A full-timer’s holiday in the desert

Wednesday, November 25

P1080640Early morning light awakens the Big Maria Mountains near Blythe, California

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and the crew and I have a lot to accomplish.

Bridget, Reggie, and I head out for Blythe in the Perfect Tow Vehicle.  Dirty laundry sits in the passenger seat.  Like a hulking, 300-pound hitchhiker it fills the space from seat to ceiling.

“Don’t worry.  This is temporary,” I say to Reg who lost his window seat.  “Bridgie, knows, dontcha, honey.  We’re going to the laundromat!”

First, however, the crew and I zip over to the post office.

P1080619Hmm . . . Only two people ahead of me in line.  Not like holidays in the past . . . .  Yay, Amazon!

I buy a stamp for a letter and card going to my sweet auntie in New York state.

Then I show my driver’s license and ask for my general delivery packages and a mailer (forwarded mail from America’s Mailbox in South Dakota).

The clerk brings the Amazon boxes. 

“There should be a mailer, too.”

The clerk goes to the back again and brings me the mailer.

(This is not to criticize the clerk.  I don’t know what it is like to be a postal clerk.  The last three shipments to different post offices, I’ve had to ask the clerk to go back and look again in order to receive everything.  Be advised:  If online tracking says your mail is at the P.O. and the clerk tells you it isn’t, smile sweetly and don’t budge from the counter until it’s handed to you.)

I open the boxes and the mailer while inside the post office lobby.

I discover to my great happiness that one item — a back-up battery for my Verizon jetpack — is included in the shipment!  Online tracking warned me it could take until December 1st.

Receiving the item now defies the aggravating Package Delivery Rule of Waiting which is, to wit:  When ordering on the road, one item is always slower to arrive than the rest, thereby pinning you to an area.

All my stuff is here!  Oh yes, of course, a bunch of insurance stuff (yuck) I hope I never have to read.  And here’s the grip n’ grab thingie for picking up trash.  Last but not least, the book and some supplies for my new hobby!

I’m not telling you what my new hobby is. Not yet.  It will be a while before I actually engage in it, because I have a lot of learning to do first, plus supplies to collect.  I’m very excited about it!

Over at the laundromat, things are pretty quiet this Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

P1080624Everyone’s probably grocery shopping. 

Quickly I load the washers, then return to Bridget and Reg to take them for a walk around the block.

I’m happy to see that my white curtains washed well.  Up until this point I’ve always washed them by hand.  I fold them up spin-dry-damp (they’ll dry in two seconds once they’re hung), load up the dryers with the rest of the laundry, and rush out to the PTV to sit with the crew and read my new hobby book.

Laundry locked and loaded . . . Next stop — Smart and Final — extra!

P1080626Unlike the photo indicates, the place is very busy with Thanksgiving shoppers.  I’m on a mission to grab a few items and leave quickly, considering all the waiting required by the crew this day.

P1080623I grab one of the carts by the entrance and . . . .

“What?  Not AGAIN!”

The dadburn cart will not MOVE.  I try another.  Same deal.  I go inside the store, which is bustling . . . no carts.  It turns out that all the carts have their brakes on and need to be collected from hither and yon and “un-braked” by the employee who has a sensor capable of doing that.

A harried cashier kindly makes a phone call to the back.  A guy looking like he was awakened from a darn good nap behind the pallets pushes an empty cart toward me and grins.  Anyway . . . .  I get my stuff and leave.

And that, dear reader, is “smart and final!”

P1080627“You know what, guys?  I’m hungry.  Are you hungry?”

Wiggles and hops.  Two votes in the affirmative.  Let’s see.  Seems like I saw a Carl’s Jr., around the corner.

Later, at the edge of town, I pull over and park the PTV on the road’s shoulder, near a big, green field.

Bridget and Reggie move in close, bright eyes and fidgety bodies expressing their impatience.

“Okay, okay, hold on.  I’m getting it!”

I unwrap the hamburger patty and break it up into little pieces.

“A bite for you, Bridge, and a bite for you, Reg.”

I unwrap my sandwich and we chow down together.

P1080631“Happy Thanksgiving!” 

Oh my, look at that! 

Ahead of us, directly up the road, a curtain of dust billows across the jags and folds of the Big Marias like floating, tan gauze, leaving only silhouettes.

Immediately I hit the power button and bring up the windows.

We continue our little Thanksgiving repast.  I munch on my turkey burger which, by the way, isn’t half bad, and watch the dust storm pass like a National Geographic television special.

“That’s all there is, cuties.  No more hamburger. ”  And no more dust storm, thank God.

The PTV, stuffed to the brim with clean laundry, Amazon boxes, groceries, the usual paraphernalia, as well as the crew and me, makes her way down the road like a gluttonous guest leaving Thanksgiving dinner.

Bridget and Reggie sink into a snooze, satiated and happy. 

Gosh, what a sweet pair.  I couldn’t ask for a better holiday.

At camp all is calm.  I find everything is okay.  The lounger and camp chair are overturned, that’s all.  Always good to keep a clean camp . . . .

Thursday, November 26 — Thanksgiving Day

A lovely, lazy day of eating apple pie, smiling over Thanksgiving comments on this blog, wandering the desert, watching our hummingbird, lying in bed reading my new book, taking naps with the crew, and reflecting on our good life.

P1080595P1080598

 

 

 

 

Friday, November 27

P1080635Sunrise!

Thank you for another beautiful day in the desert!

rvsue

 AND, AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

When you click on any of the Amazon ads or links presented on my blog, anything you purchase at Amazon within the subsequent 24 hours earns me a commission.  You do not pay anything more.

P1080622Several holiday sales are in progress!

Here is a sample of items recently purchased:

iDevices iGrill Mini
Toshiba Satellite 14″ Laptop
Wolverine Men’s Hiking Boot
Food Tongs. A Posh 3-Piece Set
Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio 10
Fire, 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB

CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!

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141 Responses to A full-timer’s holiday in the desert

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

    #1?

  2. Val R. Lakefield On says:

    First? Your Thanksgiving sounds perfect to me.

  3. Page says:

    Sounds as if you had a very productive day on Wednesday. I made the mistake of trying to pick up a few quick items at Publix on Wednesday. Big mistake!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Page,

      I think we need a name for the day before Thanksgiving… Pink Wednesday, maybe? Standing in line at the grocery store on that day is a tradition of Thanksgiving cooks.

      • Pamela K. says:

        It’s called “Thanksgiving Eve” 🙂
        Like all the Christmas Eve madness…
        We’ve been using the term Thanksgiving Eve for years. It’s pretty common to hear it called that.

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

    Looking forward to see what the new hobby is, also a question are you satisfied with Americas Mailbox? I hope your Thanksgiving day was as wonderful as mine.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Americas Mailbox works fine for me. The shipments go out the next day from when I notify them. I’m glad to hear you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Dave.

  5. Pauline in Mississippi says:

    All the pictures are great but the ones of the crew and the last one of the sunset are the best!!! I received word that Auntie is spending the winter in a little apartment upstairs in Lana’s house. Pictures on Facebook show it to be really cozy and comfy.
    All is well here in Dixie…had a nice family Thanksgiving dinner last night. I would have been better off just having a turkey burger…LOL…. even with only 15% of a stomach, I can over eat and then graze all day.

    Sending BIG HUGS and LOTS OF LOVE

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pauline,

      I hope my letter and card to Auntie is forwarded to her. Let me know in an email if you have Lana’s address.

      I thought of you and the family on Thanksgiving, of course. Imagined the food and the laughter… Yeah, it must be tough after having gastric surgery. Gluttony is such darn fun! I’d hate to give it up!

      Hugs and love to you, too!

  6. Our thanksgiving’s were almost identical, except I had a flat tire when I woke up. Put me in a bit of a bad mood but by bedtime I was over it. Have to drive 40 miles to get a new tire, hole in the side wall of my six month old tire. Looking for a place to drop my cargo trailer while I make the 40 mile drive up the mountains. Glad you got turkey… I had to settle for a gas station hamburger but I made up for it by taking myself to breakfast this morning at a fine little place in Congress… surprizingly fine.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh, Charlene. . . . Sounds like you had a memorable Thanksgiving. I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I like the way you recovered — with breakfast out. 🙂

  7. Pat H. says:

    That is my kind of holiday, even the turkey burger…lol
    I made it to AZ from the Oregon coast and I’m enjoying the sun. Can’t wait to hear about your new hobby. Have a great weekend.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome to Arizona! (Even though I’m in California, Arizona is over there, not far.) 🙂 Hasn’t the sunshine been grand? Lots of cloud cover today, but the clouds are white with bright blue here and there. I’m typing this outside, sitting in the lounger. You have a great weekend, too, Pat!

  8. Piper n' Rusty / Az says:

    Looks like You had a great day,, that’s great Sue,, Wow those carts are everywhere, I’m glad you had your fixed,, well we won’t have that happen to us, Thanks to my VA Doctor,, I have a Handicap hanger thingy so we can park close, pushing a months groceries is hard work on my body, I suffer each time we go shopping,, and that’s only twice a month,,,,,,,, great photos,, have a blest day,,,,,, rusty

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rusty,

      I’m glad you have the disability hang-tag. Disability parking was a great idea. I don’t know who thought of it, but it sure is a good thing.

      You and Piper have a wonderful day, too!

  9. Pookie in SE Texas says:

    sounds like ya’ll had a nice thanksgiving day in the desert….
    how is the weather?
    its fixin to get cold and rainey here
    chuck

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, chuck,

      Well, did you taste every one of the five pies? 🙂

      About our weather…. The weather widget always seems to report colder temps than what we have at our camp. I think it’s in the low 70s today, pleasant when the sun breaks through the clouds, a breeze comes through that’s a little chilly. Up until two days ago, I’ve been going around in shorts, tee shirt, and sandals.

      I shut all the windows before going to bed and in the morning it’s cool, but not uncomfortable. I walk Reggie in my nightshirt, first thing.

      • Pookie in SE Texas says:

        ha…..I dd the pie thing before turkey because
        most of the time they are gone by the time I
        am able to get some pie in me…..
        I started with chocolate then coconut, then pecan
        Im not a pumpkin pie man nor berry pie from
        marie callenders….
        I then proceeded to get turkey down me and I
        was wasted after that….I hurt the rest of the day.
        chuck

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          No pumpkin or berry? My favorites! (Of course, so are chocolate, coconut, pecan, apple, peach, Boston cream, ah… I may have to take another trip into town!)

  10. eliza says:

    It sounds like an early Christmas and Thanksgiving, all a little early. So glad you are loving the life you lead, and sharing it with us….

  11. Barb from Hoquiam! says:

    Happy Day After Sue and Crew!
    Sounds like a terrific way to spend the day!
    We lazed around all danged day yesterday and I did a ‘cheat dinner’ (chicken rather than turkey — but did make homemade stuffing from left over cornbread). Jim bought a pecan pie (YUMMERS). I had a rotten cold so I was a bum all day long… 🙂

    Today I am saving 100% of my dollars by NOT shopping today (black Friday). I did order a couple of things via Amazon (and remembered to click over from your site-I forget too often!!! DARN) for the grandkids.

    Next week we go help my kiddos move into a new house. They moved out here from Atlanta a couple of years ago, and between dental hygiene school for my daughter and a new business for the SIL this is a BIG deal. They took a beating on their home in East ATL. She will be thrilled to be warm and have a dishwasher–both missing from the current rental house, though it does overlook the bay… Ah, priorities. I wonder if the new renters would mind if I sat on the porch with my coffee and enjoyed the view? LOL It will be fun to see this new chapter unfold for them. They have found a great group of friends who live close by — ah to be young.

    It is COLD here. I need to get out and mow (last time this year maybe?) the lawn and do some minimal clean up… I sure do not miss the acres of land care!

    Hugs from Hoquiam,
    Barb

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Barb,

      I hope you are over your cold. I wouldn’t call a chicken with stuffing a “cheat dinner” — not when you’re sick!

      Thank you for remembering to go to Amazon from my blog. I appreciate it. Yeah, who goes shopping in stores on Black Friday? Not me!

      I can tell you’re very happy for your daughter and son-in-law. I wish them well in their new home.

      Keep warm!

  12. Pookie in SE Texas says:

    the post office workers are government folks so that should
    tell you something….they dont get in a hurry about anything.
    chuck

  13. Sandy Riley says:

    Just reading about your day made me feel relaxed; unlike the day I had. The pictures of the pups are adorable and throw in the hummingbird, it sounds like paradise. Enjoy!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Sandy,

      Your hectic Thanksgiving is over! I’m guessing you were the cook. Thanks for the nice note. I hope you can relax today.

  14. Deb D says:

    Happy Thanksgiving ! Turkey Burger are pretty good .. My Ebony enjoys sharing
    Mine. She’s 80 pounds black lab. Next spring we will be on the road. Beautiful
    Pics as always and your lovable pair !

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Deb D. and Ebony,

      I hope you had a great Thanksgiving Day. Thanks re the pics and the crew…

      Share my turkey burger? Never. I always ask for a “small hamburger patty” for the crew to share.

  15. weather says:

    Beautiful picture of the crew! Your holidays sounded delightful. Mine were simple and wonderful, too . I’m curious about your hobby, yet won’t guess because I think you want it to be a surprise.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi weather,

      I glad you had a good day yesterday. I so enjoyed your comment full of thankfulness that you wrote under the previous post. All the thanksgiving comments were a pleasure to read. It made me happy to see new folks appear and also to hear from those who’ve been “silent” for a long time. And, of course, the regular commenters…

      I’m not sharing about this new hobby because it may be ages before I actually produce anything. I suspect readers will be asking to see what I’ve done, so I’m avoiding that. Who knows, it may fizzle out. It’s going to take me a while to get started because ordering supplies is difficult. We may move soon . . .

      Hope all is cozy and well at your place!

      • weather says:

        Yesterday was wonderful and all’s delightfully well here, thanks for hoping so. Understood about the hobby . Moving soon, as in the next day or so? I hope you pick up whatever you can find at a handy store soon to make your bed more comfortable. It seems that anything would be an improvement worth trying.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          We will move on the 1st, most likely. That’s when the permit expires. I mean “soon” as in too soon to wait for an order to arrive.

          Yeah, I should do something about this bed. I roll around at night like a chicken on a rotisserie… Trying to protect the pressure points. Haha!

  16. Pam and Maya says:

    Oh Sue, sometimes you are such a tease… I’m dying to find out about your new hobby. I just learned how to crochet granny squares on YouTube so now everyone in NY is getting a Granny Square scarf for Christmas! I survived a tense Thanksgiving, yours sounded much better! Hugs to the crew!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pam and Maya,

      How nice that you can crochet! It seems like such a relaxing hobby and planning the colors/yarn has to be fun. I never could get the hang of crocheting or knitting. Your scarves are very warm, I bet!

      And you’d be dying to see the results of my hobby… Ha! That’s why I’m not saying what it is until I have something to show you.

      I’m glad you survived Thanksgiving. Smile on!

      • Velda in Roseville CA says:

        I got lucky. I didn’t have any family who crocheted, other than an Aunt who began about the same time I did. I was in college, while she was 30 years my elder. My college roomie taught me and during rainy winter nights we sat around making afghans. My Aunt learned from co- workers at Sunkist citrus, where she worked for many decades. I still crochet once in a while, it’s a useful skill.
        Waiting sort of patiently for Sue’s big reveal! LOL

  17. Noelle says:

    Hi Sue,
    I’m a very occasional poster, but constant reader….glad thanksgiving was so mellow for you. Some folks have it rough, knee deep in challenging relatives — my favorite thanksgivings have been the ones with a few friends, in PJs, eating from plates balanced on our laps while while watching movies. 🙂
    I have a question about how your Amazon earnings works. You stated: “When you click on any of the Amazon ads or links presented on my blog, anything you purchase at Amazon within the subsequent 24 hours earns me a commission.” So is this true as well if those subsequent orders are placed through AmazonSmile? Seems like it’s a rare 24 hours when I don’t order something from Amazon, so I’d just click on one of your links each time I’m on your blog, but somehow I doubt it works that way, since it would essentially mean Amazon paying two commissions from one sale. 🙁

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Noelle,

      “challenging relatives” … I feel sorry for the one who cooks their heart out to put on a complicated holiday meal only to have boorish relatives put a damper on what should be a time of thankfulness and good cheer. ‘Tis a shame . . .

      I don’t know how to answer your question about AmazonSmile. I don’t see how you can place the same order twice without duplicating the order. Therefore, you either click on AmazonSmile or you click one of my links and the commission follows accordingly.

      If you would like me to check to see if I received credit or not, let me know something you ordered and the date you ordered it, and I’ll let you know here. BTW, if you click on AmazonSmile, that’s a good thing. 🙂

      • Noelle says:

        I agree about AmazonSmile – I support Wounded Warriors, but if I could support them, as well as push a commission your way with the same purchase, so much the better!
        I had read your statement to mean if I clicked on one of your links for whatever, (just clicked, no order) and then later but within 24 hours I ordered anything at all on Amazon, you got a commission. Sounds like I misinterpreted, and I have to follow the link from your website and make a purchase from that link….maybe the 24 hours comes into play in that the order can sit in my cart for a while, as long as I come back and finish the order within the 24 – ? I don’t mean to go down a rabbit hole here. If I give it a try I’ll let u know. 🙂

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Yes, if you click on one of my links at noon, browse around Amazon, can’t make a decision or whatever, go about your day, and then, let’s say, the next morning you finalize an order (maybe forgetting about my links and just going straight to Amazon.com), I still will receive a commission. 🙂

  18. Velda in Roseville CA says:

    Would the person who purchased that I grill thermometer kindly give their review if they have tried it. I trust people I know here more than unknown persons on Amazon. I am considering getting it for hubby for Christmas, after watching him make trip after trip out to the pellet grill yesterday, only to read the external thermometer on the grill. Smoked ham was fabulous, by the way! No turkey, this was easier and tasty.
    Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and are staying safe ESP if out and about today on roads fighting for bargains. We made our usual trip to UCD for hubby’s 9 th of 30 radiation treatment. Traffic was light thankfully. So far, other than tired he’s ok. My supplement regimen seems to be working! I’m off to Curves and to pick up an RX.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Velda,

      The person who purchased the grill thermometer is Cheryl O. (WA state). She mentioned it in a comment under a previous post. If she appears here, you can ask her directly! 🙂

      I admire you and your husband — for your perseverance and steadiness in the treatment schedule. I’m sure it must be very wearing on your both and you wish it were completed. And yet, here you are, Velda, hoping we all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! You are a dear..

      I’m glad your Thanksgiving ham was delicious. Warm wishes to you and your husband.

    • Pookie in SE Texas says:

      Velda and Sue;…….
      dont know what kind of thermometer ya’ll were looking
      for but I bought one several years ago from Amazon
      called Ivation with a remote receiver and it has done
      the job just fine for me….seem like I payed $35-50
      for it but well worth every penny….
      I believe this is it but go thru Sue’s site so she can
      get credit for it…

      http://www.amazon.com/Ivation-Long-Range-Wireless-Thermometer/dp/B00ANCXJR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448667986&sr=8-1&keywords=ivation

      chuck

      • Pookie in SE Texas says:

        looks like they now sell for 59.99….
        chuck

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        The thermometer Velda mentioned is shown as the first link in the sample of readers’ purchases at the end of this post. For some reason, I’m not able to make a direct link to the product you mention, chuck. Thank you for suggesting readers use one of my links if they decide to purchase it.

        This one is slightly less expensive:
        iDevices iGrill Mini

        • Cheryl O. (WA state) says:

          Hi Velda,

          I haven’t used the thermometer yet. I wasn’t able to get my Charbroil turkey fryer to work. Anyway, I bought it because of my co-workers (men) raving over it so much. They actually bought the one with two probes which cost more, but they say is better to have a more accurate reading. I opted for the one probe anyway. It’s great to only look at the phone app to see the temps of the meat while grilling. It’s more accurate than a regular thermometer. Hope this helps.

  19. Sealarkesmiles says:

    Hi Sue!

    So glad your Turkey Day was good for you and the crew! Had a good one here in NM making a full blown turkey dinner in a 10′ camper. It was so yummy but never again. I will be cleaning up and reorganizing for a week! Can’t wait to hear what your new hobby is. I used to do polymer clay (jewelry and such) but it just takes up too much room/weight in the Tow Vehicle and hard to do in the confines of the camper so switching to Macrame, beading and still sketching. Need to learn more about photography too. Love your photos and they inspire me. You have the coolest crew in Bridget and Reggie! They just seem to ‘go with the flow’ just like my Lily. The day before Thanksgiving a Casita and TV similar to yours pulled in and drove way far back into the rocks to boondock but I didn’t dare go there to see if it was you…lol. I also like my privacy so I totally understand. Have a great weekend and thanks for your words and pictures!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      A full Thanksgiving dinner out of a ten-foot camper? Are you nuts? Gollee, woman…. I’d be scraping gravy off the ceiling and pulling stuffing out of the bed covers! Oh, you gave me a good laugh. Have fun cleaning up now until Memorial Day!

      Yes, my crew is cool. I agree. 🙂 I’m sure your Lily is, too.

      I shouldn’t have mentioned The Hobby. Lord knows when I’ll actually do it. Good luck with your photography and thanks for the nice words about mine.

  20. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    What a wonderful productive day! Weird to see no one at the laundromat!
    Hah! The antitheft device wins again! What happen to the good ole days!

    Glad you received your goodies…and mystery package yet to be revealed. Knitting needles? Hah …yeah right!

    Have a marvelous day.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Cinandjules. I hope your day is fantastic!

      I failed to mention that during my walk with the crew around the block while the laundry was in progress, I saw three people (separately) pushing shopping carts around the corner of a building. One woman was on a bike, pulling the cart along. Well, folks do what that can to survive… I’m sure they dislike the cart sensors, too.

  21. Mick'nTN says:

    Thanks for the nice post. I enjoy every post and especially the photos. The Desert is interesting, sometimes it looks rather bleak but on closer examination the life and colors come out. I hope El Nino will bring you a colorful Spring.

    I had Thanksgiving dinner at a friends yesterday and was asked to help with a project:> a teardrop trailer, from the ground up. It will have tall tires and be towed by his new Jeep Rubicon. We will build it in my garage and take lots of pictures. I’ll post links.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Mick’nTN,

      It’s tough to do justice to the desert within the borders of a photograph. The spacious feeling doesn’t come across.

      The teardrop trailer project sounds interesting! I’m happy you plan to share it with us as you go along.

    • bess from haystack res/ eugene, oregon says:

      yes please share your photos of the teardrop project!

      hi everyone, it is fun to hear about the weather in different places around the country. we are sitting under a non-moving High pressure with Artic cold air for about a week. we like to look at the twinkling frost on the lawn every morning in the 21 degree sunshine. no clouds or wind. it is beautiful and good to go for walks around the neighborhood when it is 40 degrees.

      i love the desert and appreciate your photos and stories and sharing. i think of you guys often and appreciate the community you have nurtured.

  22. kgdan from Wapato, WA says:

    My Thanksgiving was way too funny. Here I am at home with all the tools and gizmos. Nobody but me here. Son went w wife out to dinner. Housesitters both working. Meanwhile, imagine Gil, there in the RV in Laughlin. He roasted an 8# turkey with yams & Brussels sprouts with a sweet potato concoction for dessert. From his description I could smell from here. He is saving me leftovers for Sunday when I go back. And he saved me the gravy packet because he knows I love the gravy.

    My Thanksgiving dinner? Turkey TV dinner from Safeway!!!! ?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Not your usual Thanksgiving celebration, I’m sure! You by yourself at home with a TV dinner and Gil with the RV and the turkey with fixin’s. That is funny. Well, at least you have that dinner to look forward to. I’m sure Gil did a great job with it.

  23. Sealarkesmiles says:

    GREAT idea about having a backup battery for VZW hotspot! Here I have been recharging mine in the TV when I don’t have power. DUH! Thanks!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m not using the back-up battery because I always plug my jetpack into the inverter when I use it. In case that one dies, I’ll put the back-up in. I have to keep this blog going. 🙂

      • Piper n' Rusty / Az says:

        Hi Sue, My Hotspot is charging from the laptop using USB cord,,, it dose real good, and tells me when it’s fully charged and to un plug it,, if I’m online a lot and the battery gets low, it tells me it needs charging and so I just plug it back to the PC,, thus less cords all over going to the inverter,,,,,,,, rusty

  24. Penny in AR says:

    Well, poo…..was looking forward to you hand washing your curtains and stringing them up ‘tween PTV and BLT?. Sounds like a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was good and I am pooped, so your day around camp with adoring pooches sounds ideal! The Big Maria mountains look awesome.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Penny in AR,

      There’s something about stuff hanging on a line that makes a camp look homey. Oh well…

      I hope you’re relaxing today after putting on Thanksgiving yesterday.

  25. Ladybug in Mid TN says:

    I hate to say it, but….you really should read through the insurance stuff. OR at least make sure you’re happy with your current plan’s provisions for next year, including price. Tis the Medicare open enrollment season.

    I cook for Thanksgiving but not much since it’s just for two. But thinking about making it even simpler for next year. Might experiment at Christmas…..

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ladybug,

      I opened up the packet, read the part where it says “if you do nothing, your coverage will remain the same,” closed the packet up, and put it away. Thank you for mentioning it though.

      I don’t know how women can keep cooking these big holiday meals for decades and decades… Y’all amaze me! Simple celebrations, simple meals can be good, too.

      • Pookie in SE Texas says:

        Sue, I will agree with you about how women
        keep doing the thanksgiving dinner every
        year….
        my wifey is retired but still drives a school
        bus twice a day and in between works at her
        auction house getting ready for weekend
        auctions…..I cant keep up with her and she
        will live LONG after Im dead and gone….
        I salute all women, young and old…
        chuck

  26. Lee J in Oregon says:

    Hello from the train on my way to Portland !
    I’m headed up to see my grand daughter at Shriners children hospital Her surgery is Monday , but this weekend we shall play. My niece is bringing her daughter from Santa Rosa ca and we are having a tea tomorrow in Julianne’s room at Shriners
    Dear husband and my son will arrive Sunday to hold vigil. Think about Julianne Monday morning!
    Love this post Sue, as always a delight.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I love the way your family comes together during this time, not only for Julianne, but also for each other. You can be proud.

      Prayers for Julianne! Best wishes for all of you this weekend and throughout the coming days.

  27. AZ Jim says:

    Well another Thanksgiving gone. I told Detta that since there were only the two of us not to worry about cooking a big feast as she has always done when we had family nearby years ago, but she insisted. She says she wants to do it for me in case she can’t next year. Detta is older than me and it breaks my heart when I hear her say something like that, but we had a nice dinner together and our Grandson in California sent us a case of imported Riesling wines (he is a sales manager for a major distributor/importer), so we had a nice beverage with our turkey. I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving day. I loved the pics of the little guys Missy and I’m glad you got your deliveries ok….Thanks for this wonderful little meeting place where we all can share daily.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Jim, and thanks for being a part of this “wonderful little meeting place.” The same goes for Detta. She may not do the typing but she is here, represented by your loving words.

      I’m glad you enjoyed another delicious Thanksgiving dinner served up by your dear wife and topped off with good wine.

  28. Applegirl NY says:

    Hi Sue, So glad you and the crew had a nice Thanksgiving. We all have so much for which to give thanks. I read through yesterday’s thoughts this morning and was happy to see so many common threads. Grateful for family, friends, safety, salvation and God’s beautiful creation.

    Bridget looks down right jolly in the picture of her and Reggie in the PTV. She was really posing for that one.

    I had a small crowd of 9 for dinner yesterday. Life changes and not everyone that used to join us, was here, but we were blessed by those who came. Turkey with all the trims and home made pies. I absolutely love the hustle, bustle and gathering of folks. The holidays….. I love to see them come, and I love to see them go! Right now I’m thankful for a quiet afternoon with the mess tidied up and the turkey soup in the kettle.

    Blessings, to you, Sue and community of blogorinos.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Your home must smell delicious depending upon the time of year… apple pies, applesauce,Thanksgiving turkey with trimmings, homemade turkey soup… 🙂

      Yes, weren’t the comments under the Thanksgiving post a delight to read? This may seem weird — They reminded me of green beans. Okay, I have some ‘splainin’ to do. 🙂

      One of the things I love about having a vegetable garden is watching beans grow. First you go out to the garden and see mini-earthquakes where the beans are pushing up the soil. Next visit the beans have unfurled. Then the sprout straightens up and out come the leaves… a fresh green, shaped like hearts, all in a row. Well, those comments full of thanks popped up like beans in a garden. Hearts in a row, one after another.

      Blessings to you, too, Applegirl..

  29. Monica-CA says:

    Possible new hobby:
    Knitting, no that’s not Sue.
    Sketching, maybe…but then she is into photography.
    Letterboxing, she will need supplies and learn to carve….most likely not since she doesn’t always travel back to all her past camping sites.
    She already travels, people watches to avoid people, reads…hum… and into photography, history, geography, and studies nature. What hobby could she add to her list of adventures?
    I guess I’ll have to be patient and wait. Have fun with the learning curve!

  30. mary sampson says:

    Happy Turkey day a day late..I read your blog daily, I am the same age but with a hubs of nearly 42 years and one child just turned 38…I love love your blog, it reminds me a person who can successfully travel and have two doggie companions and be very happy..I like your vehicle and your PTV and where you get to travel..Happy Hanukkah soon and Merriest of Christmases toooooo.ciao!

  31. Dawn in MI says:

    It all sounds perfect…even the laundry. Good idea to do that the day before a big holiday…most people wouldn’t even think of doing laundry that day. Much easier for you! I’ve seen pictures of those dust storms..they look pretty scary.

    Glad you’re having a good holiday weekend!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      This dust storm wasn’t scary. There wasn’t any twirling, swirling, gusting wind. It was like a curtain moving steadily across the desert, here for a few minutes and then gone. Good thing I had my white curtains with me, rather than across open windows at camp!

      Enjoy the weekend!

  32. Glad you had a fab holiday. Ours was spent with family at a Lincoln City condo hotel cooking dinner in our rooms. Absolutely stunning weather and moonsets over the ocean.

    A few years ago after a trip we had problems with mail hold at our local post office and when we finished expressed our frustration that if we had been a day or too later in returning, our mail (which included a check) would have sat in our box for a few days. The clerk responded with “Well, We’re not perfect.” and it took all my willpower not to say “Well how about trying to at least be competent!” So remember that when you have “issues.” 🙂

    Happy living!
    Robin

    • Pookie in SE Texas says:

      I can relate to that…..it furiates me to go to a PO
      and them employees dote around taking their time
      making $35 an hour kowing they cant be fired….
      thats mostly true with the bigger PO’s….my little
      PO here in Plantersville is a 2 person PO and they
      close at noon for an hour….and they know everyone
      by their first names…
      chuck

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Robin…. I love your style of Thanksgiving! I’m glad the weather cooperated. It must’ve been fun!

  33. Linda Hughes North Carolina says:

    Hi Rv Sue, so happy you had a good Thanksgiving Day, it sounded very peaceful and quiet to me. We have had a couple fast food feast on Thanksgiving in the past also. I am loving how you share your everyday things with us, a trip to town and all the things you take care of while there. You must really like the desert…I did to when we were out in that area. It has been such a pleasure being able to meet you at this place and hear about your day and share ours with you. Thanksgiving Day at our home was a day of peace and quiet also, with some good eating and that wonderful after the big meal nap. Love those deep sleep naps after stuffing myself more than a turkey is stuffed! God bless you Miss Sue, thankful you share some of your on the road life with us….have a great weekend!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Linda,

      Yeah, those calorie-induced naps are wonderful. I had a stuffed-with-apple-pie nap. 🙂 It sounds like you had a good Thanksgiving Day, peaceful and quiet.

      When I started this blog I vowed I would never be an Eeyore writer, meaning I’d never write, “Oh well, nothing much happened today.”

      A lot happens every day, if only in your head! If you’re alive and conscious and able to think, there’s something to write about! Okay, just another pet peeve of mine …

      Thank you for letting me know my little non-events are enough to keep you coming here, Linda. Your presence, along with all the blogorinos and lurkers, means a lot to me.

      • Linda Hughes North Carolina says:

        Every event is something interesting in your blog, you are leading a life so many envy…the freedom of it sounds absolutely wonderful to all of us. The fact that you would let us into your day is enough for all of us to read about, just thanks for sharing, keep it up! Yes, your events are interesting!!

  34. Lynn Brooks says:

    Happy Thanksgiving!

  35. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Glad you Thanksgiving was a peaceful one.. I love those sunrise photos and the two of the crew. Bridget really posed for that 1st one. Reggie is always perky, so no posing on his part.
    I am one of those crazy women who cooks Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, for just the two of us. We had the same dinner tonight. Most is gone now, so I will make a couple of small plates for lunches on Sunday. Have to take a break tomorrow. The darker meat will be used in vegetable soup, currently frozen. Also froze the other half of the breast for Christmas.
    Angel had 1 heaping tablespoon of mash potatoes, peas and turkey breast. The way she gobbled it up, one would think I never fed her. She is so funny.
    Today has been an exciting one for her. She got to watch the Can. Geese at the lake, watch a cat in the field behind us kill some kind of critter, visit with my neighbors and her boxer pal, watch the kids up the street fly their kite, and then the lady across the street has guests for the weekend and the mother, came over with their 18month old, who wanted to pet Angel. That was too cute.

  36. David Ainley in Houston, TX. says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you, Bridge and Reggie.

  37. Kay Arnold says:

    Happy Thanksgiving
    It is much better traveling with good companions and yours are the best ! May you all have a great holiday season !
    Kay

  38. BadgerRickInWis says:

    Sounds like a wonderful holiday. Again you teach the lesson of being grateful for the simple and yet most important of things in life. A beautiful spot in nature, knowing there are folks here who care about you, and your loving crew by your side. Thank you for that.

    LOVE that shot of the crew. Bridget’s face looking back at you is pure unfiltered love. So good of them to wait for you to do what needs doin. Bridget, you have done such a nice job teaching your little brother how to be the best road dog ever. You two are the best.

    A new hobby? Hummmmmmm, I’m guessin’ taxidermy.
    Ya chop off the heads of any large road kill you come across. Dress them up real scary and than mount them on pikes around the perimeter of the BLT to ward off clingers. 🙂

  39. BadgerRickInWis says:

    Sorry, spent the holiday binge watching Game Of Thrones.

    Still, sounds more like Sue than knitting. 🙂

  40. Pamela K. says:

    Sue,
    A new hobby?! So COOL!

    No doubt, if I were guessing, it has something to do with photos.
    Maybe digital photo painting or digital photo sketching.
    Maybe photo canvases… that would be super!
    Your photos would really be prime for those kinds of digital software apps.
    Of course, I’m just musing about the many photo hobbies you could be undertaking, but I would guess it does have ( at least) something to do with photos 🙂

    T-shirts, lol. We need RVSUE AND CREW t-shirts…and RVSUE AND CREW coffee table photo books.
    If that’s it, count me in 🙂 !!!

    OK. I’ll behave and stop now…

  41. Cheryl O. (WA state) says:

    Hi Sue,
    It’s funny that I was thinking recently about when you would do laundry. Of course, when the laundromat is empty or there abouts…perfect timing. I love your flower bush and sunset photos. It’s good to know the names of the stores and other conveniences…for future reference. The turkey burger picture did look good. I spent the day with my mother and brother eating food I prepared. I’m mainly enjoying my time off from work, actually took Wed. off, also. I’m going through stuff to take to the thrift shop. Feels good. All I can think about is downsizing. 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cheryl O.,

      Getting rid of stuff is liberating! I’m glad you have some time off from work and are enjoying yourself. Thanks re the photos. 🙂

  42. Pamela K. says:

    Sue,
    So glad you and the crew had a fine Thanksgiving! I was worried that you might have some uninvited clingers or something disturb your peaceful time there. It has been such a fine camp for you so hearing you had a fine day was my *dessert* on the day 🙂

    Remember that Thanksgiving at a restaurant date Klemper and I were going to have?
    My so-called day off from cooking…
    Well, instead, we had the most wonderful Thanksgiving of all. Spent to entire day sleeping. No kidding, and I loved it! Peaceful rest is such an underrated treasure. We had coffee early, had plans to go out and then decided to take a “short morning nap”. LOL. That turned into more napping and lounging around…a snack here, a snack there. By 8:00 PM we fixed Stove Top Stuffing (with I always keep on hand), Cranberries (on hand, out of a can), green beans (again, out of a can) and Boar’s Head Ham (from the grocery deli) and popped in a late movie.
    It was perfect! I must admit I really liked the heat-n-serve style of cooking 🙂 That is so not like me but it was really good afterall. Just goes to show that “simple” is better, sometimes even in cooking! What a perfect no-fuss Thanksgiving. 🙂

  43. Piper (Virginia) says:

    Sounds like a relaxing and beautiful Thanksgiving with the crew. Sounds wonderful!

  44. Deb D says:

    You mentioned about Amazon orders. On Nov 25 ordered Lego set and puzzle.
    And a few other Xmas presents for grandchildren . I keep up your link .
    I love online shopping for the grandchildren and Ebony too. Have an
    Awesome weekend !

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You have an awesome week, too, Deb D!

      Thank you for the order! I remember the Lego set (a Lego set for girls!) and the puzzle. You choose good gifts for children.

  45. Kay from KC! says:

    Sue and Crew! You can make a simple run to town sound like an adventure! Always love your pictures. We had the usual 35-40 people at our house, but used paper plates, etc. Since we’ve been doing it for years…everyone knows what to bring so I don’t have to do all the cooking. As usual, it was fun! This is our big holiday and for Christmas it’s a little quieter as everyone goes to visit their in-laws. I have a small chocolate fountain that the little ones love, but a mess to clean up. I just hope I’m making memories for them. My son couldn’t make it from Denver as he was working but he’ll be here for New Years. My daughter is here from college and yesterday we went to Raindeer Lane and she cut down our Christmas tree! So today we’re going to decorate the tree and house so when she comes home for Christmas break it will all be done! Keep your blog going! We love it!

    Kay from KC!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Kay from KC,

      Sounds like your family has worked out a great way to celebrate the holidays with everyone being happy. A chocolate fountain… Wow! Have fun decorating the tree!

  46. kgdan from Wapato, WA says:

    If I had a “druther” for RV Sue’s hobby, it would be for you to compile all of your photos & camping adventures into book form that everyone could purchase. I would call it ‘The RV Sue & Crew Benchmark of Western RV Adventures’. My name would be there on the presale list. Can you imagine what a wonderful and useful tool that would be for all of us?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m glad you think so! No, not something I want to do at this point. It would require more than I’m able to give while writing this blog, taking photos, caring for the crew, and traveling. Thank you for your support, Kathy!

  47. Virginia Henkaline says:

    Let’s see,is it knitting? Your new hobby…..cause any of my several hobbies take up so much space that for any of them you’d need a bigger casita…hmm. I’m dying of curiosity ,Sue… Maybe you are getting ready to write your book:)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      No, I’m not writing a book. I need a hobby that pulls me away from the written word. I go cross-eyed some days with writing and reading. I don’t need a bigger casita because I have the PTV. 🙂

      This woman won’t knit, can’t knit.

  48. DesertGinger says:

    Hi everyone. I’m in Southern California with my friend Tabby. We had turkey, gravy , mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Brussels sprouts au gratin, cornbread stuffing, cranberry- jalapeño relish, hot rolls and chocolate pecan pie. I guess I don’t know how to do a small or simple Thanksgiving dinner. It was good but now we have to eat it for days. Friday I worked all day on the Knife. I am taking Saturday and Sunday off no matter what. My friend Helena wants to meet for breakfast today, and tomorrow Tabby is having a lunch with friends to plan her baby shower, and I’m the cook. Then we are moving furniture and setting up baby beds for the coming babies. So I’m kicking back this weekend and just having fun.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ginger,

      Gosh, that dinner sounds wonderful.

      Um… I’m confused. You say you’re taking Sat. and Sun. off and then you say you’re going out for breakfast and cooking for a baby shower and moving furniture and setting up baby beds. That’s “kicking back?” I guess it is, when you’re a whirlwind! 🙂

  49. Hey Sue!!! We are checking out Ogilby Road!!! Walking in your footsteps!

  50. Jan says:

    I spent the winter months at Mayflower RV Park near Blythe the months of Jan/Feb 2014. If Albertsons is still there, they have a very good rotisserie chicken. I also found a laundromat that the locals favor on a side street. I think it was the street behind the Ford Dealership. My little dog came in with me. I enjoyed it there except for the crop dusting which made my allergies flare. Interesting fact is they plant new crops every 42 days!
    I sure do enjoy your blog!

  51. Hi Sue..I am kind of late to the party…seems like I lost yesterday sometime after 11am..ha! We went out for breakfast with a friend and when I got home laid down to watch CNN and that was it until 8:30 this morning..except for potty runs in between…I did not even make it to bed…talk about Thanksgiving overload. Now I know what they mean by Black Friday! So very quiet day today so far..tried to get new cell phone at Staples and their computer system was down…maybe I don’t need a new Note…so I hope you guys are staying warm and happy…it has been cold here at night.almost 41 degrees and you all know how that effects me and my need for toplessness..ha!

    Hello and good wishes to all my blogoroino friends!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Shirlene,

      Sometimes we need to hibernate and recharge. I’m glad you were able to do that. It’s good for your health.

      Yes, cold here this morning and still chilly. Not a day for driving around with the top down — Oh, the PTV can’t do that.

      Good wishes to you, too!

  52. Bill & Ann, AZ says:

    Back in swing with your blog. Great post! As always. And; I can wiggle my toes and stand with no fear of collapse. Pretty neat! Thank you for your friendship.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Bill and Ann,

      Good to see you here again and, Ann, to know you have toes that can wiggle and legs that can hold you up. I’m thankful for the success of your surgery. You were so brave — Back surgery is scary!

  53. wildflower in prescott and ventura says:

    Jewelry/beading? One book, a few tools, and lots of beads won’t take up too much space in the BLT.

    ?? ?

  54. Karen LeMoine says:

    Scrapbooking! I’m right yes?!?!

  55. Rhodium, RI says:

    Guess the hobby is fun! Since you are so self-confident, maybe it’s cards for practicing high stakes poker. Or wood working tools to build a sailboat for an around the world voyage. No more OHVs or nearby clingers (unless they are whales). Maybe it’s welding equipment. Since you spend so much time in the desert, you are planning to trick out the PTV and BLT to give them a Mad Max makeover.

  56. FloridaScott says:

    Hi Sue,
    Having followed you for a while and knowing how adventurous you are, the first hobbies that came to mind were skydiving, snowboarding, scuba diving or bungee jumping! Then my whole body started to hurt and I thought, No it can’t be one of those hobbies. You are very artistic in words and photography so I say your new hobby is something very artistic in crafts or painting! “Rvsue The Artist!” Enjoy following along with You & crew!
    FloridaScott

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You know me pretty well, FloridaScott. I have no interest in crazy thrill-seeking activities. Yes, you’ve described me well.

  57. Pat K, Bulverde, Texas says:

    Not going to mention your hobby, Sue. I have an embarrassing mountain of yarn in my closet. 🙂 Still lovin’ your blog. Pat K

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