Sunday, April 15
The crew and I are camping without hookups at Cieneguita Camping Area in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area a few miles north of Sonoita, Arizona.
We’re almost out of drinking water.
I toss Reggie and Roger into the Perfect Tow Vehicle for the ride into town. Previously I filled up one-gallon jugs with water from a spigot at Empire Ranch, here at Las Cienegas. That water is for bathing, washing, cleaning, cooking, coffee, and the crew’s water dish.
I drink bottled water sold in stores.
On the way to Sonoita I see a pronghorn on a hill!
Although he/she is at the furthest limit of my zoom lens, the photos come out clear enough to share here with you. So they’re a little fuzzy. I don’t know about you, but, when I see a pronghorn on a hill, that pronghorn IS fuzzy.
At the Dollar General store . . .
I buy water and orange juice. The cashier is the only contact I’ve had with another human being, other than the attendant at the state park and the cashier at Patagonia Market, in several days. We don’t speak other than “thank you” and “you’re welcome.”
If you’re a regular reader of my blog . . . .
And if you’ve been paying attention, you know I’ve been wanting to have the PTV’s transmission serviced for quite some time. I want transmission “specialists” to drop the pan, flush the system, and put in a new filter.
I thought I’d have this done by now.
It was my goal while camped for several weeks in Blythe, California. I didn’t have it done because there wasn’t a transmission place there that I wanted to patronize. And maybe some procrastination figures into it, too.
Well, I can’t put it off any longer, as I notice that shifting into drive isn’t as — how shall I say? — isn’t as “definite” as it should be. In other words, sometimes it doesn’t go into drive at all.
Uh-oh.
I’m hoping it’s simply a matter of the fluid losing viscosity and not something worse. The transmission hasn’t lost any fluid and what’s there doesn’t smell burnt.
And that there is the extent of my transmission diagnostic skills.
I come out of Dollar General and slide into the driver’s seat.
Saying a little prayer, I turn on the engine and ease the gear shift to “Drive.”
“Hallelujah, boys! We’re goin’ home!”
Monday, April 16
We stay at camp all day. I procrastinate about federal income taxes all day. The only reason I don’t procrastinate about state income taxes all day is because South Dakota doesn’t tax income. Believe me, I would if I could.
I find a few crew photos previously overlooked.
These were taken the day before we changed campsites.
Tug-of-war is in progress.
Roger wins this round!
Post-game sportsmanship: Nibboes from the winner!
Tuesday, April 17
Another day at camp!
I e-file my federal tax form. I also set up a time to have the transmission checked.
I’m so proud of these accomplishments that I make a tostada for lunch and put together this blog post.
Wow! All of the above in one day! I may join the crew in a nice nap!
rvsue
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Hey-Hey! Lucky Me!! Ha Ha… just lucky I guess.
Hi SUE!!! 😉
HI, SUZI! TODAY IS YOUR SPECIAL DAY! CONGRATULATIONS!
I needed that. Ha Ha….
BTW, may I share my special news too? Our condo listed and went live this past Thursday evening. It was listed for 72 hours, and we had 13 showings. Sunday evening our Realtor presented 6 offers to us. We got two of those 6 in all cash. My head was spinning, and I’m so over-whelmed with how fast it went! We have an 8 week closing, so Larry can drive that school bus right to the last day of school in June. And then guess where we are headed? (Any guesses?) It rhymes with “mice”, and it’s in the Lone Star State. Any good guesses why? Hmmmm…. Maybe take a look at the BLT. Ha Ha!!!
Thanks for letting me share! I’m just a tad bit excited!
Suzi
That’s fantastic news, Suzi! Congratulations again!
There’s not much worse than wanting to be rid of a property and it won’t sell. No wonder you’re excited.
No, no, it rhymes with “nice!” 🙂
Hello Sue and crew.
IT’S A TIE FOR FIRST PLACE! CONGRATULATIONS, SANDY AND SCOTT!
About buying water, and water for drinking, etc. We plan to bring our Berkey Water Purifier system with us. It can purify even non potable water. Anybody else out there use one of these? Google it. Maybe Sue will post a link.
Nice post as usual Sue. Have a wonderful afternoon. Oh, have the winds died down yet?
xo Suzi
I know a few of my readers use a Berkey because they bought theirs at Amazon through my blog (for which I am very grateful). To answer your question, the winds come and go. Windy right now.
Big Berkey Water Filter 2 Gallon System Bundle: 2 Black BB9 Filters, 2 Fluoride PF2 Filters, 1 Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Blogorinos: Are you a Berkey?
We have used a Berkey for nearly a decade. We didn’t realize how much our city water tasted of Chlorine until we began using the Berkey. Bought stainless steel travel size first, but we were emptying it too quick so bought a really big one and use Travel for RV. Not a day of regret for either.
From one procrastinator to another, Good afternoon.
Sorry I didn’t reply right away. (hee-hee)….
Hi, Marilyn and good afternoon!
oh now you have pushed my button. The word procrastinate! When my Grand Daughter turned ten I sent her a home made birthday card and I put a note in the card which said “I am sorry this is a little late Grandma is such a procrastinator!” I got a letter from my son and he said it was an inappropriate message! I still do not know what to think of that….
Hi, Sue
Love the pronghorn pictures. You did a nice job. No criticisms here. Glad you are lingering in the desert. The memories of warmth and solitude will come in handy if you land in a cold and crowded area–like the Northwest, methinks.
Anyway, I hope once you move north, you may consider returning to Montana. The horrid smoke from last year’s forest fires will not return. Guaranteed! LOL Just reconsider us. I loved the banners you put up during your stay here. They inspired me to get out and visit the northwestern part of our great state.
Good days and happy burrito meals, Sue and Crew!
That’s great, Diann! You went northwest! I don’t know why it is that residents often don’t visit their area the way tourists (and RVers) do. I was that way in Florida until one day I decided to go to a few tourist places, like the wax museum in Sarasota, and did a few touristy things, like eating crab cakes sold on the boardwalk.
Montana is a marvelous place. I hope to return. Don’t know when. 🙂
Hi Sue and Crew and others!
I read but don’t respond too often. Work is overwhelming… and I am well… done like a dried up steak. 🙁 So I have logged on to take a break with my favorite camp crew! 🙂 Happy Thoughts!~
I have to go, but wanted to say ‘hey’.
Hugs as always!
Aww, Barb. I wish you didn’t have to work so hard. Sweet of you to drop some hugs here. I do appreciate that!
Take care, dear one.
Really nice photos – congratulations on the procrastinator accomplishments! 🙂
Thank you, Pierre, for the compliment and congrats! Nice to hear from you. 🙂
Hi Sue,
Isn’t it funny that those little things being accomplished mean so much?
I had a small oil leak and I drove through the little town of Chama, NM looking for a garage. There at the Chevron were a couple of men working on the tires on a car. I told them the problem and in went the truck on the lift, and I was out within about 20 minutes.
Then I needed a couple of ‘O’ rings and I found them at the Ace.
Back to camp, I was thrilled the oil leak wasn’t a big cost.
That Pronghorn looks beautiful. It’s the nature of glass lenses pushed to the limit causes fuzziness. Still great shots of that Prong.
Hi, Robert,
Oh, don’t you love it when life rolls over the speed bumps so easily and you’re on your way?
Thanks for the kind words about the pronghorn photos. A beautiful animal in every pose….
I beat you on tax filing by a day. I’ve procrastinated before for sure, but I was even making myself nervous this year! I fervently hope the postcard filing promise pans out. Someone mentioned AARP doing taxes thru senior centers. Thanks to whomever – am doing that next year if more than a postcard is needed. Loved the pics of the pronghorn sheep. For my other nature fix am watching the nesting on Explore.org. The osprey and eagles are my favorites. What other sites do folks visit for nature fixes? Hope the transmission stuff is just annoying and nothing serious. Good luck.
Hi, Stephanie,
Good job on the taxes!
That postcard reference was made by a House representative, then picked up as hyperbole. The tax code is reduced from a pile of paper several feet tall to a pile that sits on a desk. The forms are promised to be one page. That will be fine with me. They may be easy enough to fill out that we can do them ourselves.
Thanks for wishing me luck with the transmission.
Here’s a link to live cams at Explore.org.
Blogorinos: Do you visit websites for watching nature? Any suggestions?
Wow! Stephanie! You can look inside the nest at the younguns! Thanks for telling us about that site.
Hi Sue. Keep those warm weather pics coming please. Right now it’s snowing here in good ol’ Rochester. I want to garden! Been getting a lot of spring cleaning done since the weather won’t cooperate. Although “spring” is used euphemistically here. lol!
Hi, Pat,
You’re still having snow? That’s crazy! I imagine your house is sparkling clean by now. 🙂
Hi Sue! BEAUTIFUL picture of the prong horn! Just spectacular! Glad you’re getting your transmission serviced soon. How did the trip to the dentist go? As for the Berry, it’s on my dream wish list.
Hi, Dawn,
“As for the Berry”…. Am I having a senior moment? What is that about?
Darn spell check! I meant Berky water filter!
Wow! great pics! You are turning into a nature photographer… The pups look so healthy and happy, you are giving them a life that most dogs can only dream of. As I said once before both Detta and I had unhappy marriages before but on Friday we share our 45th year together. I am having lobster flown in from Maine as our little gift to one another. We’ve both gone from lovebirds to caretakers but I couldn’t have wished for more than she is to me!! Love today’s post and we’ll keep riding along Missy!! Cheers!!
Hi, Jim,
“I couldn’t have wished for more than she is to me!!” What a lovely statement! Those are words that would fill any wife’s heart. I’m happy for both of you.
Maine lobster, oh my! I’m salivating here. 🙂 Wishing a Happy 45th and many blessings in the years to come for you and your sweet Detta!
Happy 45th Anniversary, Jim&Detta!
Ohhh-you’re scaring me with that transmission thing. Let us know how it goes.
Ohhh– and you’re scaring me, Ken, by you being scared. I’ll be sure to report on what I find out.
Sometimes procrastination is a good thing.
I filed my taxes as soon as I had received all the paperwork (very early February). Got my refund 2 weeks later.
A **week** after that, I received an amended mortgage statement. You see, the deduction for mortgage insurance had expired, so the mortgage company couldn’t include it on the 1090whatever they sent me. But Congress passed a law and the President signed it, restoring the deduction retroactively. So they sent me a new 1090whatever.
I’m getting more money back, but now I have to file an amended return!
I knew there was a punishment for filing early! Ha!
Seriously…. I’m sorry you have to do another return, Ladybug, but at least you’re getting money back. I had to pay. 🙁
Hi Sue,
Love the pronghorn and the pup pics!
I had another RVer tell me that he became a South Dakota resident when he went full-time RV. Do you have to own property there? Would love to know a little about what is involved.
Good luck with the tranny!
Hi, Joe,
Thanks for the good luck wish.
No, I don’t own property in SD.
As a fulltime RVer, I need to have a legal address in order to establish residency, get a driver’s license, register my vehicles, vote, etc. I signed up with Americas Mailbox, located in Box Elder, SD. For an annual fee they provide me with a street address (residence) which is their street with a unique box number assigned to me. I use this address with all my personal business. Any mail is forwarded to me, whenever I schedule it, usually to a post office (general delivery) wherever I happen to be at the time.
When I picked up the BLT at the factory in Rice, Texas, I notified Americas Mailbox and they took care of registrations, title, and tags. I told them to what post office I wanted these things mailed, general delivery. Within the year I went to SD and obtained a driver’s license. I registered to vote.
I manage my account online. I make sure I keep some money in the account to cover the cost of postage for having mail forwarded.
For more information, go to Americas Mailbox and read about the plans they offer. You’ll also see they have other services, such as an RV park at their location.
I’m an either/or person when it comes to procrastinating. I filed my income taxes as early as possible when I had report-able income. The last several years of that, I got free help, which is available to those with ordinary incomes. I think that means under $60,000. On the other hand, I checked my transmission fluid a couple of weeks ago and it looks old. When I’ll get that changed is yet to be determined.
I went to that webcam site (Explore dot org) and it has a bald eagle nest cam on the front page. Cool!
The pronghorn pictures came out calendar-like, I think, and I like them.
Hi, Calvin,
You sound like a selective procrastinator whereas I’m a universal procrastinator. Ha! Thank you for the nice words about the pronghorn photos.
Yes, that Explore webcam is cool! Funny thing, while I was watching it, one of the eagles made a sound. The door to the BLT was open. Reggie and Roger were snoozing. They heard that eagle sound and jumped out of bed and flew out the door, barking, ready to attack!
Just a comment on the bird noises. A few days ago I had my iPad opened to the site and left it sitting on the sofa. I left the room and when I came back could hear a bird chirping. I was convinced one had flown into the house thru the open patio door. I grabbed a towel ready for the capture. Looked everywhere around the sofa including moving it. It was coming from the iPad. Sheesh. What a dip do. Sometimes….
That’s hilarious, Stephanie!
I just read on the news that the tax deadline is extended to Wed now because the IRS website went down for a while today. So you didn’t procrastinate as late as you thought. LOL
On a somber note, there’s also a report that Barbara Bush has passed. 🙁
Gee, if I’d known it was going to be extended I could’ve waited another day.
It is easy to procrastinate with stuff like taxes and transmissions. No fun at all spending money on stuff like that. Great photo of the pronghorn and the boys are adorable as always. It is good to see the sun in these pictures. We had more snow again today. I am ready for spring for sure.
That antelope is so regal looking. Beautiful pictures. I liked the cows in that golden grass.
I’m off tomorrow on my maiden trip in my new van. I am exhausted from trying to get it all set up the way I wanted, putting hooks up, making blackout curtains, mosquito screens, etc. And for the last few days, tired from carrying everything down the steps and then into the van. Now for the fun!! For whatever life gives me. Thanks for all the help you provide us newbies.
What an amazing photo of the pronghorn! What fuzz? Fuzz is better than oh I saw a javalina but I have no photos.😉
Uh oh…….I hope the transmission issue ….isn’t one!
Isn’t Rog just a character….nibboes….Reg man is loving it. They play and sleep together so well! Rog is lovin his lifestyle!
Tax day….means stay away from the post office! Glad you got yours done.
Sleep well!
I love the post-game sportsmanship photo!
Hahaha! I’m glad I’m not the only one who waits until the last minute to file my taxes!
Thanks for the last two posts. Fun to check in and have two waiting. The pictures were great. What will happen to the grass as it gets hotter, I wonder. Will it lay down and new will come up?
Got my roof yesterday. Planned to go to the forest preserve but woke up with a bad headache. That was fun. I actually fell asleep a couple of times with all that going on. The dog was totally fine. I was surprised. She doesn’t like fireworks or thunderstorms. I let her see the guys go up the ladder first thing and then she could see their shadows and what they were doing. Had to carry her over the mess to go out and she was interested in what was going on. She slept through most of it. After they left she checked out all the smells in the yard. The crew was able to sit in the shade for lunch and enjoyed my backyard while the boss went around checking their work. Only one spot had leaked. Thankfully no spots on the ceilings. Now we can finish the fence. Left the two sides/gates off going towards the house so the roofers could do their thing and be able to not have that in their way. Gotta go. Have a great day everybody.
Your filing taxes and making an appointment on the same day is impressive. If I’d done both those tasks on the same day I would feel good about it, too. Then you put together a great post, you were on a roll yesterday, good for you!
What a beautiful face that pronghorn has, I wonder if it could see you from that far away. It and one of the cows appear to be looking in your direction in a couple of photos. The eagle livecam is fun to watch. Thank you very much for the link, Sue. I added the site to the home screen on my smartphone and have watched it a few times already. That’s the first chance I’ve had to watch eagles feeding their eaglets. I hope they keep the camera there long enough to see them taking off for their first flight.
The eagles I watch are at dickpritchettrealestate.com or search for southwest florida eagle cam. The eaglets are just about ready to leave the nest. Two cameras and one that you can turn yourself cam360. It’s real nature up close. The camera operators really know how to zoom in to look at stuff. You can also back up the feed to see what you missed if you come in and can’t tell what they are shredding to eat. Be warned – kinda gross. Lots of fish when they were little but now that they are big – bigger stuff – rabbits, etc.
That’s a great website, Barb,thanks for mentioning it. Fortunately this morning they were having fish. I really like that site’s photos section, too. I’m glad to have found this now, the two younger eagles will be leaving the nest soon.
Hi Weather,
You can get used to the rythm of the bird’s day if you watch enough. I spent alot of time there last year with only one eaglet. They also have a chat box with moderators, which is sometimes closed as they do classroom visits or no moderators are available. I’ve never asked a question, but last year I sure couldn’t wait for the eggs to hatch. The second was not viable. The cameras were almost always “manned” during the day and at night it goes to night vision. It has volume. You can hear them vocalize or the wind on a windy day. A while back, I also watched a live feed of a giraffe being born. Pretty neat to see nature up close.
Thanks for the photos of the pronghorn
antelope! 💗 It was always such a treat
to see them out west!
Always good 👍 to know taxes are done for another year!
Ohoh! Transmission problems scare me, just the thought of having transmission problems gives me the heebeejeebies! I have never had transmission problems so I don’t know why the thought of actually having them scares me so! 😬 I hope yours isn’t really a problem and that you will have a happy ending! 🙏
Fun to see the boys playing! Constant entertainment for you and for us!
Good luck with the transmission! Hugs to you and the boys!
Blythe closures masked as “protection of”…to view maps visit: https//go.usa/xnwWR sign petition to prevent BLM from closing trails and/or selling our treasures to the highest bidder.
Ann,I found that BLM website article about a proposal affecting roads/land near Blythe and other places, it had some info, maps and an address to send comments in favor of or in opposition to,nothing about a petition though. Where can that be found?
oops its the site you mention…sorry weather
Okay, thanks, I thought I had missed something. I can’t tell from what I read why managing transportation on public lands would result in selling land. What did you see about that?
Somewhere else I read that ATV’s and such would no longer be allowed in some areas in order to prevent damage to the land , habitat for wildlife, etc., but not the people wouldn’t be allowed to hike there. I know they have fenced off a few petroglyphs because people were damaging them by touching them.
That’s why it’s important for people to fully understand the situation, what is being closed and why, before signing a petition or causing a fuss.
To be honest, I’ve seen roads and the area around them in Coconino so badly torn up by people and their vehicles that I would’ve closed them if I were in charge.
That’s what I thought and why I wanted to see more information posted here before anyone possibly becomes needlessly upset.
Typing a url has not worked for me. You can try typing
Arizona-YumaFO-DOl-BLM-AZ-C020
into a web search. Then click on the site
eplanning.blm.gov
weather or Ann…. Please type the URL for the site in a comment to make it clear where to go. Thank you!
Its an article in the Palo Verde Valley Times today. I don’t recall a URL.
The argument is about money versus the damage that the off -roaders are doing.
“Economically, it’s going to kill the small towns. It’s going to kill Ehrenberg (recreation). People come out here to the desert area to enjoy the desert; when you close it off, that’s economically killing us. Off-roading is a part of Blythe for many of us. And Uncle Sam is again trying to shut us down; trying to shut everything down. It just doesn’t seem like a smart move.” – City of Blythe Mayor Dale Reynolds to the Times Link
Ahh, the TOSTADA! I haven’t hear that sweet word in awhile.
That is a fabulous photo of the prong horn! We have those here too, more so near Fairfield on the way to Sun Valley and Craters of the Moon. Beautiful animals.
Good evening, blogorinos!
I hope you had a wonderful day. Thank you for being here!
The crew and I moved camp today. We also took the PTV to the transmission place for a diagnosis. Our new camp and the PTV will be the subjects of the next post.
Thank you, Stephanie, for bringing our attention to the nest of eaglets shown on the web cam at Explore.org. Thanks to Barb in Florida for the eagle cam at dickpritchettrealestate.com. Also, thank you, Ann and weather, for your help locating information at the BLM website and the Palo Verde Valley Times.
It’s been a full day for us, so I hope you will take this message as a personal reply to your comment. Know that I enjoy and appreciate every note you write here.
Have a good night!
Sue
Don’t procrastinate the tranny too long. I prethought mine in the fall of 2016. Had it flushed etc new fluid at a small place. 30 ft Ford 350 motorhome. More work and stuff in spring of 2016 in prep for a l g trip from MO to Alaska. They said needed transmission flushed but I said already done. They said ok but looks dirty so thinking it wasn’t done properly had it redone. I made to kamaloops BC then headed toward Yukon. Didn’t make. Transmission kaputed Towed back to kamloops and a repair that cost the rest of my budget to the tune of $6000 Even with prethinki g it went. Said I ground up the torque something into metal filing that did my tranny in. You can tell I’m not so mechanical. Duh. It would not go in gear. Transmission problems are expensive.
Before I forget… did you notice Amazon has 9 free books during their read-the-world promotion? They are all recent books in English translation. I grabbed I think 8 out of the 9. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it. I guess you have to dig around.
My niece works at Amazon Publishing and sent me that notice. I think you have until April 24th to nab the books.
Thank you! I just downloaded all 9!
So my news is I have collected yet another old person ailment. Just found out I need cataract surgery on both eyes. Is there any thing I won’t get?
Beyond that I missed tax deadline; will try to do something this week. We have been having lots of wind and dust so I haven’t be3n out much.
I have got to start walking again. When I do get out I have zero stamina. Geez getting old sucks. Although the alternative is worse.
Love to all!
Hi Desert Ginger, My father had cataract surgery on both eyes and he came out with eyes that shined blue! Weirdest thing but he had the sharpest vision after! Same with a neighbor! You’ll be glad you had it done.
Good morning Desert Ginger. I had the surgery about 4 years ago. Best thing ever. My vision was like 20-200 my whole life. Coke bottle glasses and only peripheral vision in one eye. I was scared. What if they screwed up my good eye and I was left blind? Now see 20-20 without glasses. Still got the blind spot obviously. But my vision is remarkable. BTW, still reach to take off my glasses (that I no longer wear) before going to bed. LOL. Good luck. It’s a game changer.
Stephanie, which lenses did you have implanted- standard where you need glasses for close up or the newer multi focal? I know eventually I’ll need the surgery but I’m still nearly 20/20 with glasses so I’m waiting.
Standard in my “blind” eye (only have peripheral vision) and specialty lens in my sighted eye. The ophthalmologist thought I should get a lens in my scarred eye but did not need fancy. Medicare covered std lens and half the cost of the specialty lens. At the time my out of pocket was $1000. I do use readers now at times (size of print) but in general I’m glasses free. I know Medicare has some std you have to meet for them to pay. I clearly recall post surgery and constantly reaching for my glasses. I’d worn them for 60 years. I reached for them yesterday. Hard habit to get over. I do laugh at myself. My vision was so bad at the time I didn’t even realize I had a cataract!
The best medical procedure I have done in my 76 years was cataract surgery a year ago November. Easy, comfortable surgery with the right eye done two weeks after the left – which gave me the opportunity to observe how great the improvement was (left eye closed, look at milk; right eye closed, WOW! Milk is White!!!). I went around winking left/right, left/right exclaiming over the clarity and the colors!! I was ecstatic! Yes, the eyedrops were a nuisance, but my current great eyesight was more than worth it. I had a distance lens implanted in one eye and a close-up lens in the other, so I am completely glasses free for the first time in over 60 years. Go for it!!!
Congrats Kat! Yes, a life changer for sure.
Thank you Kat and Stephanie for your input. My Dr said he wants me to consider one close one distance but I’m leaning towards the multi focal. I have worn glasses since I was 2 so 67 years!!! I’m so tired of it.
Hi Sue: Great photos of the pronghorn!
Haven’t come by for awhile but am curious as to why you have to “pay in” to the IRS this year? You used to post your expenses and your income and unless Amazon has put you over the limit why do you pay in?
I am still in limbo here but moving ahead every day. It’s hard for me I guess. If I make progress every day, I feel at least I going forward. The day will come.