The crew and I go K-Marting!
The last time I strolled the aisles of the Big K’s home department, the only mattress toppers on the shelf were memory foam, which I don’t want. This day there’s another choice!
Oooh! What have we here?
I pull that baby down from the top shelf.
The foam topper is barely an inch thick, obviously cheap both in quality and in price.
For eleven bucks I can try it and then I’ll know whether or not the mattress is causing my leg pain.
At camp I release the roll of foam from its plastic wrap.
More like the roll of foam escapes from the plastic wrap. I catch the thing in mid-air and drape it over the lounger to freshen it up a bit.
Later . . .
Rather than cut the twin-size topper to the size of my Rack-of-the-Inquisition bed (26 inches wide), I simply place it on top of the cushion, the cushion that I’ve been pretending is a mattress for FOUR YEARS, and I tuck the excess under the outside edge.
On top of that goes a folded quilt instead of a sheet. (Sheet = PITA)
Okay, good. We shall see.
Lying on the bed I discern a slight improvement in comfort.
The next morning . . . Aha! No leg pain!
The testing period is not over, however, because I’ve had days with no leg pain before this foam topper came into my life. I’m cautiously optimistic though.
Cautious because one of my legs is slightly shorter than the other. I figure this out one day while walking on level, crunchy, desert sand. One foot strikes the ground with slightly more force than the other. (My father was the same way and I’ve been told I have a similar gait.)
Come to find out, I’m not perfect after all. Shocking!
~ ~ ~
Did you see the moonset on Christmas morning?
First thing upon rising, I snap Reggie into his suit and pick him up. Then I lift Bridge off the bed and we go outside for potty run. I put Reggie on the tether and we walk around the back side of the Best Little Trailer.
That’s when I see it.
A full moon about to slide behind the Big Maria Mountains. On Christmas morning. What a perfect beginning for this special day.
I hook Reggie’s tether to the handle by the door and run inside for the camera. No time to find an artistic foreground. I almost miss the shot!
And so our Christmas Day begins . . .
For breakfast Bridget and Reggie enjoy their personal plates of roast chicken cut into tiny morsels. Snarf-snarf. For me, two eggs over easy, a bagel, orange juice, and a cup of coffee. Slurp-slurp.
It’s time for presents!
Bridget gets a new, comfy bed. She’s tries it out and finds it is not up to her standard.
Oh well.
Reggie immediately claims the bed as his own.
“I’ll find you a better bed, Bridgie.”
I give Reggie his present — Sock Monkey!
Sock Monkey is a big hit!
(What happened to Blue Monkey? The poor guy is in recovery — the dirty laundry — recuperating from stitches in his side. It’s a rough life.)
After a while the three of us go for a short walk.
All is quiet at Midland LTVA. It’s warm and sunny with a gentle breeze.
When we return Bridget and Reggie have a drink out on the blue mat and then they dive into their new chew bones (made in the USA). The two hummingbirds zoom back and forth between the ironwood tree and feeder.
We’re outside most of the day.
With the door open and sunshine streaming in, I clean the kitchen until it sparkles. Periodically I check the blog to read more Christmas wishes from blogorinos (thank you!).
I wash a basin of dishes at the outside table as Bridget wanders around the campsite and sits in the sun. I interrupt my dish washing several times to play Go Fetch Armadillo with Reg (Sock Monkey is an inside toy).
Late in the afternoon we go inside and I read (and eat candy!). Reggie and Bridget nap.
At dusk I take Reg on a long, long walk across empty desert (Bridget wants to stay at camp). When we return, he runs in circles and then races inside. After a stop at the water dish, he hops into Bridget’s new bed. I tuck Sock Monkey in beside him. In a minute he’s asleep for the night. I cover him with the throw. Sleep well, Reggie Man.
Bridget and I snuggle up for cuddles in bed . . . a special time without Reggie wiggling in between us.
Holding her close and talking into her ear, I tell her what a wonderful Christmas Day this has been. She listens as I count our many blessings.
“I love you, Bridgie. You’re my good girl.”
Reflecting on our day, the crew and I had a wonderful Christmas.
As for Sock Monkey, well . . . He learned who’s the boss of him!
In the next post we will resume our review of 2015!
rvsue
NOTE: In case you’re wondering . . . Bridget had a good Christmas. I just didn’t manage to capture her with her happy face on!
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
The moon on Christmas morning
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Hope you had a good Christmas. Heard the wind down is bad there today. Stay safe and warm.
Hi, Pat H.,
Yes, one of the best Christmases ever! I hope yours was, too!
The wind started howling around midnight and has been rocking the BLT ever since. Reggie woke up and started squeaking his high-pitched, baby cry from the foot of the bed. I scooped him up and put him under the covers with Bridget and me. He slept the rest of the night with his face between my neck and the pillow!
The mountains to the southwest of us have disappeared in a blanket of dust. Potty runs are quick today!
CONGRATULATIONS, PAT! YOU’RE FIRST TODAY!
Wonderful post, a belated Happy Christmas to all of you!
Thank you, Pam and Maya! The same to you!
Happy Holidays Sue!!!! Glad you are not being hit too badly by the winds down there!!!
Hi, Jill!
The dust is thick and the house is rockin’! I hope you are having a great day in BC!
I took a bunch of pictures of the Christmas day sunrise but never looked at the other side of my van to see the moon set, a lot of people asked me if I saw it too!
Hi, Rob,
I’m pretty sure I know where you are. A nice place to camp for Christmas! Sorry you missed the moonset…
Merry Christmas! Sounds like you had a lovely day with the crew. Wishing you a Happy New Year and safe travels.
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you, too, Monica! I hope all is well with you and yours!
Great Christmas! Thanks for sharing it with us. All the Bichon Brothers got for Christmas was kisses and hugs.
You’re welcome, Mike. Hugs and kisses are the best presents of all!
Spending time with loved ones over the Holidays is what matters most! Bridget and Reggie Man are very blessed indeed! Merry belated Christmas!
Thanks, Captain K! I hope your week is all you want it to be!
Looks like you three had a wonderful Christmas!
The photo of the full moon was awesome! Yikes 26 inches isn’t very wide for you and the crew! Hope the topper helps your leg. Is there enough to fold in half to double the comfort level from the hip down?
Sock monkey…an inside toy! Too funny! Special cuddle time with Bridgee was sweet!
Enjoy!
Hi, Cinandjules,
I hope your Christmas was great, too. No, the topper isn’t long enough to double over. It’s working out very well. I’m happy with it and my leg isn’t hurting. The topper probably won’t last long (although I’ve been known to stretch cheap pretty far… Haha!) I’ll buy a thicker one next time, now that I know it helps.
They tend to squish down after time. Shake it out and it will spring back up! We have them on our beds…makes a world of difference…ahhh!
And when it gets to the point of no return…cut it, double it up, stuff it in a pillow case….whalllah….it’s a dog bed! With a easy removable washable cover!
Queen of cheap here!
Hey, great idea about making a dog bed! You know how to speak to my inner cheapness!
I’ll remember that about shaking out the topper.
Merry Christmas. Hope the weather is better where you are than in western Kentucky
Hi, David in Houston! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Hmm… I’m going to check on the weather in western Kentucky. Be back later.
LATER…. Crazy weather for you! Rain, thunderstorms, wind, temps go up for the weekend, then crash down on Monday or Tuesday. Hang on, David! 🙂
It sounds (and looks) like you had a beautiful Christmas Day. We had a stunning full moon on Christmas Eve night. We had three dogs (our two, and my son’s and DIL’s) here last night and they each got a new chew toy. By the end of the evening, they were playing tug of war with their new toys and nearly knocked the Christmas tree over. Today is clean-up day and then we head up to Mammoth for a week of skiing and snow-shoeing. I hope you stay warm and cozy as you head into the New Year!
Thank you, Cynthia from San Clemente,
Your Christmas Day sounds beautiful (and fun for the dogs), too! Have a wonderful week at Mammoth… such a gorgeous place!
What a lovely day for you all.
Thanks for the beautiful moon pictures!
It’s been foggy/cloudy/rainy here in the East for over a week – no full moon for us!
Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)
Hi, Lynn!
I’m glad you liked the moon pictures. Having a full moon made the BLT glow all night on Christmas Eve to the morning.
I hope you are enjoying a great weekend!
Regarding one leg being shorter than the other, I’ve lived with that for decades and have worn a heel lifting cushion in shoes worn on the shorter leg. Works for me and took care of the leg pain. http://www.jimmytheshoedoctor.com/tacco-leather-heel-cushions/ (A German company called Taccofix. Found the lifts in a shoe repair shop) Happy New Year!
Hi, Chris (whichever one you are!),
Thanks for the link! A lift for my shoe will be my second remedy if the bed cushion doesn’t eliminate the ache in my leg. (So far it has!)
I wear sandals most of the time. I haven’t looked at the link yet, but I surely will. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Should you need a heel lift and should you like this brand, they work in Keen sandals as I used one in my Keens last summer. The lift has an adhesive spot to help it adhere to the shoe or you can use a spot of glue to hold it in the shoe. If you make that decision, I would be pleased to send you a pair. If so, contact me off-blog. Chris in Denver (8* this morning).
Thank you, Chris. That’s very nice of you! It looks like the mattress topper has taken care of the pain in my leg. The difference in my legs is very slight, so I’ll hold off on the lift at this point.
Hi Chris! Sounds like a very cool ‘radio’ and I looked it up on Amazon to check it out. I’m looking for a good radio for just music listening with good reception on the road so the one you purchased probably has far too many advanced features than I need. Once I am living in an egg as opposed to a tin can I am sure I will get good reception on more brands of radios. I love “presents to self”. I even try to act surprised when I get them! 🙂
I think you meant to say, Hi, Rusty…. He’s the one who ordered a radio.
Hi Sue and Crew!
What a nice Christmas you had! Beautiful Christmas Day Moonset photo! It was too cold and windy here at EBSP to get out and see and there’s a big broo-ha-ha about the upcoming New Mexico “blizzard” this weekend…ha-ha is right. I believe the forecast is down to less than one inch here but the cold winds are a-howlin’! I liked hearing that you and the crew had good weather for your Christmas Day. Reggie’s new sock monkey looks like he is saying “Ohhhh Nooooooo” like Mr. Bill in the last photo. I love it. I sure hope your new foam topper helps and keeps you cozy, too.
Hi, Sealarksmiles,
A one-inch-of-snow blizzard…. I can hear the blogorinos from up north guffawing! Of course, cold wind isn’t laughable. Stay warm!
Oh, Mr. Bill… Haven’t thought of that in a long time! 🙂
Note for those confused by EBSP… That’s Elephant Butte State Park.
Shhhh….I’m under cover. Just kidding 🙂
We lived in T or C, NM for a couple of years (Thats Truth or Consequences for the uniniatated) or better, we used it as our base and loved Elephant Butte. How is the water situation? Filling up any?
Foggy and 70 degrees here in Eastpoint, FL and we saw the moonrise on Christmas night. Beautiful.
Chicken for the Crew, best wishes in New Year for you!
Glad you and the crew had a good Christmas!
Thanks, ValGal! I hope you’re having a good weekend!
Sounds like a really good kind of Christmas. I missed that full moon, darnit! Poor Mr. Sock Monkey, it’s tough being one of The Reginator’s Crew.
I like your new name… LBL Janis P!
Merry Christmas and a very happy new year!
Thank you, Judith camper! Wherever you are, I hope you are well, warm, and happy!
What a wonderful Christmas you guys had. Warm, excited about new toys and beds. Happy Happy….That’s just great. As to the legs Missy, as long as they both reach the ground you’re good to go. I really enjoyed your Christmas story. *Hugs for all*
“as long as they both reach the ground you’re good to go!” … That’s hilarious!
Seriously though, I realize I’m very fortunate to have two legs that hold me up and move me along. 🙂
Hugs to you and Detta!
Looks n’ sounds like you and the crew had a Fantastic Christmas,,,,, Piper got some raw hide bones, A good brushing with her new brush and my Christmas gift to myself wont be here till the 30th, ( A Seagaen 505p AM/FM/LW/MW/SW with SSB U/L All world PLL receiver),,, Got it on Amazon,, But because of the weather it’s getting here a little late, No biggy,,,, I can wait ,,,,,,,,, To day the Wind Is blowing Real hard, but we are pointed in the right direction,,,,,,,, Your Right on the moon setting and today just about 8 am the Sun and the Moon was just about right even on both Horizon’s,,The moon was still full too,,,,,,, That Reggie sounds like he’s settling in to the RV life,,, but the photo of the Bridge and Reggie together is SOOO sweet,,,,,, Have a great day,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Hi, Rusty! Hi, Piper,
Wow! Piper did have a wonderful Christmas with her new daddy and all those presents.
I’m guessing those letters mean a radio…. Thanks for shopping Amazon. I’m happy you gave yourself a present, too.
You’re right… The wind is blowing really hard here, too. Reggie needs to go outside but the wind scares him, he coughs, and he doesn’t do his business. The dust is thick and that worries me a bit. I have one of those filters you wear over your nose and mouth and that’s what I’m putting on to go outside. The mountains have disappeared in the dust! I’m sure you know what it’s like. Can’t be much different where you are…. Make a kerchief to cover your mouth and nose, Rusty, like a bandit!
Have a great weekend anyway! 🙂
I see the dust storm on the California side of the River, but I can also see the mountains all around us, to the east is clear, to the west and south very dusty,,,, 70 MPH winds are predicted today and low temps are coming with it,, but we’re just rocking and staying inside,, Piper goes out to do her light work in the wind then howls to come back in and such a sweet howl it is,,,,,,,,,,,, Stay air safe n’ warm you all and try to have a nice day inside,,,,,,,,,,,,,, rusty
No moon for us on Christmas, finally had a decent snowfall. Still snowing today but after a trip with the kids to the dog park, we are all cozy at home. I had to make a trip to Petsmart for a dog bed. My 70 pound German Shorthair kept trying to sleep in a cat bed. I wish I could have gotten a photo of that!
Hi, Chris (MN),
So it snowed in Minnesota… That’s news! 🙂 I bet your dog did look funny in the cat bed. I wish a Petsmart was around here for the selection of dog beds. K-Mart doesn’t have much. I hope you find your dog a perfect one that fits!
Samantha is curled up and sleeping in her new dog bed right now. All body parts are now IN the bed instead of hanging out on all sides. I guess that I picked out a good bed!
Great! One of the pleasures of having pets is making sure they are comfy. You did good! 🙂
Sue, If you have a Walgreens Drug Store, near you, They carry a nice bed that I think Bridget would like. It is by Pet Shoppe and run between 10-15 dollars. Angel loves the one I got for her. Hers is red & black check with cream sherpa lining with the a paw in the center, also in the check pattern. They carry 3 sizes, but in limited numbers. Angel has the little one. She was so excited about getting that and some Greenies, as well as couple of specialty baked doggie cupcakes. I thought they were too much for her so she only gets 1/4 at a time once a day. I thought of getting her a sock monkey, but she just doesn’t seem to care much for toys, just socks.
I saw that beautiful full moon on Christmas Eve and and Christmas Day. In spite of the crummy weather, it cleared just enough to see it clearly.
Glad you and the crew had a great Christmas, the photos of them are so precious.
I would be careful about those greenies. They’ve got a pretty bad reputation on the Internet. Google them.
Yeppers! Bad rep with the vets also. They claim to have change the recipe…so it dissolves if eaten in a chunk. Me not taking any chances!
How is Ms Chloe?
That gave me a laugh, btw. “So it snowed in Minnesota… That’s news” Hee hee.
Aha! New name; Short-In-One-Leg, you are. (Gee, I hope she has a sense of humor).
You’ve been posting some amazing photos and I love it. Hope you are enjoying your nomadic romp across this great nation. Please keep up the great spirit of sharing what We, the less inclined-to-travel, are reluctant to see for ourselves. Well, I’ll just speak for me, O.K.?
Randall Small
Weeki Wachee, Fl
Hi, Randall!
I like your new name — cute! 🙂 As for the name you gave me… Short-in-One-Leg, Long-in-the-Tooth, whatever! Ha!
Thanks re the photos. I’m happy you enjoy them. I hope to find lots of great camps this new year so I’ll have more photos to post.
The foam topper may be all you’ve been needing to relieve the pressure points between your body and mattress, I hope so. I saw the full moon rise and set. Christmas eve and day were amazing here. Thursday was a windy 70 degrees and yesterday the lake was like a glass mirror- white fluffy clouds seen in the blue sky and water. Both evenings as the sunset the whole lake looked purple for a few moments at nightfall.
Reggie’s and Bridget’s bedtime scenes are so touching, him with Sock Monkey and her with you 🙂 A friend brought her two adorable Boston Terriers to our Christmas celebration. So cute and like typical kids not wanting to miss anything they were falling asleep sitting up. I added that “getting my doggie-fix” to the blessings on my list.
That is so cute! Sitting up and falling asleep, trying not to miss the action… and Boston Terriers, no less! It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. I hope so. I can see the lake how you describe it. The purple. Like glass. Reflected clouds. Exquisite! This Christmas was especially pretty, wasn’t it. And unusual for New York with those warm temperatures.
I loved the full moon on Christmas Eve. There weren’t any stars in view, just the full moon. I looked up from my pillow at the night sky. The lights of the satellite (or whatever it is) drifted over, near the moon from my window’s vantage point. It reminded me of Santa’s sleigh the way it is illustrated in children’s books! The moonset in the morning was a bonus.
It’s nice that this windstorm we’re having waited until the day after Christmas to arrive here. I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
Ahh Sue what a beautiful tender moment with Bridge counting blessings and whispers of love! Such a joyful Christmas day!
It was, Karen. I hope yours was full of joy, too!
Perhaps there was a pea under her new bed. 🙂
But at least she got some special cuddle time out of the deal. The girl is pretty sharp that way.
Glad the new bed topper seems to be working. Cheap and easy, my kind of fix.
Good one!
==========
Hi Sue,
Back in the day, I managed a furniture store and bedding was one of my ‘things’. You might be interested to know that a crib mattress is 27″ wide :o) When they first came out with queen size (a full 5′ wide), that was popular promo asking customers, “Tired of sleeping in a crib?” Because the full-size bed is only 4’6″ wide and half of that (for a couple) is only 27″ each. Not that 3″ more width would make that much difference . . . still only 30″ — even a twin-size bed is 3’3″ = 39″ wide!
==========
We’ve been living large at The Slabs for three weeks — just moved into the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort yesterday. It’s usually $45 a nite(!) but they had a special offer for newbies until the end of this year = $9.95 (including tax). We made it our Christmas present to each other — was nice soaking in a private tub for two last night after we took a long shower (first in a while — smiles). We’ll likely extend our stay until the end of the year and then we’re headed to QZ for the annual Rubber Tramp Rendezvous for 1/5 thru 1/19:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/gatherings/
==========
After that, who knows? We had Solar Mike install a 420 watt PV panel on our roof and a hot-rod MPPT controller to feed our four RV/Marine batts (and two of them are two years old already = not so good). We’re budgeting to replace them with at least four 6 volt deep-draw batts (like the T-105s) but the upgrade has been amazing. We run our laptops as much as we want — watch a movie on the 32″ flatscreen — as long as our 4G signal is strong enough. The batts are usually fully charged by noon; this full-time boondocking life is the best!
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JIM & ANNIE (full time since 10/24/15)
sailingondryland.com
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Hi, Jim and Annie,
I agree! “The full-time boondocking life is the best!” Congratulations on the solar upgrade. You can be rightly proud of your system.
That’s quite a deal at the RV resort. Perfect for the holidays! Oh, and congratulations also on your 2-month anniversary of full-timing. 🙂
Cute photos as usual, Sue…your day sounded peaceful and sweet!! Glad your topper seems to be helping. We have one of those sleep number beds but I was not able to find a setting that was totally ok…even got a knee pillow to help with my leg, back and hip pain. Then we went to Costco and got a 3 inch foam topper…WOW!! It worked and no more pains and I get up not almost falling due to the creaky bones, etc. Love it…hope yours works a long time too!!
Hi, Elizabeth in WA,
Yeah, I’ve become a big believer in the power of foam toppers! If this barely one-inch topper can make such a difference, I bet this one will work great for me.
LUCID 2 Inch Foam Mattress Topper Twin size 3-Year Warranty
I put it on my wish list.
I’m glad you found what works for you, Elizabeth.
A very merry Christmas to you RV Sue and the Crew. Ahh, I just love this line, “Holding her close and talking into her ear, I tell her what a wonderful Christmas Day this has been. She listens as I count our many blessings.
“I love you, Bridgie. You’re my good girl.””
It brought tears to my eyes because I know the feeling of loving your little four legged kids so deeply.
Mattress toppers are amazing. In one of our previous trailers, the mattress was much like what you describe yours as. We bought one of those rolled up memory foam, yet it was only an inch thick, toppers from Camping World. It was amazing! We still have the topper even though the trailer is long gone, and we use the topper on our hide a bed in our sticks and bricks home when visitors come.
Blessings to you Sue and may the new year bring many more blessings.
Hi, Renee,
Where have I been all my life that I didn’t know how great these toppers are! (See my reply to Elizabeth, above.)
I didn’t mean to make you tear up, but I admit that stirring emotions is a compliment to a writer, . . . although I must give most of the credit to those you loved and lost and who loved you.
Blessings to you, too, Renee.
(Mobile AL). So glad you and crew had a blessed Christmas Day. Ours was great but hot & humid in Mobile. Overcast drizzly. Sure doesn’t feel like Christmas. Just love all your pics. Still reading archives. Still in 2011 but I’m loving your beginnings and adventures. I did stop reading all the comments though so I could press forward. One day I’ll catch up with myself and you.
Blessings to all
V
hi, i am also working my way through all the posts since 2011. i am learning a lot. i have started skimming on the comment section for topics that interest me and are appropriate for my trailer situation. i notice that just when i think the comments are not for me, up pops a comment about the very question i had. so keep on working your way forward. bess
It is remarkable the valuable information that readers have contributed to this blog over the past 4+ years.
Hi, Corkerinna620,
I’m happy for you, that you had a great Christmas Day. The weather has been weird lately!
I hope you continue to enjoy the old posts. 🙂
Happy Boxing Day, Sue & Crew! Love the photos of Reg–he sure loves that sock monkey. Bridge probably wants to choose her own bed–or maybe she loves her current one too much to let it go.
We’ve got the same high winds here at Tyson Wash. Ari takes her potty breaks quickly–right after she rolls in the dust. Sigh…sure am glad I resisted the urge to clean floors & dust yesterday.
It looks as if the winds are going to stop sometime early tomorrow morning & the night-time temps are going down too. Sleep warm–
Good morning, Dawn from Camano Island,
I didn’t realize you are at Tyson Wash. The past 15 hours or so have been challenging for pups needing to go potty. It was so bad here that Reggie changed his mind and decided to “hold it.” Bridget relieved herself at the edge of the blue mat and rushed back inside.
Isn’t “the calm after the storm” wonderful? No more howling wind!
It is wonderful! It reminds me of how, after being sick, just feeling “normal” is so, so wonderful. Ahhh, this state still exists!
The egg crate style mattress toppers with all those spike points are good for distributing weight and relieving pain causing pressure spots. That is what they use in hospitals and nursing homes. But do opt for a good quality one used for medical care or home health care.
Hi, KC,
I’m going to take your advice. I already have a topper from Amazon picked out and on my wish list (See link above).
I am much relieved that this “issue” was easily resolved. It hasn’t escaped me how very, very fortunate I am not to have health/pain issues at my age.
Good health to you, KC!
Hi Sue!
Clever title–I almost dropped my mouse trying to quickly find out what THAT was all about.
In my book, you had a perfect Christmas day. Being outside enjoying nature and being with those you love. Everyday should be like Christmas. Hey, wait a minute! If you’re RVSue, then everyday is like Christmas! I felt your contentment of being in the moment–a real tribute to your writing.
Southern AZ has some more chilly weather in store for us this week. I doubt that I will see fifty degrees today on my sunny back porch. A string of nights below freezing are ahead. Those below freezing temps for several hours are tough on our giant saguaros. It’s been several seasons since I’ve needed to heat the house as I’ve done recently. And it isn’t even January yet! Sure hope you and the crew are warm enough.
Sue, how do you store all your photos? You must be having the devil of a time trying to decide which ones to use in your year end review. Date, state, or ? I’m enjoying the recaps. Has been a great adventure, eh?
Looking forward more happy trails in 2016. Care to reveal any jello plans for your direction of travel come warmer weather? I know, you’re probably saying “What jello plans?”
Got an idea for a post sometime in the future. One of these times when you need a break from responding to all the comments, turn over the blog to your fellow travelers and ask them what is the best camp they ever experienced. I think that would make for some interesting comments and be certain to generate a few new destinations for those of us that like to go out and explore. Your blog is always so fresh and fun that you probably have plenty of blog material waiting in the background, but if you don’t…
You and the crew stay warm and safe.
Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
How do I store my photos? Very haphazardly, that’s how! They are in folders according to date. Not a perfect answer because… if I want to find photos of a certain place I need to remember (or find out through a search) when we camped/visited there.
As for turning the blog over to fellow travelers to share their best camps. … I’m unable to do that with a post… Only the blog writer (moi) can write within a post.
However, I can suggest that input for the comments section. I think that’s probably what you meant. In fact, you can do that at any time, like even right here, by simply asking “Hey, Blogorinos! What’s your favorite camp? I’m looking for ideas.”
You’re right. I have plenty of blog material, more than enough actually! There are a lot of topics I could write about but I don’t because they don’t fit the “atmosphere” (for lack of a better word) of my blog, or because the topic has been addressed many times, many ways, in other blogs.
We’re keeping safe and warm… Hope you are, too!
As I left to sing at midnight mass, I couldn’t help but notice the full moon and the special light it shone. Seemed very appropriate.
It did. I thought the same thing, especially this year when the world is in dire need of spiritual peace and understanding.
I tried different mattress toppers and wound up just sleeping on an air mattress. I must say, my aches & pains all ceased once I started using the air mattress. I use one when I go camping as well. Your picture of the The Moon on Christmas Morning was beautiful. A day late, but Merry Christmas Blessings!
I’m glad you found the answer, Sandy, to eliminating your aches and pains. Thanks for the Christmas wish. 🙂
hi Sue, i also had the same experience that Renee shared about your time whispering to Bridget about her being a good girl and that you love her. i too have tears running down my cheeks, remembering how much i cherished my little Beebop the dauchshund and how much i loved her for 13 years. she was my good girl.
maybe those words are what we all wish we had, a mom snuggling close, and telling us we are loved and that we are recognized for the good that we are.
thanks so much, Sue. bess
Now there you go Bess, I’m crying again .
bess,
Your words expressed my feelings, too. Reading this post, I was missing my pup and my Mom. So many good memories.
You’re welcome, bess.
Oh, I didn’t mean to make you cry! I hope those tears were dried with sweet memories of Beebop.
Insightful second paragraph…
Merry Christmas! Luv ur blog!
Thanks, Patricia! I’m happy about that!
Hi, Blogorinos,
The dust storm is incredible! Almost total white-out and the BLT is rocking so much that I can hardly type. I want to reply but I’ll have to wait until morning. Wow. And the roar!
I’ll be reading your comments….
Sue
Sending a prayer for your comfort, safety and ability to get some restful sleep .Thanks for checking in to let us know at least the BLT, you and crew are intact.
Thanks. We will be fine. 🙂
The NOAA reported wind gusts up to 48mph last evening where you are, and says the wind now is 14 mph. I hope that calmer picture for your morning is accurate, and that you managed to sleep and rest a bit. The crew needs to go out at least for potty breaks and you must be more than ready for a break from blowing sand and for fresh air at sunrise.
Good morning, weather!
Yes, the wind settled down very early this a.m., around 1 o’clock. I’m surprised at the figure of 48 mph… I’ve been in that kind of gusting. This seemed a lot worse… Maybe because the wind was hitting the BLT exactly broadside. When I parked her, I was thinking only of where the sunshine and shade would be… 🙂
I’m glad for the experience. It was a bit hard on Reggie, but he made it through and both he and Bridget are deep into a morning nap after a restless night.
I hope all is well with you this morning. . . . Fresh air isn’t to be taken for granted, right? 🙂
A renewed appreciation for fresh air and so much we enjoy is often part of stormy times. It’s neat that you’re glad for the experience 🙂 All is well, thank you, it’s a misty 50 degrees outside-pretty and peaceful. Our remnants of what’s affected you are expected to arrive Tuesday with a bit of cold, snow and perhaps ice. The warm temps for weeks here have been a continual gift, I expect the changes to bring their own type of beauty , too…
🙂
As in a haboob? Oh dear!
Hopefully Reg Man doesn’t get too scared! Have you got the stabilizers down? Hang on to your hat…desert woman! Dust storm advisory until 6pm and wind gust until 10pm. Your blue rug might end up on my porch!
No, repeated gusts. Can’t go out.
Luckily the BLT has curved edges..more aerodynamic than a boxed Class C. Stay safe and warm!
Good point! I’ve thought of that several times….
Sorry for the short replies last night… It’s hard to type when your seat in being yanked around… I tried reading my Paperwhite. It was like being at sea!
Glad to hear you have not blown away. It’s super windy here, too, but I don’t think quite as dusty, and I’m not in the wide open (north of Parker). My Wave 3 is running full blast, and it’s like a candle trying to heat a stadium!
But I’m warm enough, safe, and dry. And enjoying the comments. So thankful all in all.
See you on “the other side” (of the windstorm). Whew, doesn’t *calm* sound amazing? Hard to remember I was outside last night with a little campfire going to watch the moon rise. Like another world.
Good for you, being parked in a place protected from some of the wind. We rocked and rolled most of the day and night. Besides that, the racket was constant, not only from the howl of the wind, but also from tanks sloshing and the rattling of the ceiling vent cover. I had it tightened up as much as it will go and it sounded like the wind was trying to tear the lid off. All is calm now. Ahhhh…
Oh my, it does sound like you had a LOT of wind. Just from the way you describe it, I’d guess gusts in the high 50’s, if not more.
Reggie was probably wondering who kept putting quarters in the “ride” (and why didn’t they stop, for Pete’s sake!).
Hi, Sue! Sounds like you and the crew had a wonderful Christmas. I enjoyed reading about it all, especially the sock monkey for Reggie.
When we were full-timing, I had to get a foam topper and then I added a wool sheepskin on top of that and then my sheet. I made our sheets as I could find none to fit my stacked up bed! We had twin beds and they were only about 30″ wide. It was the only way I was comfortable and able to travel as I have back problems from a wreck. Worked very well!
I’m amazed what a difference a layer of foam on the bed can make in how one feels in the morning. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season, Ann!
great moonshot, Sue………..the problem with living in the woods is that
you dont get to see the sunset and moonset……..thats one reason I go
fishing so much…..HA
we have had a very busy Christmas with family and friends……I love it
during this season but also glad to see it over….
chuck
Hi, chuck,
I bet you have lots of reasons for going fishing. 🙂 Sounds like you had a good Christmas and now you can relax!
It was a wonderful moon down here …..down under too Sue…………I understand that the last one was in 1977…………and it will be a long time before the next. It was a hot hot day where we live, but very much enjoyed with family and friends anyway. Hope your day was very special with your two lovely doggies………….
Hi, Glenda in OZ! I’m glad you had a great day with your family and friends in sunny Australia!
Glenda, I’ve been thinking about you after hearing reports of wildland fires in Oz. hope they are not close and get under control soon. We in California understand too well how bad those fires can be. Since you have New Year start before we do, be sure to let us know if it’s worth waiting up to see 2016 begin. LOL
HI Velda……………I am sure that I will be in bed and will not see the clock turn over heralding the New Year. Yes, I’m sure knowing that you being in California, know all about wild fires. I live in South Australia and we have had one major bush fire so far this season. We call them bush fires here. Xmas Day saw a tragic event in southern Victoria along the Great Ocean Road with the loss of 116 homes. Western Australia had a good dose of fires in November. Not a day goes by that there isn’t a fire somewhere. We that live in the country areas have always to be fire ready.
I like it that we all saw the same beautiful moon no matter where we were….there must be a message in there somewhere…..In Ventura Calif. it was very pronounced and affected the tides which were exceptionaly high…
“same beautiful moon no matter where we are…” Hmm… a message… I can think of a few, as I’m sure can you … 🙂
I hope you enjoy this day, susan!
Hi Sue!
So glad you and the crew had such a fine Christmas. I didn’t see the moon, slept right through it but the added sleep was such a blessing I didn’t mind skipping it this time around. Saw it the last time in the 1970s. Sue, about pressure points on your legs, hips and back. Ya know, pressure points are not only on the back side of you. I was amazed to find that my own leg pains were being caused (in part) by having two very heavy Columbia Quilts on during the late fall and throughout the winter. My doctor suggested that I buy two sleeping bags ( the kind that open to a flat sheet style). I did that and WOW! It made life so much better for my legs and my shoulders! It seems that heavy quilts can cause your feet to curve downward or if side sleeping put more pressure on one than on the other…causing pain over time in the legs. With the two 20 degree sleeping bags they are extra light in weight yet ever so cozy. That might be something to consider if the foam topper doesn’t do the trick for you long term. I must say, much as I do love the look and feel of a great quality quilt, I would not give up my two sleeping bags for them having found such a great relief in the pain department. Maybe when spring comes around and the off-season winter sales come along you could get them really cheaply through Amazon. Or one on sale now and one later as winter whines down again. Anyway, how do I know this? I have “Fibro” and at times it is off-the-charts acute…pressure points (all 18 or 19) is what regularly have to adjust around. I’ve learned too adjust over the 36 years of having it, I’m good now and completely med-free, AMEN! So here’s hoping your new bed works for you, I feel your pain.
That’s interesting, Pamela K. I never consider blanket weight as a factor, nor did I think of the position of my feet. At this point it looks like the issue is resolved with the mattress topper. Thanks for sharing this info… There may be someone reading it who will be helped out of pain.
Hope you resolved the leg pain . Been super chilly here also. Dogs sleeping tight next to me at 5:10 am. They Want that monkey!
I wonder if you are waking to a fresh pile of desert dust inside just after making everything sparkely clean.
Happy holidays to everyone, safe travels, and A healthy 2016
I am looking for a very pretty place to visit in Az in Jan. ( no freezing elevations)
Any suggestions bloggerunies?
Have you seen the red rocks in person? Absolutely stunning scenery. Ummm…but right now Sedona is – 2 degrees!
Jan, now N Phoenix . . . I suggest Ajo or Why — lots of saguaros — or Roosevelt Lake. To go to Roosevelt you go up in elevation and then down into a basin where it is warm.
Yes, lots of dust and sand on the blue mat this morning. 🙂
Thanks! I was wondering if Roosevelt was chilly or not.
Before you go, do a search for “weather at Roosevelt” to be sure.
Good morning Dorothy and Toto x 2!
Hope you were able to get some sleep! Have a great day!
Good morning, Cinandjules!
The wind finally let up at 12:35 a.m. (regardless of what any news reports say). I know the time because I hadn’t gone to sleep yet and that’s when Reggie was able to go potty. Poor guy had been waiting for hours to go!
The silver lining? — Everyone at our house wanted to sleep late this morning!
Isn’t it amazing how it just suddenly “shut off”? I was surprised since it was supposed to continue until around 7 a.m. this morning. Not complaining though! It seemed like a minor miracle to just lie there and …… silence!
One of those times when you can “hear” the silence. 🙂
What a beautiful and peaceful Christmas you had. So glad for you. We also enjoyed the lovely moon. Such a special sight.
Hope the wind didn’t keep you rockin and rollin to much. Maybe the new mattress topper compensated a bit.
Our Christmas was full of faith, family,friends food and wonderful conversation. We sat around the dinner table for hours. My favorite thing to do with loved ones. It’s so nice now that the kids are no longer kids. I’m sure the little ones will begin showing up over the next several years and things will change again. It’s all good. God is good.
Glad to get back into the rhythm of reading the blog. I miss it when I don’t get a chance to check in.
Hi, Applegirl,
Your Christmas sounds delightful. I’m happy for you and your entire family.
Thank you re the rockin’ and rollin.’ All is calm this morning. It’s hard to believe, looking around at the peaceful desert, that the wind was so violent last night.
You miss my blog…. Well, I’d miss you Applegirl if you every stopped visiting here, just as I miss many who have.
Time to relax and look forward to 2016! 🙂
Sue, I didn’t see you elaborate about your leg pains in other posts, is it on one leg only and does it start at the hip and run down your leg? If so, that is sciatic pain.
I can see many have already commented about it. Every leg pain is different, could even be circulation.
In my case it was sciatic caused by a herniated disc that eventually ruptured and required surgery.
Try different sleeping toppers. In my case, and everyone is different, the harder the mattress the better. When I lay on my back (I had to get used to sleeping that way) it relieves the spine.
Even though I was operated on and that disc (L4-L5) is relieved now, I also have a slight herniation of L3-L4. Whenever it flares up, lying on the floor with the leg in pain elevated on a hard pillow does wonders for me.
Good luck! Would hate to see Reggie having to push you around in the stroller with Bridgett 🙂
Hi, G,
Your situation is way more serious than anything I’ve ever had to deal with regarding leg pain. Sciatica, herniated disc, surgery…. way more serious!
There’s something about blogging that makes everything seem greater, larger, more dramatic and serious than the reality. (Sometimes I take advantage of that, I admit, for the sake of an entertaining story!)
Yes, this was pain in one leg only. Not terrible pain, just enough to be annoying. It’s gone now and I’m grateful for that.
Thank you for caring enough to write a message. I wish you pain-free days and nights always, G. Thanks for writing.
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas! You can tell Bridget and Reggie are very much loved. Peace and blessings for the new year Sue!
The same to you, Piper! I wonder if the rain has ceased in Virginia… I hope you are enjoying the holiday season, whatever the weather!
Remember to check your outside refrigerator compartment for dust. Maybe take the PTV air filter out and bang it around a bit to knock of the sand grit. I hope your camera was well hidden. YLTA
Thanks, Mick, for the reminders.
I did think of the fridge last night — Looked in the dark to make sure its lights were still on and I made a mental note to clean the compartment. I remember once in NM, I think it was, the fridge quit and wouldn’t start up again. A quick brushing of the ignition area and presto!
As for the PTV air filter, I didn’t think of it! (Sorry, ol’ girl)… I will do as you advise.
The camera has been inside and is fine. This little plastic house seals up like a time capsule. I’m pleasantly surprised to see no great accumulation of dust.
I wanted very badly to take a photo of the dust storm, the way the sand was blowing across the surface of the desert like low-flying clouds through the creosote bushes. It would’ve been neat to take a pic of the mountains that were no longer visible and put the photo next to the same mountain scene taken on a clear day. Of course, I couldn’t expose the lens to that. It would have been ruined!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas…
Liked your comment about the RV mattress. The quality of mattress’s from the RV builders is horrible.
We had a Cabover camper built and provided our own new mattress from Ikea. Liked it so much we bought one for the house. Got another RV (used) and another mattress from Ikea. We will do the same for our next RV. A good mattress gives a good nights sleep and less body pains. Fred
So true, Fred. I never realized the importance of a good mattress until now. I’m glad you found a good one.
I really meant it when I wrote about pretending this seat cushion is a mattress. In fact, as far as seat cushions go, I’ve sat on better!
I think you’re new here, Fred… at least to comments. Welcome! You now can go into the new year as an official blogorino! 🙂
Sue,
Next time you want to take a photo of a dust storm (doing it very quickly) put your camera in a freezer zip-lock bag first before heading out for that short span of time. hold the bad tightly to the lens and snap through the bag. When you go back inside again, take the bag off turning it inside out very slowly so the dust from the bag doesn’t spread to the camera after you have been in the dust. This also works for rain shots for short duration too. I always carry freezer bags in my camera case. Just a good to have item when you need it.
Great suggestion, Pamela, for future reference. This dust storm was too powerful to risk taking the camera out. The wind could’ve ripped that baggie right off the camera! I got sand in my eyes from behind my glasses!
Sue.
I was wondering about that, sand behind your glasses. I have read that is why so many surfers wear those wrap-a-round glasses. Seems the best surfs are when the weather is kicking things up and beach sand is awful, especially the beaches where the sand is mashed sea shells. When our son was deployed in the middle east his mil-spec t-shirts only lasted a few weeks because the sand was so wicked on them.
Dear Sue,
Just wanted to slip in here at the end of the year to thank you for all you bring to us with your beautifully entertaining and educational blog. Been following from the sidelines while regrouping from a nasty case of gout. Will be interested in how the topper works out for you. I look forward to reading each new blog. You make going to fill up water jugs a learning experience. Want to thank all the blogorinos for their great input as well.
Reggie man sure lucked out when Bridget passed on her Christmas present, but that gives us something to look forward to when you go looking for a replacement bed for her.
I think you are where you are meant to be, doing what you were mean to be doing tho you probably never guessed it when you started out on your journey. Letting us tag along is a bonus for everyone. I have amassed so much information from here. God Bless you and the crew and always keep you safe.
JazzLover
You’re welcome, JazzLover,
The topper is great! No more leg pain… Nice of you to show interest. 🙂
Yes, I’m definitely doing what I want to do and what I’m meant to do. It’s a good feeling! I wish it for you, if you’re not there yet.
Thanks for the kind note.
I’ve been reading through different portions of your blog–getting info about different things like the horns (great idea) and solar power. Then I read about you walking your dogs and seeing the javelina, which caused me concern. This led me to look up the animal and this led me to Arizona Game & Fish website: Living With Wildlife, which in turn led me to Living with venomous reptiles. You are a brave woman! I want to travel the US in a camper too but have often wondered about Wildlife and what I would do if
I ever had an encounter. Don’t think boondocking is for me. Walking a dog out in the shrub is very brave especially with snakes and other dangers. I think I will stick to rv parks–yes I’m aware snacks can be there too–but I figure less likely because of people being there. I enjoy your site and get good information. Love your pictures!!! And like the idea of using a van to pull the TT. Wishing you a blessed New Year and safe travels.
Hi, Janis,
Your comment is a perfect illustration of how fear restricts our lives. I have to respond — for you and anyone reading this.
If you hadn’t gone to those websites and had your mind infected with fear, you’d be happily thinking of all the possibilities that boondocking provides. Now you’re restricting yourself to being crammed into an RV park, possibly next to a rapist, peeping tom, thief or some other creep, rather than by yourself in nature where evil is in short supply. 🙂
I don’t mean to be harsh with my words. It seems a shame for anyone to limit their life when there is so much to savor and enjoy! That’s the very heart of my blog…
Sure, there’s nothing wrong to live in rv parks. Lots of folks do because they want or need electric hookups, showers, sewer hookup, or whatever. Some folks like having neighbors, manicured campsites, a town location, etc. However, please don’t make that choice based solely on needless fear.
The last time I heard about anyone being bit by a snake in Arizona was someone walking on a sidewalk in a Phoenix park. I don’t believe I’m braver than any average person. The only difference is that I don’t let myself become fearful over that which doesn’t exist or is not a threat. I have not seen one venomous snake in 4+ years of frequent boondocking. No javelina has trampled and gored me. One family of javelinas visited our camp from a distance and it was a delight to see them. When they saw me, they disappeared into the bushes.
Thank you for all the nice things you said about me and my site. I wish you a wonderful new year,too, Janis!
Hi Sue, The picture of the horses in front of the aspens is beautiful. It has a special look about it–a special quality. Did you ever think of selling it? You could have copies (lithographs?) made up. That picture really stands out. Janis
Thank you, Janis. That photos is one of my favorites. No, I haven’t thought about selling it. It’s Nature’s gift to me which I pass on to you! 🙂