I accomplished something today.
Early this morning the inverter squawks, lifting me off my seat. I wish it would calmly say in a quiet, well-modulated voice, “Sue? Excuse me. I’m sorry to bother you, but would you please go outside and clean off the solar panel? Thanks so much. You’re a dear.”
I set up the stepladder, squirt windex on the panel, wrap an old rag around the end of my windshield squee-gee, and wipe off the dust. That was a five minute job, tops. Okay. That’s it for today. Quittin’ time!
Talk about dumb . . .
You know how you get engrossed in something online and then become aware that it’s no longer day? Well, maybe you don’t do that, but I have, more than once. It happened yesterday.
What pulls me away from the computer is the chill inside the BLT. Oh, I must’ve left the door wide open. I get up, walk over to the door, open it, and . . . huh? Yes. That is what I did. I opened the door so I could close it.
Dontcha’ just love it . . .
. . . when you enjoy a book and find out it’s one of a series?
I read Sue Grafton’s A is for Alibi. It’s about a female private investigator — light, easy reading. Yippee! She’s written a book about the P.I. for every letter in the alphabet. I’m all set!
When I order a book online and it shows up on my kindle a minute later, the kindle I’m holding as I stand on a mountain, I’m like someone receiving a phone call for the first time. I’m absolutely amazed.
The nerve of some people . . .
Two men and a woman climb out of a white pick-up with “USGS” on the door. They stand on the bridge looking at the water and talk. Then they walk upstream across from my camp and talk some more. They are the only people I’ve seen or heard since Monday and I’m in the BLT resenting their presence. Gee criminy! How am I supposed to be an eccentric ol’ hermit-lady with people showing up like that?
You know, blogging isn’t easy . . .
Not when you have to stop what you’re writing, go outside, and take the leg of an elk away from Spike’s clutches. Or a deer or whatever it was. Lord knows how he finds these things.
I made the mistake of walking up the road today with the crew. I’m sitting here, TRYING TO CONCENTRATE, and there goes Spike, up the road and around the bend, as if he’s got an important meeting and he’s late. Gee whiz. Excuse me. I’ll be right back . . .
As long as I’m on the topic of Spike . . .
Might as well post the obligatory “Soak of the Day” photo. See Spike soak. Soak, Spike, soak.
I never thought I’d see the day . . .
. . . when a trip to Wal-Mart is a big deal. I daydream about it. Cruising the aisles, making my selections, placing the items in my cart, meeting a person at the end of an aisle, the bashful negotiating. You go first, smile. No, YOU go first, smile. Pushing the cart, up one aisle, down another, oh yes, produce . . . all is well with the world . . .
I think tomorrow will be the big day. I know! I’ll make a list!
Well, it was nice chatting with you . . .
. . . but I have to run . . . after you know who!
rvsue
A big THANK YOU for every purchase, large or small, made through my blog! Here’s a look at what readers have bought from Amazon.
Clara’s Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression
Thetford Portable Toilet
Coleman 6-Person Instant Tent
Extreme Orthopedic Seat Cushion
Zero Gravity Chair
Braun Pulsonic Shaver System
What a beautiful day in a beautiful location!
Yes, a beautiful, lazy day. I feel like I’m in one of those low-budget movies where the weather is always perfect.
Opening the door to close it…..is that like waking up to go to bed?? LOL And I suspect the USGS people were trying to figure out how to get you to leave your camp so they could have it all to themselves. 😉
Ummm, Sue…..last time I checked, elk/deer shed antlers, NOT legs!! Certainly some strange animals in Utah…
Ha! Oh, this was a leg all right. Complete with attached hoof.
HAHaaaaa…. nice day … I love it when I make clear coffee. I even have a sip of said clear coffee while typing away then realizing …. sure is weak coffee. I really hate it when I do that. AND I really really hate it when I park my van …. lock it up … come back and the passenger side window is down.
I have three cats … they all bring a chipmunk or a lizard and plop the little thing down on the front step. I’ve tried to save at least three…. I can not stand it. wish I hadn’t thought of it now. oh, that poor little chipmunk… damn! I wish I hadn’t thought of that…
image go away. I’ll think of your relishing going to Walmart … that’ll erase it f’sure… hahaaa… already has… I don’t like it when someone blocks an aisle chatting with another someone … seriously! … y’all mind moving it to one side? please?
BUT the highlight of a recent WM visit was being asked to fetch something for a little ol lady! I’m 5’4″ and I’m usually the old lady asking fetching help… she was a tiny little ol thing… but it really made me feel good. hah! thank goodness it wasn’t on the top shelf.
ahhh yes… image gone and you have a wonderful WM day. why not.
Hi Carolyn… Lock a car with the window down. Sounds like something I’d do.
Well dag nubit, where’s the rest of the elk? Spike chased him off so you wouldn’t see it. Next time.
Maybe it was the last elk on earth… and I missed it.
USGS as in the earthquake people? Foot massage time!
Oh dear…when did Spike start this behavior? Look Sue…I found you a present! Aren’t ya proud! At least he didn’t roll in it! Would have love to seen the expression on Bridget and your face.
The “day”…….like a shopping day…for our friends?
Bridget is becoming so photogenic. Good girl!
Oh, no…. I didn’t mean that when I wrote “day.” I was only talking about Wal-Mart. Boy, you’re hot to do some shopping! LOL
Isn’t Bridget a little canine model, all of a sudden? I think she figured out that posing for the camera makes me happy, and she loves to please.
Fast reading/ no comprehension struck me….
I read it again…s l o w e r…………thank god I didn’t cause a riot…….guess……I am in the mood to go shopping.
Sue bridget is so cute and spike still love the water. I just love your dogs.
Well now that you’ve seen part of an elk, you must know they aren’t phantom creatures after all, hmmmm?
It was probably a prop that fell off a truck.
Hey! Just had an idea. When I worked for the highway department, we had a unit that drove the roads all day, scooping dead animals off the road and throwing them into the back of a truck. Maybe that’s what the USGS people were doing, until a renegade Spike ambushed them and stole an elk leg, and they were trying to get it back??
Good theory, but to put it bluntly, if I may . . . These folks didn’t look like the type that deal with dead animals. At least when I saw them, they looked like observers, not workers.
Too funny!! You were in rare form today…love it!
It is amazing how exciting a Walmart visit can get when you haven’t seen one for awhile. Had that experience in southern Utah after several months. Enjoy your trip!
Oh, the deprivation! I can’t recall the last time I was in a Wal-Mart. These small-town groceries and dry goods stores do have their charm, but they aren’t Wal-Mart.
I lived a few miles away from a Wal-Mart for many years. I visited that store so many times, if an earthquake should topple everything to the floor, I’m confident I could return all the stock back to the shelves in perfect order.
Too funny:)
Great idea posting what people are buying. Though I am skeptical about a tent being set up in one minute. No way!
I chuckled throughout today’s post. Especially about the leg. You’re probably lucky it wasn’t something worse. Good grief! How in heck could he have possibly found that? Maybe he flashed back to his wolf ancestry and brought one down. At least my cats never brought back anything worse than a bird or mouse.
I completely agree with you about reading a new-to-you author that you like and finding out they have a whole series of books. I did that last fall with Sue Grafton. They are light reading but interesting mysteries nonetheless. I haven’t read V yet and W comes out in September.
I’m doing it again now with Henning Mankell who wrote 8 or 10 books with Detective Kurt Wallendar as the main character. The UK has made some of them into TV shows that are on PBS. They are a little more involved with deeper character development but just as entertaining.
Thanks for another entertaining post.
When I was living in subsistance mode in order to save every penny I could toward the purchase of the PTV, BLT, and accessories like solar, I allowed myself one entertainment — Netflix (This was before the ease of streaming movies.).
I enjoyed British tv series (Prime Suspect with Helen Mirren –my favorite!) and I tried the Wallendar shows. I didn’t care for them as much. I bet the books are better, especially if there’s a lot of character development.
I love historical fiction. Thought I’d get away from that for a while. I like the way Sue Grafton’s main character, Kinsey Millhone, describes the people she encounters during her investigations. Clues are woven into the descriptions. You can tell a lot about people simply by watching mannerisms (“Don’t judge a book by its cover” notwithstanding.)
Sue, if you want to combine mystery with a slight historical tint, you might check out Charles Todd. The books feature a Scotland Yard inspector who served in World War I and suffered a bit of trauma as a result of that time. They are written by a mother and son team. I’ve read several and found them quite good. Not as fast-paced as some mysteries (I’m thinking of authors like Dick Francis), but then, you aren’t in any hurry, right? 😀
I did enjoy the Wallander shows with Kenneth Branaugh, but I want to check out the original Swedish shows/movies. I came across them recently on Netflix and hope to watch some of them before they disappear.
Another lovely spot, by the way.
Thanks for the suggestion, Walt!
I’m not saying the Wallender series isn’t good. You know how it is. You watch a series you absolutely love (Prime Suspect) and you wish it would go on forever. Then you look at a series of the same genre and, of course — disappointment! My comment was unfair.
I loved having a subscription to Netflix during that time in my life. I was able to watch all the quality tv shows I missed (not having dish or cable tv), as well as movies from all over the world. Enjoy!
Sue, I didn’t like the Wallendar shows at first either. The main character seemed such a mess and angst ridden after watching the more confident detectives such as Prime Suspect, Foyle, Poirot, Morse. It kind of grew on me finally. I really enjoy historical fiction also but my true love is good sci-fi.
I zone out many a day at the computer. Plus I forget to eat.
I never forget to eat. I multi-task. That’s why some of the keys stick on my laptop . . . too many crumbs and dried coffee between them.
i zone out at the laptop also, and have found a great way to keep crumbs and sticky stuff out of the keyboard.. found an old cheap plastic place mat, lay it on the keyboard.. plate on the place mat. I have a cordless mouse, so can still surf while consuming food.
I can see the day when laptops will be made with dribble protectors like salad bars, so we can eat and type at the same time. They’ll have a holder where you can place your drink and suck it up with a straw, and a place that grips your sandwich, an indentation for the chips . . . 🙂
Hi Sue & Furkids…..
A few days ago I realized I had not received your blog for awhile…. As I delete stuff frequently, I had to google to find that your blog had progressed to a different service!
I took awhile reading all your interesting blogs to catch up with where you are. It is
so good to know that Rusty and Timber are closer to having their new home and all
is well with them too!
Elizabeth aka E2/etwo
I don’t know how many more of my dear readers have been lost due to this confusion. I hope every one finds their way back as you did. You were a fairly new reader of my blog, if I remember correctly, right before I temporarily disappeared. Glad you’re back, E2!
Yes, it will be an exciting time once Rusty gets the okay to move into his home. I’ll be writing about it from afar. Rusty has promised to send photos to me so I can post them on this blog. I’ll also post ways people can give him a great house-warming!
I love reading your blog, but today was especially delightful!!
Thank you, Betty. I never want to write a blog that goes — “Well, not much to write about today. Nothing much happened,” etc. Even though that’s the truth! Ha!
Great photo, Bridge!
Yes! She’s my adorable little sweetheart, always watching me. I love the way she watches my every move when I’m doing housework like washing dishes. She’s such a girl.
Maybe Spike came upon an elk and he wanted to bring it back for you (what a good doggie). He probably wasn’t strong enough to carry the whole elk back to you so….
Or maybe he was trying to contribute to his share of the grocery bill this month. He was probably thinking – “Look what I brought home mom. Fire up the barbie!”
Hi Jeff!
I’m frugal, but not THAT bad! LOL
Actually, the little devil saw me coming and tried to run away with it. He knows when he’s doing something I don’t like. . . which is probably why he’s always sneaking off. Heaven knows what he’s guilty of.
Oh, the Sue Grafton novels are fun! I’ve been wondering for ages what she’ll do when she gets to X! Enjoy!
Hi Louise!
I’m “out of it” when it comes to book releases and current happenings in our culture. Probably everyone knows about the Grafton books and here I am, writing like I’ve made a big discovery. LOL
But you have made a big discovery! Every time I find a new series to enjoy, I feel like I’ve found a diamond mine — and it doesn’t matter a bit if other people have read it before. It’s MY discovery at the moment.
Perhaps “X is for Xenophobe” which would be someone afraid of people who are different from them. Has lots of potential, I think.
You may have guessed it, Walt. There aren’t many choices for X.
Just imagine the money that writer must be pulling in. If she can hook you with one of her “letter books,” then she knows you’ll buy 25 more! I’d describe that as “sitting pretty.”
About the Coleman Instant Tent. . .I’ve owned that tent for a couple of years. I’m old and arthritic and alone I can pop mine up in two or three minutes. It’s a great tent so if anyone is looking for a new tent, buy it through RVSue’s Amazon account. I’m headed for Colorado in a couple of weeks and seriously considering taking the tent and leaving the camper at home because of the freedom the tent offers. Love your new campground. Enjoy it for as long as your heart dictates.
Great feedback about the tent, Carol! Any time you feel like telling readers to buy Amazon through my links, feel free to do so. LOL
I’m intrigued by your enthusiasm for camping in a tent. That’s something I’m unfamiliar with. I think I’d be a little nervous in a tent in bear country, but I can relate to the freedom it must give.
Oh Sue, how I have enjoyed your Blog and photos. We have a lot in common and I get a chuckle out of you and your canine crew. You guys are in a beautiful place with a lot of peace I see, am enjoying it with you.
I’m chuckling along with you, Diane. Life is full of little moments of hilarity . . . like me opening a door in order to close it. I couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
I appreciate that you’re with us. Thanks for the comment.
Those Grafton novels are fun. I know what you mean – when I’m on the road, going to Wal-Mart is not the intensely irritating experience it is back home. It’s an adventure!
Hi Kim… Since I don’t have a “back home,” Wal-Mart is “intensely” important to me!
NOTE TO READERS: I replied to comments under the previous post that came in after I turned off the laptop last night. Very interesting comments from readers!
I know what you mean about the trip to Wal-Mart. When I was working I HATED grocery shopping. Now I go several times a week. Go figure.
Same here, Marsha. When I’m camped near a grocery, I’m in and out of there all the time. When I was working I thought I was persecuted, having to go to the grocery store once a week.
🙂
An elk limb – impressive! Not that I doubt Spike could/would have done this, only amazed since he is not a large dog. Talk about persistence! Love that he tried to run away with it when he saw you. LOL
Well, it wasn’t the whole leg… Just the lower part.
Yeah, Spike knows right from wrong and makes bad choices . . . which is why he should be incarcerated.
It’s so nice and green there!! I like the picture of the trees and the road curving around. I don’t see any other vehicles on the road. I forget how quiet Utah can be.
Around 8:30 in the morning a couple of white pick-ups go by and then return at the end of the workday. I think there’s a lake up on the top of the mountain.
One day some excavation equipment was hauled up there which could be to fix the road. I’m reminded of another mountain we were camped on last year near Beaver, Utah. The rangers came around and told me about a detour because “the road fell off the mountain.” Ah, good times. . .
This is a lovely post. Love the pictures, long to be there. (Well, NOT camped right next to you or anything……I know better. **tee-hee**)
I was given a fascinating book as a retirement gift called “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” It is a research-based book not fiction but I suspect you would relate to it based on things that you have said. The author, Susan Cain, has a ten minute talk on TED. You could watch it and it would let you know if you might like her book.
BTW the comments today are hilarious.
PJ
Love the title! I’ve often held that thought myself. And the extroverts look at the silent introverts like we’re flawed or deficient in some way. Of course, I look back with the same idea in my head.
I would rather read a research-based book on that topic. Thank you, PJ. I’m going to look into it.
I love mysteries…not thrillers…but a good who done it. I am waiting for Grafton’s W. Love Judge Deborah Knott series and SEVERAL others. Beautiful pictures again. Love the spot you have chosen
Oh, she has more books… fantastic!
You must get a kick out of seeing where I go and what I do, Pauline. Not much different from when I was ten, right? Off alone in the woods, reading books, holed up in my room (BLT), talking to the dog, etc.
Have you memorized any Edgar Alan Poe lately??
Speaking of mysteries…If you love mysteries, in general, check out the website Stop, You’re Killing Me. It is an exhaustive list of mystery writers and all of their books..in order! It even has a portion that helps you find new authors..you know, if you like this author, you might want to try this one. Enjoy!
Good to know, Ginny! I appreciate that. I’ll have to make a note of it because it’ll be some time before I’m through with Grafton’s books.
If you like Grafton’s books, you may want to read Iris Johanson, or Sandra Brown, even Sara Paretsky…and Tami Hoag. My wife loves these authors. These are all Who Done It books. Me I like true stories…like who killed Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Bobby and why?
I wrote those authors down in my handy-dandy notepad. Remember those? Pieces of paper held together with spiral wire. And you write with a pen, a cylinder with ink in it. I’m so old-fashioned.
Thanks, Joe.
HA! My granddaughter is in a play and I asked if she wrote some of her lines on “cue cards” to help her remember? She said, Uhm no, I put them in my phone. Talk about feeling old fashioned. LOL, I’m right there with ya on good ole’ pen and paper.
Another easy to read mystery writer I recently discovered is Ellery Adams. She has several books in different series.
I’ll add her to my list. Thanks.
I like her books also.
If you like mystery series, give Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series a try. Anna Pigeon is a National Park ranger solving mysteries in various National Parks. Although there is an order to the series, each book is a stand alone novel. It starts with Track of the Cat and there are 17 in the series so far. I’ve read all but the last as I am waiting for it to be released as a mass market paperback for my collection. All are wonderful, but my absolute favorites were Firestorm, which takes place in Lassen Volcanic NP; Blind Descent, which takes place in Carlsbad Caverns NP; and Liberty Falling, which takes place on Ellis Island National Monument. If I’m not mistaken, the author Nevada Barr used to be a seasonal park ranger.
Another good series is the Joanna Brady series by J. A. Jance. Joanna Brady becomes sheriff in SE Arizona after her sheriff husband is murdered. I think there’s about 14 of those. I still have a couple to read to catch up.
As you can tell, I rather like my books to have western settings.
Oh boy, oh boy. I”m writing these down. For something heavier there is always Patrician Cornwell, although her last two or three were not that impressive. For historical fiction, Colleen McCullough’s Roman emperor series is fantastic and she’s also written a couple of murderer mysteries I enjoyed also.
Hi Donna . . . The Roman empire . . . I’d like that! Thank you. So many books, so little time . . . and I have all day to read! LOL
Hi Cherie… Sound like good suggestions. Thanks. I like a western setting, too.
another series I’m sure you will is Janet Evanovich books, starting with One for the Money.I have them on my Nook, so I’m sure you can get them on Kkindle . they are mostest, combined with comedy, a real hoot!!
I’ll add her to my list, Jean. Thanks.
it’s amazing how many things you notice in a quiet day when you’re aware and grateful! i do stuff like opening the door to close it too; then chuckle about it all day (i’m easily amused]. i vote for nero wolf on mystery series, even though his detective archie is corny.
Speaking of being “aware and grateful” . . . I can see the silver lining in these senior moments. They’re source material for this blog. 🙂
My favorite book is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,( BIBLE ). The next one is RVSue and Her Crew. the rest are manuals
Second only to the Bible? That’s quite a compliment, Rusty.
Well Sue, at this moment in time, I really don’t have the room for heavy books, And if I get more than I have now, they will collect dust, cause I’ll be busy in the garden, the kitchen, and such, and keeping up in the “Word” and RvSue and her Crew. yes God’s is always first, above all, Look at what He has done thru people to get us where we need to be, I thank Him for every thing first, good or bad, cause he teaches thru us all. And no one on this Earth is perfect Yet. He’s the Potter and we are just the clay,,,,,,,,,,,,,sorry for preaching, but it’s true
No need to apologize! I enjoy your comments as I’m sure do others.
You are probably already aware of the free kindle books. I like using this site to sort the types of free books offered by Amazon. I find it easier to use.
http://www.freereadfeed.com/
No, I wasn’t aware. Thanks from me and readers who appreciate this link.
Geez, all these wonderful suggestions on books. I really NEED to retire so I can read half of them.
See Spike Soak. Soak, Spike, Soak. Reminded me of the Dick & Jane books from elementary school. Run, Jane, Run. Thanks for that flashback…LOL
Maybe I should do a rewrite.
Baby Bridget barks. Bark, Bridget, bark. 🙂 See Spike sneak . . .
RVSue:
Just went to Wal-Mart, thought about you! Didn’t buy the rotisserie chicken, opted for Subway. I did buy a clear storage bin to start accumulating stuff for my adventure. Bought the Corp of Engineer map, through your link of course.
The financial part is an incredible resource. Your pension amount is about what I will end up with after 26 years in child welfare. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, January 2017. Thanks for removing so many questions especially about the internet connection, I’m not going anywhere without my internet.
Phyllis in Oklahoma
Love receiving feedback on my blog! Thank you, Phyllis. It’s very satisfying for me to learn someone is encouraged by my financial information. I could’ve used that kind of information when I was wondering if my pension would be enough.
I remember buying a storage bin and filling it with stuff for my new life. It was something that kept the dream alive. I don’t know if you meant the Corp of Engineers campground guide or the Benchmark maps — either one is an excellent purchase! Feel free to continue filling up that storage box with Amazon products from my links. LOL
Ah, pensions. Tennessee just passed legislation that there will be no pay increases after 11 years, no tenure, and no pay increases if a teacher earns a masters or higher. So, when I retire in eight years, I will be making basically the same thing that I am now. Oh yeah; I did for get to mention the 1.5% pay increase I will get this next school year. I may have to get a part-time job to ensure enough savings for retirement. I am not posting this to get a debate going–just commenting on the retirement life in an rv that I desire.
I know the frustration. Right before I retired, our school system started with furlough days. This meant my pension is calculated on years that were lower pay.
Retiring to life in an RV will work out for you, DeAnne. You’re determined to make it work and that counts for a lot!
Ah…time for me to say hello…
I “discovered” you in the summer of 2012 when Rusty and Timber made the headlines and have been reading your blog (the only one) ever since. As with so many other readers, I went back to the beginning so that I could better understand your motivation, goals and challenges. Hearty congratulations to your for your success in living your dream.
I want to thank you for you casual mention of Dr. Dukan sometime last summer. I am happy to say I am now 26 pounds lighter and revising/improving my eating habits has never been easier. The loss is easy to maintain and feel great. I waged that battle for years so the ‘thank you’ is heartfelt.
I, too, await the opportunity to assist Timber n’ Rusty as they transition to their new “digs”.
Regarding books, I wonder if Rusty would consider an autobiography. I know it would be a great read on so many levels.
With appreciation,
Diana (northern California)
Hello, Diana!
What a wonderful message! I am so very happy for your success with the Dukan diet. No diet is easy but I found the Dukan less difficult than any other I tried. Wow! 26 pounds! Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing your success with us, and for reading my blog from the beginning.