Saturday, February 7
Bridget and I didn’t move camp as I said in the previous post.
I should know by now not to tell you what we’re going to do, because I really don’t know what we’re going to do until right before we do whatever it is we end up doing. (Feel free to reread that sentence slowly until it makes sense.)
We’re still camped along Ogilby Road.
With good reason. My decision to move camp was a reaction to a day of traffic in Yuma. Once I returned home and became rational again, it occurred to me, through the urgings of a few commenters to this blog, that I should take advantage of Yuma’s ample selection of RV service businesses.
That would be the adult thing to do.
I realized I should make an appointment for the refrigerator to be serviced, instead of childishly screaming out the window of the Perfect Tow Vehicle while racing across the desert for the purpose of putting as much sand as possible between us and Yuma. (Again, a re-read might be necessary here.)
Hummingbird Bob (you know, the guy who camped here, the one who took those incredible hummingbird photos) had some maintenance work done at a place called Sun Bum RV and he was happy with them. Bob found out about Sun Bum from a recommendation given to him by Starlight Solar. (I had solar wiring done there a few years ago.) The name “Sun Bum” does not inspire confidence, but these recommendations do.
I have an appointment at Sun Bum RV for Monday at nine o’clock.
The Best Little Trailer’s refrigerator will be checked and cleaned. More about that after the appointment.
About the photos in this post . . . .
Four miles west on I-8 is a very convenient rest stop near the Gordon’s Well Dunes area that has trash dumpsters and a drinking water spigot. This availability of water allows me lavish use of water around camp that I wouldn’t have otherwise, being boondocked in the desert.
For instance, I can wash out a few clothes, which dry in a few minutes in this dry heat, because I know I easily can obtain more water. By the way, I really need to go to a laundromat, but I’m not going!. I’d rather wash clothes by hand than make a special trip into Yuma. Anyway, as I was going to say about the photos . . .
Right before getting on the interstate to go to the rest stop for water, I stop at the dunes to let Bridget play in the sand. That’s where I take the photos you see in this post.
Bridget has a great time!
She twinkle-toes in the soft sand.
Do you know how to build a road across sand dunes?
Before Interstate 8 was built people had to drive around the dunes, either into Mexico, or by way of Brawley. Both routes were a pain. (“Drive through Mexico to travel in the U.S.? You’re kidding me, right?”) The northern route through Brawley was also a pain because it had people driving across Mammoth Wash,where a flash flood could cause an unexpected and dramatic detour.
Something had to be done!
A person, who shall remain nameless, suggests putting brush down on the sand for the cars to drive over. Although a blatantly stupid idea, folks jumped on it. Brush was put on the sand. Cars drove over the brush.
“Well, that was dumb,” they said.
Click this link to read about a better way to build a road across dunes.
Not as good as an interstate highway though, but a whole lot better than driving over brush.
Those of you who read comments here know I’ve been keeping something from you.
Hard to believe, I know. I mentioned being “preoccupied” and having to deal with “problems.”
One of the issues has to do with Bridget.
I didn’t want to cause any upset (although I’ve been accused of creating drama here…. Who? Me?). About two weeks ago, upon waking in the morning, I notice Bridget’s face doesn’t look right. One side looks normal and the other side looks like a wax model of Bridget that’s been sitting in the sun. There’s this droopy bulge below her eye.
“What the heck is THAT?”
Over the next few days her face becomes increasingly weird. A lump the size of a marble grows under her eye. It’s under the skin. Nothing shows but this big bulge. Needless to say (but I’m saying it anyway), this causes me great distress.
It doesn’t bother the Bridge at all.
She shows no signs of discomfort or pain. No nasal discharge. No change in her eyes. No sneezing. She eats well, chews normally, enjoys our walks, plays in the sand as you see in these photos, and sleeps deeply as usual. Typical Bridget behaviors, 24/7.
Of course, I can’t help but think the worst.
My gut tells me to wait and see. This uncertainty stalls the search for a pup again, because I don’t want to introduce a family member if Bridget is in for an ordeal of surgery and an overnight stay at an animal hospital.
I want to give Bridget all my attention.
Good news!
Yesterday the damn thing opened up and drained! The bulge is almost completely gone!
Bridget and I are enjoying this camp.
Here’s a photo of the road to our camp and our nearest neighbors.
Our camp is waaaaaay out of this photo, to the left, all by our not-lonesome.
“Summertime, summertime…. sum, sum, summertime!”
Temperature highs are in the mid-80s and lows are in the 60s. That’s sleep-with-the-windows-open weather. Walk-outside-in-a-cotton-nightie-to-look-at-the-stars weather. And when walking the desert with your best pal, it’s shorts-and-sandals weather!
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
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Cutco Trimmer
Vera Bradley Medium Cosmetic in Happy Snails
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“FLASHBACK”
Our camp at Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, October 2012
First?
You’re first, Rick! Here and in my heart…. 😉
Awwww shucks, back at ya. 😉
Serious lump in my throat as I read the second half of the post but I’m glad that it seems better and not causing our princess any discomfort. It must be a Rat Terrier thing with the eyes. Dexter has has a couple of cysts around her eyes over the years. They respond quickly to a prescription eye ointment that I can check the name of if it comes back. Hopefully all is well now.
Also glad to hear you are getting the finicky fridge fixed. While we and I’m sure you are anxious to embark on the “Crewsade” for a new family member (or is it the “New Crew We Now Pursue Review”) it will help to have one less thing to worry about as you head to the land of oranges, sunshine and high taxes. Especially since it sounds like you have a spot that comes recommended by those in the know.
This lump wasn’t an eye lump. It was below her eye.
Rat terriers are notorious for lumps. Bridget is very lumpy. Spike had lots of lumps, too. I had them removed in the early days. Soon gave that up. Remove one and two more appear. Sometimes ya’ just have to lump it.
Good luck with Dexter….
Hmm, might be near the top as I heard the email come in. But since I read the post and then comment won’t be first. Anyways, I love the pictures of Bridget playing in the sand. And am so glad she is ok, you had me worried for a minute! Staying in the Yuma area and getting the fridge looked at is probably a good thing. You will be going to someone you trust based on a good recommendation. Fingers crossed it goes well.
Hi, Lisa,
I like to share everything, including my concerns. I went through it with Bridget’s lump, so you get to go through it, too!
Thanks for wishing us well with the upcoming appointment.
And we like that you share things like that with us. Just makes our heart beat a little faster, but that is ok it helps keep us healthy. 😉
Oh my goodness! I’m glad she’s OK!! I must say I totally enjoyed the part about you screaming out the window of the perfect vehicle! Lol. I hope you’re having an absolutely wonderful day take care talk to you soon
I wish the same for you, too, Rachel. Thanks for keeping in touch. Snuggle Macha for me…
Hi Rachel. Hi Macha
WHEW!!! You had me worried for a moment there. So glad Bridget is ok! She looks like she had fun in the sand. Keep us posted on the frig.
Love you!
Love you, too, Pauline.
Oh, that Bridget scare… between that and the refrigerator…. sheesh.
Just emailed you 2 pictures of your great niece in a beauty review.
Since both of them are beautiful, I’ll have to look at the pictures to know which one!
WOW! Taylor Beth is stunning! And that dress is gorgeous, too… Of course, that’s because she’s in it!
Maybe she got bit by a bug and it got infected. Anyway, glad its getting better.
Hi, Kristine,
If it were a bug bite, chances are it would hurt when touched. It looks like it was a plugged oil gland called a sebaceous cyst.
Maybe Bridget should have her own goggles to protect against the blowing sand.
Hi, Toni,
She’d look hilarious in goggles!
Seriously, we stay inside when the sand blows, which doesn’t happen much. Can’t take photos.
I’m tempted to get some for our dog. She’s blind and sometimes walks into a bush and pokes her eye.
Oh I like that idea! Like the kind Snoopy wore when he was fighting the Red Barron.
Bridget would be mortified!
Doggles!
My Arlo has some, they are cute!
Take a look at Ari’s dog, Spirit, at his blog.
The Oasis of my Soul
The message on the helmet is a nice touch, I think.
LATER: The above link works now. (Thanks, Ginger.)
Your link doesn’t work. Try this one http://beemerchef.smugmug.com
And yeah, ‘bite me’ seems an apropos sentiment for a dog.
Thinking same thing — the Sopwith Camel look.
Glad the Bridge just had a little “oh my” instead of something really serious. I think you’re wise to get the fridge serviced at a place that’s been recommended – regardless of the name. I would ask them if they’re familiar with your specific model before they start the work. The Dometic is a common model in smaller RVs so if they’ve been around a while they should be familiar with it.
It’s a beautiful day here in north Texas. Sunny and getting up into the 70s a far cry from Thursday when it was drizzly and the high was around 39. We’re headed for the temperature roller coaster that is late winter/spring in our part of the world.
Regarding Yuma. Sometimes you just have to get AWAY from the craziness before you can make good decisions. Amazing how much clearer your head is once you’re back in the BLT relaxing.
Hi, Reine,
Happy to hear you are enjoying beautiful weather in Plano. I hope you, Paul, and the entire family, including babies, are well.
You helped me make the refrigerator decision. Thank you!
I’m relieved Bridget is ok! I lived in Yuma for a few years so I love hearing your adventures there. I miss the desert now that I’m freezing in Ohio lol
Hi, Deb,
I bet you wouldn’t mind a little Yuma traffic right now, hot day and all. 🙂
DoogieBowser developed a lump on his back mid- shoulder area about the same time we left NM! Had the vet look at it and she said it was nothing. Well, it was getting larger, we went to a vet in Sarasota, she said it’s nothing don’t worry. Last month we noticed that Radar has the same type of lump above his left eye! Its hard trusting Vets who are strangers to you and your pet family! We are headed back to Eastpoint to our family vet and get his opinion! I am glad Bridget’s lump took care of itself! You might want to wipe a cotton ball soaked in peroxide over it to keep infection out!
Glad you put your big girl panties on and decided to stay in Yuma long enough to get the fridge serviced! I totally get the feeling of wanting to stick you head out the window and scream in frustration! Been that way for me lately as well! Grin! Hugs to you and Bridget!
Hi, Geri,
I guess dog-lumps are pretty common. They are scary, as you know, having gone through it with your crew. I’m trusting that Radar’s recent bump is just another, little, unimportant “bump in the road.” Good luck!
I’m using peroxide on Bridget. Always good to have that on hand in the first aid box.
As for screaming out the PTV’s window…. some imagery to express my attitude about traffic. 🙂
So glad Bridget is okay. Enjoy your pictures. In Pa we just want warmer weather and no snow! Hope something minor for the refrigerator.
Hi, Deb D…
Gee, we have a Deb R and a DebsJourney and a Deb D… Good to see you here again!
Best wishes for warmer weather, wherever you are. You may have told me, but I don’t remember stuff from one day to the next. 🙂
Actually from one minute to the next. Ha!
So glad that Bridget is okay. Our vet told me one time that our pets are “people with fur.”
Hi, Carol,
Our pets are BETTER than people! That’s Auburn, Georgia? People in Athens where I used to live say bad things about Auburn.
Have to agree with that assessment, Sue!
Aw common, it has a brewery, it can’t be all bad.
Yes, it can… according to any Bulldogs fan.
Sue,
You are SO right about the Bulldogs fans-Auburn thing! My Ex used to be a General Sales Manager of an auto dealership in Georgia back in the 1980s. A guy comes into the dealership with his personalized plate on the front of his car…looking to trade it in, right? Well, after making the deal the customer left with their new car. If thing next was to take that poor-Auburn plate and clean-rip it by hand off the front of that car! Poor guy did not get the great trade deal he could have made without that plate too! Moral to story ~ take those team plates off your cars if you wan to make the best trade possible, some salesmen may not like your team 😉
I’m betting Bridget picked up a thorn or equivalent on one of her walks and it got a little infected or irritated. Like was mentioned, I’d use some peroxide or at least keep it as clean as possible for a few days.
I’ll send you my bill. 🙂
Hi, Ed,
I doubt it was a thorn. There wasn’t any sign of puncture. Better evidence — there was no discomfort. Thorns and such … They hurt!
Good luck with that bill. 😉
LOL!
Actually, peroxide destroys the tissues (skin), and shouldn’t really be used like that.
A better thing to use is colloidal silver. I use the Mesosilver brand…it’s the best!
I’ve heard that using too much peroxide can hinder healing. For that reason I’ve used it sparingly.
My mother remembered going across the Plank Road in 1916 on the way to homestead in Arizona. She said they carried four 12′ planks with them on their Overland Touring Car to get across those sections of the Plank Road that might have been buried by drifting sand. They would place two planks down on the sand, drive onto them, place two more planks on the sand, drive off the first two onto the second two – rinse and repeat until back on the Plank Road.
Very interesting, Ed. What people had to go through back in the day. And here I am complaining about traffic.
Of course, if everyone had to put planks down, maybe they would drive better. 🙂
I hoped someone would relate to the Plank Road mentioned in this post. Thanks for writing about your mother’s experience.
Wow, Ed…how interesting.
And my grandfather also had an Overland Touring Car….I think a 1923, or 5, and took me for a ride in it when I was about 8. What fun!
Dang I remember the plank road when we moved from Boston to California – no, not quite that old but my parents wanted to see the sections still around so we would trek across the sand and go “oh my” and trek back to the car. Think we did that 3 or 4 times. We took a long way to get to California and a long time.
An educational excursion… That’s parents for ya’!
Betja anything a small cactus barb, maybe even almost microscopic got into her skin somehow and became infected. Hopefully she will not need a antibiotic but should it return she may need it. Maybe nature took care of the Bridge and it’s history. You are are a chicken when it comes to driving in civilization Missy. I say that but I am getting the same way in large cities with lots of traffic. Anyhow, you are doing the right thing about the fridge. Hopefully it is a simple problem easily fixed. You be careful out there and report in to us. Dad used to say, “go have fun but check in from time to time”. RIP Dad.
Hi, Jim,
I’m still going with a plugged oil gland. Whatever. The important thing is it’s going away!
I’m not chicken about driving in civilization. I’m chicken about driving in Yuma. 🙂
Your Dad sounds like he was a good man, telling you to have fun but check in.
My father knew me well. In describing his three daughters, he said my older sister would be sure to call ever day, my younger sister would call but not quite as often, and as for me, “Susan? She might write.”
No, you’re right, Sue…anything “infected” would have been inflamed, painful, red…all of that. I didn’t think of that myself when I was writing my first comment here, but you are right.
One of my Shih-Tzus gets a similar thing right IN her eyelid. Geez, really annoying, then they rub her eyeball from the inside, and irritate it.
The last one she had stayed in there for about 3 years, and ….I know I keep bringing it up, but one day a light bulb went on and I started washing it with the silver I mentioned, and within 3 days in opened up, drained and went away. Boy, was I happy! So, was she! Now I wash her eyes with it everyday, to keep them from coming back.
that’s me….I rarely call or write! I will do email…Glad it was only a large ZIT and nothing serious on Bridges face. Hope the fridge apt goes well.
Boy…am I glad the Bridge is OK! Whew!
The weird things our pets go through…right?
To relate I have a 52 year old male Orange-Wing Amazon Parrot.
We are not the original owners….as is the case with most older parrots nowadays. The stats are that a parrot averages about 7-8 homes in its lifetime. Sad, as they get very attached to their people.
Anyway, we adopted him from a parrot rescue in Tempe, AZ. Wonderful people…however Fred (that’s his name) was not thriving in that environment. He was very depressed (he missed his dad, who was just put in a nursing home), lethargic, and slowly starving (he couldn’t eat the food they gave him). The rescue knew he wasn’t well….but like I said in that environment….well, the cure is to get him into a good home.
We adopted him in 2013. I went in there looking for an older Amazon….as it is the White-Fronted female I have, whom we’ve had since her babyhood (in 1994) will outlive us….I don’t want another who will outlive us. My daughter will inherit her…that’s enough to saddle her with!
After we brought him home, I noticed that he wasn’t breathing normally, sneezed a lot, and fell down a lot. Well, the falling was due to his arthritis, and we experimented with different things for him to climb and live on, and determined he can’t stay in a cage, and needs a large circular padded base/tray around his perches to keep him from falling all the way to the floor. So, my husband built that for him.
Then we also realized he has clogged sinuses. Took him to the vet, and he flushed them, and gave us some drops to apply twice a day. The vet didn’t think he looked well enough to survive…but he didn’t say that to us right then.
Well, that wasn’t a cure, and we ended up taking him back several more times. In fact the situation got worse in that one cheek would swell up with fluid, but mostly air due to it being trapped in there. A syringe/needle must be used to do that.
Over a year’s time we were still having to take him in every couple of months. In the the meanwhile the vet was teaching us to flush, and extract the fluid and air ourselves. It was after a year the vet admitted he didn’t think he would have made it this far…but we feed him the best food a bird could get, and the vet now knows this, and said we were also having to deal with Fred’s 50-year lifetime of bad food.
Present day, we have to clean Fred’s nostrils twice per day, and about once per week we have to extract his swollen cheek with a syringe…it’s a chronic problem, now. Never in a million years would we think we’d be doing that kind of stuff with any of our pets…let alone a parrot.
We still take him to the vet regularly to get his beak trimmed, as he’s unable to wear it down himself…being so old.
Anyway, that’s Fred’s story!
Sue, I hope The Bridge doesn’t have anymore issues. It’s possible she got stuck with something that abscessed, or got bit by something she reacted to…who knows.
I also wanted to add that I use a product called Mesosilver, Colloidal Silver; it’s the best one on the market, right now. I wash Fred’s face/sinuses with it; my Shih-Tzus eyes (that’s another story), anything, really. You can even take it internally. The stuff is practically a miracle-worker.
Animals are just as individual as we are.
Oh, and….good luck with the frig! Boy, I hope you’re not saddled with a big bill on that!
I’M FLABBERGASTED! Cindy! I’ve never heard of anyone more devoted to a pet than you are. Wow! You are amazing.
Kudos for all you do for Fred. It sounds like he deserves to have exceptionally good care after many years of less. Thank you for what you do for him.
A most interesting comment! Thanks for the info on Mesosilver. I’ll research it. And as for the fridge bill… Thanks to my Amazon shoppers, I’m not in fear!
Awwww…thank you so much for saying something so nice. I so appreciate it! That’s very touching…
Well…now you’ve got sort of an insight as to why I do what I do for a living 🙂
Also, I ended up buying 5…I think…of those Benchmark Atlases through your site…after all, you educated me on their use.
I don’t know when they’ll show up on your account?
Anyway, I’m toying with taking a Pacific Northwest RV trip this year…to get out of the heat that ALWAYS comes 🙁
Or at least to N. CA. An ex pet sitter friend of mine has sold her biz here and moved up there, and invited me for a visit. And she has a 30 amp hook-up…yay!
I saw the Benchmarks you ordered — Thanks so much!
Enjoyed reading this Cindy. Have heard good things from friends about using colloidal silver.
Yes, Elizabeth!
I was using a different brand for awhile, and didn’t see the results I was expecting. Then a source, that I trust came along and recommended this Mesosilver brand, and oh my, WHAT a difference!
I’ll warn you though…this brand is not cheap, but it is SO worth it.
Here it is on Amazon:
MesoSilver ® 20 ppm Colloidal Silver 250 mL/8.45 Oz
Thanks and to all the others on this subject….VERY encouraging….will have to get some soon!!
I second the recommend on colloidal silver. We bought a colloidal silver generator after buying several bottles and finding how useful it is. I have had it help clean up several infections and hubby uses daily where he had tumor removed from sinus. Have a friend whose horse got bit by a recluse years ago on his face. The vet was basically at the end of his ability to do anything and told them to prepare to put the horse down. So Joyce made a gallon of CS ( colloidal silver) and began using a large irrigation syringe to irrigate the massive wound. Next time vet came he was astonished and told her to keep doing whatever she was doing, the horse healed with only a small area of hair missing. My hubby had a infection on the side of his face and asked me for help. I began cleaning it with CS and then put tea tree oil on it. In a matter of hours it was amazingly improved and by the next day it was almost healed.
We too have a older Orange wing with sinus clog problems. We have had her since 1979 and were told she was 6 or 7 years old then, as they got her as a young bird. I am fond of telling my boys she is their older sister. Our vet, an avian specialist for UCD Vet school, who has a private practice too, says she believes our bird was deprived of Vit D as a baby, causing her problems so she gets it daily via Palm kernel oil, when we can convince her to cooperate. She loves to harass our cats.
Wow, Velda…yes, like I said, the stuff is a miracle worker!
I already mentioned Fred, and my Shih-Tzu’s eye earlier, but it also cured my husband’s fungal toenail that he had his WHOLE life, and nothing else, including a couple RXs ever worked!
May I ask if the addition of the Vit D worked on your parrot? And if so, to what extent?
I take Vit D supps myself…that will keep you healthy…lemme tell ya!
There are lots of us with fungal toenails…..The latest thing I’ve tried are laser treatments at the podiatrist, but results are disappointing!! Is the mesosilver a liquid? How did your hubby apply it and how often? It sounds almost too good to be true..I’d like to try this, so please help…
It doesn’t look like it comes in any form than liquid.(I’m wrong! It does come in cream form. See weather’s comment below.)I found this about “silver socks” on the website shown below. Maybe it would help you?
–Find a pair of all cotton or cotton containing material.
–Wash, rinse and dry the socks.
–Spray on MesoSilver colloidal silver and let air dry.
–Your socks are now impregnated with silver nanoparticles ready for use.
–Reapply lightly after each wash.
Sue using the link you provided right below here,one can see list of their products on the left,click on cream/anti fungal spray-stuff stays where you put it,cover with whatever you choose to,works really fast.
I drink the liquid for most issues,use the rest of the line as needed for topical and/or fungal cuts,inflammation,infection,etc.on myself and pets-haven’t needed to or used prescribed antibiotics for almost two decades,great stuff to buy and keep around.
I revised what I wrote… See above your comment. Thanks, weather.
Here’s a link to Purest Colloids website where you can learn more.
https://www.purestcolloids.com/mesosilver.php
Cindy, my vet has me use red palm kernel oil rich in D. I get it way cheaper on Amazon than the vet was charging.
I will come back tomorrow with the exact brand, as I’m ready for bed right now. If you can get it in their mouth that’s good but it can also be applied to food or melted gently on seed. My vet said for Amazon parrot about a pea size amount daily, but check that for your birds size. Our Suzie gets about a tablespoon of no sunflower safflower based seed as a treat each day. The rest of the day she free feeds from a bowl of mixed fruit and vegetables and a bowl of parrot food we like to call birdie fruit loops because it’s fruit shaped and colored. i buy her seed and parrot mix from Amazon cuz its cheaper and delivered free with Prime. If we put the oil on anything she goes on a hunger strike. Vet said Suzie is the only parrot she knows who does not like the palm kernel oil. So we do the best we can with our stubborn girl.
As to CS, which we make in our own generator, I am positive it is what has helped my husband be free of infection since surgery. But yes Sue and others it can be purchased in gel form too. Stupid stories online about blue akin from silver are basically trash. When people say you will turn blue drinking it challenge them to show you a actual verified story of someone drinking CS that has gotten Blue skin. I can tell you my hubby has consumed CS twice a day about an ounce each time and he is decidedly not a Smurf yet!!
What an interesting story about your parrot. I love it when special needs animals find the right home, good for you!
Thank you, Lee!
Cindy, have a question, not about silver but about what was talked about a few blogs back about what to feed our dogs. My 6 year old poodle is doing the paw/leg chewing, head/ ear rubbing thing. Changed her food gradually several times to no avail, could you post again where to go for dog food comparisons that you mentioned before, or your best take on how to remedy this. Apologize for not marking it when I read it originally. Thanks for you help.
JazzLover
Sorry, meant a few posts ago, not blogs.
Thank you for the question, Jazzy,
Before you go at the food, please be sure that (I’m assuming that your girl goes to a groomer?) she is not exposed to perfumed shampoos, conditioners…and that smelly stuff the groomers spray on the dogs after grooming. I use this: http://plushpuppyusa.com/Sensitive-Skin-Shampoo-500ml-/P121_101/, and dilute it a lot. Don’t let the groomer use anything else but what you bring it.
Next, are you one of those who put perfumed Plug-Ins in your house? Get rid of them all. I’m serious. Most of my clients do this, and their pets are suffering…especially the cats.
Next, make sure you wash your laundry with dye, perfume, chemical-free soap. Something like this:
NaturOli EXTREME 18X Soap Nuts / Soap Berry Liquid Organic Laundry Soap, Natural HE Detergent & Green All-purpose Cleaner. SUPER-concentrated, Sulfate-free, Allergy-free, Unscented. (3 Pack)
Don’t use Tide, Gain…any of that stuff.
Next; is she on those poisonous things for parasites? The stuff the vet sells you to either drop on the base of her neck, or takes once a month internally? Get her off that if she is. And don’t let the groomer use bug killer on her.
Next: do you use bug/weed killer in your yard where she goes? If so, stop that. Use food-grade Diatomaceous Earth instead. BTW, animals can eat this if they have parasites, make sure it’s food grade:
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 1 Lb.
Ok…now the food: grains in food cause allergies in most pets. The really bad ones for pets are wheat, corn and soy. I would go grain-free, and raw.
Also, 80-90% of ALL ingredients in commercial (stuff advertised on TV and periodicals) pet foods/treats come from China. You have to get foods/treats SOURCED in the US, not just “made in” the US.
Here are some links to help you: http://truthaboutpetfood.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truth-About-Pet-Food/184024450508
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/dog-food-ten-scary-truths/
https://www.sojos.com/learn/articles/pet-food/what%E2%80%99s-really-dinner-truth-about-commercial-pet-food
FYI; vets for the most part don’t like raw, and it’s not because it’s bad…it’s because it cuts into their bottom line; pets are healthier…I’m sorry to the vet I saw commenting here earlier, but I have evidence of that.
That’ll get you started.
Good luck!
Cindy,
Thank You for the great info, seems like I’m doing some things right, no plug ins, perfumed shampoo, flea/tick drops.ug/weed/bug killers, and some wrong, laundry soap, food. As I have allergies, hence a poodle, and they are often smarter than I at times, I’m really against smelly products. Thought I was doing her a good thing with the Blue Buffalo chicken & brown rice, made here, lots of good ingredients, etc, now I just don’t know. Trying to get to the nitty-gritty honest information on dog foods is like running the gauntlet and makes the head spin, but I am nothing if not stubborn and she is a huge part of my heart and worth every minute this will take. You have given me a lot to research and I appreciate your taking the time to answer me.
Much as I am not a fan of Phoenix suburbs, wish I were there rather than here in minus seven degrees with still more of the “delightful” white stuff coming down, but spring’s coming. Take Care.
Jazz
Wow Cindy, it sounds like your parrot find the right people. Your story reminds me of my mother-in-law. She has spent so much vet money on pet rabbits/dogs that they joked about naming a wing after her. 🙂
Ah..but Jenny…I don’t go to the vet that often. But thank you for the complement!
Over the last 4 decades I’ve learned to avoid vets for the most part because of their shady practices concerning food, and other things. I know too much, now!
In fact Fred’s vet is the most honest vet I’ve met in 15 years…I’m not kidding. On top of that, all the times of been to him…my bill has never been more than $100. Most times is less than half that. But because of his honesty, I would have gladly paid more. But he’s not like that.
Granted, the tables might turn if I brought one of my dogs in to see him, and we started talking food…I don’t know how that would go. I don’t react well to vets trashing raw food, or worse; talking up that Hills junk.
He’s only seen Fred. But, I have 3 dogs; another parrot, and a Box Turtle.
The vet I took Binky to (the one with the teeth problem I talked about earlier), was OK, but I didn’t continue going back to her because she had a (unfounded) problem with raw food.
Tell your mother-in-law to do some of her own research next time, trust her gut, and to question everything!
You are so right on the food. I don’t think most vets know much about pet nutrition. When we first got our chihuahuas they had a few health issues. Once we switched to a really healthy food (we feed them Now! which is made in Canada) they have been much healthier.
One of my MIL’s main rabbit issues was a rabbit that was born with a deformed jaw. She had them do surgery on it so it could eat. It actually worked out. I suppose most people would have just had it put down.
I haven’t heard of NOW! food Jenny, I’ll have to look that up.
Yes, you’re right about what “most” people would do with that bunny. But “most” people also don’t realize is that bunnies can live 15 years, and are wonderful animal companions. 🙂
Now! is on petcurean.com. It’s a Canadian-made grain-free food. Our dogs like it and have been very healthy since we switched (they are 9 year old chihuahuas).
Thanks for sharing Jenny!
As you know my kids are on raw…haven’t used kibble in many years. But, I understand why people still do.
What happens with kibble is that because it’s cooked at such a high, high temperature…all the nutrients are destroyed. So what the manufacturers do is then add back in like a ‘nutrient pack’ after cooking.
They’ll have all the vitamins and minerals in them. Often they purchase these in separate packages from manufacturers in China. It’s a very common thing, and in fact 80 + % of people vitamin/mineral supplements are also made in China and sent over here. Like the common supplements you see advertised on TV…all those ingredients come from China.
So…with the kibbles you wanna know what ingredients are “sourced” here. The package might say, “Made in the USA.” But legally they can have ingredients sent here after they’ve been manufactured elsewhere. Then they put it all together into the one product you see in the bag here in the US, then they say it’s ‘made’ here.
The other thing is oils and potatoes. Canola oil is not a great oil, and white potatoes are just fillers, and harder for dogs to digest. You’d rather see a better quality oil, and sweet potatoes, which are actually nutritionally beneficial for dogs.
The only other thing I see on these particular foods is the protein should be higher…especially in the cat varieties. Should be almost twice as high. Cats are Obligate Carnivores…meaning they thrive on meat, and should only have 3% carbs in their diet. This food has a lot of carbs; too many fruits (sugar) and such.
Also, cats being desert animals don’t drink water like canines do….they have to get the water IN their food, which is why raw meat is best.
That we see so many kitties dying of kidney failure and diabetes is the fault of the kibble diets we have put them on. In fact it’s been an epidemic so long now, that vets just say things like…Oh it’s normal for kitties to die of kitty failure. Like if we should expect it without comment.
Actually a lower quality canned food is better for kitties than having them on even a ‘high quality’ kibble…for this reason.
So glad the Bridge is ok. I was reading that with baited breath (now I’m going to have to go look up where that wierd saying came from – sounds kind of strange now that I think about it!)
OK, so answered my own question. The correct spelling is “bated” not “baited” and it comes from “abate.” So it has nothing to do with smelly, fish bait breath!!!
Hi, Cynthia…
That’s a common mix-up… as is “throws” for “throes.”
One I see a lot is “loose” when a person mean “lose.” It’s “What do I have to lose?” as opposed to “These pants are too loose.” The latter, not a problem for me. Ha!
Ha!
I’ll admit I’m a stickler about words like loose and lose, to and too…..drives me nuts.
Not that I’m a grammar expert, but my big gripe is “your” and “you’re”!! I wonder what they’re teaching these days.
I taught the difference between “your” and “you’re” until I was blue in the face. Teachers can only do so much. Students have to do something to learn.
Let see…cursive is not being taught!
With texting the new fad…there goes the spelling bees!
Sometimes I wonder….
And then their is “spell check” that doesn’t no which word is correct, as long as the word is spelled write.
ha!ha!-good one 🙂
Ha Ha that was a good one, and how about math? Do the kids even know the multiplication tables any more?
Words are most entertaining. Three of my dictionaries have for the definition of procure “to obtain women for the purpose of prostitution”. Seems I’ve lead a sheltered life. Leads one to reconsider the idea of procuring provisions for camping.
Hi Sue,
I’m glad to hear Bridget is OK and things are looking up! I found your blog about a month ago and started following your adventures. After awhile I realized I needed to start at the beginning otherwise it felt like starting a book or movie in the middle. Besides that, I kept wondering what the heck happened to Spike?
So each day when I had a little time I read your blog. I am up to about 10/20/14 What an adventure it’s been. You are a very entertaining writer. You have made me laugh out loud, feel happy, sad, curious and even made me cry. And i’m a guy that just does not cry to often, like hardly ever. I told my wife that this is so cool reading a blog that is sort of like a book but it keeps on going!
Good luck on your search for a new pup, and thank’s for sharing your stories.
P.S. Check newrattitude.org they have a little guy that kinda looks like Spike named Moose. They can even arrange to fly him to you. You have to pay though.
Hello, FloridaScott,
I LOVE YOUR DESCRIPTION OF MY BLOG! I’m not yelling. I’m thrilled! Thank you and welcome to my blog, Scott and Scott’s wife.
I appreciate you reading my blog from the beginning. It has been quite a ride.
Thanks re: the tip on Moose. I shy away from arranging transport. The guy meant to pick up Spike’s mantle will be found along our journey.
Glad you stopped by… Do that again! 🙂
Glad Bridget is doing better. Even when we know lumps come…it is still a worry. I think all our dogs as they got old enough developed some. Some of them a person can squeeze out (one dog had hair that would clog pores)…but most were too deep. Some we had removed, but they came back. One worries about our “little buddies”!!
I still think you are so brave, driving in traffic etc. That is one thing nearly impossible for me to do anymore. But then I never did like driving even when young…it was necessary that is all. Hope things will go well with the fridge repair, Sue…usually “word-of-mouth” places are the best ones to do business with!! That is how we found hubby’s surgeon for his back this year…as I told the doc cause she wondered why he waited so long to come to here: “Well, you don’t go through the phone book to find a back surgeon!!”
Hi, Elizabeth,
I hope your husband’s back pain has abated. Good that you persevered to find the right doctor.
You know, the PTV still doesn’t have air conditioning that works. Rarely are we in weather that’s less than perfect and rarely do I drive in heavy traffic that I forgot all about getting the A/C fixed. When it’s warm, I bring the windows down… the old-fashioned coolant — breeze! Of course that doesn’t work too well in traffic.
Yea, I am with you on that one…in traffic we need the AC badly…just to breathe. Too bad, cause usually here we don’t need it for being cooler. Of course, when the high humidity comes, like now, it is helpful.
Thanks for asking about Hubby…yes, his pain from that is gone. In fact, even right after surgery, some of it was gone. I was so scared he would end up paralyzed…it was so high…right where the back of your neck joins the back…We are SO grateful, Sue. He says if even it just got rid of the pain, he would not complain. His atrophy is still mostly there…there is slight improvement…he can at least type a bit easier doing emails, etc so maybe the rest will come. He is not doing therapy anymore. Just using the hand and arm along as you do living life.
Our dogs got a rash that turned into little bumps on their underside. Turns out ants attacked them….we notice Ralphie jump straight up and thought he saw a rattler or something. He was standing in middle of black ants. I put some cortisone cream on it to take the itch and sting off. My sister’s dog while sniffing around bushes was bitten by a brown recluse….had to take the dog to vet for treatment. We have a lot of biting insects in the desert and some plants are not animal friendly i.e. fox tail. The fox tail can get in their ears, eyes, undercoat and need surgery for removal if buried deep. Careful wandering around desert.
Hi, Rita,
I can’t explain why I feel this way… I really doubt Bridget’s lump was caused by an external factor. You’re right about the desert though. Always need to be careful.
Nice hearing from you, Rita. I missed you when you were away for a long time. And I wasn’t the only one. Enjoy your day.
Rita,
So glad you wrote. You have been very much missed. Your notes always add a special flavor to the imagery of the Southwest. Really enjoy your stories, especially those of your youth. Brings back fond memories when adventures weren’t so achy and sore the next day. 🙂
What is foxtail?? My vet mentioned this as a possible cause for Guinness’ (our beloved mutt’s ) coughing and sinus problems. He said it could be imbedded in his nose. Where does it grow? ?? Sounds like something we all need to avoid.
Foxtail is a grass that grows in arid and semi-arid disturbed areas in the West. It is nasty and needs to be avoided by dogs and their companions’ socks! Sticks to everything. You can’t miss a stand of it: wavy, long and kinda pretty, looks like a fox tail. Anyone who knows about it, “short cuts” around it.
Sue: glad the Bridge is safe and sound. You are the MOM! I knew something was “bugging” you, girl! (Happy Face)
Your crew member is just a few days (weeks) away. Not a long time in the scheme of things.
That is your mission, and God speed.
Diann
Yes, I feel like we’re close to finding him.
I remember you wondering what was wrong…
Fox tails are horrible for dogs. Yes they can breath them in..usually they work their way in between the webbing of their paws. They are pointed and will work its way into the bloodstream.
Google a picture of it! They are more of a problem when the grass dries out.
this reminds me of a grass we have and in fall its horrid! We call it Devils Spur–it sticks and hurts It gets in the dog’s coat and very hard to get out..that and cockle burrs!
First thing I thought of when you mentioned the lump below the eye was an abscess related to dental issues. Before I started full-timing I was a veterinary technician and working in a clinic you’d see that sometimes. There are any number of things that could cause that though, I’m glad it’s cleared up and hope it stays gone!
Hi, Becky in Iowa,
That’s one of the first things I checked. There was no inflammation of the gums and no tender spots inside her mouth. Doing research on the web I was amazed at the number of causes for lumps and bumps on a dog. Most resolved on their own or caused no trouble.
I’ll be keeping a close watch on that spot until it’s totally healed.
Glad to hear that it’s not a tooth problem! Those can be expensive to fix. I know you’ll keep a good eye on her, I can tell from your blogs that you’re a good pet parent, Bridget is lucky to have you. 🙂
And the IO isn’t for Iowa actually, it’s for my blog (Interstellar Orchard). I’m from Wisconsin originally but have been a full-timer over two years now. Alas, my Casita isn’t tricked out for boondocking yet. Someday. 🙂
Hi Becky,
I’ve checked out your blog, too! I love the post you recently did about working regular jobs while on the road! It was very informative.
Ok…got another story for you guys. It’s about my OTHER Shih-Tzu and her teeth. When I rescued her…in 2012 she was already 5 years old, and came from a…um…neglectful home.
For some reason she was afraid of her dishes, food dishes, water dishes…it didn’t matter. We either had to put the food directly on the floor, or feed it piece by piece from our fingers.
Well, that couldn’t continue. So the 2nd day she was here I decided to look in her mouth. Some of her baby teeth were still there! Yup…she had double rows; baby teeth right next to adult teeth. And on top of that her gums were abscessed and infected. So, of course I realized she was in a lot of pain; thus the reason she had trouble eating.
I took her to the vet, and they had to extract and surgically remove a total of 10 teeth! PLUS, the jaw was broken in one spot after they were done. Completely apart. By that point I was so furious with her previous owner…I can’t tell you.
But it wasn’t as bad as I feared…they sutured it back together, put her on soft foods until she healed (I feed my kids raw, so she had to go on canned during this time). Then, what happened over time was that a callous formed over the gums…and it’s now kinda like her “replacement” jaw.
But…she never got over her fear of dishes. the pain and the agony had gone on for so long that she somehow had attributed it to the dishes!
So my husband made a “special” dish for her; it’s a flat, circular piece of clear plexiglass that has little clear silicone “feet” affixed underneath, so it won’t slide along the floor.
So when she eats off that dish…she sort of runs at it, and “snatches” little bites. It’s quite funny, actually.
Oh, and for her water? She goes outside to the birdbath that sits under the orange tree on the ground that gets filled up by the automatic sprinklers every night. That’s what she drinks from.
Funny dog!
Yikes Cindy, I’m glad you were able to give her a good home and get those baby teeth removed!
OOps… Sorry about moving you to Iowa….
Haha, it’s all good. 🙂 Heck, I’ll probably be in Iowa at some point…
Hi Sue,
BeckyIO is Becky of InstellarOrchard.com. She currently is a volunteer camp host at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area south of Austin, Tx in the Texas Hill Country.
CRedd nTx
Thanks for the explain CRedd. I am really enjoying your state this winter. 🙂
So happy Bridget is OK!!That was kinda scary I know..my HoneyGirl ..who is 10 gets wierd bumbs that go away..Vet says “it happens !”???
Love the photos of her playing!!
Take care Momma Bear!!
Hope the fridge fairs as well as “our girl” did!!
Thanks, Betty Shea. Hugs to HoneyGirl!
If you ask me “shorts-and-sandals weather” is where it’s at!
I agree, Rob!
You can skip walking outside in a cotton nightie to look at the stars.
Friday night: a Jeopardy Q. was “The official footwear of Texas.” I shouted, “flip flops” ‘course I wasn’t thinking Texas I was thinking ME!..:o)
As opposed to shorts, SOX and sandals in the Pac. N.W. 🙂 If yer gonna live the good life, might as well try stargazing in a cotton nightie; ya never know ’till ya try it.
Hi Sue and Bridget
I read a book once called “It’s always something.” I thought it was a great title describing life in general. I hope you have a problem free time for awhile. I had a little terrier mix named The Boo, she occasionally had lumps, the first few scared me and went to the vet, than we just learned to live with them, as you say they don’t hurt and they eventually went away.
Happy all is well with Bridget and you both have a nice peaceful weekend.
Hi, Willow,
Thank you.. It’s a peaceful weekend so far.
The Boo…. too cute. Haha!
Glad to read that Ms. Bridget is doing well. In your post “This is the desert”, the flashback picture of Bridget at the end left me with an ominous feeling that something would be posted soon about Ms. Bridget’s health. I hate traffic too! My son always laughs at me since I’m good at yelling at the idiots on the road. When life isn’t dealing one the best, driving anywhere can seem like an arduous task. The photos of Ms. Bridget playing in the dunes is sweet! When driving that route this summer, I was impressed that they were able to construct a highway through those dunes. Take care and safe travels!
Hi, Monica,
It doesn’t help when the driving is totally unproductive. I don’t like to waste a day.
I never gave building a road through dunes any thought until I came across the article about Plank road.
Driving thru the desert screaming like a banshee is…………therapeutic!
Everthing ALWAYS works out………………. 🙂
What color was the stuff in her marble? Grayish? Use a warm compress…(makes it fester out better). What you don’t want is the wound to heal from the outside…with goopy gop still on the inside.
As it heals you will be able to tell if there is something still inside. You can put a small dab of triple antibiotic on the “head”. This will keep it “open” and stave off any outside yuck from getting in.
The outside will heal faster than the inside of the now empty pocket. Vets would put in a wick type do hickey so it drains.
My cat, Adirondack had one on the side of his face. It took a while to heal. Had to prick it with a pin on several occasions…to keep the head open.
And that my dear is your free trip to the BTDT vet advice for the day!
Bridgeeeee babeeeee!
Well, isn’t this a gross topic. Yuck.
What color? Pale blood color, like blood mixed with something else.
As soon as I finish this, I’m going to get out the triple antibiotic and put a dab on it. I should’ve thought to do that. Oh well, that’s why I have you! 🙂
I hope this isn’t going to be a long, drawn-out deal. I’m a terrible nurse.
I notice Bridget is lying in the sun more than usual. Makes me wonder if it’s an instinctual thing to promote healing. Wouldn’t surprise me. Animals are brilliant that way.
Thanks for the advice!
It won’t be long at all…no more than a week…if you keep an eye on it! Just don’t let it close before all the gook is done draining.
You’ll do anything for Bridge!
That sounds like an abscess and definitely infection. Maybe you should get a pet thermometer to keep on hand. There are digital, ear ones now so you wouldn’t have to take it rectally.
So glad that Bridget’s lump drained and now will heal up. She is such a darling girl and we all love her and you. Amazing how we all connect on your magical mystery tour and blog. lol What a interesting group of bloggers here.
When it comes down to it the only things that really matter is our loved ones (pets) and as far as your BLT’s fridge that will get fixed and may it be the very worst thing you have to deal with. 🙂
I’m going through a lot myself. I finally heard from the VA that my application for agent orange (DIC) was denied due to not being able to prove that his multiple Myeloma was not related to his service. Oh great! So this will limit bigtime my income for the rest of my life. Needless to say I am bummed. I will appeal but that means more time and probably never will get it. I’ve waited since June to hear this crappy news. So I will live on my measly Social security
Maybe my small trailer will have to do after all. I wanted a bigger one because I know how much room my art supplies take up etc. You asked if I was a outdoor gal or indoor. Well I am more of a indoor type due to being a redhead light skinned, burn easy and the most delicious treat for mosquitos.
Hope all goes well on Monday and that soon you will be able to head out and find exactly what you are looking for… a new addition.
Trying to keep my chin up and not let life get me down. Yesterday was exactly 8 months since Mark passed. wow…
I’m sorry, Deb. So sorry. That is one big bummer. I don’t have any problems, just annoyances and stuff that has to be dealt with.
You’ve gone through a lot these past 8 months, and I suspect for a long time before that. Wish I could help….
thanks Sue, yes it’s been around 2 years of a downward spin. I must survive this I have to after all I do have two wonderful pups to take care of. Just wanted not to have to earn extra money every month. Time to look for a income… part time. sigh. At my age it’s not easy to find jobs.
I remember years ago when I lived in Florida and was working, seniors worked part-time. They got their jobs through an employment agency for seniors, through some government program. You might want to look into that, ask around. It’s too much to look for a job on your own at our age, too competitive. Whereas, if that agency still exists, the employers come to it seeking mature applicants, so you don’t have the hurdle of age discrimination to jump over.
Right now, I’m betting that’s too much to think about.
Boy, I am the president of *that* club. I don’t know you’re whole story, but I found seasonal work with Bayer. They are national and look for reps to service Home Depot and Lowes stores with their garden chemicals. I did two seasons and I suffered a compression lumbar fracture and that was the end of that. I could still do the work because I’m healed, but once you’re hurt on the job, you are a bad risk. You work from late March to early July and that’s it. Very good hourly rate and compensation for gas. You have a territory to cover. Lots of companies have the same type of programs.
Deb…johnson’s baby creamy oil with aloe Vera & vitamin e is supposedly a cure for mosquito bites. I just ordered some from Amazon not long ago when I couldn’t find in stores. Haven’t tried it yet but had good reviews. And of course sunscreen. Maybe you can get an outdoor screen room you can carry in your trunk, and a folding work table, and set up a workspace wherever you go.
Speaking of biting insects…we take B complex vitamin, b6 and twice a day a small garlic pill (get at Walmart for very cheap…but it helps…and no you won’t smell to humans). Made by Spring Valley. And no I do not get a thing for telling you this. The garlic helps my arthritis a great deal too…and I cut back a couple months ago cause of the recent food allergy test I took…but I have been getting sick a lot. Before, just taking those 2 little pills per day and I never seemed to get sick, even if coughed on, or whatever by my sick feverish grandkids, etc. SO I am going back to taking them…I hate being sick!! So long as I don’t have a severe reaction, no reason to not. Much easier on the body than meds!! But those 3 things I think are what keeps me not appeal to biting insects of which there was more than plenty when we lived nearly a decade in NC, yea also light skinned and when my hair had color was auburn….though my worst troubles were with bees. (One good thing going gray does…bees are more likely to ignore me and that is just how I like it!!)
Deb it is probably much harder to prove anything about the myeloma now that your hubby is gone…but you might contact the senator from your state more helpful to vets….or even maybe research some online to find a senator from another state who is helpful to vets. If you have contact with any other service people he was in with, there could even be some group class action going on…don’t give up!! When hubby was in the Navy, I wrote our Idaho senator a time or 2…believe me my letter was NOT ignored. That senator is no longer alive unfortunately. But there may be someone there now that is good too. One can hope anyway.
I hope all your needs will be met…sometimes we have help that comes along from unexpected places. Blessings on you dear…so sorry it is so hard!!
Elizabeth, I’m curious if that was Sen. Jim Mclure or Frank Church? Years ago I had a GF that worked for Sen. Church and I met him a few times. Amazing man.
She might have even been the person that you dealt with. I’m just wondering how small of a world this really is.
Sen. McClure…as I recall at that time was head of the Armed Forces Committee too…this was LONG ago…ha! I never had to talk to anyone by the way…all done by letters.
Thanks
Have not lived in Idaho for many years, but when we moved there when I was in high school…it was plain to see that a lot of those folks had so much more common sense than you generally found in other places we lived at least. It was fun living there!!
Deb, are you in touch with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans)? They can help with the claim and appeal. They have been very helpful through the years with my husbands claims. In fact it was a DAV rep that suggested when he was forced to retire due to increased pain, that my husband should be 100% not the 70% he had been and got it done.
Deb, I’m so sorry to hear this. Do you have an advocate from the VFW? They were helpful for Jim when he was trying to get some help from the VA for his service-related hearing loss. 4 years on the flight line & they denied his claim. Huh? My sense is that the VA is overwhelmed at this time with Iraq & Afghan vets & all the help they need. This on top of the loss of your husband is quite a blow. Keep appealing.
Seems as if there are ways to still make your dreams come true. Many people workamp or volunteer for their space. In fact, check out Becky’s blog–Instellar Orchard. She has several very informative posts about this. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? We decided that we were going to retire & travel even if we had to eat rice & beans several times a week. There’s a lot you can do with rice & beans & there are no mosquitos here in the desert! Hang in there, keep painting & enjoy life!
You put the feeling of skipping outside in this post so well that I began laughing from the simple glee that it gave me.Love your whole last paragraph about summertime!Had a bit of that going on in a park made to slide down the snow on with my grandson earlier.Guess it’s a state of mind not temperature.I like seeing a plan come together for the resolution of issues-whether through our own efforts or natural healing.All around A Yippee! sort of post and mood,thanks for sharing it and mine with me 🙂
A snow slide! What fun!
You’re right. It’s not temperature, it’s a state of mind. I’m glad you had some time with your grandson. Not all college-age, young men would share time with grandma.
Yippee for you, weather!
He really is ,to me,an amazing young man-the way you mention and many others.He chose this place for his education to be near me,is the one initiating all of our visits-not one of those things was at my request,though all of it pleases me beyond description…thanks for the Yippee for me-I agree,whoa!really -am I blessed or what 🙂
Wow, he is a blessing.
So are you,Sue…
I am SO happy for you Weather…what a treasure to you both!! Gives me hope for future with ours we rarely see. The 12 year old told me this past year he was saving all his money so he could come to where we are!!
A twelve year old planning a future to include you-Oh,my,how wonderful! 🙂
Esp. so considering the fact we have not been allowed all that much contact over the years. Long story…but as you and I and most our age know too…this life is short…the next one will not be…and with a lot of completely different rules eh? 🙂
Why am I not surprised that you are his favorite Grandmother Weather?
Thanks ,Rick,truthfully,it still mystifies me.
Hi sue….I learn something new with each of your reports….thanks for the story about the plank road…..even at 70 I learn something new every day….
glad to see Bridge doing ok…..
You’re welcome, PookieBoy,
If you’re learning something new every day, then being 70 means very little!
My heart about sunk as I read about Bridget. I am so glad this appears to be resolving on its own.
I also think it is wise to stay in the Yuma area until you can get your fridge looked at. When you have good recommendations you really do need to take them because there are far too many bad ones out there.
I look forward to the next blog post. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
You, too, Jolene. Always enjoy hearing from you . . . . 🙂
Sue and the Divine Miss B! I’m glad she’s ok! We have a ‘lumpy’ dog with several fatty tumors on her, but they don’t seem to bother her. The vet said it shouldn’t interfere with her quality of life which is good! I’m glad you’re staying put for awhile to get stuff fixed. It doesn’t matter where we are, who we’re with, what we are driving, etc. there is always ‘stuff’ to get repaired. Just like our own bodies…..!
Kay from KC!
The Divine Miss B….. You make me laugh. That’s Bridget!
Yeah, we had a honeymoon of three years on the road when very little needed fixing. Stuff happens. You deal with it and move on.
I hope you are having a good weekend, Kay.
I am, so far! I got to spend a few hours with my daughter in college, had to run some papers to her. My favorite show is on tonight on Animal Planet – Pit Bulls and Parolees! It’s a true story (reality show) of a woman in New Orleans who rescues mostly pit bulls, but other breeds, and hires parolees to help her. She has a huge shelter and I get so attached to what she does. It’s a very heart-warming show. It so very nice to read from all the animal – lovers on this site! You have a good week-end too! Kay from KC!
Spent 6 hours at work today with not one customer, so chucked it for the last two hours. I was thinking of going to Algodones next week when I realized I don’t know where my passport is! Duh. Hope I don’t have to order a copy. Want to go get new glasses.
Love the bird stories! I always wanted a bird but never had one. So happy people are taking care of these older birds.
In the 50s my parents drove us from Oklahoma to LA a few times, on highway 66. It was two lanes and not graded…just laid down how the topography was…through washes, up the other side. Good road to get car sick on. Everyone carried bags of water for their radiator, and cans of gas. Stations were few and far between. At night we stayed in those old cabin style motels, where everyone had their own tiny cottage. It was an adventure!
Hi, Ginger,
I don’t know which is easier, ordering a copy of your passport or applying for a passport card.
You sound good today. 🙂 Enjoyed the memories you shared . . .
Doesn’t sound like either are easy, or cheap.
The passport card is easy. Just make sure you check online that you’re going to a post office that issues them. The P.O. will tell you where to go for your photo. I think it costs around $35. I didn’t have to wait. The clerk told me I could use the receipt for my card until it arrived in the mail.
Should we wait until we switch our address to SD before getting a passport card? I wonder how difficult it is updating your address.
I don’t have any idea, John. You probably can get the answer by asking at a post office that issues passport cards.
Your ipad is your friend! 🙂
But don’t get in trouble…
People tend to put off….until the last moment!
Sue,
Have you tried putting Bridget in a bag of rice? I hear it works wonders. While you’re at it, toss in your fridge, too. 😉
LOL!
Too funny!
Now THAT’S funny. 🙂
Huge collective sigh of relief from everyone regarding Bridge. Whewwww.
Love the top picture of her. Such dramatic lighting.
Seems like the Yuma traffic, Bridge’s cyst, the fridge and long lost bank were all a pile of events converging to make one of those days. Glad you got back to your camp and let the dust settle. Sounds like your frustrations are beginning to work their way out. Loved how you ended the post. Wonderful.
I also wanted to comment on yesterday’s post. That top photo is absolutely incredible.
I can understand why you almost didn’t post it. It does seem hard to believe.
One week from today, Lord willing, we head south in our Casita!!!!!
Hi, Applegirl NY,
Thank you for all the nice things you said in your comment.
Is there still another week to go? It seems like you’ve been waiting forever!
Sue..my sweet 4 pound Maltese (Chief) had a lump under his eye and it busted and drained, but just did not heal up. Turned out he had a bad tooth. He did not act sick, but removed the tooth and he started playing like a young pup. I felt bad because I did not pick up on that earlier. Please take care..Marie
Thanks, Marie, for sharing Chief’s experience. I’ve been looking for any sign at all of a dental problem. Bridget acts “like a young pup”… well, as much as she ever did, that is.
Hi there
been following your blog for awhile now. you have a very interesting life, and what great stories.. I am so glad to hear your little girl is good. I have a miniature Schnauzer yup never grew, just under 7lbs, and no one wanted him, but I rescued him, and he is smaller then my cats, but he’s so cute.. anyway he gets these lumps often and when they start to appear I put warm compresses on them and its the heat that pulls out the infection or puss.. works great .. so that would make sense why she may be laying in the heat. I have so many questions about living the way you do, some day rv under my butt and away I go, still have about 10 years to work, but dream and look every day at the rv choices.. glad all is good and can’t wait till the next post.
Hi, Dancer,
Welcome to my blog and to “comments!” Thanks for the compliment.
Any time you have a question, please do ask. I love to see questions here! If I don’t know the answer, another reader or readers will. That’s what makes my blog interesting and informative.
Hang on to your dream and make it happen. Ten years will pass and you’ll by on your way!
Good news about Bridget! I laughed about the brush on the road..my grandparents used to tell me stories of their trip from New Mexico to Florence AZ in 1930…the road was a series of two wooden planks plopped on the desert floor…spaced so the tires would travel along on the planks… When they met someone coming towards them, everyone stopped and got out so they could pick up the lighter of the two automobiles, set it to the side, the other car would drive a few feet, then they all picked up the lighter car and put it back on the planks ….then everyone went on their merry way!
Hi, Mel,
I don’t think you clicked on the link in the post. Funny… (The same story is told there.) Now we know from your comment that it really did happen that way!
I was going to spend some time refuting Mel’s story but you have done so. I will only add this: “A new, 20-foot/6-meter-wide road with an asphaltic concrete surface constructed on top of a built-up sand embankment replaced the Old Plank Road upon its opening on August 12, 1926”. The Old Plank Road was in California and the among the last to be paved, there certainly would not have been any planks remaining in Arizona in the 1930s.
Nope, didn’t click on the link! But I am grateful for the clarification,, grandpa was born in 1894 and the stories told when I wax about 6 or 7…he died in 1966 so I am sure one of our memories was at fault! I know he travelled on the plank road..just got the year all wrong..so cool to actually see pics of it..thank you so much for the link!
Very happy the thing on Bridget’s face cleared itself. I’m sure that was scary! And I think it’s a great idea to get service in Yuma. They have everything you need for RVs. The Starlight Solar guys are good and know the area, so their recommendation is probably also good…plus your RV buddy backed it up.
Nina
Hi, Nina,
Starlight Solar people (their team is guys and gals) are top-notch!
Yes they are. I was in there the other day and noticed you could probably eat off their floor!
I am so happy Bridget is doing better. We are not FT but travel in our Class C about 1/2 the year. Our furbaby, Bandit ( miniature Dachshund ) goes everywhere with us. He is a trooper. I have always been concerned about seeking treatment on the road. I trust and rely on our vet at home. So glad you did not have to seek someone out!
Hi, Cheryl,
You can take Bandit to a vet but you don’t have to have anything done to Bandit. Seek knowledge and then decide if you need to take Bandit home to your regular vet.
Rather than be concerned, do as you have been doing, going “everywhere” and enjoying yourselves. Let life play out for you. Bandit, like you, may never have a medical need while on the road.
That is just what we plan on doing! So love beings on the road. Been grounded after surgery in November so ready to start some new adventures!
Just wanted to say that the lump under Bridget’s eye could very well be from an infected tooth. I’m a veterinarian and have seen this many times. Yes, the lump will disappear, only to reappear another time unless either the offending tooth is pulled and/or antibiotics take care of the infection. Just sayin’……:)
Hi, Deanna,
Wouldn’t there be another symptom if she had an infected tooth?
Not necessarily. Dogs are often experts at hiding pain. It’s thought to be part of the pack mentality, where a member that shows pain (esp. crying or limping, for example) puts the rest of the pack at risk, and is even sometimes attacked and isolated by the other members.
Usually the offending tooth is the biggest molar in the upper jaw. It has 3 roots; the others only one or two. So it’s good the swelling went down, but if there is pus, there is infection. You can wait until the swelling comes back or schedule a dental somewhere in the near future. If you do the latter, be sure the clinic does a chemistry panel ahead of time and be sure they use gas anesthesia with a monitoring system. We almost always put our patients on antibiotics for a few days prior to the dental, and continue them for a several days after, esp. if extractions are involved.
I read your blog as often as I can. I am also an RVer, tow a big fifth wheel by myself, and long for the day I can retire and be free like you!
Deanna
We can eliminate the molar on the side of her face where the bump is because it was removed several years ago shortly after I adopted Bridget.
Well, that’s good b/c those back molars can be challenging to extract. It could just as easily be the tooth next to that area. Only a good dental exam will give the answer. A dental X-ray of that area will be definitive.
Deanna
Very interesting, Roads, something Silver that’s good for ya, ahh shucks , the wireless keybord is sticking to my fingers, dang resin,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Glad to hear Bridget’s doing ok, ya had us agoing there for amoment. Great photos of the Dunes and great story of the old Plank Road. The camper is 3/4 done in glassing as of today And hopefully the fresh water system will be done by Friday, our home on the road is a bit crowded with parts, no dancing in here for awhile and the fumes ,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Hi, Rusty,
Your camper is like a new fiberglass trailer straight from the factory. I’ve heard that they have “out-gassing” of the fiberglass fumes temporarily.
Sounds like you have a lot to keep you busy!
Sue, I’m so glad Bridget is okay.
🙂
Never thought I would be excited to hear of a lump opening up and draining! Glad she’s doing better!
🙂
Hi Sue–no news from my way. I know you’ll get the fridge fixed just like new. Just wanted to say hello to you and all the blogorinos.
Hi, DeAnne,
Thanks. I’m off to the appt. this morning!
Put warm compresses on the lump now that it is open. This will draw out the inflamation. Then put Neosporin on it. This is per Mrs Rattlesnake 🙂
Give my thanks to Mrs. Rattlesnake.
Peroxide burns the first layer of skin unless diluted with water.
OK.
Oh phew……….I was getting a little anxious for Bridget as I read through the latter part of this entry……….darn things……..causes much anxiety whenever there is something wrong with our fur friends. Hope now that it has drained it will not refill. Stay well Bridget!!
Thanks, Glenda,
The bump is almost all gone…
OMGosh Sue! Glad Bridget is OK and that it didn’t really bother her!
Oh my… I have to tell a story. 🙂 Feel free to hit the delete key, but it is sorta funny!
My dad had a dog when he was growing up, named Buster. Well, when I was about 8, we went to what now would be called a puppy mill (oh lord the smell was horrid) and found a wee Cockapoo. He had to name him Buster. Supposed to be MY dog, but you couldn’t argue with him, so Buster it was. Buster lived a good 19 years (after a very rocky and sickly start from the horrible place we got him). He lived through a wolf attack and years of living with my crazy family. When he passed I think it sucked the life out of my father… So, they went to the local animal shelter (no more puppy mills, thank you). Found a dog. A blond Cockapoo. Named him. BUSTER. 🙂 Taught him the same tricks, he had the same eyes… it was creeeeeeepy.
Buster got to be about 16 yrs old, and started getting those warts on his body–and Dad read that duck tape would dry them up and they would fall off. So my father (a physicist and engineer) would sit in his chair, and cut little squares of duck tape for his dog… the sweet boy was covered in them (my dad did not get along with the vet. He didn’t get along with many people). I started calling Buster ‘Armadillo Dog’ (but not in front of Dad). Buster lived to be about 19-20. We had Busters for about 40 years of my life alone.
They passed 1 day apart from one another, my dad and Buster.
And that is my story. OH! I don’t know how, but Buster #2 got mail on a regular basis. Buster Bogante. No clue why! Our last name was Bryant 🙂
You have now heard probably my most annoying story! 🙂
Hugs from Hoquiam where the day has been dry (and we are grateful!).
Barb
Wow Barb, what a great story! Aren’t pups the best. Could not have lived my life without them. And..so glad Bridget is such a tough little girl.
Take care all of you, Andrea in AZ
That was truly a great story Barb! I loved reading it.
Quite a story, Barb! It’s funny and poignant, too, and not annoying in any way. Thanks for telling it here.
Barb, what a great story! One of my sisters & her husband love cocker spaniels & they had about 6 or 7–dang, can’t remember the name–but every one of those dogs shared it. The name dated back to when my brother-in-law’s family had cocker spaniels as a kid. To the best of my knowledge none of them ever got mail–that is hilarious! The duct tape reminds me of the character in a move–can’t remember the name of that either–who sprayed Windex on everything!
How’re things weather-wise there in your fair city? Is the area getting any help–it’s a shame FEMA isn’t helping out. Hope things are drying out more every day!
Hey there Andrea, Sue, Glenda, Dawn and all,
Thanks for enjoying my story! I am so tickled to share our insanity! Lord knows there is enough of it!
We have been truly fortunate to have the Red Cross, Team Rubicon and Home Depot along with several churches help with mainly clean up and clear out. NO help from FEMA. NADA. And most if not all of the people who lost their homes will never see a dime of insurance funds. Even with flood insurance, the interior contents is NOT covered unless you add in another policy. By the time the insurance adds up, it is more costly than the home.
I am proud to say, and sharing here, we will be having a fundraiser for those who have lost ALL. Last year I came up with a slogan…and I have been holding my breath waiting for someone to claim it and run with it. They have. And I am very happy to say, hoodies and t shirts will soon be available with
HARBOR WIDE equals HARBOR PRIDE
🙂 We will also be having an auction but that is way past my abilities! 🙂
Sending hugs today! From a very PROUD Hoquiamite.
Barb
PS thank you again. You made my morning !
Thanks for sharing this, Barb. Great slogan!
Hi Sue,it’s been an interesting day for me.I’ve had a lot on my mind as something said at lunch yesterday’s causing me to alter my plans somewhat.I’m sure you’ve had a lot on your mind,too…in fact,have had for a while now.Hope you are finding what you need is there for you,just wanted to say that my prayers for you both and what’s best are,too.
Good morning, weather,
No need to check in here if you have other things to take care of. I wish you well, knowing your reservoir of wisdom will not fail you. God bless this day for you.
Good Morning Weather, I hope that what ever has you altering you plans is not distressful…sometimes altering plans just puts you back on the right road…I hope your road is smooth and long with lots of wonders…I will be thinking of you.
It’s all good,Shirlene,thanks 🙂 I’ll explain later on here-for now,know you’re right -the reason for and this altering is great!
Oh please tell me you are done with snow and are coming to So Cal! LOL.
😉
Thank you for the blessing,Sue,it’s working.
🙂 Thought of you several times today . ..
Weather, wishing that all will work out well with this new turn of events. Some we like to listen to believe and I am coming to this too, that everything that happens in our lives is meant to bless us…though in some cases, that may be in the next life rather than this one. But if we watch and look, in a lot of parts of my life, I can see some blessings in it. And find something to be grateful about. Our being here, helping daughter, has brought other unexpected blessings and I am indeed grateful. Looking forward to hearing your good news too!!
As most that would speak about things as being blessings also know that evil exists I assume they mean that even if what happens was not meant to bless us by the dark ones that cause problems,it will become a blessing in the lives of those that follow only the Light.All of life was given that we may be forever blessed-I know and believe that with all that is within me.My current situation is one that gives me only gratitude.Like you,dear Elizabeth,always do.
Yes, that is what I meant dear Weather…I love what Joseph told his brothers after the death of his father: YOU meant it to me for evil…but GOD meant it to me for good! That is what I meant!! Thanks…:-)
Sue,
No sooner did you speak of Bridget’s cyst on her eye than our dog develops one on here her eye!!! It is somewhat red, not a bite or puncture, just a cyst-looking thing. Doesn’t seem to be hurting her. No change in behavior on her part. It is near the corner of her upper eyelid. I’m thinking maybe it is the kebbles!!! Any recalls of late? I do know much of the dog food is processed in China. It would seem if they are unhappy with the U.S., for any major reason, then stuff starts showing up in pet foods, just a thought, I don’t know. But it does seem that way and it has happened before, in the past about three years or so ago. We are keeping a watch on it and using eye-wash, the one that has the little cup enclosed so it goes in easy and does not hurt her. Not to rub on it. BTW, she is not prone to cysts or lumps and never has had an eye thingie before. She is 16+ years old. Anyway, just kind of strange indeed! The last time China played with the pet food it took the Vets two years before having enough stats to announce what was happening to so many household pets. Well, not to jump the gun here but I do find it very odd in light of the difference in locations, Georgia vs where you and Bridget are.
Thanks to everyone who helped Sue and Bridget about this eye thing. I learned a lot from ya’ll. Will get some of that ointment tomorrow when Klemper gets home. We were away much of the day today and when we got home we saw it first thing…umm…not sure what to make of it.
Hi, Pamela,
I don’t know for sure, of course, having not seen your dog. What you describe sounds different than Bridget’s bump. That eye thing is probably due to your dog’s age. I’ve seen them on old dogs. If it’s not bothering her, I’d leave it alone, but I’m no authority on the topic!
Bridget’s is not close to either lid. It’s more on her cheek below her eye.
Yes, you are most likely right, an age thing. It is still there today and seems unchanged but she doesn’t seem to bother her so that’s good. Hugs to Bridge from me and tailwags from Her Bearness, who just happened to get up and eye my scrambled eggs and buttered toast. That dog of mine, I think she loves eggs more than she likes steakburger!
Good Moring Sue, Wow, what a weekend and past week you have had…you do such a good job of protecting us from worry until it is time to let us know…You can see by the amount of comments how much your life affects us….You do such a good job of listening to your inner self and handling things just as you should and have the knowledge to…keep listening, you know the voice, it has kept you strong and able to cope..we love you and Bridget and only hope the best for both of you…Keep on keeping on Sista friend..
I didn’t have a chance to return your “good morning.” Thank you for the compliments.
You have a good evening, Shirlene.
” Hummingbird Bob? ” Wouldn’t that perhaps suggest some rapidly moving, tiny, perhaps petite individual to some folks? I think you might be misleading folks, RV Sue. 🙂
I knew that name would bring you here with a comment! Yeah, you’re kind of big for that name. Ha! I won’t use it again. I promise. 🙂
Our dog had the same thing under one eye. Then it popped, it was gross, and yet it started to heal up.
The vet said it was an abscessed tooth that drained, and the dog, which is 19 years old, is too old to have it extracted. An extraction would kill her. So now we put her on a round of antibiotics for one week every month to keep the infection down.
At first everyone said ‘bug bite’ too but I was unable to locate a bite mark.
Best wishes for your senior pup.
We are camped on Buffalo City Rd on the Alligator River Refuge; amidst a swamp. So pretty and so many birds!
When the town was still in existence, the roads were made out of logs laid down in the peat bog or Pocosin type soil. They would lay down a row of logs, put down a layer of dirt and then lay another set of logs down crosswise from the first set. Over this they would put a layer of sawdust. If someone was walking the opposite direction from you, you would often be tripped by a log flying up. Now there are raised dirt roads to get around on. Black water from the tanins in the trees comes up to the edge of the road in many places. Pretty spooky, though beautiful. Interesting how our ancesters solved getting around.
I’ve been hoping you’d appear with an update. Interesting about the log road!
Oh my Gosh!!!
So glad little Bridget is ok!
Also, glad to hear you’re getting the fridge checked over- good idea!
Take care & stay healthy!!!
You, too, Lynn. 🙂
I know its late to comment on a Feb 7th blog post. Just wanted to note, Barb and I spent the weekend at a rally east of Mesa, Usury Mtn Park. That is a nice desert campground, as pretty as any area we visited in our travels except Organ Pipe. Today, the rally was over so we headed out back southeast, more/less on the way home. The route we drove took us by the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. I saw the sign, and the name rung a bell. Hmm, where did I read about this place. We spent 2 hours, and enjoyed it immensely!!! We then had an interesting drive past the copper mines, and then a very horrible drive through Tuscon traffic to get to our camp SE of Benson. Don’t drive into Tuscon on hwy 77:: 15 miles of traffic lights, and accidents. We survived. That said, we are delighted we happened upon the arboretum oasis. Thanks Sue!!
…”very horrible >em>drive through Tuscon (sic) traffic to get to our camp SE of Benson. Don’t drive into Tuscon (sic) on hwy 77…”
I have emphasized the key items in you Comment. Driving into Tucson on hwy 77 was not the problem it was driving through town on the continuation of hwy 77. If you had exited on Ina Rd east, Skyline Dr, Sunrise Dr, Swan Rd, Speedway Blvd, Houghton Rd and then onto the Interstate it would not have been horrible.
However, I do not suggest you do this during morning or evening Rush Hour. There will be some city traffic and there will be some traffic lights but I have used this route or one similar to it a number of times with good results.
I should say I attempted to emphasize the key items. That should have been drive through. It getting past my bed time. HA
Obviously, we didn’t have the local knowledge to know the back roads in Tucson (sic). Okay, now I can spell Tucson, thanks. (sic)
You’re welcome, K & B in CO! Isn’t the arboretum wonderful? I’m glad you happened upon it!l