry, so I hope you know I didn’t mean it as a criticism. I’ve always been especially sentimental and emotional. My mother was the same way and I guess I got it from her. I remember being in my pre-teens and watching the Kodak “turn around” commercial on TV and just bawling my eyes out. Unfortunately, it hasn’t gotten any better as I’ve gotten (way) older!!

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I didn’t see it as criticism. I know you better than that (soft-hearted sweetie). 🙂 I was touched that seeing Bridget again caused your reaction.

  4. Velda says:

    Morning all!

  5. Marilyn Moore says:

    Good morning Sue n Reggie
    Happy Saturday.

  6. Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

    Loved seeing the older pictures of both Bridget and the butterflies! Looks like a nice place to stay but burr guess it’s getting cold out where you are. Of course back east it’s been in the teens this morning. Cookie dog still enjoyed being outside now that he has a ramp with carpeting to use instead of the front steps-getting old is hard for all of us. As always I love seeing your pictures!

  7. I remember that time when you and the crew where heading down that hwy and saw a lot of Dust, because of a car flipping, ,,, great photos Sue and post,, have a great weekend and stay safe and give Reggieman a huge hug from us, okay,,,, Rusty n Piper 🐾😎

  8. Virginia620 (AL) says:

    Need a nap. Couldn’t sleep after 3 a.m. so I Amazon shopped. 😐
    Going back to read this post. Know it’ll be great.

  9. Jan From MI now CA says:

    Possibly First?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Not quite, Jan. 🙂 I hope you are enjoying California!

    • Jan From MI now CA says:

      well there wasn’t any showing when I submitted this.
      Maybe top 10.
      Have been reading all along but haven’t posted much.
      Left MI for full time in class A in January and have been all across north route to Magalia, CA and now in Julian, CA. So far full-time has been great.
      Love the posts and pictures are always great. Trying to start my own blog but having hard time.

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Your first year full-timing! Fantastic, Jan! I’m very happy that you think it’s “great.” I bet you’ve made wonderful memories already. 🙂

        The learning curve for starting up a blog may seem very steep at first. It gets easier after a while. Good luck!

      • I look forward to your blog. I know where both Magalia and Julian are. In fact my Mom began her teaching career in Julian.

      • MelindaK (TX) says:

        Jan,

        Julian,CA is a dangerous place. The last time I was there I gained 10 lbs from all the pie I ate. 😀

  10. Chey (WA coast) says:

    Hi Sue,
    Look for an Amazon order NeuTab 10.1 inch Tablet, placed today.
    I’m looking forward to your new and warmer locale. Like Reggie, I can hardly wait!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Chey! The tablet hasn’t shown up yet. Sometimes it takes a day or two. I’ll let you know when it appears. Thank you very much!

  11. Lee J in northern California says:

    Traveling Sue and crew! I have promised myself that next summer I will do a solo trip. somewhere… my dear husband has no interest in doing just about anything, other than staying home, each person finds his own joy I suppose, and he supports me in my endeavors so I support him. I just did a camping trip with a dear friend and she is so into being OLD. Why is it so many people do that? She is healthy and has a few minor issues but most of us have, that reach retirement age. I refuse to give in and give up. I still have joy, love to experience new things… that four day camp out was an exercise in keeping my mouth shut, no more!
    That is how I see you, joyful and full of curiosty. That is what I want…joy…
    I saw my kindle showed up. I am working on my fourth one! Number three is used as my tablet and the new one is strictly for reading as it is small and light.. one morning amazon was offering a huge deal on this new small one..so I splurged!
    Have a wonderful day my dear!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Lee J,

      I love your attitude! Sure, it would be wonderful if your husband shared your interest in camping and going places, and also if your friend hadn’t succumbed to Being Old. That’s their reality and you see it for what it is. Rather than give up, you are looking forward to a solo trip next summer! Fantastic! I wish you much joy, Lee. Thanks for being so open and honest in your comments. I’m sure you are a positive influence to those in a similar situation.

  12. Dave Stewart (in missouri for now) says:

    G’Day Sue and blogerinos
    Thanks for the post about the senior pass going up. as usual I procrastinated. the post got me off my duff. got an email that it shipped.
    Did the same with my passport card. Got to thinking that i better git it done, applied for yesterday. now hope it gets here before i leave for quartzfest, the ham radio event in quartzsite. I plan on being there on the 21st of January.

    Sue did you mean interstate 40, or are the turtle mountains south of interstate 10?
    So much info here. hope you are enjoying the warmer weather there last several days here has beeen below 32F. burr!!!
    Dave

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      G’Day to you, fellow procrastinator! I’m glad you ordered the senior pass and passport card. It’s a good feeling to shorten the list, “What I Have To Do One of These Days.”

      I meant interstate 40. Sheesh. I’m making too many mistakes lately. Pay attention, RVSue! Thanks for pointing that out.

      Yes, it is much warmer at our present camp and it feels good. Wish I could do something about your temps!

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        BTW, Dave…. I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to hear about the ham radio event. I hope you will let us know something about it. When you get around to it… hee-hee. 🙂

        • Dave Stewart (in missouri for now) says:

          If you want to know more about the ham radio event in quartz site just Google quartzfest 2017 or follow this link
          http://www.quartzfest.org basically is a week long event for amateur radio event for learning, and seeing people that you may talk to all year.

          • rvsueandcrew says:

            Thanks, Dave. I bet you have a lot of fun.

            • AZ Jim says:

              Dave, there are at least two other hams on this blog. Mick in Tenn and me. I’ve been a licensed Ham for 36 years. I have held calls from 6,7 and 0 call zones. 73 Jim

            • Dave Stewart (in missouri for now) says:

              My first exposure to Ham radio was in phoenix when at the age of 13 i was exposed to ham radio by W7FMZ at the time a blind handiham working on CW school friends Dad there in Phoenix where i was born & grew up. I have loved it ever since. My call is now AA0AE.

          • Lee J in northern California says:

            I am also a Ham… KI6ZAI

            • Cinandjules says:

              K6lyw- my dad

            • Mick'nTN says:

              NW2L 🙂

            • Rochelle in IN says:

              W7OAW – my dad
              W7GLD – my late grandfather

              I still remember hearing these call signs along with CQ, CQ throughout my childhood. I’m not a ham, but I think CQ means, “Howdy! Anyone out there?”.

              My dad & grandpa – in those days without cell phones – would help missionaries in foreign fields stay in touch with their stateside families by patching through phone calls. Very exciting to watch as a young girl.

  13. AZ Jim says:

    Spike and Bridget both had wonderful years with you Missy. You always thought of them first. They never had to worry about the things it takes to keep a little pet happy and healthy. Now little Reggie is living his life with those same comforts. I miss them too but I celebrate the lives you afforded them. Now, what makes me sad is the thousands of little animals that don’t have a RV Sue or other great caretaker. I save my sadness for them. If I had a lot of money, that is where it would go. Not as an animal hoarder but as someone who helped the agencies all across our country already doing their best to provide for the little animals no one else will. I give some but I wish I had lots to give. Hugs Missy….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      An important reminder for all us — to do what we can to help those animals who need us, whether it’s through adoption, volunteering, donations, advocating for neglected/abused animals, whatever.

      I encourage people to report any animals left outside when it is very cold or very hot. Your name will not be given to the abuser. And if you can give to a good organization, do like Jim and Detta.

      Thank you for your words, Jim, about Spike and Bridget, and now Reggie.

    • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

      Jim: I would marry you if I wasn’t married and you were available – you are just the very best of what a man should be!!

  14. chas anderson says:

    My wife won’t leave until after Xmas is done.I am longing for heat.Plowed my driveway again here in PA.Did see a big bobcat though.They are sure pretty.Lots of them around my place. Heading for AZ around New Years.Will try that spot near Mesquite on the way.

  15. ApplegirlNY says:

    Oh how sweet to see that picture of Bridget. What a happy pup she was.
    Reggie looks so tiny next to that Joshua tree.

    Glad you’re moving on to warmer places. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
    I’ve ordered quite a bit the last couple of weeks through your Amazon link (Christmastime). Hopefully they’ve showed up.

    Anyone interested in purchasing a nice small tablet -the Kindle 8HD is on sale for $89. An awesome price, especially if you’re a Prime member and want to use it for reading as well as surfing the web and watching videos. Great fun. Of course, I would recommend a Kindle E reader for anyone who wants to use it outside. Unlike the tablets, you really can read it in full sun.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks again for using my blog to go shopping at Amazon, Applegirl. I appreciate it very much. Anytime you want me to check an order, just name the item and the date ordered.

      Maybe I’ll find an ad for the Kindle 8HD sale and post it. Good idea! 🙂

      • ApplegirlNY says:

        Hi Sue,
        A few of the items were: 2 Pair Men’s Wrangler Jeans,
        Kindle Fire Stick, LG G3 Phone, Some stainless steel silverware, a couple of pair of sneakers, Easy Spirit and Roy Hays (had to be returned because they didn’t fit, but hopefully you got the credit), Clark’s sandals. Some ladies PJ’s and some Carhart socks, and I think a few other items.
        I’m trying to only access Amazon through your web page, so hopefully you’ve seen these items.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Hi, Applegirl,

          I see two pairs of men’s Wranglers and a set of women’s pajamas. I see Fire Sticks also (which may or may not be yours. It’s a popular item this time of year.) No commission is given for returned items and if those items are returned right away they won’t show on an orders report at all. I will continue to look for the other items.

          Thanks again!

  16. Chey (WA coast) says:

    Thanks to this blog and the lovely blogerinos I will be getting a forest service et all pass on Monday at the state capitol. Oh, and Sue, I upgraded my purchase to Kindle 10.1.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I still don’t see the Kindle purchase. I checked orders for 12/9 and 12/10. Maybe tomorrow….

      Good about the pass! Aren’t the blogorinos great for letting us know? It pays to read comments!!

  17. Debby says:

    the information I found on the government site about the senior pass was that the Golden Age Pass is no longer sold. It is a senior pass-$10 lifetime. http://www.nps.gov

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s right. I believe it used to be called Golden Age.

      However, the $10 for a lifetime price will be going up and will have to be paid annually. Reader Marilyn shared this under the previous post:

      http://www.westernslopenofee.org/
      HOUSE PASSES BILL TO RAISE SENIOR PASS PRICE FROM $10 TO $80. SENATE POISED TO FOLLOW.

      “December 6, 2016 – Today in the lame duck session of Congress, the House passed by unanimous consent a bill (HR 4680) that will eliminate the $10 lifetime Senior Pass (formerly Golden Age Pass) which has been available to citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older since 1965.
      Instead, the lifetime pass will be set to track with the price of the annual America the Beautiful Pass. That price is currently $80 but can be changed at any time by the federal land management agencies, without further legislation.
      A companion bill in the Senate (S 2257) contains the same provision. Both bills have bipartisan support so they are likely to be enacted, and quickly. This legislation could be on the President’s desk by the end of the week, where it will probably be signed and would take effect immediately.
      While there have been a multitude of bills introduced (and programs authorized) aimed at giving new groups free or reduced-cost access to the public lands – 4th Graders, military families, those with disabilities, veterans, volunteers – it is difficult to understand why Congress has taken this opportunity to reduce a long-standing benefit to seniors. It is being done in the guise of celebrating the centennial of the National Park Service. Why making the Parks more expensive to visit constitutes a “celebration” is a mystery. All of the increase in revenue will flow to the National Park Service. Although these are billed as “interagency” passes, the Forest Service, BLM, Fish & Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, which are required to sell and honor the passes, will see none of the increase.
      BENEFITS
      The benefits of the Senior Pass include entrance to all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges that charge entrance fees, for the passholder and everyone accompanying them in the same vehicle. Where an NPS unit or a Refuge charges a per-person fee, the passholder can bring in three companions age 16 or older. (Those under age 16 are free anyway.) The Senior Pass also covers Standard Amenity Fees at most Forest Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers sites, among them the Red Rock Pass in Sedona, the White Mountain National Forest parking pass in New Hampshire, the Northwest Forest Pass in Washington/Oregon, and the Adventure Pass in southern California. In addition, Senior passholders are entitled to a 50% discount on campground fees for the site they occupy, including any younger friends and family members who accompany them.”

      Marilyn wrote: “These benefits are grandfathered- (and grandmothered-) in for existing passholders. So if you have attained the age of 62 and have not yet purchased your lifetime Senior Pass, you should do it THIS WEEK. Passes are sold at National Parks, Forest Service, BLM and Bureau of Reclamation offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites. Your pass is good for the rest of your life unless lost or stolen. Many people buy an extra to keep in a safe place. Doing so at this time is something to consider because buying a replacement in the future could cost you much more.”

      Debby…. It’s very likely the bill will pass next week. That is why we are urging folks to buy the pass at $10 while they can. When the bill has passed, it will appear on the nps website, not before.

  18. Jan NH says:

    Hi Sue – crazy at work these past couple of weeks so just catching up on your last few posts. Glad to see you are heading to warmer climates. We are finally getting our first really cold snap here in NH. Brrrr….wishing I was now in that AZ warmth that I complained about this summer…..LOL….never happy. Looking forward to the day when I can do as you do……following the weather as the mood suits me but still need to work a few more years I think…(sigh).

    Very disheartening about the Senior Pass. I was so looking forward to purchasing mine when I hit 62 but unfortunately have 1 more year to go so will miss out on the advantages of having a lifetime pass and the cost savings.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      If the lifetime pass still exists, even at $80, it will be worth it for those who camp in campgrounds and go to the National Parks.

      Yes, one of the greatest features of being retired and living in a home on wheels is following the good weather throughout each year.

  19. Renee from Idaho says:

    Well, Sue, I’m glad to read your post today but saddened thinking of Bridget who was with you last time at this spot. I’m also disheartened to read that the Senior Pass is going up. Camping and visiting national parks is the one thing my husband and I really like to do and I have been so looking forward to being 62 to purchase my pass, but no more. If it were a one time $80 fee, I could handle that, but annually?! What good is it then? What benefit is it to those of us really looking forward to that one big discount as a senior. I’ve alerted my friends who have been putting off getting theirs. Thanks for the heads up.

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Sue, I just found this document – https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4680 – specifically states the following:
      shall make the National Parks and Federal Lands Pass available to any U.S. citizen or person residing in the United States who is 62 years of age or older for:, a period of 12 months from the date of issuance at a cost of $20; and
      the lifetime of the passholder at a cost (currently $10) equal to the cost of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. To me this translates that if you are not really a traveler and hence only want to purchase the pass one time, it will cost a person 62 years of age and older, $20 for the annual pass. If you want to purchase it for a lifetime, it will cost the same as the current annual pass, or whatever it will be at the time. I can handle that.

  20. Rattlesnake Joe says:

    Hi Sue, I know how much you like Ajo Arizona. Well I just checked the weather there and it is supposed to be 72 degrees F tomorrow with 49 degrees F at night. Pretty balmy and the elevation is only 1739 feet. Your photos of that area are so beautiful it makes my heart pound to go and explore.

  21. Cinandjules (da zone) says:

    A trot down memory lane!

  22. Susan in south central WA says:

    Thanks about the Senior Discount Pass (Golden Age) warning. I bet it goes into effect Dec 16 (I haven’t checked yet). My husband turns 62 on the 17 and I know you cannot pre-apply for it. Wandering off now to see how disappointed we might be.

  23. Rick and Brock the dog, WA says:

    Hi Sue,
    Brock and I have been busy so we’re just now catching up with you. We are just about ready to turn in our build sheet for our new RV trailer. I saw your awning on your BLT and have a few questions if you have time. Is it a power awning or a manual? What brand? Any problems with it? The RV trailer I’m ordering comes with a Dometic weatherpro 9500E power awning. I’m worried about the wind sensor and the remote control. The wind sensor automatically retract the awning if the wind gets over a certain speed. And you need the remote to deploy/retract the awning. If either one has a low battery you can’t deploy the awning. And if the batteries in the wind sensor or the remote get low while the awing is out it retracts and you can’t deploy it again until the batteries are replaced. Sounds like a problem to me so I have asked them to put a manual awning on the trailer. Now I’m wondering if that is a smart decision since I don’t really know how fast the batteries fade in the wind sensor or the remote control. Is it days, weeks, months?

    Anyway, work has kept me very busy. I’m hoping to have the week off between Christmas and New Years to relax and catch up on things.

    Safe travels to you and Reggie man.
    Rick & Brock the dog

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rick and Brock the dog,

      You asked for my opinion regarding power awnings and manual awnings. I know nothing about power awnings. I’ve had no problems at all with my manual awning. It’s a FIAMMA F45. Here’s the FIAMMA website.

      BLOGORINOS: Please share your experience with or any knowledge/opinion you possess about power awnings, their batteries, the remote control, and the sensors. Are you happy with your power awning? Are you happy with your manual awning?

  24. Bob Wells says:

    Sue, I think you have misunderstood the bill introduced in the House. It does raise the price to match the price of the Annual pass, but nowhere does it in any way imply it will become annual for Seniors. That language would have to be written into the law, and it is NOT. You can read the law here:

    https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/nps-centennial-act.htm

    Here is the section on the Senior Pass. Notice in the last new Paragraph (3) it says “Purchase of a LIFETIME PASS by citizens 62 years of age…”: and directs all that money to go into this special fund they are creating.

    It’s still a LIFETIME PASS
    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
    “SEC. 602.COMPARABLE PASS COST FOR SENIORS.

    The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801, P.L. 108-447, division J, title VIII) is amended—

    (1) in section 805(b)(1), by striking “of $10.00” and inserting “equal to the price of the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass”;and

    (2) in section 807(c)—

    (A) by renumbering paragraph (3) as paragraph (4), and

    (B) by inserting a new paragraph (3) as follows:

    “(3) DISTRIBUTION OF AGE DISCOUNT FEES FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.—Any amounts above $10.00 that are collected by the National Park Service for the purchase of the lifetime pass by citizens 62 years of age or older shall be deposited in the National Park Service Second Century Fund established in chapter 1035 of title 54, United States Code.””
    = = = = = = = = = = =
    Notice in the last Paragraph it says “Purchase of a LIFETIME PASS by citizens 62 years of age…”

    • weather says:

      Perhaps the confusion about the price of $80 becoming an annual fee even for seniors began because 2 versions of the bill were written , one for the Senate and the other for Congress. Having now read both I found-

      a lifetime pass shall be given to a senior at no additional cost if they have purchased an annual pass at the cost of $20 for 4 years in a row and produce records of those 4 purchases.

      Apparently they considered that the $80 fee for a lifetime pass would be hard for some folks to pay all at once, so added this provision.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you very much, Bob, for the time and effort to post this information. Our confusion is explained in weather’s response.

  25. Laurie in NC says:

    Hey Sue!
    I haven’t commented in awhile, but have been trying to keep up. It’s been very busy at work and home. When it is hectic around here, I take a few quiet minutes and enjoy reading your blog! It really helps me to relax and dream about boondocking somewhere in the desert…where it is warm!!!

  26. weather says:

    “I don’t think they’re sharing recipes.” made me grin. Your clever dry humor reminds me of the cartoons and satirical writing in the New Yorker magazine that I often bought years ago, Sue. I found the editors of that publication were always good at choosing “edgy” artists . It’s a bit hard to describe what I mean by that, does – those sophisticated enough to be funny in a way that displays their intelligence without descending into the meanness sarcasm has-, make sense?

    Gosh, I especially like two photos you took during this year’s stay there, the one of the large palo verde and the one right below it. I so enjoy your showing how much more beautiful vegetation that can survive there appears when seen close up rather than just from a distance. I loved seeing the picture of The Desert Princess tiptoeing through that wash again.

    For a little guy with as much energy as Reggie has he really is great about being cooped up when you can’t avoid that. Long drives or cold temperatures could be hard to enjoy with a less well behaved companion, human or canine. You both received a wonderful gift the day you met and every day and night since then.Thanks for making your blog such a great demonstration of how rescuing someone spreads happiness.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good afternoon, weather!

      I know exactly what you mean. I used to read the New Yorker back in the day, too! Your description hits the mark. Cartoons with class. Something one doesn’t often find these days.

      When people ask about Reggie’s breed and I explain he’s a chihuahua/Jack Russell mix, usually the response is “Oh, they’re so hyper!” Of course, when Reg meets someone new he becomes very excited… hops, runs, zooms… What people don’t see are the quiet, calm moments Reggie and I share, with him on my lap or beside me in his doggie bed as he is now, or while we’re on the road. Yes, he is “a wonderful gift.”

      Your last sentence contains a clause fit for a bronze plaque: “rescuing someone spreads happiness” I think we all need rescuing! Thanks for another thoughtful comment, weather. I see the Northeast is receiving lots of snow….

      • weather says:

        We are receiving snow, in just enough amounts. Just enough to keep a shining white coat on the evergreen trees’ bough tops as their dangling icicle covered branch bottoms sway in the wind… sparkling like the crystals on a chandelier . Just enough to make it wise to drive well below the speed limit , so slowly that one can watch the snowflakes dancing downward onto the swans floating by in the cove as they seem to waltz in circles to the wind and waves’ song.

        It’s been cold, too. So cold that I wake up saying thank You- for a warm home, winter clothing, soft blankets and kitty fur to snuggle in bed with every night. And, yes 🙂 !, for all the beings- spiritual, human and animal that have rescued me throughout my life.

  27. Pamelab in Houston says:

    Hi, Sue and crew –
    Sounds like all is well with you all. Wishing you a lovely holiday season and wonderful adventures, too.
    I’ll be heading up to Lubbock over Christmas and staying in an RV park, but not sure how the cold will affect my Casita. I will drain the water from the pipes and I will replace the fuse for the Propane and CO alarm so I will be able to use the heat strip. That alarm was going off too often and I’m not even using my propane yet. I also miss the three lights that were disabled over the bed area in back and the roof fan.
    Thank you for your blog!
    Pamelab in Houston for now

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