Wednesday, April 17
It’s a cool and blustery morning as the crew and I walk to Rusty’s camp.
Bridget and Spike trot along with lots of energy. However, it’s a long walk so a rest now and then is welcomed.
The pause that refreshes
On the way we come upon Puntenney Cemetery.
The crew waits patiently at the cemetery gate while I walk around.
Bridget and Spike are being very good today!
Most of the marked graves are late 1800s to early 1900s.
Only a few indications remain that these people were once loved
The markers of infants are reminders of pain and grief felt many years ago.
I’m thankful for the bright, cheery blooms at the front of the cemetery.
Do you know the name of this flowering bush?
The crew and I continue down the lane. Further along the quarry comes into view.
I haven’t heard any blasting, although signs warn that it does occur.
At last we arrive at the camp of Rusty and Timber.
Rain clouds mingle with the white cumulus clouds.
Rusty comes out to greet us, followed by the rambunctious Timber.
Timber is a tough one to photograph as he’s always in motion!
All three canines are excited to see each other again.
Rusty gives me an update on the progress of his housing application. He’s gathered up the documents he needs to take to the VA on Monday. He’s contacted his credit union in order for statements to be mailed. He’s been in touch with his VA representative. On Monday he will sit down with the person who will fill out the forms for him, and then his application will be complete!
“Sounds like you’re doing an excellent job, Rusty.”
Rusty walks us over to a flat, open area between juniper trees.
“This is a good camp. I’ve camped here myself.”
I look it over and agree. The area is clean and there are trees to buffer the wind. A short walk (but not too close), one can stand near the edge of the ridge and enjoy a panoramic view to the west, north, and east.
“Well, Rusty, I’m going to go back and pack everything up and come on over here. We’ll see you later!”
Our second Camp Drake looks a lot like our first Camp Drake.
rvsue
Note regarding comments: Please keep your comments positive. Horror stories about the VA, HUD, or the government in general cause unnecessary worry and will be deleted.
Please refrain from telling Rusty what he should do or whom he should contact. (He has a DAV contact person if needed.)
For the sake of Rusty’s equilibrium and health, any comments that I determine might cause Rusty to feel pressured and stressed will be deleted. I don’t want to do that, so keep these guidelines in mind when you write. Thank you.
To have a compassionate friend such as you is priceless. The blossoms resemble the Lilac Bush. I won’t bet my life on that though.
Thank you, Nan. It’s funny — That’s what I thought when writing this post. Hmm . . . Looks like a lilac bush, but if I say it is, I’ll find out I’m wrong.
This former New Yorker agrees with the both of you. Looks very much like the lilacs in my grandmothers Gilmore avenue yard. My favorite flower. Hard to come by here in ARIZONA!!
My best wishes to Rusty. I do hope he has the answers he wants soon.
Hi Joan… Lilacs seem to be a special flower in a lot of folks’ memory.
Does it have the smell of a lilac bush?
As best I can tell, Dominick, it does. (Poor olfactory memory!)
I grew up in Rochester, NY which is called the Flower City. It holds a Lilac festival each year the beginning of May. I just remember masses of lilac bushes in a big park in the city.
Great choice for a festival flower. It must be a wonderful tribute to the arrival of spring, something anyone living through a Rochester winter would appreciate!
I think it’s wonderful when towns adopt a flower and promote its planting. Towns around Athens, Georgia, where I once lived, have done that. The town needs to be carefl
I believe it is a lilac bush. So glad Rusty and Timber have such good friends. I really enjoy following you on your blog, thank you for sharing.
That makes three votes (including mine) for lilac bush. I’m happy you enjoy my blog, Michelle.
I haven’t written in a while, I’m settling in my new home and not traveling. But I want to ask you if you would please take a job editing the news media, they could use your sensible, gentle guidance.
Ed..
You want me to delete the negative parts of the news? Haha! Best wishes to you in your new home, Ed.
I second that request.
Good for u-it’s wonderful to have such a loyal friend who is willing to speak up for us when we need it and we all do at one time or another. Love those flowers but have no clue as to their name. Always love seeing the pics of the crew and Timber!
Hi Judie… I’m lucky to catch Timber in the frame. He gets so excited when company comes!
Thanks for the update. BTW,I was reading your older posts. I live in Wheatland, WY. If you ever come through again, stop by for dinner after you settle into our nice campground.! I have a dog and fenced yard. Do not really have space for BLT, though. I am a RV wannabe nearing 60. Am researching travel trailers. For now, I camp in Ford Econoline Van which is much like your PTV. I am planning a road trip in first part of May, to Ohio.
I LOVE Wheatland! What a friendly, lovely town. And your offer is a perfect example of a Wheatlander. Thank you. I hope you find the rig that makes you happy. In the meantime, enjoy your trip!
BTW, I removed your second comment because people can view your blog by clicking on your name “janesjournals.” Nice blog!
Your campsite setup looks so relaxing. You also seem to find interesting things everywhere you go. I can’t wait to take our BLT out to checkout some of the places you visited! Someday….
I’m glad you find our little adventures interesting, John.
Oh My Gosh I wonder if that IS a lilac! Could it be in the desert that way??? Someone must have truly cared for it at some point!
I second (third???) the news media coverage. And as for Rusty and Timber, they truly are fortunate, and sending best wishes to them! I HATE to have people ‘should on me’ but then sometimes… oops I do it too. I am thinking good thoughts for smooth transitions. I am just glad they are TOGETHER!!!
I am here in good old Hoquiam, WA. Spent the day a the zoo with the grandkids and am TUCKERED! 🙂
Thanks for your good thoughts for Rusty and Timber. Oh boy,, you did the zoo… one of the most tiring activities known to humankind.
Looks like a Lilac bush to me. The Flowers & the leaves. The old fashioned kind.
You sound confident, Rhonda, like you know what you’re talking about. The only other possibility I could come up with is a butterfly bush, but I think lilac is correct.
Hello Sue. At first I started to say it looks like purple phlox…and it does somewhat…but if it is a bush, then I think you, Nan, and Michelle are right. Lilac! Where I was raised we had a large group of beautiful purple lilacs. Every spring us kids would pick bouquets for our mother all the time. She loved them, and so do I. Every time I smell them, it takes me right back to my childhood days. Linda in sunny, warm, but windy Benson, Az.
Hi Linda . . . Lilacs make strong memories… that fragrance is divine! And these blooms did smell like lilacs. My grandmother had a huge lilac bush, bigger than a car, and, of course, the flowers were brought inside each spring, so I know how the fragrance brings back childhood memories.
Hi Sue, Sorry it was me that had the spam Text Enhance. I got rid of it:) I’m in Stockton Kansas and I think we may get snow, but not much. It’s Very Brrrrrrrr. I thought I left Oregon for warm weather and here I am in snow again. lol! As i was driving down some country road in Kansas or Oklahoma I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I have been blessed to have this Rv life. The freedom I feel I would imagine is like a caged animal being set free. Snow,Spam,Flat tires,and
idiots can’t dampen this happy camper. I like your new digs by Rusty and Timber. I too like cemeteries and found some cool ones in texas that had confederate soldiers there. I love history and tomorrow I’m going to Nicodemus National Historic Site. It should be great even if it snows. I said a little prayer for Rusty..and you enjoy and have fun
Oh Laurie, you express the joy of the RV life in every comment. I’m so happy that you are loving the freedom. It does fill one with gratitude to be able to travel around this incredibly beautiful country. Enjoy your exploration into history tomorrow. Safe travels, happy camper!
Tell Rusty to hang in there. I’m also a life member of the DAV and they have helped me with the quagmire of VA rules and regulations in the past. Sometimes like the Chief says in ” Little Big Man” you can only persevere to persevere.
The flowers must be on the elusive and rare violet flowering boon docking graveyard bush. It will only flower for 14 days and then it must pull up roots and move on ;c{)>
And that rare flower tilts toward the sun’s rays! You are so funny, Tom.
Rusty will see your comment and I’m sure he will appreciate the encouragement.
One more vote for the lilac, though it is very suspicious that it is growing in the desert… the scent would be a give away. They have wonderful scent!
Yes, is does have a beautiful perfume.
I’m thinking lilacs, too. http://www.greenwoodnursery.com/page.cfm/257 Of course, it comes in many different shades. Butterfly bush (buddleja) is a summer bloomer. I believe it’s also known as summer lilac.
I looked at your link and it has the hardiness zone there… makes me wonder even more what could it be, since the soil is hardly moist in the desert and the zoning isn’t a match either. But what else could it be? Maybe it is a bit less scorching there since I do see more trees on the back ground, that makes me also suggest that there has to be moisture too. Surprising find though.
Since that bush grows by the cemetery sign, I wonder if someone is watering and maybe even fertilizing the bush. The cemetery was neglected for a long time until recent efforts to care for it (notice the current dates at the bottom of markers). Maybe it was planted in 2012 and has been nurtured since then. Also this part of Prescott National Forest is up on a ridge, not quite as “scorching” as other parts.
I didn’t even think of the hardiness zone! I did a quick peek online and it appears that Prescott is in zone 7b, and a large portion of the area just to the north is zone 7a. Even found a nursery website in Prescott that sells lilac shrubs. So seems definitely do-able to grow them in the area.
The proof is in this lilac!
Ladybug…. That link shows a plant that definitely is the same plant as I posted. It says the “Old Fashioned Lilac” has moderate water needs.
My best to Rusty! Timber looks great. I’m still awed over their reunion.
It’s a classic man-finds-his-dog story that sticks with you!
Lilac….it has got to be a Lilac. I remember Gramma Sutherland’s lilac bush.
I should have looked closely at the leaves. That would’ve nailed it. The scent was like lilac, I think. (I have poor olfactory sense.)
I love visiting OLD cemeteries! When we make it to Florida and WHEN you come visit us there, I will show you the beautiful old graveyard in Apalachicola! Good Luck to Rusty, he’s doing better with his paperwork than I would have! I like your new campsite too!
I can tell you’ve got Florida on your mind! Yes, this is a good campsite.
sue, did you ever get xm(sirus)radio? If not try ” live 365.com” its free and may have a lot of music you may like.
Hi Jeff… I made a weak attempt at sirius… ordered the wrong stuff. I’ll get it one of these days. Thanks for the tip on live 365.com.
Hello Sue! I have read the last many of your blog entries today and am going to follow more closely now that I am back in PA. I don’t want to miss the happy ending of Rusty’s story! Plus I learn so much from your posts. I am surprised though that it is still cold in AZ, even in the northern area. Izzy and Curley Joe say hello to the crew!
Yeah, Arizona can be cold late in the spring. There were some flurries up Flagstaff way the other day. Hello from the crew to Izzy and Captain Curley (oops!) — Curley Joe!
Yes I think that is a Lilac bush. Hi Sue and the crew…… I am back from our wanderings in Vietnam and Cambodia. I have caught up with all your entries while I was away and want to wish Rusty and Timber all the very best in his quest for a house. It is so good to be reading your daily exploits once again. I have missed them!! Cheers!
Welcome back, Glenda! Great to see you here again.
Thank-you Rusty for your life-long service to our country. Thank you Sue for your angel wings.
You’re welcome, Katy. . . although I don’t know about angel wings. Anyway… I know Rusty in his humility would want me to say that he was in the service for a shorter time than life-long. But Katy’s thank you is sincere, Rusty!
All the best to Rusty and Timber does look great! I also believe the bushes are lilac! Lived in an old apple farm on Long Island, NY that had a row of lilac bushes between the house and the orchard about 100 yards long with two ‘arches’ to get back and forth. They grew about 8-10 ft tall and we had to trim them every winter down to about 4 feet.
I bet they were beautiful.
It is most definitely a lilac bush. I had three of them in my yard in Washington. They also come in white and dark purple.
Hello, Doreen… Nice to see you here. I think we’ve decided it’s lilac. The color of this one is lovely, isn’t it.
They also bloom in pink! All beautiful.
Rusty and Timber will be in my prayers. Hope all goes well for them on Monday and they get a house soon!
You write the thoughts of us all!
It is a lilac bush. I have five growing in my yard here in the high desert of So Cal. I posted a picture of one of mine on my blog today but the picture is quite far. But I can tell by looking at it is lilac.
Please thank Rusty for his service. I really respect those who have served and thanks Timber for taking care of Rusty.
Rusty will see your thank you and appreciate it.
Ah yes………….nothing like picking out your own backyard and neighbor. Good move. I remember you mentioning Rusty heading out to get a better signal.
Old cemeteries are very interesting….way back then the life expentancy was so short even for adults. Always sad to see the infants. I googled “APCRP” that was stamped on the headstones. What a neat organization. Arizona Pioneer Cemetery Research Project -research, document and identify pioneer cemetery/grave locations to protect and preserve them.
As a kid my father had us searching pioneer cemeteries for my Great Great grandfather’s grave in Blackhawk/Central City Colorado. He was a prominent figure / foreman during the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad.
Did you bring the cows with you? Have a wonderful evening…….sit back, relax and enjoy!
Interesting about that organization. It’s great there are people willing to put forth the effort and share their time to protect these burial places.
My family has railroad history, too… Fascinating to explore the history of your family.
We shall see if the cows come over here… There are a few signs that they’ve been here, so Spike remains ever vigilant. My sweet, brave boy.
Good night, cinandjules!
I love the sky in the first picture. The white clouds are beautiful. I have a fascination about walking around old cemetaries and looking at the headstones. Are there any current headstones, or just the real old ones?
Ginger Las Vegas
No, there aren’t any current headstones. The location of this cemetery is probably why. . . no one lives close by, just ghost towns in the national forest. It probably is closed as a historical site.
Speaking of olfactory, different smells help people in different ways. I read once that lavender can help some sleep better and have better dreams. So I tried it, no difference, didn’t think about it again. Then Todd, my roommate, started selling gum and munchies at the flea market and out of space one night he stored some in my room, I slept like a rock. He moved it and again I couldn’t sleep as usual. So he put a little in my room, slept. It turned out to be the mint in the gum and I still have a bowl of gum next to my bed that’s not for sale, ha! Just hoping this helps someone, you never know, could be lilacs or chocolate or Playdoh!
Sue, even though olfactory isn’t your strongest sense some lovely smelling things might help you or Rusty if you ever happen to feel a little down or stressed. Wishing you all the best as always. Thank you so much for keeping me hangin’ on while we wait for take off! 🙂 I really enjoy your blog so very much!
I started working on an Excel file wish list for Rusty and Timber. Was thinking we could use Google Docs or something. Not sure how it’s going and I know you have it under control. I hope I can help somehow. I’ve never used WordPress but am good with web pages so pretty please let me know if you have an idea I can help out with. Most css and html code works with blogs.
Sweet dreams.
Very thoughtful of you, Carrie, to want to work on a wish list for Rusty’s housewarming. One thing that has me wondering… WordPress format doesn’t allow for columns. At least, I don’t know how to make columns in WP. Without columns the page would be mostly blank and ungainly. Maybe the wish list could be in document form in a cloud? So people could click on a link to see it?
Another thing I’m wondering about…. I envision a wish list page and then a page for a list of the gifts that have been purchased. People could report what they purchased in the comments section under the page. I could add their gift to the purchased list, then delete the comment. This would be a way for me to keep up with it for people to see what’s been purchased already.
I explain all this, Carrie, because the two lists must be totally separate so people don’t get confused between what’s wished for and what’s already bought. Your Google Docs for the wish list and a blog page for the purchased list might accomplish that.
I can insert html code on this blog. Just don’t ask me to write it! I welcome your ideas. Thanks for wanting to help.
Oh, those are great thoughts! Thanks Mitchell too, I’ll gladly make html tables to put in a cloud and/or for you to copy and paste into your blog Sue. I want to test it in my blogger blog to see if it’ll be easy to alter in the regular post editor without you having to deal with code after the initial copy and paste, I doubt they’re very different. Yes, I understand, must keep bought and wish lists separate. I was thinking the document in the cloud could be an editable (in places) PDF file where someone could put their name next to what they want to buy.
Hope everyone has a great night!
The only part of your ideas I question is “their name next to what they want to buy.” Wouldn’t it be better for them to tell us what they bought (past tense)? Something for us to be thinking about . ..
What I’m afraid of with past tense is 18 people buying the same toaster at the same time, hehee. If they put their name next to what they want to buy and then see there are two other names that just appeared above theirs for the same thing they can remove their name and find something else. Could be a bit like musical chairs! I’m not even sure it would work that way. Would be interesting to see. Still thinking…
Glad you have my email too. The one I usually put here with my comments other people have access to, work email. With the one you have now you don’t have to worry about anyone else getting your email address.
Whew, I’m a little beat tonight, going to be an early one. Have a great night! 🙂
Good point. Nighty-night.
Carrie… I have your email.
I feel nothing but thanks to the VA. My son was in subs. He is undergoing the treatment for hep-C and only has about three months to go. I am so happy we can be here to help him remember to take his meds. All the bad stuff he puts up with himself. VA pays for all his medicine and hospital visits. They are wonderful and with all the positive attitudes, my son and Rusty too should have a lot to look forward to. I love your blog Sue. You really do have a heart of gold.
What an uplifting comment, Mog. I’m happy for you, too, that you can be with your son at this time. God bless your family. Thank you for your positive message. I agree . . . Rusty has a wonderful life ahead to look forward to.
I love that you love my blog.
Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, hopefully next year will be in our RV fulltime.
Well, you have a lot to look forward to, also!
Hi RVSue,
re: …WordPress format doesn’t allow for columns.
I don’t know about columns but I know you can use tables (which look like columns). You might want to check out html for tables. They may look intimidating at first but are pretty simple once you do one.
P.S. Oh, and my guess is lilac also. Have one in the front yard (though being in MI it might be a while yet before it blooms …it snowed last Saturday!).
I’ll look into the tables on WordPress. Thanks for telling me, Mitchell.
Um, it’s past the middle of April. Time for the snow to stop.
I have traveled the road that Rusty is on now. It does get better. I also love your blog,I have been following your travels for about a year or so now.
Thanks, Joey. Nice to hear from you!
Your flowering shrub resembles a lilac
I do believe you are right, Hazel.
My apologies for previous comment. I did not realize I was overstepping.
I tend to forget sometimes when I’m writing how powerful words on a blog can be. I aroused concern in a lot of people. That’s the past. Today’s a new day, and everything’s going to work out fine. Good to see you here, Emjay.
Those lilacs are overwhelming my memory of days gone by and my olfactory senses. I LOVE the smell of lilacs and I loved the post reinforcing the freedom and freeing the spirit for a full time RVer.
Tempting beyond words for me……
Hi Joan . . . Too bad I couldn’t post lilac fragrance, too! Apparently lilacs are a favorite with a lot of folks, at least of a certain generation. 🙂
Yes, if I had to sum up the life of a full-time RVer, I’d say ‘Freedom!”
I too would like to thank Rusty for his service. Thank goodness we have people like Rusty who help guard our freedom. My daughter is a Marine and I do believe she walks on water! I started reading your wonderful blog exactly when Timber went missing. I was so relieved when they were reunited. AND thank you RVSue for being such a wonderful friend to Rusty (and to all of us who read your blog). You do keep my spirits alive everyday when your blog arrives. Thank you for saving me as well 🙂 Your blog was the first blog I ever read. Waiting for the GOOD news that Rusty has his new home.
And thanks to your daughter for her service, and to you, Krystina, for sharing your child with our nation. (I believe parents have to be brave, too, and deserve our thanks.)
Rusty is a “wonderful friend” to me and as soon as he gets his home, I’ll share the happy news.
Prayers go out Rusty.
. . . and your prayers are heard.
“What a difference a day makes”! Boy does it Ever! Day before yesterday, late in the afternoon, I am riding my scooter through rural Arkansas and lilacs are blooming on both sides of the road… smell is Divine! Next morning I’m on the scooter in Little Rock traffic behind a Waste Management truck… a lot less than Divine!!! Love your blog Sue.
Hi Ernie… Great to hear from you again. Your comment points out how our surroundings… whether soothing or riotous, serene or noxious… can put us in a heavenly state or push us out of touch with the Divine. Get back to the lilacs, Ernie, as soon as you can! 🙂
I was 20 when I married my husband, who was serving his 6 years in the Navy (submarines) during Nam days. He went out to sea for several months, right soon after the wedding. I learned very quickly (from observing another wife of a sailor on the sub)…persistance is the name of the game. You do not give up when you get a wrong answer, and you keep on until you find someone who can help!! This has served me well in civilian life too!! Squeeky wheel gets oiled and all…though one does these things with a calm voice and attitude. I hope it will all work out well for Rusty and soon, so he can relax and live a peaceful, easier life!! Good thing he has his rig!!
Everything is rolling along smoothly for Rusty’s application. We all would like this part of the process to be over, but a residence with all the benefits of a modern house is worth waiting for.
Thanks for Rusty’s and Timbers update Sue. I have no doubt that everything will work out just fine. There is something about you that just brings good luck and I can feel it here too…looking forward to future pics of Rusty’s new place!!!!
You’re welcome, G. Remember when I posted about Timber and Rusty’s reunion? The words I used were “What a happy day!” Well, I’ll be writing those same words when Rusty and Timber find their new home.
A lot of people are surprised to find lilacs growing in desert climates. When we had our home in the mountains east of Albuquerque (7200′ elevation), I had 6 lilac bushes; the biggest were well over 6 ft tall & at least as wide. I planted more because I love the smell, and they grew better than almost anything else. It’s so good that you’re there for moral support for Rusty. What a great friend you’ve turned out to be for him & Timber.
Hello, Renee… Nice to see you here again! I bet those lilacs were a source of much enjoyment.
I consider myself fortunate to have found a path that led to friendship with Rusty and Timber.
I love lilacs too, actually my favorite flower. They are grown all over in Montana and June is when they usually flower. When I lived in Madison, Wisconsin the arboretum there had rows of lilac bushes and my parents took us there every year. We sniffed and smelled those heavenly blooms until our noses couldn’t smell anymore. Fond memories for sure. I didn’t know they grew in Arizona but looked it up and it seems they are able to grow there but not native so probably someone planted them there. Wish I could have smelled them and seen them too.
Glad you are there for Rusty. He has a good friend in you. Maybe kindred spirits.
Montana and lilacs…. two things I love!
Gotta put in my 2cents worth. The VA has such a big, big job to to – but I believe the people who work for them have the Vet’s best interest at heart. It just takes time and persistence. —- Now, lilacs – who can’t love them. Someone must be taking special care of this one in memory of the long departed souls in that cemetery. I read some where that our brain’s area for memory and for smells is side by side – meaning smells/fragrance can trigger memories. I grew up in the Kansas oilfields, so smell of crude oil (normally a stinky one) triggers memories of my grandmother’s house. ha, ha.
It’s funny… Whenever I post on my blog, I never know what part of the post will generate comments. In this one, the winner is definitely lilacs!
So you associate your Mee-Maw with the smell of crude oil. Ha! I guess that’s just as good as the smell of Ben-Gay!
Wow, lilacs will grow in the dessert, but I haven’t seen a one here in Dallas, TX. We have Crape Myrtles that sort of look like them, but with no glorius smell.
I’m with everyone else — lilacs for sure! The photos have got me trying to remember their wonderful smell. Blessings for you, Rusty, and the two crews!
Good friends are hard to find…and you are one..
Did a search…seems that Persian lilacs thrive in the desert zone.
Love the lilac pics! Wish I had smell-o-vision on the computer1 🙂 Before becoming a fulltimer, I had lots of flowers planted on my property. I especially enjoyed my hugh lilac bush. I have to say that’s one of the things I miss about being in the RV, sure loved the anticipation of all my flowers coming up in the Spring.
Now the flowers of the world are yours!
It looks like a Lavender Lady Lilac Shrub which is supposed to do very well in the Southwest. Thanks to you Sue for your compassion and caring and to you Rusty for your service to our country. Good luck and God bless you.
The lilacs I have here in Maine are on tree sized shrubs eight or more feet tall. The blossoms cluster in a tight cone shape. The photo resembles our old fashioned phlox. They too have a wonderful fragrance and are only about four feet high. Both of mine are heirlooms, roughly 100 years old and hardy as the dickens. Love all your photos, btw.