Thursday, March 13
After waiting three days for a break in the wind, I step outside to a calm and sunny morning at our camp on King Road near the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
A last look to the west from our campsite
“Looks like a great day for moving camp, guys!”
Immediately Bridget and Spike know we’re leaving. Soon after breakfast, I pack us up and hitch up. At the last minute I remember to check the Perfect Tow Vehicle’s fluids. Both coolant and oil are down. I add the coolant. Dang it, where did I put that oil? Probably buried in the back somewhere. Oh well, we should be okay. It’s not down far.
I have lots to accomplish today.
“Goodbye, Kofa! You’ve been a great camp!”
The crew is excited to be on the road again. We zip northward on Highway 95. It’s about 30 miles to Quartzsite. I turn into Pattie’s RV Park and get both propane tanks filled ($22.70). From there we circle around to Rosie’s RV Park on Kuehn Street where I dump tanks and fill the fresh water tank ($10).
I return to Main Street and park at the grocery store.
(I love how I can tool around town with the Best Little Trailer following behind, no problem!) Inside the store I’m convinced of what I already knew. We’re gonna’ hafta go to Parker, no two ways about it.
I don’t have any idea where we will camp tonight.
Photo taken at our new camp. Oops, I’m getting ahead of the story!
Outside the store I fill eight one-gallon jugs with drinking water from a vending machine ($1.75). I hurry because the day is already a hot one.
I move us over to the Family Dollar parking lot next door.
I run in, buy some motor oil, and off we go!
North of Quartzsite, I stop at the trash dump, see that it’s closed on Thursdays, and return to Highway 95. We cross the flat, barren desert for 23 miles, turn left onto Highway 72, and 12 miles later enter busy, busy Parker, Arizona, a magnet for desert RVers.
From the serenity of the desert to people and traffic….
I walk the crew in the Wal-Mart parking lot — a very productive mission, I might add. Inside Wally’s, I grab some perishables at break-neck speed, mindful of the crew waiting outside.
Back at the PTV the three of us devour some rotisserie chicken. I cram a small bag of trash in a Wal-Mart receptable. However, I drive off with a big bag of trash because the bins are filled to the brim.
I pull into Terrible’s Gas Station.
Turns out it’s aptly named. The dadburn pump is old, very old. When I try to enter my zip code, it screws it up. Of course, after three tries the pump tells me to go inside and pre-pay. It’s so busy at the station, I refuse. After a long wait to get back into traffic, I resort to the I’m-bigger-than-you-are-so-you-have-to-stop-and-let-me-out method. A wave out the window in thanks, and we’re heading out of Parker.
Not so fast!
I need gas. I pull into a Circle K. I look at the pump. There’s a sign on it. “Sorry, please pre-pay inside.” Oh, for heaven’s sake. Bridget is barking her head off.
“I know it’s hot, babe. I’ll be back in a minute. I promise.”
I stand in line while folks buy their lottery tickets. I pre-pay 50 bucks. I run back to the PTV and do something dumb. Very dumb.
There’s no explaining this magnitude of dumb.
I drive off! I’m heading out of Parker when I notice in the side mirror that the gas cap is dangling and bouncing at the end of its tether!
“OH MY GOSH! I NEVER PUMPED THE GAS! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! I PAID AND I NEVER PUMPED THE GAS!”
I check both ways . . . no one coming from either direction, thank God. I whip the wheel for a U-turn. The mighty and agile PTV turns on two wheels and the ever-obedient BLT follows behind on one! We dash back to the Circle K, the gas cap flapping furiously as we go.
“Damn! Someone’s at pump three!” I make a left turn and swing us into place behind the car parked where we were parked a few moments before.
I leap out of the PTV.
“Have you pumped yet?” I exclaim to a startled woman standing by her open door.
“No, I haven’t,” she replies, confused. Beautiful words, wonderful words, glorious words…
A breathless explanation and the woman graciously moves her car to another pump. With great relief I pump those fifty-bucks-worth of gas into the belly of the PTV, and, this time, we really do leave Parker.
At some point between Quartzsite and Parker, our destination had become clear.
We motor about 25 miles east to the small town of Bouse.
Here’s our new camp!
I like a little elbow room.
To be continued . . .
rvsue
NOTE: You people are nuts! Over 350 comments! What a riot! I read every word, amazed.
My sincere thanks for all the kind words and concern sent my way. After my brief illness — which, BTW, I’m certain was caused by pre-washed greens, never buying them again! — I sunk into a pit of gloom. Ridiculous, I know, for someone living the life of her dreams and with no real problems at all.
RVSue with her grump on
Like many folks, I carry baggage from the past. Most of the time I keep it stored away in a locked closet in my head. When that baggage breaks open, I get cranky and gloomy and sharp-tongued. That’s one of the reasons I stopped making posts and quit replying to comments. When in a funk I can’t write without being snippy. I apologize. You don’t deserve that!
Thanks again for turning “the little blog that could” into a warm, happy, and uniquely interesting place. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know! . . and, of course, once again . . .
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Yep. We be nuts. But, we are your nuts!
When I call someone nuts, that’s a term of endearment. 🙂
I know that. 😉
Thanks for the Amazon purchases, John.
You betcha!
But to be a nut-CAKE is really where it’s at!
I’m trying to get there Gayle!
All is well! Had to laugh at the driving away from the pump without pumping the gas episode. Sounds like something I would (will) do. Lovely camping site, so get started on some new adventures 🙂
I’m racing back to Circle K thinking . . .. “So this is what senility feels like.”
Probably between a great many of us, in this age group, we could write a book about that…heh!! Senility that is…
No, no Sue. Senility is when you see the gas cap flapping and you can’t think of why it should be flapping and then running out of gas 16 miles later. THAT’S senility.
Welcome back! Great photo of yourself.
Don
Great definition, Don. Now I know what’s it’s like when I get there . . . 🙂
Besides haven’t we paid for our gas after pumping for years. Old habits are hard to break.
Very true… I felt like I was done and we could finally get moving again with the a/c a-blowin’ !
No, true senility would be getting out in the highway somewhere, running out of gas, and being confused because you are sure you stopped for gas.
Well, at least I am near the top this time! Glad to hear you are feeling better and that you have a new camp for us all to enjoy! LOL!
Hi, Geri,
I’m happy with this camp… more photos on the way!
I coulda’ been third……….Glad you’re back and in high spirits. Someone gave me a cold but Vicks, Airborne, and aspirin and yeah, Geris ginger tea. got me back 100%!
Glad to hear it, Chuck! Stay away from them gators . . . 🙂
I am sorry, but I do not have time to read every comment. I would probably learn something if I did, but time is precious. I have paid at the drive thru window for fast food then left before I got my food. It is so nice to know I am not the only distracted person out there. When the mind is moving at break neck speed, the body just can not always keep up. But never fear, God takes care of his creations. Good to hear from you again and I love your new camp. Looks great. Happy trails
Hi, Jean . . . I wish my problem were “the mind moving at break neck speed.” In my case I think it’s the mind not moving at all!
Welcome Back, Everyone is allowed a vacation now and then. I once stopped at a fast food place, ordered whatever. They gave me the drink and my change and I drove off without waiting for the rest of my order. Too embarrassed to go back. Too much stuff on the mind. New camp looks great.
To Cin, I am so sorry, I missed the news you lost your mother. You have my deep felt condolences. Been five years since my mother passed and I think of her everyday. Take care and enjoy.
Hi, Alan…
I wanted Cindy to receive the warmth of this blog’s readers but I didn’t think it my place to post the passing of her mother. Cinandjules have had a tough winter. They also lost their dear canine companion of many years, Sara Ann.
Things are looking up though… in the form of a bundle of furry energy and good cheer… a sweet puppy they’ve named Annie Oakley.
Totally understood. She hadn’t said anything for a while and I was thinking about asking how her mother was doing. Then she mentioned her passing in the previous blog. So I had to give my condolences.
You didn’t move that far, but you never really do. Is that BLM land.
Oh, I forgot. I love your selfie.
I did feel the warmth. During my stay in CA, I would run around like a banshee during the day. Once my mom was asleep, I would get to relax and read what was happening with you and the crew.
You don’t realize how soothing your blog is…you’re inside the box…we’re on the outside looking in. And with her passing …you were there…so yes I felt the warmth.
Cinandjules (NY) I am so sorry to hear about your mom. It’s a painful time, I know. My condolences to you and your family.
It’s always nice to see your comments here.
As was said in the movie “The Ghost,” DITTO.
I am sorry for your loss also. lost my mother three years ago Christmas, she lived with us for 10 years. still think of her every day, but it is always with a good memory or a happy thought now. time takes care of many things.
I lost my mom jan. 1 2013. It was hard. I’m sorry for your loss.
I thought we did pretty good talking and answering ourselves. I even met Phyllis from Oklahoma and I am sure would have met more if I had stayed on long enough. I did post a long for me post. You don’t understand though, I write epics on Facebook, I come from a family of writers, did medical transcription for 43 years, my sister teaches writing at a college, my cousin is retired English professor and my grandmother wrote for a newspaper back in the early 1900’s until she passed away in the 1980s. Anyhow, a short note from me is very nice because I always “talk” too much.
Hi, Marg,
You and your fellow readers were amazing! I think I’ve been talking too much and holding y’all back…
Wow! You do have a heritage of writers! I come from dairy farmers, apple growers, blacksmiths, railroad workers, potato diggers, and who knows what…
My mama told me not to go into genealogy on my family, I might not like what I found. Well, I found two of my granddaddy’s aunts were married to two of the outlaw Waggoner brothers years and years ago and one of my great uncles went to jail for stealing a pig. Really!!!! Surely, there had to be something more interesting than that. But, my dad was KCS Railroad all his life and my fondest memories are riding the trains free. The fellows treated me like royalty, I got to sleep in the best beds, eat the best food, and get out on the caboose and watch what we were passing. Now, having a railroader in the family had to be the most exciting of all.
What a wonderful childhood memory, Marg. Riding, sleeping and eating on a train and getting out on the caboose! That’s the stuff of children’s dreams… at least those who grew up in times past.
I’ve had a desire to ride a train ever since growing up next to the railroad tracks. I mean a real train, not like a Busch Gardens ride (done that).
Trains! I love to ride the train!
I am leaving on a trip the end of this month, taking my grandkids, three of them, on a trip, the ride will be about 6 hours, stay in Portland a few days and ride the local buses, trolleys, etc. , do fun things, then home on the train…their daddy is a train conductor and the two boys always say they want to ride with daddy but they can’t,’ it is against the rules’. so this is going to be a big treat for them..they don’t know yet..or it would be…when are we going..when are we going? Gotta love little kids..
LeeJ, you are a prince. My father took my son on the L.A. to San Diego run on the Coast Daylight. My son never forgot it!
I must say that being sick is the one thing that always ignites the I’m feeling down and blue, no matter where I am. But sick on the road caused all kinds of mixed feelings and self doubt. It passed though as soon as I slide behind the wheel to the next spot. I trust that it is the same for you. Happy Trails!
You’re so right. Getting back on the road and finding a brand-new-to-us camp lifted my spirits. Any gloom was washed away with the rays of this morning’s sunshine . . .
Thank you for the good laugh, haven’t ‘been there done that’ yet but when it happens no doubt your experience will come first to mind 😉
WTG taking good care of you!!!
T~
Just when I think I’ve done the dumbest thing ever, I do something dumber. You know this cheapskate would hate to leave fifty dollars worth of gas behind.
$50 worth of anything. I remember paying for gas once in Wilmington, NC. Very windy day. I pulled my wallet out to give the cashier a $20 (this was in the late 70s) and a $100 bill flew out of my wallet and was gone before I ever realized what happened. Didn’t even see which way it went.
AArrggghh! That would make me sick! Especially when making minimum wage, back in the day. I hope someone who needed it found it . . .
30 years later and it still makes me sick. That was the one consolation that someone needed it more than me.
Isn’t it funny how that works? One time in around 1979 I lost a $20 bill, and I STILL remember the exact feeling of trying to find it, reconciling myself to the loss, etc. All the stages of grief (even though in the grand scheme of things it wasn’t “big” and now it is 35 years later!).
I remember having my pocket picked in 1972 of $2.
Years ago I put a $50 bill in my truck glove box for safe keeping out of sight. When I closed the glovebox the $50’somehow fell out the back and to this day is wedged somewhere behind the thing. My son has the truck now. He knows about the $50. Maybe I should have him try to extract it and we’ll split the $$!
I hear you about carrying around baggage from the past. I think my wife wishes I would find some way to leave it at one of those unclaimed baggage depots. 🙂 If only I could. On the other hand, I don’t open that baggage nearly so often these days. I already know what’s packed in those bags anyway.
Well put Walt 🙂
T~
I agree. Very well put!
So close and so far away! We came to Dome Rock to camp a couple of days, see friends and proceed onto Yuma. And here we are a week later still in our little camp where we first met you. Got interested in solar power, read all your info and have been getting all solared up! When we finally get to Baja we will be READY! SO glad you are back and wish we could have seen you in Q. Blessings.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
You’re getting solared up! Fantastic! I have a feeling our paths will cross … I mean, really cross . . . some day in the future. Best wishes. . .
Gil wants to know how long it takes you to get your batteries charged full with solar? Do you use any of the energy while you are charging? Such a solar newbie.
I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t know how long it takes. Once I got the “feel” for how long it takes for them to charge, I stopped checking. Yes, I use power whenever I feel like it and it’s extremely rare that I don’t have enough.
Probably I shouldn’t use power if the batteries are less than 50% charged. I don’t know if I do that. If I am doing that, I’m not going to change my ways. If I’m shortening the life of my batteries, so be it. That’s the way I think. I have 2 years of comfortable living from the 2 AGMs in the PTV so far…
Technical minds are cringing at this reply… Like the title of this post… I fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to solar!
Gil thanks you for the input. He is learning as he goes.
As I am doing also!
Okay, now I’m going to be the one who comes across as the techno-dweeb who quashes the completely successful pants-seat flying that has a great track record and has not cost a cent. Yep, here goes…
At some point you (or others who are reading) might consider a battery monitor. These actually do what you would think a voltage-only meter would do (but doesn’t). In other words, they monitor (and show you plainly) what is coming in and going out, and the % charge of your house battery bank.
They range from just-kinda-fun (hey, look how much X item draws!) to really useful (okay, the bank is down to 55%, better shut down for the night). Or even better (hey, the bank is at 95%, fire up the computer! :D).
Most folks probably know this, but drawing a lead-acid battery bank down below around 50% charge state really shortens the life of the batteries (and keeping it at 75% would be even better, although often not practical). If one has something “cheaper” like flooded cell golf cart batteries, then it may not be such a big deal. But start buying AMG’s and.. ouch! That’s a hit to the pocket book. At that point a $150 battery monitor starts to look like a good investment. And they don’t have to be too hard to hook up. For example, the Victron BMV series uses a Cat 5 type cable (just snaps in like a phone cord) instead of lots of tiny wires. You still have to install the shunt, but that is still not super hard.
Okay, I hope this did not make me sound like a know-it-all bossykins. I think seat of pants can totally work when a person has a reasonable idea of where things stand. It’s not like we all need every gadget. OTOH, a battery monitor can be a good option in some cases.
I have a monitor but don’t yet have the solar panels. Time for the horse to go with my cart 😀
Did I actually type “AMG’s”? Sheesh. Make that AGM’s (i.e. absorbed glass mat lead-acid batteries). Sorry about that.
Thank you for the info Pen!
Glad you’re feeling better Sue. The gas station incident seems totally reasonable after an illness, on a day with lots of chores and errands to distract you!
Love your photos and posts – but hope you take breaks when you feel like it (not just when you’re too sick to type!) 😉
Thank you, Anne, for your thoughtfulness and giving me an excuse for my absentmindedness. Took a look at your blog… Glad you made it home safely.
Welcome back desert woman! Love the pic of you…looks more serious than grump!
Whew that was a lot of stops…..glad you got back to the pump in time!
What a nice treat for the crew! Bet Spike devoured it!
Glad the journey continues to destinations unknown.
My dearest Alan…I was thinking about you this morning wondering where you are right now. OBX? 😉 Thank you for your sincere words. It was a true test of dealing with the ever changing chapters of life. Without going into details…when it rained it poured on both coasts at the same time.
No, not in the outer banks, in Chesapeake waiting to get my townhouse sold. I was hoping I would be hitting the road in April but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen.
I know you are tired of it, but I would love to be able to take some B&Ws in all that snow. I know it is a pain but it is also very beautiful.
I don’t know if you are aware of it or not, but there is a photo of you and Joules on the net. Looks like some event in a hotel or museum in S.F. You make a lovely couple.
Enjoy.
Well get in that RV and drive up damn it! Ya can shovel and rake the roofs while you’re at it.
Ummmm….thanks but that is not us! Heh heh. We fly under the radar (both retired cops) and you won’t find us on any google search.
But they are a cute couple.
You are welcome to come up..anytime!
Alan……
are you on your way? I’ve cleared a path for your rig!
Oh Allaaaannn! He’s probably ignoring me because I threatened to hand him the snow shovel!
🙂 🙂 🙂 I wish I could, but I ain’t going anywhere till I sell the house. Campgrounds in your area are way too expensive anyway, I have checked them all out. Too much demand, not enough supply. But thanks for the offer. When I do go it will be west, not north.
Our “campsite” is free. Plenty of room for whatever size rig you have!
As long as you have one of those three prong attachments to plug in the outlet..you’ll have power. But ya gotta take your poop water with you!
In the woods, on a lake, no people…
Google “Cinandjules” images..you’ll see three photos of Rusty and Timber on a red picnic table ..with a pontoon boat in the background! That is the only pic you’ll find of us! 😉
I knew you’d be back, so I just checked every 3 and 1/2 minutes.
If I hadn’t seen this post today I had MY PTV (with nothing to tow) all gassed up and ready to form a search party. (of one) I wouldn’t have dropped in though, oh heavens no. But I planned on driving around screaming out the window “SUE!! Are you ok?”
And then, I would see you driving like a bat out of hell to escape, and I would know that you were still alive. Then I could drive back to SoCal, stopping for a cool beverage on the way because I would be parched.
So that was my plan. I guess since you’re ok I’ll just clean and do laundry this weekend.
Hi, Teri. . . What some people will do to get out of doing chores. . . 🙂
I can identify with the mishaps!! When it gets too hot, my brain can go on vacation!! So sorry…but alls well that ends well, eh? If you are like me, in future, you will maybe prepare differently for a day like that one…do what can be done the night before, etc. At least that is how I have lived my life…yea, you can set yourself up to have a problem, but no need to do it another time.
Hubby and I are here hacking our heads off…we caught some nasty bug from the little critters (our grandkids we came to help out…heh, some help we are). Usually we never get sick…it is respiratory but also has other symptoms that indicate flu. I will be glad when we are well again…if you think it is hard being a nursemaid, and cook, and waitress, and maid…try doing it sick…I am feeling sorry for myself…well, he is sicker than me…but probably it would be like this regardless. One of the things I overlook, in trying to be grateful for the rest of life with him. We all carry baggage dear…lots of it with some of us who had a horrific raising to boot…oh my, tis so sweet being on the old side of life now…indeed it is…even if ill…this too shall pass!!
I hope you are feeling in fine fettle in no time…did you relocate in part to get to a bit cooler climes?? I cannot handle heat well…I would sure be so doing. Tho’ with age, I handle more heat than I did when younger…will I be one of those old women who wears a coat when I am 85…Heh, yea maybe…
Elizabeth in WA for perhaps a long time…
Heh heh…I meant wear a coat when it is 85 degrees out…one thing that just slew me when we moved to the south…we were sweating our heads off, and these old ladies were wearing COATS!!! My, in humidity too, to match the temps!! They sell such a lot of clothing in the NC part we lived in, that is synthetic…THAT I also cannot understand…why not mostly cottons??
“When I Am Old I Will Wear Purple” (great poem, Google it)!
Yea, I like that poem…isn’t it nice to reach an age when we can have more freedom about how we dress etc??
Was going to jump in there on the Solar gear….. but…. it was well explained….
Now this wearing coats in 85* weather, with big doses of humidity! As a native of AZ,
humidity just does not work for me! Give me dry desert air….okay so we use a lot of
chap stick! Beats the hey out of always being sweaty, never needing chap stick!
Now about wearing purple…. Yes! It is a great color when your hair is white, like mine
has been for many years! I love purple and hot pink too! At 82+ years…. my personal comfort is important to me…… What others think of me…. is not my business… What I think of me IS my business!
I used to be a “young whipper-snapper”….. looking at elders like they are from mars or somewhere in outer space! You just wait! If you are as lucky as I am….you will get there too! Happy trails!
You are doing well indeed!! I am in my early 60’s…but with health issues…well, one never knows, do they? We are trying to get healthier…tis all we can do.
Hi, Elizabeth,
Good advice to do what can be done the night before moving camp. In this case I couldn’t because of the wind. Once a calm day appeared, I swung into action.
I know what you mean about having stuff to do, even when sick. There have been times in my life when I was in a similar situation. I hope you both are healthy, stronger, and feeling great soon.
I don’t think it’s any cooler here. For me, the past few months have been perfect weather: hot in the sun at mid-day, cool in the shade, in the morning and evening, low humidity. Weather like this adds to that wonderful I’m-on-vacation-every-day feeling.
There are many things I saw old women do when I was younger and I vowed I’d never do them…. well, guess what . . 🙂
Oh good grief! We passed each other yesterday. You were on your way out of town…not sure which time though…lol…..I was taking John to Hosppital E.R. ….. don’t ask about the doc there….
I thought I saw you and then said nah, could not be. we are back in Q awaiting installation of new inverter….oh lucky us.
We love, Bouse. An E.R. nurser said she is from Bouse. She said the Bighorn Sheep appear on LaPosa road appear close to sunset. If you look, look for white moving spots, their butts. The only way to spot them since their colors blend with the mountains.
Shopping in Parker is less expensive since Q has an whopping 11% sales tax…..
Hi, Nan,
I hope John is okay! I couldn’t tell from your most recent blog post.
I haven’t explored the town of Bouse yet. I had my mind on finding camp as we drove through it.
I wondered if I was being recognized as I buzzed around places where RVers are in droves. Yes, I’ve been to Parker twice and both times it was a crazy mess, but shopping there is definitely cheaper than at Q.
My neighbor had a house in Lake Havasu, but had to move back to So. Cal because “the doctors were so terrible.” Maybe that’s true? She said you’d do better with a veterinarian.”
When I was in my teens I worked for some vets babysitting…one of them told me that Vets are better docs cause their patients cannot talk to them! Also, said that some of those who flunk out of vet school, go on to become human docs…now that is a scary thought!! But I do wonder…
$950 fill up at Bishop.
Don’t pull out without taking the gas hose out. They get it repaired by sending a guy from LA. 12 hours on the road. 12 minutes to fix it.
Good golly, rand. So you had to pay for the repair job? Sorry to bring back that memory for you . . . .
Saved by the loudest yell I’ve ever yelled. The hose was so tight had to back up. The attendant said it happens once a month. If you hear some fool yelling STOP stop.
It’s was great coming to the blog and seeing a new post!!! Not that I didn’t check upteen times a day! LOL… Loved reading everyones comments. I was so locked into your words today that I never looked at the photos and had to go back to see them. Absolutely love the “last look to the west” and “the new camp”! Making me want to get my good camera off the shelf and get outdoors….as soon as this weather warms up a bit here. I imagine the warmth of the desert shining down on me.
That is a great photo of you…..the serious side of Sue. My fav photo of you is when you picked up the BLT…..all smiles. You looked soooooo excited and happy.
Well I haven’t driven off without my gas….here in NJ you are not allowed to pump your own. But I have left without my groceries….packages. Hate when I do that because its usually when I get home that I discover that I am missing things and never go back to get them.
According to your weather map….looks like its really warming up in the desert. By Monday 88 degrees. Send some of that warmth to the East! Hope some of that wind picks it up and plants it over here.
Good to have you back…..but remember to take care of yourself.
Have a great evening.
Hi, Deb,
I wish I could send some warmth your way. Thanks for the compliment on the photos and my writing. I’m tickled that you were “locked into” my words! And, yes, that photo taken the day I picked up the BLT is one of my favorites, too. It was one of the happiest days of my life!
Oh, I know about leaving groceries behind. Left the thanksgiving turkey in the bottom of the cart in the parking lot . . .
Speaking of stupid moves…
Many years ago, I bought a motorcycle. Strapped a milk crate (remember those?) to the back rack and was good to go. Wheels! So I went to the grocery store. Grabbed cart, shopped, went through the checkout line. This was back in the day when the groceries were bagged by store employees. Well, it wasn’t until all the bags were packed up and sitting at the end of the checkout conveyor that the penny dropped. Yes, I said “all the bags,” as five bags of groceries. One milk crate on rack…. Oh my, was my young self embarrassed. I had to ask them to put my groceries off to the side, and then I made like FOUR trips back and forth to fetch them all. Duh! And I didn’t even have age to blame back then.
Welcome back, Sue! WE missed you, girl! (Not that you could tell by the gazillion comments we plastered all over your blog, as if we were little kids left alone in the house while Mom and Dad snuck out for couple of hours of fun) :>)
I gotta tell you, I did get to know your respondents a whole lot better. We are kind of a big family, I am thinking. We should all have I (heart) Sue and Crew Tshirts, so we are easily recognized during stops and in the middle of nowhere! HAHA
Now, tell me: Did Bridget jump on Spike’s shoulders and point and shoot the camera, all the while giving you directions on how you should pose?!?
What a great shot! You should be proud! You kinda look like you don’t take you-know-what from anybody! Strong and feisty as all get out! Glad you are back in the saddle again…
Funny you should describe the comments section that way, Diann. I was looking at the comments, one popping up after another, and it felt like I was a parent peeking in on what the kids were doing while thinking I was away… 🙂
I took that last photo by placing the camera on the shelf of my step-ladder, setting it at 10-second delay, and then running around to look in the lens. I tried having the crew with me. Too much aggravation chasing their butts around, and then trying to look good in front of the lens.
Sue,
I’m also glad that you are back. I wasn’t worried until yesterday when I tried to log on and got a page that said something like “Website no longer available.” I felt such a sense of sadness and loss. I immediately assumed that you were really mad at us for our meddling and intruding and had decided to close your blog. I tried to log on about every 5 minutes until your site finally showed up again. It sounds silly but I felt like I had lost about 20 friends all at once.
Is your new campsite in a cooler area? I’m thinking it will soon be too warm in southern Arizona.
I’m glad to see that I was not the only person that happen too. OHHH MY!!! I FELT THE SAME WAY …. MY HEART JUST SUNK!!!! I just love this blog
Hi, Marilu and Colleen,
I didn’t know my blog was unavailable. I wonder what that was all about. Gee, If I saw that message, I would’ve thought my readers blew it to smithereens with so many comments!
The weather is perfect desert weather… hot in the sun, cool in the shade, and a frequent and pleasant breeze. I’m happy you love my blog. 🙂
Sue, glad your back on beam!
Hi, Zil… Welcome! Very glad to see you here! I fell off the horse but I’m back in the saddle again . . .
Addiction. It can bring all manner of pain. It can break apart families, it can ruin health, cost fortunes and even make convicted criminals of some of us. Many afflicted with these addictions seek help depending on the brand of addiction. I am 77 now. Born when the Golden Gate bridge and Hoover dam was built. I’ve seen much in my lifetime. I hereby declare and swear I am an addict.
I am hopelessly addicted to RV Sue and her Canine Crew. For this affliction I seek no treatment. I am happy with it. Sue’s personality, her thirst for the unknown, her sense of humor and all those adventures are all the reasons I don’t fear this malady, but rather embrace it.
I live in Arizona, easily driveable to where this lady is, but I appreciate what she brings to us too much to interfere with the solitude see seeks. I never regret my “hobby” of checking out her blog (the only one I do read) and am always comforted by the fact that I am not Sue’s only addicted devotee when I see all of the other readers whom I have also grown fond of.
Welcome back Missy and may you enjoy your peace and quiet and continue to deal us all in on the adventure.
Love your comment, Jim, and the man behind it. Thanks. Missy
wonderful feeling to see e-mail announcing new post from you,I’d already begun smiling last night when your” message to readers” said you hoped to get one out today.
I have often ,when wounded,likened myself to a rogue elephant,going off alone to heal safely,and God help the fool that crosses me at those times.A matriarch elephant can remember an ancient path to water,not forgetting can be a gift.as long as the healing solitudes are respected.
The new camp(and the blog) will be the sweeter now because of it
Hi, weather…
Like the weather, your comments are a source of interest to me. I read each line carefully for the nuggets of wisdom. I’m glad you are a part of this blogging community, and thanks for the kind words.
Sue, you grumpy thing, I was so worried about you! So glad you are Okay, well after the gas thing maybe not so Okay. HA! I have done stuff like that also on occasion.
Don’t you think maybe we all carry some sort of baggage? I do…Just hope the bag doesn’t last too long. If it does, reach out to someone you trust. I do not mean to be offensive in anyway, I go through ups and downs and sometimes do not know exactly why…But I do know we are valuable. Take Care Sue
Oh, please, don’t worry about me when I go into one of my grumps. Believe me, I do y’all a favor by disappearing for a while.
You are very valuable to me, and your caring comes through . . . Always good to hear from you, Diane.
So glad you are back, missed you and was getting worried…………….
Worries across the great blue sea… Thank you, Glenda, for caring… I do drop out ever so often. It’s my kind of normal. 🙂
You had me on the edge of my seat with your post. Ha ha! I could feel the frenzy going through Parker. Rochelle and I were going to camp out near where you are (I recall Bouse on Free camping.net) but decided on Joshua Tree instead to be closer to Indio, La Quinta (there’s a Trader Joe’s in La Quinta).
And ug! The leaving without gas experience. Reminds me of the times I’ve bought and paid for a couple of groceries and walked out without them. Ever done that? I did that back in the fall in Cottonwood, AZ with two packages of cheesy rice cakes. Grrrr. I didn’t go back to reclaim them because I had completely forgotten about it until like a week later and couldn’t find the receipt. That’s bad. Sheesh!
I’m so eager to see where you go for the warmer months! The desert must be really starting to heat up. My dark green van can’t take much heat. Plus, my lovely Maxx Aire ceiling fan is broke! Arg! So, I have to stick to real comfy temperatures between 50 – 75 with night time temps in the low 40’s. I can handle temps at freezing but, I don’t think much below before I’d have to turn on the feared Mr. Buddy. I never had to use it this winter.
I’m looking at boondocking along the CA shore now. It’s a toss up between heading to Lone Pine or the shore. I’m leaning towards the shore. I’ve been hanging with some nice folks today at Remington Hot Springs near Lake Isabella and some folks have shared about some nice boondocking possibilities including Big Sur. So, I may do it. I”m just apprehensive because I’ve heard it’s hard for boondockers along the CA shore. So, we’ll see. I may stick to the safer, Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe route. Or do a month visit to the shore and then skip over to Mammoth Lakes via Tioga road through Yosemite. Sweeeeet! So many exciting choices. I’m so in love with CA right now and there are so many exciting possibilities in kind of close range. I can’t afford to drive too far north and then back to the desert for winter, so, trying to stay local in CA so long as I’m super strategic and frugal with each of my major camp moves. Gas is pricier in this state. Grrrr.
Nice photo of you! I love your style! I didn’t think you looked grumpy though. LOL. I hope you enjoy Parker! Oh, and I’ve started being more consistent with blogging. Here’s my blog link: http://hascnc.weebly.com/natureglos-blog.html
Are you on Facebook?
Gloria
Always fun to hear from you, Gloria. I’ll be interested to learn of any good boondocks you find along the CA coast. I’m sure some of my readers are interested also. I understand about not wanting to go too far from the warmth for wintertime. Wish there were some way you could make your van cooler without a lot of expense.
Can’t read your blog right now… (I will!). I’ve blown a fuse again in my 12-volt system and don’t have a replacement, so I’m relying on the PTV to keep electronics charged up.
No, I’m not on Facebook. I’ve attempted it twice and both times I changed my mind in mid-stream. . . something about it doesn’t appeal to me. I have enough to keep track of right here where I feel comfy with my blogerinos.
Yes, the coast is a tricky business. I’ve just researched that Big Sur only has 3G Verizon coverage. I’ve not had good experiences teaching live classes online with just a good 3G signal, so, Lone Pine & Mammoth are looking brighter again. We’ll see. Sigh. I may need to just take one of my vacations when I don’t have to teach to go to the coast.
I’ve learned to “go with the flow.” Now is not a good time for you to go there. Lone Pine and Mammoth, on the other hand, aren’t chopped liver, ya’ know. 🙂
I had my California Benchmark out (thanks Sue!) and was eyeing Redwoods NP for boondocking possibilities. I think that is the one part of CA I haven’t been to yet.
Hmm… Does anyone know if boondocking is allowed in Redwoods NP?
I have never heard of or seen a boondocking area in Redwoods National Park. If you’re a senior you get 1/2 off with your Golden Age Pass in camp grounds. I think you may have trouble if you need fast internet also. The redwoods are definitely worth seeing but might not meet your needs while doing classes.
I see four developed campgrounds…that cost a pretty penny! I don’t have one of those “stealth camping” maps!
http://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Tried to google boondocking and came up with nothing.
Big Sur is okay…very pricey in CA. Highway 1 is a treacherous road..thankfully you will be going north which is on the mountainside as opposed to the sheer cliff side. Pull outs are on the cliff side…few and far between. One lane road.
I think the Oregon coast is prettier…but born and raised on the CA coast perhaps I take it for granted.
San Simeon, San Luis Obispo eh…Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz okay crowded and $$$. Ana Nuevo has the huge sea lions, Montara has driftwood structures on the beach. Neat!
CA also is very strict about overnight parking along the beaches…like none!
And don’t forget about the vegetable/fruit police! Hahh hahh…you smuggler you! 😉
Gas pump – yup, glad others have done the same thing too – didn’t pull out that hose though. You are ready for Spring now, plumbing is cleaned out.
Hi, Emily . . . Took me a moment to figure out what plumbing you meant. . . 😉
Sue
I think you do really well getting in a grumpy mood no more than you do,heck I get grumpy everyday,.I get up in the morning first cup of coffee ,I dont want to see or talk to anyone , second cup down I can usually manage a good morning . Takes about another hour for me to get civilized . I hate folks that get up boucy butted and chipper first thing in the morning, makes me want to slap a knot on there head.
See now thats what you call grumpy
See how much better you handle it than I do
Welcome back gal.
Ron
Ha! Thanks for the welcome back, Ron.
I don’t like bouncy-bubbly-rarin’-to-go in the morning either. I like to wander around, coffee cup in hand, not talking to anyone or seeing anybody at all . . . except the crew, of course. And I’m a morning person.
Bouse!!? Ahg, d*%#it, I stayed there once, Be careful, Glad you got gas in Parker , Very pricey in Bouse. Timber says hi to your babies ,,,,,,,,,,, Me
Hi, Rusty,
Okay, now you’ve got me wondering… What am I to be careful about?
The people, some are ok.
Glad you’re back and feeling better, I’ve missed your voice.
That’s sweet. It’s good to be missed.
I love your blog!
I do, too, Deb!
Hey Sue,
I wish your vacation was more of a real vacation.
I think I read once on Al’s blog (Bayfield B) that they stayed out near Bouse.
Now that Rusty put that worry in our minds, I’m waiting like you to hear his concerns.
Yesterday I went south early without tea or coffee and feeling rushed. I gassed up and with a foggy brain, I drove out and looked real quick thinking I hadn’t remove the pump!
I guess I need caffeine!
Hi, Robert,
How do you go on vacation when you’re already on vacation? 🙂
Your blog is coming along nicely. Love the woodcarvings!
Yes, Al and Kelly have camped out this way. I recognized the view as having seen it on their blog. I also remember Tioga George camped around here years ago.
Sue,
Even on vacation you need some slack time from routine!
Thanks for looking at the site. When I get to carving spoons, your name is on one of them. I’ve been eyeing a bunch of apple trees for wood. Good curves for spoons.
Hi Sue nice to meet you.
Discovered your blog a few weeks ago while I was researching “women who camp solo” or something like that.
While you were on “sick leave” I decided to join in with the others to get the comments over the 300 mark.
We did it!
I’m also a retired teacher, fiercely protective of my privacy, and camp with my dogs.
Not a full timer but thinking about it.
You get older, have some health issues, losses knock you down-the people you love, the dogs you love, your whole world crumbles. Doubts creep in and you wonder how many comebacks you have left.
Then you discover there are a bunch of people in the same boat (or RV). People who picked themselves up and go for their dreams in spite of fear and doubts.
So i say to you Sue and to your readers–your courage, your individual stories are an inspiration.
Looking forward to your upcoming adventures.
Hi, riley,
Nice to meet you, too, and welcome to my blog! I’m pleased you jumped into comments. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t know how much we have in common.
Aren’t the people here great? You can learn a lot by reading what they have to say and you’re bound to be encouraged and inspired. I know I am!
I hope you can find the time to read my blog from the beginning — way back to April of 2011 when I was in the last months of teaching, dreaming and planning for a life on the road.
Sue, I get in a funk like you! I have one blog devoted just to my horses. I only have maybe one comment A WEEK! I’ve thought about just shutting it down, but I do want to post photos of my horses there, so I struggle and keep it going. I completely understand your need for some “quiet time”…
~Cheryl Ann~
Hi, Cheryl Ann,
Re your horse photo blog. Maybe you have done this already…. Mention your blog on forum about horses or related topics, use more effective tags, search your platform (WordPress, Blogger, whatever) for ideas on how to promote your blog. Once you get an initial group of followers, your blog can grow by word of mouth. Some bloggers promote on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I don’t bother with that stuff, but it may work for you.
Another idea is to add writing that will generate discussion. Ask your readers for their opinion on a horse-related subject, for example.
Good luck!
Hi Sue!
I’m so glad to see you tonight. Knowing you’d been sick and knowing you sometimes get down, I just was sending mental hugs out to you. And then you post an actual picture of YOU, haha! Nice to see you for a change. Love the furballs of course but good to see the photographer.
Here in Rochester we survived a blizzard oh my goodness. Even had The Weather Channel reporting from our fair city. It was a nice little storm. But I remember when I was a kid one heck of a storm that had us buried for half a week. Either way, I’m ready for a desert or a southern beach or anything other than snow. I live vicariously through your photographs!
Hi Pat,
Funny you should mention blizzard… I grew up in the eastern part of NY along the VT border. As a child, seems like whenever anyone mentioned Rochester it was connected to the words “snow” or “blizzard.” 🙂
Hope you dig yourself out soon! Glad to be here for you . . .
So glad you are feeling better, I love stopping by and reading what you and the crew are doing. And the comments by your followers are just great. Take care,
Wendy in Thai
Hi, Wendy,
Is that Thai as in Thailand? Thanks for the sweet message to me and my readers.
Welcome back Sue. We obviously all missed you! 🙂
That last entry with over 350 comments was (about half of it) without your normal replies, so it really was somewhat a record I would think!
Glad you are doing well!
BTW, I once drove off with the hose still in the car at the gas pump. Luckily it had a “breakaway” feature and apparently was easy to put back as the attendant wasn’t overly upset with me. He said “happens all the time”. I felt dumb but a little less dumb when he said that. lol
Hope you are having a happy morning!
I am having a happy morning, Edie. I hope you are, too!
Hi Sue,
Glad to see you back, funny, I was reading one of the comments and really could identify…As I looked daily for an email and did not see one, my thought turned to driving out to the desert looking for RV Sue and her crew. But I knew you don’t like drop ins, and now I have received a job offer to work to workamp in Sequoia National park, so I’ll be headed north mid April. Once that is over I head to northern Nevada to work at Amazon. That takes me to the end of December.
I really wanted to go scout out the Arizona desert but now that is on a back burner.
Just one of your many loyal followers…
-Roger
Hi, Roger,
Sequoia sounds like a wonderful assignment! Arizona’s desert isn’t going anywhere… all in due time….
Thank you for being a loyal follower. It’s a pleasure hearing from you!
Nuts… I’m not the first commentor.
LOL on the paying for gas, then driving away. LOL… HERE’S YOUR SIGN !
You have to have email notification and be sitting at your keyboard with fingers poised to type.
Hi, Mark,
A sign like the dog-shaming cards… “I paid for gas and didn’t pump it.” 🙂
So nice to hear you are ‘back in the saddle’ – your blog just wasn’t the same without you! 🙂
I agree the blog wasn’t the same but it WAS pretty darn good. We can amuse ourselves while Sue is away for a few days 🙂
Hi, Marilu,
Apparently y’all can amuse each other quite well!
Thanks, Cari. It is good to be back.
So happy you’re back and feeling better! I love the photo. You look years younger than the woman who picked up the Casita a few years ago.
When I was little, my dad took us (myself, my mom, and two little brothers) to the drive-in theater. Dad, ever efficient, decided to leave when the double feature was almost over, to beat the crowd. He started to pull out, and we all started to yell at him to stop. Dad thought we just wanted to watch a bit more of the movie, but that wasn’t efficient enough for him, so he just pulled out a little faster … and in horror we watched as the speaker pulled the window right off of the car! He was only 29.
Hi, Robin,
Well, I know he wasn’t the only one to do that. I remember going to the drive-in. Dad pulled the station wagon up to the post… nope, no speaker on this one…
You have a precious memory of another time in America…
Woohoo, RV Sue takes a selfie! Is that so we can possibly, kinda sorta, maybe identify you if you lose your mind again??? lol
I can picture that I’d potentially have a duh moment (or brain fart, as we call them at work) and pull away from the gas pump without pumping. Once left a $30 slow cooker in the cart bottom at Walmart. Went back half hour later, it was gone. I said what others said, Oh well, hope whoever found it, needed it more than me.
I’m sure being sick and then cooped up in the BLT for several days contributed to your funk. So happy to see you back in action and looking forward to more posts!
P.S. Put me down for one of the t-shirts, if they ever happen. hehehe
T-Shirts would be nice. You could have a picture of the PTV/BLT on the back with “CREW” in block letters above that and on the front a small picture of RVSue & Crew with PTV/BLT in the background. Somebody get it done! CafePress could be used.
John and Patti…
My idea? A t-shirt with a photo of an expanse of desert, mountains at the horizon, a tiny white dot of an RV camped in the middle and the words: Boondock like you mean it.
I have a friend that makes custom t-shirts…
I nominate Ginger. I like the picture idea RVS. Maybe an arrow pointing to the trailer. “We are here!”
I love the “why-is-she-talking-to-me” face on your grump picture! 🙂
Cheers,
Ilse
Haha! I get it!
Another idea… “Do I know you?” 😉
This is back in the day when gas was cheap and you pumped before paying, I pump $20 worth of gas on my way to work and drove off without paying. When I got to work, there was an extra $20 in my wallet….I knew I forgot to pay for gas!! I quickly called Circle K and explained what happened and that I’d stop by after work and pay for my gas. The cashier said ‘So, you’re the wild woman who drove off without paying.’ LOL It happens…I was young then and certainly not senile yet…I hope, I hope….
Hi, Rita…
I’m sure it was “back in the day” because now you’d be pulled over with sirens blowing! Maybe it’s my warped memory but it seems people were more honest and therefore people were more trusting . . . The cashier figured you were absentminded, rather than a thief. *sigh*
Back in the day….they washed your windshield, looked under the hood, checked your tires AND pumped your gas!
So glad to see you back and feeling better. The comments on the last post were very entertaining! Thanks for sharing about the gas, we really got a chuckle out of that one, of course we would never do that! We call those brain fart as well! Enjoy your new camp.
Hi, Colleen,
Never know what the topic of discussion may be but the comments are fun to read… It’s good to know my blog stays alive while I’m gone.
Oh boy, it sure is nice having you back with us (in writing). Even though we knew you were out there……we missed you! I totally understand the need to step back…….all of this attention can be like a double edged sword, I would imagine.
Now, about this idea of TShirts: Let’s find a way to do it! My suggestion is that YOU sell them on your blog only, therefore making all the profit and can remain in control of how they look, etc. I WANT ONE! I’m willing to bet there are a few others here that would snatch one up too.
What can I do to help get this ball rolling – put me to work!
Hope you’re enjoying your day Sue,
hugs,
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
That’s sweet of you to offer to work on a t-shirt project. I really don’t want to do it as it would mean more time away from adventures, photography, blogging, traveling, and the crew. Fun idea, but in reality, hard for me to do. . .
Just watched an Animal Planet show about dog breeds and, lo and behold, they profiled Rat Terriors. Lots of breeds went into the heritage of Spike and Bridget. All the “nutty” traits you write about them were profiled, including their love of water. Very interesting show. I anxiously await Canine Corner, heh-heh.
Hi, Susan,
I’m awaiting inspiration for Canine Corner, too! Rat terriers are a quirky breed. I wish I’d seen that Animal Planet profile.
Hi Sue!! So glad you’re back!! I truely missed reading your blog!!I’m really happy you feel better.I’ve been so busy with the “new” place in Tucson,that I haven’t had much extra time to comment! Will and I drop into bed exhausted every night!! Hugs to the pups!
Hi, Dixie,
How ya’ been? Good to hear from you again. Best of luck with your new digs!
Great reading over morning coffee.
At least you didn’t just walk away leaving the PTV , BLT, and Crew.
S & S
What a horrible thought! I’m nothing without my crew!
Visions of Sue and the nut cakes careening through Parker sayin’ “Get out of my way, I gotta get outta here and I’m older and have more insurance” (shades of FGT’s) had me laughin’ big time. Well at least you didn’t fly off with the hose still attached – that’s always a good day. I love the photos as always including Sue with her grump on!
A reminder I live in NE GA just outside of Jefferson and work in Athens, today I woke up and my small reprieve is over and back to major allergies until late November….I was really hoping for a few more weeks before full blown blooming and dripping heat and humidity take me down for months on end. I’m sure you don’t miss summers here! So please enjoy your weather so I can through your blog!
Hi, MK…
You live in the allergy capital of the world! Sorry you suffer with that. . .
Huh? Don’t know what FGT is. Glad I gave you a laugh!
FGT= Fried Green Tomato’s a movie…LOL
Of course! I was thinking… First Grade Teacher? Forever Getting Tickets? Five Gallon Tank? sheesh… ya’ make-a me crazee… 🙂
Yippee! Sue is back! Missed you like crazy, but I got my fix by reading the archives and keeping up with comments. The only bad thing about reading the archives is I want to comment…then I realize it was 2 years ago!
So…I’ve been meaning to pat this tip..,next time you are in mosquito country, put a couple of Bounce sheets in your pocket. I’m told that will keep mosquitoes away.
Good ol’ Bounce. . . From bug remover to bug repellant… I’ll try that, although it’s been a long time since I’ve encountered mosquitoes. Love this dry desert!
Sweet of you to miss us and the blog…
I LOVE your idea of the dessert expanse w/ a white blip in the distance. “Boondock Like You Mean It”! – maybe a pic of the Crew on the other side? Spike facing the camera, Bridget showing her backside, captioned “Do I know you?”…..maybe a small reference to the blog: RVSueandCrew.net
Not that you’re not famous already, but imagine the possibilities! Or am I opening Pandora’s Box for you??????
DesertGinger has a contact! What are YOUR thoughts Sue???? (I’m hoping this doesn’t get me blocked from your blog 😉 )
Oh, how could I block you, Lacy!
It’s been suggested that I have ‘rvsue and her canine crew’ printed on the spare tire cover or on the door of the PTV. Horrors! I don’t want to draw attention to myself. That’s why I would hate t-shirts floating around with me, the crew, the PTV, the BLT, etc. on them. Generic would be okay.
The idea of t-shirts is fun. To carry out the idea sounds too much like work!
WHEW, I remain in your graces. Big sigh of relief..
Yes, I can understand NOT wanting any advertising on your spare tire cover. I think you’re probably easily recognizable enough already for those of us who are familiar with your setup. I totally understand your zipping around town while hoping to not be recognized!
But I still think it would be a cool idea to have tshirts sold on your site that say “Boondock Like You Mean It” (I can’t help but see it in my mind w/ a picture the Crew). No formal reference to your blog…… It would be so cool to be wearing that as a loyal follower and be recognized by another follower of yours.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten all that out of my head, I’ll just step off of my soap box and put it away so I don’t trip over it. And I certainly understand not wanting to have to go thru the trouble of figuring out the logistics of this – if only we could wiggle our noses and POOF! That being said, if I could do that, the first thing on my list wouldn’t be your tshirts – NO OFFENSE!
xox Lacy
Lacy, you make me smile with your enthusiasm. I agree, the t-shirts would be fun. Don’t mean to be so curmudgeonly about it. . . I’d have to set up a drop-ship arrangement with a t-shirt maker or carry the shirts around with me and deal with shipping and addresses and yuck.
Cute idea though . . . Kind of funny thinking of my blogorinos meeting each other on the road. LOL!
MESSAGE TO READERS:
Verizon is jerking my chain. The “myverizon” registration process won’t work for me, for some strange reason, therefore I can’t keep up with the charges for overages, therefore I owe Verizon money (probably $10), therefore Verizon threatens to cut me off from internet . . .
I’ve emailed Verizon to explain that an electronic payment has been made (I threw $100 at them!) and also that I can’t register to see my bills.
Calling Verizon is like paddling a raft to Cape Horn… never want to try that again!
Anyway… If Verizon should disconnect me temporarily, please do not worry. I am not sick. It will get straightened out, hopefully before Verizon plays Big Bully with me and this blog. 🙁
When my contract expires, Millenicom, here I come!
Verizon’s online bill site is very touchy!
One minute it lets you access it…the next minute it doesn’t like the SAME password. I go thru it monthly when I try to pay my bill!
Best wishes!
I have a love-hate relationship with Verizon. Right now it’s more hate than love… 🙁
I too am tired of Verizon. Switched phone to Consumer cellular. Will switch to Millenicom in a month $69 for 20 gigs and they care if you go over by a gig or two. I also hate the Verizon website.
I was AT&T and when my contract was done I went with Wallyworld’s straight talk and it’s on the Verizon network here and I get much better reception…I love it and it’s soooo easy and If I don’t like it no contract.
I don’t know enough about what you need to connect while boondocking but I wanted to mention that Walmart has an excellent phone plan, Straight Talk. I gt unlimited phone minutes, unlimited texts and data for $45 a month. And they have a $30 plan too. And now they allow you to use any phone. They actually use Sprint network, from what I hear. I always have good connections.
I use StraightTalk… Well, more accurately, I have StraightTalk and I never use it! 🙂
Sue, Straight Talk also now has wireless internet. The Router is about $80 and then you decide how much internet you need, pricing starts at $15 a month for 1 mg of service.
I just set one up for a brother who lives in an area that doesn’t have broadband, just dial-up. Yes, those places still exist. 🙂
Just an idea, might be worth looking into IF you get a consistent signal on the Straught Talk phone.
I appreciate the suggestion. As much as I’m annoyed with Verizon right now, it does provide coverage in the out-of-the-way places where I boondock. I hesitate risking being cut off from my readers. . .
T-shirt script: “I’m an rvsue and crew blogorino” HAHAHAHA I just re-read your comment to Gloria Brooks. You related that you preferred not to FB nor Tweet, but that your blogorinos kept you busy! That is just tooooo funny!
Maybe, the word encompasses the entire gestalt of the blog: you, the crew, BLT &PTV, and your readers!
Haha! Okay, Diann…
Here’s a little primer in “rvsue and her canine crew” terminology…
Nutcakes… two canines with a tendency toward temporary insanity, a variant of “nutcases.”
Poopies… two canines who eat, sleep, and poop
Pudding Pop… Bridget when she sits and her body settles like a puddle of pudding, as in “Come here, you little pudding pop.”
Renegade… Spike when he sneaks off or, more generally, any time he is sneaky, which is most of the time, as in “Get back here, you renegade!”
Blogorino…. Reader of this blog, a term of affection, both fem. and masc.
Well I am happy to report that I move ever closer to my adventure! Will be in your area soon, Sue, and really appreciate ll the info on the various towns and camping areas! I bought a park model in a mobile home park in Marana, north of Tucson. However, after reading about Valley Fever, I may try to move my little house further west, away from the ‘hot zone’, which is Phoenix and Tucson. So I will be exploring all around Quartzsite, Parker, etc. looks like my departure may be the first week of April. A good friend is driving down with me, and helping me paint the interior. If you see any likely spots, please let me know. I need an rv resort or mobile home park, but preferably not one of the super pricey ones. I prefer smaller and quieter, although a pool, clubhouse and spa is nice! And near a town that has shopping and a decent restaurant or two.
Meanwhile I will paint, replace carpets with plank vinyl, and settle in. So excited!
I can understand you being excited! It’s always fun to set oneself up for another of life’s chapters. Takes a lot of energy, yet is energizing at the same time.
I wish I could give you a lot of ideas on good areas to relocate. I’ve never stayed in an RV resort and only a few times in an RV park. If you haven’t already done so, you might want to ask on other blogs that are more into RV parks/resorts . . . Wheeling It, for example. Nina and Paul might have some good suggestions for you.
Remember that shopping in Quartzsite means high sales tax. Parker is not my idea of a fun town.
As for Yuma… seems like people either love it, hate it, or put up with it. One can’t deny that it has a lot to offer. It can be intimidating at first. Once you learn the streets, it’s easy to zip around, and, Lord knows, it has tons of RV parks (but that puts you in a more populated environment).
READERS… Anyone have any suggestions re: a place for Ginger to park her park model?
Wow! Thanks for all the great comments and ideas. And yes, I am going to see a doctor when I get to Tucson and try to get an accurate risk assessment of VF. The reasoning am leaving NY is I have had pneumonia practically every winter for the last few years, due to my COPD. Since my lungs are damaged and fragile, I’m extra careful. But I also love the Tucson area.
Thanks again for te input!
This is a link for a set of in-expensive senior only parks in the Yuma area.
http://www.yumarvparks.com/. Copper mountain is the farthest east but is also the cheapest. $190 a month plus elec. Still, Yuma and reasonable shopping is in easy driving distance as well as Mexico.
Because of the extensive boondocking around Quartzsite, there isn’t much in the way of campgrounds.
Just go to google maps, zero in on the area you are interested in and enter campgrounds in the search box. This will give you a starting point on what is in the area.
DesertGinger,
“And near a town that has shopping and a decent restaurant or two. ”
Quartzsite is rather limited for both of your requirements. Parker is somewhat better but not by much. Yuma is probably your best bet however I get the impression that you will live in a Park Model year around. Summer in Yuma is brutal.
In my opinion your fear of Valley Fever is excessive and moving out of what you consider to be the “hot spot” puts you in a hot spot of a different kind.
Good Luck!
THIS IS SPAM. DO NOT CLICK ON IT. I didn’t throw it in the trash because it has a reply attached to it. In the past, when I’ve deleted a comment that has a reply, the order of subsequent comments is messed up.
Just ignore it.
Sue, when we inquired about a wilson directional antenna, we were told that our Millenicom Hotspot ( Pantech MHS291LVW)was not compatible. The Wilson tech said we would need a different type of antenna with cradle.
You might want to check things out before you make the switch.
S & S
You’re right. I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me and us all.
Don’t take me as an expert, but…. I can say that a buddy and I are both using the new Pantech router (latest offering from Millenicom, uses Verizon as a carrier) with the Wilson Sleek 4GV cradle (available through Amazon). This includes a stubby antenna.
Looking at a Novatel 4620 just now and comparing, the physical antenna port looks the same as the new Pantech, btw. I can say the Pantech has been rock solid (I never had good luck with the Novatel).
PS: Although, with the Sleek amplifier/cradle, the antenna connects to the Sleek (and not straight to the router). So the antenna connects to the Sleek cradle, and then the router (Pantech) gets its signal just by lying in the arms of the Sleek. The Sleek doesn’t have the same style antenna port (as the Novatel/Pantech do). It has an “SMA female” connector port for the antenna. There is an adapter cable to allow the two ports to connect (also available on Amazon, handily).
Not sure why the “spaceship” antenna would not work with the Pantech (since you apparently have a 4G capable one), but still figured the above info might be useful.
I recently went from the USB 760 to the Pantech. I really liked the 760, but love the Pantech!
Pen… You amaze me. I’m cross-eyed reading your comment. 🙂
Oops! I read the first comment about not being able to use the spaceship antenna with the Millenicom Pantech router, and started thinking about why that might be, and …. well… you see where it led me….heh.
DEAR VERIZON:
If you’re reading this, don’t mess w/ RVSueandCrew. They may be small in number but her BLOGORINOS are massive and together, we could make you regret the day you messed with Sue!
Sincerely,
A Faithful Follower
Oh my, my sides hurt from laughing… you little blogorino, you.
I’ve been called worse!
I ever mention the time I had company, went up to Kentucky Fried Chicken, ordered $30+ of chicken, got to the window to pay and had forgotten my wallet? What followed was a mad dash for home, a quick embarrassed explanation and a epic high speed run back to KFC! I just chalked it up to my “oldtimers” syndrome. We all do dumb things.
Hi, Jim,
I did the same thing at the restaurant in Quartzsite! (Remember the day the fight broke out at the laundromat?) I ate a chicken salad sandwich, looked in my purse, no money! Well, I had a bunch of quarters for the laundry so that covered the tip. Paid for the tiny tab for the sandwich with a credit card. Don’t think that was appreciated much.
Oldtimer’s syndrome isn’t a good excuse in Quartzsite where almost everyone is an oldtimer!
Jim, I did (almost) the exact same thing last year, only I went through the drive-thru. Fortunately I wasn’t too far from home, and the cashier was kind enough to save my order until I came back through. I hate it when things like that happen, but then I just have to laugh!
Nothing wrong about taking time to run things out of your head that don’t add to your happiness.
I walked out of Wally World with a cooler that I was so preoccupied I didn’t pay for. I was about out of the parking lot when it hit me. Ran back in and told them what happened and paid. I bet the the store lose control people would have believed me as I loaded it the first time.
Your blogs are part of my day now so keep up the great ……almost called it work. I hope that is never the case for you.
Tom
Man, a security officer could’ve really ruined your day . . . Glad it turned out okay.
Seriously almost 200 in less than 24 hours! You rock desert woman!
How is the FreshCab working in the PTV?
I think it worked! Only trouble is . . . and I think you mentioned this . . . I think it gives Bridget a headache. I won’t be using it again. I would if I weren’t traveling and the BLT was in storage. (Ackkk! Perish that thought!)
Back in the day when I was a single working mother, I did my grocery shopping on my lunch hour. Then would take the groceries home, put away the perishables, and rush back to work. It was much easier than taking a small child to the grocery store! On one of my trips, after my groceries had been checked out, and I was getting ready to pay for them, I discovered that I didn’t have my wallet. Unbelievably, the store let me take the groceries home, work the rest of the day, and then go back to the store and pay for them. Times have SO changed, haven’t they?
BTW, your picture makes me think of Safari Sue and her RV Crew!
Hi Lana,
I had a similar experience. I left work on a Friday, drove my 45-minute commute to the town where I lived, stopped at a gas station because I was running below empty, and … uh-oh… no purse. I had left it at work. I didn’t have the gas to drive back to work and it would’ve been locked up anyway.
I went inside the gas station convenience store and explained the situation. A customer overheard and gave me $3 so I could buy enough gas to make it home and back with a credit card. 🙂 I hope someone repaid that person with kindness.
It took me awhile to getting used to paying for gas first then pumping when travelling the States. But Sue, like you I dream of hitting the road 10 more years, seems long but will go by quick. With Society not caring about anything these days, I told my sister to look up your web site, because I don’t miss a posting, but do not comment much. You are the inspiration for my life to be.. Thank you and wishing you and dah pups only good and happiness.. from Canada buried in snow ..
Hi, Patsy,
Thank you for sharing my blog with your sister. Hope the snow begins to melt soon.
Hey Sue and welcome back!
The pumps, totally understandable! The U-turn had Waylon Jennings playing in the background in my mind along with a big “yeeehaw”! 😀
Nice place ya got there!
I’m so happy that you’re happy!
Hi and ruff ruff! to the crew. 🙂
Hi, Carrie,
The PTV really did yee-haw back to that pump! Cute 3-part closing to your comment. Thanks and same to you!
I really like what you gugs are usually up too. Such clever work aand reporting!
Keep up the superb works guys I’ve included you guys to my
blogroll.