From time to time . . .
Readers of this blog tell me they miss Canine Corner, a feature from the early days when Bridget and Spike were my crew.
Here is an example: “Canine Corner: All’s well that ends well.”
Writing about the antics of the Spikester and Her Royal Haughtiness was easy. They always provided me with fresh material.
Both had their quirks which I could photograph, such as Spike hurrying to soak in any available water and Bridget sprinting to hide under the Best Little Trailer.
In this photo, Spike is hogging the new canine condo and Bridget points out his self-centered-ness and lack of good manners.
Those two practically wrote Canine Corner for me!
Spike was always up to something and Bridget, his ever-present sidekick, was quick to express her opinion on whatever Spike was doing.
And then there was that boy-girl thing going on. Spike calling her “babe” and teasing her about her butt size. Bridget being coy and sometimes indignant, but never for long.
I find it’s not so easy to write about Reggie and Roger, my present crew.
Every day I speak their voices out-loud in imaginary conversations. I try to convert these “conversations” to the written word and mostly I’m disappointed. Plus, taking photos that don’t reveal our surroundings is a drag on creativity.
Maybe I’m stuck on the dynamics of Bridget and Spike. Maybe I’m still massaging that bit of grief that never goes away.
Anyway . . . Here goes.
Sometimes you have to jump in the deep end and splash around.
~ ~ ~
Canine Corner: “Breaking the News”
RVSue: “Reggie. Roger. C’mere for a minute, boys. I need to talk to you.”
Reggie: “Sure, RVSue. What is it?”
RVSue: “You, too, Roger. Sorry to interrupt. You can chew on that mesquite pod later. I have something important to tell both of you.”
Reggie: “Is this going to be bad news? I don’t like bad news. Bad news is . . . bad.”
RVSue: “No, this is good news. In fact, it’s great news. We’re going to have company!”
Roger: “Skeeter? Skeeter’s coming here? Yay!!!! Skeeter is fun!”
RVSue: “No, no, not Skeeter. Not anyone you know. Somebody new!”
Roger: “Oh.”
Reggie: “A person or a dog?”
RVSue: “A dog. Margaret. Marg, for short.”
Reggie: “Oh, boy! Another friend! Then I’ll have TWO best buddies!”
RVSue: “That’s right, Reg. Marg is coming with a person named Nancy. She’s my sister. They’re coming to live with us.”
Reggie: “Really? Here? For how long?”
RVSue: “Forever, Reg. This is their new home. Isn’t that wonderful? . . . Roger, where you going, honey?”
Reggie: “Uh-oh. I don’t think Roger likes this.”
RVSue: “What? Why not? Roger! Come back, sweetie!”
Reggie: “What’s the matter, Rog? Don’t you want to meet this Marg dog?”
Roger: “No.”
RVSue: “Why not, Roger? Tell me. You always make friends with dogs you meet. What’s wrong with Marg coming to live with us? Come on. You can tell us.”
Roger: “Well, okay. It’s just, uh . . . It’s just that . . . Reggie is MY friend. Now he’s going to be Marg’s friend and he won’t want to play with me . . . .
“And also . . . also we only have two doggie beds. One for me and one for Reg. This new dog is going to take my bed. And we only have two dog dishes and . . . . ”
RVSue: “No, no, no, Roger. Marg isn’t going to –“
Roger: “And then I’ll have to leave. That dog will take my place. I won’t have a home any more. I’ll be a bum again, eating hand-outs, sleeping outside — ”
Reggie: “Rog, that won’t happen! We won’t let that happen, will we, RVSue!”
~ ~ ~
Less than a week to go!
Busy, busy busy! Lots to do! Fortunately, the weather is cooler and my energy level is up.
Blogorinos, I need your help. I’m turning the comments section over to you. Feel free to introduce topics, share something about yourself, ask questions, welcome anyone new, and, probably most important of all, chat with each other.
Your participation is always appreciated and enjoyed!
rvsue
FLASHBACK!
Fishing and RVing, Beaverhead River, Montana
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Could I possibly be first? Surely not!
Congratulations Arden! It’s been a very long time since I was first! Enjoy the elevated status of Numero Uno Blogorino!
Gosh, I wish there were a “like” button or something — it’s exciting to be recognized as first! 😉
Whoo-Hoo!! Arden made first place today! 🙂
Ha ha — I’m so rarely seeing the notice *right* at the exact moment and today I did. Yay!! Then, of course, had to go back and really read the post. 😉 Much fun to watch Sue and her crew settling in and waiting for her sister’s arrival. So exciting!!
And yes, even here in the Salt Lake area, not *especially close* to the fires, we’ve definitely been having smoke-hazed skies for the past week or two. So grateful we’re not any closer and prayers for those that are.
Hi RVSue! It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in! So happy for your home life coming together!
Poor Roger! Don’t worry hon, you won’t have to go anywhere except on more adventures 🙂
Can’t wait to hear about your sister and her decorating heehee!
Hey Sue,
I’m on a streak — maybe second again.
Sue
Third, but hey, it’s still ribbon territory!
Oh, so very close…. 🙂
Hi RVSue…poor Roger, he will see that his bed is not going away, and neither is he! It will be interesting to hear about the antics they get into with another friend, I can’t wait to hear about EVERYONE’s antics…new adventures are fun!!
Hi Sue & Crew
Oh, Roger, you will be OK! You and your bed are staying put. Think of Marg as another partner in crime!
Roger, I have learned that when there are 3 dogs, one gets to be “boss dog”.Who will it be? Maybe YOU,
It will be interesting to find out how the three dogs get along. I imagine that Reggie will get along easily with Marg, but Roger may be a little aloof. Marg may be the tough one to get to know, but you just never know.
You did great in your first Canine Corner with Reggie and Roger, Sue! When Marg gets there I guess all three dogs might not want to share their things right away. They’ll soon realize they may share, yet not have to if they don’t want to though. And there’s going to be more than enough love around to keep all of them happy 🙂 . I’m really looking forward to seeing a photo of them together. Cuteness times three !
Saturday will be here soon, I can just imagine how much you still need to do to be ready. Central NY state where I live has been unusually warm and muggy for quite a while. Instead of the occasional rainstorm with heavy downpours we more often have been getting a little rain a few times a week. As pretty as that keeps all of our scenery it’s hard to make outdoor plans to enjoy that.
Question for blogorinos- Are you looking forward to summer being over and why?
Ah…good question. I usually love our central/northern California summers….but this summer, not so much. We have forest fires north and northwest and southeast of us. I have asthma and this summer of smoky air has been kicking my butt.
I usually relish having morning coffee outside on my west facing porch, my quiet time…time to think of the day’s plans. This summer I have only sat out there a handful of times because of the smoggy nasty eye burning, cough inducing air.
No camping in the mountains for the same reason. I guess this summer has been a wash as far as I am concerned, so the short answer is, I so want this summer to be over.
We have summer, then rainy season, bring on the rainy season!
Gosh, Lee, what a disappointing summer you’ve had. I’m sorry it’s had a bad effect on how you feel physically, too. Like you, I’ve missed doing things outside that had been part of my daily routine for years. I hope you get to thoroughly the rainy season soon.
skipped a word- I hope you get to thoroughly enjoy the rainy season soon.
I am so ready for summer to be over. Had planned to spend most of the summer in the Adirondack Mtns in NYstate. And hoped to visit Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Instead this hot humid weather really got to me health wise. Add my solar system being all screwed up by installer and I have only been camping for two long weekends. Both at vanner gatherings with some old and some new friends. Hoping humidity breaks and fall will be nicer and I can travel even if solar system isn’t up and running yet. Loved hearing from the canine crew, but understand Roger’s fears of being displaced. Looking forward to their new friends arrival.
Gee, Kat, you missed out on a lot! Your vanner gatherings sound like fun. For your sake I hope that the humidity breaks really soon. You’ll enjoy fall and trips even more when your health improves.
I’m looking forward to it ending more than usual. Here in Ohio, I have had several (separate) days trapped inside by humidity’s effect on my asthma, and that bothers me a great deal. I study places with dry climates daily via the Internet, but the wildfires have shut that option off for now. I would have to own a motor vehicle with plenty of money for fuel to be able to cope with that smoke. That’s not realistic for me at present.
Hi, Calvin, I’m sorry you’ve had days of being trapped inside, how awful for you! I know how much you enjoy walking and riding your bike. I really hope at some point you’ll be able to afford to live in a dry climate. And I hope you’ll still be on here to tell us about that, too 🙂 .
The problem about dry climates is that most of those in the USA have ever-expanding wildfire seasons. I don’t want to spend days running from them, as Sue has had to do at least once.
As we really have had a pretty wet summer in W. Mass, I guess I am just ambivalent about it being over. With no real spring to speak of, rainy past few months, hope full for a better fall but do not wish winter to get here for a long time. The lush greenery is beautiful, soothing to the eye and the wildlife love it. Some good came of all the rain, wish they had it in the west to help with the fires. Prayers for all the fire personnel fighting them, and safe return for all.
Hi, jazzlover, I don’t want winter, or fall, to come any sooner than usual either. I really am enjoying the lush greenery and some things we do more often just in summertime. I’m looking forward to too many things this summer to wish it away.
For me, the summer of 2018 will be known as the “Lost Summer”. The planned activities for enjoying retirement have been temporarily delayed for the last ten months due to health issues and the deaths of my parents. My “Lost summer” has been spent away from home handling estate details and preparing Mom & Dad’s house for sale (disposing of 65 years of “stuff”!). These activities have consumed my time the last six months; it has been like a full time job. I know many blogorinos have shared these same type of life events recently, I am not unique in this situation.
So, to answer your question, I am waiting for summer to be over and my estate duties completed. My health is improved. Legal items are ticked off the pending list. The house is under contract & scheduled to close 8/31. I’ll be able to return to my home. Recreational time is approaching, husband & I are scheduled for multiple extended camping trips in our new-to-us Scamp 16′ October thru February. We are ready to go exploring !
Hello to Sue and crew, your reunion date is fast approaching. Enjoy !
D.
I’m sorry for your loss of your parents. You have dealt with a lot these past ten months, DeeDee, and continue to do so. Best wishes on the sale of the house.
Good to hear your health is improved and you have camping trips planned with your “best little trailer.” You deserve a change of scenery in which to relax and recuperate from the past year.
Thanks for writing. 🙂
DeeDee, I am so sorry for your loss. Take good care of yourself. *hugs*
Oh Dee Dee, I can relate to the interruptions in our own plans that the needs of parents and estates bring on. I hope you have a chance to get out in the green soon and breath deep.
Hi you three,
I’m sure Roger will stop worrying once he meets Marg. He shouldn’t be insecure about Sue’s love and I’m sure Reg will get that through to him after all Reg didn’t suffer when Rog was brought in. I just hope they all get along. Mine were fine until I brought a bichon into the family. I’ve broken up more fights that I can count and I’m so tired of all the growling that occurs. But I love them all.
Enjoying some slightly cooler weather in Canada for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to hearing about the introduction of Marg and Nancy into the family.
Nora, I don’t know if it will be any consolation, but my dog trainer (actually my dogs’ dog trainer – lol) told me that growling is just a dog’s way of giving a warning and that dogs can usually work it out among one another.
I agree with the dog trainer. We have four (two are my son’s) we have three poms and one aust shep. So we are constantly telling them to knock it off. But they all love one another and the growling doesn’t last. Of course the heavy weight rules the roost!
The things that will really be interesting to ME are like the first time Sue takes the BLT and her ‘boys’ on the next trip! Since we don’t yet know “Margaret”, we can imagine that either the boys will think it’s ”a boy’s only trip”, or else they will ponder the reasons whether or not “Marg” should be a ‘camper’!!
*Canine Corner* should be a REAL TREAT, if not a REAL TWIST when Marg arrives on the scene! Perhaps Nancy & Marg will want their own *N&M Corner* sometimes! Sue will have plenty of ‘fodder’ for the blog, and everyone will have a new learning curve! I can’t wait til it all begins to unfold!!
(“Dear Nancy, Don’t hesitate to “weigh in” on things so we will know both sides of the stories!!”)
This is exciting!! Hurry up!!
Well Becky I’ll bet there will be a lot to do once Nancy, her son and Marg arrive, getting things where they want them to be and a myriad of little things you don’t think of until it’s time to include them along with everything else. Wouldn’t hold my breath on a N&M Corner too soon. They all may want a nice rest after settling in. But, one never knows.
Dear R&R: Sue did a very good job of teaching you two to write and I hope we hear more from you and what you think of Marg when she arrives. Remember there are two of you boys and only one of her – Sue did tell you Marg is a girl, didn’t she? So, you will need to be gentlemen – that means gentle! No teasing, no nipping, no bad language, and definitely no lifting your legs and peeing on her. On the other hand, in the total dog/human mix, you boyz will be outnumbered by the ladies: Sue, Nancy and Marg. This means you may have to lay down the law in some areas, such as who gets to answer the door, bark at the delivery men, and for absolute sure – who gets first bites at the rotisserie chicken. Establish the rules early on and everyone will get along just fine. And if the girls get out of hand – just push the toilet seat up!!!
Hilarious, Cynthia! LOL! 🙂
” No lifting your legs and peeing on her”, That’s priceless Cynthia, thanks for the huge chuckle.
I like Reggie’s and Roger’s “voices.” From what I know of them, those voices fit very well.
I understand that Roger’s voice comes from his background. I share enough of that to understand. I appreciate your patience with his fears and what not. It takes time for some of us to trust people.
Or, to pull the rug out from under you just when you are feeling safe. Yeah. I could identify with those anxieties, Roger.
Sue. You did a really nice job of Canine Corner. I cannot wait for your sis and Marge to show up. You will have lots to write about then. It will take you a few days to get yourself re-organized and used to living with another person. Won’t be like you can just walk down the road to your own BLT and visit another day.
I see lots of readers have had complaints about the western fire smoke. Us, too. Even though the fire season in MT has been light, we are getting a lot of smoke from the CA fires. I cannot imagine what Lee has had to go through, being so close. It’s a devastation. Our church community has all of the Californians in our prayers. Just to let you know. To respond to weather’s inquiry: Nope. I am not ready for summer to end. Although when we camped up the East Rosebud Creek last week, it was pretty smokey. It was wonderful to be out among the narrow leaf cottonwoods and the fast moving water. It was wonderful to just lie beside my hubby and share thoughts without interruptions or nagging obligations. This week it is back to the foundation repair on our house. A task that will be completed by the end of the month. Cross fingers. Take care, BLOGORINOS and Sue.
What a lovely description of your camping last week, Diann. I so glad you and hubby had a chance to get away and enjoy that.
Thanks, weather. It is an added value to this blog that you are willing to step in so graciously. We are fixing up the home to sell it. We are torn between putting the equity from the sale into a used Class C or a down payment on a condo in a nearby big city. There are pros and cons to each. We have always been dreamers and we are in good health. My husband is 78 and I am 70. We have always thought “young” and have never been bogged down by creed nor “things”. Just want to live: respect the bees, birds, and everything natural. Maybe you could pose a question to the rest of the Blogorinos about this dilemma and a consequent decision. I would find their advice fascinating!
Hi, Diann, hopefully Sue is able to get enough done this week to be ready, and can just enjoy her reunion with Nancy on Saturday. Fortunately I had no commitments on Monday so had time to spend here with blogorinos. Today through Friday a few appointments will be occupying a lot of my time. I look forward to seeing what you and hubby decide to do after the sale of your home. I’m happy for you to have such nice options available.
We have worn out our outdoor mats. RvSue what do they call the one you got? It seems to have held up well. Thanks for the information.
Hi, Linda, I’ll try to help until Sue is available. Click on any item in the list above of products recently purchased , then type B004303ZGY into the Amazon search box. The reversible mat that will appear is the one I’m fairly certain Sue has.
Thank you.
Thanks from me, too, Weather.
Those boys are their own delightful characters for sure :-)) I can understand Roger’s concerns have having his wonderful new life disrupted, but I bet Marg will be good for them both!
It’s almost time!!
Hi, Sue,
You did a wonderful job on this Canine Corner installment! I think it is normal (at least for me) to still grieve for pets that have gone to Rainbow Bridge. That empty spot in your heart never goes away, despite having and loving new furry-faced companions.
Once Reggie, Roger, and Marg realize that there is plenty of love, attention, and rotisserie chicken to go around, all will be well. No need to be worried, dear little Roger! What lucky doggies! Having two pals to play with and help guard the house! 🙂
Good luck with getting the to-do items crossed off your list. Oh, the anticipation and excitement!! 🙂
Thank you for the flash back post and pictures of Spike and Bridget. Those little characters stole our hearts. 💕
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. 🙂
May Nancy and your nephew have a safe trip home. 🙂
Hi, weather,
We, too have had high temperatures with the stifling humidity. In my neck of,the woods, we have been getting lots of extended storms with heavy rain, thunder & lightning, damaging wind, flooding, and sometimes hail, too. Sunday night it stormed for over 2 hours, at the rate of 5” of rainfall per hour! Another heavy storm is rumbling through as I type this. I don’t really mind the storms, but they bother Gracie pup. She gets frantic. She feels most secure in her crate, it gives her a bit of comfort. Do your animals get stressed from storms?
This morning, there was a heavy layer of fog. Perfect Halloween atmosphere! 🙂
I am ready for the hot, humid, rainy summer to be over! I look forward to the crisp Fall days and the color show of leaves. One tree in my backyard is starting to change to a golden color…just a couple leaves so far. Bring on the sweater weather! 🙂
Have a good evening, weather! Sending you a *hug* 🙂
5″ of rain per hour, Yikes, Denise, that’s intense! During this last month we only had a couple of storms strong enough to have trees crash and knock the power out. When it was over I was driving and came upon a man directing traffic where a live power line had fallen. He said the police and repair crew were on the way and had me drive under the line because my car would fit without touching it. That was a first for me.
Poor Gracie pup, I’ve had dogs panic during storms before so know how hard that can be for them, and for you. I just have two cats now, if they are sitting by a window and hear thunder they just scamper to a nice safe place near me and easily settle down right away. I, too, am looking forward to autumn’s beauty and being able to wear all the clothes that I have for that season.
Hugs to you ,too, N’nite.
A live power line down – that is scary!
Denise, check out something called the Thunder Shirt, Amazon carries it. It is for dogs with anxiety, those afraid of thunder and loud noises and the like. Maybe it will work for Gracie.
Thank you, jazzlover! 🙂
Denise, If you get one let us know how Gracie makes out with it down the road.
Will do! 🙂
Hi Sue, I think you gave Reggie and Roger wonderful voices in Canine Corner. CC was always one of my favorite things about your blog and I’m glad you brought it back!
Well, Sue, likely you already know this…but we have often had 2 dogs at a time…and at a few times had 3…somehow having the 3rd dog makes different dynamics…it may need some extra adjustments there…but having 2 humans should even things out I would think. Especially if all the dogs are social and happy dogs. I hope all the adjustments for everyone go well!!
These boys are well-behaved. Every dog they have met on the road they worked out the canine hierarchy with little to no problems. The great thing about dogs they live in the moment. When Marg shows up, have everyone on their leash as when out on the road. Let the appropriate butt sniffing ensue and it will all be fine. Granted Nancy and Sue must not let their anxiousness show. Relax and everyone enjoy each other. Looking forward to the new dynamic Nancyand Marg will bring. Excited! Won’t be long now!
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!
Love to see you connecting with each other. Thank you for keeping my blog alive while I’m elsewhere and for being excited and happy for us.
Tomorrow (Wed.) Nancy, Frank, and Marg begin the journey from southern Florida to southern Arizona!
Lots of changes ahead!
What has been the biggest change in your life? Do you have a change planned for the future? Are you happy with where and how you are living now? Why or why not?
Feel free to strike up a conversation here on a topic of your choice. 🙂
Wishing you well and happy,
Bye for now,
Sue
It sounds like all of us are excited about the arrival of Nancy and Marg. I just know they will be “fodder” for more stories from Sue, and hopefully, from R&R too. Shall we all say a little prayer that they have a safe journey from Florida to Arizona?
I am a little melancholy today – later this morning I take my DIL and oldest grandson (18) to the airport to send him to college in Colorado. My DIL will get him all settled into his dorm and then come back home later in the week. I babysat him every Friday from the time he was about 3 months old until he started school, and as he got older, he and his brother rode their bikes over to my house almost every day after school for snacks and homework help. We are super close, and while I want him to go away to school and continue to grow as a man, I know I am going to miss him terribly. He sat next to me in church on Sunday and kept patting my knee as I sobbed through the entire service, and later came over for dinner and reminded me that he would need plenty of my homemade beef jerky to get him through late-night study sessions. Has anyone else had a hard time letting go of their grandchildren? In some ways, this is tougher than when my son left home … 🙁
Hi Cynthia. I’m sorry that this next stage is so hard for you. What a gift you and your grandson have had with all the time together. That bond will stay strong. I know that you must be very important to him. Take heart!
Thank you Dawn, I know you’re right.
This must be oh so hard, Cynthia, but how blessed you are!! I hope your grandson will always stay close in the years to come. We love our grandkids too but most of them we rarely see…well, being a continent away is hard. But even when we lived close, one parent was not comfortable with us seeing much of them. So I guess life holds hard places, no matter what side of the fence one finds themself too. Best wishes in your adjustments!!
Elizabeth, that must have been very hard not to see your grands as often as you’d like. I have a dear friend you had (and still has) a similar problem with her DIL and it has broken her heart many times. I am blessed to have a DIL who has been more than generous in sharing her children with us – she once said, “the more people who love my kids, the better.” I think children do benefit from having a circle of love and support around them and there are often kids who don’t have grandparents living nearby. Maybe you could share some of your love with children living near you who don’t have grandparents close by.
Well, thanks Cynthia…we currently are living a mile from another child who has 2 children which we help out with a lot. But of course, we miss the others too, you know. So much of life I have found that there is nothing to do but just accept and go on with your life. How lovely that your DIL understands what is good for the children!!
Dear Cynthia, I am sorry for your loss. It will take you a long time to adjust since your grandson is so far away. You are right. These are his first steps in becoming a man, a big, strong being you had no idea he would grow into when he was a tiny child so many years ago. It’s hard, no matter who you have been in that child’s life: mom, dad, GMa, GDad, etc. It’s a grief thing. Give yourself time to find balance again. Perhaps, it’s goodie boxes you fix up and send on a regular basis. There’s always the telephone and of course Facebook if that is in your lives. Godspeed, Cynthia.
Your grandsons are so blessed to have you as their Grandma, Cynthia. Having such a close relationship is truly a treasure. Things may change, but that special bond will never be forgotten. I am sorry that you are feeling down: I understand. Sending you a **hug**
Does anyone know how Rusty is doing?
Hi Sue! Thanks so much for the Canine Corner! I always enjoy hearing what the boys have to say. As for changes….unfortunately someone made a nasty change for me yesterday as they stole my wallet from my desk at work and then cleaned out my checking account! It was quite the roller coaster yesterday. Although this is painful, I try to remember that most things will be replaced, including the lost money. It’s not a bad medical diagnosis. No one died. So, although quite aggravating and time consuming, things could be much worse.
As for Weather’s question about summer. The thing that I like best about the summer is the long days of sunlight. I LOVE the sunlight. Winter wouldn’t be so bad for me if the days weren’t so dark.
I’ so sorry to hear about the thief in your office – that must make you feel very betrayed. Thank heavens you’ll be able to make a recovery, and hopefully the thief gets caught. Are there any security cameras where you work?
Thanks Cynthia. No, no cameras.
Oh, no! That is awful, Dawn. Yes, there are worse things, but yesterday your sense of security was violated. I am so sorry. Sending you a *hug*
I hope the police are able to find the &$@%*!
Have you run into forest fires out there?
People, our kids, etc ask us what our plans are? As one RVer I read once said, “all plans are made in jelly.” Flexible is the name of the game. At this point in life one part of me wishes we had a home of our own, etc. but on the other hand if we had, we likely would not be here with this daughter and her kids who still need us badly. It is SUPER expensive here so we may always rent, though we in ways wish otherwise. But there is one thing about renting…tis easier and quicker to move when you decide to do so. We never expected to be living here, but it is beautiful and often we remark to each other how nice it is to be living in a virtual forest. I have always loved the “mountains” and though we are not much above sea level…it is forested and green is good!! Whatever we might acquire now is certainly temporary at our ages anyway!! Tis good to be happy wherever we find ourselves isn’t it, Sue and blogerinos?
Absolutely, Elizabeth. I am in a dilemma recently. After we sell our home, do I put the equity into a Class C and travel to wonderful green places and our kids’ homes in states far away, or do I use it as a down payment on a condo in a nearby large city? Hmmmm. I have missed so much of our grandkids’ lives already living 1500 miles away. They have gotten along without us so far, but, I think I would love to enjoy seeing the volleyball matches our granddaughter in Kansas competes in and the dance recitals and softball tourneys our granddaughter in Iowa competes in. I am pretty torn.
This decision is personal, of course, so don’t let us make it for you. I have input, though. I have been going through a similar dilemma, and have almost concluded that grandchildren are my deciding factor.
Yeah. I will go with whatever the moment dictates. The house sale has to come first, then it’s on to the choice. You are right. It is too personal to put on others.
Wise words, Calvin. The grandkids have always been our deciding factor. Twice we have decided to stay put near them when we really would have loved to go elsewhere. But when my mother was widowed when I was three, we moved next door to my nana – she had a huge influence on my life and I think is a large part of who I am today. Sometimes, it does take a village!
Well, I can say that one set of my grandparents made ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world for me…every day I had with them was precious to me and I miss them so. So if you can find a way to live closer to yours, I think it would be a good thing. Well, at least if their parent is a daughter to you…I have not found it possible to please the in-law children, unfortunately. (Other than to go away).
So true, Elizabeth! As the saying goes, “Bloom where you are planted.” 🙂
Diann, maybe there is a halfway point between the IA and KS grandkids to have as your home base? Maybe rent for 6 mos to make sure you like the area before committing to buying a condo? Good luck with your decision – it is a tough one….
If I was able to work remotely, I would strongly consider moving to be near one of my sisters, BIL, and nephew #1 & #2. Now that nephew #1 is married and has the new baby twins (my “little peanuts”), it is terrible not being there to help them out and to create a close bond with the babies.
“What has been the biggest change in your life? Do you have a change planned for the future? Are you happy with where and how you are living now? Why or why not?“
Gee, those questions open up a plethora of emotions. Three years ago, went working at a nursing home , I fell, while walking across my office. I was unit secretary. Breaking my right femur, right knee, and left shoulder. First broken bones ever! It’s been 3 yrs. Bones healed but walk with aid from cane. Things in that right leg have never really come back after two surgeries. Getting around is difficult. It is what it is! Giving in has never been my style. I continue to work that leg and I believe by sheer will one day I will be able to walk better!
Now, enough of that dribble. Being not and to navigate as I used too, I started to do my art again. Painting has always been so therapeutic for me and I love it. My dining room, living room and computer room have filed up with my art. Big changes coming, tomorrow and Thursday, the guys are coming to turn my screened in patio to a four seasons room. MY NEW ART STUDIO!! In the next month or so I will start teaching. Yeah! 👏👏👏 I, definitely, am not happy with my mobility but I will never give in to it. I do drive, so I can get out the house. Thank God for drive throughs and Amazon.
Rock on, Harriet! A new art studio! How exciting! What medium do you paint with? Oils? Watercolors? It is wonderful that you will be sharing your talent with others by teaching. 🙂
Mostly, I work in oils and watercolor and charcoal pencils as well.
Not and abstract painter, the more details the better. Watercolors are such a challenge but so rewarding.
I am not a professional but I have skills. Would like to show people who think they cannot painting how to relax and have fun and end up with a painting they love.
Your class sounds like it will be fun! 🙂
What an inspiration you are. Needed that this morning. Thanks.
Hi Harriet! Good for you in not letting that leg hold you back! I’m a successful project manager by day and an award winning artist by night! As for my future plans, well, in 4 years I will be retired (who knew it would come up so fast), and then I will paint full time. One of my retired goals is to be an artist in residence at a national park. A couple of my fellow local artists have done it, one at Zion and the other next month at Yellowstone.
Hi Sue
Took the plunge and rescued a little female dog. So far she and my other little guy smell each other, growl a lot and actually chased each other in the RV today.
They aren’t nearly as colorful and talkative as Reggie and Roger though.
Her name is Lucy and she joins big brother Toby.
I read your blog to them. They look at me like “what? Who is Roger and Reggie?”
Lmao
Have a wonderful day – love your blog. Thank you.
Congratulations Carin: You have done a wonderful thing!!! I’m sure it will take Lucy and Toby only a few days to sort it all out and become best of friends. I have a rescue “Lucy” too – named after my mom, and a rescue pitbull, Sammy. I wish Sue had a way for all of us to share pics of our furballs!
It’s a proven fact that people who talk to their dogs are highly intellectual! Count me in with my Maggie and Mica. They seem to listen too.
My name is Carin and I am 67 years old. I am on my maiden voyage traveling alone (with 2 doggies) in a 30′ travel travel pulled by my suburban. ( no I haven’t named them yet – any ideas?).
I left Oregon on July 17th and am now in Sierra Vista, AZ. I plan on staying around Tucson and then slowly heading west to Yuma to meet friends there in October.
So far I haven’t hit anyone or killed anyone so I guess I’m okay.
I’ve had a few what the hell moments, but have either googled it or figured it out myself.
Any helpful hints or ideas are most definitely welcome.
Hi Carin! More power to you! I still live in sticks and bricks, so I have no hints for you. However, you are doing what I dream of. So YOU GO GIRL!
Ahmen!
Wow! Good for you! I love your “what the hell moments”. We have that too and we’ve been traveling for over 20 years, so it happens.
As for naming your rig, gosh I don’t know. We have a Bighorn fifth wheel and a dually pickup to tow it, and we haven’t named them, but my husband has affectionately named his Volvo, Greta!
Hi Carin, Good for you ! You can do anything with the right mindset, google and YouTube. Take your time and enjoy, stay in the right lane and drive at your own pace, above the minimum speed that is. You can learn a lot about towing and camping by going back into the archives on Sue’s blog. Avoid towing in high winds; I stay put in heavy rain and rush hour traffic. Although I must admit that traffic jams are almost fun now. I just smile and wave those tense, in too much of a hurry people on in front of me and laugh/smile.
Hah Canine corner is back! No worries Rog…..everything is going to be just fine! Had to laugh about the peeing on her comment! 🙀 I don’t think Marg or Nancy would be fond of that! Safe travels for both. Does Nancy read your blog?
Your anticipation is soon to be a reality! Relax for a minute and have a smoothie me time moment. You’ve been going balls to the wall.
Enjoy
I have missed Canine Corner. Roger you will never be homeless again! You have an Aunt and a cousin coming! BTW how is Rusty and Piper doing? Regarding summer glad fall is coming. I detest the hot summer of Az. Come on fall!