Sunny days make me want to get my house in order.
It’s time to do the laundry.
Before I launched into nomad living, I wondered if I would hate having to use a laundromat again, after decades of owning my own washer and dryer. I know I hated it in my twenties.
Funny though, now it doesn’t seem like a chore.
I load up the Perfect Tow Vehicle with the crew and dirty clothes, and off we go, listening to a great radio station that plays oldies from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
I sing in the PTV like other people sing in the shower.
If Eric Clapton were a boondocker, I’m sure he would’ve sung my version of “Cocaine” . . . “Propane” (apologies to songwriter J.J. Cale) . . .
To be honest, Ajo isn’t a very pretty town.
The churches are beautiful and the plaza is lovely. The rest of Ajo looks tired and shabby. This surprises me because I would think the artist presence here would rub off on the buildings. One thing it does have going for it are the people. They’re very friendly. ‘
Once the laundry is done, folded and put in the PTV, we drive up the road to Olsen’s IGA grocery. I recognize the young lady at the register. She’s not very tall, has long brown hair, and a pleasant, round face.
“Did you happen to find a bag a dog food that was paid for?” I ask. I have a new habit of leaving things either in the store or in the cart in the parking lot.
The young lady perks up and smiles. “Yes! I remember you! Go get it over there. I put it back on the shelf.”
This makes me happy. I hate throwing money away, even if it’s only eight bucks.
The cactus photos are from a walk on Christmas Day.
A beautiful day, blue sky, no clouds, and warm.
I give Rick one of those bells made out of birdseed, because he likes to feed the birds. He gives me a zip-loc bag of shell peanuts.
“I’ve got an aunt in Virginia who sends me a huge box of peanuts every year,” he explains.
We talk next to my Casita under the Arizona sun about Christmases past. We both agree Christmas is best when children are around.
Rick says, “I love children. I would have had ten of ’em if I could’ve. I only had three.”
Rick’s dog Lady, after acknowledging Bridget and Spike in their pen, trots over to a small plant growing near my front door and urinates on it.
Rick is shocked. “LADY! What is THAT all about!”
“Well, I guess that’s her Christmas present to us!”
We laugh. Rick shakes his head and calls Lady to head back up the hill to his campsite.
“Merry Christmas!” we call out to each other.
The many comments from blog readers brought Christmas cheer into our little house.
Thank you! I never anticipated my blog would attract and keep so many visitors. The sitemeter may reach 70,000 by the end of the year! Thanks also to those of you who decided to “follow” rvsue and her canine crew.
Bridget, Spike, and I have been vagabonds for less than five months, and so much has happened! I love this life. I feel like I’m really living.
rvsue
Merry Christmas, Sue and the crew.
I haven’t heard yet about my loft/apt. space and I think that’s good, because I’m going to unload and hit the road even if the house is still up in the air. I think this is God’s way of saying “take the leap and trust” rather than having my ducks in a row before the house sale is final. I’m selling off the living room furniture on craigslist and people are responding to my ads. When the rooms empty out, I think it will get more real…time to move on.
Hi, Pat!
I found the emptying out of rooms to be very freeing. You may be right about not waiting for everything to be wrapped up with a bow before taking the leap. You don’t want a lot of loose ends, but then again, there comes a time. like you said, “to move on.”
Best of luck to you….
Sue, I follow along on your adventures because I am also a full-time Rv’er; love dogs; solo traveler and I love the way you write. I spent a few weeks in Ajo last Winter and you are right – it isn’t a pretty Town – but the surrounding areas and landscape are spectacular !
I hope our paths will cross one day.
I do hope our paths cross some day. I bet we wouldn’t have any trouble finding things to talk about. We have a lot in common!
Too bad about Ajo. I guess there isn’t much money to make major changes. Some paint and clean-up would help though. Even if you’re running a thrift shop, you can make it look nice without spending a boatload of money.
Glad to hear that you had a good Christmas there in the desert. It’s wonderful to have sunshine and enjoy the day like that. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you’re checking my blog, Russ. I enjoy writing it. Well, once I get started, I do . . .
Hi Sue,
Glad you had a Merry Christmas.
And thanks for all the ‘presents’–the little bursts of pleasure we followers get from reading your blog. Have been following it for a while now, and wanted you to know that I really enjoy your perspective on life–and your writing. Clear, straightforward, and honest!
Keep on enjoying your mobile life with your crew, and keep on writing about it.
Richard Pounds
Hi, Richard!
Thank you for such an upbeat comment and the great compliment. I hope you had a merry Christmas, too. I also hope you’ll stick with me and the crew in the new year . . . because we’ll be moving who knows where!
Why wouldn’t we want to follow your blog? It’s is so well written and entertaining and insightful. Thank you for writing it for us. And what a great Christmas present – peanuts. Love them. Nice to have the laundry done for another week. I hated laundromats when I was young but like you, I don’t mind them at all now. In fact I’ve talked to some very interesting people there. First time I’ve ever heard of a propane song. Very creative. Keep it up.
Hey, Sandie .. .
Lots of things that made me feel persecuted because I had to do them, now I don’t mind at all.. . . even enjoy. It’s all about attitude, I guess.
Sweet of you to give my blog such high praise.
Glad to hear you had a Merry Christmas Sue. I follow lots of full timer blogs and try to comment and support other bloggers. I have enjoyed yours in 2011. Give the crew a pat from me. If we should meet on the road, I’ll try to have some milkbones around for them. 🙂
Sherry
http://www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com
Hi, Sherry . ..
There are a lot of great blogs out there. I never seem to have time to keep up with the ones I want to. Your Christmas entry is cute . . . lots of neat photos. It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas.
A bag of peanuts and bird seed. What better, simple, lovely gifts? I love the simple thoughtfulness of it. I love it. So glad you had a great Christmas.
….. and NO wrapping paper and NO ribbons and NO card! Somehow the presents did just fine without it. I hope your Christmas was great, too.
Happy Holidays Sue, People read you because you are so happy with your nomad life. We fellow nomads understand the joy of not being tied to our “stuff”. We also know how you value your companions. You are a pleasure for us each and every new blog is just pure joy. Keep on traveling and sharing. Your compadres in travel. Cindy and Herb
Hello, Cindy and Herb,
Anyone who was drawn to this kind of life and managed to make it happen understands in a way no one else can. I know you do.
What lovely compliments . . . Thank you and thanks also for traveling with the crew and me.
Hi Sue! Well, we spent the day packing our truck and getting things ready. I even gave the Bichon Brothers baths this evening so they’ll smell nice and sweet in the cab of the truck. Then this evening, Margy began to have an elevated temperature… She took some Tylenol and went to bed. Hopefully she’ll feel well in the morning and we can hook up the Casita, load the Bichon Brothers, and head South on Interstate 5.
http://casitadogs.wordpress.com/
Mike,
Oh no! I hope Margy woke up feeling fine this morning. You must be SO READY to pull your Casita down the highway. Every time I read Bichon Brothers, I smile. Best wishes for your next adventure!
Sounds like you had a perfect Christmas. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
You’re welcome, Page. You have a great day!
Nice tip of the hat to JJ Cale. I’m sure most folks have never heard of him but I have his album with the big raccoon on the cover. Great singer. I was fortunate enough years ago to spend about 4 Christmas’s with a small child present at Christmas so totally agree with you and Rick about the joys of Children at Christmas time. It was the excitement I remember. Have to agree with you also about the quiet little town of Ajo. Such a beautiful Spanish flavored, but empty downtown with the rest of the place falling into a slow decline. .We miss Darby Wells Road……..
Al and Kelly,
I miss you guys. Now isn’t that strange? How do you miss people you just met?
To tell the truth, I don’t know anything about J. J. Cale. I think credit should be given to the person who wrote the original lyrics, especially when you’re going to take liberties with the words, so I googled the song to find his name. It’s a great song to sing-along with. . . when I’m in the PTV with only the crew within hearing range!
I’ve been meaning to tell you . . . I love the photo you have for your header now (Travels with the Bayfield Bunch). What a beautiful area . . . Wishing you good health in the new year!
Hello, Jean!
Sounds like you’ve had similar experiences here . . .
I love the song! hahaha! So much fun with the lyrics! I have always said you have a way with words… now you have found a way to improve on JJ Cale’s words. Of course only those of us who spend a lot of time on the road have full comprehension of your words! hahaha! I love your photos of the desert and I am so happy you had a mellow, yet joy filled Christmas! Wish you could join us at Groovy Gritz for New Years Eve party! Plus that will be our second anniversary to celebrate!
See you soon!
I know you two are going to rock the house on New Year’s Eve! What a great time and place to celebrate an anniversary. Rob will probably bring out the bagpipes. Oh, I would love to join you . . . and not just because I love good food.
Add my compliments to the song!!!!! You’re right, Rob will probably celebrate with his bagpipes!!! But you know we’ll be thinking of you and the furkids. We will meet up again, I’m sure!
Hi, Sue.
Love your blog. My husband I are desert devotees and wish we could do exactly what you are doing. We are on our fourth (!) Casita – every time we sell we have seller’s regret, and buy another used one. Currently we have a 2006 17′ SD. Our last Casita was a 2004 17′ LD – loved the twin beds, but missed the dinette, and enjoy the extra window in the SD. We’ve removed the stove and hood (always cook outside), and it really opens up the galley. Have you done many mods?
We manage at least one trip to the southwest a year (from PA) and years ago visited Ajo and Organ Pipe, but are a little nervous about traveling to close to the border now. Also have lived in Yuma, in 1966-68, and Las Vegas, 1995-96, and continue to be drawn back to the desert, but two pretty cute granddaughters keep us on the east coast.
Keep up with your blog – love reading about your day to day experiences, and are so envious and admire your determination to get what you want out of life. Happy and safe 2012!!!
Mike and Carolyn
Hi, Mike and Carolyn,
I enjoyed reading about your Casitas and years spent in the Southwest. There’s something about this area that gets in your heart. I can understand your desire to see your granddaughters grow up . .. it’s a precious time.
The wind has stopped and this week it’s been gorgeous. The door to the Casita stays open all day. No, I haven’t done any major mods. I like my LD just the way it is. I do use my stove every day, although I don’t turn on the range fan because it’s too noisy. I like peace and quiet, obviously.
Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes for the new year!
Thanks for your response. Glad to hear that the winds have calmed down. Our first week in NV our satellite dish went flying off the roof of our house in 55 mph gusts.
Next week we have tentative plans to drive with Casita #4 and our PTW (white Ford 250, complete with a Casita decal on the side) down I-95 and pick up I-10, driving cross country with the goal of seeing Quartzsite in full bloom, but your experiences in NM give me pause, weather-wise. The original plan was to do this in April, but we can’t wait! Advice?
I’m not the one to ask for advice. I’ve only been on the road a few months, and I’ve never been to Quartzite. Maybe a reader will see this and comment with some advice.
Hello Sue & crew. I found you through Frugal RVer. I’m not too tech savvy or I’d leave a link. I’ve been following you for a month or two. I’m a decade ahead of you and sold my small motorhome last summer. too much maintenance and licensing hassles.
But – gee do I miss being mobile! I love your creativity and up beat attitude – doggies included. The wind is just a fact of live in the SW. Hope it will settle down for a few days now and then to allow you to retrieve your sanity.
Hi, Pam!
As I wrote in another reply above, the wind is gone for now and I’m thankful for that! It’s absolutely calm, warm, sunny, no humidity, blue sky, in other words, perfect.
At this point, being new to this mobile life, I can’t imagine selling my Casita and staying in one spot, although the day may come. I bet you do miss life on the road. I’m glad you find my blog interesting enough to keep coming back.
I’m wishing you a great year!
P.S. To make a link, type the address of the site you want to link (It’s up at the top of your screen). Amazingly the computer does the rest!