Sunday, January 21
With a blue sky above, Reggie, Roger, and I leave Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground around 10:30. Normally we don’t head out for a new camp quite this late in the morning.
(Since today’s drive is relatively short, I worked on posting to this blog before breaking camp.)
We take interstate-8 and travel east 15 miles to Gila Bend.
After the Perfect Tow Vehicle gets some gas, we turn southward on Route 85 to Ajo. The crew is restless.
“I know what your problem is. You’re missing the morning walk.”
We stop a couple times along the way to let Reg and Rog run around some. By lunchtime our home is nestled in a secluded boondock among the saguaros, creosote, palo verde, and cholla!
Longtime readers . . . . Does this look familiar?
After setting up camp, grilling and eating lunch, the boys and I walk “our” road.
While at this camp, Reggie and Roger won’t be on the 30 foot tether for walks. I’ll walk them on their short leashes in order to keep them out of the cholla.
This cholla is eight-to-ten feet tall and bears enough spines to take down a platoon of canines, let alone two little guys like Reg and Rog.
I’m vigilant about scanning the road for any clumps of spines. Surprisingly, few are in the road and the three of us march along without incident.
Except for one moment . . . .
Roger stops his energetic trot and immediately lifts a front paw. Patiently he waits while I remove a clump of cholla spines.
“That was good, Roger. You’re smart to stop and wait for my help, instead of trying by yourself.”
No harm done and we continue on our way.
We’re a happy trio skipping through a saguaro forest!
However . . .
Gee, the vegetation seems browner than I remember . . . . The creosote is bronze, not green.
Later, back in the Best Little Trailer, I go online and search for photos taken during a previous camp at this location.
I find them at the post, “A Sonoran Desert welcome to a new camp.”
Look at the difference!
This next photo shows the color of the vegetation on January 14, 2015.
Compare that with the color in this shot of the same area, taken on Jan. 21, 2018, same month, three years later.
Now compare the cholla as it looks in January 2018 (above) with the cholla in the photo (below) taken along the same road on January 15, 2016.
For more photos of desert vegetation and a spectacular sunset at this boondock, taken when Reggie and Bridget were my crew, see the 2016 post, “Scenes from the Sonoran.”
Our first night at a new camp is always special.
Reggie and Roger are in bed, tuckered out and down for the night, when the light of an Arizona sunset pulls my attention away from the laptop screen.
Oooh! Where’s my camera!
I rush outside.
I don’t want to miss the best, few seconds of this day’s sunset!
Holding the camera screen a few inches from my face, I dart here and there, trying to find the best angle.
Dang palo verde trees clutter up the scene . . . Hmm . . . I want to get that saguaro in the frame.
Because, hey, what the world needs is another saguaro-in-an-Arizona-sunset photo, right?
Anyway . . .
Here I am, my eyes searching through the camera while I’m dodging a big ol’ cholla on the edge of a wash when —
“OH! EXCUSE ME!”
I jump backwards and back-pedal until I’m up against the side of the BLT.
“Gosh, I’m sorry! I didn’t see you there.”
After my apology, I take a photo.
Of course!
In return I get the typical bovine stare.
Gollee. I’m running around in the near-dark and almost bump into a COW!
rvsue
NOTE: I never did get the saguaro-in-an-Arizona-sunset shot. Oh well, there will be more sunsets. As for a cow in the back yard, maybe not.
I can’t believe what that cow was munching like potato chips. That plant (lower left in pic) is nothing but thorns! — Sue
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Hi Sue
Hi, Ken! GOOD JOB! You’re first today!
It was my first first. I am lucky today. Its nice to see you and crew exploring AZ again. Those chollas are surely mean. I keep a comb in my backpack to remove them. I have tangled with them only twice, but I remember them well.
Good reminder, Ken, for all visiting the Sonoran. 🙂
Yup. A comb and a pair of needlenose pliers to pull the spines out of the sole of your shoe. they will go right through the sole of a sneaker.
You find the best boondocks! And a cow!!!
Hi, Dawn…. And not just any ol’ cow…. a really good-looking cow!
It is a really good looking cow.
Hi, Jean!
I think I remember that boondock. It convinced me that when I’m in Tucson sometime I need to cross over and spend time there. If there are cattle in the area, is that what happened to the green?
Hi, Calvin,
I don’t think cattle grazing caused the creosote foliage to turn bronze because I see no evidence of branches chewed off. (I’m no expert!) My guess is difference in amount of water or difference in weather.
Be sure to visit the Sonoran desert!
I plan to either visit or to keep life simple by moving there.
🙂
Hi Sue and the Boys, wow what a difference a couple of years make, but I have to say it’s still beautiful.
Can’t wait for all the great stories and photos of this stay.
Take care out there my friend, Judy
p.s. The surprise picture of Bridget made me smile.
Made me smile, too, Judy. There she is, leading me home again.
Top 10? Love reading your posts. Moved to a different spot right below Bull Shoals Dam. Can’t wait until spring!
Hi, Lisa,
I’m glad you love my posts. Okay, for my readers around the world… Where is Bull Shoals Dam and the White River?
Bull Shoals Dam is on Bull Shoals Lake in Northcentral Arkansas right at the Missouri line. About center of the top of the state. Bull Shoals Dam flows into the White River, which is very well known for having Rainbow and Brown Trout, which means lots of tourists and fishermen. The scenery is gorgeous, with beautiful bluffs with the clear, cold waters of the White River meandering through.
The federal river the Buffalo (no dams on it and it is only controlled by nature) also flows into the White River further on downstream. The Buffalo is an awesome river to canoe for those so inclined. Lots of wild deer and other animals here to see. We live full time in our RV and stay pretty close to home here due to our kids and grandkids.
I have been reading your blog for about two years now, and I love to read about the western part of the U.S. My husband and my fur baby Stevie and I are going out west for a small trip come spring. I will be using your posts for guidance on where will go and stay. I loved the pictures of Bridget, even though I never met her in person, she (and Spike) came alive through your posts. Stevie is smaller than Bridget, a totally different breed, but she sits just like Bridget, and she too leads me home when she is tired of our walks. I hope you and Reggie & Roger have a quiet, peaceful, stress free time at your new stop!
I appreciate your detailed reply, Lisa. Interesting! You have me wanting to go to north-central Arkansas.
Thank you for the wish for a stress-fee camp and for your reaction to seeing Bridget again. I expect it will be peaceful here. Have fun planning your spring trip! 🙂
Sue, if you have never been to southern Missouri or Arkansas, beautiful country! Well worth the visit for sure!
I haven’t been to either state…. Maybe someday!
😀
I grew up in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. The Ozarks are beautiful. Lots of waterfall, caves and beauty. You would need to plan to go in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors.
Chuck and I will tell you that Arkansas is worth the trip! We have friends there and usually meet to camp together at Lake Greeson! Beautiful state forest campground! We love it there!
I’ve seen pics of Lake Greeson…. No wonder you love it.
amazing to see the same plants, same camping sites, three years later (for me it is only a year later as I came late to your blog!)
I’m glad you found us, eliza. Yeah, another benefit of taking photos for this blog, I have a record of the vegetation and can compare over time.
I also realized when taking photos for this post that I tend to take the same views and frame them in a similar way. 🙂
I love the desert. I wish I was there now. These cold winds give me the worst headaches. Love all the pictures. The sky is soo blue. Imagine, a cow in the desert. Poor thing, doesn’t know what he is missing. Soft green grass would be so much tastier. I haven’t commented in awhile, but I have read every post. I just do not always have time to comment. Thank you for sharing your everyday life with us.
I understand, Jean. You and all my readers have lives to live and time doesn’t always allow for things like writing comments on a blog. It’s good to know you keep visiting, regardless.
Maybe the desert cow has acquired a taste for thorny plants and thinks that one behind the BLT is a treat. 🙂
Stay warm and out of the cold wind!
HAH a random cow.
Hi, Sarvi…..Come to think of it… all cows are pretty random unless one has a personal relationship. HAH
touche’!
That was great story telling. I had to read it out loud and have a couple good laughs. Thanks Sue
You’re welcome, Kathy and thank you for the compliment!
Wishing you more laughs this day….
Have you seen the movie “Twister”? “We’ve got cows!”
Well, if you haven’t, this won’t make any sense, but it’s a family joke in my house!
Hi, Pat,
No, I haven’t seen that movie but I remember seeing photos or a trailer. A flying cow comes to mind. 🙂
“We’ve got cows!” is one of those multi-purpose movie lines like the one from Jaws — “You’re gonna’ need a bigger boat.”
Now I’m thinking of more movie lines…
What movies are these from… anyone?
1) “Go ahead. Make my day.”
2) “You can’t handle the truth!”
3) “There’s no crying in baseball.”
4) “You had me at hello.”
1) Dirty Harry, don’t remember the title
2) A Few Good Men
3) A League of Their Own
4) Jerry Maguire
Yes, I have no life! LOL 😉
WELL DONE, DAWN, AND FAST! 🙂
I don’t know, Dawn. I love movies. I’d say you have a great life!
🙂
I love the movie “A League of their Own”. I think it is so funny when Tom Hanks yells “there’s no crying in baseball” and either spits or throws his hat down. I can’t remember which. That was a great movie. Twister was pretty good too. The others listed were ok too.
Love the cow!
Hi, Lee,
You and Susan in Dallas love cows! Care to share what part of the country you are in? Another Texas girl or guy?
Mooooove! Looks like he didn’t mind your presence. Surprised Rog didn’t smell him out and alert you! Glad Rog let you fix his paw. Do you remember the incident with poor Macha?
Nice spot!
Colder here than in NY this morning…37 but I didn’t have to tell you! Thought of you late last night…it was cold. Hope you all were comfy in the BLT.
Enjoy the new adventures!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Of course I remember poor little Macha, Rachel’s pup. What a horrible cholla attack!
Yeah it was cold here, too, although not down to 37. I had the heater on for a few hours before bed and then on again in the morning. We were comfy, hope you are, too!
Roger began to bark through the window on the cow side of the BLT, about the time I took that photo.
FINALLY! Looking good, Bossy! Hope that cow spreads the word and maybe there are more to come tomorrow. It looked pretty healthy too. You know I loved this post!
Hi, Susan!
Late this afternoon as we walked I saw plenty of hoof prints. Always a single cow. I also saw tracks of split-hooves…. which could be deer or javelina. .I’m thinking javelina because I’ve never seen deer here, yet javelina visited our camp during a previous visit. I’d love to get photos of javelina…. and, yes, MORE PHOTOS OF COWS. Ha!
Cholla, AKA Jumping Cactus and Teddy Bear Cactus are the worst. Full of microscopic barbs that make removing them painful. No bueno for 2 or 4 leg critters. Reminded me of when Peanut would step on a sticker and stop for me to remove it. One time he tried to swallow a sticker and it got stuck in his throat. Scared the heck out of me as he choked, and I did the doggie Heimlich, it finally came out.
Oh, dear God, he tried to swallow a sticker! How horrible! Smart move on your part with the Heimlich maneuver….
Looooved this post! The new home, the change from year to year green vs brown, the cow, and most of all the boys! Especially love your way of telling it. And saw my purchases from Amazon. Don’t know how much it contributes but like knowing it does.
Hi, Terry,
I’m pleased you enjoyed this post. Thank you for shopping Amazon through my blog. Every purchase, no matter the “size,” is appreciated and is important to me.
And I like knowing that you care enough to follow a link I post. 🙂
I would’ve been scared to death, for a second, after being surprised by that cow at that time of the evening! Good thing it was docile and not feisty.
Seeing Bridget made me sad. I miss her as I do all my wonderful companions that have passed before me.
Hi, Renee,
That cow did give me a shock. There’s that interval of time — a second or so — when the realization formed of what I was walking into.
I miss Bridget, too.
After seeing the photos I’m glad this year wasn’t your first in the Sonoran. If one were to see it only as it is now, they might mistakenly believe it’s never as visually wonderful as we know it can be. It looks like two different places though it’s exactly where you were in a prior January! It’s as though she’s wearing a dowdy frock until her glorious robe is ready for her to don again.
Gosh, it’s great to “see” Bridget again, sweet Lord, I love her. Being such a princess and little lady she always did her best to avoid dirt, thorns and such. Roger is so smart to wait for you to remove problems, he trusts you to take good care of him. I often think of his not having had the great life he does now before you took him in.
Oh my, I’m chuckling about your being so intent on capturing the perfect shot that you were oblivious to that gorgeous cow. It would be easy to miss some creature as small as mouse, but that bovine is huge! Your apologizing makes it even funnier.
A rainstorm is about to begin here, how exciting! The wind is howling and it’s 52 degrees out. This is the beginning of a cold front coming through, cold and snow are on the way . I hope your trio is happy today, too.
Your rainstorm is probably over by now and you may be tucked in for the night. Maybe you will wake to more snow to glisten your world. 🙂
To tell the truth, I was surprised when Roger waited for me to help him. He’s the kind of guy who acts impulsively, bold and brash, wanting to be the one in control. He tried to dominate not only Reggie but Del’s entire crew. As Del described him, “Roger is very masculine.” BTW, Del really doted on Roger. Roger loved the back scratches from Del. Reggie didn’t care, one way or the other.
I like your “dowdy frock until her glorious robe is ready.” I’ll think of that again, I’m sure, as we walk this landscape.
You were right, I did wake up to snow 🙂 , small shiny flakes so light they twirl in circles, dancing up and down in the wind.
Roger may have needed to be tough to survive before. My last male dog had those same “been livin’ on the mean streets” traits after he’d been abandoned in the woods. We figured his need to dominate others came from the days when if he didn’t he might not have gotten to eat whatever was available. My husband doted more on him than he did on our other dogs, too. Del might bond so well with Roger because he gets all that and also sees the sweet behaviors in him that you’ve mentioned before( the gratitude for every meal and amusing himself with any stick because before he was too often hungry and certainly wasn’t given toys).
Your photo of the cow, with the only color besides black and white being the cholla’s green, really is a great work of art, Sue. Your eye for the perfect picture continually amazes me.
Good Morning, weather! Or Good Afternoon! Maybe I should stick with Good Day!
Thank you for the compliment on the cow with cholla pic. You are a great encourager.
Your remarks about Roger are correct. Del got a kick out of the noises Roger would make when “bossing” Skeeter and the others. Funny thing… After eating a hefty meal of kibble at the BLT, Roger would clean up the kibble at Del’s place, too. Probably a behavior based on his past insecurity being a stray and also based on his personality.
Usually Roger sleeps under the covers by my feet. This morning I open my eyes to find him in my arms, his nose under my chin. Without moving I look at his face. His eyes are wide open and he’s also careful not to move. The look in his eyes…. He was savoring the love and security. It was a tender moment.
The scene in your last paragraph is so touching…
Yay! The favorite of all my favorite boondock places! Please say howdy to Al and Kelly if you see them! 👍
HI Geri,
I think you have told us this in the past, but can you remind me if you are still in the 5th Wheel and where in the panhandle you are?
Yes Barbara in Nashville! Yes, Chuck and I still live in our 5th wheel and its perfectly comfortable for the 2 of us along with Radar and Tater. We live just east of Apalachicola in the tiny town of Eastpoint . We like the rural atmosphere here. We only have 1 traffic light in the whole county! All the roads are 2 lanes and the nearest big box stores or drive thru fast food joints are over 60 miles away! Best part??? The Gulf of Mexico is about 150 yards down our dirt road and the beautiful beaches of St. George Island is just across the bay! Much better than the big cities further down the east coast mainland in our opinion! 💗💝💕
East coast, Gulf Coast and all of central Florida I should have said!
Guess if a hurricane heads your way you can hook-up and take off. It there an RV park there or do you own a lot?
We rent our lot! It is a small 55+ RV park, with most of the folks being part timers. They leave their campers and boats here and come down a couple of times a year to vacation and go fishing.
55+ meaning age, not number of lots here. And yes, hooking up and leaving when a hurricane is headed our way but this year when a hurricane was headed this way, Chuck had just gotten out of the Hosp. with pneumonia. He was in no shape to hook us up or drive so we hunkered down! Storm hit 60 miles east of yux and we were fine!
Hi, Geri,
Sounds like you and Chuck have a slice of heaven (when hurricanes are not a threat)!
Hi, Geri….. Those were good times, all of us together, loving the desert…
I still love the desert too! I especially loved the Ajo area and wish we could have stayed longer. But The MotherShip had electrical problems while we were there so we had to cut that wonderful visit short! So glad to see you return there again! 😁
Yes, fun seeing Bridget in the photo… it didn’t make me sad. I like remembering her unique personality which always comes through. Rock on, Bridget.
Hi, Linda…. Brrrrr! Wisconsin….
I’m glad you like remembering Bridget. I do, too… sometimes. Other times I have to push the memories away.
When I think of Bridgett I try to remember her as always being the one that knew the way home. She would always lead the way. She hated to have her picture made too. Most of my memories of her are of her backside on the trail heading home. I also like pictures of her in her car. She usually would look quite comfy.
Oh how she loved her cars!
Love the picture of the boys at the top. They look like a pair of miniature greyhounds! Never knew what a cholla was until now. We’re now in Florida and finally found temps in the high 60’s…aah!
Happy for you,Joe! You’ve been on a quest for the warmth of the sun!
FYI for anyone unfamiliar with cholla. The pronunciation is CHOY-ya. (I’m channeling Bridget.)
😁
Wow it’s amazing what some animals can eat. Glad Roger stopped so you could remove that thorn.
Me, too. Reggie is the one who usually picks up things like goatsheads in his paws. At Midland, he was forever stopping with a lifted paw. This cholla thing with Roger is the first time he’s been stuck so it was good to see him react as he did.
I love the desert photos, but gosh what a change in color from 2 years ago! Bridget and Spike will be forever remembered. Two calm souls vs two wild little indians. Animals are so fun!
Well, Barbara, I see the reply I wrote you didn’t show up. I appreciate you writing that “Bridget and Spike will be forever remembered.”
Thank you Sue/suzago,in PNW/ApplegirlNY/LisaTommie& & Buddy in NJ/Cinandjules for the comments in the previous post. Cinandjules I commented on that one. I really appreciate the support & kind words.
Blogorino strong!
I commented on your comment.
Saw your note. Thanks again. I know he isn’t trying to make me angry or upset and he always apologizes, but his kidney diet is no fun to prepare, and if he doesn’t eat it, his number will not improve. He only wants to eat sweets or burgers, neither of which are on the kidney diet. But like you said, I just will have to deal with it the best I can and try to keep calm about it. I appreciate you all being here.
Hi, Barbara,
Just caught up on the last few post’s blogorino comments.
I understand your frustration. You and your hubby continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Do take time for yourself, if only just to take Angel for a walk, or the two of you (Angel) finding a fresh venue (maybe a nearby park?) to explore, have lunch and decompress for a while. **hugs**
In the summer we go to a small city park and have lunch and walk the trails through the wooded area and stop on the bridge and watch the fish. Angel tries to chase the rabbits and squirrels. ONe of the trails passes the children’s area. Then she wants to go see them. She loves the little kids.
One of our newer neighbors a couple of streets over had little girl in May of 2017. Back in December before we had that cold snap, Ellen (the mom) was pushing her in a stroller, when Angel spotted them. She made a be line for them, while dragging me along. She was standing on her hind legs to see in the stroller, licking on her hand and toes. When they turned around to head home, we had to escort them. Angel just trotted along beside the stroller like she was Ronan’s guardian Angel. It was too cute. Ellen really got tickled at her, making such a fuss over Ronan.
Oh, how sweet!! 🙂
The monsoon in 2017 started off with a fair amount of rain, but it cut off early. Between that and only one day of rain in December, the desert is really dry. We’ve been sad about the number of dead prickly pears we’re seeing by the trails.
That’s probably the reason. Thanks, Allison.
As Allison said 2017 was a very low rainfall year. On top of that there was no winter rain as there was in Oct-Dec 2015 which made the desert lush in January 2016. A wet December 2014 gave you a green desert in January 2015.
Excellent memory, Ed! The plants were in primo shape in 2016. BTW, I don’t know if I mentioned to you — I’ve been eating the Guerrero white corn tortillas as you recommended. Yes, better than the yellow corn ones of another brand which I had to throw out, they became so tough and chewy.
I’m glad you like the Guerrero white corn. Just remember that the Kroger brand is very close in quality because the Guerrero brand is not as widely available.
Walmart sells Guerrero products.
White corn is our favorite also. Mission brand is too heavy.
When buying corn on the cob we only buy white or bi color…..yellow corn is tough…we call it “cow corn”
Oh, I love yellow corn on the cob! And I like it when the kernals are big and very yellow… just what you don’t like. Haha!
I haven’t tried Mission. Now that I know Guerrero is the best, I’ll stick with it. Funny… since buying my griddle, the main meal of the day is a highlight of the day.
Hah hah…we surely won’t be fighting over the corn on the cob! Tiny kernels for us.
We spent the previous week in that area. We too noticed how much drier everything looked compared to last year. The desert looked a little better on the drives around Organ Pipe, but just a little. Weather last week was warm and dry, hope you it warms up for you and the crew.
Thanks, Kevin. The forecast is for highs in the mid-70s. 🙂
Would you believe when I bought a home in Lake Havasu some years ago, it had a full grown Cholla in the front yard? Guess how long it took me to have it removed? Right! Quick!!
A cholla in the front yard? Was Lake Havasu rural at that time? I can’t imagine an in-town property landscaped with cholla. Although I suppose it would be like having a “Beware of the Dog” sign to keep trespassers out.
“Beware of the Cholla.” 🙂
I bet it was great fun removing it.
The Cholla was only one of many cacti species, I had many plus eight fan palms. No it was in the city and a fairly new home. I had some landscape workers get the Cholla out of there.
Before I go offline for the night, some more movie lines:
Who said these words or in what movie…..
1) “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”
2) “What we got here is a failure to communicate.”
3) “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin.'”
4) “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.”
Hand raised….
All About Eve
Cool Hand Luke
Shawshank Redemption
Back to the Future
🙂
Well done, Denise! 🙂
🙂
# 2- Cool Hand Luke-
If I had a fully functioning memory I could tell you the rest, because I remember all of them, just not the name of the movie. Oh MY!
Loved your post-good thing it wasn’t a bull you almost stumbled upon! That would have been interesting.
It is going to get down to 19 degrees tonight in southern NM! I need to head south soon! Everyone here says that this is an unusual winter. BRRR!
Have a great evening and hugs to the boys.
Hi, Linda…
Well, that cold morning has come and I hope you are warm. Your sentence “Everyone here says that this is an unusual winter” reminded me of something from my long ago past.
I heard that same statement during several winters while growing up and during early adulthood. I couldn’t help but wonder how unusual could it be if I keep hearing that statement?
As soon as I was able I moved to Florida to get away from the cold and several years later I moved to Georgia to get away from the hurricanes and several years later I moved to . . . . . .
You can go south or you can go west from NM (to lower elevation) to find warmer weather.
What a beautiful post in all ways. I would love to be in a spot like that. It is beautiful!
Maybe I will some day. I found a van on Craig’s list and called the owner yesterday. I’m just taking it one step at a time but if all happens smoothly, I think I’ve found my van. I’m just trying to go on the assumption if it’s meant to be, it will be. Thanks for helping me dream.
I’m excited for you Barbara!
Hope it works out for you.
Be sure to keep us updated on your van search, Barbara. I’m sure there are readers who anticipate going through a similar process.
Good attitude, BTW. 🙂
Hi, Sue,
I remember this camp very well! This is one place where you captured some beautiful firey sunset photos. As I was reading this post, I was wondering if you were going to end this post with the latest sunset finery…ha! I bet that cow really gave you a start! I think word has spread via bovine cow pie messages that you and the Crew are back in the neighborhood! It will be interesting to see how Roger handles a whole herd of cows in your front yard…. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the links to previous posts where we see dear, sweet Bridget. She was truly a special girl….one of a kind. 💕 I do miss our HRH and the Spikester… 💕
I enjoyed the movie line questions. As a movie lover, I can usually name the movie, but can get stumped on remembering the actor who said the line. Isn’t it “funny” how one can “see” the actor, even remember other movies that they were in, but cannot put a name to the face. Now we have Google to assist us!
This weekend, TCM showed the 1953 version of Titanic, starring Barbara Stanwyck. One of my favorite versions of the film! I did not realize that there had been so many movies and made for TV movies with the Titanic as the main character. Each version has different main character story lines, and how the captain of the ship is portrayed.
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Don’t forget to put your needle nose pliers in your pocket before you all go for your walks. N’nite! 🙂
Denise, you have the ability to make me feel like I’m sitting on a couch with you watching a movie and chatting about it afterwards. Gracie pup, Reg and Rog are a tangle of warmth and cuteness between us. 🙂
Thanks for entertaining me with your friendly conversation. Love and hugs to you and your little girl.
I did forget the pliers on our last walk….. I will do better!
Thank you, Sue. That is a nice compliment! You always paint pictures so clearly with your words that I can imagine Gracie pup and I tagging along on a walk with you and the boys. “A tangle of warmth and cuteness between us…” 🙂
You’re welcome, Denise. 🙂
Enjoyed your photos of the saguaros, Bridget, chollas, and the cow. I’ve lived in the Phoenix area for 40 years and love the saguaro cactus too, I have one in my front yard now that has about 4 bird dwellings holes in it, very interesting to watch the activity that takes place. This year has been a dry year here in my part of Phoenix. The news is telling us to be careful of snakes as they are coming out early this year….so be careful chasing down those cows after dark!
Hi, Barbara,
How nice to have a stately, natural birdhouse in your front yard! It will be interesting when babies appear and learn how to fly.
I’ll remember your warning when outside seeking a photo of saguaro in sunset. 🙂
I know that spot well. Hickiwan RV Park near Az Hwy 85 and 86 is another of my favorites in the area.
Hi, Loup!
Hi Sue,
I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am still here….following along with your travels. I had to get myself in hand a little bit after I came home so I didn’t interact much. I decided to come home because there were too many loose ends still here….and they blocked that “free feeling” that I usually have when I travel. The feeling I craved just wasn’t there andI knew it wasn’t right from the first hour of the trip. So, I decided to come home and see what I could do about that.
I am doing my best to see the good in every day, every one and every place….and to find the fun too….I’m OK.
When I saw you parked in Ajo, I smiled (and teared up a little) because I wanted to be there and in Why this winter. But since I had a good attitude about it, I decided to give you and the crew a shout and say hello….and I hope you have a wonderful time there!
Love from VA,
MB
PS….I have kept notes with all the great ideas and advice that came from you and the readers. I will use them ALL one day soon! My chosen lifestyle right now is sorta like “glamping” so I’m learning a lot! 🙂
Hi, MB,
Glad to see a note from you. I had been hoping that all was ok, as I had not seen you check in for a while. May the ties that bind you be released soon so you will be free to travel…take good care of yourself!
Thank you “neighbor”! 🙂
🙂 🙋🏻
Hi, MB,
So good to see you here again! After reading your comment I pulled up your previous comments. I discovered that I owe you an apology. You wrote a heartfelt message in October about your decision to go home and I didn’t reply. It was under a post where I didn’t write replies. That’s no excuse. I’m ashamed that I didn’t respond to you then. I should have written. I’m sorry, MB.
I admire your spirit and resolve to meet the responsibilities at home with a positive attitude, something very difficult to do at times, I’m sure.
Only you can tell what is the best path. Thank you for sticking with us and for sharing your path. There are readers of this blog who are in a similar situation and your message of “I am doing my best to see the good in every day…. and to find the fun too… I’m OK” is inspiring.
Thank you for sending love from VA…. Here’s love from AZ. 🙂
Glamp on, dear one!
Oh no problem Sue. You can’t respond to every comment….though you do a bang up good job of answering most of them. 🙂 My not being here for a bit had nothing to do with anything but me needing to get myself straight so that I can be the MB “I like” again. It’s a work in progress! LOL!
God bless you, MB!
Glad you are doing OK, MB. take care of yourself.
Thank you Barbara!
All caught up! 😃
Thanks Sue, I enjoy reading your blog. Reading is a great way for me to wind down after work.
And it is important to “wind down after work.” I’m glad for the privilege of helping you do that, Ronda. 🙂
Very familiar looking campsite, very close to where I stayed a few years ago.
I am presently staying at Falcon Lake State Park in Texas doing some small bird action photography and when checking on your blog using the park’s WiFi I get this message:
Access to this website is restricted by TPWD internet access policy.
You Are Attempting To Access A Forbidden Site.
If You Feel You Have A Valid Reason To Visit This Site, Submit A Request To Tpwd It Help Desk For Access To This Site.
I had to turn on my Verizon coverage to send you this message. Perhaps you are already aware of this.
I guess I must have missed all the obscene content on your blog that the Texas park folks found.
Hi, Bob,
It sounds like the park restricts their WiFi usage. Unless I hear something similar from other readers, I’m going with “not my problem.” 🙂 Good to see you here again and to know you continue to enjoy and challenge yourself with bird photography.
Not a restriction issue as I can connect to all the other blogs I follow, this is a censorship issue!
It may be my visits to sites in search of real (not fake) news. There’s an alarming amount of censorship going on in cyberspace these days. Thanks for getting back with me on this. I should clear cookies more often.
Hi Sue,
watch out for those snakes with Rodger! Have you ever had snake problems with the crew? and can you tell me how you found your van?….I may need to change tow vehicles. Thanks
Hi, Lisa,
No, I’ve never had a problem with snakes with the crew, my original nutcakes or with the R & R boys.
I found the PTV by calling up a used van place (after an online search) that specialized in the sale of fleet vans. I explained over the phone my intended use of a van. The salesman said “I have just the van for you.” A day or two later — don’t remember exactly — I looked at that van and found that he was right. It suited me perfectly. The first van I looked at!
I realized since then how very blessed I was to find the PTV so quickly and so easily. I wish the same for you and for anyone searching for a van for towing.
Sue, is your van a former commercial van? If memory serves, it does have a backseat as well as bucket seats in the front. Also, does it have any insulation in the back part?
The PTV was used as a mobile office by an insurance company. The interior is fully upholstered, including ceiling and all the way to the back and including all the doors. This provides insulation as well as muffling sound. If I ever replace the PTV I will look for one with an upholstered interior. Vans with exposed metal walls can be very noisy.
Yes, it does have a back seat. The salesman offered to remove the seat if I wanted him to. The floor is covered in a non-skid, rubber-type material.
Thank you Sue. You are always so helpful!
🙂
Glad you are back in the sonoran desert again, I have missed it, as had spent a few years around Benson back in the late 90’s. Was nice to see the picture of Bridget waiting for you to catch up, that almost got me. Been lying low trying to work through the loss of a gentle soul who was like a brother to me three months ago. It seems to hit harder as we get older, or perhaps it is just me.
Your description of waking up to Roger’s nose right under your chin, eyes wide open you both looking at each other, he savoring the love and security you have given him did get to me. He waited for you to take the Choy-ya,( miss her teaching us how to pronounce certain words) out of his paw was his way of letting you know you he trusts you to take care of him, or how I saw it any way. He put his trust in the right person. Thanks for all the beauty, fun, adventure, and surprises along the way. Much appreciated. Bless You Sue.
You’re welcome, JazzLover,
I’m sorry you lost your friend/brother and for the pain you feel. Maybe loss hits us harder as we get older because we appreciate more acutely how precious a life is. May your grief lead to smiles in remembrance.
Speaking of remembering…. It’s touching how readers of this blog remember Bridget and Spike with such tenderness.
I write about the boldness and brashness of Roger, yet he has moments of sweetness, very dear.
I believe you are correct about our appreciating more acutely how precious a life is as we age. There are more smiles as time goes on, and how can any of us who love our four legged “kids”, not remember Bridget and Spike with sweet feelings of tenderness. Such a pair they made.
I’m very sorry for your loss JazzLover.
Thank You MB, much appreciated.