Early evening view from our camp at Poverty Flats, Overton, Nevada
Tuesday, November 29
The Perfect Tow Vehicle has a 10:30 appointment this morning at Carl’s Auto Repair in Overton.
The previous appointment at the shop, the one for the brake job, was the day before Thanksgiving. The shop was very busy that day so I postponed the oil change to after the holiday weekend.
Besides the oil change, the PTV has a little problem that needs fixin.’
Immediately after a cold start, she whines. Uh-oh . . . sounds like a belt . . . .
On the way into Overton, Reggie and I stop at the wildlife management area.
First I dump our trash. When I open the door to get out, Reggie wiggles and whines for a walk.
“Hey, good idea, Reg! We have time for that . . . .”
We walk the WMA’s dirt road to a grassy field. The air is brisk with lots of sunshine. Reggie has a grand time!
“You enjoyed that, didn’t you,” I remark as Reggie settles contentedly into his doggie bed in the PTV. I start up the engine.
“Now you oughtta’ be happy to wait at the shop like a good boy.”
Reggie is a good boy at the shop, of course. In fact, in his usual, friendly fashion, he charms the customers and makes a couple acquaintances in the parking lot.
Fast forward to what the mechanic finds!
“The air conditioner tensioner froze up and threw the A/C belt off,” he reports.
I explain that the air conditioner hasn’t worked for a long time, that I had it fixed a couple times only to have it go out again both times.
“I’ve ridden that merry-go-round with the A/C in used vehicles over the years. I don’t plan on having the air conditioner fixed ever. Unless you know a reason why not, go ahead and cut the belt off and leave it at that.”
The mechanic assures me that nothing else will be affected by removing the belt. He adds, “You’re lucky that belt didn’t tear into the wiring . . . .”
Here’s the bill . . . .
Labor (Change oil and filter, top off fluids): $35.00 . . . Parts: $8.53 . . . Tax: $0.70 . . . Total: $44.23.
I think Carl’s Auto Repair treated me very well with this bill considering that the PTV took 6 quarts of 5w30 oil, one quart of automatic transmission fluid, and a new drain plug (the old one was the reason for the oil leak). Also, no charge for finding the source of the whine and removing the A/C belt. The codes were cleared for the idiot lights, too.
Deja vu all over again . . . .
At the library I turn in DVDs and pick out some more. Reg and I share a McD’s picnic in the park. We return to Poverty Flats, both of us happy for different reasons, except for the two that we share.
We’re happy to be home and happy to be together!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
When you follow any of the links or ads you see on my blog, your Amazon purchases send a commission to “RVSue and her canine crew.” Here are a few of the items recently ordered from Amazon by readers:
Gravity Maze
10 WiFi Digital Photo Frame
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire
Lodge Cast Iron Single-Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle
Progressive Dynamics 60 Amp Allinone Converter Panel
Instant Pot 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker, 6Qt
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
top 10?
CONGRATULATIONS, ROCHELLE! YOU’RE AT THE TOP TODAY!
WOW! I’ve done it! Now that I have achieved this pinnacle of success, I can leave further attempts to others – ha! I think that Gravity Maze purchase was mine. I’m glad to see it as I ordered quite a few things late Thanksgiving Day. I was a bit alarmed to read a comment indicating that items purchased from a wish list sometimes failed to give you credit, as I had been building my Christmas wish list for a while and then bought it all at once.
Gonna’ rest on your laurels, eh? You can stand proud knowing you have accomplished something others strive for. 🙂
I don’t know for sure if a wish list messes up the commission or not. I think it may happen when a person puts the items in the wish list after using a link or ad from my blog and then . . . .when they enter Amazon to check out, they don’t use a link or ad…or maybe vice versa . . . whatever.
I never bother with a wish list. I just put items in my shopping cart. They will stay there until I’m ready to place my order. If I change my mind about a product before checking out, I delete it.
Thank you, Rochelle, for the order. See? Your first place win is karma from shopping here. Ppfffttt!
Hi!
YAY FOR DAVE! FOUR-WAY TIE FOR SECOND PLACE!
Hi all.
YAY FOR KAT AND COOKIE DOG! FOUR-WAY TIE FOR SECOND PLACE!
Second!!!
YAY FOR PAT! FOUR-WAY TIE FOR SECOND PLACE!
Hey Sue!
YAY FOR DAN! FOUR-WAY TIE FOR SECOND PLACE!
Love the picture at the top!
Thanks, Pat. I hope it isn’t too large.
hi!
HI, BRENDA! THIRD PLACE GOES TO YOU!
Morning Sue!
Glad the work came out well!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Morning to you, too, Barb! Yeah, it’s always good to have auto maintenance and repair taken care of. Hugs to you, too…
Cute little dogs Reggie met! He’s always such a happy guy.
Reggie is the most cheerful living thing I’ve ever known. Even when he wakes up in the middle of the night and is still half asleep, he kisses my neck and wags his tail. Really. I don’t know what his secret is. I’d share it with the world!
I think his secret is that he knows he is loved, lol.
Love the closing line!
I’m glad, mayble, because it led you to comment here. Happy to hear from you always!
Hi Sue! I bet it feels good to have the PTV all fixed up and purring along! Reggie and his new friends are very cute. 🙂
Hi, Linda,
Yes, they are cute. If you look closely at the lighter-colored dog, you can see that it has one of its paws raised. The owner told me she adopted the dog as a puppy from a rescue shelter and the dog has held that paw up all its life. It may have been injured at birth…
I am close to the top today. Only 16 comments showing as I write this. Of course there will probably be 10,000 by the time I get it typed. That is ok, I don’t mind being one of many. Glad you found the source of your noise and it did not cost you anything extra. Beautiful day looks like. Be safe. thank you for sharing. Hi Blogerinos!
Hi, Jean…
I love your comment today! Made me laugh — “probably be 10,000 by the time I get it typed.” Hahaha!
The days may be chilly but they are beautiful. I hope yours is wonderful, Jean.
Glad to hear you are all well…..you, Reg and the PTV!
Thanks, Diane J. I hope you are well, too.
The PTV is perfect once more! 🙂
Hi Sue! I am firmly in the don’t whine be happy stage right now. I was up part of the night with one of my cats who was experiencing extreme pain and trying to use the bathroom. I ended up spending the rest of the night on the floor with her. Good news from the vet, this 16 year has great kidneys, and the problem is most likely a uti. Antibiotics and painshots done! She ate as soon as she got home. I’ll take this as a win!
YES! THAT IS A WIN! You must have been very worried, Dawn. Most of us pet owners learn eventually what it is like to stay up all night with our loved one, and feeling the awful helplessness and worry.
I’m very glad for you and your cat! Enjoy your day!
Wow… That first shot is fantastic.
Hi, Teri…. I’m not sure if you mean the header photo or the first photo in the post. Either way…. thank you! 🙂
Hi Sue, The blt looks so small in the vast landscape at the top of the page! Stay warm!
Thank you, Pam,
Our home IS “small in the vast landscape.” I love the grand scale of the desert mountains. They are a constant reminder that we are a very tiny part of this world.
We are in LV and it is on the chilly side! If you’re still at PV, hope you are surviving the cold.
Robin
Hi, Robin,
We’re doing fine! Thanks for inquiring. Reggie and I spend more time indoors than our usual habit. That’s okay. It’s cozy. I enjoyed the Tom Hanks/Helen Hunt movie last night — “Cast Away.” Our life right now is a pleasant, restful change from the traveling we do in the warmer months.
I hope you are keeping warm and enjoying Las Vegas.
Happy to be home and happy to be together says it all!! Lovely post Sue…and the photos are spectacular…what a vista you have there!!
Question…how do you manage to keep Reggie’s sweater on him? My little Gabe, a 6.5 lb Chi wiggles out of the neck of his sweater every time I put it on him. I’ve threatened to put a drawstring in it…but I’m a little afraid to…that he might choke himself 🙁
Thank you, millie. I’m pleased you liked this post and the photos.
Does Gabe wriggle on purpose, trying to get out of the sweater? Reggie likes what I call his “little green jacket.” Sometimes when I attempt to put on his camo harness, he presses the top of his head into the bed and starts digging — funniest thing, I laugh every time. Then if I switch to his little green jacket, he lifts up his head and sits still while I slip it over this head.
Sometimes one of his legs will come out of the leg hole and end up in the neck opening. Usually that happens during the night. (He sleeps in it.)
I really don’t have any suggestions. Maybe a different style sweater would stay on him better.
Hi Millie – how about a Velcro strap on the outside of the neck just to make it a little snug. You could sew two pieces on, opposite sides, with a D ring on one and then the other side laces into it.
Good job there, got stuff fixed and at a reasonable cost!
We were not so fortunate, well repair and new pump and motor, 1900 smackers!
Joys of country living!
Oh, no! You’re allowed to whine about that bill!
I had a similar repair at my house in Georgia. The damage was done by lightning so my insurance paid the bill. Well, that probably makes you feel worse. Sorry about that!
Wishing you many of the REAL “joys of country living”….
Love the two reasons you share….that is priceless. You are a better woman than I…I am lost without AC….well not at the moment but in general 😥😀
Hi, Jan,
Going without A/C is a lot easier when one’s day is schedule-free and when one can move one’s home to a cooler place any time.
If I were still working and still living in Georgia and the air conditioner quit? I’d be on the phone for a repair person in a flash!
First? Lol.
In my heart, Bruce. Hahahaa!
Hi Sue and Reggie,
Glad your repairs were of the good kind; took my car ’99 Buick Regal in for a checkup (haven’t been very good lately (4 yrs)) so I knew it would be a big deal…using a shop recommended by my sister and brother-in-law; new tires, tune-up, oil and transmission exchanges, oil & air filter and some electrical for the turn signals that decided not to work and replacing fuses and lamps didn’t fix the issue…all in all less than 2000 and not as bad a I thought it would be…has 98,000 miles so I think good for another 98,000.
Have a great day, it is cool here in the low 60’s with lots of sunshine…Miss Mollie wants her park run now..
Deena and Miss Mollie
Wow, Deena! I don’t know much about auto repair/maintenance costs, but it sounds like you were treated well. Yeah, go for another 98,000 or more!
Your weather today is similar to ours. Funny you mention Miss Mollie wanting attention… Reggie is pestering me, too!
Thank-you for the concern about the Tennessee wildfires. The worst was east of where I live; the Gatlinburg area was devastated.
We got about 5 inches of rain here, on the Cumberland Plateau, in the last two days and it was moving east. I expect this really helped stop the fires.
Hi Mick, I’ve been reading about the fires and have been really sad for Gatlinburg, having been there a few years ago. I am glad that you are safe.
Thanks for the update, Mick’nTN. The devastation will haunt that area for a few years. However, the human spirit is at it’s best during recovery. You’ll witness this, as well.
On another note, I saw that Dolly Parton has set up a relief fund for the victims. The link is on her web page.
God speed.
……Am i 10th????
jenny, honey… I don’t know how to break it to you…. Better luck next time….
I just keep trying —-but on the UP side I was first once!!!!
And the bright glory of that moment never fades… 🙂
Hi Sue. If I can’t be first to check in, can I be the first to wish you a Happy holiday season? I had a cat, got her as a kitten from a co worker, and she also held up one front leg. Was told a big dog got her in his mouth while she was a few weeks old and vet opined it caused permanent nerve damage. She was such a sweetie. My Toby runs with a hitch in his right rear leg but it does not seem to hamper his activity or enthusiasm for life. Glad to hear you sounding so well and so positive. You’ve got the perfect dog to complement your lifestyle. Looking forward already to your next post. No pressure.
Hi, Stephanie,
It does sound like your cat’s injury is like this dog’s injury. Toby is a perfect example of how animals don’t let handicaps get in the way of their “enthusiasm for life.” (great phrase, btw)
Thank you for the holiday wish! Of course, I hope yours is happy, too. 🙂
Oh my goodness–I am so in love with your new photo at the top of the page. It’s a majestic and sure puts life in perspective with your little trailer showing at the bottom.
Thanks, Kristi. One thing about the photo that catches my eye is the way the mountain looks majestic, like you say, but also looks soft, as if a giant, invisible hand is spreading chocolate frosting…
As a sickly child I spent too much time in bed. Putting piles of my ever present books under the covers and bending my knees made mesas and soft mountains to drive my cars up and down. That’s what those mountains remind me of. Just on a much larger scale. LOL
Dasher, I’m touched by the connection you make between your childhood and the mountains in the photo. Thank you for sharing that.
I scrolled up and looked at the mountains again. I think you’ve found why the photo is compelling. There’s an emotional “feel” to the sweep of the mountainside going up to the ridge, kind of like the sweep of music in a symphony… I didn’t realize it until I read your comment!
Somebody race me for last! HA! Your photos bring the words “grand and majestic” to mind. Very nice. I am glad that your ride is happy(yes cars can be happy:)) again and ready to roll. Hugs to the Wonder Dog and hope that you have a great day.
;
Hi, Linda,
Reg and I aren’t doing anything special today, but it’s still a great day. Thank you for the nice note.
The PTV was not happy before…. All that whining was so unlike her! 🙂
Looks like top 100 for me! Oh well, I liked seeing the pictures of Reggie man meeting two new friends and they looked happy to meet him too. So glad that your bill was so minimal. I loved the evening photo of Poverty Flats at the start of this.
Thank you, Renee. I imagine it’s pretty chilly in Idaho these days. Any snow?
It has been chilly and ironically it is snowing now, our first of the season here in the valley. The mountains have enough snow that the ski resorts are open.
You have most definitely found a great and honest mechanic! A rare combination especially when you are on the road and not sure who is good or who to trust! Your angel still sits on your shoulder!
Reggie’s new friends are really cute. Oh and by the way. the photo of that cute pup I sent you got adopted the first week! I am so glad, she looked so sad and she was so cute with that black mustache ! Honestly, our Humane Society comes up with the cutest, best looking dogs. Radar and Tater included!
Our cold front is expected his afternoon along with rain, 20-30 mph winds and possible tornadoes out there. It is expected to blow through quickly and be all over by 7pm. Right now, 2pm, we are sitting here in shorts and 80 degree weather. Hard to believe with the sun shining that all this weather is going to change pronto!
Blogerinos. please say a quick prayer for Pidgen Forge and Galtinburg, over 130 homes totally lost and right here at Christmas time and winter setting in. I truly hope and pray this rain stiops further loss. My heart goes out to them!
Love the new header photo! Take care and hug your Reggie a little tighter for us!
Hi, Geri,
I love your reports! Good news about the pup being adopted.
So readers can better understand your weather news — Geri and family live in the panhandle region of Florida.
Stay safe, Geri and Chuck! Love you! Cuddle Radar and Tater for me…
Geri, are you close to Mobile? Pickleball at Destin and Pensacola. 😉
We are across the river from Apalachicola. Pickleball looks like fun, but my back would never allow me to play! I am more interested in board games these days! haha! Thanks for asking!
Also the weather has moved on leaving us with a few clouds, a slight southerly breeze and a promise of some rain later tonight. Once again, we are in the “lucky” zone!
I know what you mean about the weather. We were really hoping for more moisture than we got.
I’m going to be playing pickleball in a tournament in Destin first Friday of February. We’ll stay at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. Come over and take a gander. Players from TX, AL, LA, FL, TN.
Would love to meet y’all.
You better remind me, closer to the pickleball date. If it is a weekend, we will probably be in Apalachicola Farmers Market selling our Mermaid Tears!
RVSue and Reggie,
Finally, a new post with new photos – I was scared there for a while.. I thought I might actually have to do some housework. Now I can sit back and read the post, savor the photos and get news from others in the family(bloggerinos), all the while avoiding the dreaded housework.
Seriously, Thanksgiving Day, especially,, I had so much to be grateful for. You, the Crew and everyone who posts comments here.. For the past 15 months after I retired, I lived in a 10×12 ft camping tent. I couldn’t decide what I wanted nor where I wanted “it”. About a week before the big holiday, I had my brand new RV delivered.. And it is perfect for me, thanks to everyone here and all the information you have posted here over the years.
It is a Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf toy hauler, 33ft with one slideout. I spent the entire holiday just sitting inside, looking outside into the woods behind me, savoring the day and dreaming about where to go..
My daughter is flying out here from her home in Wash. state to enjoy it with me for a few days. I decided to invite friends and family to come, visit with my daughter and “tour” my new home at an “”open house” this Sunday. It just happens to be my birthday (nobody knows) which will make it extra sweet.
This is my full time home. I am using solar power and propane but will soon add a Honda generator -Sue, I could hear you gasp all the way to here!!! Don’t worry, my neighbors are too far away to hear and almost never come out of doors.. But I”m not able to use my AC nor my 110 outlets without a generator. Mick in TN is my solar professor and I’m on a rigorous study schedule, cramming and all-nighters, gee thanks, Mick!! But a giant thanks to everyone here for all your advice,, information, guidance and making me believe that I too will be able to learn all this stuff so I can take care of my “home”.
Anne, congrats on your new home. Let the good times roll!!
Anne, I am so EXCITED for you! Congratulations on your new home! It must seem like a spacious palace compared to your tent. As I recall you have a few cats that you adopted. How do they like the new digs? Happy Birthday too!
Anne,
I’m so happy for you! Enjoy your new home and have one of the Happiest Birthday’s ever!!
How exciting !!
thank you all for your good wishes.. About the kittens – they keep waiting for the new RV to disappear. Not happnin’, kids!!
they are becoming accustomed to having doors that don’t stay open all the time and are trying to get used to having a bedtime — everybody in by dark. The little girl thinks “”bedtime” is over every morning at 3AM and wakes me to say so..
“Let the good times roll” might be a grand phrase to have written on the side of the new residence.. And I cannot imagine a happier birthday, my daughter here and a new home..
Off topic,, is it just me or do I get the idea that one of those furry little cuties in the first photo of them with Reggie,, isn”t all that impressed with Reggieman?? How rude, sticking out its tongue and all, but what an adorable face..
Anne
🙂
Hi, Anne,
Congratulations on your new rig! What fun you will have showing it off to family and friends on Sunday! Surely it will become one of your favorite birthday memories. I’m pleased that the sharing of information on my blog by the blogorinos has helped you. It’s nice of you to note that!
Good for you, using solar and propane. I’m sure Professor Mick n’ TN has been a great help with setting up your solar, as he was to me. I admit I’m disappointed that a trend has started to ask questions privately rather than here — that the hundreds of readers who read the comments every day aren’t included in the exchange of information like it used to be on this blog. We had great conversations about solar and we all learned a lot. I miss that and hope it will return.
I’m happy for the progress you have made, Anne. With all your studying, you’ll turn into an expert. I wish you a wonderful birthday on Sunday!
Sue,
Thank you for “congratulations” but you are my goddess for getting us all together to share. About the offline conversations – back in June, I went to PA on business. I didn”t get it completed. So as I readied to return to PA in early Sept. my daughter emailed from Wash state and asked if I’d like to meet her in Alburquerque. Name the date and the time, I’ll be there. So I revised my trip and all would be well cuz RVSue’s blog will direct me to the best places for anything plus I found Bob McQuade’s comment on here and checked his blog just before leaving.
Here,, the plot begins to thicken and the avalanche to speed up. I left for PA on a Tues and decided to take my time and pace myself. It would be a 3 week trip north then west.. Arriving at my usual rest stop in northern SC, I pulled in,, turned on the iPAD and hit “RVSUE” Blog. Not there and contact the webmaster – who the heck is he – no idea. Oh, well. She’ll be back online soon. Saturday, business done, truck reloaded in Bethlehem, PA and I headed toward Ohio, and points west. Gorgeous weather after a stuttering rainfall in PA. Still no RVSue. I did have iPAD google map, a Wally World large map book and a smaller atlas but I NEEDED TO TRAVEL WITH SUE or something awful would happen. I rolled westward through the midwestern states,, enjoying the sights along the way.. I avoided Interstate travel until past Chicago then I picked up I-80 and drove onward, alone – no Sue, no Reggie.
Fell in love with Ohio all over again, stopped for lots photos and eventually arrived in Nebraska. I’m in love again. I had forgotten how beautiful that state could be. I have family in Scotts Bluff so I planned to head there then on to the Tetons for some photography. The closer I got to Scotts Bluff, the more strange I began to feel. Keep driving then I”ll get something to eat. Probably hungry and low blood sugar. By Scotts Bluff, I felt so strange, ill-defined non-symptoms, but decided not to visit anyone lest I become truly ill.
Drove straight to Cheyenne, WY and couldn’t access RVSue and Crew Blog. And I feel horrible, like I’m having a stroke. So scared. Found walmart,, parked in lot there. My theory was,, lots of folks around, if I got worse,, and I did, someone would help me and it would be very easy for the EMT’s to find. In the meanwhile, I had access to food, water,, warmth (blankets, jackets if needed) and bathrooms. Several hours later, I had done a lot of deep breathing due to such severe and debilitating shortness of breath. It was later afternoon when I suddenly remembered the discussion on your blog about high altitude sickness. Well, I ha😳d it in spades. And thanks to your blog and everyone, EVERYONE who commented, I knew this was most likely what was wrong and what to do. Deep breathing every 15 minutes seemed to help. I cancelled the Tetons due to the elvation of Signal MTN there. I stayed in Cheyenne all night then drove south on I–25 toward Santa Fe.. And stillno RVSue..
I was too ill to go sightseeing anyway. But I wasn’t getting worse. I would live. Somewhere south of Denver, The highway was pretty empty. I stopped on the very wide shoulder,, took one of my big cameras, walked out to the middle of the 2 lanes and sat the camera down on the dlashed white line to take a photo. I”d always wanted to do that. As I was struggling to stand up, a car was oncoming at a normal speed. It was like watching a turtle on its back trying to right itself, watching me try to “”run” back across to my truck. The driver of that car was probably laughing so hard at my hop-step-many deep breaths-hop-step-rinse repeat that he or she could barely drive anyway.
Oh, and I’ll save you the trouble. No canned oxygen in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico nor Texas. And no RVSue either. I had a grand time with my daughter at the annual Balloon Fiesta, met some of the most fun folks ever. Drove back along I-40 / Rt 66 as far as I could then continued on to GA. Just as I crossed the Alabama line into GA, RVSue came back on line. Gee whiz. Now you show up!! 📸😂
I’ve driven cross country many times in my lifetime so I was fine but there were so many marvelous places on your blog that, since I was “in the area”, I wanted to see. Next time, I guess. But waht a fun trip anyway. Sorry you coudln’t make it. 😂😂😎
Early on , I emailed Mick in TN to see if my iPAD was acting up – AGAIN. But he assured me you were fine, just having some kind of upgrade or ? done to your website.
More about my new RV another time. But you figure strongly in all my planning..
have a great day all. Hugs to ReggieRocket.
Anne
Hi Anne,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading of your cross country escapade of sorts. The Tetons are high altitude but not the areas you will travel and Signal Mountain is really somewhat of a hill. I’ll have to look for your website to enjoy the photos of your new rig. Congratulations!
thank you, renee,
it was a fun trip but would have been so much better with sue, reggie the rocketman and all the bloggerinos along.
i was so very ill in Cheyenne that I dared not take a chance of even standing on a 2ft high stool for fear my HA sickness would worsen and I was so brain challenged due to decreased O2 that I just couldn’t think rationally.
I am sorry but I don’t have a website nor a photo site to show photos. I’ll just have to describe best I can when I write.
And I’m not doing well with this new math either – My math problem was 5 – x = 4 and I entered “1”. I was rejected and told that wasn’t correct. good thing I wasn’t a math major.
Anne
“But what a fun trip anyway. Sorry you couldn’t make it.” Hahaha!
Hi Anne, Your idea of buying a “Toy Hauler” to give you an elevated outdoor deck is very creative. I hope you will post a link to your photo site so we may see how you have arranged this unique application of the toy hauler’s rear door/ramp. What will you do for stairs? You will need an awning for shade attached to the top rear I suppose? What will you use to hold the ramp level?
Love the new header pic. Small home in paradise. Cute pups, too. Love it. Hugs to all.
Glad I had my toes exposed, for my math problem. 😆
Hi, Virginia,
Pretty soon, with all this practice, you won’t need your toes for the math! 🙂
Well, I’ve looked over the orders reports three times from the 26th to today and I don’t see the items you ordered. Thanks for the thought, Virginia. I don’t know what happened.
Thanks for the nice note… Hugs to you, too!
Hmmm. Wonder if there is any way from my end (account) with Amazon to confirm my order through your blog. Getting ready to place another order once I finish researching. I’ll let you know the day I place the order. Uncovering toes now. 😆
Hugs to you both.
Awwww. I love happy endings.
Me, too!
Hi Sue and Reggie Man!
I’m still hanging out near Congress, AZ at a campground related to the Escapees club. It’s an ok place to be as I’ve been resting up from all my health issues and going through the grieving part of losing my mom. I’m ready to move on but my body isn’t quite ready so I’ve got January 3rd as my set date to get outta here! My mind is ready to go! My body says, Not yet!
I’m still a faithful reader of your blog I just haven’t had much to say but I read every post and love your photos. I really like your new banner photo, it takes my breath away. It kinda puts life in perspective, as we are just a small part of a big world. Sometimes it feels like the other way around and that photo is a good reminder how little we are…so like the saying goes, “don’t sweat the small stuff…” I don’t know if that makes any sense but it does to me.
When I leave here I’m off to Yuma to get my solar system installed where you got yours done. Did they put the panels on your PTV or did you just have them do all the wiring and other stuff ? They won’t install the panels on my tow vehicle like I wanted, so just wondering.
I thoroughly enjoy reading every single post, thank you for writing and all the effort you put into keeping this blog going. You have developed a wonderful following of Blogorino’s and a safe place for fellow Blogorino’s to leave comments. Thank you for that!
You’re welcome, Beth,
It’s so good to hear from you again! I’m sure the blogorinos understand that your energies have been used for regaining your health and for the work of grieving. You’ve been through a lot. It’s very difficult to let go of a parent. You’re wise to listen to what your body tells you, even if it’s not what you want to hear. See how you feel when January arrives.
I appreciate the compliments on the photos. All I do is use a camera. Our Creator does all the heavy lifting. 🙂
To answer your question: No, Starlight Solar in Yuma did not install the panel on the PTV. That was done by a shop in Elephant Butte, NM. Starlight Solar completed the wiring and set me up with an inverter.
Could you provide the name of the shop in Elephant Butte? I really like your setup and would like to have my panel(s) on my luggage rack and Starlight won’t do that. If I remember correctly my luggage rack holds up to 200 pounds, it’s been awhile since I checked how much weight they hold. I just know I had my heart set on having a similar setup to yours, it’s a smart design. I’ll have to double check the weight issue but would love to have them on my SUV and NOT on the roof of my trailer. Anyone else have suggestions out in Blogorinoland? I’m all for suggestions!
I got a camera like yours too, Sue! I’ve been a little under the weather since I got it, just the last 3 days or so, so I haven’t played with it yet. You may hold the camera and our Creator does the heavy work but you have to have an “eye” to capture a lot of the shots you do! You definitely have the “eye!”
Hi Beth, I worked with RvSue on her solar system design design. The Chevy van has strong rain gutters that are missing on most new cars and SUV’s. This means that the attachment system is not as strong as a van. The solar panel and mounting hardware may weigh 100 pounds and the roof rack should be rated for at least five times that weight. The safety factor takes into account aerodynamic forces and shock forces from bumps in the road. There may be a rack strong enough, so you might do a search or maybe a Blogorino will enlighten us.
Please go my photo server and look at Lisa’s solar panel mounted on a pickup top.
http://s20.photobucket.com/user/mickent/slideshow/Solar%20Panel%20Mount
Beth, the panel was put on the roof of the PTV by Baker’s RV Service. Click that link to read about Chip (great guy!) and the business.
You can read about the day the work was done at my Nov. 30, 2011 post, “Solar panel is on the roof!
Ha! I just noticed the date is the same as today! The 30th of November, five years ago!
Thank you to both Mick and Sue for the info!
Mick, I know for sure my rack isn’t capable of 5 times the weight! I’ll do some checking around and check your link, but I might just have to have them on the roof of the trailer, that’s a bummer, but at least I’ll have solar! 😊
Thanks!
You could mount cross bars the same as Lisa. It means drilling holes on the SUV roof. This could be a sales point, “Super Strong Roopf Rack”, when you retire the SUV. 🙄
Good deal! The PTV is ready to roll! No more wondering about the oil or whine!
Little Reg man is living the life! So happy for the both of you!
Thanks, Cinandjules. Homesick for New York yet? 🙂
Getting home sick will not happen! Caaalllleefornia born and raised!
The ADKs are absolutely gorgeous…even in the winter.
Reggie is so cute! He is such a social little guy. That is an amazing repair bill for what you had done. So great when you don’t feel like you’ve been taken at the mechanics. The landscape is so stunning there – Poverty Flats is not the right name for it! Bountiful Flats would be more like it!
Hi, Jan,
Bountiful Flats! Ha! It certainly is bountiful with beautiful views!
Glad to know that cutting the belt doesn’t hurt anything.Did it once on my old 74 Chevy Caprice on the shoulder of the Jersey Turnpike using a steak knife.Drove the car another two years but often wondered whether there were any side effects.Best car of my life.Bought it for $1100 and drove it 115K miles after that.Collected $750 for body damage in an accident that I never repaired so I got 115K miles for a net $350.Those were the days.
Great photos.
Great car story, chas! I don’t think anyone could have a better one! Maybe cutting the A/C belt is a charm, meaning the engine will keep going and going… I hope so! I’d like to drive the PTV for many more miles. Thanks re the photos and for the smile…
BTW, congratulations on performing an auto repair on the shoulder of the Jersey Turnpike and surviving!
That first picture is breathtaking! I really enjoy the pictures of Reggie making friends. Such a cute friendly dog. You found a gem in Reggie.
Glad everything is tiptop with the PTV!
Sending lots of love and big hugs
Hi, Pauline,
Thank you about the pictures. This is a interesting area to photograph. Wonderful shapes and light.
I hope y’all had a great Thanksgiving. I imagine Elly is burning up the basketball court. Give her some cheers from me!
Love to everybody… Miss you!
Thanks for another great post. I wrote a little piece of prose I thought I’d share with your approval.
Ranchers Lament….
AZ Jim
He stood there on the porch
And watched as she rode off
He felt hollow, empty inside
He had saddled her horse for her
He always did, she could do it
But it was easier for him…..
Now he wanted to ride after her
Try again to convince her she would
Get used to the loneliness of life on
The ranch, he had tried before
He thought of the work ahead
The cows to be fed, horses to be
Tended to, the ranchers day…
He went out to work with no
Breakfast, just a cup of coffee
Not much to start the day but
She had been his cook…
She had been so many things
And she was gone….
Thanks, Jim. I love what you add to this blog. So creative! I look forward to more… 🙂
Hey! Jim, your poem touched me very much. Can’t figure out if you’re describing an old friend, maybe a wife tired of the ranch life, or perhaps she passed away. Anyway, I really enjoyed it. Made me think…and that hurts my head! LOL. Thanks!
Sue, thanks for all of your talented photos and words…you do it so well!
Cheryl
love this…. I could totally visualize this happening as I read your words. Thank you for sharing!
AZ Jim,
I always love your prose entries. They are so thoughtful.
This one reminds me of recently read Louis L’Amour short stories
in his Volume 1 Collection of a wife who ran away from her Army
husband because she couldn’t handle the harsh life, dirt floors and all.
She was convinced by another character in the story to return.
The second story told of a runaway wife because she thougt she wasn’t good
enough, she couldn’t make decent coffee and just wasn’t up to the task of
being a frontier wife. She was convinced to return by the man who had been hired to kill her husband (range war). I love his stories and those of Zane Gray as well. And your words are right up there with the great ones. Keep writing.
Anne
Missy, Cheryl, Geri and Anne… Thank you for your notes, I often have these little stories pop into my mind. I jot them down and later decide to share some of them just for fun. Being compared to great writers is very flattering but unearned I fear. I thank you gals for reading and commenting.
I truly LOVE the photo at the top of your page today! WOW! You can take some really really good photo’s!
Thank you very much, Laura. I took that photo out the window of the PTV when I drove across the mesa to our camp.
Hi Sue, What a beautiful place you and Reggie have been making your home. Your new picture makes it look like you’re the only soul on the planet. What solitude!! I hope to someday soon travel the west and see all the beautiful places you’ve been. I have 190 calendar days left before retirement and the 1st trip I am planning is Route 66 and at my leisure. I also want to thank you for book recommendations you make every now and then, they have all been really good selections. Take care.
You’re welcome, Karen. I’m pleased that you’ve enjoyed some of the same books that I have.
Countdown to retirement! Hooray for you! You are going to have the time of your life traveling the West!
Hello, Sue!
I THINK this is the first time I’ve commented, but I’m 58, I may have forgotten. I enjoy your blog very much and have it bookmarked for frequent day dreaming and future envisioning. I found your blog a couple months ago via a positive review, and the review stated that you posted your financials on your blog. I am extremely curious to see them, but can’t find them anywhere. Was that something you used to do and don’t do any more?
Reggie looks so much like my dog, except the coloring. He is a VERY handsome companion, you are a lucky woman!
Hi, Lyz, and welcome to my blog! Very glad you have joined us and took the time to become a blogorino.
I’m sorry that I don’t have the financial information you are looking for. I did that the first few years of my full-timing. As the blog grew in readership, requiring more of my time and energy, I had trouble keeping up with the financial reports. Rather than experience burn-out, I discontinued them.
My first full years on the road…2012 and 2013, it cost me $13,000-$14,00o annually for all expenses (if I remember correctly). I boondocked for free a lot during those years. Since then I’ve allowed myself to stay in fee campgrounds more often and an occasional rv park. I’ve also “loosened my purse strings” in other ways, as I realized I could afford to do so.
Well even those broad facts are very helpful to know! Are your financials for those years still somewhere on the blog, or are they all gone now? And do you know any other full-timer that does keep financials on their blog? I’m diving into my research phase so I can make my plans accordingly! Thanks again, and keep up the great work. I’m really enjoying being along for the ride.
Lyz,
Check out “RV-Dreams Journal,” they are a couple who I think are about 55 y/o. 14 years ago they sold everything, bought a 5-er, truck, and a jeep. They’ve been on the road ever since…AND he keeps his budget published and nearly up to date! However, they are completely debt free and I think they have pretty hefty savings to boot. They were both professionals, I think he had some legal knowledge and was an accountant; can’t remember what she did. Let’s just say they weren’t hurting for $$. Don’t know if that will help you or not. Hope so!
Cheryl
Hi Sue! We made it to our destination in Homosassa Florida. We passed through Geri and Chuck’s area yesterday like our pants were on fire trying to stay ahead of the severe weather chasing us across Mississippi and Louisiana and into Florida. We left behind strong winds and a couple of tornadoes I guess. Here along the coast the weather is mild and warm, like what Geri was describing, but I am not in shorts yet, No-see-ums are out and about and I am not going to expose my legs to them damn little biters…That is the only problem down here in the South when the weather is warm. But we are here until the end of March and then we set out again across the US to head back to the West Coast and up to Idaho and Oregon before coming back down the Coast through California and back to our home town for a little while. I will be an adventure for sure. Your pictures are beautiful and I saw some beautiful sites coming across Arizona before we got into Texas.. Love to you and the pups…I hope once we get settled I will again be a regular in Blogorino Land.
Hi to all youze guys!
Hi, Shirlene!
Outrunning tornadoes! And now you’re outrunning no-see-ums! Ha! Great hearing from you, Shirlene…. You made it to Florida! Enjoy the warm weather…
You probably have much you need and want to do. Do keep in touch when you have the chance. Would love to hear about your birding and other “adventures.” Have fun!
Hah made me laugh! Not sure which of them, tornado or no see ums, is worse! Tornadoes you can at least see!
Avon Skin So Soft is a sure cure for no-see-ums! The storm never materialized here, the strong southerly winds pushed it all NE of us. We never got strong winds or heavy rains! It rained a very few drops and that was it! While in Homossassa you must visit The Freezer! You can google it. The best seafood and atmosphere in the area! Love their crab legs!
Love those small town mechanics who do things right. Getting rid of a whiner is always a relief! That Reggie is indeed a charmer and looks so handsome in his little pickle coat 🙂 Love the header – that mountain is quite majestic.
Good morning, Jodee!
It sounds to me like a very reasonable charge for for the work done. But the quart low on the transmission fluid is something to watch. It would shock you how fast an automatic transmission will burn up if it is low on fluid. It sounds like the drain plug is the culprit, but watch for leaks on the ground and check the transmission fluid level for a bit to make sure the plug was the cause.
Nice pictures as always.
Jim
Good morning, Jim,
I got the impression that the mechanic replaced the drain plug for the oil, not the automatic transmission fluid. Your advice still holds, though. I will check the atf frequently.
Your new header photo is at once stunningly beautiful and heart warming. Amid so much magnificent beauty your home looks even sweeter than usual, the perfect haven after a busy day. I’m glad you and Reggie have been able to stay there long enough to have deja vu all over again.A nice routine can be a blessing to relax into when prior months have held much change and travel, as yours have. A bit of time and sameness to rebalance, regroup, and rejuvenate can restore enthusiasm for whatever comes next. At the moment , for me , that’s tucking in with purrs as lull-a-byes.
Good morning, weather,
Aw… Purrs do make a gentle lullabye… I have to admit, as far as lullabyes go, cats have the dogs beat. 🙂 All I get from Reggie in that regard is little, frustrated yips when he can’t get the covers arranged exactly as he wants them.
The time is drawing near for our “perfect haven” to roll down the road. Tanks will need dumping. Once I hitch up and move the BLT out of a camp the road pulls us away. Bit windy here, but it’s early. In a few more hours it may be gone and travel will be easy.
Wishing you a good day. I expect you are meeting each hour with an “enthusiasm for whatever comes next.” You have wonderful phrasing, always a treat to read.
Good morning, Sue, thanks for the wish, today, so far, has been very good, and the rest holds promise of being even better. When you move may the wind be gentle and next camp be a 50′ tether one with feathered greeters 🙂
Or if not a 50-foot tether camp, a camp with new pals for Reggie. Both are good! 🙂
“We’re happy to be home and happy to be together!”
Awwwwww, love that line. I also love the new header pic.
Sue, I thought you might like to know that I read on a RV forum that our old friend Tioga George must be feeling better as he has bought a Scamp and is on the road again. I don’t really know anymore than that. His old blog no longer seems to be working and I don’t know if he will again be blogging his adventures. But it made me smile and I thought it might you as well.
Thanks, Rick. Tioga George is still blogging. He stopped for a while sometime during the hiatus from RVing. I’m tickled that he has a fiberglass trailer. George is my inspiration. Not only for full-time RVing, but also, and importantly, for getting through the really tough spots in life.
Tioga George’s blog
Hi RVSue,
I know other people have told you this, but your header picture is outstanding! The vastness is so incredible-it makes all the thoughts of world problems, political fears, and other thoughts of humanity feel so..insignificant against when you look at it. Thanks!
Reggie is a cutie-but you know that! My husband should be ordering a Drag Harrow pretty soon-I hope it shows up. That is an implement which should help us contend with all the feral hog damage we have been getting lately. Oh! AZ JIm-loved your poem! Keep em coming! Take care all!
Terri