Monday, October 1, at home in southern Arizona
If you’re reading this, I owe you an apology and a thank you. This blog stalled out for two weeks. Yet you’ve come back to read this post. How nice is that?
It’s like that feeling when . . .
“Oh, the hummingbird is back!”
There were several moments when I thought . . . That’s it. I’ll never blog again.
And I admit the “vacation” from creating blog posts, from thinking about the blog throughout every day, was much enjoyed.
Your comments bring me back. I guess I’m the one who is like a hummingbird.
Ever thirsty for some sugar.
I apologize for the gap in posts and I thank you for being here right now. — Sue
~ ~ ~
While wandering around Walmart garden center . . .
Suddenly my cart jerks into high gear and speeds toward a colorful display of newly arrived fall annuals. I hang on tight until the cart jolts to a stop in front of a kaleidoscope of snapdragons, vinca, pansies, and zinnias.
Hmm. . . only $2.24 for six plants.
I scoop up a pack of vinca (periwinkle) and a pack of zinnias (oldie, but goodie), pay and go home, happy with my pretty plants.
The house comes into view. Reggie and Roger are sitting in the yard, watching the street for my return. In an instant they go from serious to gleeful.
“Mommy’s home!”
Gee, do they wait the whole time I’m gone?
“Hi, Reggie! Hi, Roger! Were you good boys?”
Later, Mike, the guy who put on our new roof, comes by and I rush to exclaim . . .
“Come look at the rain barrels!”
He steps back to look them over and laughs.
“Your flowers are adorable!”
So, how do the barrels work?
One of the last deluges of this year’s monsoon season provides the first test of where the water flows and how the new plants will weather the . . . uh . . . the weather.
As expected, in a couple minutes the two barrels are full (100 gallons total!).
I watch through the patio door.
The excess water shoots out the front outlet in an arc, landing a good four feet from the barrel and away from the house.
Seconds later, the rush of water from the downspout overwhelms the ability of the inlet to accept it.
Okay, here comes the test . . .
Instead, while water continues to stream forcefully out of the outlet, more water spreads across the barrel’s top and flows down its sides.
Ooh, my poor baby flowers will be crushed!
Not so!
These little posies are tougher than they look. See this sweet vinca the day after the downpour:
~ ~ ~
I “jumped the gun.”
Remember I announced this blog would include “Nancy’s Kitchen,” a feature of recipes with photos? Well, that’s not going to happen.
Nancy does not want to be included in this blog. Am I disappointed? Yeah, but I understand her wariness and I’ll respect her wishes.
It is kind of spooky having one’s daily life posted on the internet, especially with my compulsion to go into detail.
Request: Let’s not make this a topic for discussion. Thanks.
~ ~ ~
The Best Little Trailer waits.
She’s all packed and ready to go. Over the past two weeks I ask myself: Where do I want to go camping? Where do I really want to go in the next few months? (Not necessarily what would make an interesting place to blog about which is an important distinction!).
Round and round I go . . .
Of all the warm places to camp during the cool months, I keep coming back to the Big Maria Mountains in southern California, to Midland LTVA, to Blythe, and to Del and his canine crew.
Recently I spoke to Del on the phone and he plans to camp at Midland again this season with his dogs. Imagine how Skeeter and my boys would ,love being together again!
Reg, Rog, and I will stay at the house a bit longer. I’m waiting for some important mail, among other things. I like it here so much it’s hard to think about leaving!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
To see products recently purchased by readers or to browse and shop at Amazon, follow any of these links:
Waterless Car Wash
Garden Bench Deck Box
Men’s Classic Rain Jacket
Back Brace for Pain Relief
Frosty Chocolate Protein Shakes
Rustic Farmhouse Throw Blanket
RVSue and her canine crew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for your Amazon purchases!
So glad you are back! Was worried 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS, TAMRA! I’M GLAD YOU’RE GLAD! 🙂
I didn’t realize you hadn’t been on line. But so glad to hear from you again.
I agree you deserve a break so feel free to do it.
Like seeing the boys again. I do miss you when I haven’t heard. But my mail wasn’t working so I wouldn’t have gotten your mail any way.
God bless you and your sister and the kids.
N
Well, here you are! 🙂
Blog when you want to and enjoy the life you’re living. It should be a joy not a job. With our new home I’m finding we don’t want to hit the road as much either but that’s ok. And when you do hit the road go to places that will give you joy. If the blogorinos are signed up for email notifications we won’t miss you when you post and we can always chatter with each other.
I agree with Reine. Blog when you feel like it. Most of us get email notifications so we’ll be here whenever you are. It doesn’t have to be a job.
I agree with Reine too – when you don’t blog for a while and then an email shows up it is even more exciting. And if you decide to give it all up, we can re-read it once again and absorb all the adventures. You have done wonders for us all.
Sue, I have read you for years and am ALWAYS entertained by your decisions and your crew. Frankly, I was getting worried that something had happened when you did not post for a couple of weeks.
I have so much admiration and respect for you. Thank you for showing me what is possible!
This is the first time I have written you…..ever!
All my best to you,
Jane
Welcome Jane! You are now officially a Blogorino!
Thank you Dawn. It’s kinda fun being part of the “family” online. Like I mentioned, I have been following Sue for years and really am encouraged by her adventures. Having just retired myself (in June) I am building the courage to “put my toes in the water”, so to speak.
Thanks again for the shout out.
Welcome Jane L. Souza! Would your last name be Portuguese by any chance? Always looking for more recipes is why I ask. This is a great place to ask questions, a lot of well informed folks, RV’ers and others but you already know that.
Yes, jazzlover, it is Portuguese……by marriage however. Sorry, don’t have any recipes handy. Have enjoyed several over the years, though.
Jane of WA. you never know when a new recipe may be just around the corner, thanks you for your reply. Retired myself a year ago yesterday…still trying to get used to this new part of my life, it does seem to take a little rearranging of the mind . Enjoy your retirement, put your toes in the water a little at a time to see how it goes. Good luck.
Hi, Jane! Welcome to Sue’s blogorino family! 🙂
Thank you, Jane, for reading my blog for years! Also congratulations on becoming an official blogorino! You’re even more special than ever! 🙂
Yay!!!! RVSUE is BACK!!!!! I’m glad that you had a good break from us, but we missed you! The flowers look pretty. I’m so glad that your rain barrels are working for you. The picture of Roger climbing the tree is so precious! I’ve had some bigger news. In a moment of weakness, I agreed to foster two kittens. My family is groaning, as they know my past rate of foster fails! However, I couldn’t say no to an orphaned 5 week old kitten that needed a stable home. After I got in Mac, a long haired orange cream kitty, I decided that he needed a friend, so I “borrowed” another foster kitten from a friend who had a big litter. Best decision ever! They keep each other company and play all the time. They eat like little pigs! I wish I had more time to spend with them, but I am happy that they are in a safe spot, have each other and are getting socialized with people. Look forward to seeing where you will go next!
Welcome back!! Have really missed your post. The rain barrels look look great and the flowers set them off nicely!
I was beginning to be afraid something was wrong with my computer and I was going to have to figure out a way to re register with you! I’m so glad all is well and that you are “back.”
I agree with Mike, the flowers are adorable by your rain barrels.
I have to admit, would love seeing the dogs with Del’s dogs. Sounds like a good break from all the work you have been doing on the house. Happy traveling, whatever you decide.
I’m happy you’re happy 😊
Nice to see the crew 🐾and your flowers 💐 I may copy your water barrel set up. We are in process of getting our own Arizona home.
Sue & Crew
Glad to Have you back.
Just couldn’t go on without the curiosity of wondering if we were still around, Waiting on the Crew!!!!
Dave In Mo.
Thanks for letting us know. Can’t wait for reports from your next camp.
The snow has begun up here in the North. Just saw a weather map predicting October weather here. Chilly and wet. Your photos of your home and yard are inviting.
I suppose you may never be in Montana again. Too cold; too wild.
An older man and his eighty year old mother died in their RV at Pelican Point FAS on the Yellowstone a couple of weekends ago. Succumbed to exhaust from their generator. Warn campers to keep these exhaust fumes away from their rigs during night time hours.
Hi Sue,
Glad your back! Was missing you & your blog. Well, we made it out on the road. Spent about two months in the Ruidoso area and now at Quail Run campground Elephant Butte. We love it here. Do you think it’s too cold to winter here or should we move south near Tucson? Phoenix area just seems too busy and expensive. Dianne likes her comforts so we need at least water & electric. Hopefully we can boondock occasionally but that will not be the norm. Also nice to be close to a grocery etc like you have mentioned many times. We like more natural RV parks but allot look like parking lots.
Did you like Quail Ridge? I have been making calls and allot of parks are already booked for winter, I’m on a learning curve and now realize I’m going to have to reserve far in advance. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Congratulations on the house Sue, every thing looks Great!
Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus is a little warmer than Elephant Butte in the winter. And my wife and I love to visit the Pink Store in Palomas, Mexico just across the border – good stuff and good food.
Cheers John, Duluth, MN
Hi, Scott,
Yes, I liked Quail Ridge RV Park (Huachuca City/Whetstone, AZ) and Quail Run Campground (Elephant Butte, NM) very much!
NM does get cold in the winter. I learned that fast my first year when we camped at one of the campgrounds south of Elephant Butte and we woke up to snow and cold. As soon as the interstate was cleared, we took off for Ajo, AZ. You could check online for the names of the RV parks there. Also, the park in nearby Why (Coyote Howls) is very reasonable, I hear.
From Ajo or Why you could visit Organ Pipe. Lots of saguaros in the area…. 🙂
Ajo Az gets my vote! Great camping, wonderful grocery store and friendly people! PLUS a forest of saguaro cacti to camp in!!!!! We lived in T or C/ Elephant Butte area for a few years and yup, it gets cold in the winters!
Thank You Geri,
Your vote tipped the scale, Reserved a site & heading to Ajo Soon!
Thank You Sue,
Booked a site in Ajo Today! Your the Best!
Remember the photo of Reggie after you had dropped Roger off at the Vet.
He looked as if he had lost his best friend.
I was beginning to feel that way — what if something had happened to RVSue or one of the boys.
SO HAPPY ALL IS WELL AND YOU’RE BACK.
Hi Sue and crew
Good to know all is OK with you – I was another one thinking I had a problem with my computer! Actually, I think I may have anyway, it is getting slow again – time to hand off to my ‘other half’ for some TLC.
Sometimes we all need a break in routine, time to step back and rest – I know I do! – so take time when you need it. I believe you once told us that if/when things change for you and you plan to ‘retire’ from blogging you would let us all know.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your travels this winter – especially a meeting with Del and his crew. Lots of fun for all of you!
Kathy.
Hello Sue, Happy October! Glad you took some time for yourself, sure keeping this blog going is no easy task and time consuming to boot. Now that Nancy and Marg are there you naturally want to take a break and spend time doing other things. Think Nancy is wise to opt not to do a food blog, she just retired for Pete’s sake and might just want to do what she wants when she wants. Will say no more.
Wish I could have seen you blasting thru WalMart to get to the fall flowers, lol really.
Beautiful pictures, especially Rog looking over his kingdom and Marg, she just cannot take a bad picture can she. As to where you will end up, well maybe the place that has the strongest draw for you or perhaps the one you haven’t been too in a long while. You will figure it out, you always do. No apology necessary, you need a break, hey, it is your blog after all.
So selfishly glad to see you back blogging Sue! I also completely understand the need for breaks from it, or even someday to leave it behind and get on with other things. In the meantime, thank you.
I’m so happy to see you back, Sue. We all need a vacation and a change from time to time. I would hope that you never feel bad for taking the time and space you need. Selfishly I hope you’ll continue to occasionally let us know that you’re okay. You have come to mean a lot to us.
Your rain barrels look so sweet with their flowers standing guard at the corners.
Hi, Sue, I truly am glad you enjoyed your “vacation” from blogging. Yet will admit I’ve missed you and your stories tremendously since your previous post. It’s great to have you back!!!
Those flowers look perfect in the small spaces around the rain barrels. It’s amazing how adding a little natural beauty can transform merely functional into loveliness. You chose well. Another good choice, in my opinion, is your camping where you want to, not just somewhere that seems like interesting blog material. Honestly, you can make laundry, doing dishes or dead brown grass into interesting topics. I love it when you camp near Del, that makes you and him plus all of your dogs happy.
What cute photos of Reggie, Roger and Marg 🙂 , they are such little darlings. I especially like the one of the three of them running in their yard.
Weather, thank you for your kind comment on the previous post…appreciate your concern! Tomorrow is a very worrisome day for us. It is nice to come here and read about easier, more relaxing topics…wish there was another place to connect when Sue needs a break (which I do understand as it must take a great deal of time to produce this blog).
I pray tomorrow God guides all involved toward a future He knows will hold good things,and that He comfort you and yours until then,dear, hugs
About our connecting when Sue needs a break-
Ordinarily we can continue conversations on here for quite sometime while waiting for a new post. What made that different on the previous post after a couple of weeks was we were unable to add new comments or replies. I think there is an automatic function installed with a time limit involved in that, and is necessary for bloggers to have so they aren’t burdened with monitoring all their older posts for inappropriate content.
Sue has been generous and kind enough as our hostess to encourage us to stay in touch with each other here,even though keeping this blog open involves high amounts of her own time and money. Should this place ever become unavailable, for us to have another place to connect would be our own responsibility. Options for that might be our using social media sites like Facebook, or perhaps one of us take on the trouble and expense of a blog with it’s sole purpose being to serve as an alternative online “home” for those of us who have become fond of and interested in each other.
Personally, I would be unwilling to do any of that. Sue’s generosity and capacity for caring about others frankly astounds me on a regular basis. I greatly admire that yet have no desire to attempt to emulate her, knowing how much of a burden it can become.
Good morning, weather,
Aha! You uncovered the mystery of why blogorinos report not being able to comment. My fault!
Some of the settings for my blog were set up years ago. Quite a while ago I set up discussion settings so that people would be unable to comment on posts beyond 14 days. I did this because creepy people were writing nasty and/or mean comments under old posts that were getting through my spam filter. The fourteen day limit was never a problem because I never left off writing for that length of time.
Thanks a bunch for pointing this out! I will be mindful of this if I ever take another long break. My apologies to those who tried to comment and were blocked.
Your acknowledgement of the work that bloggers do is appreciated, weather. You’re very kind. Of course, blogorinos know that!
I know that weather is very kind, and I also know that a great deal of work goes into this blog. (I’m not a great blogger, but I’ve done a little of that.) Probably, everything that goes into the blog is a full-time job. When I considered that you (RV Sue) had not had a vacation from it in years, I realized that you desperately needed the break.
Another thing…. about this community keeping in contact. I will do my best to alert everyone when the blog is going to close, and, if I am able, give plenty of lead time and maybe information, too, how you can keep in touch with each other.
I don’t want you going off NOW to set that up. Stay here please! 🙂
Good morning, Sue, how nice of you to consider a way to keep this community intact should you ever close your blog, thank you! By now it’s obvious that we love it here, while I can’t definitively speak for everyone, I think you can rest assured we’ll stay here as long as you do, I certainly will. 🙂
Add my name to that list as well weather. Sues blog is like sunshine coming through on an overcast day. Love the information she puts forth on all sorts of different topics, as well as taking us with her as she goes speeding down the aisle with her in Walmart!
Hope you are getting you place snug for the coming months. What do you have for lighting if the power goes out, battery operated lights? Looking for dependable, “longer lasting” lights. Thanks.
weather,one too many “with her”s in my last to you sorry. Will have to talk with my proof reader!
Hi, jazzlover, besides battery operated lights I have ones that use propane and lantern oil. Also enough candles to last for weeks. For several reasons I make sure to keep my Jeep’s fuel tank full, so I could use it’s lighting as well, and I keep a strong car battery in it, and could use it’s charge outlet to charge my phones and laptop – those can be used as light sources in a pinch. My friends and I have a sharing system in which 3 generators are involved, we have keys to each others homes and the understanding that we are welcome to use each other’s homes and resources if the need arises.
Yes, Weather, understood and agreed. I have not the time nor inclination either….heh, or the knowledge nor desire to learn the necessary things…too many other things going on right now…and yes, it has been fun to “meet” here thanks to Sue. Thanks too for the well wishes. The other side cancelled the court…yet no one bothered to tell my daughter who had to drive almost 2 hours each way, plus leave here at 5:30 AM to get there (as traffic is never that predictable)…which meant we all had to get up at o-dark-thirty…but there is a reprieve now for a bit. For which we are grateful. Our little granddaughter was up throwing up all night and awhile after we got there…so we took care of her most of the day today too…again seems she ate something her body does not like.
Cancelling without notifying everyone else involved is beyond rude, oh well, the reprieve is a blessing. I hope your granddaughter feels better soon. It must be frustrating to not know which foods may cause the little dear to feel so sick. Thanks for letting me know what happened, I’d been thinking of it several times today. Sue put a new post up, we can chat there tomorrow or another time if you want to and have a bit free time. I had a busy day and will be tucking in early this evening (it’s past 7pm here) .Hugs and bye for now.
Missed you!
Welcome back Sue! Yay!! 😉
I’ve been missing your newsy posts, and I’m very happy to see you back online. Excited too, to see you are heading out on another adventure! So exciting! Nancy and Marge can get some “me” time after their very busy move, and settling in. Your home looks lovely, and I can see the both of you have worked very, very hard to make a house your home. I love what I see, and I can tell, you all are very happy there together.
Larry and I will be heading South at the very end of October, as we’ve experienced a bit of a delay. Even the best laid plans can go astray sometimes. I’m happy to report my hand is healing nicely, and although the scar is still quite purple, at least I had no complications, and I’m going to be good to go.
I’ve been decorating our “BLT”, lol, “The Happy Honu”, and making her our own while we’ve had to be parked for awhile. It’s been nice putting photos up, do-dads, and other little personal effects. I put an organizer in our closet, which has made storage a bit more organized, and yet, we can still each claim 3 hangers. Happy about that! I got the idea on another Casita site, and I quickly “borrowed” his idea, and thanked him very much. The Container Store has wonderful items for storage in RVs, as well in regular homes and condos. Now that the decor is about finished, I’m really itching to get back on the road! The cold is working its way into the PNW, the days are noticeably shorter, and the rain is sneaking in. I’m really excited about getting down South and exploring the Desert scene these next several months. We have no idea where to first, but we’ve discussed stopping in Joshua Tree for a few days.
I know you’ll be excited too, to get back on the road with the boys! It’s been awhile, and I imagine you relish the idea to make your “escape” back out on the open road traveling and visiting friends along the way (Del and his crew). I’m so happy for you!
I’ll be looking forward to reading your traveling posts that are sure to follow. Do be safe, and take good care!
Aloha,
Suzi, Larry, and Kitty =^.^=
The Happy Honu! Ha! I love it, miss seeing the honu cruising in the nalu 🙂 hope you all have a wonderful trip when you can finally say ‘A hui hou!’ to the PNW! 🙂
Oh man, another Kamaaina here? Gotta be! Did you live in Waimanalo? I’m born and raised Kailua… Gee, this is fun!
So grateful that you and the boyz are ok and back with us. Initially, I wasn’t too worried because you posted that “no one is in the hospital” but then when the comment/reply function wouldn’t work and we couldn’t talk to other blogorinos, I started to panic. I’m sure giving us new content on a regular basis must be very demanding and sometimes, very draining and you needed some downtime.
I laughed out loud at the mental picture of your charging through Walmart to get to the flowers! You would have had a real problem if there had been any watermelons or rotisserie chicken in the area – your cart would have looked schizophrenic trying to decide in which direction to go!! The flowers look adorable – I love vincas because they tend to be pretty hardy and actually act like perennials if planted in the right place. And love the blurred photo of the pups chasing each other around the tree – I bet you’d need a much faster shutter speed to capture those three without a blur!!
Good to see you back! I’m hoping to get out of here in a couple of weeks for some camping. I’m pretty mobile now after the knee replacement. First three weeks were miserable but my life is slowly coming back, day by day. I’m 8 weeks post op now and it is nice not having that pain that shoots up through the roof is you don’t walk a certain way to avoid it. Still sore but so much better than that jolt!
Looks like the house is coming along nicely. Don’t stay home too long, you’ll get spoiled! 🙂
Welcome back!
Was worried there- it’s good to have you back!
Don’t be afraid to take a break now and then. We all need space.
Great to see you posting again. Have missed a bunch and needed to catch up. As mentioned earlier I spent the late spring and summer up at Glacier Nat Park workcamping IF you could call that work. Had a ball and left Sept 18th to return to my home in Florida. I’m ok at being back but my heart is still in Montana and with the lovely people I spent the summer with. Can’t wait till May to go back.
I love your house, what we can see and your new *life* with Nancy and home. But yes, I can feel your anticipation to go back to the Marias again. It’s in your blood. lol. Glad you are back posting. Missed you and happy you are content.
Someone already said it best, “I’m happy you’re happy”. Loved the picture of the pooches racing around chasing each other. RVSue and her Canine Crew are back! Hooray!
So good to hear from you and all is well. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it. Your flowers are beautiful. Mine, in So.Fla., has pretty burned up in the heat so your sister should be glad to not be here.
Glad you are back. Thought you may have had another privacy invasion.
Rain barrels should do the trick in the summer. I see the pups are having their usual running adventures. I didn’t know Roger could climb trees.
Called to make a small cabinet change this am, just to find out I have another issue that the cabinet guy has to come by on Wednesday. I have already been working on this since 8/31, so I am getting frustrated and may cancel the whole order and start over with someone else.
Got to get back to work. Will post more tomorrow.
Hi Sue, wonderful to have you back although I totally understand you wanting a vacation from the blog. Love the photos of the three pups tearing around the yard. The flowers are beautiful, I guess now is the time of year to plant flowers in Southern AZ? Maya and I are in Northern New Mexico enjoying a rainy day. This is only the second time we have encountered rain since I left New York in mid-July so we are loving it. Give those fur babes a big hug from Maya and me.
Hi, Pam… I figure if the plants are being sold in local garden centers then it must be okay to plant them. 🙂
I missed you
Hi Sue and Crew, I was getting worried that you might have fallen sick. Glad you are back. Your feet must be getting itchy to hit the road again!! Can’t wait.
I’m glad you had a good break and I’m also glad you’re back.
As you may have noticed, I’m a big fan of wild nature, so the header picture pleases me. The ones of the dogs are fun. Also, thanks for the details of how the rain barrel works. I’m learning! The flowers are a great touch.
I’m here most of the time, and I always have my email “up” except today I was gone on a little adventure to Target when you posted. Such is life.
Looking forward to your future camping-blogs from CA.
Cheers John
Great post! I love seeing all three dogs! That’s a PERFECT picture with the “speed” included!
As mentioned, blog because you have something you’re really eager to share – not because you’re obligated!!!
Perhaps this isn’t a problem in Southern Arizona, but regarding the rain barrels, how does one handle mosquitoes? We’ve had rain barrels for a couple of years and if there’s water for any period of time….they’re all over me!
But I suppose we’re not really cut out for the rain barrel system as we don’t really utilize them efficiently….we’re not really gardening enthusiasts and the back yard is more for the dogs….. But, we have the barrels AND it does rain…
I’m excited to see where your next adventures will be!!
Thanks for checking in!
Lauri
Lauri….To answer your question about mosquitoes hatching inside the rain barrels.
I’m taking a two-pronged approach. I removed the plastic screen from the inlet hole and also from the outlet hole. Then I cut a piece of flexible window screening to fit and put it over the holes. I put the original plastic screen back on, using the screws to go through it and the window screening.
I also drop a “Mosquito Dunks” pellet in each barrel every month (until cold weather arrives). These are described as “biological mosquito control” that kills the larvae before they hatch. The pellets are used in fish habitats and other places where there is standing water.
Awes! Thanks for the info!!
Awesome! Thanks for the info!!
I am glad to see you are doing well. Don’t feel bad about taking a break. When I need a boondocking fix, I just go back in your blog a few years. 🙂
Sue,
It was great getting a notification for a new post!
I love the rain barrel set up and the vincas. They are a favorite of mine and seem to tolerate my inconsistent attention.
The picture of Roger in the tree is awesome! I imagine him surveying the yard and thinking “I am the King of the world!”
Hi, Laurie…. Roger chases lizards up the mesquite tree. 🙂
I was so glad to see this post, RV Sue!! I left Mobile Sept 18 headed to KC MO, shortly after your previous post, and left there Sept 26 and currently in Denver area until Oct 8 when I’ll head south and west. I was afraid I was missing your posts. But not so.
I’ll be back in Mobile end of Oct. Loving my little rig.
So happy that you and the crew are back! I was also really missing all the blogorinos. Now, we can take a big sigh of relief… all’s well!
Been thinking about you Judy. I’m hoping you weren’t badly affected by Florence.
Thanks, Dawn! We were so fortunate; just a small storm here. Just read the coastal Carolinas now experiencing giant mosquitos, 20 times regular size with extremely painful bites. Guess we’ll be mountain camping for now! 🙄
Gosh, it’s great hearing from y’all. I appreciate the welcome back and the kind thoughts. 🙂
Last we heard, AZ Jim and wife Detta both were scheduled for surgeries. Hoping for good news!
Wow, I hope all goes well for them both. They seem like delightful couple. I love AZJims comments especially when he has a story to tell. My prayers are with them.
Ya know….we aren’t going anywhere! Everyone is entitled to a vacation as a blog takes up so much of your time!
Glad to see th ehouse coming along and that you are also enjoying it. The best of both worlds…
The kitchen blog was an idea but totally respect Nancy’s decision. Your flowers are beautiful.
I hope you do get to hook up with Del and Skeeter at the LTVA. He is such a sweetie and I totally love that Skeeter!
Rained just a bit last night…took advantage of the overcast day to get some yard work and pool maintenance done. AO is so glad Jules is home. Sprinkling today…didn’t know we had a tropical storm blowing thru.
Again no need to apologize for the gap….have a great day!
So glad you’re back to the blog. Flowers are lovely. Hope you get some of the rain from hurricane Rosa. I’ve had 0.35 in. so far-last evening to this AM. More supposed to be on the way.
Where?
She was a hurricane….now a tropical storm!
Rain barrel will be full soon!
Goodyear, AZ Not far from Buckeye-know you’ve been there. Another 1.8 in. during the night. And it is raining again now. There hasn’t been this much rain here in years!
Hi Sue! We do miss you, and worry a little when we hear nothing for so long. You know, we don’t expect a ” masterpiece” every time- Just a quick hello, everything’s fine this week, with a few pics of flowers and the pups is all we really need!
Becky in NJ
Hi Sue,
I am so glad to see you back!! If you don’t realize it you are like family to all of us! And the blogorinos are as well! Your blog is kinda like Facebook, a place where we can all check in on each other. See who needs prayers. See who needs encouragement. And we NEED to be able to show you love for all you bring to our lives through this blog. So anytime you need to take a break to recharge a bit, we will be here waiting for you when you return.
Just a side note for anyone who has used my link on here to get to my CBD oil website. I just bought my own domain to make it easier so this is going to be a new website link that will take you to my same website.
Hi Sue, glad to know as is well and everyone is happy and healthy. I so enjoy your blog.
I am back in Oz, with Mum and Dad, they need help with things now. So life is taking on a different type of interesting. Take care everyone.
Good to see you again, Wendy!
It is good to see a post from you. I’ve been checking and reading the comments nearly everyday. I am currently attempting my fall trip but my heart doesn’t seem to be into it. I am disappointed that the weather in SD is turning cold and wet by the time I would get there. I could take the cold, although not as much fun, but I worry about the dogs being comfortable. I doubt they understand why we would be out in that weather. I will miss seeing the prairie in the fall. Right now it looks like we’ll be making a short tour of Missouri before heading home.
This is my first trip that I haven’t been completely enthused about and I wonder if it is because I have no destination in mind. Perhaps you are dealing with that a bit too as you head back out on the road. It has always seemed like you had an idea of where you wanted to go. You’ve been to so many great places, I’m sure you will come up with something. I think I may need some structure to my travels to really enjoy them.
Good job on the hummingbird photo. They are so hard to capture. It looks like the rain barrel will be overflowing again if Rosa stays on track. Take care, Pat
Welcome back! I understand your need for a break! Lord knows we have all taken them and this was your first well deserved break in 8 years!
But dang, warn us next time! You were missed!
The flowers 💐 look great !
Guess you are getting ready for your first AZ hurricane! I know y’all are experienced with hurricanes, so I won’t worry!
Flowers look lovely. ….Glad you are enjoying your new home And had a well deserved break from blogging. Enjoy your life & blog when feel like it.
I have been putting a photo & small description in our town paper weekly for 24 years now (it is free to our shelter) some weeks I just run out of words to describe the animal.
Your boys look so happy…I just love seeing them.
Hi Sue,
Happy to see you back and glad you enjoyed your break. I’m enjoying the photos of your pretty flowers and those funny doggies zooming around the yard! Also looking forward to your upcoming trip. Marg sure is photogenic! She always looks like she is smiling for the camera 🙂
“Suddenly my cart jerks into high gear and speeds toward”….hahaha…I know that phenomenon well and for such a variety of things garden items included….but then most seasonal paraphernalia has a strong pull for me.
The rain barrel with your new flowers look great! Hope the flowers continue to survive and thrive any more overflows.
Roger in the tree is just too cute.
Your dedicated followers will be here whenever you feel like blogging. I’m happy you took a much-needed break. This shouldn’t be a dreaded chore so if you cut back to occasional blogs in order to make it more pleasant for you, the die-hards among us (and I imagine that is most of your followers) will always be around and be even that much more excited over occasional emails announcing a new blog post from you.
I’m sure it will just hit you one day as to where you want to travel to next but I do have to say I get excited thinking about a canine reunion with Reggie, Roger and Del’s crew :)! Not going anywhere for a while would also be understandable since the house is still a fairly new experience and such a pleasant place to be. That’s the great thing about retirement….you can do whatever suits your fancy!
It’s good to see you back Sue.
Life changes, if you decide to take a break from blogging it’s ok. But I’ll bet when you’re out & about again you’ll want to share it with us.
Enjoy the Autumn Sue!
Sounds like you’re happy. No rush to get going. We’ll wait.
We have been in a park in the Redwoods of Northern California for the past 3 weeks. No cell service! It was lovely to unplug. We moved yesterday near Petaluma, CA, we have to acclimate to life moving faster! It was a wonderful break! Just this morning it occurred to us that we hadn’t read your blog in awhile, glad to see we are on the same schedule!
Hi, Sue,
Welcome back from your well deserved break. You were missed! 🙂
Envisioning the cart dragging you to the Walmart garden center is too funny! Good thing the rotisserie chicken and Tillamook ice cream is on the opposite end of the store! The cart would have been spinning you around, not knowing which department to go to first! LOL! 🙂 The flowers look nice!
Do what makes you happy. To camp or nest at home..it is all good. 🙂
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂 Roger, do not climb up that tree, dear one. Sue does not want to be on the evening news! “Local fire department is called to rescue a dog from the top of a mesquite tree….pictures at 5PM.” 🙂
Great to hear how you’re doing, and even better to know that you’re enjoying the new home so much! Eventually you’ll be back on the road for more adventures and you’ll love that too. I’m hopeful that we come off the road we’ll be able to enjoy both options as well.
Shout out to AZ Jim and Detta. You are in my thoughts! 🙂
Missed you. And your blog. And the boys. Love the picture of “dog in tree” by Sue. Lol
Glad you’re back!
I left Sierra Vista today and headed NW to Tucson. On my way to Laughlin, NV to meet friends for a couple of weeks and then heading to Yuma for the winter.
Oh the joy and fiasco of getting a passport……
Happy that you are back !! 💕✌
Dear Sue, just wanted to say thank you, thank you! I pick up my brand new Casita Liberty Deluxe tomorrow, and am nervously whiling away the evening in my hotel room wondering if I’ve forgotten something. I have been tent/teardrop camping for the past two years since my early retirement along with my two dogs (I can’t blame you, er, thank you for them. I’ve had them 11 and 10 years, respectively). I finally decided if I was going to travel full-time, it would be very nice to have a dry, comfortable home. I have enjoyed your blog posts for years and cried my eyes out when Bridget died. (I found your blog after Spike had passed). I’ve had plenty of time to research and mull over every type of RV and chose a Casita as the best fit for me.
If you decide to take some time off, or even put this blog to bed, remember you have a marvelous body of work, a legacy, that will continue to inspire many people. Thank you so much for teaching us ‘how to do it’!
You’re welcome, W.! I’m touched by the lovely tribute you’ve written about my blog. Thank you and best wishes for tomorrow and all your tomorrows. Enjoy the orientation and that special moment when you drive out onto the road with your new home tagging behind. Nice choice, BTW. 🙂
You do have an amazing fan club. Add me to the list of folks are just so happy to have a new post ! And to be assured that you and ‘family’ are all okay.
Glad for the info on AZ Jim and Detta, sending prayers and well wishes.
I understand the pull of the cart. With the gray skies yesterday and today, I’ve been working on the patio, repotting and making room for new hanging gardens, tomorrow stopping by the local garden centers.
Happy that you took care of yourself; know that the blogorinos will be waiting happily for your thoughts and pictures.
Been lagging myself lately, stopped working on my crochet projects. Think I will start again tomorrow, have some new patterns for the seasons.
I’m enjoying reading all the blogorinos responses, adventures and joys in life.
Glad you got the rain barrels working in time for Tropical Storm Rosa…looks like Phoenix may get some rain overnight. My sister in Yuma got slammed yesterday, her live phone view was amazing…lighting, trees falling, roads flooding…all in a few minutes as her family was leaving a cancelled movie because of an electric outage. First major rain in their 30 years living in Yuma. Hurricane Rosa came from the Pacific through Baja.
Skeeter and the Boys…my oh my…looking forward to those photos.
Take Care
Dear Sue, I really missed you and the pooches! I don’t think you realize what a ray of sunshine y’all are to so many of us. So glad you took some time off for yourself – don’t ever think you need to apologize for that. In fact, you really should do it more often so that this does not become a burden to you. I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into this wonderful blog – more now than ever before. It really is true . . . “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Are you a new blogorino? Glad to see you here, Rose. Thanks for the sweet message.
You’re welcome 😎 No, not new really. I’ve been following you for many years now but very seldom leave a comment – am very private and quiet by nature (I can certainly relate to Nancy) but love to hear good stories, that’s why I find your blog so delightful!! You may not hear from me again for a while, but I’ll be following you and those cute little rascals around. Wishing you and the crew many more happy, safe, and exciting travels.
Sue,
So glad you are back! Amazing how much I miss hearing about your adventures, whether on the road or at home. I have peeked every time we had internet to see if you were back. It sounds like you enjoyed your “vacation” from blogging.
We have been on the road for the last three weeks wandering around eastern Washington, Idaho’s Snake River, and Oregon’s Willowa Mountains. We just got home this evening. Love to be on the road and love to be home.
Enjoy!
Kitt
I agree with the others. you certainly deserved a break from blogging, even though we all missed you a bunch. We will all be lost if you decide to quit completely. You certainly provide me with a welcome break from life’s stresses at my house.
Look forward to seeing Del and his furry clan. Rog & Reg get even more hyper that usual when they see Skeeter & company. They are hilarious.
Time for some sleep.
So good to see you back and know you are okay!
Hi there. I’ve followed you since the very beginning but I seldom comment and very rarely read the comments. I do enjoy your blog. I have a suggestion/idea/etc. What if we asked you questions and on “slow days” you answer them. Not personal questions, of course, but questions about traveling. I’m sure most/some of the questions may have been answered in earlier blogs but who wants to search for those? Not me!
An example of a questions that I would ask – what was your scariest moment and how did you handle it?
What is your most favorite place to camp near water?
Did you ever break down and the road and what did you do?
I’ve had a T@DA trailer about as long as you’ve had your Casita, and I now have added a VW Eurovan Camper (I’m never giving up my sweet T@DA) but there are always things I wish I could ask fellow travelers. Oh and by the way, my favorite “advice” that I read in your blog and they I try to live by is “when something happens the first thing to do is sit down”. Ok I’m paraphrasing, and hope I’m doing it justice. But as a person who tends to panic, I try to always think of you and sit down and think through my options.
Well, that’s my two bits.
Hi Sue,
Well, of course we’re still here! We may not be friends in real life but I think many of us feel a connection to you, the blog and others here that gives us the feeling of friendship. That’s what makes your blog stand out from the rest in my opinion. And as with all true friends, we want the other to be happy. We look forward to your posts but understand the need for breaks sometimes too.
Can’t wait to see where you choose to go this winter. I would think it’s especially nice knowing that you can go wherever you like….but have your sweet little home to come back to anytime you like.
Enjoy your day!
MB
Well said MB!
I like the way your rain barrel turned out, especially with the pretty flowers; and, as always, I love the pics of the pups!
Good hearing from you once again and COMPLETELY understand about the “posting vacation”. I’ve been there myself and even longer. Sometimes you just need a break to enjoy life as a participant and not so much an observer.
Glad you’re back!
Love you rain barrel and the flowers. Glad to see you back blogging. You have been so faithful to blog several times a week and answer every comment that is written. That has got to be overwhelming at times!!!! Take your time, blog when you feel like it. Answer posts in general. I know I do not feel slighted or offended if you don’t personally answer my comments.
Sending lots of love and big hugs to you and Nancy, Reggie, Roger and Marg!
Glad to see you back. We have been busy helping neighbors gathering about 12 5 gallon buckets of apples and a 5 gallon bucket of chestnuts from our trees (and they were much less prolific this year). The black walnut tree has about 6 black walnuts on it and the pear tree had only 3 pears we could find, hope next spring is more forgiving. It seems this time of year with the visibly shorter days can lead to the blahs and drain energy, at least for us. They are predicting heavy rains for the southwest, hope all stays well for you.
That pic of Roger doing his impression of his hero Sir Edmund Hillary scaling Everest was worth taking a 2 week break to capture, as far as I’m concerned.
Also, I get where your sis is coming from – totally! I can’t stand when my Mom even mentions me in passing on Facebook. As long as Nancy lets us see pics of her impossibly adorable furgirl now & then, we’re good.
Hey Sue,
I will add my 2 cents. Really missed your blogs, glad you enjoyed the break and am super happy to see them again. Love to you, the boys, your sister and her puppy.
Those carts, I tell yas, they’ve got them minds of their own sometimes!! I swears it ain’t me!
I, too, was conviced more that my internet was throwing a hormonal tantrum than the possibility that RVSue would break from blogging. The truth is always revealed in the end, so the story goes. And the story will always go on, no matter if the narrator decides to rest her weary voice. Worry not, oh creator of Canine Corner, we blogorinos will sit amongst ourselves and giggle over the memories you’ve left for us, or help someone lift their head, or lend a hand, or celebrate in the triumphs that life brings to all of us. We will do this, because you have built us this place of honesty and integrity, carving out a warm welcome for all those who would respect and find joy in your words.
But by golly it’s gosh-darned good to hear from you again!!
As for this my little corner of the world, T-minus 36 hours till the other half and I fiiiiiiiiinally hit the road, for good!! We took a minimalistic turn towards vagabonding, invested in a take-a-long toilet and a pretty amazing (bear-proof) little cooler, and went with a Toyota Tacoma with a camper top for transport/bedroom/storage haha! Here’s to learning as we go!!
As always, best of travels for you and your peppy crew 🙂
I have been in a group for people who camp or live under truck caps. Toyota Tacomas are very popular there, so that will probably work out well. I wish you all the best on your voyaging!
Frankly, Sue, I’ve always been amazed at how consistently and faithfully you’ve posted. You certainly deserve more time away than you take. Your break actually made me feel better about not posting as regularly as I used to. We’ve had so much going on.
So…….Welcome back. Can’t wait to see where you decide to go. We’ll be following!
I just ordered a pair of shoes through your link. Hope they show up for you.
Good morning, Applegirl,
I appreciate the understanding. 🙂 The boys and I woke up a short while ago and they’re eating breakfast. I haven’t checked Amazon reports yet. Will do that and let you know if your shoe order is there.
LATER…. I see the “low boot.” Wow. Nice. Thank you very much for thinking of me and the crew when you shopped!