Thanks to you

November 28, Thanksgiving Day

Thank you for sharing our journey. — RVSue, Reggie, and Roger

Here at our house . . . 

The boys and I are snuggled in for a cozy day.  We’ve had rain all week which I think is odd for southeastern Arizona.  It’s damp and cold, well, damp and cold for high desert, that is.

I realize some of you are experiencing frigid weather, maybe even a white Thanksgiving.  I hope you are safe on the roads and wherever you are for the holiday weekend.

It’s still raining as I type this.  I’m not complaining!  It seems we’re making up for the little bit of rain we got from monsoon season.

Rain is problematic for the crew. 

Reggie and Roger peek timidly out the door, appraise the situation, and then retreat to the warm nests they’ve created in the blankets

Bless their hearts . . . .  They wait until they can’t hold it any longer.

When desperation sets in, I let them out and off they hop and skittle through the mud and raindrops to do their business.  Without delay they return to the porch.  After a good, full-body shake, they dart through the open door.

“Good job!”  I exclaim twirling as my two sweeties dance around my legs in happy relief.

This is thankfulness at its most elemental level.  

This morning I bop around the internet.

I look for Thanksgiving messages for you.

Hmmm . . . . warm?  cute? snappy?  clever? profound?  Oh, there are too many to choose from!

How about this?

“In our family gravy is considered a beverage.” — Erma Bombeck

For the day after . . . .

“Happy Day after Thanksgiving! Hope you didn’t forget to set your scales back 10 pounds last night.” — Anonymous

Love to all!

rvsue

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!

RVSue and her canine crew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

In other words, when you enter Amazon from a link posted here, any order you place within 24 hours earns a fee for this blog. Happy shopping!  — Sue

Shop Amazon – New Deals. Everyday

~ ~ ~

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195 Responses to Thanks to you

  1. Rochelle in IN says:

    Happy Thanksgiving from dry and not white Indiana! Got Amazon wish lists from the grandkids and will be shopping on Saturday – through your link, of course. 🦃🦃🦃

  2. JoanneG from San Rafael says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sue, Reggie and Roger!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Same to you, Joanne! The rain has stopped! Reggie and Roger are outside enjoying the sunshine. I hope it’s sunny where you are.

  3. Linda Rose, Molly and Midgy in Carmichael, CA says:

    Happy Thanksgiving right back atcha. Cold here but not wet, yet. One girl snuggled on my lap and Molly nearby. Heading to my daughters with pumpkin pie and pretty soon. Glad to hear from you, as always. Good reminder to do any black Friday shopping from website first. 🌹

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Linda Rose and crew!

      You probably won’t see this until after your dinner with your daughter. Hope you had a wonderful time together!

  4. Yep, somewhat unusually for us, we’re definitely having a white Thanksgiving! Getting a break in the snow now and roads have been mostly cleared, so fine for local travel like we’ll be doing for Thanksgiving gathering with family. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

  5. Robin B (AZ & OR) says:

    OK, now that my heart rate has returned to normal (it’s stressful getting in that post in order to be first!), I’ll continue.

    I understand why you don’t post very often (heck, I haven’t posted in anything on my book blog in months!) but I do miss hearing about your AZ life.

    We are ensconced in our Green Valley villa and have been working hard to give it a nice facelift. After many visits to estate & garage sales and the White Elephant, and perusing Craigslist ads, we are finally starting to feel at home.

    I thought of you the other day when we drove from Needles to Blythe. I remembered you liked to stay at a long-term boondock in the area. I craned my neck trying to see what it was like on the west side of the river but there as an odd dust storm and we couldn’t see much of the landscape. From what I could tell, though, it is a pretty area.

    Always good to hear from you and glad you are continuing to enjoy your home. We are seriously thinking of selling our Oregon home and moving here full time.

    Robin

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi again, Robin,

      It’s such a pleasure collecting treasures and functional items (hopefully, one and the same) for one’s home. I’m happy that you “are finally starting to feel at home.”

      Funny thing about Arizona…. When folks come here, they don’t want to leave. 🙂

  6. Gail From Buckeye AZ says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and the boys!

  7. KelleyinSoCal says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and the boys!

  8. KGDanWA/NV says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sue & Crew!
    What a nice surprise to see your message. We are staying comfy and warm here in Laughlin. Back home in central WA it is frigid. Simple day for us. We are especially grateful to enjoy good enough health to continue our wonderful north and southwest. Loved hearing from you!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I am so glad to hear from you, Kathy (and Gil)! That phrase “enjoy good health” jumped out like a big hug . . . sort of like the one you gave me at Dome Rock!

      Continue to enjoy the simple pleasures . . . . Love you!

  9. Rebekah Sisk says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and the boys!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Rebekah! We’re having a quiet Thanksgiving with leftovers from yesterday. I’ve cooked and eaten enough turkey in my lifetime that I don’t miss it. 🙂

  10. Jan NH says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your boys from me and my boys!

    I’m experimenting this Thanksgiving even though it is just me (and my boys). I have learned over the past year or so that so many foods make my tummy (as well as exasperating muscle aches) unhappy. I had Thanksgiving invitations but since I was sick last week, I decided to stay away from people so as not to have a relapse. I do love a good thanksgiving dinner so decided to try making a gluten-free, sugar-free, egg-free, and dairy-free traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Hoping it isn’t an epic fail but so far, it all looks pretty good! Proof will be in the pudding!

    Been raining here most of the last week too….but I’m grateful it was rain and not snow…haha

    “When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” Sam Lefkowitz

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      How creative you are, Jan, in the kitchen! I hope your experiment is a fantastic success. Blogorino Elizabeth cooks up gluten-free meals, too.

      Don’t feel bad about not getting snow. From what I remember about New Hampshire, you won’t be deprived for long . . . .

      Great quote! Would love to hear how your dinner turns out!

      Blogorinos: Have a quotation to share with us? (I’ll put them in bold.)

      • weather says:

        The best way to appreciate what we have…
        is to imagine our lives without it.

      • Jan NH says:

        Dinner turned out pretty good….sweet potato casserole was my fav and I think I like my new gluten-free recipe even better than the original…I roast my sweet potatoes rather than boil and they are naturally sweeter. Pecan topping, sweetened dates was incredible.

        LOL…I don’t feel bad about no snow yet this year and you are so right….it’s coming!

        Love your quote, Weather!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.
        – – – Walt Whitman

      • Linda in Minnesota says:

        “What those who discuss whether the glass is half empty or half full miss the point; the glass is refillable.”

        We are having a white Thanksgiving here but since I’m all tucked up and cozy inside that’s just fine. I’m thankful I don’t have to go out in it.

      • Elizabeth says:

        So many good ones…thanks Sue…and for bolding so I can go later to copy them down!!

    • Elizabeth says:

      Just wanted to say, though of course, I MISS gluten things….sob, like angel rolls, which were part of Thanksgiving every year…one can take great joy in what is left…and actually? We eat more healthy, especially if using the more healthy gluten free flours….more than all those wheat eaters out there!! Ha! There is SO many blogs online now and just hunt and you will find more ideas than you will have time to produce. And some ready made things are becoming more easy to find too. I happen to have many other allergies, not just gluten…which makes my cooking way more challenging. My favs today were the more than awesome gravy daughter made and the Tsimmes…oh my what a treat!! More like dessert!! Even our stuffing turned out ALMOST like Grandmas used to be!! What I usually do is to make a layer of chopped carrots, celery, and onions in the bottom of the turkey baking pan…today daughter added apples as well…we save the veggies to make broth with later…and threw out the apples…I was not sure the gravy would taste so good…but it did!! Daughter also added black pepper which I do not use very much…so there is an idea if you need one!! Well, anyone can use this…whatever you use to thicken the gravy works. I have decided after many years of this, that evidently GOD wanted me to EAT BETTER than most!! Pays to try to be positive eh? Bon apetit!!

      • Jan NH says:

        Elizabeth, you are so right on a couple of things. There are loads of GF foods today but I read all labels as I, like you have other allergies. One of those being eggs…that was a shocker as I used to have eggs daily…which likely caused me to become allergic. There are definitely more recipes than I could ever try in addition to converting some of my favs to GF. One awesome thing is that there are great GF options for substitution. I’ve also found great egg replacement options for baking.

        I also did the as you described with cooking my turkey breast over veggies. Adding apples sounds interesting. Makes me thing there may be other interesting fruits to add as well. Maybe next year … I’m not a big gravy fan though and used the veggies to make a turkey pot pie (gf crust of course) using leftover gf stuffing as the topper. Yum!

  11. ReneeG from Idaho says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you three (instead of typing “too”)!

  12. jimksr says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue and the boys

  13. Janet Parker Doublier says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and the crew. In spite of our challenges, there are blessings to count.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      So true, Janet. No matter how difficult or painful our situation, there are blessings.

      I appreciate your faithfulness to my blog. Best wishes to you and yours….

  14. Shawna says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue and Crew! Stay warm and cozy.

  15. weather says:

    Hi, Sue, it’s nice to hear from you ! Your wit is as sharp as ever, I grinned while reading your thought about the boys being happy after getting back inside, “This is thankfulness at it’s most elemental level. “, what a great line 🙂 ! Today has been one of the Thanksgivings I’ve enjoyed more than most in recent years, I hope yours has been special, too. While the temperature is well above freezing I decided to go for a walk and saw that there are several trumpeter swans in the lake’s cove at the edge of my backyard for the first time this year, and light snowfall just started.

    By the way, for whatever reason when I used your “Save on black Friday deals 2019” link to Amazon it opens showing a microwave oven. So I just used their search box as I normally do to find things I’m interested in buying.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, weather!

      I’m glad your Thanksgiving has been one of the best and complete with trumpeter swans not far from your backyard.

      You always manage to send me a compliment in your comments. 🙂 As for the boys being happy and thankful about being able to pee, at my age I can relate! Ha!

      Warm wishes to you and your family. I hope all is well.

      Oh, I almost forgot about the black Friday link. I couldn’t find a general link for black Friday from the choices Amazon gives. I appreciate you pointing out that the link can be used for anything…. one can simply use the search box on that microwave page to shop. Thank you! 🙂

      • weather says:

        Thank you for the warm wishes for me and my family, Sue. All is well, thanks in part to you. Though it’s a bit of a long story I’ll explain that.

        With this being my granddaughter’s senior year at the university her class and work load has been close to overwhelming. So, though in prior years with her and my grandson I always went to visit them and lend a hand where needed at their places on or near campus, this year I’ve wanted her to get away from the school and city at least once a week. So besides texting and calling each other all through the week we pick a time each weekend for her to come to my place for a lake walk/ dinner and movie night. That way at least for several hours she can escape feeling stressed , and instead just be loved, fed and relaxed.

        In early September we had already watched all the Tolkien dvds in the Lord of the Rings series when fortunately you blogged about getting a VCR. It wouldn’t have crossed my mind to do that had you not mentioned what an economical and entertaining idea that was. That week I found a VCR at a thrift store and also more than thirty movies for us to see on it. So you see your blog once more has been a gift that keeps on giving !

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          The VCR makes a comeback!!! Haha! Isn’t shopping for the movies (that are so inexpensive) fun? It’s like hitting the mother lode!

          How sensitive and kind you are to the needs of your granddaughter. You are keeping her on an even keel; college pressures can be overwhelming. She will always remember how you gave of yourself during this critical time in her life.

          Your lakeside home must be very soothing and recuperative for her. There’s something about the gentle lap of waves or the glide of a trumpeter swan that smooths out the rough edges of life.

  16. Elizabeth says:

    Nice to hear you and the boys are well, Sue!! A lotta cooking going on here…esp. since it is just 3 of us…but leftovers will be fine too!!
    Saw this today and thought what a great thought:

    “Live like someone left the gate open!”

    Thinking of the doggies who are escape artists and all…gave me a laugh too. This poster was on a little dog high in the air running his heart out!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Love that quote, Elizabeth! Reminds me of something I saw the day before yesterday . . .

      I was driving through our neighborhood having just left the house less than a quarter mile behind me. I spot two little, white dogs running with glee alongside the road. (We have very little traffic here.)

      Reggie and Roger! How did they get out? I left them in the house!

      A closer look…. One of the white dogs was smaller than the other. He had brown spots and ears with points turned over, a little face.

      The other was all white, a bit stockier, with ears that stand up and a tail curled over its back.

      Those two dogs looked just like Reg and Rog! They disappeared between the houses, probably on their way home. (Our neighborhood posts lost dogs on a neighborhood website and they never were posted.)

      Anyway…. They looked so much like my crew that I turned around and drove home to make sure my escape artists were where I’d left them!

      Always enjoy hearing from you, Elizabeth. You’re one of my most loyal blogorinos and I appreciate you! 🙂

      • Elizabeth says:

        Thank you, Sue…and I appreciate you too!! I found you about the time you made your trek to pick up the trailer!! Many moons ago!! It is indeed amazing that 2 little doggies just like yours must live closeby!! Glad to hear yours were safe and sound in the house!!

        Always think about George too this time of year…in fact, probably found you via him!!

        And I appreciate the others too, here, who are so kind and affirming…tis not easy to find such in most of my world!!

  17. Marilyn in northern California says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you, Sue and to Blogorinos where ever you are. Roger and Reggie are undoubtedly thankful for the wonderful life you provide for them (as well as any pieces of rotisserie chicken that comes their way.) I’m thankful for this blog and all I have learned from it over the years. Let the feasting begin!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      What a nice thing, Marilyn, to include my blog in your thankfulness. I’m grateful to have you among my readers.

      Truth be told, the boys and I haven’t had much rotisserie chicken. Now that we have a kitchen with an oven and microwave and crockpot, our meals have become more varied.

      BTW, I discovered a delicious chicken bruschetta at Safeway. The ingredients are simple, no gmo, nitrates, cage-free chickens, no hormones, and made in the USA.

      I add it to stir fry. It makes an incredible burrito with tomato, green chilies, and sour cream (or cheese). It also comes in patty form which I use for burgers.

      There are more recipes at the website, https://mightysparkfood.com/ Also an explanation for their claim that every purchase helps provide a meal for someone in need. Plus a store locator.

      I tried the Thai chicken and didn’t like it. The Queso Fresco & Jalapeno turkey patties are tasty. 🙂

      So… Good food! I’m thankful for that!

  18. Marilu says:

    Hmmm! Spell check changed my name from Marilu to Marilyn!

  19. FloridaScott In Tucson says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue, Reggie & Roger! Hope you have a Beautiful Day!
    FloridaScott

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, FloridaScott! Thank you….. This is a beautiful day, now that you are here!

      I can’t tell you how much I enjoy hearing from those who read my blog before they hit the road and then report on their travels and experiences after heading out. Yours have been a special pleasure.

      Of course, I enjoy every comment from all the blogorinos, but I do get a thrill from folks like Suzicruzi, MB, you and others . . . .

      Hope the sun is shining in Tucson, too!

  20. Lisa W says:

    Hi Sue and Crew,
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!
    We are at Fort Huachuca, experiencing the same weather as you. Can’t complain about the rain as I know SE AZ really needs it. And agree with you that it is very unusual. We don’t see two such strong weather systems come one after the other. Will have to bring our big slide in tonight as those winds go to town. I think the boys will be happy Sunday when the weather gets back to normal.
    Heading up to Tucson on Sunday where we will be for the month of December.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Lisa. It’s fun reading your comment. Boy, we do get some powerful winds, don’t we! Smart to bring in the slide.

      I remember when I was a newbie. I was camped with Spike and Bridget in the Darby Road/Ajo area. I put out the awning and the three of us went for a walk. Soon our camping neighbor — Al of The Bayfield Bunch — was waving and hollering for us to come back.

      Wind had come up and was trying to pitch the awning! It was calm just moments before.

      I hope you have a wonderful weekend followed by a pleasant December in Tucson!

  21. Norman in San Diego says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Norman! You’re another faithful blogorino that I’m always pleased to see here. I hope you are well.

      I was going to wish you fair weather but since you’re in San Diego, well, I don’t want to irritate blogorinos scattered about the rest of the country!

      Have a good weekend. . .

  22. Reine in Princeton,TX (when not camping) says:

    Glad you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving. We’re enjoying spending the day with our kids and grandkids. It’s been a wonderful year.

  23. Diann in MT says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sue, Reggie and Roger.
    Thanks for the post, Sue. Just finished up Thanksgiving dinner with my hub and me. Ducked out on a big family get together too many miles away. Snow this morning, black ice on the roads, and football on TV for him. Big storm on its way tomorrow, and we are ready. It’s the way it is in the far north.
    Think of you often and even follow your weather on the Weather Channels.
    Diann

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diann,

      You were wise to stay at your Montana home this holiday. Storms make for treacherous driving but I imagine that’s especially so in your state.

      “We are ready.” Snowstorms are no big deal for you! Ha!

      How sweet of you to check our weather . . . .

  24. Columbus Calvin says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sue and Reggie and Roger!

    I’m certain Reggie and Roger both appreciate the shelter you provide for them. As much as we all enjoy the outdoors, not much in life beats coming in out of bad weather.

    I still connect to that picture you used as a header.

    I’ll have to let all this “percolate” a little before I come up with a quote.

    I’m having a “big day” (for me) here in Ohio. The weather is cold and dry, not enough to keep me off the bicycle. The highlight of the day for me was a meal with my ex, her sister, kids, grandkids, etc. The great moment came when we took turns saying what we’re thankful for. That included my younger daughter expressing gratitude for her ability to help her closest friend get through a personal tragedy. I’m proud of her.

    Of course, I loved seeing all the grand-kids and everyone. My older daughter found some old pictures of her mother and me that startled those who didn’t know us “back when.” We both look (and feel) like different, better people now.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      A lovely message, Calvin, on this Thanksgiving Day. Truly a gift. Thank you.

      You made me smile as I envisioned you in the warmth and love of family. Of course, I have a completely made up picture of what you look like, except I think you once said you have a goatee. 🙂

      Yes, your daughters are deserving of your pride! I love your last line. May we all find ourselves “like different, better people” than our early years.

      You know? When I chose that header I thought about “someone” commenting that it spoke to them and I couldn’t recall who that person was. I believe that was taken when we stopped to stretch our legs on our way north through northern Nevada.

      You mentioned Reg and Rog being grateful for their home. I know they are. Reggie tells me with loads of kisses . . . morning, noon, and night. Roger has never given me a kiss and he never will, but he still remembers to come to me with thanks after every meal.

  25. Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings, Lynn…

  26. Dave in Missouri says:

    Happy thanksgiving Sue
    Always a pleasure to see your post in my inbox.

  27. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue and Crew.
    It is chilly but nice here in Nashville. We had a very non-traditional Thansgiving dinner,
    with steak, potatoes and mixed veggies. Oh and wine, gotta have that on the holiday.

    We watched the Macy’s Parade this am and football, typical Thanksgiving at our house.
    Thanks to you for sharing your life with us for these last few years.

    Have you heard from Rusty and/or Chuck and AZ Jim? I think of them all often and hope they are doing well. If thye see this I hope they had a Happy Thanksgiving.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Barbara,

      You remind me of my mother. Every Thanksgiving as far back as I can remember she would have the tv on to watch the Macy’s parade. She loved that!

      I hope you shared some of that steak with Angel, such a good dog. 🙂

  28. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    My post seems to have gone to never, never land.
    I’ll check in a little bit to see if it shows up.

  29. Wendy - Bribie Island, Oz says:

    Happy Thanksgiving. Send some of your rain to Oz, we badly need some rain, so many bush fires. Take care, hugs for all

  30. Anna in NC says:

    Hello and a very Happy Thanksgiving!
    I’m always a reader but a horrible poster. I always enjoy your posts. I have loved hearing about your house and the great treasures you find. (My husband and I visited Az combined with a business trip of his. Never thought I’d like AZ but I loved it! Would love to go back.)
    I have always loved the antics of your pups. My 16 yr old has slowed down a bit. Picky eater, hard of hearing and sight diminished but by golly he sometimes acts like a puppy. My other is almost 11. We are leaving N.C. tomorrow for our 9 hr trip to Florida-4th time this year – and of course they go, too. Love having them with me all the time!
    Well, I rambled too much but I was happy to see you posted.
    Take care and thank you for all the years of your great stories and pictures!!
    Anna

    • MB from VA says:

      Hello “neighbor”! Glad you said hello. I love having my girls with me all the time too. I work at home so we are rarely parted. When I do leave them and explain that other dogs’ moms leave 8+ hrs/day, they look at me like, “Yea??? So what’s your point??”. LOL!

      Have fun in FL!
      MB from VA, Bella and Molly…Chihuahua and Chi/Terrier mix. Both are 7.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Anna,

      I hope your drive to Florida today was smooth and easy. I imagine your crew enjoys arriving at their vacation spot as much as you do, especially after a 9 hour stretch on the road.

      Yeah, Arizona has that effect on a lot of people!

  31. Dawn in NC says:

    Hi Sue! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 to you as well. So glad you can catch up on the rain that you missed earlier in the season. I’m glad you had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. I had a nice holiday with my family. I’m very grateful to be able to have the holidays with my family. Both of my parents where in and out of the hospital this year. I wasn’t sure we’d all be here for the holidays.

    So happy for this blog today!

    • MB from VA says:

      Hi Dawn,

      I’m so glad you were able to have “everyone at the table” for Thanksgiving. 🙂

      Have a great day!
      MB

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      I echo MB’s words. I’m glad you are blessed with both parents this holiday season. As the years go by we become aware how precious they are to us and each day is to be treasured, even days that are less than perfect.

      I’m happy you’re happy about this blog! 🙂

  32. Rusty says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to all and a safe one too,,,, well I was sent to the Er at the VAMC and they sent me to YRMC West er and after being examined and blood tests and not being able to breathe a very smart Decision of a new Doctor did a procedure that saved my life, he numb’d my lower right back and inserted a 13 gadge long needle to the bottom right Lung and drained over a Liter of yellowish fluid from it and in a few minutes I was able to breathe Really Great like I should,,, now I’m out and functioning like a normal person who likes to go for long walks with no problems in breathing. So now I set here at U.S.VETS with my Brothers of Service eating a Great Thanks Giving Dinner with all the Fixings and watching the Buffalo’s and the Cowboys Football game and I’m Really Thankful for that Doctor and my Life, I’m ready for the next Chapter in Life, ,, So to all Have a Pleasant and Safe Thanksgiving and Bless you all!!!!

    • alex says:

      Oh my, Rusty! How lucky you got that doctor! Glad to hear your well and enjoyed dinner with your Brothers.

    • CHERYL TUCKER says:

      Rusty, glad to hear the VA are taking good care of you. Sounds like you’ve been through a lot of discomfort lately. Happy to hear you are breathing normally, now. Take care & Happy 🦃 day!

      CherylinMI

    • Elizabeth says:

      So glad to hear you are doing ok, Rusty…and you found a doctor with some smarts!! No small gift!! We have spent some awesome holidays with friends…something to be said for sharing with others of like background.

    • MB from VA says:

      That’s great news Rusty and certainly something about which to be thankful!

      Wishing you continued good health!

      Love from VA,
      MB, Bella and Molly

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rusty! Thanks for the update. I’m glad you are breathing well and looking forward to more of this good life. Have a wonderful weekend!

    • ApplegirlNY says:

      Wow, Rusty. Quite a story. So glad you got the help you needed and could enjoy some Thanksgiving treats, including the game.

    • Karen LeMoine says:

      God bless and keep you well Rusty. Glad you are enjoying your nice Thanksgiving day.

  33. Barb from Hoquiam says:

    Happy Thankgiving!

  34. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sue, Reggie, and Roger!! Sounds like you are having a perfect day, snuggling with the boys! 😊

    Sending you and the zoom-zoom brothers lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 😊

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Denise!

      The zoom-zoom brothers are all zoomed out at the moment. They’ve established 6 p.m., give or take, as their regular bedtime.

      Our rainy, cold, snowy, windy weather has them inside most of the day. They like it when I lie down on “the big bed” so they can wrestle with each other with me nearby. Today was a marathon wrestling match, taking turns who’s the predator and who’s the prey, who dominates and who takes their punishment. Lots of pretend biting with Roger adding audio. Very entertaining!

      Your Thanksgiving sounded very nice. Thanks for the love and hugs. Cuddle the Gracie pup for me and here are some hugs for both of you . . . . 🙂

  35. Alex says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Sue and Crew! Greetings from windy NJ. My dogs are the same about going out in the rain- but don’t have a problem jumping in a mucky pond while on a hike. Go figure!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Greetings to you, too, Alex!

      Maybe dogs don’t like the rain because they have no control over it? They can choose to jump in a mucky pond. Or maybe the raindrops make them feel like they’re being attacked by an invisible force? Who knows….

      Roger was the first to venture out for potty this morning. Reggie couldn’t do it, so I picked him up, tucked him inside my coat, and carried him across the lawn, setting him down under the pine tree. He was about to bolt for the porch when he realized, “Hey, I can do this.” 🙂

      Our wind is gone at the moment. I hope NJ has calmed down, too.

  36. CherylLinMI says:

    I found this on F. B.

    “I Woke up. I have clothes to wear. I have running water. I have food to eat. I AM THANKFUL!”

  37. Velda says:

    Sue and crew, it’s good to hear from you. Son and I and our fur kids are just finished our ham dinner and sitting back to watch tv. Some rain, not a lot. All the best to you and crew.

  38. MB from VA says:

    Hi Sue,

    Molly (12 lb Chihuahua/Terrier) says she is with your boys. I have great difficulty getting her to “go” in the rain. Bella (6 lb Chihuahua), on the other hand will go in any weather. You’d think it would be the other way around. Molly is bigger in size and personality.

    When my grandparents, uncle, mom and I went on road trips when I was a child…..and it was a loooong way between rest stops…….and we finally found one…..my grandmother would say, “Coke is not the only pause that refreshes!” 🙂

    Thank you again for this blog. It has kept a dream alive that may have flickered and died over the past few years. This short trip only served to reinforce it. I loved every minute. And the first time I saw a “boondock” I got so excited! I now know how to find them…. and am planning a longer trip next summer. And somehow….some way…..AZ will be my home. You know how you wonder sometimes if it’s just the dream that is fun but in real life….not so much? Well this trip let me know that I truly love it out there enough to travel and live there. I learned a lot about myself and AZ….tweaked the dream a bit but it is alive more that ever! Thank you.

    I don’t order much on line but I got a few DVDs as gifts for my uncle who loves musicals with kids. I “think” I did it through your site. I hope so. If it worked and I order more, I will certainly use your site again.

    Love to you and the boys from me and my girls!
    MB

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, MB, love to you and your crew, too . . . .

      Your comment is an absolute delight for me! “The first time I saw a ‘boondock’ I go so excited!” Oh, I know that feeling well, even after years of boondocking.

      And “this trip let me know that I truly love it out there . . . .” Your exuberance is wonderful. Yeah, it is exciting to have a dream and then the time comes when you know for sure it’s the right thing for you which fires you up to make it happen!

      I am so very happy for you!

      You did good ordering from Amazon. I see the DVDs! Thank you for using the link on my blog. 🙂

      • MB from VA says:

        Great! I will place any and all orders through your site in the future!

        And good thing I was alone with only my girls in the truck when I saw that first site…..”OMG girls! It has a fire ring!!!!”! People would have thought I was nuts!

        I also found what you have on so many occasions……such nice people all around me. A few “placed there” just when I needed them”. 😉 ……like the two cotton farmers who told be a back way through the countryside to re-connect with I-40 when an accident CLOSED it an hour before my destination of West Memphis on the very first day. A lesson maybe? When you meet with a road block, you can turn around and go back…..or figure it out. 🙂

        Have a good weekend,
        MB, Bella and Molly

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Another great comment, MB.

          When faced with a “roadblock” or problem situation, I found that waiting, rather than pushing through, has brought a resolution to the problem either by me changing my perspective on it or by a real, physical person being “placed there” to help (the “screwdriver angel,” for example).

          Out of a problem or roadblock the path curves around to little encounters that enrich the journey. You will be amazed at what you experience when your original plan is diverted. 🙂

          Happy Saturday!

  39. Suzicruzi says:

    “Gravy is a beverage”… ha!ha! That’s a good one, and I hadn’t heard it before, so thanks for that laugh.

    Happy Thanksgiving y’all. Right now I’m thankful for a family that took us in during this terrible monsoon rain and cold temperatures that has struck much of the West! That
    And good food, family and friends! Did I mention hot showers?

    Wishing you all many blessings,
    Kitty (meow!) Suzi and Larry
    – in cold, flooded Murrieta, CA.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Suzi and Larry, Meow to Kitty . . . .

      Last you reported you were being blown around in the famous wind of Borrego Springs, made more powerful by the storm over the Southwest.

      Now you’re in Murrieta, north of San Diego. Staying with people you know or were you victims of disaster? Your Casita OK?

      I’m glad you’re in a safe place and that cheerful spirit of yours has not been shaken!

      • Suzi says:

        Oh yes Sue, we are all “okay”, and even better than okay. I reread my post and it might have been misleading. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Sorry!

        We were being wind blown in Anza, yikes! With heavy rain coming, we bailed. Friends in Murrieta offered us curb moochdocking for as long as the storm lasted, or as long as we wanted to stay. The rains came and it’s been a river running down their street, but our Casita is safe and sound on her jacks and blocks. We are in no danger.

        The drive out of Borrego Springs up over the Banner Grade was interesting. 🙈😬 Pie in Julian kept us chugging along though, and soon we were out of that canyon- which is beautiful by the way although a stressful place to tow. Steep, winding, and narrow in places, but the Casita is no wider than our van, and I keep telling myself that. The pie was delicious by the way! 😉

        We are plotting our next stop from here that is not muddy or swamp-like after all this rain. East of course, and maybe we won’t stop until we reach Ajo, I’m not sure? I’ll keep you posted.

        Sorry for the concern, but also, thanks for caring! That’s what I love about coming here. What a comforting space you’ve created Sue. Many thanks. xox

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          On your way east you could stop at the Salton Sea. Not everyone’s cup o’ tea but something to try at least once.

          Thanks for replying with more interesting details!

        • Denise - Richmond VA says:

          Hi, Suzi!

          Inquiring minds want to know – what kind of pie did you have?! I have heard that Julian is well worth the stop! 🥧 😛

          • Suzi says:

            Hi Denise! Apple! Apple! Apple! One goes to Julian for Apple pie because of all the apple growers in the region. With that said, you can get all kinds of yummy pie in Julian; cherry, peach, pumpkin, berry, and what have you. It’s like “the pie Capitol of the world” I think! So this time, we picked up a Dutch Apple with the crumb topping for our kind hosts. This pie!! OMGoodness, it did not disappoint! They are big, fat, and TALL! Expensive but you will honestly say, “it was worth every penny”. You can watch them being made (all day) and wait for them to come out of the oven. You can buy whole pies, or sit and have a piece- with or w/o ice cream. There are many places to choose from in Julian to buy pie, eat pie, or have a good lunch and pie. Pie! Pie! And more pie!!!

            HaHa! Hope this answers your question! 😉☺️ Now dang it, I want more pie! 🤣🤣

  40. Colleen from Tehachapi, currently loving AZ says:

    Great to see your post! Happy “day after” Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving but also the relief and relaxation of the day after. Yes, I have many leftovers in my frig! One of our sons and his wife are visiting with us as they travel through to Pennsylvania.

    For the first time, we are spending the entire winter in Arizona. We left the Central Coast of California in mid October and arrived in Camp Verde a few days later, we don’t get in a hurry any more. We are loving this area! Moving further south just before Christmas and then will return to this area in March. We love the varied landscapes and sights here. We are having rain and wind for a couple of days and then we should be dry and sunny again. We can see some snow on the hilltops around us. We are snug in our RV.

    Thankful that I found your blog many years ago, you inspired us both so much. We do not boondock but we can enjoy the wild areas with a short drive. We just purchased a pair of electric bicycles and can’t wait to get out to explore with them.

    Thank you, your posts are always a treat!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Colleen!

      Something about Arizona… People don’t expect a lot and yet they end up falling in love. 🙂 I’m glad you are “snug” in your RV during this unpredictable, changeable weather.

      It sounds like you’ve set up a pleasant style of RVing that suits you well, complete with electric bikes! You’ll have fun with those!

      Speaking of treats, I feel that way about your comment. Thanks for writing!

      • Columbus Calvin says:

        I’m probably an exception to the “unexpected” part of loving Arizona. I wanted to go there ever since I first saw a picture (probably of a saguaro, like so many others) in the first grade. When I finally went there, decades later, I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to my hopes. It did. I’ve gone back East now (or for now), but I never really got over spending a couple of months in Tucson.

  41. rvsueandcrew says:

    HI, BLOGORINOS!

    What fun to see you here! You pop up like crocus through the snow!

    Speaking of snow, it’s snowing at our house! We had a terrific windstorm last night along with heavy rain and now snow flurries. Black Friday is actually White Friday. Ha!

    Yesterday a friend came by the house bearing a big plate of Thanksgiving dinner, several containers of additional side dishes, and another plate of desserts from him and his wife. Wow! I had already eaten so I’ll be heating it all up for dinner today. Well, not all of it. The desserts — pumpkin pie, Dutch apple pie, spice bread and cupcakes — didn’t last. 🙂

    I’m enjoying your comments and intend to reply to each one at some point. Ooh, looks like the snow flurries have turned back into light rain.

    Enjoy your leftovers! Talk to you later . . . .

    Sue

    UPDATE: More snow flurries! 🙂

  42. Christine Humphrey says:

    Thank you Sue, Reggie and Roger for your messages! P.S. I loved/love Erma Bombeck’s work!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Christine. Yeah, Erma Bombeck was a treasure, wasn’t she.

      Here’s some more of her wit . . . .

      “My idea of housework is to sweep the floor with a glance.”

      “It is my theory that you can’t get rid of fat. All you can do is move it around, like furniture.”

      “My idea of ‘roughing it’ is when you have to have an extension for your electric blanket.”

  43. This morning as I’m prepping the turkey, I just remembered my sister Lil, ( RIP sister) I chuckle with misty eyes, years ago, she & I, we were trying to cook our first turkey ever, and it was not quite thaw out yet, we had the turkey on the kitchen counter all greased down with butter, it slipped off our hands, the turkey hit the floor with a thud and slid across the kitchen floor, hit the wall and bounced back at us, we were both screaming as the turkey slide between our legs and it hit the stove again. Finally it came to a stop, spinning. We look at each other & laughed so hard it was so funny. Some fond memories of my sister, please remember those who are not here with us on this Thanksgiving day, but cherished them in memories. I pray 🙏that God be with you all. Happy Thanksgiving.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      LOL!!! Hilarious, Rita! Some of the best and funniest memories are when things go wrong. Your runaway turkey would make a great scene in a movie!

      Thanks for sharing that special memory and for the prayer. Have a marvelous weekend.

    • MB from VA says:

      OK Rita…..that story made me Laugh Out Loud!!!!! Too funny! 🙂

  44. Jean in southaven, ms says:

    Hi sue, still lurking

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, jean! Thanks for letting us know you’re still here. I checked the weather for your area and it looks a lot like what we’re having here.

      Take care and have a pleasant weekend!

  45. Betty/Tucson says:

    A very happy Thanksgiving Day Sue!!! It is pouring here in Tucson still✌😄 .Winter rains bring beautiful springtime blooms✌

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Betty!

      The rain turned our yard into mud with green on top! I was getting weary of so much brown. Our rain finally quit this evening and the wind, which included some very powerful gusts, has passed by. That wind picked up our big trash bin and threw it across the yard!

      Enjoy the weekend whatever you do!

  46. ApplegirlNY says:

    Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were all together, laughing, talking, eating and being happy.

    Thanks, Sue and Blogorinos for always adding a bit of sunshine to my day.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Applegirl.

      Your simple description of your family together is lovely. Thanks for bringing your special touch to my blog.

  47. Deena in Phoenix says:

    Hi Sue and blogorinos, yesterday was great with family and friends at three separate homes … today is to rest.

    I have stated before that this blog with it’s gentle guide in RVSue and her Crew and the blogorinos have been a source of wonderment, bravery, love, adventure, strength, wisdom in giving me more joy into my life. Godbless.

    “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
    Walt Disney

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      God bless you, too, Deena. I’m glad you had a nice Thanksgiving.

      Your second paragraph is touching. What you describe has been the same for me, too. 🙂

  48. Rochelle in IN says:

    We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving with just the two of us. Hubby Joe is our cook and I’m the cleanup crew. We enjoyed our day, but made sure to get to bed early in preparation for today. No, not Black Friday – U-Haul Friday!

    We are in the middle of the painful process of downsizing as we prepare to retire and hit the road in May. For months I’ve been taking pictures of almost everything we own. Then I posted them in a private FB group with just the 2 kids and our adult granddaughter. They indicated what they wanted, and we packed it up. We also had “displays” of tools, picture albums, DVD’s and jewelry for them to pick through.

    So today was the day they came to get their stuff. They took one load to son’s house about an hour away, then came back and loaded the trailer up with daughter’s stuff. She and her family live in SC. We hired some teens from church to help with the heavy stuff and fed everybody chili and cornbread.

    It was a surprisingly fun, but exhausting day. Now we’re sitting here in a living room without a couch or tables and we had to put a card table under the chandelier in the empty dining room after I banged my noggin on it several times. 🙂

    This is both an exciting and scary time – lots more work to do, but we’re keeping the goal in sight!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Dear Rochelle, I am impressed! Impressed with your strategy for downsizing…. so thoughtful and, wow! …. so organized!

      I’ve often thought it better to divide up one’s accumulation of stuff while one is still here, rather than leaving the job when family is dealing with the emotions at one’s passing. Now they have the stuff to enjoy and you have the freedom of being unencumbered.

      Yes, “both an exciting and scary time” . . . because you dare to step out of what you’re used to.

      I enjoyed your description of the card table under the chandelier…. very symbolic of your transition, eh?

  49. Libby Nester - WV says:

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    My furbabies don’t wanna go out in rainy weather either. I totally enjoy gravey!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Libby!

      You’re in West Virginia. I didn’t know that! I don’t think this blog has any other readers from your state, at least not blogorinos.

      Whenever I think of WV I recall the time when I was in my early 20s and got lost in your mountains with those curvy, downhill roads. It was dark and raining in sheets that the wipers could hardly handle. I was terrified!

      My dad once told me, “Nothing you do in life is a waste. If you live long enough you’ll find yourself using what you learned from those experiences.” It’s true! I think that WV night of terror (which I survived without incident) prepared me for life on the road some 40+ years later. 🙂

  50. Barb in Florida says:

    Hi Everyone!

    Late to the party, as usual. Hope you’re all enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend. I made my gluten-free pizza Thursday, as we had our whole chicken with homemade cranberry sauce and the fixins on Monday. Made chicken stew with homemade bisquits on Tuesday. So good. I get my chicken and eggs from the farmer’s market. Chicken guy’s small turkeys were bigger than I wanted to deal with. I’ll sell a few things and then usually spend it on chicken, eggs, honey and produce. End up paying their “rent” and coming home with food instead of cash. It’s great. Baby blankets, etc = food.
    My new product – doll and toy sleeping bags made with cute camping fabric and fleece.

    My favorite quote: “If wishes were fishes, the seas would be full” – Geri’s mom.

    Makes me think of her and all the others I’m missing this year. Holidays are a hard time of year for a lot of folks. Wishing you all happy, loving memories to fill your hearts!

    • Elizabeth says:

      You are right that holidays can be hard…thanks for sharing things, Barb and wishing as much joy as possible for all!! Your idea of selling things you made, then using money for food…GREAT idea!!

  51. Elizabeth says:

    Just a word to the wise…be oh so careful when out in stores now. Today I was menaced by a guy with 2 kids with him…he was swearing, threatening, followed me to my car (where Hubby was waiting) and took photos of our car and us too…Hubby got very upset and was yelling and finally said he was calling the police, before the guy left. The poor kids looked so scared… Well, we try to get home BEFORE school lets out…as it is less crowded usually…and now with this big month on us, we will for sure not be out after 3 PM or so…A person is so shocked…I was not thinking clearly as I should have asked the store for security to come help me…before leaving the store even. Sometimes the police are at the stores here…but I did not see their car today. I had felt that store was a safer one than some…no more.

    • Dawn in NC says:

      I’m so sorry that happened to you Elizabeth. I am glad your husband was there as your back up. Please stay safe.

    • Barb in Florida says:

      Hi Elizabeth,
      You want to be friendly when dealing with strangers out in public, but I have learned to be very careful about it, especially with kids. Once in a store parking lot, I encountered a little boy by my car. I was putting groceries in the trunk and commented to him that the donut in his hand looked good and it was my favorite kind. His mother, across the aisle, putting a cart away, gave him a loud talking to when he crossed to her side. About how he should not talk to strangers. I was horrified! As I put my cart away, I told her that he never said a word to me, that I talked to him. I apologized profusely as I didn’t want the boy to get in trouble. No more! Our society doesn’t allow it. You didn’t say what caused his behavior. I’m guessing something like this. Everybody is a potential predator to parents these days – even if you’re a friendly, gray-haired old lady like me. 🙂

      Thank you for your response up above. Wish I could give you my email address.
      Have a good day, Elizabeth! Hi Sue, crew & Blogorinos.

      • Elizabeth says:

        Thank you Barb…I was making a little joke of their blocking the aisle in the exit of the store. Looking at that, the store MUST have lots of theft or they would not be making the exit virtually only wide enough for one cart…which is a good reason to shop elsewhere. You are right about people…glad you were able to let that mom know that the boy did not speak to you…question is, WHY WAS THE BOY NOT WITH MOM?? I always made my kids walk beside our cart, once they were big enough, and keep one hand on the cart at all times. I shopped with all 3 of the kids at times…and no problems. (Always let them choose a treat after I got all the groceries and I let them help choose things, like what kind of cereal to buy etc as we went too and talked to them about how to check fresh stuff for finding the best lettuce, melon, or whatever…did my best to keep them entertained. Also, we would look at the sizes of products and figure out, using math of course, as to what one was the best deal. No one taught me that, but I wanted my kids to know all they could…they all are glad we did things that way). Parents today do have it hard…but there are ones out there that are way too mentally off to be in charge of kids too. As my daughter pointed out…the courts did not find her EX a problem for the kids (in this state pedophiles are just fine it appears). I was worried last night about the little kids…as this guy raged, the kids looked so scared. Poor things…no telling what their home life was like. What a sorry world huh? Well, it IS the season to be jolly right?? I have hated shopping in Dec. all my life because of how badly people act then…and avoid all I can, but you kind of have to go get groceries at times.

        • Barb in Florida says:

          Same here with the kid shopping. Always tried to make it a learning experience for them and teach what they don’t in school. I homeschooled a couple of my kids for a while. I turned anything I could think of into learning something. I think it taught them to be creative and think outside the box. Also, worked retail a few years ago so shopping’s not high on my list anymore. But hey, ya gotta eat!!

          • Elizabeth says:

            I homeschooled a few years with the older 2 and ended up doing all 12 years, until college. All are self-supporting and yes, think outside the box. It was fun to let them really hone in on their favored skills…one was extremely musical and artistic and nuts about computers. So she really worked at all those, in the hours after her schoolwork was finished. When you have many kids in a classroom and not a lot of helpers, you cannot focus so much on each kid’s abilities, sadly. Mine learned how to help each other too, which I think has served them well in their jobs. (I also taught preschool some years when not homeschooling…helping to teach things like letters, sounds, numbers etc). It is interesting to me to read the things the so-called experts sometimes said in history to some of the greatest people…like Einstein etc. Yea, I worked retail a few years too. Indeed it was a learning experience!! Our son also worked it a few years while in high school and college…made him determined to get his college degree…ha! But I did really enjoy that work a lot too…worked mostly in fabrics, and crafts…so was much stimulated myself hearing what all the customers were making!!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Hi, Barb,

        So sorry you were made to feel that you did something wrong. Being kind and friendly is not a bad thing. 😊

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, Elizabeth,

      I am so sorry that you had a run in with that awful person. I know you must have been terrified. I am thankful that you and your husband are ok. It seems that there are more people than ever losing their “#$*&!” over trivial things.

      Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an indicator light of some sort on people. If is green, it is ok to approach them, if yellow, proceed with caution, and if that light is red, stay far, far away! Sending hugs for you and your husband. 🤗

      • Elizabethq says:

        Hi Denise…I so agree…an indicator light would be so helpful!! But tis ok…will be working harder at avoiding all kind of contact while in stores. Well, tis the season to be jolly right?? Must not be in some cases…Thanks for the hugs!!

  52. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue and my fellow blogorinos!

    Has anyone used a grocery delivery service that some stores have started to offer? What do you like about it, and what do you dislike?

    I shop primarily at Kroger. A few months ago, I made an online shopping list as if it would be delivered. One of my sisters and her hubby took the list and shopped for me. A negative…there are limited sizes, varieties, and brands to choose from. For instance, I needed pickle relish. I chose the least expensive jar, not paying attention to size. I have a mayo jar sized tub of relish – 24 oz!! There is no way that I will use that much! Another negative: Kroger accepts payment by credit card only; you cannot even use a Kroger gift card. I wish they would deliver prescriptions, too. Advantages: purchases go towards fuel point for discounted gas, and I save money by buying the store brand.

    I hope everyone is having a good day! Tonight I will be working on my handmade Christmas cards. I hope to get them finished and mailed this weekend. Stay warm and safe everyone! 😊

    • Elizabeth says:

      We have not tried out any of these things YET…have talked of it some. Since there are only certain things I generally buy at Walmart…am thinking in order to avoid the crazies out there, I might phone in an order of those certain things. Then you go to a certain parking area, phone them when you arrive and they bring it to your car!!! Sure is looking worth trying out!! Glad you have kin willing to help you there too!!

    • Dawn in NC says:

      Hi Denise,
      I have not tried it, but a good friend of mine was recommending Wal Mart to me. The major drawback for me is that I don’t use or want plastic grocery bags anymore. I use reusable ones. I swear that the plastic grocery bags reproduce and multiply inside my home! I never remember to take them to the store to recycle them. They just keep overflowing the bags that they’re in! Good luck with finding one that you like!

      Hand made Christmas cards! That is so awesome. Your friends and family are very fortunate to have you in their lives!

  53. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Dawn,

    I know what you mean about too many bags. I ask for paper bags when available. I use them for gathering paper, glass, and plastic for recycling. The plastic bags are for used Gracie pup’s poop patrol. Occasionally I will have too many and have to recycle them. Remembering to take extra plastic bags to the store does not happen very often. I am lucky if I remember to bring my list with me!! 😂

  54. Deena in Phoenix says:

    Just checking in … Life is throwing curves lately, but I still check every day, I get uplifted when I see the boys and Sue’s joy at her current lifestyle …I am perusing the archives with a big smile and wonderment at the attachment I have given to RVSue and Crew and blogorinos. About those curves, well I wasn’t a softball catcher for nothing back in the day … and still catch the hi fly and hit 1st base everytime. Keep loving Life, ya’ll!

    • MB from VA says:

      Good morning Deena!

      What a great post! You have a gift for condensing several good thoughts into a short post. Me? I tend to get wordy! LOL! I’m like my dad. He was a Sunday School teacher. His class loved him but would tease that he was on the ark longer than Noah! 🙂

      I too have been thrown a few curves lately but I’m getting better at catching or hitting them.

      And I love this blog and the people and animals here! There were times over the past few years that “the dream” would have died without them.

      Have a very Merry Christmas!
      MB, Bella and Molly…in VA now but AZ soon.

      • Deena in Phoenix says:

        Thank you for your kind words … Almost made VA my home in 1973 but after a few months decided I needed the dry heat of Phoenix. Went back many a time to visit friends in Roanoke with the beautiful country of the mountains and Newport News and Hampton Roads with all of their history.

        Merry Christmas to to you, Bella and Molly

        • MB from VA says:

          WOW! Small world! I live in Lynchburg……about an hour from Roanoke. It is home because it is where I was born and have lived ever since but I’m feeling the need for some of that AZ dryness too. I absolutely love AZ and hope to make it home someday soon.

  55. Dawn in NC says:

    Hi Everyone! Deena, I’m glad that you seem to be handling life’s curveballs so well! I’ve had a few of my own as well the past few weeks. I was blessed to have great support to help me through it. I’m plowing along at work. I am fortunate in that I am forced to take two weeks off for Christmas. The place where I work closes down and doesn’t allow anyone in. They give you one week, which is great, but force you to take a week of your own vacation time. I can’t wait until a week from now, where I will be FREE for two weeks! Probably the longest consecutive time that I have been off of work since i can’t remember! I’ve got a few small things left to do for Christmas shopping, but my budget is spent for anything else. I’m excited to go and visit with my immediate family over Christmas. The biggest Christmas gift is that they are all still here to celebrate it! I’m plugging along still trying to get my place cleaned up. Yesterday, with the help of a friend, I cleaned out my bedroom closet! Found some old photos that really brought up some good and some bad memories.

    How is everyone else doing out there?

    • MB from VA says:

      Hi Dawn!

      Woo Hoo! Freedom! Have fun!

      And I totally understand the bitter-sweetness old photos bring.

      Doing well here. I may actually be able to “keep my job” by learning a new task. A true blessing for several reasons.

      Have a peaceful evening all!
      MB, Bella and Molly

      • Dawn in NC says:

        Hi MB!

        How exciting that you can learn new things and keep your job! I am so happy for you. I’m also so glad that you were able to take your trip and keep your dreams alive. As the Proverbs say, hope deferred makes the heart sick (paraphrasing). I hope Bella and Molly help to keep you in good spirits while you wait!

        It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for responding!

        Dawn

        • MB from VA says:

          Proverbs is so right…..I just had no idea how right until I went. 🙂

          Bella is the sweetest dog ever and Molly is a HOOT! That dog makes me LOL every day!

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, Sue, Dawn, MB, and Deena!

      I enjoyed reading your updates! 😊

      Speaking of curve balls, I have been dealing with several myself. I really would like to step aside so the next one will just roll past me.

      Dawn: My work will be closed for 2 weeks, too. We have to work many holidays that others get off; those days are put towards winter break. This year we need to take 3 days of vacation leave to round out the 2 weeks. I hope you enjoy your forced break! It will be nice to have a breather from work. Sounds like we both will be trying to sort through more stuff. May we both make a huge dent in our to-do list! 😊

      Deena: Keep on fielding those curve balls like a pro! You got this, girl! Glad that you stopped by Sue’s virtual porch to chat! This really is a special gathering place filled with wonderful fellow blogorinos. 😊

      MB: Glad that you were able to take a quick road trip and now know that an adventure on the road suits you. May your new job training and opportunities bring you closer to your launch – maybe sooner than planned. Knock those curve balls out of your way! 😊

      Sue: I hope you and the boys are doing well! Gracie pup and I are enjoying a simpler holiday season. Not having things “just so” used to really bother me. That nonsense is really not important. Maybe this mindset comes with age? I will making a pork roast for Christmas dinner. One of my sisters, her hubby, and nephew #2 will be joining me. Gracie pup and I are grateful to spending Christmas Day with some of our family. Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! I have a feeling that all
      of our pups are on Santa’s “good” list! Have a wonderful Christmas! May your blessings be abundant in the coming year! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! 😊

      Sending Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to all of my fellow blogorinos! 🎄

      • Dawn in NC says:

        Hi Denise!

        So great to hear from you! I understand having a simpler holiday season. When I was younger, I used to always get a tree and decorate. This year, I bought a rosemary plant trimmed in the shape of a tree. It is a delightful compromise! I do have small ornaments that will fit on it, but I don’t know even if they will make it on. I’m so happy for you to be spending Christmas with family. I agree with you that our pets are always on Santa’s nice list! 😉

        • Denise - Richmond VA says:

          Hi, Dawn!

          Your rosemary plant will continue to be fragrant and useful in recipes long after Christmas! That is a great idea! 😊

      • MB from VA says:

        Thank you Denise!

        Having everything “just so” has been a roadblock (pardon the pun) for me in the past too. I am working on that thought process. And as I do, some of the roadblocks seem to be taking care of themselves…..holiday ones and otherwise too. I’ll turn 60 next month….so maybe you’re right…..Maybe I’m finally getting a little perspective that only this time in my life can give. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

        Blessings to you this Christmas!

        • Denise - Richmond VA says:

          Thank you, MB!

          Yes, modifying our old, ingrained ways of thinking takes some work. My new mindset has been a positive blessing for me. Just goes to show that not so old dogs can learn new tricks!! 😊

          Sending you early January Happy Birthday wishes!! 🎂

  56. weather says:

    Hi, Sue and everyone ! In case you didn’t know, today is the last day with Amazon offering free shipping by December 24th on items that say Eligible for FREE SHIPPING as long as your order totals $25 or more, and no Prime membership is necessary to get this deal. This month using the link above I bought a book by J. Osteen and one by S McVey, today I bought Wet and Forget cleaner and a Smith sprayer.

    Life is as lovely as ever in my little corner of the world, I dearly hope it is for you, too.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, weather, for mentioning the free shipping and for ordering through my blog. I checked and I see your items. 🙂

      I hope to put together a post soon. I’ve been struggling with one for quite some time now. I lost my blogging mojo!

      I’m glad to read your corner is still lovely. Ours is, too. Thanks to you and all those blogorinos who “keep the home fires burning.”

      Sue

      P.S. Reg and Rog are fine, living the good life.

      • weather says:

        Your having lost your blogging mojo reminded me of your December 6, 2015 post Lost Mojo. I just read again, and enjoyed listening to the song you’d provided a link to after reading a comment from me. If you want to take the time to look at the conversation you and I had in those comments it may not restore your mojo, yet will likely help you appreciate afresh what your blog has given to so many of us already.

        One thing you said, ” A greater force is at work in all our lives.” is essentially what I consider when though I may feel tired, frustrated or uninspired I’m trying to do just one more right thing…sending hugs and love to you and the boys 🙂

    • MB from VA says:

      Always good to hear from you Weather! Glad all is well in your world.

      We’re doing well here too. It’s the first year in a long time that I’ve had any Christmas spirit. The trip did me a world of good. 🙂

      Have a wonderful evening,
      MB, Bella and Molly

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, weather!

      Sending you wishes for a blessed Christmas! 😊

  57. Dawn in NC says:

    Hi Weather! Great to hear from you. I hope that you and your kitty are having a wonderful week. I don’t know what kind of trouble that your kitty gets into, but mine are quite the handful. Recently, one of my little rascals has taken to pealing off the popcorn coat of my ceiling! (One of my cat trees allows ceiling access.) What really scares me is that my place was built in the 70s, so there’s a good likelihood that there is asbestos in the popcorn of the ceiling. The next morning, after I thought I discouraged him from this endeavor, what do I find in the water bowl? A piece of the popcorn ceiling! The water bowl is where he likes to put his toys. (My watch ended up there once! It didn’t survive.)

    I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas!

    • weather says:

      Thanks, Dawn, I hope you and your kitties have a wonderful week and Christmas, too 🙂 . Gosh, sorry about your watch’s demise. Houseplants and flowers are really hard for my kitties to resist playing with.

  58. Toni says:

    And don’t forget to set your scales back 10 pounds.

  59. Wendy C- Bribie Island, Australia says:

    Hi, just wanted to drop in and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2020.
    And could you add Australia to your prayers we badly need rain to stop the bush fires all over Oz.
    So thankful for your Fire fighters that have come over to help our guys.
    Take care……..

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Merry Christmas, Wendy! 🎄

      Australia has been in my prayers. May rain be sent to help stop the fires, and may the residents, animals, and firefighters be cloaked in safety.

    • MB from VA says:

      Merry Christmas from Virginia, USA Wendy! I have been reading about the drought and fires your beautiful country is enduring. Sending my Christmas wish out for rain and cooler temps. I hope they come soon.

  60. ApplegirlNY says:

    Hi everyone! I just caught up on the most recent posts. It’s always a pleasure to hear from everyone.

    Sue, the headline photo is beautiful. I’m already dreaming of spring. LOL

    Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays to all of you. May the new year bring blessings and peace.

  61. MB from VA says:

    Merry Christmas Applegirl!

  62. Suzicruzi says:

    Morning Sue and boys,

    It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in. We have made our Winter home outside of Ajo. Tonight is the tree lighting and Santa arriving in the Plaza, so we will join in the fun for a little while. We got our first big rain of the season this morning about 4:30 am- “wheee!” Big clap of thunder woke us all up, then about 15 minutes of hard rain. What a treat! You know it smells magnificent, don’t you? I know you remember.

    I want to wish you and all our friends a wonderful Christmas. I hope you log on to see this message today, and perhaps you’ll “send us all a pretty card” tomorrow. I think of you always, and in my mind, I see you 3 going down the road on one of your adventures; one that you’ve shared so graciously with all of us for many years. If I really get my wheels turning just right, I might even see you waaaay over there, behind that stand of Saguaros towering over that lovely wash along Darby Well Road. Yup, maybe that’s you alright.

    Sending love Sue, and hugs all around. xox

    Suzi, Larry, and Kitty 🙋🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♂️🐈

  63. mary batt says:

    Yo Sue! Yo Reggie and Roger!
    And Yo-Yo-Yo to Everyone Else!
    Merry Christmas and Love and Peace in your hearts from Louisiana!
    We have sunshine, light breezes, and mild weather on our front porch! Our table has an artificial 2′ TALL Evergreen Artificial Christmas Tree with lights set in a Santa boot that has held up for years!! We have a basket of our pines cones with a candle center and just picked a Camellia for the table this morning! These camellias are a rosy pink with a blue blush on the edges of each petal! They are really pretty. Old growth that came with the house and surprised us when they bloomed! Over our coffee we watch the cross road to see if ANY cars actually stop as the stop sign suggests they do; THEY DON”T!!! Ahhhh….it’s a small town…..they stop if they need to!

    We returned my ‘share’ lab, Maggie, to her permanent family in FL. We miss her but I had a great 3 weeks attending to her and she to me! We have her again in April for 3 more weeks. Thank heavens for their long vacations!!

    This afternoon we will go to our son’s house. We will fry fish with him, his wife and adult step-kids and 2 gorgeous Springer Spaniels to celebrate Christmas Eve.

    I am grateful for the nature around me that I always felt helped raise me as a child, and can still go to for peace! It always works!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in 2020! Stay safe!

    Mb in Abita, Louisiana

  64. rvsueandcrew says:

    GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!

    So good to hear from you! Thank you for your updates, personal stories, tender thoughts, and holiday wishes.

    It’s a treat to read your conversations!

    This is a quick message to let you know I’m writing and hope to publish something here today. You may wish to hold your messages until the next post. . . . or not. 🙂

    This is your place!

    Bye for now,
    Sue

  65. Rob - in western WA with the kids & grandkids this year says:

    Merry Christmas Sue! I’m hoping that you and the crew have the best day you can!!

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