Reader Ilse stops by for a visit!
The crew runs out to greet Maxwell aka Max, her ten-year-old golden retriever. I fumble with my camera until the moment is lost. Ilse walks up with a warm hello and while the crew and Max exchange sniff-greetings, Ilse and I immediately discover something in common — our beloved Keen footwear!
The canines’ initial excitement dissolves.
Hmm . . . very weird. Usually Spike is enchanted with a canine visitor. Heaven only knows why he gives the cold shoulder to his amiable and well-mannered guest.
Spike becomes territorial about the bed. Max couldn’t care less. “What’s with him?” he seems to ask Ilse.
Bridget takes up the slack. She gives Max a firm message via a yip in the face and her signature “evil eye.”
You do NOT go near RVSue. Got that, Goldie?
Ilse is the proud owner — and rightly so — of a red and white, 2005 Lazy Daze, which is parked here at Sidewinder Road west of Yuma.
Ilse’s home base is a cottage not far from the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Sequim, Washington. She put it on the market in preparation for full-timing in her RV, but soon reversed that decision.
“One day I looked around and thought — I love my little house!”
The classic profile of a golden retriever with the nobility that comes with maturity
We discuss the pros and cons of travel trailers and Class Cs. Ilse likes having a steering wheel inside her home. I like having the choice of leaving my home behind.
Ilse points out that her Lazy Daze is only 22-feet in length which isn’t much longer than the Best Little Trailer.
“Good point,” I remark. “And you have a quality rig with a Lazy Daze.”
Our conversation convinces me that Ilse has obtained the RV and built the lifestyle that suits her and Max perfectly!
Sunset comes early on this 21st day of December, the winter solstice. Ilse and I hug goodbye in the quickly waning light.
A playful romp on the way home . . .
The next day . . .
The morning appears at our door like a friendly neighbor with warmth and sunshine. Condensation drips on the exterior of the Best Little Trailer. Living in the desert, one develops an acute appreciation for water, wherever it is found.
I move the stepladder over to the BLT and find an old towel.
The right time and weather for house cleaning
Wiping the dirt away with the moisture on the fiberglass restores the PTV to baby freshness. Note to self: At the first opportunity replace the ugly cover for the spare tire!
My ladder is very stable but I wish it were one step taller.
I can recognize a potential wild goose chase.
In case you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned my eagerly awaited packages from Amazon, I went into Yuma to pick them up and didn’t. This is what happened . . . .
I get involved writing a blog post and eventually become aware that the day is slipping by. The crew and I rush to leave for Yuma. I have the UPS Customer Center’s address in my head, so I don’t need to bring my laptop and air card along.
Wrong.
Yuma’s traffic tangles and twists the PTV into loop-de-loops. I ask three different people for directions. I get three, widely varied responses, one of which is to drive ten miles, blah, blah, blah. Of all times not to bring my laptop! The after-work traffic increases in direct proportion to the decrease in my desire to be in it.
I pull into an IGA store, buy a few groceries, and hop back onto the interstate for home.
Not all of the items I ordered have arrived anyway. According to tracking info, everything will be at the UPS “hub” on Monday. I can wait until then to go there, and you can bet I’ll make sure I know where it is before we go.
rvsue
I SINCERELY THANK ALL RVSUE SHOPPERS!
These links show a sample of recent Amazon purchases:
Melissa & Doug Maxwell Scottie
Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband, Black
Camco “Little Red Campfire” Propane Campfire
Santa Cruz Dried Fruit Tray with Savory Nuts Gift Tray
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer
Preschooler’s Busy Book: 365 Creative Games & Activities To Occupy 3-6 Year Olds
“REAR VIEW WINDOW”
In this December 2012 post I contemplate whether I should monetize this blog and I include some photos of me and the crew.
Am I First!!!!
That should have been …Am I First???? To which I reply…YES, I am first!!!!!
Did I win anything. I have got to check into the Keen footwear. Might be what I need to traipse around NYC in July with Granddaughter Taylor Beth.
BLT looks shiny!!! You do good work…wish you could come and do my windows.
Love you
Hi, Pauline,
Congratulations, First Lady for the Day!
Well, one thing about the Keens, feet love ’em!
Love you, too
Ah…….someone else, in this case Ilse, had the pleasure of meeting up with you and the crew.
Max is just acting like all goldens do! Love the profile portrait!
Have a marvelous day!
Hi, cinandjules,
After meeting Fortuna Bob’s golden and now Ilse’s Max, I see why people love the breed. Very gentle, friendly, and extremely devoted.
Hope your day is good, too!
I’m assuming that his white face means that he is an older dog. Nice to see he still has some play in him. There is a young Golden down the street from me, but he wants to PLAY… so he scares Mugsy to death.
Not necessarily…..two of my goldens were white faced at the age of five. Goldens play like they are two years old up into the late teens.
My Saraann is going to be twelve and is sooooo still filled with piss and vinegar. She gets going so fast doing figure eights that she spins and wipes out!
Cute!
You probably already know this but, just in case, when you get your new Kindle (or before); check out bookbub.com. If you sign up for a free subscription they will send you a daily e-mail listing of free or reduced ($.99+) e-book specials from Amazon. As with other Amazon deals, they expire quickly. Think they also have lists for other e-readers. There seems to be at least one free book every day, usually two.
Never considered it, but now (as I write this) I wonder if they earn credits from Amazon as you do. Hope so. They do me a service that costs me nothing and brings much joy into my life … almost as much as you and the crew do … so, good for you both!
Hi, ThatCase,
I do know about bookbub, but I’m glad you mentioned it here for the benefit of readers who maybe don’t. The free books one can load onto the kindle has introduced me to authors I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Love that!
Do you travel with a smart phone? They are wonderful for directions, maps, etc. I also use it for my camera. Takes the best pictures and it is always in my pocket.
I am hoping for the Kindle PaperWhite for xmas. It will be my third generation Kindle. Will never do without one. Even converted my husband.
Hi, Cathie,
No, I don’t have a smart phone. The aborted UPS trip was the first time I wished I had one.
I’ve heard lots of folks balk at the idea of an ereader. Once they try it, they can’t imagine going back to paper books. I hope Santa brings you the PaperWhite!
Hi Sue,
How is the finish holding up on your PTV & what type of care does it require? Do you wax it? I’m considering selling my 22′ Tioga motorhome & buying a Casita.
Just love following your adventures. :). Give the Bridge & Spikey a rub on the head from Watson & Sherlock!
Blessings,
Ms. Minimal
Hi, Ms. Minimal,
Yes, I wax the BLT (infrequently, I admit). I’ve used NuPolish up to this point. My supply has run out and I’m thinking of trying something different.
So you’ve caught the Casita bug? That’s what happens when you follow rvsue and her canine crew!
Hi Miss Minimal, Do you use your shower in your Tioga? The whole bathroom is the shower in the Casita. If you are tiny enough to fit in there okay, but you still have to remove everything to take a shower. You may want to think about that. Also if you want to have the freedom of parking the trailer and using the tow vehicle to run around in, you can tow an economical car behind your motorhome and have the same results. Plus you will be more secure in the motorhome. If you feel the need to boogie out of an unknown situation, you just hop out of bed in your PJ’s and go. If you were my Sister I would want you to go with the motorhome.
Thanks Sue, yes I saw one on the road for the first time and got all weak in the knees!! & Hi Rattlesnake Joe! Yes, I do use the shower in my Tioga, & it’s full of laundry & my filter buddy bucket system during non-shower time so I already have to empty it out. It’s a bit of a pain. I do consider all of those points, especially the security thing. I really like being able to slip into the driver seat in my jammie’s if need be. :). I’ve had my rig for 4 years and don’t know which way I’m going to go. Thank you for reaching out!
Ms. Minimal
Hi, Joe and Ms. Minimal,
I can’t let that security issue (non-issue) go by without addressing it. It’s repeated time and time again that women need to be able to drive away quickly without getting out of their rigs — with no basis in reality! All it does is promote fearfulness, mostly in women who have way too much ingrained fear to overcome as it is.
IMHO, if a person is too afraid to get out of their rig, maybe it would be best to stay in a house with the windows and doors locked and have food delivered by a trusted relative.
In 2+ years of boondocking and traveling around, I have NEVER felt the need to “boogie out.” Security is the absolutely worst reason to get a Class A, B, or C. There are many wonderful reasons to purchase these rigs, but security isn’t one of them. Good heavens, where do people plan on camping? The slums of major cities? Iran?
Sorry… This has become a pet peeve of mine. I’ve become aware of how women are so indoctrinated with a sense of vulnerability that their lives are extremely limited. We hear it over and over and over, all our lives, how much danger we’re in, can’t do this, can’t do that, can’t go there. . . and whatever you do, have a buddy with you, never all by yourself.
It’s time for men to deal with their own fears, as well. I wish they’d work on the fears they transfer to their loved ones.
Sorry to be so harsh… nothing personal. Please don’t take offense.
It’s not harsh at all! It’s the absolute truth.
Boogie out……..that made me laugh! More like …..hey boogie THIS! Yuk yuk! 🙂
For some reason Helen Reddy’s song I am woman hear me roar comes to mind.
No offence taken Sue. But we live in a very different world now days. Use to be when I was a kid we never locked our front door. FBI statistics are climbing through the roof with higher and higher percentages of crime, our prisons are bulging with over population. For instance Ted Bundy seemed like a nice guy…but he raped and murdered over a hundred women before he was caught and he didn’t live in Iran or a getto. Better to be safe than sorry. I have worked in security and know that most people always close the barn door after the horses are gone.
No, I disagree. The warning to get a rig where you can get away without going outside is always directed at women. I’ve never seen or heard it directed at a man. That in itself reveals a lot.
We women are supposed to live our lives looking over our shoulders in fear? The advice to get a rig you can “escape” with isn’t because of our degenerate society full of criminals, it’s because women are supposed to cower in fear at the thought of doing something on their own.
I’m kind of with RVSue in that what I notice is that admonitions to be careful seem to be much more often applied to women. I think that if anyone should be careful, then everyone should be. In the “old days” we often heard about how (non-RV-ing) women shouldn’t be out in a car by themselves, live in an apartment by themselves, etc. That seems to have dissipated (or if there is a danger, it is applied to all humans evenly), but for some reason it still seems to be gender-based when it comes to travel and RV-ing. And then it’s almost like the concerns that are voiced become “common knowledge”; i.e. the idea that women (specifically) shouldn’t get a trailer because they need to be able to get away quickly (because they should be more nervous than men). It seems like it takes on a life of its own, and becomes fact.
In that way, I sometimes feel that not much has changed since I went on a trip many, many years ago with two friends. Many times (say, more than a half dozen!), the three of us would be sitting next to each other out by the firepit in our campsite. Other campers would stroll by, and they would stop to say Hi and then ask us (all three of us): “Are you alone?!” Three guesses why they said that to a group of three people. Yes, it’s because we were three females. Can you picture someone asking three men if they were alone? Implicit was that it was dangerous, we were brave, and … we were … alone!
I fully support anyone (of any gender) RV-ing in a rig they are comfortable with, whether that be a tent or an armored car; it’s just suggestions that women specifically need to have a certain type of rig to be safe that bother me.
I do really like and appreciate that we can discuss it here. I think it’s invaluable.
I agree with RV Sue too even tho I have a van that I could theoretically jump into and drive off. But not once have I ever thought I remotely needed to. One thing is, I don’t stop in dodgy places, as in I’m not stupid. And as for the inherent danger, women are statistically at far greater risk of attack at home from a partner or close relative than they are out traveling around. Plus, the crime rate is lower now than in previous eras. We get a false sense of the real danger from the constant feed of violence in media and the sensationalism of the crimes that do happen.
Oh and as for the person who was asked with 3 women around a campfire if they were alone – obviously they were not alone – there were 3 of them!
AMEN!
None of those women were in an RV. Most bad things happen in urban surroundings and sometimes the country too. I can be hurt any where and to think that a woman is any more at risk in an RV is ridiculous. The world can be a sucky place anywhere, but now that I RV my world is a lot better! Women can and should RV alone if they want. The boogie man wont get you. Honest!
I appreciate this posting. Thank you.
Personally the ability to be able to drive away from any problem quickly was one reason for my choice of a drive-able RV – even in a super market parking lot. I realize that Sue and many women are against that security blanket idea, but if it means more women get out and RV on their own, it’s perfectly legitimate. Whatever empowers them is good!!
To me a more important reason was that I can avoid bad weather. If I arrive in the rain or snow, I can get to everything inside – bathroom, kitchen, and bed – without going outside until the weather lets up.
I completely hear what you are saying. And I can’t speak for Sue, but since I have commented in this thread too…. what “gets to” me is not that you choose a “driveable” RV, or why you chose it; but rather the idea that women should choose this; i.e. it becomes a “thing women should do” vs. a personal choice or an option for anyone (man or woman). For example, not wanting to get out and set up in the rain…. nice advantage and a definite point. But … women and men get wet equally (I know you know that, and I don’t mean to sound ‘clever’ by it, but am just using it to illustrate what I’m trying to say). So it’s simply a difference between rig styles that applies to anyone.
PS: I’m not against a security blanket, if it is what makes a person comfortable. As you say, if it helps someone who wants to get out and travel to do so, great! What does bother me is the concept that women (as a gender, not as individual people) specifically need a security blanket. Okay, whoo, can you tell this resonates with me?
I remember, Connie … I think it was you… saying that you are sometimes forced to drive in inclement weather.
Since I never have to move to a new camp in the rain, it isn’t an issue. The one time I did get caught in rain upon arrival at a new camp, I simply went inside the BLT and waited for it to stop. I could’ve waited days before unhitching. Like I said, I’m almost never in bad weather so it’s not an issue for me, as it might be for others.
Also, I usually go to the supermarket in the PTV and leave the BLT at camp.
Any camp requires a set up and tear down. I have backpacked with other women and not been concerned. I have camped in an RV that could be driven away and even more in a trailer. In ALL of those situations I found that it takes time to break camp. The only exception is at a parking lot like Walmart for a quick snooze.
The quick get away is unrealistic for anyone who loves spending time outside enjoying nature. I do not camp in my RV behind a locked door. I am outside with my chairs, BBQ and some of my favorite camp stuff. No matter were I sleep, tent, wheeled vehicle or trailer I break camp and then drive away. I do not run away in fear. Life is too short to live in fear. I follow RV Sue because she is living the life I hope to live some day – without fear!
I hope a day comes when concern for security is no longer gender based. I guess that time will be only when society spends as much time teaching respect for others as they do teaching ‘girls’ to be safe. And I hope too that being called a ‘girl’ will no longer be an insult directed at males. Maybe, hopefully, someday !
Your comment about not letting good quality exterior condensation go to waste made me smile. We did exactly that during our first multi-month RV trip this last summer. Every time I felt mist on our towing vehicle or trailer, I’d excitedly grab a towel and start ‘washing’ away. It worked darn fine in the interim of being able to give either a good ole fashioned scrub down.
And it’s easy! Morning condensation is a gift in the desert.
I’ve always enjoyed your blog… still do.
The crew is fantastic, funny and interesting….um….. well… NOW I think they have issues. Is there a Dr Phil for doggies? How about a Dear Abby? Dr Joyce Brothers perhaps? Where’s the dog whisperer Cesar Milan when you need him? 😉
Well, Mark, I don’t know if I want to find a cure for the crew. They do provide me with material on slow news days!
Hi Sue,
While searching for a non-existing health food store today, I came right by the UPS store around the 3100 block of S 4th Ave. on the left side in the strip mall with an Albertson. The farmers market had three vendors, only one actually sold veggies at prices that even I don’t pay for food. I went to Fry’s instead. On the way back I tries to find my way into the area by you, ended up driving through pretty deep sand, eventually gave up and on the way back out got stuck. I don’t ever give up though and made it out in low gear and a lot of rocking. So we are back in our old spot.
Cheers,
Ilse
Hi, Ilse,
The UPS Customer Center is where my packages are. It’s on S Ave 2 1/2 E. I think people kept giving me different directions because there are three or four UPS stores in Yuma.
Too bad the farmers market was a bust. . . and right here in the winter vegetable and greens capitol!
I know what you probably did… You turned onto the road right past the tracks that doesn’t have the sign that says Sidewinder Road. I’m beginning to think we’re camped in the Bermuda Triangle . . . 🙂 Glad you got out of the sand okay.
Cheers to you and Max, too.
I have a question for you about receiving packages at a UPS Customer Center (which, if I understand correctly is actually at a UPS “depot” vs. at a retail UPS store). I have thought of doing that before, because although (at least where I was) they have more limited hours, some “retail” UPS stores charge $5-$10 for each package received. If I happen to be getting a few it can add up!
At any rate, my question is this: How do you have your packages addressed if you know you will be picking them up at the “depot”? And, what happens if you are not there to pick them up immediately? I don’t mean weeks later, but… days?
I want to buy something from an eBay seller, and thus, until I can start tracking it, the arrival date is not going to be as predictable as an Amazon package. So I want to choose (guess) a location far enough ahead of me that I don’t get stuck waiting for it somewhere. As a result it’s possible it could be a few days (say up to a week?) before I would meet up with it at the Customer Center.
I guess I could find this out by calling UPS, but then if I’m wondering, perhaps others are too. And there is also the chance that in the “real world” it works a bit differently than what they might tell me (which usually applies to people with fixed locations).
Thanks!
Pen
Hi, Pen,
Great to hear from you again…
I use the UPS Customer Center (or “hub”) as the shipping address. I write it like this when I order from Amazon: My name/UPS Customer Center, street address, city, state, zip.
Amazon’s form has a blank for phone number. The UPS locations’ number goes there in case the driver needs it.
It’s my understanding that packages will be held for 30 days before being returned to sender.
My advice is to locate the UPS Customer Center where you expect to be and call them to explain your situation and to verify that they will hold the package. You may be told to write “hold for pickup” on the package (seems like one UPS place wanted that, can’t remember exactly the words).
The UPS Customer Center accepts packages for free, as opposed to UPS stores which, in my experience, charge $10 or $15 per package. Ouch!
Thanks for the additional info – much appreciated. I got spoiled by the UPS store that was near where I used to live; it was $2 per package. Not free, but it seemed reasonable for a service. $5-$10 seems high, and if multiple boxes are coming… gets awfully spendy. So… I think I’ll try the hub option.
Oh, when I recently visited a friend in a larger city, I noticed that Amazon had a new service called “Amazon locker.” There were lockers in numerous locations and you could choose one when ordering (if there was space in it – I noticed some were full). Seems like an interesting option, although I would guess it’s a bigger-city roll out (but I don’t really know).
I moved east a bit, but brrr…. the lovely weather in the Yuma area is calling me back 🙂
I expect Amazon will come up with more solutions soon, besides sending out the drones . . .
Yes, come back to Yuma’s sunshine!
Timing the pick-up for packages and mail is one thing I’m still trying to get right. Not finding the place until just after closing, or on a day they are closed is frustrating indeed. Your location looks nice, and I may have to try it one of these days. Have a happy holiday.
Hi, Pleinguy,
I don’t have confidence that all my packages will be there tomorrow, what with the holiday avalanche.
Sidewinder Road off Ogilby Road isn’t particularly scenic, but the weather is fantastic. Today was one of those days when I said “What a beautiful day” out loud, several times.
Happy holiday to you, too.
I think you should get a spare tire cover made with Spike and Bridget on it!!!
Ha! Actually I was thinking of the words, “Boondock like you mean it.”
Merry Christmas, Brian.
Living on Less
Enjoying Life More
New spare tire cover!
What a neat idea Brian!
I vote for that one too Brian and Cinandjules!
Yeaaaaaaaaa I’m 10th!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or maybe 11th…anyway it’s major in my life.
LOL! I’m choking with laughter!
A mid-bath Lazy Daze would be my first choice if we went the RV route again.
I enjoy seeing what people buy at Amazon. The rice cooker sure has good reviews.
I considered Lazy Daze as they do build a quality coach. They really stand out in the crowd… and look good even when they are a few years old. But I wanted a small C on a Chevy rather than a Ford… and I don’t care for the cab over bed. It makes me feel claustrophobic with it hanging over the windshield. (I had a GWV Class B with a cab-over bed on a Ford E350 before) We all have our odd quirks. LOL That is why I went with the LTV Libero instead.
Whoa! That is a seriously nice rv. Kind of wish you hadn’t told me about it — lol.
The Libero video was very nice, just one question… did you style the salesman’s hair?
All us LTV people love Dean… he has quite the cult following just because the videos are so borderline bad. His actual height has become a running joke. LTV builds a beautiful product and it’s a great company to deal with. My floorplan is slightly different – older version. I had mine built without half the dinette and Mugsy’s bed and a chair can go in that area. I’m lucky that Mugsy doesn’t damage things. I do cover the ultraleather on the half dinette and passenger seat to protect it from her toenails. Thanks for adding the link.
Holy cow, Connie! Very nice (I made a link in your comment for readers.)
I’d faint watching the crew tear up that rig!
Sue,
Geordie and I want to wish you a merry, merry Christmas.
So what are Spike and Bridget getting from Santa? I won’t tell them!
See you down the road.
Hi, Robert,
Spike and Bridget? Gee, maybe a rotisserie chicken! LOL!
Merry Christmas to you and Geordie!
My guess will be 8:00 pm on the 28th. That way only one of us will win Mick…Me!
Merry Christmas Sue and Crew!
Merry Christmas, Laurie!
Tension mounts as readers place their bets for the one-millionth mark!
I continue to read your blog, I am now up to November 2012. I want you to know I have become a helpless addict, I don’t know what I will do when I catch up and then, shudder, have to wait for the next post! You are the most entertaining writer, you really have a gift!
One thing I wanted to mention is how often in the past when you have come across horses you express how much you love them..me too… I have a Haflinger mare named Meg that I drive. Meg is a beautiful dark honey color with a blond mane and tail, as do all of her breed, and she is getting to be an old lady, she will be 19 in the spring but is still full of pep. She is a gentle soul, very obedient and easy to get along with. If you ever get to the middle of California I would love to take you and your crew for a ride on my two wheeled cart.
I have two Silky Terriers that regularly ride with me on the cart seat and it is so much fun. I totally understand how your crew keeps such good company with you, my two are my little shadows. If you want to take a look, go to Youtube and do a search for Meg the Haflinger driving, and you can see me taking my grandkids for a short spin in my arena with the dogs following! they simply didn’t understand that there wasn’t enough room for them.
Work getting my goodies in my new to me Casita is going well, we are planning our first trip for the new year with our little crew, not Meg though, lol.
Hope you have a safe an successful end of year, my best to you and yours.
Lee J
Hi, Lee,
Interesting comment! What a keepsake the video is for your grandchildren and for you. It’s cute how the silky terriers trot behind the cart. And Meg is lovely.
Here’s a link for readers:
Meg the Haflinger
Yes, I love horses. If I were to pick one skill that I regret never learning, it would be how to ride a horse western-style. Every time I see someone on horseback, I wish I could ride, too.
Thank you for writing. Best wishes for the holidays and for your upcoming trip in your Casita!
Beautiful horse, so beautifully groomed. Ready for the Rose Parade! You’re perfect one to ask: would silkie make a good therapy dog? Loved the therapy dog program when visiting my classroom. But never had a dog, so if hard to train due to yorkie blood, am not so confident. Do they bark a lot (am in apt)? Love to know.
Max is beautiful looking dog! I love the profile. I also have a ten year old Golden. He needs to be reminded sometimes that he is no longer a puppy 🙂 Goldens can provide more love than one person should be allowed to have 🙂
Jim
Max lost 25 lbs over the last six months and acts like an adolescent again. I won’t remind him of his chronological age, if he doesn’t remind me of mine!
Ilse
Another awesome sunny day again. Getting messed up in any city can kinda screws up you day a bit. Better luck next time.
I think we might try and locate you this afternoon, now that I have a better idea where you are. We are so close, just have to stop and say Hi. Will you be there?
Hi, George and Suzie,
Today isn’t a good day for coming over. I’m going into town again and I don’t know how long I’ll be as I have errands to run in addition to picking up my packages. Maybe another time?
Ok will be here for a while will get in touch.
If I were to get the motorhome…what was it called the Dinero? I would prefer mine to come with clean exterior windows.
I hate looking at new RV videos…um… actually I should I have said I hate looking at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
I hear ya’, Mark…
I’ve been thinking of getting a new spare tire cover, too. Ours has a small rip in it and even though I love to tell about/show my Casita to folks I don’t like the free advertising on the cover.
I don’t either. If I hadn’t been so dang busy traveling and having fun, I would’ve replaced it sooner!
I didn’t notice that anyone mentioned the fellow in the “Historic Yuma” sign. What’s with the tighty whities? How bizarre!?!?
Better than a jock strap! Hmmmm must be the area! Au natural!
Good eye Connie and Mugsy!
The photo was taken while Dale and I walked around Yuma looking at historic buildings. When we went by the mural, I commented, “That is one ugly graduate” and got a laugh out of Dale. I hope he is okay and would call me to let us know.
Reading about the issue of fear while boondocking reminds me that 20+ years ago and friend and I took our four children tent camping. Our husbnads stayed at home. My mother went nuts to think that I would be driving because I “couldn’t do that” and why didn’t my husband come. Then when we got to the camp ground the old farts at the gate asked where our husbands were and why were we “girls” alone. They charged us for electric even tho we had none. They checked on our tent construction skills. They checked to see if we fed our children. When they saw that we weren’t morons and that we were using only one campsite, they reduced our daily price and stopped charging for electricity. But I have never felt so over-supervised in my life. Another time my friend and I drove cross coundtry with our kids and mother again insisted that I “couldn’t do it” and asked why my husband wasn’t driving me. She had no idea she was making me crazy and I would never have permitted myself to fail. I hate the idea that I can’t do anything I set my mind to. PS I’m green with envy, Sue. it is freezing here.
Hi, Pat,
Incredible… We’ve come a long way. . . and yet we have a long way to go.
Try to keep warm!
For all of those folks who are traveling about this season….. Safe travels and happy holidawgs!
For those who are traveling along in their rigs….living on less and enjoying life more…
Home is where you park it! Enjoy the holidays…come to think of it ….every day is a holiday…safe travels and keep on enjoying!
A special holiday greeting to our Rusty and Timber….the first is always memorable!
Hugs to all!
Lovely message. The same to you, Cindy!
Have a good holiday Sue, to you and the crew. And of course to Rusty and Timber and to Dale too. I hope everyone is happy and safe this holiday!
I wish you a wonderful holiday, Dawn. I’ve enjoyed your comments this past year.
Merry Christmas to you and the crew Sue!!
Thank you, Dex. Merry Christmas to you, too!
Merry Christmas Sue, Bridget and Spike. Thank you for sharing your travels, your photos, and your life with us.
My wish for everyone is a day of happiness, no matter how or where, or with whom you spend your day. Be kind to yourselves, and to others. It can be such a tough time of year for those who are lonely…if you have room in your heart and your home, open it up to someone that could use a little cheer.
Thank you, Teri, for the reminder and the Christmas wish. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Just dropped in to wish you, Sue, Bridget and Spike and all the followers of your adventures a very Merry Christmas!!!! I hope everyone finds joy in this holiday and peace in your lives throughout the coming new year. *mumbling*….Now where did I put those candy canes?
Merry Christmas to you and Detta! And thanks for all the laughs over the past year . . .
I remember a Christmas when I was on the road with my babies and we opened our presents on a blanket outside our camper in the sun and sand. I had checked into a state park for the holiday to enjoy their warm showers and safe haven on the beach until things got back to normal. However, I will never forget the best Christmas present ever. That evening while walking on the beach with the kids a sunset started with colors that I had never seen before. It kept going and going. I looked behind us and saw that traffic on the nearby road had stopped and people were getting out to watch. The sunset lasted for over 45 minutes of amazing colors, shapes and you could almost hear music coming from the sky. I felt like God had given me (and everyone else who saw it) a very special Christmas present. That was 30 years ago, my kids now have kids of their own but I remember that gift so vividly. Merry Christmas Sue and crew.
Hi, lindale,
“You could almost hear music coming from the sky… ” The Hallelujah chorus maybe? Some moments transcend time and become a part of us to remember all our lives. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas, Sue and Crew. Thank you for bring so much into our lives. Hope your day is a good one.
You’re welcome, Jean. Yes, this day has been very good — and busy! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas RVSue, Bridget & Spike. Thanks for being a wonderful part of my year.
P.S. I see Paris; I see France; I see the warrior’s underpants!
You’re welcome, Gayle, and Merry Christmas to you, too!
Dear Sue and Crew,
Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and puppy hugs. Thank you for all the joy you bring to all of us.
Marilu
You’re welcome, Marilu… I’m blessed by the people of this blog. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Hope I did it right! Amazon ordering is so cool, I have the Prime membership and order often, no reason for you not to benefit and many many reasons FOR it to happen!
I just ordered a dual leash for my doggies and a couple of those Benchmark books for California and Oregon..let me know if they show up and if not tell me what I did wrong, like that never happens…
Hi, Lee,
Thanks for the orders! I’ll check tomorrow and let you know here if they show up.
Warm wishes for a happy holiday!
I want to wish you three a very Merry Christmas. Sue, Bridget and Spike, you bring so much joy to people who you will never meet or know. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us!
You’re welcome, Marcia. It’s my pleasure! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Merry Christmas to you and your fur babies…Be safe…….Ron and Darcy (my firball)
Christmas happiness to you, Ron, and to Darcy!
We’re on Christmas Eve, once again. I looked at your post «Living by whim» to see pictures of you and I can’t help thinking feeling sorry for you, alone in the desert. Then I realize… I’m alone too, writing to someone I don’t now and dreaming of better days.
It takes courage or distress to make the move… sell it all and go for it. Live a nomadic life and trust for serendipity along the way. I have limited pension revenue, quite like you indeed, but I deeply believe it might be an improvement to go nomadic since I like to travel.
As you say, «Living on less and enjoying life more» you’re probably right.
Merry Christmas!
Sergio
Oh no, there’s no need to feel sorry for me. I may be “alone in the desert” but I am extremely happy. These years living with my crew in the Best Little Trailer and traveling around the West are the best years of my life.
Shake off the holiday blues, Sergio . . . A new year is right around the corner waiting for you, and I hope 2014 turns out to be better than your dreams! Thanks for writing.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS SUE AND CREW!
FROM HOQUIAM TO YOU, ALL YEAR LONG
BEST WISHES!!!
BARB
(¯`’•.¸(♥)¸.•’´¯) ♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•* ░░░░M░E░R░R░Y░░░░ C░H░R░I░S░T░M░A░S░░░░░░ ♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•* (¯`’•.¸(♥)¸.•’´¯)
What a happy Christmas message! Thanks, Barb… You’re a sweetie. Warm wishes to you for today, tomorrow, and the new year!