Southwest roaming

Tuesday, December 27

Reggie and I head into Blythe.  I have books to return to the library.

At the cotton field along Midland Road, I park the Perfect Tow Vehicle, bring down the passenger window, and take a photo.  Reggie holds his classic pose.

This time I have a list!

The last trip to the library I forgot to bring my list of author and book recommendations from readers (in comments under a recent post).  Subsequently every book I chose was a dud.  One was too pretentious, another too predictable, and the other too juvenile.

We approach the field of sheep.

I only give it a brief glance as we go by because I know what I’ll see.  The vultures give warning.  One sheep didn’t make it through the night.

I wonder if the sheepherder was given time off from his night patrol for the holiday . . . .

At the library I find four of the books on my list!

Remember the Canine Rule of Repeats or something like that?  The rule where anything you do twice at the same time and place must be repeated forever whenever you’re there again?

I come out of the library and Reggie is hopping at the PTV’s window.

“Okay, little guy.  I know.  This is when you get out.”

I put him on his tether and walk along with him as he scurries and sniffs, marks and back-kicks, all around the grassy lawn under the cottonwoods.

A pack of four, blond, long-haired chihuahuas trot past. 

That’s the same group I saw at Smart & Final the other day.

They’re on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street.  Every one of them is wearing a collar.

It’s not unusual to see chihuahuas running loose in some of the dusty towns of the Southwest.  Blythe has its share.

From what I’ve seen, I’m pretty sure these aren’t strays.  I think it’s part of the culture of their owners to let their dogs roam.  Anyone who’s traveled into Mexico can verify this.

Anyway . . . . The dogs look well-fed and happy.  They’re street smart, too, keeping to the sidewalk and out of traffic.

“C’mon, Reg.  Time to go.”

While returning to the PTV, Reggie tugs on his tether.  I turn to find him on his back legs, straining to meet two more chihuahuas!

I speak softly to the dogs and they immediately take off down the street and disappear.

Wednesday, December 28

The sky is overcast.  Now and then the curtain of clouds is parted momentarily and the sun peeks through.  Reggie and I walk the desert, following the washes that are carpeted with soft sand from the recent rains.  The tracks of a coyote pack are distinct.

We keep moving in order to keep warm.

Other than the visit from Rusty and Piper, no one has camped in the large, remote section of Midland Long Term Visitor Center that we are calling our home.  No one drives by.  Days are quiet except for the occasional rumbling of a quarry truck on Midland Road and the fly-overs of a pair of cawing blackbirds.

At night, when the sounds of trucks and blackbirds cease, the silence is as comforting as a thick, woolen blanket tucked in tightly.  Last night, before the clouds took over, the stars were many and bright.

I’m reading “Circling the Sun” by Paula McLain — a novel about “record-setting aviator Beryl Markham.”  When I sit up in bed with a book and a cup of hot tea, Reggie knows to crawl under the comforter for a nap.

These are lazy, desert days.

rvsue

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111 Responses to Southwest roaming

  1. Lauri says:

    Wow! I’m really THIS early!?!?

  2. milliehubbard says:

    Third??

    HI SUE!!!

  3. Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

    Hey. I just may be in the top ten this time!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      YOU TIED WITH MILLIE FOR THIRD PLACE, RENEE!

      • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

        Yahoo. For way too long, I have been behind. I love the photo of Reggie in what seems to be a “forever” image. You’re description of the night silence being “as comforting as a thick, woolen blanket tucked in tightly”, is so poetic.
        As for the Chihuahua’s on the loose, well, one can only hope they are all spade or neutered, but probably not. I clicked on the link you included in the end and enjoyed reading that one too. Good to see Bridget again.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Hi, Renee!

          I’m thinking maybe the dogs are roaming around because children are home from school and therefore the dogs aren’t kept inside like when everyone is gone from home.

          Thanks for the feedback on the link to the old post and also Reggie’s photo.

  4. rvsueandcrew says:

    Oh no, I think the email notification plug-in fell asleep again. 🙁

    • weather says:

      If it did, it’s awake at least for here in central NY state. My email notification of this new post came through.

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Thanks for letting me know, weather….

        I started a “system restore” and walked away from the laptop. Now I’m back and it looks like the problem is fixed. You recently had tech troubles, too. The only good thing about ’em is when they’re gone!

  5. Marilyn Moore says:

    Hello
    Yep, didn’t get your notification…Boo. Are you warm enough?
    Happy New Year Sue and Reggie.
    Hoping for a little more rain here in Golden Valley.
    So stay snug.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      We’re warm enough. Thanks, Marilyn. I have all the curtains pulled open so Reg and I have sunbeams for warmth. I hope you’re comfortable, too, and get the rain you’re wanting. Love that name, Golden Valley. 🙂

  6. Dawn in NC says:

    Hi Sue. I did get the email notification. I am glad you had such a sweet and quiet Christmas. I am visiting with family and getting car repairs. My seven year old niece is wonderful, but she is wearing me out! I don’t know where all that energy comes from! I get the whole precious week off of work. It is always wonderful to “hear from you” via the blog!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m glad you have the week off, Dawn. It’s amazing how much energy children have and while they’re growing! I hope you enjoy your daysoff and start the new year with your car in tip-top shape.

  7. weather says:

    “…,the silence is as comforting as a thick , woolen blanket tucked in tightly.”

    Beautiful phrasing and imagery, Sue, sigh…I love when you have something that matters as much as that does to you. I remember when you were leaving Roosevelt Lake after having been camped close enough to a generator to hear it at times and you’d been visiting with a few folks over what some would consider a short period of time.

    The whole time you’d been there I thought you needed the comfort of silence, and all of the gifts solitude can bring. When you posted about deciding to leave because approaching the BLT after going somewhere in the PTV you didn’t feel the lifting of spirit seeing your sweet little home usually gives you, you said “I’m becoming unnerved.” I was so relieved that you’d realized what you needed and were off to find it.

    Your lazy desert days and a book you enjoy sound wonderful, I’m thrilled for you. Do you consider the author you’re currently reading to be a good writer? If so, what do you mean by that? If not, what about the book has kept your attention enough to make it worth finishing?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, weather,

      You are very perceptive and your memory is incredible! I forgot all about that experience of coming home to noise while at Roosevelt Lake. You remind me that the feeling I get when returning to the BLT is an excellent barometer of my satisfaction with a camp. Sometimes the feeling is close to elation, most of the time, quiet happiness and contentment.

      To answer your questions…. The book holds my attention mainly because of the setting. It’s a place I’ve never been — Kenya in the 1920s. The author does a fine job of bringing the reader to that time and place with details about the landscape, animals, and people.

      These past few years in the American West help me to visualize her descriptions, such as coming over a ridge to a vast, grassy plain (Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, AZ, and Las Ciegnas Conservation Area, AZ) and the “red” sand collecting on one’s shoes (Pink Coral Sand Dunes, UT), for examples. I found pink sand in the PTV recently!

      The writing is clean and flows well. I don’t have to work very hard when reading. 🙂 At this point in the book I’m invested in the main character so I want to finish!

      Having said all that, I like that it’s historical fiction, one of my favorite genres.

  8. Dawn in Asheville says:

    Now that is interesting–the whole ‘loose chihuahua culture’. I’m not sure what to think of that! I don’t think I’ve ever lived anywhere where dogs were normally allowed to roam free, except maybe a farm. And, little dogs, especially. Very curious!

    No news to report. Juno still in Denver. Decided to find a carburetor shop that worked on vintage cars to give her a good looksie – did some things DIY, but some backfiring and not finding the issue of some hard starting determined she stay put. Seems like the hard starts and some of the pops are easy enough fixes – replacing an electric choke and vacuum lines (for any of your readers interested in such things!) but the intermittent pops on acceleration are going to be harder to pin down. Something to do with starter and on the other end from the spark plugs – all original parts, I expect we may end up replacing them, but the mechanic is going to eliminate all the “cheap” possibilities first (crossed wires, etc.)

    So I’ve discovered that getting older engines, carbureted ones, is going to take speciality shops. Can’t just take it down to the nearest mechanic (which couldn’t put her on a lift anyway). My mechanic here is willing to look at her, but won’t promise anything – except he will find me someone to work on if he can’t. He’s a good guy and we live in the sort of place you can rely on referrals. Something I wasn’t counting on, but on the other hand, I’m kind of looking forward to the challenge of an engine that we can do a lot of maintenance ourselves.

    Anyway, that’s the scoop here 🙂 Take care and enjoy your New Years!! Hope you found some winners at the library!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      Very interesting report! I’m impressed with your knowledge and attitude toward the repairs and mysteries of Juno. 🙂 You are fortunate that you understand her engine and have the knowledge and skill to maintain her properly.

      Thank for the “scoop!” Happy New Year to you, too!

    • Don in Okla. says:

      Having moved back to my home town after a packing plant moved in, I see many strays and the animal control people stay very busy rounding them up. So sad to see them roaming the streets but much better that than seeing them tied on a chain for all their lives. I’m outa here as soon as I can.

  9. Lori S says:

    Oh how I long for days spent walking and reading and lingering with my thoughts. I’m getting some of that during my staycation – but if I don’t have background music or a fan running, my reading and thoughts are punctuated with my downstairs neighbor’s incessant throat clearing. Cannnot wait until I no longer share walls with strangers!

    I think the Canine Rule of Repeats should be stitched on a throw pillow. It’s so true!

    Sue, what has your experience been on the process of adopting a dog when you are living in an RV? I know most rescue groups have strict rules about needing a fenced yard or even wanting to make a home visit. Animal shelters are typically not that strict but what about residency requirements? I want a dog with me but not until I’ve left my apartment.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh, dear, Lori…. You can hear him clearing his throat? What torture! Reminds me… I lived in an apartment like that once. The couple above us were extremely passionate, if you get my drift. Dreadful.

      About adopting a dog while living in an RV…. I anticipated difficulty when looking to adopt Reggie. Along with my online application to the rescue group, I urged them to look at my blog where they could see the kind of life I provide for my dogs.

      If one doesn’t have a resource such as that, I suggest emphasizing the time you will be with your dog. Usually there is a place to write a comment on the application form.

      If you can say the dog will have you as a companion almost 24/7, that is a big plus in your favor. I will go so far as to say that retired people are seen as the best adopters. Besides time, we are generally more responsible and stable (even those that RV) than younger adopters who have to work and can become preoccupied with other things than caring for a pup. Too many dogs are turned over to shelters when a divorce occurs or a baby arrives.

      Good luck!

      • AZ Jim says:

        Sorry! I don’t “get your drift” Missy, please explain in excruciating detail? *LOL*

      • Lori S says:

        Thanks, Sue. I guess I hadn’t thought that being a retiree who would be with her dog 24/7 could overcome yard and residency requirements. And of course I hate to become attached to a dog I’m not going to be matched with (I fall in love with fur babies quickly). I will give it my best effort. I need a best pal with me.

    • Geri says:

      Lori, I don’t know your age, but if you are retired, or about to be, quite a few Humane Societies have the elder program. If you adopt an older dog, they waive all adoption fees and they have very lenient rules. Like Sue says, they know older folks make better dog parents! Tater, the dog we adopted in Nov. is 5 years old, He came to us with several health problems and The Humane Society has even covered those first few Vet calls and even his heart worm treatment! So maybe you might want to consider an older dog?
      By the way, now that we have Tater on a grain free diet, his skin allergies have totally disappeared! He is like a new dog since his heart worm treatment! We are very happy with him!

    • Dawn in Asheville says:

      Lori – when we adopted Freyja we were full-timing. And I agree with your sentiments. I discovered the shelters – like the humane societies – were much more accommodating than the rescue groups. We were turned down by them because we didn’t fit the ideal of having a fenced backyard. However the humane society sent Freyja home with us without even filling out paperwork (I suspect she was up to be euthanized very soon) with blessings to see if she would would make a good match. Of course we came back and took care of all that, but they even seemed surprised that we did, and certainly didn’t follow up. Now that would be unusual, I suspect, but it does seem to speak to what you were already thinking, it’s about the group you work with and how desperate they are to find the animals under their care a home. I agree with RV Sue that you make a great candidate. Good luck!

      • Lori S says:

        Dawn, that’s so good to know. I was very worried I’d have to get a dog while still living in this apartment and working full time and I hate to leave a dog alone that long. I will get my fur buddy one way or another.

    • Elizabeth says:

      Wow Laurie…that is even thinner walls and floors than we have in our apt…and I am LONGING for the day we can find something better!! It seems a horrid invasion of privacy to have to contend with all the sounds from strangers!!

      • Lori S says:

        Elizabeth, the funny thing is when I just walk normally through my apartment, he bangs on the ceiling! I feel like recording his phlegmy throats clearing and play it for him. So so very done with apartment living.

        • Elizabeth says:

          Too bad skummy landlords cannot see the sense to adding some insulation between floors…my son got some kind of rubbery tile things and put between his floor as sometimes when working shift work, he needs to sleep in the daytime…sure cut the noise…so I know there are solutions!! I could write a book on what has happened the almost 3 years we have lived here…but it would not be a good book…

  10. Willow (AZ) says:

    Beryl Markham was a very interesting woman, I read whatever I can about her, she was very unconventional for her time and followed her own star wherever it lead. Happy New Year everyone….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Willow,

      I’ve only read her childhood and teenage years so far. Yes, already she is revealed as unconventional. Happy New Year to you, too!

  11. jenny Johnson says:

    I was almost first — well top 25 anyway — Readers are never bored – we always have a book (or few) to read—–I bet Reggie could learn to read too —

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re right, Jenny. “Readers are never bored.” A good book on a cold winter day and a long winter night is a treasure!

  12. Jean in Southaven, MS says:

    Another post yipppeeee! I read the post the first time I was close to the top, I was writing a comment and the phone started ringing here at work and people started coming to my desk. I had not had a phone call or seen anyone in two days and as soon as Sue posts and I want to try to be first all hell breaks loose. Oh well, I did enjoy your post and pictures. When I was growing up in Parkin, Arkansas, everyone’s dogs ran free. Everyone knew what dog belonged to who. Things have changed. Now we even have to keep our cats inside or they will get picked up too. This winter is crazy, it is warmer here than it is where you are. We are in the 60’s today. It was beautiful this morning and raining this afternoon.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You made me laugh, Jean, with “I want to try to be first all hell breaks loose.” 🙂

      How nice that you have temperatures in the 60s. We’re in the 50s here, just a little bit too chilly for reading my book outside.

      I love how you react to a new post! Have a great evening…

    • Elizabeth says:

      Hey Jean…some of us think it is the EFFORTS that count!! Heehee…enjoyed your remarks!!

  13. Cinandjules (da zone) says:

    Sister baytril photo bombs again!
    Are the turkey vultures sitting on bales of hay? Ahem…crime scene photo?
    Dogs…little dogs at that roaming around…I’d worry if I was the owner.
    Not much of a book reader….or a movie person…..pretty boring huh!
    Stay warm….a bit cold here in Da zone!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Haha! “crime scene photo”… Once a law enforcement officer, always a law enforcement officer. 🙂 The vultures are on hay bales. Lots of hay produced in this area.

      You would think people would worry about their dogs running loose. It’s a different attitude toward dogs than what you and I have.

      Yeah, you come to Arizona and it’s cold. what’s up with that? Stay warm — Soak up sunbeams whenever you can!

      • Cinandjules (da zone) says:

        I thought the red on the hay bales was evidence.

        Oh this is no where near what we experienced back in the ADKs!

    • BadgerRickInWis says:

      “a bit cold here in Da zone!”

      Oh please. It was minus 12 here (not counting windchill) for our family Christmas. Don’t you have some sunshine to shovel. 🙂

      J/K of course. Glad the Zone is agreeing with you.

  14. Diann in MT says:

    Hi, Sue,
    Thanks for the lovely post. You are in a true comfort zone. I enjoy so much the blogorinos’ comments. Like coming to the door, being invited into a myriad of kitchens to sit and chat awhile. What a mostly happy and contented crowd! Love to be with you and Sue!
    Diann

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Wonderful description of blogorinoland… “like coming to the door, being invited . . . ”

      Thank you, Diann. Lovely comment!

  15. Judy Johnson says:

    You make the cozy reading sound so inviting. Isn’t it the purest of luxuries to be able to read a book anytime you want for as long as you choose?! One of the very best parts of retirement. Since you also enjoy historical fiction, just a reminder that the Clifton chronicles by Jeffrey Archer are excellent. The 7th and final in series just came out. I so look forward to hearing from you and the blogorinos; makes my day! Quick hugs to Reggie, since he’s always so busy living his best-possible life.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Judy,

      I’ll add Jeffrey Archer books to my list. Thank you.

      How sweet of you to describe how much you look forward to my posts and the comments of blogorinos. If I may add… I look forward to hearing from you, too!

      It IS cozy reading in the BLT with Reggie’s warm bod beside me, the comforter all cushy around us, and sipping my new favorite drink — Irish Breakfast Tea. Yes, “one of the very best parts of retirement”… reading when and for as long as we choose.

  16. Pookie and Chuck in Todd Mission Tx says:

    everytime I see that picture of your little camper sitting out in that
    vast range of wilderness I think how lonely is that……..but that is
    what you want…..whenever Ive been out in a place like that Ive always felt
    so small and humble………thanks for keeping it posted….
    now to go back and read your usual great blog……….
    chuck and pookie

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, chuck,

      Yeah, I feel small and humble, too. That’s a good feeling. I like how the mountains and mesas show the long view of time. They remind me that I’m here less than a minute, so why get upset about what happened today. 🙂

  17. Beth and Rosie, near Congress, AZ says:

    Hi Sue and Reggie,

    Another awesome post! I loved the comparing of the silence being a blanket too! That’s why your blog is one I always read as soon as I know you’ve posted, your writing is fantastic to read. It’s like being there but I’m not! You have quite the talent for words!

    I’m just two weeks away from getting solar and I’m nervous. Be honest Sue, is it worth all the money? I plan on boondocking as much as possible and I don’t want to run a generator because of noise! I just get kinda weak in the knees when spending lots of money. 😳

    My favorite authors are Jeffery Deaver, John Sanderson, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta series, and Phillip Yancey, to name just a few. I have a lot of favorites.

    Rosie is doing well. I think I’m her person now. She is a sweetheart, that’s for sure!

    I hope all the books you checked out are great reads!

    Happy camping! Give Reg a belly rub for me!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Beth and Rosie,

      Solar is worth it. No doubt about it. I can’t imagine going outside, putting gas in an engine, and firing it up, blowing away the serenity, disturbing the wildlife and other neighbors, and making my home an annoying place to be. Avoiding all that is priceless. As for dollars and cents, being able to live comfortably on free public land pays for solar very quickly. Remember generators and fuel aren’t free (and you don’t have to go fill up a container with sunshine). 🙂 Congratulations on deciding to go solar! You’ll forget about the cost. I never think about it.

      I’m very glad you found Rosie. If she’s anything like the Reggie Man, you have yourself a darling.

      Thanks for the compliment on my writing and for the list of authors. 🙂

      • Beth and Rosie, near Congress, AZ says:

        If you can tell by the authors I like forensic crime thrillers. As for Phillip Yancey, he’s one of my favorite Christian authors. His book “What’s So Amazing about Grace?” is a really good non-fiction book. A real eye opener regarding God’s grace. Love it love it loved it! 🙂

        Thanks for the pep talk regarding solar. Staying in a campground everyone has to give you their 2 cents worth and I started doubting myself. I shouldn’t doubt myself. So thanks a bunch! I appreciate you!

        And Rosie is a winner!! I just love her so much, and she’s loving me back a ton! It’s nice having a dog as a companion 🙂

  18. Linda Sand (Minnesota) says:

    I just finished reading the Bellingwood series by Diane Greenwood Muir. They were so good I went from one right to another through all 15 books using the Amazon read-for-free program. I want to move in with these people and be part of the group that cares so much for one another. As long as I can also get enough alone time. 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It’s great to finish a book you thoroughly enjoy and then find out there are more in a series. Thanks for mentioning another author. I’ll put her on my list!

  19. Geri, Florida panhandle! says:

    I love that you take time to share that thick , woolen blanket tucked in tightly with all of us tucked in with you! Grin! Didn’t know that woolen blanket was that large did you? The way you wrote it, I could immediately feel the snug warmth!
    Thanks for yet another photo of Reggie at the window! I love each and every one of them!
    We have been fogged in for 48 hours straight! Lighter fog by day, but by no means a light fog! Night times it is very very thick! We don’t drive in it! We have one more day of it, then a cold spell…going down to 40 tomorrow night, should end the fog!

  20. Pat from Mich. says:

    I would say loose Chihuahua’s are potential coyote dinner! I wonder too – that cotton field is dry and cotton is on the ground. I thought it was picked off the plant?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      My knowledge of cotton growing is very limited. I think what we’re looking at is the cotton left after the harvesting. Recent rain put the leftover bolls on the ground.

      The chihuahuas I mentioned are in the middle of Blythe which, I guess, has kept them from becoming coyote dinner. The dogs may go home and sleep inside at night.

  21. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    I too loved your description of the silence “as comforting as a thick woolen blanket …” If my high school English serves me correctly, that would be good use of a simile, right? The loose chihuahuas (I agree with Pat, they are coyote bait) reminded me of somethng funny I saw a few years ago. When my youngest grandson was about 4, he loved to watch trains. I used to take him down to the train station in San Juan Capistrano where we could sit on a bench and watch for trains. One afternoon, an elderly Hispanic gentleman came walking slowly across the train tracks, trailing a dog leash behind him – but with no dog at the end of the leash. I watched the man as he walked down the street, still dragging the leash behind him, and thought he might have a touch of dementia. A full minute later, a little chihuahua came trotting across the train tracks and caught up to the end of the man’s leash. As if the man had eyes in the back of his head he turned around, smiled at the dog and said something in Spanish and then proceeded on, with the dog walking behind him at the end of the unattached leash. I’ve always wondered if the man left home without the dog, who ran to catch up with him or if the leash became unattached from the dog’s collar somewhere along their route. Whichever it was, it was a touching glimpse of the bond between the man and his dog.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      What an interesting story, Cynthia… a vignette well painted by you!

      I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner. I agree … “a touching glimpse of the bond between the man and his dog.”

      “Stories” like that occur all the time and are often missed by folks hurrying through their day. How sweet, you and your grandson enjoying life together…

      • Lorne Green says:

        That story painted such a powerful picture. Oh that we can all go through life with that much confidence to drag the leash and know that the invisible bond is still there, be it with your dog or the ones you love. Thank you.

  22. Marilu in Northern California says:

    Hi Sue,
    Have you read West With the Night, an autobiography by Beryl Markham? She is a wonderful writer. It’s one of my all time favorites. It may be out of print but libraries might have it.

  23. Rhodium says:

    You sound like you have found a cozy spot. I just read that the Danes make an ideal of cosiness, they call it hygge (hoo-guy), but they have nothing on you. If you like historical fiction the Aubrey-Maturin Napoleon era sea stories series by Patrick O’Brian may or may be of interest. Maybe it’s a guy thing. The author uses period vocabulary and all the technical sailor terms may slow the reader down unless one is willing to jump over them. They are always having banquets on the high seas, or in port, so you can find out what the officers ate (the ships carried livestock, so it was not all salted meats). In fact, there is a cook book that shows how to reproduce the recipes (like jam roly-poly or spotted dog) in a modern kitchen.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rhodium,

      You taught me something…. hygge. My readers have so much knowledge to share! Thank you.

      I like sea stories! In fact, I tend to enjoy those books that you wondered were “a guy thing.” It annoys me to no end when I subscribe to a free/reduced price book site and then they send me suggestions for just the kind of books I don’t care for — romance, women’s fiction… MAJOR YUCK!

      I’ll take a look at Patrick O’Brian books… Thanks, Rhodium. 🙂

  24. DeAnne in TN says:

    Hi Sue and everyone. Down to the last few days before going back to school. Read that you have been doing some reading–I have been reading like a maniac during my break. I can’t really recommend any because I am really crazy about Tudor England: Henry VIII and his wives, Queen Elizabeth and such. I just love that time period. I’ve alsoread some novels by Joe Hill, Stephen King’s son. If you any of you guys are SK fans, I heartily recommend Joe Hill. Glad you have some peace and quiet; sounds perfect. It was really nice to catch up with Rusty and Lady Piper.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, DeAnne,

      I’m late catching up on comments! It sounds like you’ve been able to relax over your Christmas break. I’m glad for that. Thanks for sharing your titles and authors!

      I like Stephen King’s writing. He’s great with character development and I love his use of similes and metaphors. That’s what I read him for. Then when the blood starts to flow, I quit . . .

  25. Susan in south central WA says:

    I’ve also read West With the Night by Beyrl Markham a couple of times. ( though it may have been ghost written). Like DeAnne i’ve been doing maniac reading lately. Enjoyed The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, Endurance by Alfred Lansing (about Shackleton), A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman kept me laughing. Another five or six books were boring. Will be starting Rain Reign by Ann Martin in the morning. I’d read a sample and have been waiting for my copy hold.

    Laughing because suddenly my signature below started saying again that I was still in Spain. I wish! Nope, back in my own boring zip code.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Susan,

      Aww… south central Washington may not be Spain, but it’s not boring. You just need to let go of Spain… Sounds like you enjoyed it!

      Thanks for the book titles. I looked for The Woman in Cabin 10 at the library. I’ll look again next time.

    • Elizabeth says:

      Not sure just where you are in South Central WA state, Susan…nor asking you to tell…but wanted to say Hubby worked for 20 months in Walla Walla…and lovely town that it is, we could find no lodging to suit us (that allowed our 2 dogs) so we lived for 20 wonderful months in Dayton…over near Bluewood Ski resort…awesome, awesome, awesome…loved that town…like stepping back into the 1960’s in a lot of ways…when I checked into the PO to set up mail service…they were expecting me…heh, something comforting about that kind of welcome and concern!! All 3 of us cried upon leaving…but many things in our lives at that time dictated the move!! Thanks for the memories you reminded me about!!

    • Barb from Hoquiam! says:

      Hey Susan, I am on the WA Coastline… was near Battle Ground (Hockinson) for many years… 🙂

  26. ApplegirlNY says:

    Hi. I’ve been quiet lately. We lost my mom on Dec 23. She was older with some health problems, and has lived with us for the last 15 years. Lately she required round the clock care, so I haven’t left the house much. It was exhausting at the end, but Hospice came in and were such a blessing. So, she will be missed, but it was her time to go and be with her God. We had a quiet Christmas, and we are resting and making adjustments.

    I still am reading each and every post, and they are a ray of sunshine! Take care Sue, Reggie, and blogorinos. Have a Happy New Year, in case I don’t post again. Blessings to all.

    • RVBrucrew - NW IN says:

      Hi ApplegirlNY,
      So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you during this difficult time. May you experience God’s love and grace. His mercies are new every morning. Even though I do not know you, I too know what it is like to lose a mom. My mom loved flowers and birds so each time I see a flower or watch a bird I think of her. Cherish all those memories you had with her. Life is precious. Enjoy your life to the fullest. Peace be with you.

    • Sorry to hear of your mom passing AppleGirl, she is in a better place meeting others she knew and in no more suffering,, have a restful blest New Year 👣🐾

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, Applegirl,

      You and your family have my sympathy. Though parting with your mother is painfully sad, you can take comfort in knowing her joy to be with her heavenly Father. Do take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. You did well, daughter.

      We will be here when you’re ready to join us again.

    • So sorry for your loss. I cared for my Mom in my home for 6 years with hospice at the end, so know how difficult the adjustment is after. And it was Dec 19 (1994) when we lost her. So I know how a holiday feels with the added stress you are feeling. Take care of your self.

      • Cinandjules (da zone) says:

        Saddened for you Applegirl on the loss of your mom! I’m sure your mom appreciated everyday especially the last 15 years. Being a caregiver is hard so do take some time for yourself! In time your memories will make this difficult time a bit easier on your heart!
        I will tell you that missing her…will be forever! I too like Velda loss my mom…3 years ago…tomorrow. Christmas since is now for our fur kids.

    • Marilu in Northern California says:

      I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, ApplegirlNY. Losing a mom is so hard. It sounds like you were a good and loving daughter.

    • ApplegirlNY says:

      Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. Feeling better with each passing day, as many of you know, having gone through it yourselves.

      RvBrucrew – you quoted one of my favorite hymns. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness, oh Lord, great is thy faithfulness.

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Applegirl. Take good care of yourself.

    • Elizabeth says:

      Please accept my sympathy and empathy, on the loss of your mother, Applegirl…I have missed mine every day since she left us in 2001…but we have our memories…and I hope you have many to comfort you in this hard time of adjustments!! If you have offspring, I recommend writing down some of your good memories to share that should survive you too!! (That is what I am planning to do this year too!!)

    • Barb from Hoquiam! says:

      Oh Gee, Applegirl,

      I am so sorry. I am sure that will be a great adjustment to your family. What a blessing that you were able to do that for your Mom.
      Hugs and good thoughts to you.

      Barb from Hoquiam

    • So sorry for your loss, ApplegirlNY. Your mother must have been very happy to able to live with you until she be with her God.

    • Beth and Rosie, near Congress, AZ says:

      I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I lost mine in August having spent the last 10 years of her life sharing a house and the last 3 years taking care of her. It’s a big adjustment when you’re mom has gone to be with God. If you need counseling hospice usually will provide it for free for up to 13 months after your loved ones passing. It has helped me a lot, but I wasn’t aware that counseling was provided until 4 months after my mom passed. I wish I would have known sooner, but I’m receiving the counseling now and I’m very grateful to have it. Just thought I’d let you know just in case it may be beneficial to you.

      I’ll keep you and yours in my prayers and one day you’ll hopefully be ready to post again and let us Blogorino’s know how you’re doing.

      Take care, ApplegirlNY, know you’re not alone, we Blogorino’s are with you in spirit, and I sincerely care how you’re doing….

  27. Terri From Texas says:

    While you have been enjoying desert days I have been enjoying dessert days!
    Now I need to walk some of them off! I am off today, reading most of the day probably. I love your poetic imagery! My dog, Napoleon, is tucked in next to me while a little cold front blows in outside. A very cosy feeling! Enjoy your lazy winter days! Happy New Year to you!
    Terri

  28. Hi! RVSue and Crew! and blogorinos!
    Long time, no comment!
    Enjoying your post with nice pix again and catching up your old posts. 🙂

  29. Marcia GB in MA says:

    I read that book, and another one, about Beryl Markham and enjoyed them very much.

  30. jenny Johnson says:

    Sue — I am a faithful reader and never miss a post –i am going to be traveling in Oregon next summer and I just went back to your trip thru Oregon in 2015. I am enthralled by Digit Campground and really want to go there — Thank you so much for being precise in keeping your blog – you have provided much information about the area. I am enjoying re-reading about your travels. Again, thanks muchly.

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