Camped at American Girl Mine Road

Sunday, December 23

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Some days the words don’t come easily. 

Today is one of those days.  I wrote a post for this blog, reread it, and had to honestly say, “This is crap.”  I promptly pressed the backspace button and watched the words disappear from ending to start.  Believe me, it was a good decision.

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It’s never a good idea to try to be funny.

That’s a way to be sure you’re not.  And it’s also never good to wax poetic or profound when what’s really playing around in the back of your mind is I hope there’s something good on tv tonight.

So I share these few photos.

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You probably have a lot to do anyway.  Christmas is the day after tomorrow, you know!

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rvsue

 

 

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99 Responses to Camped at American Girl Mine Road

  1. Pat says:

    Merry Christmas and enjoy the quiet of a beautiful desert setting.

  2. mary ann says:

    your writing is never boring! i love your wonder at the simple things 🙂 merry christmas sue!

  3. Sue Malone says:

    Merry Christmas, RVSue. Every single one of us probably saw ourselves in your words, only you had the courage to say it, and to hit that delete key! Too bad some of those folks on TV don’t have one of those buttons when they have nothing at all to say.

  4. Pat says:

    Hello Sue! I’ve never posted before but have been following you for some time… Almost done with the archives – up to November 2012. I’ve been so enjoying your posts and just wanted to wish you a joyous Christmas and neverending adventure in the New Year! Know that even though you have not met many of the people on this blog that we all love you and wish the very best for you. I can only speak for myself here but you have given me something in my life through your adventures that is both inspiring and fantastical!!! Because of you I have convinced my husband to at least start looking at going on the road full-time and enjoying the beautiful creation right in our own backyard! As I am not really one for words I will keep this short… just REALLY wanted you to know how very much you are appreciated and treasured! May God richly bless you in your continued adventure!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      How very nice to hear from you, Pat. I’m pleased that you’ve been enjoying the blog. It’s been an incredible year for me and my crew! And I’m grateful for people who travel with me through my blog.

      Your warmth reaches me through your kind words. I hope you and your husband find the lifestyle that suits you best. It’s wonderful that you are considering a different way of living, whatever the final decision.

      Thanks for taking the time to write such a sweet message. God’s blessings to you, too.

      • Marcia and Bella the weiner dog says:

        We all love you Sue and value having you in our lives, even if it is online. Your thoughts, words, photos never seem like it’s online. We feel it, see it, hear it all in our souls. You have brought so much happiness to us, and to think of what you had done for Rusty and Timber is just miraculous. God bless you Sue, and of course the Crew.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Hi Marcia,

          Your words are very kind. Rusty has done a lot for me by being my friend. What I and others did to bring Timber home was what anyone who’s ever loved and been loved by a pet would do.

          It is very rewarding for me to write a blog that people enjoy. Thank you and best wishes to you and Bella!

    • Glenda Cornwill says:

      Very very well said Pat……………..couldn’t have said it any better !!

      • jean/Southaven, ms says:

        me too, Pat. well said. just what I would have said. sue, you are treasured by many, we do not have to met in person to appreciate you. hope it is warmer were you are now. Merry Christmas

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Well, Jean, I’m sure my online persona of RVSue is a lot more interesting than regular, ol’ Sue. When someone who reads my blog meets me, my immediate thought is … well, this is going to burst their bubble!

          Sending merry Christmas wishes to Southaven, Mississippi!

          • Linda Sand says:

            You sound like me. I’m always surprised when people meet me and they still like me. Apparently we have more worth than we give ourselves credit for. I know I get a lot from reading your blog but I suspect I’d like you in person, too. Your warmth comes through in spite of your attempts to keep it hidden.

  5. Oh Well, Some days are like that !!! Have a Merry Christmas Sue and all the best wishes for the New Year ahead. At least its not snowing where you are. Snowing like crazy here ! I kind of like it tho. Very Christmasy.

  6. Glenda Cornwill says:

    No matter what you write Sue your followers will lap it up!! A very Happy Xmas Eve to you and your dear dogs…………love from us here in oz and my canine crew 🙂

  7. Barbara says:

    RVSue, you and the crew are one of the highlIghts of my day, the honest accounts of your life are an inspiration for me. I wish you and the Crew a Merry Christmas, lots of beautiful sun rises and sunsets, peace and happiness.
    Woods n Paws

  8. Rita says:

    Do you like American Girl Mine camp better than Borrego Springs….they look similar in the pictures posted. I’m curious to know if Rick is camped nearby….the Rick that made sandwiches for illegal border crosser/s last Christmas. We once spent a week in Yuma in the middle of hot summer not because we wanted to but because our car overheated and blew a gasket. It’s been years ago. I never explored the surrounding area. While on a job in Yuma, I did venture out to San Louis w/a group of coworkers to eat Mexican food….we found a hole-in-the-wall joint w/one large table and eight chairs who served the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. I was also shocked when one female coworker decided on dental work in Mexico…a filling which cost her next to nothing. Apparently a lot of folks go to Mexico for dental and prescription medicine. Merry Christmas Sue, Spike and Bridget.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Rita!

      Comparing Borrego Springs with American Girl Mine…

      I like Borrego better because of scenic beauty (changing light on the mountains, green vegetation including palm trees, citrus groves, and vineyards), the town is vibrant and charming, a pretty circle in the center made into a park with a thick carpet of grass, restrooms, and a gazebo, convenient and easy to find what you need, shops I like, and the metal sculptures!

      In fairness, I haven’t looked around Amer. Girl much, but I see these positives. It’s conveniently near the interstate and Yuma, which has everything you could possibly want or need, the dispersed camping area is huge, easy to traverse no matter what size RV with plenty of flat spots, open enough that dogs can run around off-leash, some beauty with ocotillo and palo verde and mountains. I get 5-bar internet here!

      Why did I leave Borrego? I was restless for change (I like to leave a place before I tire of it), I don’t like wind and it tends to get windy there this time of year, becoming a bit colder than Amer. Mine, and I’m on my way to Ajo, AZ, eventually.

      No, Rick isn’t here. He camps outside of Ajo.

      I enjoyed your recollection of experiences while working in Yuma. Merry Christmas!

  9. Jack says:

    Let Spike take over for a day! He or bridge usually have some very insightful input. In any case , you have a great blog! Some history on the american girl would be great! Merry christmas! Jack

  10. cinandjules (NY) says:

    We’re ALL here……………………………….every night!

    Merry Christmas to you and the crew.

  11. Reine says:

    Who needs profound when you have pictures of the PTV and BLT sitting in the middle of the desert and the crew gets to roam off leash? Enjoy the gifts you’ve earned for yourself…the ability to be where you want, doing what you want, with who you want. You spent many years working and planning to earn the freedom you enjoy now.

    We’re gonna be fairly busy with Christmas at Mom’s Christmas Eve and then Christmas here at our house on Christmas day so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you and the crew a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

  12. gingerda says:

    I used to have a blog a few years ago and there were times I had writer’s block , and couldn’t think of a thing to write about. I hated the pressure of feeling like I needed to post something. So I ended up closing down my blog. I guess my life was too boring. lol. I think your blog is always interesting and I really enjoy reading about all of your adventures.
    Merry Christmas to you and the crew!!
    Ginger in Las Vegas

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Ginger,

      Whenever I write a post that makes me say, “Gee, what drivel! Who the heck cares about this dull stuff?” I end up being amazed how people enjoy reading about the mundane things in my life. Nobody’s life is boring. It’s all a matter of perception.

      Which makes me appreciate folks like you! Thanks for writing and Merry Christmas.

  13. Mick says:

    It tugs at my heart strings to see the PTV / BLT parked in the desert with the solar panel raised to the correct elevation and the high gain antenna pointed at the closest cell tower. Merry Christmas. YLTA

  14. Beth says:

    We sometimes make such a production of the holidays…when it came upon a midnight clear, Jesus lay in a meek manger. Merry Christmas for all the true reasons!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I agree, Beth. A simple celebration of Jesus’ birth can be more meaningful. My “big production Christmases” are a blur. I remember the simple ones better. Merry Christmas to you!

  15. Anne H says:

    Merry Christmas Sue! It looks very peaceful at your campsite – a marked contrast to the frenzied last minute shopping here in Portland OR – plus it’s cold and pouring down rain.
    Snuggle up with your pups and light a candle for the new year.

  16. DeAnne from TN says:

    Sue, I had the opposite problem today. I baked 3 dozen cookies and a streusel coffeecake. Boneless ribs in the crockpot and singing Christmas songs at the top of my lungs. Good day, but unfortunately, as you know, all those treats will only be consumed by me. And Roxie. Oh well–’tis the season!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Wow! DeAnne . . . You have more ambition than I’ll ever have! Especially in the kitchen . . . 🙂

      Whether we’re with our families or not, the message of Christmas is enough. I hope you have a relaxing holiday. Keep looking forward to the blessings to come!

  17. Ed Smith says:

    Love you Sue. Somedays are just better spent quiet. Merry Christmas. A new year is coming: )

  18. Maureen Hill says:

    Today is my birthday. My aunt said have a famtastic day. I did and ended ny reading your post. Thanks.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s cute! I hope your birthday was fantastic. And wouldn’t you know, I hardly wrote anything on your special day. Best wishes to you, Maureen, and to your aunt who obviously loves you!

  19. Val R. says:

    Merry Christmas Sue & Crew. So glad I found the link to your blog this year.

  20. Robert says:

    I read your blog immediately every time I am notified of a new one and always really enjoy your comments and the pictures. However that being said, what is this with Spike and Bridget running around with no collars on, no leash I can understand, but no collars, especially the way Spike likes to take off exploring.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Robert!

      Nice to know you keep up with my blog.

      Why no collars or leashes on the crew? I want to let them be dogs, rather than just pets, whenever I can. Also… Bridget and Spike, due to their small heads and big necks, can slip a collar in less than 10 seconds (and believe me, they do!).

      I had both of them microchipped before we took off on this vagabonding life. I know there’s risk involved. There’s risk every day for all of us. That’s what makes each day sweet, right? I appreciate your concern for the crew. I do watch Spikey when he wanders, and as RVing neighbors can tell you, I’m often seen chasing after him, running full out through the creosote bushes, even while still in my jammies!

      Happy holidays! (and I’m wondering if you’re the Robert I met at Fortuna Pond…?)

  21. Rattlesnake Joe says:

    The urge to run around nude out in the deserted desert is over powering. Go Spike & Bridget let freedom ring.

  22. Hotel California says:

    I’ve been riding along in your virtual passenger seat since before you hit the road. Don’t worry about being creative or humorous in your writing every day. A picture or two of Spike and Badger is all I need to make me smile. Merry Christmas.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’ve gotten used to being upstaged by the crew. Who can compete with the infamous Spike and the adorable Boo-boo Badger?

      I appreciate you riding along with us, Hot Cal . . . It’s always a pleasure to read your comments. Merry Christmas!

  23. Garri Ann says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue. Thank you for your blog.

  24. Penny In Texas says:

    I look forward to your blog every day, it makes no difference to me if you’ve been on an exciting adventure or just made a pot of coffee and sat around the BLT all day 🙂 I always feel at peace after reading it.

    Merry Christmas RVSue, to Bridget & Spike too! I hope the New Year brings you continued good health, peacefulness and safe travels.

  25. twoscamps says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue.

  26. BAYFIELD AL. says:

    I understand only to well the type of day you had. I have a fair number of those days as well, but usually am not smart enough to just delete them & call it a day. .I recognized your landscape along American Girl Mine road. We spent Christmas day there back in 2008 clambering around looking for big gold nuggets near the old mine sites. Found so many of the darned things we had to leave them all lying there. Too heavy to pick up……ya right:))

  27. CT says:

    I hope you have a warm & peaceful Christmas with lots of off-leash roaming for Spike & the Bridge. It’s 20 degrees here in the Denver area & should start snowing later. That warm dry desert is looking pretty good right about now….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good heavens! 20 degrees and snow . . . I remember what that’s like from my early life in upstate NY. It can be beautiful, especially when looking out a window all steamed up from the heat INSIDE!

      Stay safe and warm, CT, enjoy the holiday, and thanks for writing.

  28. Joe Shryock says:

    I always enjoy whatever you have to say and your pictures, I always look forward to seeing them and following your adventures. Have a Happy Holiday Season…Joe

  29. Toni says:

    Have a very Merry Christmas. I enjoy your posts and traveling with you.

  30. Page says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue. Thank you for sharing your travels with us. I hope you and the fur kids have a peaceful, happy day.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I expect the crew and I will have a good Christmas. We’re not doing much except enjoy each other’s company and the desert. We are blessed to have everything we need and more, plus a new year’s a-comin’! It’s thrilling to wonder what the new year will bring!

      Merry Christmas, Page. I appreciate your comments.

  31. Cherie says:

    You keep it real, Sue. That’s what we love about you. Snuggle up with those fur babies of yours and have yourself a quiet and peaceful Christmas Eve.

  32. rvsueandcrew says:

    Same to you, Linda. It’s always nice to hear from you.

  33. bythervr says:

    Merry Christmas and all thr best in the new year for you , Spike and Bridget. I continue to enjoy your writing very much.

    Cheers,
    Barrie

  34. Bill and Ann says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue, Spike and Bridget. I will save my books for you. We have several Micheners. Nice fat ones. Hope we see you down south. We will be leaving in one week. Can’t wait. At least the sun is out today. A rare happening here on the coast.

  35. Gabrielle Becker says:

    Here in Ottawa, Canada, the snow is 2 feet high, the birds and squirrels are gathering at the three feeders I have set up on the back deck, the tree is tinsely and lit, the TV fireplace channel is on (with Christmas music) and I am making bread for tomorrows dinner at my sister’s home. Santa’s home is in Canada (North Pole) so we have to keep the tradition of snow (that is why Canada is so cold in the winter, ha, ha) especially for the holidays. But, I love the look of your Christmas desert landscape; which is probably what the very first Christmas looked like anyway, right? My best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas, however and wherever you celebrate, for you and the crew. Gabrielle and Penny

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It sounds like a picture postcard Christmas in Ottawa! I can smell the bread baking. I never realized that Santa and Mrs. Claus are Canadians!

      Merry Christmas to you, Gabrielle, and to Penny, too. I enjoyed your comment.

  36. Susan in Dallas says:

    Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you! After reading every one of your posts, I have come to realize that even though I can’t do what I want right now in my life due to my health and family obligations, I can make my life an adventure right where I am! I am scheduling 4 activities a month that are free and out of my comfort zone. My new year will also be one of adventure and new experiences as I continue to follow yours on your blog. I’m with you in spirit! Thanks for sharing your adventures with all of us. Give a hug to Spike and Bridget. I really like their posts! They don’t seem to have any hidden agendas.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s the spirit, Susan! Keep the adventure in your life. I like your plan. I’m pleased you are one of my followers, and I’m looking forward, as you are, to a great new year.

      Well, one small correction . . . Spike does have a hidden agenda… to sneak away whenever he can, to play tricks on Bridget and me, and to always make sure he comes first in everything!

      Just kidding… I appreciate the compliments. Have a fantastic Christmas! .

  37. Deb roseburg says:

    Merry Christmas! I enjoy your blog, great info. I hope to go on the road just like you one day. You are helping me overcome my fear of being a single woman RVing. I’m in Ohio but lived in Yuma for 4 years & loved it!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Deb!

      About fear of being a single woman RVing . . . When you live in a regular house, you set a pattern. A bad guy knows your movements and can take advantage. When RVing, you move about and are unpredictable. I think the latter is safer.

      My advice to all women who hesitate . . . Let go of your fear, avoid all things (movies, books, games, music, people) that magnify terror in women, don’t let others’ fears and expectations set boundaries on your life . . . Be prudent and careful,of course, but embrace the adventure that life should be full of.!

      I wish you the fulfillment of your dreams, Deb! Thanks for writing, and have a Merry Christmas!

  38. DeAnne from TN says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue. I’m not wishing for things that can’t be, but only wishing I wasn’t alone to eat all these calories…um…I mean cookies!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Alone can be good! (You don’t have to share, for starters.) You’re feeling alone because you’re looking at yourself from the outside in. We all tend to do that. Try looking from the inside out and enjoy the holiday. And what’s a few dozen cookies, anyway! Ha!

  39. lynne says:

    Wishing you and your babies a wonderful Christmas…hope you are snuggled in the BLT with a good book. I don’t post too much…but wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and you are an important part of my life. Happy New Year!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It’s good to hear from you, Lynne. You’re an important part of my life, too . . . I wish you happy holidays and new year!

      Oh, and have a great time in the panhandle with your “beloved Casita!”

  40. Susie says:

    Merry Christmas, Sue. Thanks for keeping us ‘in the now’. I am so like your other readers in enjoying your stories. I have slipped out of the family commotion to have a quiet, alone ‘Sue fix’. I hope your day and night are bright. Susie in Destin

  41. carol says:

    ,erry Christmas, Sue,you are never boring, sue,if you don’t have a ne w post, i reread one,second taround is also great!!As for ttv. Sometimes commercials are better than content, especially if they get their teeth into something DEADLY!, it reminds me of Skeezy When she gets a stuffed toy, and it ell her to”kill it”, she almost whacks her head off, shaking it. give the media anise shooting or plane crash, and they’re off and running.
    If you slept in jambes like mine, you’d have something hilarious to write about next time the brat wandered.You’ve heard the expression where Th sun don’t shine, they must’ve had or in mind.I thinking of becoming a snowbird when i recover

    take Sue, and have fun if tou have problem multi-tasking, just have fun.
    try my favorite Christmas song, Marys Bohy Child, sung by Boney M, you’ll love it, not your typical Christmas music, be sure you’re isolated, cause it’s best amped.

  42. Joy A. & Lily says:

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the 3 of you.

  43. PamP says:

    So —- your muse must have left for the Holidays. Mine seemed to have taken an entire sabbatical. We enjoy the photos anyway. Merry Christmas! PamP

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