I want to tell you about a surprise I got in the middle of the night. In order to do that, we return to last Thursday night, February 8.
Reggie wakes up, jumps off the bed, and whines.
“Okay, okay,” I mumble as I throw off the covers. “Come here for your suit.”
On automatic pilot, I put him in his harness and we head for the door. A glance at the covers assures me that Roger hasn’t stirred (Roger is a deep sleeper when he wants to be.).
I clip Reggie to the tether hanging by the door and we go out.
“Whoa! What is THAT?”
The ring of orange glow in the dark wakes me up in a hurry!
Fire on the mountain!
From the ridge off Arivaca Road and also from the ridge of our new camp, we have an unobstructed view of the fire burning in the Baboquivari Mountains to the west. In the photo above, the fire rings the mountain that is south of Baboquivari Peak.
Thursday through Sunday, the fire continues to burn.
Smoke is visible during the day. (The pics aren’t that great. Smoke is tough to photograph!)
When I was packing up to leave the other camp Friday, I noticed the smoke being blown in our direction. This gave me more impetus to move our home.
~ ~ ~
In the next photo, the darker mountain with the dip at its top, along with dark foothills and mountain beyond, are the area that burned.
~ ~ ~
I hate to think what it would be like if the grass caught fire.
~ ~ ~
At night the fire’s location becomes clear.
As I type this on Monday, the 12th, it appears from our vantage point that the fire is out.
I hope so because today is windy, as it was yesterday.
I use wunderground.com as my source for weather forecasts. Rain is predicted for Arivaca Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
That would be a Godsend!
Upon waking this morning I’m happy to see gray clouds over Baboquivari Peak (hidden by clouds at left side of photo).
The photo above was taken from the doorway of the Best Little Trailer. It doesn’t show how elevated we are above the valley floor. I love an elevated camp.
Yes, clouds, please bring rain!
I promised to show our new campsite.
The BLT is positioned by the fire ring (above). A mesquite tree graces our front yard. Smaller trees are scattered about.
The campsite is a very large turn-around with an island of scrubby mesquite in the middle. Standing on the blue mat one can look 180 degrees from left to right and see no evidence of human presence, except for a little dot several acres away which is a water tank for wildlife.
In fact, one can stand on the other side of the BLT, look left to right, and see no evidence of humans. It’s exhilarating to look over the valley with the mountains beyond.
Bliss!
And so life goes skipping along, camping at the refuge.
The crew and I continue our daily routine of walking different roads.
Except this morning our walk is postponed.
The wind is too cold for walking. The boys are content to remain curled in the warmth of the covers.
As for me, it’s hot tea time!
rvsue
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First?!
HAPPY DANCE FOR DAWN! SHE’S FIRST TODAY!
Sue, I want to study your solar and apply it to my new to me class c so I, too, can enjoy BLM, NF, etc. Hugs to the boys. Take care. I really enjoy your blog.
Thanks for the hugs and letting me know you like my blog. Yes, solar is the way to go. An investment that pays off in more ways than financial alone. 🙂
Wow!
Hi, Joy… You almost were first again. Wow!
Wow Sue, those pictures of the fire at night are scary. Your current camp looks awesome. Struggling at work on a Monday, it makes me happy to see someone living their dream! Love the picture of the hawk at the end.
Oh, I’m sorry you are at work. Hope the struggle turns into an easy day for you. It’s a pleasure for me to share our camp with you.
Yes, that’s a great photo! It’s a Swainson’s hawk, isn’t it?
I’m at work too, but look forward to reading Sue’s posts on my break. “RVSUEandCrew . . . take me away . . . “
is it possible 2???
and i already the blog.
Didn’t quite make it. Close though. Hi, Anne! Glad you’re here…
near first ??
Hi, Lisa!
Top 10……?
Hi, Merle!
now that is patently unfair. only 1 comment showed when i posted mine.
some internet service i have. i am so glad you were able to get photos but were also safe in the meanwhile. so where are we camped now??
another gorgeous campsite, no doubt.
I think the same thing happened to Lisa and to Merle. It may be my fault. Immediately after I hit the publish button errors that I didn’t see when proofreading suddenly jump up. Quickly I correct them and hit update. This may interfere with the process of comments being sent. I don’t know. The important thing is you guys are HERE!
I’ll hold off on revealing the exact location of our camp, okay? We’re still at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
Did you mean February 8? No biggie. You have an awesome camp!
Yes, I meant February. Sheesh. That’s what happens when I throw a post together. Thanks, Bev, for letting me know. I fixed it.
i tried 3 times to post a second time and say how much i enjoyed the blog, the fire photos and the illusive smoke photos and to ask what gorgeous place have you selected for this next camp. But i was “told” i had already posted that message and this is my last attempt. Also prayers for Rusty and continued healing. And Piper who takes such good care of him.
Lovin’ the desert!!!
Thanks for not giving up! And also for the nice comment.
BTW, when I get that same message, I refresh the page and it fixes it on my laptop.
Sue,
Call me a “Silly Sally” but I don’t know how to refresh a page on my iPAD. Sorry. I only wanted you to know that one more person totally enjoyed (enjoys) your blog, photos, anecdotes and adventures. I wasn’t worried about you and the fire. I’ve read about you getting safely out of all kinds of scrapes and knew you’d be alright and would keep the Zoomer Brothers safe.
This past September, I drove out west to Lake Tahoe (camping all the way) to meet my daughter who was coming there from Washington state. She arrived at our motel quite late at night and smelled horrible as did the inside of her tent which we were going to use for our 2 weeks together. Leaving her home on the Washington coast, she decided to stop off at Crater Lake, Oregon and do some photos there. She knew there were forest fires in the area due to heavy smoke smell. (smart kid) She woke quite early the next morning to leave and when she stepped out of her tent, she could SEE the fires. She got a photo of the sign for Crater Lake and left in a hurry.
I’m stuck at my computer for the next couple of months or so, writing for publication so am really enjoying a coffee/tea break and YOUR travels with the “kids”. They are just so adorable and have so much personality which shows quite well in your photos.
Break is over, back to work. Thank you
Blogorinos: How do you refresh a page on an Ipad? Silly Sally needs to know. 🙂
Try 1) if there’s a circular arrow in the address bar on top of screen,tap it. 2) touch your screen, slide down, it should refresh that way, or show a circular arrow you can tap then. 3) if you see a symbol,top right of screen, with three stacked dots,touch it, then choose the the circular arrow to touch.
Weather,
Thank you so much. I found the circular arrow and tried it. Works like a charm. Thank you.
I too, learn things here on so many different topics. It’s not just a source of entertainment but a source for answers, a place of friendship and support when needed. Such a great “family room” to hang out in with coffee, tea, whatever.
Thank you again, Weather.
“family room”, luv that 🙂 !
Me, too! 🙂
I think that is how a lot of us feel.
thank you, Barbara. When I read Sue’s newest entry, I always mentally picture myself grabbing a cup of hot coffee or tea or cocoa (depends on season and time of day) then walking outside, going next door to Sue’s place, giving a soft knock and call out “Sue”.
I walk into her super large and very open “family room” – green plants of all kinds and many comfy chairs about but nothing seems crowded. There are always folks there when I arrive – Weather, Geri, Rusty, you, Cynthia, Cinandjules, Desert Ginger, many of the “gang” who have also dropped by with their cup of preferred “brew”.
Quiet conversations take place all over the room, occasional loud giggles break out momentarily, heads turn, the joke is shared and all laugh together. The room is surrounded by so much glass to let in a view of the entire world. Sue can often be seen in one group or another, mostly just listening and smiling. The Zoomer Brothers are outdoors, of course, keeping tabs on all the wildlife out there. It’s a peaceful room with many smiles, conversations, laughter. When I have read then savoured the blog, wished I were there in all Sue’s photos, enjoyed the converstions and looked up most of the products bought on Amazon, I take my now-empty cup, smile a so-long to everyone and meander back to my place and return to work, now feeling refreshed as though a physically located visit with friends. I envision that sign on Lucy’s booth – the dr is in –
5¢. Sue, I’ll bring over my nickel next time I’m there with my coffee cup. 😇
What a lovely, warm and friendly vision, Anne. Everyone who writes here, if only to say hi, take a seat on the couch, and quietly enjoy the presence of others, is a welcome addition to our gathering in the “family room.” 🙂
Scary, the thought of fire approaching your campsite! I guess the dogs and the smell of smoke would warn you, even in a deep sleep? In a real emergency situation, how long would it take you to hook back up and leave a site in darkness? I dream about living full-time like u do in a Casita but stuff like this just scares the beejebies out of me.
I do admire you so, Sue- you are brave and resourceful and independent and free!8
Hi, Betsy,
First off, in case anyone has a wrong impression, the fire was nowhere near us. Distances in the desert are misleading and then photos can mislead even further.
You’re wise to have a healthy respect for the danger of wildfire while camping in grasslands or forest. If you’ve read much of my blog, you know that I don’t hang around when forest fires break out.
How long would it take to hitch up and leave? Well, if it were a rapidly approaching situation, I wouldn’t pack up my stuff or even fool with the chains. I’d back up, drop the coupler over the ball, clamp down the coupler, kick the chocks, and take off. Oh yeah, after putting the crew in the PTV. 🙂 It would only take a couple minutes.
Of course, if it was an immediate threat to our lives, the crew and I would leave the BLT and get out.
Like I wrote above, I wouldn’t wait until fire were licking at my heels. Something people develop after boondocking in the more isolated areas for a while is an awareness of conditions. If that mountain fire went down to the grasses and especially if the wind were coming from it to our camp, I’d be hitching up.
BTW, Border Patrol vehicles go up and down these roads regularly, day and night. We would be warned.
Yikes! That must have been quite a startle! Good boy Reg man! Glad it is out.
Bliss indeed! Love the photo of the BLT and PTV with the mountains.
Dreary day here also…looks like rain!
When we drove down Hwy 17 from Flagstaff ( NY to AZ) the ferals started to make a fuss and howl…soon enough the area was filled with smoke from a grassfire. We were like…wow!
Stay warm….enjoy your bliss!
Feline smoke detectors! Looks like rain in central AZ, too? Great!
You really got some great photos of the fire and smoke, especially the ones taken at night. It’s a relief to know it didn’t extend to or turn towards your camp. I haven’t been able to find any news of what started it, though they did report it’s being fought, hopefully it’s permanently out now.
Your current place looks and sounds very nice, and private, wow! I, too, hope the predicted rain there comes soon. Maybe your cool temps so far today are the leading edge of a cold front that will bring some much needed moisture to the area.
What kind of tea was today’s choice? I have some peach chamomile blend to have later on. The warm(low 40’s)rain last evening melted most of our snow covering here. Right now the wind chill (20 degrees) makes the idea of a hot cup of tea quite inviting. Thanks for the reminder, and exciting post!
And thanks for mentioning your peach chamomile blend. I’d like to get some of that. Since it’s not yet noon here (can still drink caffeine), I’m having Irish Breakfast Tea.
I’m pleased you like the photos. The skies are blue with white clouds to the north. Coming from the south are the dark clouds and, of course, the wind. I hope the rain clouds don’t pass us by, for the sake of the plants, birds, and animals.
Oooo…I LOVE Irish Breakfast Tea. I always want to dip my cookies in it!
Me, too, Dawn. If I had cookies. *sigh*
Weather is your peach chamomile your own homemade blend of tea leaves or a brand name one. It sounds like a good mix. Winter is tea drinking time after the first “wake me up” cup of coffee. Grocery stores seem to have just a certain number of different teas and have never seen this combination. Not sure if you will see this but thanks anyway.
From the Tohono O’oodham Nation Office of Emergency Management facebook page:
Feb 9, 2018 9:57 AM
For your situational awareness, per AZ Forestry and Fire Management, the Altar Fire is currently burning in inaccessible terrain. The fire’s movement has slowed this morning. Currently 200 acres burning 15 miles north of Sasabe, Arizona. Arizona Department of Public Safety’s helicopter will assist with bucket drops, acreage size up and recon today.
Updates will be dependent as more information becomes available.
The Altar wildfire is currently burning about 15 miles northwest of Sasabe near the southern end of the Baboquivari mountains. The latest estimated size is 1200 acres as of early Friday afternoon. Assuming that it continues to burn and produce smoke, the animated loop from 4 pm this evening through Noon Saturday shows the general direction the smoke is likely to follow based on the anticipated winds.
Feb 9, 2018 2:08PM
Good Afternoon everyone,
This is an update for the Altar Fire from the National Weather Service.
The Altar Fire continues to burn about 15 miles Northwest of Sasabe this afternoon, and is around 1200 acres. Based on the idea that it continues to burn, any smoke generated will likely follow the path nothed in the loop from 4 pm this evening through Noon Saturday.
The National Weather Service was able to project the general direction the smoke is likely to follow based on the anticipated winds.
Feb 12, 2018 9:00 AM
A storm system will help deliver moisture to the area with a few showers west of Tucson as early as today and continuing Tuesday.
Widespread showers are expected from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Rain amounts are expected to range from 0.25″ to 0.75″ in valleys with some higher amounts in the mountains.
This system will be pretty warm so snow levels will generally be at 9,000 feet and higher which will limit snow to the very top of the mountains.
Sue, I learn something every time I open RVSue and her Canine Crew. Learn from you, the pups, blogorinos, new places on the internet because an item made me more curious…thank you for helping keep my 70 yr old brain cells active and learning.
It is very overcast and cool here but I’m comfortable crocheting a throw for a niece…
Have a wonderful day an Take Care
P.S. Rusty and Piper, I am very glad that you are home together and doing better…keeping you in my thoughts!
And I learn from you, too! My almost 70-year-old brain can use the exercise also. Thank you for posting this very interesting and relevant information. I searched for official reports without success. I like the part about “widespread showers are expected.”
You have a wonderful day, too, Deena.
First thing after feeding my dogs is TEA TIME!!!! Chai (and Coffee abeam & Tea Leaf vanilla powder!). That completes my meditation time! Thank you for your post!
Lauri
You’re welcome, Lauri. I like how the dogs come first. 🙂
Hi Sue. Just letting you know I enjoyed your post today. It must be really dry out there this year. This is the wrong time of year for fires. I cannot imagine what the summer is going to be like. You won’t have to worry about it though, you will be long gone by summer. It is pretty there and hope that area does get some rain soon.
Hi, Jean,
I doubt it will be like a monsoon rain. Any little bit will be appreciated though. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this post. We all can use encouragement, no matter our age or situation. You have a great day!
Wow! What a shock that must have been. I’m glad Reggie is alert to unexpected sounds and smells as you sleep. Your reports of the cold weather have me rethinking what I’m packing in the trailer for our trip. We’re heading toward the Sonoran Desert this weekend. I think I’ll need more long sleeves and fewer shorts!
I realize fire is a part of nature but I feel sad for the animals who make that area their home.
Stay safe, Sue.
Thanks, Marilu. I wish the same for you.
To tell the truth, I think Reggie woke up because he needed to empty his bladder, which he immediately did. We can give him credit for alerting me though. 🙂
Have an enjoyable time in the desert this weekend!
Hi Sue, glad you found another quiet site. ATVers have their place – nowhere near me! We are at Hikiwan Trails RV Park in Why for a few days. It is a nice, small, quiet, and inexpensive place to dump tanks, do laundry and catch up on blogs. Headed to Casa Grande on Wednesday to have our solar looked at and then meet up with some of Connie’s family during spring training. (We are interested in the family not spring training). Windy today and chilly. Brr.
Hi, Lisa & Connie,
Staying at an RV park for a few days is a good way to get things done, rest and rejuvenate. Yes, the wind is cold! I took Reg and Rog out a few minutes ago, at their insistence. That didn’t last long. I opened the door of the BLT and they raced to jump inside. Sun is shining brightly, blue skies and hardly any grey clouds. I’m still hoping the rain arrives on Wednesday as predicted, although not on your travel route to Casa Grande. 🙂
Hey, Lisa and Connie, my eyes alerted when I saw your mention of solar work to be done/checked in Casa Grande. I just posted a request for solar rv repair or install recommendations in Sue’s last post. She mentioned one in Yuma, but it would be great to have a second rec! Any chance you will send me the contact info? Sure would appreciate it.
PS, Sue…..GREAT post and photos.
I tremble at the thought of wildfires. Glad you are confident it won’t make its way to you. Also, impressive escape plans.
Godspeed, Sue and crew.
Same to you, Diann. 🙂
Hi Sue, just looking at the photos of the smoke from the fires sent me into a coughing fit! Glad it’s far from you. Wondering if you’ve noticed any difference in Roger since he was neutered? Best wishes to you, the boys, Rusty and Piper…
Thank you, Adrienne. Best wishes to you, too.
No, I haven’t noticed any big difference with Roger. He’s slightly calmer which may be from settling into his new family and feeling more secure. He’s still tends to be a rambunctious guy with a cheerful disposition who likes to be the boss and leader.
Im further south than you are currently, but I could see the flames of the fire from my place. Stay safe!
I was confused for a moment. We have two blogorinos named Anne here today. 🙂 You’re further south? Are you in the refuge?
Dogs have 220 million olfactory receptors in their nose compared to our stingy 5 million. Which explains Reggie waking up when he smelled the fire. My burning (pardon the pun) questions however, are: why do dogs seem not to notice when they pass smelly gas and why do they love to smell each others’ stinky poop?
Glad you are all safe and looking forward to some much-needed rain.
Hi, Cynthia,
Okay, maybe he did wake me up because of the smoke. And no, he doesn’t wake me up when any of us farts. However, if all three of us should do so simultaneously, Roger would probably bark.
You never cease to make me laugh!!
🙂
So glad the fire isn’t as close to you as it looks in the photos. But glad to read you have a good escape plan should a fire get too close! Yay Reggie for waking you up!
We have a grey day here too! Some soft rain occasionally leaking from the clouds, but no real hard rain. Yesterday was so foggy we couldn’t even see the bay from here! Thick soupy fog! Gone today though, 😁!
Hug the boys from us! We love y’all!
Shout out to Rusty.… We are still praying for you to get healthy!!! 💗
Hi, Geri…. Love you, too! Hugs to you, Chuck, Radar and Tater…
Two-hundred and seventy-five miles north of you the temperature drops eleven degrees. The wind is a persistant little devil, creeping through the narrow cracks of the window seams and leaving the chill in the air heavier than it was before. Yet, even as the leaves swirl madly over the brown grass and earth, the birds flitter amongst bare branches, invigorated by the change in weather. Their restlessness must be contagious, for the sky is in constant motion as well; storm clouds, white clouds, sunshine and squalls, all seen through this square in the wall. I can only imagine the skies above you, rvsue. Does the land of the Refuge dance as it does up here? What a perfect spot you have to witness the season in action! Hope the boys keep you warm and cozy for the next couple of days!
Many Blessings,
Seana
Thank you, Seana, for describing Arizona beauty so well for us. I enjoyed your comment very much.
The grass isn’t waving this morning with quite the gusto it had yesterday. When the wind blows hard, the grass waves. When the wind isn’t as strong, when it gently tickles the grass, then the grass giggles. There’s a lot of giggling going on this morning!
How’s your hitchitch? You mentioned you plan to launch in May. How’s it going?
Giggling! I haven’t thought that way before. I like that description very much! Thank you Sue, I appreciate you letting me spout off randomly with words, another thing that brings me joy 😊 even more so when you enjoy reading it! A humble symbol of gratitude for the years of life-influencing narrative you’ve provided for the entire world. 💕🐶🚙 (couldn’t find a casita-con, hmmf)
As for the hitchitch, we’ve been scratching like mad lately! Next month we purchase the Chevy, and then the other half and I will go shopping for a used truck camper throughout April. It’s a fast exit strategy for sure, quickened by the fact that the hood of my current ’95 Camry flew from it’s locking mechanism whilst travelling down the highway yesterday. No one or thing was hurt, no need to worry! Haha, my old beater has been dropping piece by piece for some time now, but I’m stubborn (as my fiancee adores to remind me) and refuse to put money into her when we’re so close to getting the truck! Nothing that some wire and a ratchet strap can’t fix!
Ok, I’ve commanded enough comment space! Thank you, Rvsue, for inquiring about my plans, I feel so special haha!! Hope the landscape continues to entertain 😊
You are a blend, Seana…. A poetic pragmatist! Yes, as long as the Camry serves its purpose, hold it together and reap the savings. For many years I held together both my life and my belongings with duct tape and string. Now I’m enjoying the rewards.
Go ahead and feel special every day. I do! 🙂
I can’t imagine being able to see so far and not see something manmade. That sounds wonderful.
As I type this I’m sitting by the big back window with the curtain pulled back. Upon reading your comment I looked out at the expanse of grass stretching to the mountains. I agree with you, Dawn. It is wonderful. I hope your world is a wonder to you every day. 🙂
What a Godsend that the fire was extinguished. Terrible to think of the wildlife caught in that nightmare. What excellent alarm dogs you have!
I agree on all three points you made, Li.
Hi, Sue,
So glad that the fire was not closer than it was. Having to break camp in the middle of the night would be unnerving. I am sick with the awful flu that is going around. Doing everything I can to try to rehydrate myself – I don’t want to end up in the hospital. If you don’t see me commenting for a while, please know that I will be checking in once I begin to feel better. Be safe, and take good care. Sending you and the boys love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. xo
Stay in, take care of yourself Denise. If possible stay out of the hospital or urgent care clinics it not only further exposes you but others as well. REST!!!
Hi, Denise,
How terrible for you! I wish I had seen and responded to your comment last night. I hope you were able to gain a good night’s sleep. From your description it sounds like you are in the throes of the worst of it. I confess I’m worried about you! I hope you have everything you need and/or someone to take care of things for you. When alone and ill, even taking care of a sweet pup like Gracie can be monumental.
I pray God will give your body healing and strength. Thank you for letting me know you probably will be absent from here for a while. So typical of you, Denise…. Thinking of others, wishing us safety, sending love and hugs, at a time when you are sick. Save your energy for getting better, rather than writing comments. Love and hugs to you and Gracie pup!
I ask blogorinos and anyone reading here to pray for Denise’s health to be restored soon.
I’ll be thinking of you, Denise. Hoping you have what you need to take care of yourself & someone to check on you. Get lots of rest.
Hugs to you & Gracie.
Hope you’ll be better soon. Hugs.
Listen to your body, Denise. Treat yourself well. Sincerest wishes for a quick and peaceful recovery for you. Many Blessings.
Thank you all so much!
On behalf of all those praying and wishing you well, you’re welcome, dear one!
Hi Denise. Woke up today and thought of you. I hope you had a good night & feel better today.
Hi Sue & Crew – Happy Valentine’s Day – Sending some love to you. Thanks so much for your blog!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. Wishing you a chocolate kind of day!
Thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too, Barb!
Blogorinos: You might want to save your comments to be seen under the next post. I’m in the middle of putting it together…
Denise, I’m praying for you to get better as quickly as possible. I hope you’re resting well, and can feel comfortable as you heal and recuperate.
So glad Reggie is alert…probably smelled the fire. Grass fires or any fires move fast if it’s windy. Be careful out there in grassland….some idiot likely throw a cigarette butt out and cause a fire or someone not put out a camp fire. My uncle’s house caught fire at night while everyone was asleep. He woke & smelled smoke, opened the bedroom door and the house was on fire. He managed to wake two people but two others didn’t make it out. The fire engulf the house within minutes after he woke up. This happened on a very windy night.
Hi, rita,
Thank you for the reminder to be careful.
What a terrible thing to happen to your uncle and the people in the house that night. It must have been devastating for those who survived such a close call while losing two so tragically. You don’t say whether they were family. Whether family or not, a horrible thing to happen.
Hi😃
Hi, Ronda. 🙂
You have my empathy, Calvin, regarding asthma. Being able to breathe easily and fully is something I take for granted every day. Nice of you to say “glad you don’t need to do that” regarding leaving at the first smell of smoke.
Your comments are always interesting to me, Calvin. Your messages contain bits about your life and point of view, written with clarity, sincerity, and warmth. Thank you for what you give here.
You’re welcome. I don’t know how to put emoticons here, so just picture me lightly blushing. That’s a very nice compliment.
🙂
Glad y’all are safe from the fires. Very concerning.
Ordered my Blue Ox tow bar cover yesterday.
Just downloaded “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” about the over-65-yr-old lady who very likely saved the Appalachian Trail, walking it 3 times. On my bucket list to hike part of it.
I closed on my motor coach “Gypsy” yesterday. Getting it and my little pickup rigged to travel. Instead of Utah in Ap/May I think I’m heading to DC (Cherry Blossom Festival), and make my way back down to Savannah.
Huge Natl pickleball tournament at the Indian Wells tennis facility in Nov. Will incorporate Utah into the beginning of that trip, hopefully. Plans. Bucket lists.
Congratulations Virginia620! I can’t wait to hear more updates about your travels with Gypsy.
I see your order, Virginia. Thank you! I love reading your reports. I’m sure your progress is encouraging to others who want to do what you are doing with your life. In other words, dreaming and making those dreams happen. It’s fun following your plans as they evolve.
Congratulations on the closing!
Tea drinkers, unite! Fun reading about blogorino’s choices! A fave of mine is rooibos tea, commonly called red bush tea in the #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series that I read. May you have some good rain to put talk those fires out! On our big trip across the US and Canada this fall, they seemed to follow us everywhere we went. In my long lifetime, never have known them to be so bad! Prayers for Denise and also continuing for Rusty. May all be well!
Thank you!
Rooibus tea… Someday I’ll try it straight. Right now I have a tea of mixed flavors from herbs and other plants.
Oh! I absolutely adore the #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency! Judy J. did you know there is a short series out on Netflix that covers the first few books? Usually I shun TV versions of treasured books but I have to admit, the actresses, actors and all involved did a fantiastic job at capturing the soul of Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and all the others on screen. I encourage you to check it out! While sipping on some red bush tea of course haha 😄
Thanks for this “new to me” info, Seana. Sounds great and I’ll check it out. Such a sweet series. I often think of how she describes herself as “traditionally built”. Always brings a smile!
Good Morning ! ” I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. You know? A sweetheart isn’t necessary in order to celebrate this holiday. You can love this day, and you can love yourself. I hope you do!” Isn’t that a great thought and wish for everyone? In case it sounds familiar, it’s what you, Sue, wrote to us in a post 2 years ago. It’s a bit of wisdom that’s worth repeating, as is so much of what you say.
Another author, Annie Proulx, wrote something else worth quoting. “…the short story writer is to the novelist as a cabinetmaker is to a house carpenter.” She was implying that it takes a particularly fine talent to contain a good story within a smaller piece. I quite agree, more finesse is needed to work with small parts and still produce something complete and beautiful.
My dad was a house carpenter for many years, eventually he stopped building homes and began to make fine cabinets and furnishings. That’s why I understood what Annie P. said. On Valentine’s Day when I was fifteen he gave me a perfect jewelry box he’d made for me, I still have and use it.
Your posts are each a well written short story, and each is also a gift. Your photos are the wonderful addition that illustrates the setting and details far better than our imagination by itself could. I wish you a day perfectly crafted by it’s Creator- to give you as much of what pleases you – , as you give all privileged enough to follow your story and blog.
Good morning, weather!
Your message couldn’t be more timely for me. The boys and I just came inside after roaming around our campsite underneath gathering rain clouds. Sunbeams breaking through gray clouds brought to mind, “For God so loved the world.” Yes, we can celebrate Valentine’s Day with love, whether with a certain, special person or not! We can follow the example of loving the world and its inhabitants, including ourselves.
Thank you for bringing yourself here and for sharing your father with us. I often downplay the importance of stuff. There are some precious things that rise above that level, such as a jewelry box handcrafted with love by father for daughter.
Thank you also for uplifting me. As much as I’d like a cheese danish to go with this second cup of coffee, your words are much sweeter and long-lasting. It’s a privilege to know you, weather.
Dear Sue & Weather,
Wow! Just WOW you two. I love to read what you write. Weather, your dad sounds like my father-in-law. Life-long carpenter, from homes to specialties to lovely gifts made with his own hands, with alot of love and a little wood. I was so blessed to have him for my FIL. A kind, gentle man who taught me what love for family, church & people in general can be. My Valentine wishes are above, but again – love to you two
Thanks for sharing all that you included in your note,Barb,love to you,too
Same to you, Barb. 🙂
Thanks you guys. Missing my honey today.