Tuesday, February 19, at home in Arizona
Southeastern Arizona shortly after daybreak
“Snow again!”
Reggie and Roger, rolling around in the tangle of warm blankets on the bed, stop their first play time of the day and come running.
“You’re not going to believe this! It snowed!”
Okay, readers. I know, I know. I hear you. Across our frozen, snow-covered land, land frozen and snow-covered for months, a multitude of voices rises up —
“Big Whoop-Dee-Do, RVSue! You got snow.”
Well, you may live in the tundra, but this is southern Arizona. Yesterday I was outside applying stain-sealer to the fence and doing yard work. Yes, YARD work.
I wasn’t able to complete the back side of the big double gate because rain threatened later in the day.
I slide open the patio door and the boys sprint outside.
Little Reggie is the first to venture into the whiteness — such a brave guy!
Brave with a full bladder.
(Sorry for the blueness of these snow shots. No “snow” setting on this camera and I’m all about automatic. Plus dim lighting while trying to catch very brief moments.)
Roger is right behind him.
They take a moment under the Best Little Trailer in order to assess the situation. Then they venture out again.
Funny how the boys must stick to their usual habit of taking their business to the other side of the BLT.
By the way, that snow-covered clump beyond the mesquite tree is a roll of chain-link fencing. Dennis and Gilbert will use it to repair the chain link at the front of the house.
I wait with camera ready for Reg and Rog to come out from behind the BLT.
Revision to original plan . . .
The fence along the back property line will not be replaced. After close inspection we concluded that the fence belongs to the adjacent property. That messy mishmash of fencing (remember the “maintenance lane?”) is no longer in view.
Instead this is the view — much better!
As projects tend to do, the cedar fence project grew in size.
The cost grew, too. To manage labor costs, I’ve taken over staining and sealing the remainder of the fence. I don’t mind the work. It’s actually a somewhat enjoyable activity, being outside in the sunshine and birdsong with my roller and brush while the boys play nearby.
Here comes Reggie!
I can’t wait for the camera to do it’s adjusting if I’m going to catch Reggie crossing the snow at the speed of light.
Next comes Roger!
Roger blends in with the snow. He’s like one of those birds that turn white in winter for camouflage.
(See the Rock Ptarmigan here.)
I hate to say it, but the Mormon tea may be removed.
Mormon tea tree
Ever wonder why people plant bushes and trees the way they do? Oh, and those clothesline posts? Every house I’ve ever owned has had clothesline posts smack dab in front of you when you step into the back yard. This house is no different.
Why is that?
Yeah, honey, let’s set it up so we walk into underwear flapping in the breeze.
Anyway . . .
The Mormon tree’s location makes it difficult to maneuver the BLT to utilize the underground waste tank which is behind it. After a camping trip, it would be nice to back the BLT up to the opening with ease.
On the other hand, I like how the mesquite trees are placed.
Nature probably did it.
Mesquite trees. Gate to maintenance lane (right).
In case you’re wondering . . .
What’s beyond the crook of the tree in the photo above ? That’s a box of tree branches I gathered up yesterday. Eventually I’ll take it to the transfer station, along with other stuff that’s accumulated, such as the huge box the stepladder came in.
The trash pick-up service would probably take it all without complaint, but I don’t want to put an ugly mess out by the street. It’s only a few dollars for a light load at the transfer station. (The Perfect Tow Vehicle is so versatile! She can do anything I ask!)
Snow caps on the 4 x 4 posts give evidence of the amount of snowfall we received.
I planned to go thrift store shopping today.
Gee, I haven’t been in three whole days!
I may go out later. Maybe not. Depends upon whether I feel like clearing snow off the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
Hmm . . . If I wait, Arizona’s warm sunbeams will take care of that project for me!
Not like the neighbors across the street. I watch them scrape off their cars, snow flying into their faces.
I love retirement!
rvsue
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First!
WHOOP-DEE-DO, BRUCE IS FIRST TODAY! CONGRATULATIONS!
I am just amazed at the amount of snow in Southern AZ. I’m in N TX and rain and maybe ice is our winter blast. Looking good, Sue. You are taking so much pride in your home, and it’s fun to watch. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Michelle.
I haven’t checked but I don’t think southwestern AZ got snow due to its lower elevation. I’m surprised by the amount of snow we’ve had. Sure, I looked at precipitation graphs before buying this house and I saw the taller bars on the graph for Jan. and Feb. Still, I thought… This is desert…
I’ll ask a local if this is typical. At any rate, it’s fine with me! The sunshine is back and it’s melting. 🙂
Second?!
Almost! Hi, Annette! 🙂
BRRRRR… looks mighty cold there, in Az no less, we think it’s going to be cold here today high only 56… SC warmer than Az… now that is something to think about. I always enjoy your posts.
Hi, Elaine,
We may reach 50 degrees tomorrow. Forecast says more snow this week. Huh?
I’m glad you like my posts. Keep warm!
It looks like you’re enjoying the snow and coping with it, especially Reggie and Roger. The fence looks really good. Isn’t it great to be able to take your time finishing it?
I cope with snow but I admit to not liking it. I like getting out and going places too much for that, especially since I’m car-free and likely to stay that way until life changes again.
Snow is “fluffy,” so it piles up much more than rain. An inch of rain would be anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of snow. How do I know? I don’t live in the tundra. I live in the southern Great Lakes, where we get rain and snow and “winter mix” as well as sleet, hail and whatever. The prediction for the next 24 hours is maybe a little winter mix becoming snow and eventually changing to rain.
I’m sure you’re right about the elevation making the difference. That’s the same as the difference between Tucson having an inch of rain and Mount Lemmon, which borders Tucson, having several inches of snow.
I’m about due for a thrift-shop trip. I’ve lost a healthy amount of weight by changing my food habits, but I have no shorts that come close to fitting. I probably need to donate some stuff, too.
Hi, Calvin,
You’re right about snow appearing to be a lot of precipitation when actually less than it seems. Good reminder… Boy, you really get it all in the southern Great Lakes region. I can understand your being restricted by ice, rain, and snow. I remember “cabin fever” in New York state.
Yes, get yourself clothes in a smaller size — more motivation to keep the weight off. 🙂 I picked up a pair of pants at the thrift store, looked brand new, got them home and discovered they have flare legs. Ugh. These are big flares, almost bell bottoms. I’ll be more observant next time.
I’ve made some fashion faux pas, probably far more than I know. I’ll admit that I only look for functional factors.
Ha! I’m a walking, talking fashion faux pas!
Cut them off and make them capris!
Yes! Great idea!
For personal and environmental reasons, I air-dry my clothes. Back before people had an option to own a dryer, the reason people planted clothesline poles so close to the house is because a basket full of wet clothes is very heavy. To avoid that myself, I hang my clothes on racks and on hangers. :^)
Hi, Diane,
Gee, I’d rather make more trips with lighter loads. I’m just saying you can put the clothesline close to the house without it being the central feature of the back yard. Know what I mean? Off to the side, people!
I didn’t have a dryer in Florida and did what you do. I soon learned that the humidity was so high that sometimes it would take days for clothes to dry, even with sunshine. Here in AZ, clothes dry on their way from the washer to the dryer. Well, almost. 🙂
We also have an outside clothes line! I prefer it!
Hi Diane, glad to hear you are one of the many people that still ‘ air-dry clothing ‘. The ‘ Right to Dry ‘ has passed in 20 states, however, the Home Owners Associations will still fine us shall we be bald & hang our rags on a line. I hate to use a clothes-dryer when the sun and the breeze can do the same job for free. How I get away with air-drying business is drying in my garage. My 2 thumbs up to those ‘ line-dryers’… Lucy.
We here in lower Michigan got 5 inches two days ago. I love retirement too because I didn’t have to go out.
Hi, Dawn,
The snow is a reminder of the joy of retirement. I feel that way about the school bus that stops near our house. I lie in bed in the morning and hear that weird farting sound that school brakes make and smile.
I need to get away from this computer. Y’all be good! 🙂
Hey Sue….
If you put your sealer/stain in a spray tank it is much easier and less messy (get a good funnel). My fence isn’t nearly what yours is, but it only took about 3 hours for my first coat… before it got cold and wet for the winter. I have another 5 gallon can for spring.
Lovin’ your new place… thanks for sharing with us.
Jana
You’re welcome, Jana.
I considered spraying, In fact, I have a sprayer that Dennis gave me in case I want to use it. Maybe if I ever do this again, I’ll try that method. Sometimes I don’t even use the roller — I like to brush and day-dream. 🙂
Pretty snow and it won’t last! That’s the best kind, you get to enjoy the change but it doesn’t stick around. Doesn’t seem strange to me here in Texas the temperature can drop 30 degrees in a couple of hours or less. Loved the deer in the last post and waiting for some cattle to show up!
Show Low is suppose to get 25 inches Wed-Thur. Glad I’m closer to Holbrook lol! My littles don’t like all this cold weather. Where oh where is Spring?
Snow in Arizona! Rare enough that you can enjoy it, and it will likely melt away quickly. What is probably the same system is due here in the east tomorrow. They say 3-6 inches of snow, then sleet, then ending as rain tomorrow night. We shall see…
My Narnia come again to you too!! We still have plenty of snow yet…melting in low temps does take awhile…but in general, other than the dirty piles beside the roads, etc it still inhances the beauty of this area. Your photos are very pretty too!! What a winter eh? Well, happy thrifting when you find a less snowy day, Sue…heh…have not been in simply months myself. Been too tied up, energy and time-wise, with the events of daughter’s life…still not good. Tis nice to come here for some respite…dogs are great for that!!
Hi Sue! So fun to see pictures of Reggie and Roger running in the snow! I have a funny story about hanging clothes on a line. When I was a kid, we had a line in the back yard, off to the side, in between the house and a line of trees. My mom had hung some laundry out to dry, when our minister stopped by for a minute. My mom looked out the back bay window in horror, telling one of us kids, “Go close the curtain, QUICK!” Turns out, the all the clothes on the line were our underwear! I still get a kick about thinking about that.
My Mom had three lines; sheets and clothes went on the outer two with underwear on the middle line. 🙂
SMART Mama!! Heh!! In the old days, I remember my mom bought some kind of pant stretcher things to put my dad’s pants on so she would have less ironing…personally I felt those contraptions were far more work than ironing might have been…she came to that conclusion eventually herself…ha!
That was hilarious, Dawn. I have a funny pastor story as well, but not laundry related.
First let me say that my dad was in the HVAC business & donated his time to maintain the units at the church and school. When we were much younger, (tweens/teens) my sister and I used to take turns answering the phone and try to see who could come up up with the funniest greetings. One evening, phone rings, I answer “you stab em, we slab em.” The caller stammers and says, “this is Father Hageman, is your father home?” After embarrassment and surprise, gave phone to dad, went to my room, where my sister and I burst into hysterical laughter.
😉
GORGEOUS pictures!! I can see the looking both of their faces! “Gotta hurry, gotta hurry, no time to look around me, gotta hurry!!”
I love retirement also!!!
Good morning RVSue & crew! Weird weather we’re having in AZ but it goes in cycles…I know I’ve lived here all my life. This year I’m glad for the snows, rains, and low temps. Finally, hit the winter cycle and can wear my coat that’s been in storage.
Reggie & Roger are adorable in snow…little button eye/nose showing. Yep, get rid of plants you don’t want and plant new ones where you want them. I like an orderly yard too. We had our house built so I placed the trees…except most died from disease except for the Goldwater pine on west end of my front yard. It shades the roof of my house in summer.
SRP (the utility company) gave me free palo verde trees to line my drive way and other areas they suggested would cool the house. It works…the trees cool the concrete double drive, windows, and door areas. I love it because they bloom pretty yellow flowers, repel desert disease & attract bees and hummers. Last year we had tons of bumble bees and regular bees. I just had to be careful they didn’t build a nest so closely inspected my house.
I also got desert rose trees from SRP that I planted in the back yard. They bloom pretty pink flowers all summer and fall. I planted cacti in planters so they won’t spread also aloe vera. The aloe vera are in bloom now. Most of my flowers are in planters except the front yard has flower box beds.
I have clothes line but it’s around the corner from back door on side of house. No problem getting wet clothes out there…now I use mostly dryer since my kids are grown and gone (they live close by tho). Oh, I’m going to visit thrift store today also.
What am I doing wrong…hummers buz the feeder but not feeding. I checked the feeder numerous times, no ants, no bees, no blockage. I used a store bought nectar…maybe they don’t like that. What do you think?
Hi, rita,
Maybe it is that “nectar” from the store. Try using your own sugar water (4 parts water to 1 part sugar — a bit more sugar in winter and migration periods).
Thanks for ideas on what trees to plant. 🙂
Every day when it’s snowing is a truly nice Big Whoop-Dee-Do for me. Yes, it may go on for months in a row here in central NY state, still, each time I look around and say ” God, that’s just beautiful… ” So, given how seldom and unusual seeing snow has been for you during recent years, I can easily understand your excitement . I enjoy the ways you can be so childlike at times 🙂 . Your last photo in this post is gorgeous!
Thanks for including the link to the All About Birds site. I clicked on the sounds button, and that took me to a page with a short video of the bird “walking and talking”, how incredibly cute! For whatever reason, when I see photos of Reggie and Roger in your yard on days without snow, they just look adorable, and don’t seem all that little. Seeing them on an all white large stretch of ground reminds me of how wee they really are, too.
Beautiful pictures of the snow and the boys…agree with Lauri…gotta hurry, gotta hurry…
It is AZ and all of the seasons are in this state however some areas get only get two, maybe three but this year even Phoenix is feeling the chill. Some of the nieces and nephews are wishing for snow in their Phx neighbor – I think maybe in the far outskirts in the higher elevation of the Valley it might get a heavy frost. I know some are heading up the I17 to Prescott and Flagstaff for fun in the snow. Me, I’m staying right here in the warmth of my apartment though Friday most of the family is heading to Disneyland for a long weekend; family from ID, TX and NY plus lots of friends from other countries all arriving to help celebrate my niece and her wife’s last June’s wedding. Last time I visited there was 1971, I am planning on taking photos to match my ’71 photos.
A Recommendation:
Buddah Board ASIN: B0010TEFFQ
I bought the Buddha Board as a Christmas gift for a my BIL. I spoke about the concept of letting go and the peace it brings with family and friends. My niece gave me my own Buddha Board for Christmas. It has been three years since I lost my spouse and two since our last Pet passed; the Buddah Board has been an effective calming and Zen like experience for me…my sleep has improved and I am doing better at being on my own. Buddah Board has helped me “Let it Go”.
Thanks for the product recommendation, Deena. I had no idea what a Buddha Board was until I went to Amazon and found this one that you recommend:
The Original Buddha Board: Relaxing Water Drawing, Painting & Writing Board with Bamboo Brush & Stand
I see there’s a mini-board, too. I’m glad you found something that relaxes you.
Have a great time at Disney!
This also looks like and inexpensive way to also see if you might like taking up painting as a hobby. I didn’t know what a Buddha Board was either. Sincerely hope this comment wasn’t offensive to anyone.
I thought it hilarious, Barbara!
Looks like you got almost the same amount of snow that we did here in Nebraska this past weekend. It’s good you’re living in a house this winter. I agree with you too that it’s good to be retired and not have to go out early to clean off cars to go to work. Tonight we’re supposed to get more snow and then more at the end of the week. I’m ready for Spring any time now!
hi Sue and the crew, I am loving all the yard shots we are getting. That fence looks great and really jazzes up your back yard. Can’t wait to see what you do when spring arrives.
Stay safe out there my friend. Judy
Sue: Re Mormon Tea tree, when you remove it, grind the stump down into the ground as it is one of those pesky things that can keep coming back. Someone suggested to me to pour a salt brine on the stump. I haven’t tried that with mine; although I am just trimming it back as anyone going up the alley brushes against it. It is a fast grower and am not doing a good job of keeping it “butchered” to keep it out of the alley.
You have had more snow then I have had here this winter (none for us). I just came home from Las Cruces and it was snowing there this morning. Coming home we could see where all the snow falling was, but not here. Was really pretty with sun shinning thru the falling snow.
My Dave went to the grocery store today because it is supposed to snow again tomorrow.
I love the idea of that Buddha Board. I wonder if I’ll buy one?
Your snow looks beautiful. Guess the pups are getting a little more used to it now. It sure beats the heck out of all of our rain and more flooding.
We had a whole month’s worth a rain in 1 day the first week of the month. It rained more last week and this week is going to bring 5-7 inches more by the time it completely stops on Sunday. The most rain on record here is 14 inches in Feb., 1890. They are expecting that we will surpass that. Even with all the hills in our community, our yards look like a big mud pit. It is just gross outside.
WOW!! I am amazed at the amount of snow you have. The pictures are great. I love how your backyard is looking. It is a shame about the Mormon Tea tree but are right…it s in the wrong place.
We have been having rain all day today. The forecasters are saying more rain….4-5 inches by this weekend. Glad we live on a hill!!!
Hugs to you and the Gang
Love you Sister
Hi Sue, your backyard is so beautiful and I know you just have to love your privacy back there.
Snow, don’t even talk to me about snow. We are setting records in Iowa this winter. We have another snow storm rolling in tonight and then Sat. and then again next Tues and we just had one last weekend. We have piles of snow all over everywhere we have had so much snow.
Things are picking up with work so keeping busier. Enjoy the snow while you have it, yours will be gone fast!
Hi, Sue,
What a pretty snow! Whoop-dee-do indeed! I loved the first picture – so peaceful. Don’t you just love the quiet and stillness of a snowy day? It looks like everything was covered with a thick layer of royal icing…nothing was missed. The fence latches, the scalloped concrete border around a tree, even the slanted surfaces of the ladder. The master artist’s work at his finest! Enjoy your winter wonderland! 🙂
Reggie and Roger are just too cute! They don’t want to go out in the snow, but they have crossed their little legs long enough – waiting is no longer an option! Creatures of habit, doing their business in the yard on drivers side of the BLT….don’t want to make a mess at their front door or living room. Bet they were happy to dash back into the house to get dried off and warmed up. 🙂
We will be getting snow, freezing rain, ice, and then rain starting late tonight. It will be interesting to see what we end up with.
Have a good night, Sue. Sending you and those cutie pie pups lots of love and hugs from me and my cutie pie Gracie pup! 🙂
Denise, you insert the cutest word pictures into your writing. I had to laugh at Gracie asking “What am I, chopped liver?” in your previous comment. And here you have Reggie and Roger crossing their legs. Hilarious image!
Thanks for the love. Same to you and Gracie pup who definitely is NOT chopped liver. 🙂
🙂
Hi Sue,
You seem so happy and contented.
Have you thought about renting a sprayer to finish up the fence? Not expensive but will get into all the books and crannies.
Hi, Claudia,
Yes, I have. (See reply to Jana, above). I really don’t like spraying and am not very good at it. Maybe it’s the best method but I worry about control. This stain is expensive and it drips so easily — I want an even finish.
So happy I went to Savers thrift store today…I had forgotten it was over 55 day at 30% off entire purchase. I made out like a bandit. Four paintings of lady bug, beautiful colorful flowers, a dining room gathering scene, painting of cocktail glass with Manhattan written on it, and popcorn painting…so I guess it’s five paintings! A lovely curtain rod, a giraffe cane (for my bum knee when I need it), and three native design jewelry. Also found a glass micro wave popcorn maker (I googled it to make sure all the parts were there) and hot pink decorative vase (for my room). A watermelon solar string lights for the back yard. I put string lights on my clothes line and love it so decided I’d string more solar lights out. Last I found a cute bling tote bag with my initials and a small cross body bag that my cell phone will fit in when I go hiking. Cost of my entire purchase was $26. Yippee!
Wow, rita! Fantastic! Such an interesting collection, fun as well as useful. You have a lot to enjoy in addition to the price. 🙂
Oh, and I meant to say…. You achieved Excellence in Thrift Store Shopping when you found an item with your own initials on it!
Your first photo is amazing! Actually the snow accumulating on the fence and posts are nice as well!
I think the weather all over is a bit goofy! North Country NY is a mess!
It’s a way bit cold up here (Sun City West). No snow but that wind chill….brrr. Supposed to get nasty in a couple of days!
Flapping underwear on a line… hah. Line dried laundry is too stiff and rough for my taste. Jules loves it..but then again she grew up with it! East coast West coast thang!
Three days of not going to the thrift store….Too funny! Look for a Wood saw…with the wooden handle and big teeth. It will take that Mormon tree down in no time!
Mesquites tend to break during high winds..so keep that trim on the top since the BLT is right there! All the Walmart’s up here have mesquites in the p-lot. On windy days there is always a tree on top of a car!
Have you got a farmers market close? We go every week..the veggies are awesome and last so much longer than the ones at the grocery store. We also use Debbie Meyer green bags…started using them back in NY. Anyone else use them? They also have Tupperware like boxes. Amazon has them. 😉
Stay warm…enjoy your evening!
I’m not exactly sure how to recommend an amazon product, but here’s a favorite.
Nashone Wireless Temperature Controller,Electric Thermostat with Remote Control Built in Temp Sensor 3 Prong Plug LCD Display Heating Cooling Mode(wirelss thermostat) .
We love this! No more jumping up to turn off/on the electric space heater because it’s getting too hot or cold in the camper. This little gizmo turns it on and off and keeps our trailer at just the right temp.
Thanks, Pam, for helping me out with a product recommendation. Sounds like a convenient item for RV or home.
Nashone Wireless Temperature Controller,Electric Thermostat with Remote Control
You have had more snow this winter than I have here in ‘the tropics’ of Southern Indiana. Are you having normal winter weather? I love seeing Reggie and Roger taking the snow “in stride” and keeping their daily routines. They seem to be really happy with the yard you have. Great job on the fence.
Hi, Steve,
This being our first winter here, I’m not sure what “normal winter weather” is. 🙂
Hi All! Yes, Spring is coming! Haven’t commented much recently-still very busy selling things and getting ready to move! House has been on the market since September but no buyers yet. It does get frustrating when buyers come to the country but don’t want trees, or wildlife! Really? The weather here in Texas west of Houston has been so up and down. Wildly swinging temps. Crazy! I love the snow pics, especially of Roger blending in so perfectly! We have a wooden 3 rail fence on our property-about 600 feet long. Every two years we get out the stain, sprayer, and golf cart and treat it. It has lasted 17 years, but you have to be faithful about keeping it treated and stained. Stay warm everyone!
Thank you Sue for the high light of the Buddah Board. And for enjoying the comment…I’m sorry if it was offensive to anyone, not my intention. Deena
Hi Sue and boys,
I wanted to recommend a little table we purchased awhile back for our journeys. So far it’s proven worth the cost. I like how the height is adjustable, and how easy to keep it clean it is. Water from rain, or spills bead up instead of staining. It’s 27#, so not light, but sturdy and stable as well as being easy to store and carry. ASIN :
-B003DYZQKY
I’d like to ask a favor, Sue, if I may? Where did you get your Wave 3 installed? I looked on your blog, but I’m unclear where you were exactly, when you had the work done. I’d like to hire someone competent. Second part of my question, is; why did you choose the location you did for install? I’ve read many Casita owner posts about mounting it to the outside bottom of the bathroom door. Would you perhaps have any feedback, thoughts, “do it all over again”, or any other comments relative to the location you choose, vs a different location?
My thoughts are; we are freezing with early morning lows hovering around 30*, and rather than go to the hardware store and hastily purchase a Mr Buddy, I’d rather install a Wave 3 which is what I’ve always wanted in the first place. I want to be able to install it for use with brackets, so that during the warm season, we can disconnect it and store it in the Van. The Casitas don’t have a ton of floor space to set a Mr Buddy during the busier morning hours when we 3 are up and about dressing, having coffee, and putting around. I don’t want to be tripping over some object on the floor. Since heat rises, I don’t want to set something on a precious counter space— No, the Wave 3 is what we want. I would like to order it off Amazon, and go somewhere to have it installed. Thoughts? In hindsite, would you have done anything different? Anything you care to add would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!
As far as your pictures of the snowfall in your yard? YIKES! We know people who went to Rocky Point to warm up earlier this week. They were gone 3 days, and hurried back due to it being so cold down there! We are forecasted to receive 1” of rain tomorrow. Combined with overnight lows of 32*, wind, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at us, we are planning on camping out at the library most of the day tomorrow. LOL!! 😆 I’d have to add, we’ve stuck it out thus far and are pretty hearty souls. But the 3 of us crave some warmth, and by gosh. We are going to find it!
Love your snowy pics by the way! The boys look SO happy. However, the li’l BLT looks cold and lonely. She perhaps needs a campout, or at least a campfire? Perhaps your neighbors would have a squawk about a campfire in your yard? Ha!
Cheers Sue!
3 cold campers.
Hi, Suzi,
I’ll get right to your questions. Our Wave 3 was installed by Chip at Baker’s RV Service, Elephant Butte, NM (my post).
No, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I definitely wanted the heater mounted in a permanent location so as not to trip over it. More importantly I wanted Spike and Bridget to know where the heater was located at all times and it would become second nature for them not to get too close to it. This worked fine.
I had it installed on the fiberglass channel in the middle of the BLT (to the left of door as you enter, on other side of fridge, Liberty Deluxe floorplan). This was the side where I have storage cabinets. Chip wisely recommended that it not be mounted on the bed side due to the possibility of a blanket catching fire. In such a small space, being able to move the heater around isn’t necessary IMHO and I didn’t need something more to store.
When not in use I always put a cover (made to fit it, I wanted white and Amazon had only black). Keeping dust off the heater prolongs its life.
This location worked great. Heat rises so a low mount is preferable. I never brushed my leg against it. It’s like it isn’t even there. I don’t know why anyone would want their heater mounted on the bathroom door. The BLT’s bathroom door’s latch does not hold well. I imagine the heater on a swinging door. 🙁 And how would the propane line be hooked up? Plus, personally I think it would look like an add-on. Where mine’s located, it looks like it came that way from the factory. Small point, yet nice.
With the location I chose, it was a short distance and easy for Chip to hook up the propane line going to the fridge. He installed a cut-off valve. See photo at post (link above).
I wouldn’t be too concerned about finding someone to install it correctly since it’s a pretty easy install (at the location I chose). Any RV Service or propane place could handle it. Of course, be sure to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed at the same time. Chip wouldn’t install my Wave 3 without the alarm. Your Casita already has a propane leak detector.
It is important with a catalytic heater, whatever the brand you choose, to anticipate cold and turn it on before you’re uncomfortable. Fortunately the Casita has walls that absorb and hold heat, rather than all hard surface.
I never ran the Wave 3 while sleeping. Some do. Just not something I want to do.
I hope this is the info you needed. My pleasure to help you get warm! Keep in mind that this is the most challenging winter for full-time boondockers trying to stay warm. Don’t be discouraged!
For anyone reading this and interested, see the Wave 3 at Amazon: Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
Thanks for the product recommendation! 🙂
Here’s a suggestion. Don’t know what it’s worth . . . .
Call Holt’s Shell Travel Center and RV Park in Gila Bend… 928-683-2449.
Ask if there’s a place in GB that would install the heater for you. If there is, you could stay at the RV park (see reasonable fee at website…and have heat overnight!), get the heater installed, and then move to Painted Rock if you want to keep your expenses down (only a few dollars a night) and then move to wherever there’s warmth that you want to visit.
If the above is a good plan, ask Holt’s if you can have the heater sent to them and held for you.
If you can make arrangements for receiving a shipment and having installation done in Ajo, that would be great. If not, seems Gila Bend is the next best possibility to investigate.
Hello, Sue, and fellow blogorinos!
I hope everyone had a good day, and those dealing with crazy weather are warm and safe. We had snow, ice and then rain. Made for a messy day. My usual 30 minute ride into work was almost an hour.
Tonight I found a tick on Gracie. In February?! I have to think that the yo-yo temps this winter have something to do with it. Pet parents beware!
Sue, that was such a through reply, full of very helpful information. Thank you SO much for taking the time to thoughtfully type that all out! 70’s and low in 50’s next week. Who knew?
We woke up to 50* this morning, and I was peeling off the layers about 4 am! Funny how 50* feels warm to us now, but back at the condo, we’d have the heat cranked up to 66* the minute we woke up if the house was cooler than 60*. It’s all about attitude I say!
We need to give further consideration to the location we install the Wave3. Our living/sleeeping situation differs from yours. We have bedding to consider as we keep the bed in our LD, in the made up (full configuration) position all the time, and eat where the other cushions are.
I see where you’re in a situation that makes a permanent mount not easy to find. You do need to get a heater, whether mounted or portable. Desert mornings are chilly right into spring. Good luck!
This is a specialized product but its nice. I have lots of CDs burned to my computer hard drive and I listen through headphones. It makes a real difference to use a headphone amp since computer headphone jacks do not have much power output. I think the best for the money is the Schiit Magni 3 Headphone Amp and Preamp. I have an earlier version. Its still designed and assembled in the USA, which not too many electronics are anymore. In my opinion a decent pair of headphones and a headphone amp give sound as good as $15K stereo systems I have heard.
Thank you, rhodium!
Hi Sue, we want to order one of those Cosco 8 ft ladders from Amazon. When I checked it out, it appears the ladders is not sold directly thru Amazon but thru other vendors. Since you were happy with your purchase and it arrived in good shape, do you remember which vendor your ordered your ladder from? Thanks for the great suggestion, because the 6 ft wood ladder is too heavy and too short now that we are older. You can either email me or answer here in the comments section. Linda in Buckeye
Linda…. UniqueConcept. This was based on the percent of positive reviews. I see that BulkBusiness holds high standing also. Thanks for shopping Amazon from here!