Thursday, December 31
Bridget, Reggie, and I are inside the Best Little Trailer at our camp at Midland LTVA, Blythe, California, when we hear a truck pull up. I wonder who that could be.
I pull back the curtain on the side window.
“It’s Rusty and Piper!”
We hurry outside to greet them.
Lady Piper waits in the cab of the truck while Rusty and I hug and say our hellos.
Reggie and Piper bark with excitement. I pick up Reggie so the two can look at each other through the truck window.
Bridget recognizes Rusty from times past and Reggie makes himself acquainted.
Rusty and I exchange Christmas presents.
Rusty says, “I read on the blog that you’re leaving so I thought I’d better come over and see you.'”
It’s around four o’clock and the sun is low, making long shadows. Rusty and I talk while the canines get to know each other and I take photos.
We discuss possible boondocks in the area.
It was only this morning that I was thinking Reggie could use some canine company!
As is her style, Bridget keeps her distance and watches while Piper and Reggie nuzzle each other.
Soon it’s time for Rusty and Piper to leave to find a camp for the night. A simple command and Piper jumps into the cab of the truck, ready to go.
Piper is a beautiful lady!
With a “God bless you, Sue!” and a wave, away they go . . .
“Bye, Rusty! Bye, Piper!”
~ ~ ~
How many visits to this blog in 2015?
That’s the question I asked in the last post and several readers stepped up to the challenge. As I type this two readers have stated the correct number!
1,600,000!
I trust the best guessers didn’t search for the number with Alexa or some other ranking site. In a way I hope they did because that would verify the number of 1.6 million as being accurate.
For a long time I’ve had doubts about statistics for my blog.
You see, JetPack recorded 1.3 million visits for the year 2014. That number doesn’t jive with the number of blog hits that Sitemeter reported. Sitemeter’s statistics have the first million reached in December 2013 and the second million reached in May, 2015. Do the math and it’s plain something isn’t right.
Well, Sitemeter imploded after periods of dysfunction, so I’m putting my wagers on JetPack. Plus the numbers are bigger!
Anyway, because the old Sitemeter figures are the only ones I posted, readers who noted those were thrown off in their guessing. Not fair. Oh well, it’s all in fun, right? Thanks for playing!
And, wow! Thanks for all those visits!
To find out who guessed correctly, as well as other bits of trivia about this blog, open the comments section and read the first message.
~ ~ ~
The plan is to move camp tomorrow — New Year’s Day.
I call it a “plan” because I could change my mind. It depends whether it’s windy or I wake up lazy or both.
From Bridget, Reggie, and me . . . Best wishes for a “Happy New Year!”
rvsue
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Excerpts from JetPack Annual Report of 2015 for rvsueandcrew.net:
The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 1,600,000 times in 2015. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 69 days for that many people to see it.
Blogorinos who guessed the correct number: AJ and DesertGinger!
The busiest day of the year was March 8th with 7,682 views. The popular post that day was “WE FOUND HIM! The new member of the canine crew comes home”
The top five commenters for 2015:
weather with 1294 comments
Pamela K. with 1228 comments
Sidewinder Pen with 1098 comments
Denise – Richmond VA with 963 comments
Shirlene with 957 comments
Hello!
CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE! YOU’RE FIRST!
I should have said Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Everyone!
A Special Wish for a Very Happy and Blessed New Year to my Sister Susan, Bridget and Reggie!!
Sue,
Best wishes to you and the crew. Safe travels.
HAPPY NEW YEAR…..Sue..
chuck
Happy new year.
Wow 6 minutes, from 1st post and and #5 no wonder you have so many visitors. 1 a minute, pretty good clip! now if the amazon links would keep that up, you could retire!
Those Amazon links ARE making it possible for me to retire… again. 🙂
Happy Happy New Year to you Sue and the Fur Kids~!
Elizabeth and Clyde
And…. Happy New Year to all the Blogerino’s too!!!
E2 and Clyde Cat…
Have a safe and wonderful New Year, Sue and canine crew! Happy New Year to your many and varied blog friends.
SKCCoast?
After living on the Texas Coast and leaving, then coming back, leaving agin I am finally back for good so that is my “handle”. Friends and family know I may travel, but not move.
What does SKCCoast stand for? The handle is fine, it’s just that I don’t understand and I imagine many readers don’t either.
My initials and where I am.
Ohhhh, now I get it! So I guess this means there isn’t any coast at southern Kansas City… 🙂
If you see any coast, “you’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!”
Have a safe and healthy New Year, RVSue!
I arrived back home a few minutes ago from my bicycle ride along AZ-90. It was a beautiful day near Tombstone, AZ.
Hey. My comments r few and far between but I follow ur blog faithfully. Have a great and happy New Year!!
Top five? Happy New Year, everybody!
Happy new year!!!!!!
Happy New Year!
Well A Happy New Year To You , Sue and your loveable Crew,,, Nice seein’ ya again and thanks for the Movie’s gettin’ ready to watch, Clint Eastwood,, ” well do ya Feel Lucky,, Well,,,,, Do ya?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
And thank you, Rusty… Good to know you are settled in your camp. It was nice of you to visit us today. Enjoy Clint… My favorite of those oldies is The Eiger Sanction.
Rusty, Lady Piper is beautiful! You’re looking well, too. You did a great job on your camper. I believe I like it better than your older one…looks bigger, sturdier.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and prayers for a healthy, prosperous
New Year.
Cat Lady
Thanks Cat Lady,,,
Happy New Year Rusty…stay warm! Lady Piper looks great..you are taking great care of her.
Thanks ,, I all ways take good care of the Ladies,,, My Grand Paw Always said ,, If ya treat your Lady like a Thoroughbred,, She’ll never be a Nag,,, I just haven’t found a Thoroughbred yet!!
Hey Rusty, I like the beard. Get it longer and you can play Santa next year! Lady Piper is gorgeous! All the best in the New Year!
Happy New Year Rusty and Piper – so wonderful to see you both going strong and enjoying the life!
Wishing all of you, Sue, Bridget & Reggie, the Happiest & HEALTHIEST New Year!!!!
Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)
Wishing a Happy New Year to you, Sue, Bridget and Reggie and all of you wonderful blogorinos! Happy Trails, wherever they may lead you all, in 2016!
What a wonderful surprise for the holiday! I’m so happy for all five of you, each of you no doubt felt it was a personal treat. I like Rusty with a beard, with how cold this season’s been I bet he does ,too. Seeing you together, though with different dogs, reminds me of what I’ve been thinking about while looking at the past year and how life changes. Because I have watched you and know it applies to what I see in you, too, I’ll explain a bit of it.
Though if I’d been given a choice I wouldn’t have included losses felt or what caused those, I’m pleased with what happened because of those. Things changed and so did I. The journey isn’t about the destination or even what happens on it, it’s about who we become along the way. Grace allowed each fall to be falling forward with more understanding and a more tender heart. And those add to seeing more beauty -in people, creation and in life. All change brings new things so loss needn’t be involved but difference will be. As we discover what’s new or different besides the calendar date may that beauty in this world and in each other give all of us on here a Happy New Year.
That is beautiful, weather. Thank You. Happy New Year to you as well.
Away from the lakeside, well past the woodlands lies a hamlet with snow lined lanes. The only place touched by the storm that passed through it’s pretty, yet I’m glad to note, quite different from what’s near me. I’m guessing you traveled a similar distance to someplace with as few things resembling where you were last camped. New plants, trails and wildlife to get acquainted with if you stay long, or just to enjoy seeing for today if you don’t.
Good morning, Sue, you may remember my mentioning once that my friend with the antique store’s dog no longer walks this good earth. She has in each conversation during the eighteen months since then mentioned how empty her house feels with no dog to greet her when she goes home. She is why I’m glad we have dry roads to use. They’re closing the store during the slow sales time of January, February and March and looking for a dog to adopt! They’d waited to have free time to spend with it and to be able to afford the expenses involved long term. Driving safely to hunt for happiness…and giving it to a little one waiting, needing it as much or more than she does, what a perfect way to start the year!
It will probably take nearly until the middle of the month for her to actually bring home the new family member because a lot is involved. I think I’m happier for her than I would be if it were me getting such a wonderful gift. She’s been far too long with that empty room in her heart. You know, their finances really haven’t changed yet her husband mentioned that it seemed doable now despite that and she ,of course, agreed. I think the Boston Terriers that attended our Christmas get together are responsible for the new way of viewing the budget at their house. I wonder how many readers of your blog thought RVing with fur friends would be problematic until they watched you and crew displaying the joy involved.
Such happy news! Isn’t it wonderful how the pain of loss can lead to the joy of a new friend and companion…. You are a good and real friend — not surprising that her decision delights you as much or more than if you were the one looking for a new pal.
It’s neat that the terriers at the Christmas gathering played a part in this… Those little cuties “paid it forward!”
Dogs are a financial commitment, yes. On the other hand, if one devotes time to one’s canine companion, maybe less money goes out the door in search of other entertainments.
It will be fun to meet the lucky dog they choose! 🙂
Yes, we’re at a new camp. I tried to blog last night and it didn’t happen. I’ll try again!
My 2 Yorkies got gone. My female first and my male the next year. Max was my baby I had him the longest and was a lot more attached to him not saying that I wasn’t crazy about Katie. I loved them both. They are what kept me going after I got sick. People tend to forget you when you can do things for them anymore but your pet is there forever. I finally broke down and got me another dog a little Shizu because I couldn’t afford another Yorkie. His name is Pepper and he has brought more sunshine in my life than I knew was possible. He makes me smile for just no reason and over the last 7 years to see me laugh or smile has been a rare commodity. A friend of mine told me you love that little man I can hear it in your voice and he makes you happy. He has never seen him other than pictures on Facebook.
I wish everyone a Happy new year from Pepper and Jackie.
Sue I see u are going to Ajo Arizonia. I have always wanted to go because I use to know someone from there many years ago when I was a young girl. Now I may get a chance to go once I get set where I can travel. I have been looking at different types of trailers. I like the casita the way it’s built and weight. I want something I can pull and not have to have a huge truck to pull it. The casita could be pulled behind a good SUV or mid size truck. I am going to use this time to learn what I can abought living off grid as much as possible and without a generator. They are good to use on work sights but I do’t like using them to maintain my living area unless absolute necessary.
Well, as you know from reading my blog, I’m very happy with my Casita and also with a Chevy Express van for a tow vehicle. I hope my blog helps you prepare for your own adventures. Yes, Ajo is a great little town and the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. I’m not sure if we are going there again this year.
rusty and piper are looking well….glad to see them two out
and about……….
chuck
Happy New Year, Sue. Wishing you another year full of everyday adventures!
Nice to have a visit from a friend…well counting furry ones, several friends!! Happy New Year Sue…we hope it brings good things to all!!
Happy New Year, to you Sue, and to the pups. Many good wishes for 2016. Thanks so much for your work on this blog.
Pamelab
Hi Sue,
Happy New Year. Wishing you all the best for 2016.
Norman in San Diego ( and yes it is still bitter cold here in San Diego. ) 55 degrees
Nothing like a visit from friends bearing gifts! What a perfect way to end 2015! Piper is beautiful & she looks so gentle with Reg. Congratulations on 1.6 million visits, Sue! You’re but in’ up the blogosphere! Happy New Year!!
WOW, 1.6 mil visitors! That’s amazing!! So good to see Rusty and Lady Piper again. She’s beautiful! Happy New Year, Sue and Crew!
Congrats on the stats!
What a pleasant surprise! How in the heck did Rusty find you…in that huge desert? You two always communicate in code…3 clicks from the Benchmark page 213.
Introducing the new crew members! Golly LP has beautiful eyes! Surprised Rusty didn’t stay to longer to chat or camp nearby.
Happy New Year to you and the crew. Happy New Year wishes to my fellow Blogorinos!
I think Rusty didn’t stay long or camp there because you have to have holding tanks and be fully self contained to stay in the LTVA. I’m just guessing that was it or he was heading more south for warmer night time temps maybe. He looked good, healthy with that beard. LP always looks beautiful!
Hi Pamela,, We’re fully self contained, I just didn’t want to spend 40 bucks for one night of campin’,,,,,,,,,,,
Just so it’s clear for everyone, Midland LTVA is $40 for 14 days.
Rusty,
Oh cool! I didn’t know your new camper was fully self contained. You did such a fine job building it, I remember reading about when you did it with your neighbor. Yep, could see how $40.00 of 14 days if you were only staying one night would be pretty steep. Anyway, good seeing you and LP again, you both look healthy. BTW, like the beard.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year’s eve, Sue and Crew and blogarinos too. May we all be blessed with good in the coming year. Pat K. in Bulverde
What a lovely visit for you, nothing like touching bases with old friends and meeting Lady Piper! What a looker! She seems like a gentle soul and receptive to making new friends with Reggie, it was a treat for both of them. I would love to run my fingers through her fur, it looks so Plush!
Hello to all the blogorinos…stay safe! Our wild neighbor’s have already started shooting their shotguns…what’s up with that?
1,600,000visits, simply not amazing, lol, considering the talent of the writer, totally understandable Miss Sue..
Stay warm!
Happy New Year Rv Sue and Crew…..blessings and safe travels in 2016!! Love, love the blog…..
Happy New Year Sue! What a wonderful surprise to have Rusty pull up for a visit! I was surprised to see my name in the top 5, really I do have a life….Thank you for being here for us and working so hard to make this some place to return to often…see you next year.
Blogorinos be safe and happy.
Happy New Year! I’ve been lurking for a few years, thought it time to speak up and thank you Sue for so many hours of wonderful reading.
welcome you are now a Blogarino !
Welcome, Rhonda! 🙂
I’m very glad you decided to make the leap into Blogorinoland, Rhonda! Welcome and thank you for reading my blog all this time!
Happy New Year to you and crew! And also to your readers.
Awesome Post! What a wonderful New Year’s Surprise.
HAPPY, HAPPY, EVERYONE!
Happy New Year, Sue and all blogorinos! May 2016 be your best year yet!
That’s fabulous!! Lots of views you should be so happy. Looking forward to your posts in 2016. Be safe and happy travels
Happy New Year (now it’s time to do some Amazon shopping with my Xmas money)!
Hi Missy, Good to see Rusty and Piper. It’s not New Years here yet but I’ll be asleep when it is here in Arizona. Our fellow blogorinos on the east coast are already in next year. Well, here we go again, won’t be long and we will have lived another year. My best wishes to you, the crew, and all our friends here for a great 2016. Cheers….
What a treat! Happy New Year Sue and all!!! Keepin’ it as quiet as the fireworks allow (ugh). Snuggled in and a movie on the tube.
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Happy New Years to you and the crew!! Best wishes in health and happiness ~ Thanks for sharing your adventures!!
Dear sue & blogorinos. I need your help. I’ve spent almost all day trying to find campgrounds that will accomodate a 40 ft 5th wheel in the Dominion Republic. I can’t find anything available. If any of you have stayed or know of someone who has I’d be so grateful. If you’d let me know. I’m including my email below. Sue I hope that’s alright. I respect your blog & all the hard work you put in it.if you prefer not to list my email please just remove it. I’m at my wits end trying to find a place for us & I thought the dear blogorinos may know of something. Thank you in advance dear friends. Nancy s
Nancyshorter16@gmail.com
I would suggest calling the local field office of the International Red Cross. They will often help to aid travelers and may well have a field location for the night or short term. Ask at some of the local hospitals too. They often have visitors use their parking lots. Hope you find a good and safe place to camp for the short-term or at least for the night until you do find something.
Hi, Nancy S Indiana,
Your comment leaves out important information. Since the Dominican Republic is on an island in the Caribbean, I assume you didn’t set out in your 5th wheel from Indiana and wander into that country looking for a place to spend the night. We can’t tell from your comment whether you need to find a campground for tonight or whether you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic for some time in the future. In other words, are you or someone you know in DR right now needing a campsite? Please expand on your situation. I’d like you to have the help of blogorinos, but they do need to know this.
Please update so no one spends time trying to help you if help is no longer needed.
Happy New Year, Sue! You certainly have been an inspirational figure for me as I prepare to leave on a 3-4 month RV journey. I’ve learned so much, laughed so much and found courage to jump in and blast off. Next week is my launch date. Thanks so much!
Yay Rhonda! Finding your Gypsy Feet is so much fun! I travelled solo for 6 years, then met Chuck and travelled duo for another 7 years! We stuck to the back roads, believing you don’t see the real AMERICA on the interstate highways! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute! We are excited you are launching! Enjoy exploring!
Happy New Year Sue, Bridget and Reggie!
Rusty and Piper also….
Can’t believe I got that guess even close.
1.6 million is my “go to” high number.
But I really thought it was more than a million, so I went with my “go to”……
Congratulations! When I saw your number I thought, “Hmm… Is this guy psychic?” 🙂
Happy New Year Sue, Bridget and Reggie & L.P and Rusty too!
Happy New Year Aunt Susan ! I love you !
Happy New Year everyone! What a wonderful surprise visitor!
Happy New Year RVSue, Bridget, Reggie and all Bloggerinos! I was happy to hear that Rusty and Lady Piper came by for a visit. NICE! I really enjoyed reading your posts for 2015! It brought back so many memories. I am missing the road big time 🙁 BUT, I am so happy to be back with my daughter Erika…I seriously think I died and went to heaven. It has been wonderful 🙂 My granddaughter Nora is soooo adorable I can’t stand it. She REALLY smiles ALL THE TIME. Thank you RVSue for all your insight and your fantastic posts. xxxooo
Hi, Krystina! I’m happy for you!
Hi, Krystina! Glad to hear that you are doing well!! 🙂
Happy New Year from Australia Sue…………wishing a wonderful year to come with the crew. How wonderful to see Rusty and the lovely Piper again !! Love to you and the crew XX
Dear Sue and Crew,
May this new year bring you continued health, peace, love and joy. Thank you for all the inspiration and instruction over these years of blogging.
My own retirement and life of travel have been in progress for close to 1 1/2 years now, and you helped put this full time RV vision in my heart and head. It’s a life style I wouldn’t trade…full of learning, beauty and challenges every single day.
Time flies and I’m truly amazed that it’s 2016!
Carry on and keep warm girl!
Happy New Year Sue and the rvcrew. I stopped in Houston for a few days to see my kids and some friends. I’ll be leaving in the morning for RTR 2016 in Quartzsite, AZ. I’m sure that is one of the LARGE crowds/events you avoid but would love to see you there. Best wishes for 2016.
Happy New Year to you, Sue! Rusty is looking great, and Piper is absolutely beautiful! It appears that getting back on the road has been good for Rusty. Continued safe travels for both of you. Wishing for a bit warmer temps here in Congress, but considering the weather in my old hometown (St. Louis) & adopted state of New Mexico in the past week or so, I’ll just bundle up!
It was SO GOOD to see Rusty and Lady Piper! I’m glad you all got a chance to spend a few hours together. Happy New Year to you and your crew, and to Rusty and Lady P too.
Happy New Year Sue, Bridget and Reggie! I may not comment much, but I read your blog everyday. You have brought so much light, laughter, tears and anticipated adventures and possibilities to me. I just want to let you know that chances are we will never meet, but your courage and gift with words has brought so much in to my daily life. You truly are an inspiring, strong woman and I wish blessings and all good things to you and the Crew. Your friend, Marcia.
Happy New Year Sue, Bridget and Reggie! It was so good to see Rusty and Lady Piper! I’m looking forward to your 2016 adventures! I’m also hoping I can get this knee fixed and get back on the road!
Happy New Year Sue, HRH Bridget & The Regginator!
I hope this year is full of many great new adventures, spectacular boondocks, 100’s of GB of amazing photos, new furry friends to meet & play with, & a MUCH warmer winter!!
Congratulations on your 1,600,000 visitors! How long did it take you to count them all?! ?. Hope you had a big pot of coffee made beforehand!
Happy New Year!!! Wishing you all many blessings in the coming year
Happy New Year to Rvsue, Bridget, Reggie and the community here at this blog. Wishing us all a year when wanderlust is sated and the road is full of unexpected delights. -Alane
A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a midwest town he planned to
visit on his vacation.
He wrote, “I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well
groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep
him in my room with me at night?”
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, “I’ve been
operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I’ve never had a
dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I’ve
never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and
disorderly. and I’ve never had a dog run out on a hotel bill.
Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for
you, you’re welcome to stay here, too.”
Nice story, Jim.
Hi Sue, happy New Year to you and the crew. I’m reading your blog to prepare for moving into an RV. I haven’t found anything about how you live day to day inside the BLT. How do you spend your time in such a small space? Do you have hobbies or read? Are you writing a book? One of my biggest fears is getting terribly bored if I live like you do. Not lonely, I’m happiest on my own, like you. But bored because I don’t have enough room to cook or do my art projects. I hope you can share some insight. Even if you can’t, I love your blog. You’re very inspirational.
Best,
Nikki
Hi Nikki. I will not attempt to answer for Sue. However, she has hinted recently about starting a hobby but she has kept us in the dark about what it is. I will take this opportunity to make a guess. Jewelry making supplies would not take up too much space or add too much weight. Easy to do inside or outside the BLT. It would give her an artistic outlet where she could use the colors in her photos to inspire her designs. Sunsets, butterflies, desert flowers, golden birch trees, buckskin horses, red rocks, blue hot springs, snow topped mountains. Lots of inspiration everywhere.
Nope, not it. I’ve never cared much for jewelry, thus have no motivation to create any.
Thanks for responding, Dasher. Jewelry making might not be Sue’s hobby, but it is an example of a hobby that doesn’t require lots of space, weight, etc. I can use those parameters to think of other examples. Thanks, again.
Ok, I’ll guess knitting. I am a knitter and you can take it any place. It’s lightweight, great colors if you choose, satisfies my creative side and you can knit almost anything while watching movies or listening to a book.
Happy crafting, whatever you choose, Sue.
Yuck. I hate knitting. Okay, no more guessing. I’m feeling pressured about this hobby which makes it not a hobby. 🙂
Taxidermy?
Only the inconsiderate, hard-headed, drop-ins that don’t understand the concept of “I Vant to be alone…No Visitors, this means you”…lol.
I think Cat Lady’s comment ended up in the wrong place, but I can’t figure out where it’s supposed to be.
Right spot, Sue. Bloggerinos were guessing your new hobby. Pamelab guessed Taxidermy. I said not unless it was someone basically stalking you (tongue in cheek). We know you wouldn’t really mount someone but the feeling might be there.
Oh, now I understand! You’re right. When I see someone gawking, I want to stuff it! 🙂
Jewelry was my on the road craft for the 6 years I was on the road solo! It bought many tanks of gas and groceries! Still making it all these years later! Grin, but Sue told you true, she does not wear jewelry!
Thanks for the kind words, Nikki.
I’ll try to answer your question. What works for me is not necessarily what works for another. I don’t cook for a hobby nor do I have art projects. You do. You can still do those things, if you plan for them.
Cooking: Adapt and cook in a small space and also cook outdoors. (The blogorinos who go by “kgdan” are excellent cooks and they cooked up fabulous meals in their 17-foot Casita and also do so now in their slightly larger travel trailer.)
Art projects: Plan your full-time lifestyle with storage in mind. If you have lots of storage, you can do art wherever you go. I can’t emphasize this enough. A cool tow vehicle or RV isn’t anywhere near as important as storage!
Remember that when full-timing you can live in good weather almost every day of the year. This means the outdoors is your living space. You can cook outdoors (a new emphasis on your hobby!) and you can do art outdoors. You don’t indicate where you are located. I’m guessing it’s in a place where there are months of the year when you are mostly indoors due to weather. That affects how you live each day and the way you approach activities.When full-timing you don’t have long stretches cooped up inside, unless you choose to live like that.
You asked about me… What do I do? Chunks of time are devoted to the care of the crew — meeting their needs, taking them on walks, playing with them, etc. It’s a rare day that I don’t read. I have a Paperwhite which allows me to have oodles of reading choices available at all times. I blog which takes up the entire morning on days I write posts. I reply to comments. I take photos throughout each day (usually) and it takes time to upload, edit and organize them. I monitor my Amazon business, keep ads current, make links, etc. I plan future travels and I study my maps to find boondocks. I don’t mean a two-minute perusal; I mean study! That takes time but it’s worth it and I find it fun to do. Then there’s regular household and daily living chores — grocery shopping, going to the laundromat, cleaning the inside and outside of the BLT and PTV, making improvements to the living space, decorating, keeping things organized, online banking, online research for camping, reading the news online, researching whatever interests I have at the moment (what constellation is that? what kind of bird at our camp? where do I buy propane in this town?), going for water, dumping tanks, finding a place to dump trash, etc.
There are even times when I cook!
Besides all of the above I take great pleasure in observing where we are… not in a go-to-the-museum sort of way. I mean I appreciate, enjoy, and learn about the natural world we’re in… the plants, rocks, wildlife, birds, etc.
Add to the above the many days on the road going to new places to explore, as well as the day trips and little excursions from camp. You can do this throughout the year. It’s a never-ending source of entertainment and enrichment.
No, I’m not writing a book. I don’t have time! 🙂 (I could make the time; I’m too busy doing other stuff.) Same with television. Could watch it, rarely do. Funny thing — I’m not a very “active” person — I don’t ride a bike, kayak, hike up mountains, etc. like some RVers do. No nightlife or hanging out in a cafe… Yet every day is full!
It’s my guess that many, if not most, full-timers will say that boredom isn’t an issue. I’ll go so far to say . . . If one lives the full-time vagabond life and is bored, the problem is not full-timing, the problem is the person. As of yet I haven’t met anyone on the road who is bored.
🙂
Oh, I forgot to mention watching sunsets! And snoozing in the lounger!
Whew!!! Sue, I am tired after reading all you do in a day.
To think of all the people with whom you have contact and impact and it is mindboggling. 1 million 600 thousand hits in 2015. What an accomplishment!!!
Retirement has energized you.
Thank you, Sue. Your kind response is exactly what I needed to hear. I’ll continue to read your blog. I also use your Amazon links. Happy trails to you. Travel safe and happy new year.
“If one lives the full-time vagabond life and is bored, the problem is not full-timing, the problem is the person. ”
Right on!
I don’t understand this fear of being bored while living as a Fulltimer. I don’t do much but I’m certainly more active, physically and mentally, now than when I first retired and lived in a sticks-n-bricks apartment.
Nikki, I don’t full time yet, but I plan on doing a needlework projects, such as counted cross stitch, crocheting and embroidering. I also hope I can still do some quilting. I also like to read and have a fur baby to keep me busy.
As much as I love this blog, I probably will not have one, as I am not very good at writing nor at expressing myself in written words.
Hope this helps.
Sue I’m with Marilyn. You are way to busy for me. Gosh, you wore me out just reading all you do. I do appreciate all you do in keeping us blogorinos entertained, the encouragement you give, your life-sharing, and the advice from you and fellow blogorinos. Hope you have a wonderful New Year in all the aspects of your life.
Many thanks to all the Blogerinos who responded to my questions about boredom. What a wonderful community you have here.
Happy New Year Sue and pups! We are settling into our mobile home in Flat Rock, NC and already starting to think about our next camping trip in Feb. to visit my mom on St Simons Island in Georgia. Stay safe, Robin
It’s none of my business and feel free to tell me so but did Rusty keep his place in Prescott as a home base or did he decide the wanderlust is too great and is back to full timing again. I apologize if this was already covered. Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Rusty’s home in Chino Valley was a rental under the VA. Rusty started having headaches; the house was inspected by the Health Dept. and others and deemed uninhabitable due to black mold. Rusty built himself a new truck camper in order to immediately vacate the house and that has been his home ever since.
and that says a lot about Rusty…….
chuck
Thanks. I’m sure I read all that before. Rusty if you’re looking in here: Vaya con Dios !
Thanks Stan,, gracias
Happy New Year to all!! Still reading archives during the day (up to April 2012) and your current posts as they come in. Love love. Ordered my Christmas (Fitbit HR) from Amazon through your blog yesterday, plus a medical device for hubby. Hope I did it correctly so you get credit. I found I could buy locally at same price as Amazon but I wanted you to get the credit.
Thank you very much! I see it on the orders report! 🙂
Happy New Year Sue and crew! What a wonderful suprise visit! Rusty, you have a beautiful girl with those pretty blue eyes. Happy New Year!
Thank you for the happy new year wishes for me and my crew! I wish you the same.
I’m not replying to every comment, just those that have questions or need clarification. Please don’t take that as a lack of appreciation.
It’s a busy day today… Already afternoon and we’re nowhere near ready to hit the road! Where does the time go when you’re having fun, eh?
I love y’all. It’s a joy to see you here!
— Sue
Hey Rusty! It was great to see you and meet your beautiful new Lady Piper! I’m liking the beard! Sue, thanks for sharing Rusty and Piper with us! What a treat!
Weather here is still dismal, 10 days of gloom and rain and I miss the sun!
But today is our 6th wedding anniversary! Yay! We enjoyed lunch at a benefit ham, black eyed beans, collards and cornbread at the Apalachicola Fire Station! Lol! Not a bad meal for $8 and it benefits a volunteer fireman who had to go to hospital and this will help until he can get back to work! Even in the rain, it was a great turn out!
I’m wondering if you stayed put or headed south! Stay safe and know you are loved!?
Most like the beard,, I looked at the photos Sue put in the post and checked my tiny mirror ,, yep it’s gettin’ white, but so is the hair on my head, but only where my hat covers is brown, looks like I’m wherein’ a Rabi cap that is dark, the rest is white,, usually the only time I look in a mirror is to back up or to pass,,,, or who’s that commin’ up on my bumper,,, back off, the driver chews tobacco or I’ll just touch the brake light and ifin it proceeds to ride my bumper , I just take my foot off the gas and turn on the 4 way flashers,, had to do that bout 3 times today,, I drove down to Yuma to get a look see and now we’re camped just below Quartzsite, near some big rock, dam, the map is up front, KO PA?, I for get,,,,,, maybe we’ll head over to somewhere near Bouse,, Or just head back to just below LHC tomorrow,,,,,,,
Happy 6th anniversary,,,,,,,
? thanks!
Thanks Rusty! We used to camp at Dome Rock just west of Q’site.
Sue, no we are not in the dominion republic at the present time. We are doing volunteer work in march & we’re offered the use of an older 5th wheel, however
We would need to find a camping spot for the duration of our stay . We thought it
sounded interesting since we are used to living in one anyway . However I think we’ve decided to find other accommodations. There were many particulars we just weren’t comfortable with. Thank you for the interest & sorry if I inconvenienced anyone.
Nancy,
Glad to hear you are not stranded in the DR and still looking for a place for a 5th wheel. I left you a reply, if ever you are in such a way (looking for a place in stay) then the International Red Cross local field office can often help travelers. Also many countries have a camping code for international travels only. they will help to find a shot short-term for most any foot travelers or international travelers even if it’s an overflow lot near by. Anyway, it’s a good-to-know.
Safe travels to you and yours as you go about your volunteer works! May 2016 be good to you!
No need to apologize! I just needed to know if your request was urgent.
Happy New Year from Japan
“Happy New Year from Japan”…
Happy New Year to You too! Japan, nice to see you here! I personally love all the wonderful and color filled celebrations the local culture in Japan offers throughout the year too. Always nice to see the different ways peoples of the globe celebrate happy times. May 2016 be good you you!
Hi, Pamela K.,
Happy New Year! May 2016 be good to you too!
Sorry for my late response.
Fuji-maru! What a delightful surprise to see you here again! I hope you are well and ready for a great year!
Thank you, RVSue.
BTW, I’ve posted comments several times last year, but my comments faded away into cyberspace. In the New Year, I tried again because I did want to say Happy New Year. So I found that I needed the user registration for your blog and login for posting comment on the site.
Previously, there was no need to login. I did not know this change.
I am very sorry that happened, Fuji-maru. I apologize. I don’t know what caused that. Maybe my spam filter caught a comment of yours by mistake. My blog receives hundreds of spams every day and I delete them without checking for mistakes because there are so many. If that happened with a comment of yours, you would have to take the steps that you did.
I’m glad you found your way back to us!
🙂
Hey, Happy New Year to all. Nice to see old friends looking well, Rusty and Piper. Early in my blog reading I noticed Sue noticed the hundreds or so comments she got daily. I didn’t realize how extraordinary this was until I checked other roving rv blogs and saw comments in the sevens, like literally just seven comments. Wow, so over one and a half million this year?!! Am I a proud blogerino!! We have a great community. I am spending New Years with another dog expanding my crew to a pack. He’s an old dog of friends who are traveling, and an old friend of ours. Tommie enjoys the wrestling playtime and Buddy, my geriatric cat tolerates him. So we are inside and cuddled at home waiting for the fireworks to end. Stay well all.
Hi Sue n Crew! Happy New Year!!!!!!!
Hey Sue,
Have you seen or emailed Bill and Ann? I think that is their names. He built the box for your solar batteries. I think she did stain glass? Just curious as I don’t recall seeing any comments from them lately unless I forgot their sign-in.
Bill and Ann commented here recently – Ann does stained glass.
You’re mixing them up with Bill and Kathy. That’s the Bill who built the battery box. No, they haven’t commented in a long time.
I deeply appreciate the advice Sue, it turned out not to be needed this time, but will in the future. I jotted down the info for future info. Thanks again, Nancy
Hi, Sue,
Thanks again for the year-end review of our travels with you and the Crew. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, reliving each location through your pictures. Thank you for sharing! I have to agree with Cinandjules…I don’t remember that particular night shot of the BLT, glowing from within, snuggled next to the covered picnic table area. So cozy and sweet. My memory of that scene must have been overlaid with a more recent “favorite”! Maybe a pinkish blush of a sunset, perhaps?! Ah, so many beautiful possibilities! *sigh* 🙂
I am so happy that Rusty and Lady Piper stopped by for a visit. What a nice surprise and sweet ending to the year!
Happy, Happy New Year to you and the Crew, and all of your blogorinos!! 🙂
Sending you, Bridget, and Reggie hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
You’re welcome, Denise, and thank you for being a vital part of this blog. You have enriched us all with your comments. Hugs to you and Gracie pup!
🙂
Hi, Sue,
Is the foam pad still giving you some relief? I hope so! 🙂
Happy New Year to All!!! I found myself at midnight paging through the blog New Year’s Eve instead of attending the party of my brother’s family. Why? I spent so much time with blogorinos this year, it just seemed like the right place for this holiday. Love and Best Wishes.God Bless us…every one of us. 🙂
Oh, that is sweet, Sue! What a lovely thought — that the blogorinos are your online family. They do seem that way for me, too!
Yes, it is, Denise. I’ve hardly had any leg pain since putting the foam topper on the bed. I also realized that sleeping with Reggie in my arms and the Bridge cuddled between me and the wall has me lying in one position too long (on my side, the same side as leg pain).I’m making a point of shifting position more often and all is good! Thank you for asking.
Good!! 🙂
I replaced my mattress set in Sept. The mattress is a hybrid combination of coils and memory foam. My vintage back and joints are a bit happier with the extra cushioning. 🙂
That’s great, Denise!
Well here we are in 2016! Yay me, I guessed 1600,000! It felt right to me, when I thought about all the posts I see every day, and all the people who don’t post. It just felt right.
We had a quiet New Year. Had my black eyed peas and greens of course. And apple pie. Yummy.
So nice to see Rusty and LP. You guys look great Rusty. Your camper is looking good too.
I am so hoping I can gather enough money to buy a van next spring, so that I can travel next summer. Of course maybe that’s just a fantasy now, with my health issues. Hope to find out more info this coming week about that.
Let’s all hope for warmer weather! Love to all.
Ginger,
I am so glad to see you are still thinking of buying a van to do some travels. When I first read about your latest news I immediately thought how nice a van would be for you. Travel some, rest in the back area bed some, see some of the sites, eat some, repeat 🙂 All good! Also a van could open up having a friend travel with you too. There would be plenty of room for two people and all your travel gear. Maybe put some solar on a passenger conversion van that would recharge everything for you too. Anyway, I sure hope you can travel and so some of the things you hope to do. Just remember that none of us come with an expiration date stamped on us! Life is for living NOW. 🙂 Go for it!
I’ve been thinking about it Pamela, and I thought “being told you only have a couple years is really no different than other people. We never know how long we have, and my focus was on trying to get healthier anyway”. So in many ways nothing changes. I plan to outlive their predictions; might as well start now!
Hi, DesertGinger,
I second Pamela’s encouraging words….don’t let go of the dream! You have done much more than many would even consider….driving cross country with your recliner so you could be comfortable. I admire your determination to work around obstacles. Sending you positive, healing thoughts, and lots of hugs! 🙂
Wow, Ginger! Your reply carries a load of wisdom for anyone struggling with worries. Thank you! You are a very wise woman!
Happy New Year to everyone, even though a day late! Lady Piper is beautiful and I’m glad you got to visit! My Mom passed away many years ago and I still have a lot of her jewelry around in a big box. My daughter, 23, went through it and found a lot of Mom’s old clip earrings and now wants to try and change them into pierced earrings. I told her to go ahead but I’m not into jewelry-changing and she said ‘you won’t know until you try!’ If it wasn’t my Mom’s stuff I wouldn’t do it, but it will be a fun thing to do with Natalie plus something she and I will cherish. I feel, sometimes, that I’m running out of time…..to get things done. Does anyone else feel that way? Sue – beautiful pictures always! Kay from KC!
I only feel like I’m running out of time when it comes to all the travels I still want to do. Places to see and experience. As for the estate stuff – things, as long as I have the basics covered then I’m good with that. My motto, “Life’s too short to think about every little detail. :)”
Kay,
BTW, some of those old pieces of jewelry like Sara Coventry and Kenneth Lane would look really great today. Very retro and a 23 year old would really like that retro look sometimes. I have a few sets of my mother’s jewels from the Big Band era – poor girl’s diamonds they called them. It’s also nice to match old photos of my mom wearing those jewelry pieces. She and my dad attended the Big Band Dances and so I have several glamour shots of her wearing them for a date-night out with dad. Maybe you two could do some photos wearing those pieces along with any photos of your mom wearing them. I think that would be very cool to have and pass down someday.
I agree! She’s heading back to college in a week and graduating in May and will be looking for a job in her field so not sure when this is going to happen, but it does sound like a great idea!
I think a lot of us feel that time is running out for us…
at 71 I had my oldest son in my office when they were
here for Christmas showing him things he needs to
know for when I pass from this life. when I go my wifey
will be lost so this meeting with him will ease things a
bit Im hoping…..
chuck
I have some family antiques that I hope the kids will want and I need to have them pick out what they want.
Happy new year from Minnesota! Thanks again for all the input on my rv downsizing hunt. I looked at one possibility and am checking into more. The other day I thought of Sue as I was playing “bite the hand that feeds you” with my German Shorthair, Samantha. I will always think of Reggie and that game!
What a delightful way to wrap up another great year. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2016
Sue, Ive been looking at your solar power set up and thinking of putting in
a couple of solar panels to start with and graduate from there to putting up
several panels about every 6 months as I can afford it……
living in the country we lose power quite a bit with hurricanes, storms and
just plain sorry electric company from Louisiana…….I see on your blog most
talk about boondocking but will the same panels you have work on a house?
I shouda done this years ago when we built this house but I didnt….grrrrrrr
thanks
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
Solar for homes has really dropped in price. There may be some tax credits available to help ease the cost a bit. The same thought has crossed my mind. I remember checking into solar 20+ years ago – back then, it was cost prohibitive.
Those who have a RV sitting in the driveway have an instant emergency shelter with the basics taken care of if they have solar LED lighing, and a full propane tank for cooking and heat. A bonus use of the RV when not traveling!
Good luck with your project….please let us know what you decide! 🙂
Hi Denise…..ha…didnt think about the RV sitting in the driveway…
I figure if I start now in about 10 years I should have a roof full of
solar cells…..If I had started when we built this house in 2001 I would
be done with it now……
I will advise when I make my first purchase….:)
chuck
🙂
Relpy to Chuck….
The panel I have on top of the PTV is sold for houses.
Well, shoulda, coulda, woulda, right? Solar probably was too expensive back when you built the house.
Sue, you probably know this info by now. I just finished your 4/25/2012 blog where you are south of Flagstaff near Willard Springs. The funny looking tree in your slides how is an Indian Marker Tree. Check out the attached link. Interesting.
http://www.offgridquest.com/survival/what-is-an-indian-marker-tree-and-how-we
great reading Coker…I learn something new every day..
chuck
No! I didn’t know about Indian marker trees! Fascinating! Thank you very much for the link. Now that I know this, camping and walking in the woods will be enhanced. I’ve seen more than one of these trees in our travels…