Thursday, August 7
Boulder Lake, Wyoming
The photos in today’s post were taken with the camera I left outside overnight in the rain.
I have to hand it to that SONY Cyber-Shot. She’s doing her best! And she’s doing it without any help from me because the viewer — the LED screen — is completely black.
In other words, I’m pointing and shooting without seeing what it looks like in a frame. I click and hope for the best.
This pic of Bridget was taken with the damaged camera.
Of course, the pissed-off look is not the fault of the Cyber-Shot. Not even heavy editing in Picasa can fix that grumpy face.
I used this “blind” strategy to take a photo of two herons in a field.
The result? A study in tall grass. No herons. Not even their skinny legs. Just lots and lots of grass. This camera may heal itself over time, but I’m not counting on it. I definitely will order another camera!
Excursion to Half Moon Lake . . .
All morning my face is in my laptop. Gee, it’s 2 o’clock already. We need to go somewhere. Do something! Hey, we could go to Half Moon Lake before the late afternoon showers roll in!
I pack the crew into the Perfect Tow Vehicle and we head up to Pinedale.
I haven’t had lunch so I pull into Obo’s Market and Deli. Obo’s is famous for its sandwiches and a sandwich happens to be just what I want.
First I pull into the gas pumps by Obo’s and pump some gas at $3.84 a gallon. Owee. Then I move the PTV over to the door of Obo’s.
What a selection of entrees and salads and desserts!
I order an Alisha sandwich (or something like that). It’s smoked turkey with pesto and dried cranberries on ciabatta bread. $7.69/$8.00 with tax.
Half Moon Lake is only about 8 miles from Pinedale.
It’s near the larger Fremont Lake which I bypass because I know it’s a very recreational lake. That’s what I call a lake that has lots of motor boats, jet skis, water skiers, and people having fun. If there’s one thing I can’t stand is being around people having fun.
Half Moon Lake, Wyoming
Half Moon is another pretty lake. Its shores are undisturbed except for the northern shore which holds a few private residences, the Half Moon Lodge Resort Whatever, a trailhead, and Half Moon Campground, a national forest campground.
I check out the campground.
At the kiosk I see the fee is $7.00 regular/$3.50 with senior discount. The campground lane is narrow with thick vegetation right up to your vehicle. Small sites close together are filled with rigs and camping paraphernalia.
By this time I’m starving so I park in a pull-through site and immediately tear into that sandwich. Oh my, this is good! While I’m eating, the camp host rushes up to my window and asks if I’m staying and I tell her no, I’m eating a sandwich, and I’ll leave soon.
“Oh good,” she replies, “because I have someone who reserved this spot and they’re on their way.”
I would never stay at this campground if I could avoid it.
Campsites close together and too many people. Every other site has a dirt bike or a couple of OHVs. Children dart across the road. Motor boats and jet skis tied up nearby. A woman walks the campground road in a coral, two-piece bathing suit, and, well, she shouldn’t.
Let me outta’ here!
Gripping my half-eaten sandwich in one hand, I drive us out of the campground.
Further up the narrow, dirt road I find a large, boondock site. It has a beautiful view of the lake. I don’t understand why people pay to cram into that campground when this is right up the road.
I let Bridget and Spike out of the PTV. While the crew excitedly snoops around the site, I gaze at the intensely blue lake and finish the absolutely divine sandwich.
This place is beautiful, but I’m not interested in camping here. Too many people. This is great for folks with a boat and kids and the need for speed. Plus Spike can’t get down to the water.
I point the camera at the lake and click the shutter with no idea whatsoever what will be in the frame.
I round up Bridget and Spike.
They’re happy to have had a little adventure.
After they have a drink, I toss them into the PTV and the little doodleheads sleep soundly all the way back to camp.
What am I going to do?
In the previous post I whined about the problems and tasks that have popped up lately.
A plan emerges!
On Monday I’ll go to the vet clinic in Pinedale and find out the results of Spike’s blood work. I’ll talk to the vet about those results and what they mean for a possible treatment (thyroid supplement maybe?). I’ll also ask for recommendations for helping Spike cope with his arthritis. I assume his wound will continue healing nicely.
While I’m in Pinedale I’ll go to the post office to see if the tooter (anti-intruder air horn) has arrived from Mick in Tennessee. I’ll also pick up my mail forwarded by America’s Mailbox in South Dakota. I need to receive the notice for vehicle license renewals for the BLT and PTV.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to delay surgery for Spike.
His hiney bump can wait, and so can the dental cleaning. That would take the pressure off finding another camp in the area around Pinedale. We can explore Wyoming some more and enjoy the summer, and possibly come through Pinedale for his surgery in September.
On Tuesday our 16 allowed days are up. I’ll move camp to a boondock closer to Jackson, Wyoming. On the way through Pinedale, I’ll stop at the post office again if I don’t get the stuff on Monday.
You still with me?
Also in Pinedale I’ll look for a place to fill the empty propane tank and stop at Ridley’s grocery for a few items.
On the way up Highway 191 north of Pinedale in search of our next camp, I’ll stop at Warren Bridge Campground to dump tanks and fill up the fresh water tanks. I’ll also fill the one-gallon water jugs and dump trash.
From the new boondock, which will be much closer to Jackson than where we are now, I’ll drive to Jackson and pick up the new camera and accessories from Amazon at the UPS Customer Center there. (You know? I may order a laptop, too, and bear repellant spray with holster, and a few other things on my list.) Whew!
Now for possible snags in The Plan . . .
The vet might tell me Spike has to come back for whatever reason. I’m sure there are other things that might not go as planned. I’m also notorious for changing plans. At least now I feel like all these little “problems” that popped up all of a sudden can be managed.
As for the PTV, she’s still a mud-splattered mess and has no air conditioning, but, by golly, she runs great!
rvsue
NOTE: A possible gathering of blogorinos is in the early planning stages in the comments section. Now is your opportunity to give your suggestions and to help decide when this event will occur. Click on the title of this post to open comments, then scroll down to the discussion which I assume will continue there.
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“Oh, Spike, all this fussing about problems has worn me out! I need a nap.”
You crack me up. We’d get along pretty well I think.
I’m quite sure we would, John.
I enjoy all photos, Sue. Not bad for your damaged camera.
I couldn’t believe it when I opened up the memory card and there were photos!
If someone suggested this and I missed it, I apologize. Have you tried putting the camera in a zip-lock bag with rice? I know we’ve saved some cell phones that way. In a day or 2 the rice has absorbed the moisture. Just a thought.
Love the lake. I would probably be one of those that is tied to the campground, as I don’t have solar. Now if I were fortunate enough to camp as much as you, then I would have it installed. Hopefully it will be in my future.
Hi, Crystal,
There aren’t hook-ups at the campground. I can understand if one doesn’t have a toilet. Even people with a boat can have their boat at the boat dock while they have their camper at the beautiful, private, and free site with the beautiful view of the lake.
Yes, the rice idea has been mentioned. Thanks, no need to apologize.
” If there’s one thing I can’t stand is being around people having fun.”
Well if they have to have fun they could at least be more decorous about it!
Y’know?
Yeah, Linda!
You know that’s tongue-on-cheek, right? I want people to have fun but NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD!
Heh…not the NOISY kind of fun anyway right?? Or the dirty, messy, leave a trail behind you fun eh?? You surely have many folks that would agree with you, Sue!!
Ha ha, that totally cracked me up. *Because it’s true!* 😀 😀
(Why do people have to have fun so LOUDLY?! That’s what I want to know.)
I always feel better when I have a plan. Something to do with thinking I’m in control, even if I ‘m not.
Your “blind” pictures are really pretty good.
Take care.
You are so right, judithcamper. Normally (hah, not a word I use often), I don’t plan much, but when stuff piles up like it has recently, I need to sort it out and put all the pieces in order. Especially when logistics are involved.
Geez I was trying so hard to pay close attention. I may have to give up!
Huh?
Trying to watch for your new list so I could be first!
Post not list. I love when auto- correct ‘helps’ me.
Hey, your camera didn’t do too bad for being damaged. It is great when a plan comes together! Looking forward to see how it all goes!
You know, Jolene, I admit this isn’t the first camera of mine to take a bath. I took a camera on a float with the crew down the Madison River in Montana and it was drenched by the time the float was over. I put it in the sun and it recovered!
Make sure your next camera is waterproof!
Next camera: Canon SX50, You will be amazed!
Gee, I’m all set to buy the Fuji that Alan recommended:
I’ll look at the Canon SX50.
Thanks, Crabman. Any reasons you can give why you like the Canon? Are you familiar with the Fuji?
I love my SX50. Light weight, great super-zoom, no extra lenses required. I think the image quality is better with Canon especially when zoomed out. There is a price difference. Look at the difference in the number of reviews for each camera at the Amazon links you posted (Canon=825, Fuji=14).
However, neither one is waterproof.
I enjoy your postings.
Thanks, Crabman, for telling me you enjoy my postings and for the information about the Canon. It certainly is a fine camera!
The difference in number of reviews may be because the Canon has been sold by Amazon since Sept. 2012 and the Fuji wasn’t offered on Amazon until January 2014.
The Canon has 58 image selections. I wonder if that is as good as using filters to combat haze and deal with blueness, as the filters on the Fuji will do.
The Canon takes fantastic movies, apparently. I’m not interested in that. Wish it didn’t have that so it could be more affordable.
Gosh, this is complicated.
OMG, at that cost for that photo taker, that’s a month of food. Oh well, you need it ,,,,,,Me
Sue as you compare cameras these two are really pretty different as evidenced by the price. A better comparison would be the Cannon SX 50 VS The Fujifilm S1 or spend $100 less and compare the Fuji that Alan recommends VS the Canon SX 500 or 700. Here is a great site to compare the differences.
http://snapsort.com/compare
I know when I shop for something like this I always have to fight “feature creep” that will destroy my budget. But a few things you might find worthwhile in the more expensive versions is the flip out viewfinder screen is a great help with macro closeups of flowers and such. Also I think you once indicated a desire to do more complex photo editing. If you do than you will want to look for a camera that can use the RAW format. Too techy to get into here and there are others here more accomplished than myself but most higher end editing programs work best with a RAW file.
But Rusty makes a good point as well. They ain’t cheap.
Also of course take the overall size into account I know you carry your camera everywhere and smaller is better. Whatever you end up with I am sure you will do great with. Just look at what you did with todays post and you didn’t even have a viewfinder.
Hi, BadgerRick,
That site is fantastic! I fed the two cameras into the comparison gizmo and everything was laid out for me to look at, back and forth, between the two cameras.
Here’s what jumped out at me:
The Canon is lighter and thinner. It has a lot of movie features of high quality. It has 58 scene choices. It has marvelous technical support and warranty options. It costs almost $100 more than the Fuji.
The Fuji is bulkier and heavier. This may be a good thing for me. My damaged camera was very easy for me to hold as if it were a cheap pair of sunglasses, which led to its demise. A bigger camera might force me to always keep it with the case I have and to put it into the case when I’m not using it.
I can use filters with the Fuji and learn from that. Here’s a biggie for me… The Fuji battery charge lasts 60% longer than the Canon. I think it said 600 photos on one charge. And the Fuji is about $100 less.
I’ll have to look again to see if the Fuji has a digital viewfinder in addition to an LED screen like the Canon has.
I need a sedative.
You can also get filters for the Canon, you need an adapter and they the world is open. A good place to buy cameras is Adorama…love ’em and they are soooo helpful.
I have a Canon SX50 and a Canon SX260 and I love both of them, the 260 lives in my purse. I do a lot of flora and fauna shots and the SX50 has a great reach – I belong to a canon forum and they are great with help and there are a lot of fun threads to share photos they even have one thread that’s show me your SX50 shots that help me decide to get this camera. I will admit that I’m a Canon person and love their support. I’ve had to send one back and it was out of warranty and the charges were minimal for repair even though it was out of warranty they stand behind their products.
Hi, MK…. Good to know about the excellent Canon support and warranty information. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.
Sue, I have a Fuji Fine Pix S that I bought 3 years ago and it was about in this price range. It does take lovely photos BUT if you want an action shot… Fuji might not be the camera for you!
It has a hesitation between the time you press the shutter and the time the shutter opens the lens to take the photo! It is so maddening to try and take a photo of the pups… aiming for the face and getting a blur as they have gotten up and walked away!
I have given up on this camera…. I had such high hopes for a light weight camera instead of my heavy Nikon! Maybe Alan can give you a quick answer about the shutter delay!
PS I was amazed at your “blind” shots! WOW
I took the “blind” shots with no zoom. Then in Picasa I cropped out the best composition I could.
Hi, Geri,
Thanks for the info from your experience. The Fuji recommended by Alan is different that the Fine Pix you had. I put both of the Fine Pixes in the comparison gizmo that BadgerRick posted.
Alan’s Fuji won out. However, I didn’t find any mention of that Fuji being an improvement over your Fuji. It did say that Alan’s Fuji had better image stabilization but that corrects hand shake, not movement of the subject, I think.
It’s so hard to make a decision! Thanks again for the input. You made an important point.
I have the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ70 it has a 60X zoom ,,,,it has video too…but its cheaper than Canon, to me the quality is good enough!! If you’ve seen my Flickr all my recent photos are with it…I had a Canon Rebel, DSLR, but since my wrist Fx’s I couldn’t hold it up with the 300 mm lens so I sold it on Ebay. I like the bridge camera for my needs, I got factory refurbished it was about $200 included the battery charger, battery, lens cover, book and CD software and free shipping I like a have a view finder for wildlife photography…. I also have a Kodak Easyshare Z5010, I use for shooting the items I list on Ebay it has only a screen, I like both!
I have a couple of friends that have the CanonSX50 and their pictures are AMAZING! Just a few months ago, you could get this camera from Amazon about $60 cheaper, but Canon somehow made it mandatory for their products to be sold at the manufacturers suggested retail cost, so now the $399 is about the best you can find. You want to be sure there is no delay from the time you push the shutter button.
I’m like you in that I like to plan my workdays but then I’m open to change along the way. Rain? Snow? I’m staying home. Heat? I’ll just go home and come back later. I’m grateful that I have the flexibility to do that. And I’m the same way when planing a vacation jaunt. I have a list of things I’d like to do/see, but that’s all dependent on how I feel at the moment.
That’s the way to do it! I don’t know about you, Cari, but I never make a reservation. I don’t want to commit to being anywhere on a certain day.
I used to want to have reservations for lodging, in case everywhere was filled up. Now, not so much. There’s only really been a few times when a reservation came in handy – convention or wedding in the area and almost all places were filled up. And once I retire, definitely going to be traveling with no reservations. 🙂
I hear you on that one. There is a certain cozy security in having a reservation, but the heebie-jeebies it gives me to have that plan looming over me cancel out the “cozy” feeling right quick. I’ll take the risks that come with my beloved freedom of action.
And what’s this about a blogorino convention? Geez, this is what happens when I don’t read all 300+ comments 🙂
I’d love to participate – in 2015. I will be officially retired by January (fingers crossed) and will be free to travel when and where the wind takes me. Living in North Texas kinda puts me in the middle of the country, so anywhere sounds good to me. Kay’s RV park in Nebraska would be really convenient for me (hint, hint) And I might even have an RV by convention time! If not, I’m renting one, just so I will fit in LOL
And for those without RVs, I’m sure those with them would be willing to let you stay with them – a sleeping bag on the floor?
There’s a lot of excitement about Kay’s new RV park in Nebraska. Along with that, the idea came up to have a gathering of blogorinos.
At this point no date has been set for the park’s grand opening, nor for a blogorino convention or whatever. It does seem that people would need some time to plan in order to be a part of a gathering.
What a crazy blog! 🙂
If we had a blogorinos convention, would you and the crew come?
and will there be T-shirts?
Oh, I will need a tee shirt! Can it be a V neck????
YES! Probably even HATS too!
Jean — I would try to be there, yes.
I was laughing at Bridget’s expression. Thinking about Rick’s post and then I see her giving you the stink eye!
Are you kidding? Of course we keep up with you…as a matter of fact…you tell the story so well….I can’t read it fast enough! It’s almost like we’re right there…when the PTV hits a rut in the road…I swear my chair dips down!
Wow you have it all worked out!!! And ready to adapt if need be. Spikester will be just fine.
Kay…those without RV’s…other places (cough cough KOA’s cough) have Comfy Cabins. Which isn’t more than a shed made to look like a cabin.
Hi, Cinandjules,
My brain is swirling around in my head from all the names on all the comments under the previous post… 350!!! “Rick’s post?” Who is Rick?
Thanks for the compliment I found in your second paragraph. Nice! I want you to feel like you’re sitting on the bench seat next to the Spikester as we motor on down the road!
I think we need some clarification on the RV Park opening and the get-together of blogorinos. I’m not sure it’s clear to everyone what it’s all about.
Badger Rick. Letter from Bridget about her perfect day!
Hi everyone 🙂 In the last post I suggested to Kay that maybe a Blogerino weekend might be a fun thing to have and she thought it was a super idea. I talked to Kay last night on the phone and I am probably going to spend some time with her an “un-named” helping them out for a bit. No “agenda”
for the weekend as of this minute. Just “Blogerinos” being with other “Blogerinos” and hoping RVSue will be there as well 🙂
There’s a Super 8 a half mile south, and a Day’s INN about a mile north…. and if we select next springish…. we may have some cool tent sites ready by then….
My intention, would be to close the RV Park the days we all decide to hold the Blogerino Holiday.
I think next spring is great timing. I don’t have a rig but I have a car, which I have slept in many times. Maybe I would even splurge on a tent, or a motel. But it sounds like fun. I think we should all bring, or be prepared to make, our fave recipes too.
Oh now that sounds like a super duper idea, Ginger!!!!
Are there hiking trails near by? I mean real trails not little walking paths maybe 2-3 miles short
R. (Western Colorado)..
Kay probably hasn’t seen this, so I did a search and found this info for you:
Hiking Trails near Kimball, NE
That’s great Sue. Today I’m too lazy and too depressed to do almost anything on my own so thank you
Wow,I used that link then some others!that Pawnee National Grasslands photos are beautiful.Plus they have birds and wildlife all over,dispersed camping is allowed,trails as short as half a mile to lo-ong where off leash crews are allowed and everything!
Pawnee could be a very hot place. I don’t recall any shade there.
I assumed the convention would be online. Much I would like to travel somewhere in a boondocking spot far, far away (to borrow from Star Wars), that isn’t really in the cards for a while. Virtual travel? Now that’s a different story.
No, here at the RV Park…. but you’re welcome to join in online, too. Maybe we can stream it???
And, of course, I would blog about it and include photos . . .
We have a virtual convention under every blog post!
LOL, Verrrrry True!
Boy, that rain camera sure does a pretty darn good job! Bridget, you sweet doll, I can see by that look… you’re not so pleased.
YES! We need to hold a Blogerino’s Holiday. Please make suggestions for dates to hold this event. Let’s create a yearly or may be twice yearly event. Once we manage to get all the parks open, we can move the event around to the different locations.
Jackson Hole, WY Pretty, pretty area. Get the bear spray. That’s all I am going to say, that’s enough just to give me flash backs of the grandpa in the red short and cowboy boots.
I would like to suggest you get copies of Spikey’s lab results and take them with you!!! The price you paid, was somewhat high. Rowdy’s emergency vet bill last May cost me $96 and that included the lab tests. Holy smokes, wonder what they would charge you for the surgery and teeth cleaning.
There’s a rodeo over here on Saturday, and other towns in the area are having Rodeo’s too this month…. Gosh, that picture of Princess Bridge reminds me how really cute she would be with a little cowboy hat on her head!!! LOL
Well, the concrete guy came and left to work us up a bid, he said he’d be back and haven’t seen him yet. I bet he fell asleep in a reclining chair!
Very nice photo’s Sue, even if they were taken with a rain soaked camera.
Have a great night!
Hi, Kay,
Whatever location is chosen, the crew and I will try to be there.
Yes, the vet bill was high. I expected that in a tourist area. I don’t have to take Spike back there for surgery, do I… hmm….
You have a great night, too, Kay. I wish you and your husband a good night’s rest.
Kay, just asking, do you know all what needs to build an RV park? I have helped a fellow at Glenn Ivy RV resort build it and it cost a lot of mulla, besides getting permits to put in water, sewer, electricity, and such. then they did the owner shares thing and it went to pot after that. but R. Mann was the owner and he had some friends in Lost wages, Nevada who was backing him up in MULLA$. It or he taught me how to do concrect, plumbing , and masonry work. ,,,,,,Rusty
Oh, Glenn Ivy RV resort is south of Corona Calif, near Glenn Ivy Hot Springs and the NUDIS camp, Oh YAAAAA ,,,,Me
Hi Rusty,
Yes, I do know what it takes for an RV Park. The water and sewer is already in. We are actually adding more hookups for both of those. We are replacing all of the Electrical wires through out the park and installing new pedestals as well, 20/30/50 AMP at each site. We putting in Showers/Restrooms as well. Showers that DO NOT turn off in 2 minutes, I might add. We’re also going to have a Doggie Bathhouse and a soaking area for doggies, that is the Spike’s Spaw area of the park.
It’s really exciting, and a lot of work as well.
Coool, That’s real cool, Kay, If I had a way to get there, I’d be on my way, but the VA has Medical plans for me, to finely check my thyroid, my blood presser is good now, but now they say the last blood test says my thyroid is causing my hands to shake, that’s what they said when my BP was high., and now I must find someone to get me from here to the Phoenix VAMC for the appointment by 08:00, October, 3rd. I’m unable to drive in the dark, I now have night blindness and I don’t know how I’m gonna do it. ,,,,,,,
Oh, sorry to hear that Med stuff Rusty. If I was in the area, I’d come get you myself.
Call the VA Liaison/VA Officer person and ask him/her to assist you finding a ride. Possibly, there’s a van???
Boy, your skills would be wonderful here, too bad there is so many miles between us.
Hang in there…. and have a good evening!
Rusty, do check with the VA.
I used to work for a company that provided transport to the Madison WI VA hospital for patients that couldn’t make the drive for whatever reason. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a job that provided me with greater level of job satisfaction.
Thanks BadgerRick.
My brother goes to the Phoenix VA and they put a bunch in a van to Tucson when he needed his knee surgery. So check with them about transport.
Thanks to you all, I went in this morning to see my Doc., and met 2 fellas that are taking me or picking me up at home and delivering me at the Prescott VAMC to catch a ride with the DAV Shuttle to get us all down to Phoenix VAMC , and a ride back home after we get back. Like my Fish on the wall sings, “Don’t worry, Be happy. ,,,,,,,,Timber n’ me
Glad to see your camera is making a comeback and you have options. Just make sure you stay far away from those frivolous funsters 😉
Hi, Marcia,
Yes, I do have options. I’m fortunate to be able to buy another camera. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road again.
The Blogerino Holiday Explanation:
The idea came that we should all have a get together.
My thought was YES! We could use the RV park for the weekend for just the Blogerino’s. We need to find a date to hold the first event.
It can be in the Spring, or IF we can get opened yet this year, we could do it this year. However, I think the spring may be a better option then we would have more time to get ALL of the sites open and the Snack Shack and Store.
It would cool be if we did the event/holiday yearly, and I would be happy to host it at this park or one of the others that are planned.
Any Ideas? Suggestions?
I think next spring would be great. I’m not sure about Nebraska weather, but in Texas it starts getting hot towards the end of May, and the summer is unbearable. So some time before Memorial Day or after Labor Day would be good. That way, we could be on the roads and back home before the holiday crowds hit 🙂
We will need nametags of course – our real names plus our blog names.
Ummm…just one comment about May…that is typically tornado season. If you grew up anywhere in that area (Oklahoma for me) you know that can be rough.
Yeppers…..we started driving across May 2…..had to hunker down in Waco, NE due to a tornado warning.
Have you thought about some kind of shelter at your place? Don’t know what that entails.
Why real names? It can all get too confusing. I prefer blog names.
R…you don’t have a blog name, you have a blog initial! Really I think of you as ‘Colorado flower expert’…okay in my head cuz I think fast, but pretty awkward if actually speaking to you. just sayin’. And if I were to call you ‘r’ I would sound like I was imitating a pirate.
LOL
That’s a good one, Ginger. “Arrrrr!”
You won’t have any problem DesertGinger or whatever is your name. I definitely won’t be there.
I’m sorry, R. We were being silly.
Of course, R. will be perfect. That’s what we know you as. Why would we want to change it?
I can relate to the desire to stay anonymous. I tried to keep my real name out of circulation and eventually gave up. Whenever I see my last name in a public place such as this blog, I wince.
This gathering will probably be a long time from now. No need to decide now whether you will attend or not. Love ya!
(BTW, I answered your question near the top about hikes near Kimball.)
Thank you again. If the get together is in the beginning of September 2015 I’ll in Alaska watching muskox, bears, caribou, moose, eating blueberries and admiring unbelievable colors of tundra if all is going to work out.
What is the name of Kay’s new RV park going to be? We haven’t been to Nebraska yet and will definitely want to make that our destination when it opens. Love this blog! Pat K (from Texas)
Now, that’s the need for ANOTHER fun and exciting contest!!!!!
“Here’s What You Need!”RV Parks-since that’s exactly what you intend them to be,and when we’re deciding where to stay we’re always mindful of “I need this,and that,and oh,that other stuff ,too…
Off the top of my head I say keep it simple. A possible name for the park?
“Kay’s Way”
Possible Slogans? . . .
“RV Kay’s Way!”
“Kay’s Way is the Best Way!”
“Kay’s Way is Your Way!”
“A Kay’s Way is on your way!”
“Kay’s Way RV Park — The way to go!”
That wouldn’t be a problem for me as I use my real name anyway. Too much trouble to come up with a virtual identity and persona. I’m already confused enough as it is. 😀
Sounds like great fun. Look forward to hearing the final dates and will try to be there too
Sounds like a good plan-ticks all the boxes and has just enough jello to breathe and meander through.Neither of which could be done at that awful sounding campground you did the best thing in-assuage your hunger and leave.That sandwich sounded good enough to deserve a nicer setting to be enjoyed in with little doodle-heads,how cute!
If that’s what you can do with a recovering camera,imagine what glee you’ll have with the new one’s results!I’m so excited for you-an upgrade that enhances a hobby you’re so skilled at is long overdue.And to miss a photo of herons-well that’s just the last straw!
As soon as Kay mentioned the blogorino get together,I thought of picking up some of our folks without RV’s to bring along.Seems that most people will have plans already for Sept.,so May might work best and be fun to share plans for the following season with each other.
Another time for more thoughts on that,for now ,rest well and soon.You’ve had a busy day.
Hi, weather,
I am excited about the new camera. Having filters for it will force me to take my photography more seriously and grow my skill. It’s about time!
I don’t know what western Nebraska is like in May. Spring does sound like a good time to have a get-together.
Yes, I’m going to sign off now. The crew is already asleep.
Good night! See ya’ in the morning . . .
Wow, # 1 Sue, I Wonder how you do it, I hope everything works out and Timber says hi too, ,,,,,Rusty
Hek, I thought I was # 1. When I clicked on comments it was empty, Wow people must type at mock 5
Rusty, this happened to me too. But you’re #1 to many of us.
Really ?, Still?
ALWAYS!
That’s right, Rusty!
I’ve been looking for a 2200 microfarad, 25 VDC, polarised capacitor for 18 volt track power to smooth out my Loco sound card on my 36 ton two truck Shay, by Bachmann, it’s “G” scale, 1:22.5. online, that is, while jumping back n’ forth checking Sue’s blog and Timber’s watching the TV ,,,,,,,,,Me
Whew Rusty!! I thought you may have jumped track there for a bit, and then figured out you were looking for model train parts!! I hope you and Timber are doing well.
Hi Don in Okla., check out my last post,,,,,,,me
Timber-n-Me, you might wanna’ try mouser.com to find that cap you’re looking for. I’ve bought a lot of discrete components there via mail over the years and they have just about everything you could want. Also, if you’re doing 18volt power, you might want to go with at least double that voltage on the cap, say 50volt. Higher-rated caps won’t hurt in case of spikes or other minor disasters, and if this is part of a power supply line, higher uF values won’t hurt, either. I’ve used 10,000uF for power line noise suppression. Audio equalizers, however, may require a specific value for frequency roll-offs, so use what’s recommended for that specific frequency and enjoy.
Also, Sue….great stuff, as always. You’ve created one of my favorite blogs on the web. Live the dream and enjoy!
Mike (Varmint)
Mike, Hi and thanks on the imfo. I’m running a 36 ton 2 truck Shay by Bachmann trains, on 18 vdc track, the card is from MyLocoSoundand the instructions say for smoother realistic sound, hook up 2200uf, polarized 25VDC cap, for 18 volts. but a friend of Sue’s is sending me 2 of them from Tenn. Have a great nite n’ God Bless ya ,,,,,,,,Me
I love Canon cameras. One reason is Canon Loyality Program that tries to make good when your camera goes
E8 (lens won’t retract)
The Process
Enrolling into this program is simple. The two requirements are that
1.) You do have a broken or out of warranty Canon product to return to them.
2.) You have not used this program more than 3 times.
Now to use this feature, you simply call the CLP number that is 1 (866) 443 8002. Then select Option 2. This number is open 7 days a week, 8:00AM til Midnight Eastern Time.
At that point, they’ll tell you the availability of which camera you’re seeking and likely get a serial number for the broken camera gear you’ll be sending in. (Tip – eBay and Craigslist is always filled with broken Canon digital cameras for under $50) Thirty Stores for $5 the camera can be any old canon… sometimes they just want the serial number, I have one if you need one.. Then they’ll get a mailing address from you, and a credit card number (if one is not already on file) to process your order. You can expect your refurbished camera to arrive in the mail within 5 business days.
Canon PowerShot A4000 IS Silver Refurbished $35.99 w/FS @ Canon
from Fatwalletcom canon loyalty program forum
Look at the Canon site refurbished cameras to see whats available.
Rand
Gosh, Rand, thank you for taking the time and making the effort to write all that here for me and the bloggos.
I’ll have to read it several times to understand it completely. I’ve never been very good at scoring a “deal.” I haven’t been an ebay or craigslist person. I’m too easily gypped, I think.
I will look this option over carefully after I’m done replying to comments. Hope all is well with you… Gee, what was that … two years ago we met at Fortuna Pond? A lot has happened since then …
Hi, Sue,
The picture of Bridget made me giggle! Her expression says it all, “I thought that damn thing was broken!!” Hahaha!
Yes, ma’am…I’m right there with you on The Plan. You can rest easy tonight. Everything will fall into place even if slight adjustments need to be made.
Wishing you sweet dreams and peaceful slumber. 🙂
Thank you, Denise, for the wish for “sweet dreams and peaceful slumber.” It worked!
That picture of Bridget makes ME giggle and I have to put up with her nonsense on a daily basis. For instance….
There aren’t hardly any mosquitoes here. Of course, the one mosquito in the greater Pinedale area gets inside the BLT and is whining and being annoying. It hovers over the laptop screen and I clap my hands to kill it. Bridget runs outside as if I’m going to clap her dead, too.
I didn’t notice she was gone, kept typing away. Finally I sensed her absence. I go outside and she’s sitting in the dark looking at the door, waiting for me to come get her. PITA!!!
Little Miss Queenie!! 🙂
Put your camera in a ziplog bag filled with raw rice. Works great for water clogged cell phones so may save your camera….Try this & let me know.
Please reply to
my email. I do not click on the notify me posts as you have way way too many. Good luck.
Yes, rice! Thanks, Rhonda.
About notifications: There are two choices. One is to be notified when someone comments. The other is to be notified when there is a new post. It sounds like you want the second one.
That is an automatic email (and only one email) that tells you there’s a new post to read.
As to a new laptop. Earlier this year, HP came out with new computers but with Windows 7, not Windows 8. I quickly grabbed one as the prices were very good. It was actually quite nice to buy direct from them and choose what you want on it. It is built in China (of course) and arrived in AZ quite quickly. So if Win7 appeals… check out the HP website. When I purchased, there were only 2 or 3 laptops and a desktop on offer. I just looked now and it has been so popular that they are up to 8 different laptops. I have been very happy with it thus far. But perhaps you are a Apple person… or want to use a tablet. I quite liked that the salesperson asked me what I used it for, and he pushed me to buy the cheapest laptop as he felt that the others were more important for gamers and/or heavy streamers. They have the new ones on Amazon – mixed with a few old versions that have win7. I bought the 15t-n200.
Just a thought…
You don’t want win8. Google win8 sucks. You’ll be amazed at the complaints.
Drats! I suppose the Lenova comes with Win8.
My Dave says Win 8.1 is much better than Win 8.0 so just update quickly and you should be fine.
I appreciate the info, Linda and Dave.
nope,the Lenova comes with win7 pre-installed,and includes the disc if you chose to install win8.In plain English-it comes the way you want it.
That’s nice to know, weather!
Oh my gosh, another choice! Thank you, Connie for sharing your experience with HP. I’m not an Apple person. I do like Win7 and have heard about the big adjustment necessary to operate Win8.
As always your photos do not disappoint, even with the damaged camera. While traveling through Idaho this past week, I noticed there were more Casitas on the road than usual. Must have seen at least 6 of them! Usually it’s a toss up whether there are more 5th wheels or motor homes but it appears the bumper pulls are gaining in popularity. Easy to squeeze a small trailer into those beautiful boondocks you seem to luck into! Not so much with our 40′ Monaco, so for now we will party those weekenders who enjoy having their toys and neighbors near them!
Hi, Captain K,
Thanks for letting me know the photos were appreciated by you.
Probably there is a Casita rally going on in the area. Casita people are big about getting together. All except one, that is. 😉
I’m sure your 40-foot Monaco is a lovely home. You can’t have everything, right? I can squeeze the BLT into almost any spot but I don’t even have a dadgum chair in it! You probably have CHOICES where to sit. Haha!
Party on, brother!
Bury camera in bag of rice. That’s what fixes iPhones that have been dunked so may work for cameras as well.
Thanks, Heda.
Just popped over to yesterdays blog, Wow, lots added after I checked out. The bloggorine convention sounds like fun. Working on my trailer as I can, taking my daughter camping this weekend. Have to get away from the house and realtors! I add a vote for the Lenovo laptop. Ours have held up very well.
Oh, realtors! I understand your need to get away. (Apologies to realtor blogorinos.)
Good to hear the trailer fix-up is progressing. Have a wonderful camping excursion with your daughter!
Oh, and thanks for the thumbs up on the Lenovo laptop.
“After they have a drink, I toss them into the PTV and the little doodleheads sleep soundly all the way back to camp.”
Doodleheads!!! I love it. That’s our favorite nickname for our rat/chi Dexter.
Hi, BadgerRick,
The name fits ratties! Doodleheads!
Along with the other names I use for the crew…. nutcakes, pumpkinheads, poopies, you guys, fatheads, chubber (Bridget only), poopie-hiney (when one experiences loose bowels), renegade (Spike only), you sneaky devil (Spike only), pain in the ass (both), punk rockers (when they skip around acting silly), bunny rabbit (Bridget warm in bed), baby boy (Spike when he lets me cuddle him), etc.
There is a vast lexicon for the crew, too extensive to list here!
BTW, feel free to use any of the above names with Dexter. A further note . . . I sometimes affix Mr. or Little Miss, as in “C’mere, Little Miss Poopie-Hiney.”
Ah yes, I know the syndrome well. We have a long list of nick names and an assortment of prefixes and suffixes. (usually stein for some unknown reason.)
Hence we have Little Miss poopie devil nutcake stein.
Why is that sharing our lives with animals gives us permission to talk like we are 5 years old again?
I don’t know why, but ’tis true! I’ve been meaning to bring up the topic of cooties, but we’ll save that. Gotta’ go perfect my hopscotch technique.
Hi Sue. As always enjoy the photos and the narrative to go with them……As for the camera? Don”t know if it will halp at all? Try getting more moisture out of the camera by placing it in a zip lock bag of rice? Works with cell phones?….Your friend….Joe
Thanks, Joe, for the rice suggestion and for the positive feedback on my writing and pics. Nice hearing from you!
I am beginning to wonder…. How come RICE has not been put to work in the Pacific NW to remove all that moisture????? Hummm
Kay – there is not enough rice in the world for the moisture in the Pacific Northwest.
Juley
Excellent point, Juley! What’s that saying? “All the rice in China . . wouldn’t dry out the Pacific Northwest.”
All this discussion about how to fix your camera (you should buy stock in rice by the way!), but not how it really got ruined in the first place. Let’s take a look back at what really happened.
You’re sitting there waiting to get a picture of the crew. Crew is on to you so is not cooperating. You continue to wait. Bridget decides to take matters into her own paws: “If RV Sue were to pick me up, she’d have to put down that blasted camera . . . ‘ I need to be held RV Sue!!! NOW!'”. Sue puts down her camera, lifts Bridget up & commenses with belly rubs. Bridget twirls the ends of her mustache – her evil plan WORKED! Gust of wind followed by rain & ruined camera were like having your Birthday wish come true!
Grumpy face was shear anger that her plan was foiled by your blogarinos suggestions on how to fix camera. If a gathering comes together, i’d stay far away from Bridget & her wrath. If you’re one if those blogarino’s that gave suggestions on how to fix – especially if you suggested the rice method – then don’t even risk it, just stay home! 😉
Cute story, Jordan! I think you have the Bridge all figgered out. She’s a smart little girl with her own agenda . . . and cameras ain’t on it!
I think by the time the blogorinos gather together in real life Bridget will have forgotten the camera incident. She’s very forgiving. Although if everyone shows up with a camera and all those cameras point at Bridget… watch out!!
🙂
Hi Sue
No time to read comments right now (gotta fight the third invasion of millipedes on my balcony, sigh and ick!) so this might have been asked already. Your cybershot (?) does not have a viewfinder in addition to the LED screen? I rely more on a viewfinder than a screen for photo taking and use the screen for editing.
Hope you find a new camera you like soon!
have a good one!
ja
Hi, ja…. March of the Millipedes! How creepy…
No it doesn’t have a viewfinder. And I never heard of using the screen for editing. Hmm . . It probably would’ve been a good idea for me to read the information that came with the camera.
I love a camera that has a viewfinder along with the screen. My reasons are that, one, it’s a lot easier to steady the camera up against my head than when I’m just holding it in my hand; and, two, the screens can be hard to see in bright sun… viewfinder is then easy.
I’m also completely hooked on articulating screens. My latest camera (a gift) doesn’t have one and boy, do I miss it!
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand is being around people having fun.”
So we have a famous Cat who is grumpy (not wanting to infringe on any trademarks here) that can’t stand people having fun, should we be calling you “Grumpy Sue” now? 😉
And, since just about everybody is giving you advice about the camera, you already ordered a new one and I wouldn’t worry as it is HIGHLY unlikely you will ever do that again! My advice is to put “remember to take camera in” on your mind’s “avoid bad weather and into the BLT list”. You do have one, don’t you???
Hi, Rosemary,
Nothing makes me grumpy like being called Grumpy Sue!
You’re suggestion is very good. I need to imprint “take good care of the camera” on my brain, like a new mother imprints “jump into action at the sound of the baby crying” and “be aware of the baby at all times.”
Hi Sue, not sure if this would work for the camera, but for a cell phone that got wet you are supposed to take out the battery and place the phone in a bag of rice for at least 24 hours and it will absorb the moisture out of the electronics. But the catch is you are supposed to not use it before doing so. might be worth trying before getting a new camera! Good luck with Spike and his tumor. our dog had a tumor for 3 years, it was benign and grew very large but we had heard they grow back and she was to old to put her thru the surgery, she lived till at least 15 or 16 years old.
Yes, rice! Thanks, Doug.
Those tumors or cysts or whatever they are… typical in certain breeds… do keep appearing. Spike had one removed from the same area several years ago. This one has been there for quite a while. My concern is whether or not it will start to interfere with or cause pain during elimination.
One has to stop and analyze whether a surgery is the best thing for the dog or is the surgery for our own benefit… in other words, to make the dog look healthier or more attractive in our eyes and in the eyes of others. You obviously did what was best for your dog.
If it’s the fatty tumor…they move….shouldn’t get in the way. However, if it is small…that’s less trauma to Spikes’ bum.
Goldens are notorious for having fatty tumors…we have them aspirated…if it was bad…it came out….if it was good it stayed! SA had three near her armpit. Our vet said in that area, healing would be very difficult due to the movement of her arm. So we left them…they grew with time…but moved with her arm and never caused any problems.
Healing in the rectal area will be problematic, difficult to keep clean, chance of infection. This doesn’t seem like the kind that can be aspirated.
They aspirate the growth to ascertain of it is benign or malignant.
Is it growing? Does he do the choo choo butt scoot that may aggravate it…or does he leave it alone?
Rusty…Annie is incorrigible. I’ll send you the latest picture.
It grew for a while. No, he doesn’t scoot.
Hi Cin n’ Jules, Hows that sweet Annie Oakley Girl doing? ,,,,,,Timber
A recommendation for the next time you get a wet camera (yes, it will happen again just like it does eventually to all of us 🙂 ), take the battery out immediately. Do not try to operate the camera at all until it is completely dried out, which generally takes days. The bag of rice idea is a good one. A home food dehydrator is also good for those who have them. It is not the water itself that usually does the damage, but the electrical shorts the water causes when the camera is operated. The memory card is magnetic and unaffected by water which is why pictures already taken are not usually lost.
These recommendations came from a friend who runs an electronics repair shop. They saved my Canon camera when I took it for a swim one time! My friend says wet cameras and cell phones keep him in business!
Yes, rice! Thanks, Pam.
Of course, I tried to operate the camera several times immediately after I discovered it was wet, which I now know is a bad thing to do.
I’m not surprised that the pre-rain photos came out. It’s the post-rain photos that amaze me!
You must have been very happy to see your Canon brought back to life.
Oh my gosh! I can’t keep up! I’ll have to go back and read all the comments another time. Retired last week and I’m packing up the last ‘stuff’ getting ready to leave on Sunday….the 10th, starting my full-time RVing life. Feel like I’m going crazy right now with all this last minute stuff, and then my phone starts acting up. I’ll be glad to actually get on the road and be done purging and packing….although someone mentioned on my blog that the purging goes on and on, when you get on the road and figure out what you really don’t need that you thought you couldn’t live without.
Praying all works out well at the vet on Monday, and gosh, I’ve got this big bag of rice I was going to give away but maybe I need to keep it to dry things out? 🙂 Nope! No room! 🙂
Hope I will be able to make it to the Blogarino party at some yet unknown date!
Hi Micky
I have been full time now for 4 months and I know, for a fact, that I have re-organized my 27 ft. Buggy at least 25 times…and purged…on and on. Like you, selling everything in my 3200 sq ft house and 3 car garage was ENDLESS. Sold the house on Christmas Eve and had to be out in one month…in the winter…in Vermont!!!! I then went to stay with a friend and slept for at least a week! Could NOT stay awake. I know exactly how you feel. Keep on keeping on. This too shall pass.
Hi, Krystina . . . .Do you miss that 3200 sq.ft. house and 3 car garage and the stuff you purged?
Not one bit!!! It was hard letting go but now that I am on the road I hardly ever think about it!! Too many things to do and see. Sleeping like a log because I have no worries. 🙂
That is WONDERFUL, Krystina!
Yes, Micky, KEEP THE RICE! LOL!
The “last minute stuff” can be overwhelming. I was up all hours of the night finishing up the details and I’m a morning person.
Remember . . . Most of what we have we can live without. I look around at my stuff and very little of it is essential. Handy, yes….
Sunday the 10th of August… A day like no other in your life, past or future! (BTW . . . My launch day was the 16th of August!)
Cracked up on the “people having fun” line…..that is so my sense of humor :-). The singer/songwriter James Taylor has a similar sense – his comments about children are priceless.
Figured the discussions on Kay’s place(s) would evolve into a gathering eventually – it is certainly the next natural step with comments reaching 300+ now. She will have to make sure there is a security detail to ensure no one is having any damn fun though!
Hi, Jodee,
Last I looked the comments were topping 350 under the previous post. I’m afraid to look back there . . .
The thing about people having fun… If the people are people I know and like, then the sound is a delight to hear. If the people are strangers, then I wish to heck they would go away or shut up.
Rice? No rice? My folks used to buy rice in 50lb sacks!
I know, I know. We’re a riceless bunch of fools who don’t know any better. 😉
Okay, 7AM 7 trucks pull in, YAY – workers arriving to do their part. 8:00AM, 7 trucks pull out. They have to go unload the trailers???? I think they are a bit unorganized, perhaps. Then, on second thought, they likely need some breakfast.
Still no sign of the cable company. Still no sign of the telephone company. The concrete guy has not brought back the concrete foundation blue prints. Gosh, I don’t want to RE-print 100 plus pages again.
It’s a nice cool morning here, sunny and here I sit…. STUCK! I am thinking I should go cook up some rice, mix in some pineapple and marshmallows and fold in some homemade whipped cream…. then sit down and eat it!
For some reason, I am craving RICE….. RICE…… RICE……
Yes, RICE! Gotta’ have RICE!
Good morning, Kay,
Good to hear everything is normal at your place… No sign of the utility people, workers taking a break, Kay tapping her foot, coming up with more things to do. I hope He Who Will Remain Nameless is having a good day, keeping his sugar regulated. What a scare!
Remember to keep busy, Kay. You know what is said about idle hands … 😉
Eyes closed, to sense only the gentlest breeze on my skin,I lifted my arms and then eyelids as a new scent came near.Beside me was a single bloom that appeared overnight.That-something able to set in motion a stream of heart,mind and body ascending into wonder and joy-is how morning ever affects me.
Considering Kay’s party had been accompanied by an odd heaviness,as I’d sensed first yours,and then my own,loss of that-even temporarily -for the sake of an event.Days with so much possible fun,the reality of wanting to leave parties 8 minutes after I get there-smiling about parts of imagining the gathering,hesitation about others.
A realization came.So few read comments,and among those that do ,even fewer read anyone’s other than yours.Almost no one would recognize a name on a tag that said “weather”,or care if they did.I would be able to walk as unnoticed and of no interest as I walk my own hillside.
My life in public has far too often been marred by being well known and sought after when amidst groups.That carries responsibilities simultaneously blessed and burdensome.
Still so loving humanity and each person I see ,I look forward to it all-just sharing thoughts we probably have in common at times.
May the blogs busyness feel light upon you today as morning turns to warm midday with it’s call to explore.
Good morning, weather,
Between Spike’s demands and all the comments previous to yours, I thought I might be writing “good afternoon, weather.”
I understand what you’re saying about mixed feelings regarding a get-together, especially one where people want to meet me. I won’t be able to stand back and observe anonymously. I probably will vacillate between “It will be such fun to meet all these blogorino characters” and “Why did I ever say I’d attend?” Of course, I have those kinds of mixed feelings about any social gathering!
You enjoy a party for 8 minutes before wanting to leave? Gee, the most I’ve ever gone is 5! 😉
The blog’s “busyness” lately has required a lot of my time. I can’t complain because I’ve received valuable help toward the decisions of camera and laptop purchases, as well as . . . RICE!!!!
That flower bloomed for you.
Tee Hee! I didn’t say I enjoyed the 8 minutes-that’s how long it takes to deflect people as I make a bee line to the host or one there I must greet or acknowledge before leaving.
Regarding the “event”,it occurred to me that with so much going on it was likely I would not receive a chance to speak to you.What followed was realizing,again,that the need for a conversation has little to do with why seeing you would please me.
If I saw you there or riverside sometime,likely I would use a note,name tag or 2 words”I’m weather” to let you know who I am and then I’d sit nearby ,period.I think the point would be that feeling and seeing me up close would tell you a lot of what really matters.And watching you even briefly ,would do the same for me.
Like the flower bloomed for me,I know some encounters are given simply for what our Creator meant all along.
🙂
🙂
Back at ya, weather. Sue, sign us up! See everyone in the spring!
🙂
OKAY, EVERYONE! THANKS FOR THE TIP ABOUT PUTTING THE CAMERA IN RICE! I got it! 🙂
It’s a shame that even vets. are taking advantage of folks and their strong feelings for their pets. When I lived on the Outer Banks of NC the vet charged us 600 to remove 5 teeth on my minpin. Here in Ar. it would have been between 150-200. Anyway glad the kids are feeling better…be safe
Hi, Ron,
It’s whatever the market will bear. More money in the area, bigger bills.
Everything I’ve encountered in Pinedale is more expensive than most places we’ve been. Lowly, ground turkey at $5.19 a pound? What turkey was that? The Grand Potentate of Turkeys? Good heavens. It’s POULTRY, for crying out loud! They eat chickenfeed and come out of EGGS and are a dime a dozen! It’s not like you have to provide acreage of forage of prime grassland! Give me a break! It’s GROUND TURKEY…. There isn’t even a bone left over to give the crew!
Thanks for writing, Ron. I needed to get that out of my system.
Guessing someone already told you to put the camera in the freezer for a couple of days. By this time, it might be too late, but always worth a try – would be a good back up.
No! Not one person told me to put the camera in the freezer, Susan. About 683 people told me to pack it in rice though.
Thanks for the information. I hope I never have to use it.
I vote for Canon cameras as well but if you’re interested at all in a “put in your pocket” camera I recommend Coolpix. I had one for several years (till I wore it plumb out!) and loved it. Relatively cheap, lightweight and with some great functions. I won a contest using my Coolpix over a Minolta (old) with all the bells and whistles. I was fortunate enough to take an online Photograpy class free where I learned a ton about rule of thirds, etc. (a friend in England was taking the class and would send me all the class stuff)
For computers I’m a fan of Dell ones, I had one Dell laptop for seven years and am very happy with my newest Dell Inspiron. A warning…Windows 8/8.1 has a learning curve that can drive some batty!
ja
Hi, ja,
I had a Coolpix about six cameras ago. It was a good little camera and almost withstood the abuse I gave it.
Congratulations on winning a photography contest. I thought about doing that once until I imagined the laughter, “Hey, Roy, take a look at this one! Hahahahahahahaha!”
Yeah, I am a bit concerned about learning Windows 8. New is not always better.
I think you have many pictures worthy of winning a contest! Truly!
I adapted to Windows 8 fairly easily and I’m no computer wiz at all. I’m sure you’ll have few or no problems at all.
Good luck in your search for a camera and a computer.
Thanks again, ja.
Hi Sue and Blogorinos,
I was away yesterday and it was a whole day that I didn’t read the blog or comments. When I got home last night and started catching up I felt like I had fallen into a rabbit hole and awakened in a very strange land! RV Sue at a big gathering of Blogorinos?!?!? Our beloved Sue who looks at a campground with two other rigs and decides its too crowded? Sue, who camps miles away from anyone? Sue, who has a “No visitors, please” notice on her blog? As fun as it sounds to many of us, does this sound fun for Sue? Sue, before this idea spirals into something that will give you the creeps, please think about it carefully, search your heart and tell us if you really want this. I don’t want to discourage you if you are looking forward to a get-together but, if not, now is a good time to let us know … before the excitement builds.
Fondly,
Marilu
Hi, Marilu,
Both you and Weather put my concerns into words. As much as we’d all love to meet Sue and the Crew, I would not want to infringe on her privacy. It is wonderful to have her friendship and companionship through her blog. I do dream of one day, when I have my camper, of maybe running into Sue by chance when exploring the Southwest! 🙂
🙂
Hi, Marilu,
You are a very perceptive and thoughtful lady. Yes, as I wrote to weather (above), I will have mixed feelings as the time of the gathering approaches.
However, I know that if I didn’t attend, I’d forever regret not going. I have a special feeling for those blogorinos I’ve met in the past and I’d like to have that feeling for all who visit my blog. Since I don’t enjoy having people visit me and the crew in our boondocks, a gathering is the best place. Things that do spook me are being a hostess or being responsible for the planning.
A short visit is the least I can do for all the caring and kindness, comfort and concern, suggestions and advice, and laughter and love that Bridget, Spike, and I have received over the past 3+ years of this blog.
A gathering will be more comfortable for me knowing that everyone is aware of my lonerism to begin with. Plus it will give me a reason to lose some weight!
Thank you, Marilu.
…end of March first of April The Great Crane migration happens! They have Crane festivals March 21st ish in Kearney, Minden and Gibbon. Wondering how far that is from Kay’s Park? Course the festivals are not my thing only seeing the cranes in the wild!!
I love cranes, too, but we have to keep in mind people traveling in snowy, mountainous areas.
I went to see crane migration a few years back and it was snowing and very cold, there was snow storm and ice on highways. I don’t think March is a right time for traveling through Nebraska
Thank you, Sue, for not posting a picture of the woman in the bathing suit. And, just so you know, the thing about the rice: the rice growers made it up so they could sell more rice.
I don’t comment here very often. But I enjoy your writing every day. Blog on.
Hi, Bob’s gotta bus!
My camera may survive being rained on all night. I don’t think it could survive the woman in the bathing suit.
Ya know? You may be right about the rice growers. They are very clever. They probably came up with the put-rice-in-the-salt-shaker idea, too. And here I’ve been doing that for YEARS.
Good to see Rusty on the posts today. Rusty if I was in AZ. I would haul you to your appointment then we’d go to a Dbacks game! You said Timber was watching tv, what’s his favorite show? Sue, beautiful country your in. Might be lots of tourists around Jackson this time of the year. Keep the pictures coming.
Hi, WTXCal,
I hope Rusty sees your friendly comment to him. I don’t know if he bothers to read all the comments. Not everyone does. I know, shocking.
Yeah, the tourists will be buzzing around like flies on a manure pile but what can I do? That’s the nearest UPS Customer Center. I’m not going to go back to Rock Springs or drive around these mountains to Riverton . . . both too far.
I’ll do my best to keep the pictures coming!
WTX, Hi, Timber likes just about every thing, some times he’ll lay next to me and all of a suden he’ll look up at the TV, tilt his head with his ears up and tight and act like he’s going to jump into it, “they’re here”,(poltergeist), LoL , and when he’s watching cop shows with me, if they get into a big gun fight he goes to the bedroom til the shootin’ stops, then he’s back, Thanks for the Offer to the VAMC and the D Backs, but after a visit at the VAMC, I just like to get back home and be with my Buddy . ,,,,,,,Me
I know you need another camera suggestion, so here is. We decided to get the Panasonic (Lumix) FZ200. Its lens is just about optically impossible, in that it is f2.8 all the through its focal length, so more light comes in (Leica makes the lens). It has a 24x zoom, and with more zoom than this you usually need a tripod. It is, as we say in RI, wicked expensive though.
I was also going to suggest you add your camera to a bag of rice, plus some beans, onions, garlic and some chili power and leave it on the dashboard in the sun for the day. Perhaps you can come up with a new RV recipe, Sue’s chili.
Hey, rhodium! I make that recipe! Only thing missing is the camera. I wondered what it was lacking.
I doubt I’ll make the best decision with my camera purchase. It’s too dang complicated to begin with. Then add in that I don’t know anything about cameras and photography, never had a lesson, never had anyone show me anything about it…. I know push the button to turn it on, push the button to take the picture and a little bit more than that . . .
Light, apertures, sensors, filters, noise, ISO capture (huh?). . . It makes my head hurt. I just wanna’ take pictures!!!!
Thanks for giving your input.
Sue, if I were in your shoes I think I would just buy a simple camera. After all your words are your greatest asset and pictures you took until now were fabulous. It takes lots of time to have high quality professional looking photographs. if you focus on such quality of pictures are you going to have any time left to interact with your blogorinos as you are doing now? Are you going to have any time left for your crew and yourself? These are questions I asked myself some time ago when it was suggested I use Photoshop to improve my work. Well, I did not ask myself if I’m going to have any time left for the Crew but at that time I chose to spend more quality time with my husband than to improve quality of my nature photographs. Today I’m thankful I made a right choice.
You make a good point about protecting my time with the crew.
The loading of photos into Picasa, reviewing them to choose the best, cropping, touching up if needed, putting a frame around them, exporting them to a file on my hard disk, and then uploading them to WordPress, and inserting them into a blog post… All that will continue and is the most time-comsuming..
The time to take the photos won’t increase noticeably.
Thanks for your concern.
Ok, I have read your blog for a long time now and I don’t think I’ve posted once. It’s time. I understand the need to be quiet and that solitude allows one to uncross their arms and breathe deeply.
I love to travel in an rv but recently single at 60+, I’m not sure I have the courage you have to hit the road just me and Tooter and DoDa. My pups otherwise known as Jonah & Annie. I’m considering.
So enjoy your blog and your “I am what I am” philosophy.
Ciagins! You’re here! Great to see you!
I may be late, but I welcome you to my blog. I gather you relate to my love of peace, quiet, and solitude.
Your statement about rv travel included the phrase “recently single.” If you are bereaved, I extend my sympathy.
Although your name doesn’t tell me whether you are male or female, I suspect, in either case, that the spouse/partner did most, if not all, the driving of your RV.
If my assumption is correct, you do have a hurdle to jump over. But it can be jumped over! You don’t need a whole lot of courage to do what I do. You need confidence and that can be obtained by force of will and through practice. I wish the best for you.
“Doda!” I love that nickname! I wish I’d thought of that. I bet your pups mean the world to you, as the crew means to me.
Yeah, “I am what I am.” I tried fixing that for many years and it didn’t work!
Thanks for dropping by. I hope we hear from you again.
Ciagins, a great friend and counselor once said that when you have a huge change in your life such as the loss of a spouse, don’t make any major decisions that aren’t absolutely necessary for 12 months. This give you time to grieve and sort out your feelings so you don’t do something in haste and regret in leisure.
If you have an RV but aren’t confident about hitting the road full time, find a get together or rally that’s within 100-200 miles of home and try to attend. Casita folks have lots of rallies and are always ready to help each other out. I’ve heard that Good Sam clubs have rallies also. This might be a way to ease yourself into traveling solo in your RV. Not everyone can jump off into the deep end like Sue did. And if you’ve read the posts from her first year, there were many folks that came along side her to help out.
hey! me again! Millipede watch has me trying to stay busy lol.
Anyway, I believe you have a monopod but do you have any tripods? I suggest using one to get good “action” shots as well as a camera remote. I always struggled with hand shake and tripods and a remote helped.
I’d suggest this tripod as a good one:
ja (Georgia)
Hi again, ja…
The reason I haven’t purchased a tripod is I don’t think I would use it much. Most of my photos are taken “on the fly.” The photos are a record of what I see as I live my life with the crew. I rarely go “out to take a photo,” thus I rarely am in a position to set up a tripod.
You’d be surprised how many photos I take by putting my foot on the brake, bringing down the window, snapping, and moving on.
Maybe once I have a higher-level camera, I’ll grow up and want a tripod. Thanks for the recommendation.
Understandable reason not to have a tripod. I’ve taken a few of those foot on the brake shots as well. I had a series of pictures I loved that I took of reflections in the rear view mirror while stopped at a red light.
No need to respond! But thanks when that you do!
Have a good one!
Okay. One contractor arrives, the natural gas company. The rest, they must have thought of something better to do this morning. They all arrived at 7AM, they left at 8AM, haven’t seen them return yet. I could have used another hour of darn sleep! I was up late last night, don’t ask, and I won’t lie.
I wonder, would Bridget permit me to climb into her little bed and take a snooze? I feel like she looked in last pic of the post!
“The Adventures of Kay and Nameless” continue!
You’re stuck in “cable guy syndrome.” That’s when you wait and wait and wait for the cable guy . . . until you give up, resume your life, and then he shows up.
I bet Bridget’s little bed does look inviting to you! Now that you mention it, there are times in life when a person-sized doggie bed would feel pretty good. The soft bumpers look comforting.
Quick update. I came to my cardiology appointment this morning and things are not good. Turns out I am having atrial fibrillation (my heart rate is way too fast, irregular and fluttery), so they are sending me to ER where they will put me on meds to try to lower my heart rate. If that works, I will go home later. If not, I will be admitted. I feel pretty scared, and poor little Chloe is home alone. I will try to call my neighbor to take care of her. Wish us luck. If I can I will update later. I don’t know how long my iPad battery will last.
We’re praying for you Ginger!
Sending warm thoughts and best wishes. Hopefully you will be able to go home soon.
Oh Ginger, here’s to a speedy resolution. Praying for a quick recovery.
Prayin!!!!!
Praying too Ginger!!
Hi Rusty,
Often I find myself praying for you!…while reading Sue’s account of meeting you I noticed that,like me,you only drove with map books and the book of maps for our life-theBible.
That,faith and prayer are really all we need,so I add my prayers to yours quite a bit.Pet Timber for me
God Bless you weather and may He, our Lord keep you well and safe all ways ,,,,,and Timber says thanks, he’s watchin’ “Ellen” n the TV ,,,,,, me
🙂 Nice “picture” of Timber,that and your blessing felt good!Glad to see above here that you have the rides you needed all lined up,too!
And Thank you Mr. Obama, We the VETS. Now we can go to a private Doctor if the VAMC is too far from us, 40 or more miles. Sorry I voted for the other guy, but Thanks anyway ,,,,,,,a news flash, just now. ,,,,,,,,,,,us
Ginger? or Elizabeth? , A few years ago I saw a friend who trains dogs, well he told me that red lake 40 messes with a dogs thyroids and their hearts, I was also eating food with red lake 40 in it and my heart was pounding and was a fast beater, so I cut all food and candy with red lake 40 and my heart got quiet and it slowed down to where it was hard to hear it . ,,,,,,, Rusty ,aka, Timber n’ me
And we’re Praying for you Ginger and Elizabeth ,,,me
And We’re praying for Spikee and Sue too ,,,,,,,,,,all of us
Thanks, Rusty.
Thanks Rusty…it is my hubby who needs prayers most…he is recovering…or trying to, from back/neck surgery…still in huge pain…been over a week now. Extra prayers are always nice.
Your welcome Elizabeth, You know , once you ask the Lord for help and thank Him, things start to or work on the spot, I know, He has got me out of a jam many times, just ask and thank him at the same time and put your hands on your hubby while asking n’ thanking. He is all ways listening and waiting for all who ask, pray and thank him. talk like you talk normally , no special jibber jabber, But this is very important: “our father who are in heaven, haloed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread,(his word), forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and deliver us from evil , for you are “King” for ever and ever, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
yep, He has helped me all my life…have been connected (knowingly) since I was 4 years old!! I call HIM, my REAL FATHER!! cause HE is!!
Hi, DesertGinger,
I know that the docs will get things under control and that you will be home very soon. Keeping you and little Chloe in my prayers. If I was in your neck of the woods, I would take care of your pup. Gracie pup and I are sending you hugs!
I’m being admitted. The drugs haven’t corrected heart rate yet, still too high. Found a neighbor who will watch Chloe for a couple of days. Don’t have power cords for my phone or iPad so will be in the dark soon. Still in ER waiting for a bed. Hope I get dinner…haven’t eaten all day. But I’m here, hangin in! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Love to all.
Best wishes and many prayers for you, DeGin.
DesertGinger-
I normally am one of the silent blogorinos…just watching from the wings…. but I want you to know that I will add you to my prayer list…..hopefully they’ll get a handle on what ails you, and you will come out of this stronger!
Oh,Ginger,gee.Chloe is being watched,good!Ask any staff for food,usually each floor and station has something available without waiting for a meal time.Rest and trust for a good outcome dear.
Desert Ginger, I will be praying for you. The Drs. will help you get fixed up hopefully soon so you can get back home. Hugs!
I’m praying for a speedy recovery. Please let us know as soon as you get the “all clear”.
DesertGinger,
Rest easy…Chloe will be fine…and so will you!
Someone there has got to have their power cord with them…
You’ll figure out a way! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Hope you found something to munch on.
Desert Ginger, I know our Lord is At your side with his hand on you, with all us blogerrues that know him and are praying for you to get well very soon, Thank you Lord ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
DGinger,
All will be ok, you are right where you need to be right now to get this sorted out.
Hang in there, many are pulling for you with good energy and cyber hugs!!!
T~
So…here comes the true whine, I have a-fib complicated by mitral valve stenosis. Many things are proposed to try on me,but what came clear tonight is that it will go on forever, this is my new life. a-fib almost always recurs…requires constant supervision. The belief I had that age was only a number was a lie, that I could carry on as I wished…gone. I really am at a loss.
Ginger I’m so sorry you’re going through so much and being told things that make you feel sad,afraid,disappointed and discouraged.Right now -as you read this -I hope you can at least feel me caring very much .Write again if you get the chance and feel like it- about anything,heartfelt hugs-luv ya
Dear Ginger . . . I’m very sorry. I don’t know what can be said from where I sit to help you through this. I wish I knew, then I’d say it over and over again. You have had one shock after another, and it’s no wonder you’re feeling down and discouraged. Do remember that this place is here for you. Write as often and as much or as little as you want, and there’s no need to reply — only if you feel like it. There are many who care about you, including me.
Prayers for you, Ginger.
Ginger, I had this 18 years ago and the meds got my heart back to normal withing 24 hours. No other episodes since.
Don
What’s going on? Is everyone out grocery shopping for something? Sleeping? Only 165 comments at this time of the day. Dang the last few days must of wore out the Blogerino’s?
Let’s see, can I cause this site to wake up? Humm, I was thinking… and an I*D*E*A entered my brain.
I think next September would be a much better time for a Blogerino Holiday. It will give us time to get the restrooms/showers up and the park looking mucho better, and the SPAW center up as well.
That said, my thoughts go to FOOD. Not, RICE either. I was thinking on the lines of possibly deep fried turkey’s, rotisserie chickens, and burgers, or maybe a brisket or ribs…. We could possibly create some games, ones that are easy for us to play of course, ones that will yield the winners a prize of something. We could even ourselves a tour of the area, if we wanted. Lots of possibilities we could do.
I think it will likely be best that when the time comes to make a final plan, we will open up a reservation book and people can make reservations. I will talk with the City leaders soon and ask if our overflow can use the beautiful city park about 2 blocks away. Or, maybe the neighbors with these lovely large empty parking lots next to us would let some boondockers hang out in them.
September 2015 I think would be better. I am also thinking the weekend AFTER Labor Day, but I have not peaked at a calendar yet.
Now, I do have a few secrets up my sleeve. I shall remain tight lipped about those for a while. You’ll all understand, right?
HOT DOG! Another idea just popped into my idea machine…. Oh, now that’s a really good one too.
Okay, I’ll go now, to think more about the ideas….. WAKE UP Blogerino’s…. wake up…..
I’m one of those that has no RV. (yet) But I really hope that there is some way for me to go and meet everyone and also see a part of the USA that I’ve never seen. Whatever works best for the majority is fine with me, if I can get a motel room etc.
There is a few motels here, from the outside, they look clean and well maintained. I will certainly go meet with all the motel managers and try to secure some special Blogerino rates.
Teri, I am pretty certain the time frame will be September 2015. It just makes sense, kids will be back in school. OH wait, that means so with teacher bloggers… ouch.
Many schools begin the first week in August and the teachers have pre-planning meetings the last week of July. That’s what my school called a “balanced calendar.”
You’ll have a difficult time finding a perfect date.
Or if you don’t mind roughing it, buy a cheap tent and you can use my air mattress and Coleman air pump. 🙂
Sue, I never feel while tent camping like I’m roughing it. In my large Northface tent with air mattress, down comforters, pillows, fresh air, pictures of my husband next to my bed, kindle, lantern. I think I’m going camping tomorrow somewhere near Crested Butte, CO.
My daughter is in a gooseneck horse trailer with her whole bed,she bathes in a stock tank with a butane water heater. She has horse camping down pat.
Jean, that’s sounds so great. Although I have no idea what a gooseneck horse trailer looks like.
Tents can be so wonderful. Amazing how a couple millimeters of nylon around you can make a home, isn’t it? I like how you can hear everything outside, too.
With a comfortable bed (easy to do nowadays) it’s pretty amazing.
I agree, tent camping can be so amazing. I too love to hear what’s going on outside especially birds’ singing. Sometimes they wake me up before 5 am and I’m not always a happy camper so early in the morning.
Hi, Kay,
I am excited for you and your hubby’s endeavor! Your excitement is contagious! Can you share your secret to your seemingly endless energy?! Strong coffee? Dark chocolate? 🙂
Hopefully one or more of the hotels in the area are dog friendly, as it seems there are many folks with pups (and no RV yet), who may like to attend.
You go, girl! Looking forward to more updates. Best of luck!
We are all too exhausted after the last two days of non-stop comments! Shell shocked 🙂
Kay, great minds…….I was thinking along the same lines about dates. What a fun idea. Have no idea if we can attend. Hubby is ailing and because he is blind I do all the driving, setup/takedown, etc. But I love doing it cause I love to RV! Did you mention in a comment that the sites are all pull through? Great ’cause I so far have not learned to park our 30′ 5th wheel. Who cares, there are always macho guys around who love to jump in our 3/4T diesel truck and show how good they are at parking! You are just under 1000 miles from our driveway so good to have time to plan. If we can’t make the trip, the fun of reading all these comments will have to suffice.
Hi Sue, your summer sure has been fun so far. My dogs said to tell Spike they are glad his booboo is getting better. I have a question about your domicile state. I assume you are claiming South Dakota as your home state since you are using America’s Mailbox as your forwarding service. When we retire we plan to use one of the services in either Texas, Florida or SD. I understand about vehicle registrations, driver licenses, insurance etc. my question is this, how does it work with your retirement income taxation. Do you use the street address of the mail service as your address of record for your income taxes. I will be drawing a pension from the state in which I currently live and work. I do not want to have to pay the state income tax on my retirement income. I would appreciate any info you have or info from any other Sue followers. Thanks, Leah
Hi, Leah,
First off, South Dakota has no income tax! Yippee!!! If your legal residence is SD, you don’t have to file a state tax return.
All you have to file is a federal tax return using your legal address that America’s Mailbox (or any mail forwarding/residency service you choose) provides to you.
Florida and Texas also have no state income tax…
“A woman walks the campground road in a coral, two-piece bathing suit, and, well, she shouldn’t.” You crack me up!!!!!
The woman was in violation of Fashion Code #3,912, Part A, which states:
“No one shall walk along a road in a bathing suit.”
She also was in violation of Fashion Code #3,912, Part B, which states:
“No one shall wear a bathing suit with sensible shoes.”
I live in a coastal town and it never ceases to amaze me what people will wear in public. Just because you are in a beach town doesn’t mean you should go to public places in your swim suit. Bathing suits are for swimming and sun bathing, Not shopping and dining! and let’s leave the two piece suits for those that can pull it off!
Isn’t that the truth!
Must not look in the mirror!!
Even mirrors are in the eye of the beholder.
More like must not HAVE a mirror! 😉
Um, the ones who “pull it off” don’t need to wear 2-piece suits. Get it? 😉
I suggest keeping an eye on MSN. I just read the other day about Retirement Incomes, which states were best for those on it. I bet if you google, you will pull up the article. I chose SD because it does not have State Income Tax. Still have to file Federal, of course, but not state. Sure there is a sales tax in SD but who cares, most of us are on the road anyways, right. Americas Mailbox has a link on their website which really explains the difference between SD and MT. Worth reading.
I lived in Texas for many years, and still opted for SD. I don’t have to deal with the emissions crapola in SD.
Also, I would recommend you talk to a TAX ACCOUNTANT for some advice as well.
Great advice, Kay!
If your a VET and your bank or C.U. is in another state, you don’t have to file nothing. ,,,,,me
I am not a VET, but my dad is and my husband served in the British Army. Thank you for serving our country.
4 Dogs , Ah it was easy and hard some times, but I made it. And if I could go back in again and serve more I’d do it, but my Doc says not now, cause I’m now to old and 4f., retired U.S. Army, yer welcome ,,,whoRaw ,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks Kay, I will continue to do my homework, since I am a teacher 🙂
Good luck with this coming years, job. Teaching has to be the roughest job in this day and age.
Another camera to consider:
Note that they have some used ones from the Amazon warehouse. This usually means “new with damaged packaging” and the price is very good. It is a bit of a roll of the dice but I bought my new Sony this way and the camera was perfect. There is one at the bottom of the list from Amazon that lists no scratches.
Note that this camera lens is threaded for 55mm filters and does not need an adapter.
Filter kit:
AGFA 3-Piece Professional Filter Kit 55mm – Ultraviolet (UV) + Circular Polarizor (CPL) + Warming Intensifier APFTK55
(My link — Sue)
Thanks.
Got it. Good to know.
Thanks, Mick. The warehouse dealing is kind of scary.
Right now I’m a bit punchy from all the comments the past three days and all the different choices presented here for cameras and for laptops.
Don’t get me wrong… I appreciate the suggestions as they are very helpful. What I’m going to do is not think about it right now and tomorrow give all the suggestions a fresh look and finally make some decisions. Thanks for the links and help, Mick.
OMGosh, I have been gone today and now trying to catch up!! Sue, I have one request; when you get the report on Spike, can you please make sure to put it in a new post rather than just in comments, please? When there are so many comments it would be real easy for me to miss that if I just have time to skim them quickly. This is one report I don’t want to miss!!
Sure, Jolene. I try not to leave the most important information for the comments section. The blogorino get-together was an exception because, well, it’s exceptional. 🙂
Whew! 196 responses! I’ve been reading them for at least an hour! Lots of laughs from these comments! Lots of rice too! Love you Sue!!
Yep, lots of rice! It’s always a pleasure to read that my blog made someone laugh. Thanks, Linda D. for your sweet message.
Sue, since Spike is good at the vets, he may not mind the dental cleaning..however when we were in the dog business (accumulating misc.rescue dogs) –we had an older dog (teens) at the vets & cleaning was suggested..I refused as she was old & I thought the stress was not needed…even though I appreciated the vet’s help with so many things..I didn’t go for the senior teeth cleaning. Just my 2 cents worth.
Wow you have opened my eyes to Wy. possibilities!! Went to the Univ.of Wyoming (Laramie) a couple of years 1970-71..but my transportation was a 3 speed bike, so didn’t do any exploring!! We will now!! Got our pickup topper on Wed..slowly but surely putting things together..sort’ve like your camping plan!! Pictures are great considering the bath the camera got!!
Hi, Susan…
Spike won’t have a dental cleaning unless he is under anesthetic for removal of the tumor under his tail, and I might not put him through that either. You’re right about a senior dog not needing the stress. It’s bad enough he has a hole in his back!
Congratulations on the “topper!” It may be work but it’s fun work putting everything in place for lift-off. I wish you much enjoyment exploring Wyoming. 🙂
I don’t even wear a suit to swim, for that reason, I don’t swim.
If you go to a custom meat cutter and buy knuckle bones they keep their own teeth clean.
We use a Nylabone for our beagle. We had his teeth cleaned when we first got him five-plus years ago. For the last three years, the vet has said Oliver (our beagle) might be due for a cleaning at his next visit. when the next visit comes, they say the same thing. After five years, we still haven’t gotten back to “he needs a cleaning this year.” I guess the Nylabones work, and Oliver seems to enjoy them.
Sue,
I just found that you can buy a factory refurbished camera directly from Canon. Just do a search. The Canon SX50 can be purchased for $309. Comes with a 1 year warranty and free shipping. That’s a pretty good deal!
Thanks, Lolalo.
Sue,
You did a dang good job of taking those pics blindly! My hubbie and I are planning a trip to the Midwest in Sept. 2015. It would be so fortunate for us to know that Kay’s Park might be on our way. If we don’t make it, I know in my soul that I will see you one day in a camp in MT. Whereas, we might meet up.
Also, this blog is becoming exorbitant. I think I am going on hiatus for a few weeks. Will follow, but won’t add to the numbers.
Diann
Hi, Diane,
Please do continue to follow my blog. A note now and then that you are still with us would be good. You don’t have to read all the comments.
Holy cow, I get busy and get on the road and don’t have time to read your blog for a few days and look what happens. All heck breaks out.
On my last trip in April and May I broke my camera(Fuji S8200) and bought a Sony as a stand in till I got home. I then sent my Fuji off to the factory to be repaired. I also had my laptop crash and ended up having to buy a new one. When I got home the motor on the slide for the RV quit working and had to have that replaced. Yikes, I was bleeding money. But all is well now and am back on the road. I hope your rough times are behind you and it is smooth sailing from now on. BTW I love my Fuji, it is a little heavier that the Sony and that makes it easier to hold still. And I can turn it on and take pictures with one hand. Good for taking pictures while driving down the road. 😉
Hi, Evie,
It does seem like expenses come in bunches! Glad you’re back on the road.
Interesting point about the heavier Fuji being easier to hold still. I hadn’t thought of that.
I finally got to the bottom started to fill info out fine —–hit something wrong, whole dang mess disappeared. That said, I’m inviting the whole shooting match of y’all to our farm for the convention, water, bring your own cord, dump at my daughters house, horses to pet,and ride, if you tack your own. Woods to hike, even a crick for Spikester. I promise I won’t bother you, Sue, or anyone that insists on talking tech.Income tax in OR, NO sales tax. we pay it for you with our income and property taxes.
I had a lovely Collins fiver, but it burnt up, or down. I had Afib too, but I didn’t go to a doc and consequently had a stroke. Rusty can go to the Veterans hospital, Portland As usual I forgot the rest any questions, ask them here. If you see someone having fun I will invite my kids down and you can watch us fight, we will take you. Nice facility,they even let vets have their dogs in their rooms.
On behalf of the blogorinos, thank you! It sounds like you have a nice, country place to enjoy.
I appreciate the extra effort you must give in order to type a comment here, Jean.
Rather a dead night in Blogerinoland!
What was that you said about everyone being asleep? 😉
Good night to all and God Bless you all,,,see ya soon n’ blog on,,,Timber n’ me
Phew Sue….. Busy week here work and play, and I have not checked in. So much I have missed! I had to rely on your recap as there was no way I could wade through all your readers comments. Hope all turns out as you plan and I’ll be sure to tune in each day!
Hi, Glenda,
Good to see you here! I’ll try to recap the comments whenever there’s something of interest to the general group of followers. It is a lot to read and I don’t want anyone left in the dark.
Sue, think of the more expensive Cannon this way: if you order it through your Amazon site, you will be making money by buying it!
Nice thought, Cathie… although Amazon Associates aren’t supposed to earn a commission off their own purchases.
Good morning Sue,
The top branches of tall trees held the only leaves moving as cool air seemed to be holding it’s breath in awe of light’s arrival.To the cadence of soft notes in a mourning dove’s croon a jay repeated a call to awaken nearby family.In bare feet and jammies I felt 3 years old again-grinning about being out while everyone else slept.
With your third anniversary of your dream’s becoming tangible so close,whatever’s outside and in your sweet home must be filling you with the same child like delight.
In November 2011 you posted about the technical struggles blogging presented-I think there were 25 comments that day.Now so well equipped that those problems seldom recur,you barely have time to practice hopscotch because this page is so full!
What amazing levels our journeys have reached.May we meet this part of them with eyes sparkling at the view.
Good morning, weather,
Let’s see if I can talk to you over this cup of coffee without Spike demanding breakfast.
I don’t give him his breakfast as soon as he wakes up because Bridget is still asleep. By waiting as long as he will allow before setting down the plate in front of him, I hope to train his belly to be more patient.
Last April marked 3 years of blogging. Hard for me to believe! The 16th of August is the 3rd year anniversary of adopting the BLT. When I think of all the sights and experiences of those three years, I shake my head in amazement.
Sometimes I sit and let my mind drift over a segment of those 3 years, recalling as much as I can. I end up smiling, even laughing, and again, shaking my head in wonder — wonder at the beauty and diversity of this country, wonder at the growth of this blog, wonder at the notoriety of my crew, and wonder at our blessings.
I particularly enjoyed your description of the leaves on the trees as you stepped outside in your bare feet and sleepwear. The contrast between what greets you in the morning and what greets me is great. I step out to no trees. Instead the sky covers all, right down to the sage and rabbit grass.
Well, Spike is starting to whimper. Soon he will yell. He looks at me, then looks at the refrigerator, and then back at me! What a character!
Bye for now, sparkle-eyes!
🙂
Okay….the times have changed Desert Woman.
Since your blog is now averaging 250+ posts….is there a way that somehow…new posts can be highlighted so we don’t have to re read the entries?
Other “forums” have that….when you log in…the “unread posts” are in bold.
Just asking.
No, there isn’t a way to do that, not any that I know of. This format isn’t a forum. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that feature in any blog’s comments section. If you have, let me know where you’ve seen it, and I’ll investigate how to do that.
One thing I miss is the way my comments used to have a blue background, before I started self-hosting. It made it easier for me to find comments I hadn’t acknowledged. I scan comments over and over again!
Now may be a good time to say to all blogorinos…. If I don’t reply to your comment, don’t take it personally! 🙂
Google for a plugin!!!!! I bet there is something out there….. I don’t have the time right now, but I will add this to my GOOGLE LIST OF WANTS!
A plug-in to change the WordPress platform? Does that happen?
Your head must be spinning.
That is almost a full time retiree job! ;). Not to mention…keeping the crew entertained…and having some time for yourself!
You’re blog is the best!
I woke up with a sore head. Guess that should be expected when glass lids fly out of cupboard and whack one on head. Darn lucky the skin stayed together, otherwise I would have been able to report on the local ER’s services! Boy, that spot on front forehead is a wee bit touchy this morning.
So, today, I am going to say we will hold our first Blogerino Convention in September 2015. I have slept on the idea, and awoke with a plan.
At the moment, I have to go out and supervise what’s happening outside. We have workers here WORKING!!!!
Still no sign of the Cable or Telephone company….. But, be rest assured, if we had those services and we did not pay them, they would be here!!!! Funny how that works.
I think I will take Nameless Hubby and head of to Home Depot at some point. I found a product there that is BIODEGRADABLE that CLEANS so good, I need MORE! Cleans carpet really nice.
Have a great day, everyone….
September sounds good but I would consider the end of it. This a time in WY, CO, SD, maybe in NE too for leaves changing colors, cooler days and kids already in school. It would be a good time to start traveling south after the get together. Did you think about activities or is this going to this type of the get together where you say hello, then goodbye and nothing more?
Oh, no… we will have activities!
I usually come back and check all comments to answer, but then there is a new post and I get lost for a while,( Brain Malfunction), go water the garden, play with Timber, check the P.O., eta, then come back and read the Bloggerrues ,,,,,,,,,,,,,Oh, Timber checks in too sometimes ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Me
Glad to hear you have a plan and hope to hear Spike is doing great.
I’ve finally figured out it is necessary to read all of the comments even if it takes me 2 days to do so. There is so much helpful info in the comments I’m afraid to miss anything.
Camera, rving , boondocking and of course “rice”.
thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Kathy. And congratulations on making it through all the comments. 🙂
Good morning, Sue and Crew…I got my Millenicom package yesterday and so far I’m really enjoying it. Broadwidth Place says it’s 36.03 mbps download; 18.61 upload. I still plan to change over to Verizon for the phone when my contract expires 12/1. Hubby says I can Skype instead of using the cell…no way am I going to Skype. Not my thing. Besides, I couldn’t care less for a phone but I gotta have the internet for my RVSue and Crew fix.
Take care, Sue. I know you’ll do what’s best for Spike…you’re his mom. Hugs to the Crew.
Cat Lady
Glad to learn you’re happy with Millenicom. It is so annoying to have a phone and internet situation that doesn’t work or costs too much or both.
Well, so much for zero injuries on this RV PARK project. I cut my finger. Last night, four glass pan lids rolled out of cupboard and hit me on the head. Think I will skip driving today. Guess I should just go back to bed and stay there for a day or two. OUCH!
Gosh, I hope you’re okay. Taking it easy today sounds like a good plan!
Well, I’m okay. Just returned from Home Depot, went to Scottsbluff this time. Nice bluffs for hiking. That town has abot 14K people but get this, has a home depot, menards, kmart, Walmart, hospital, several eateries, nice clean little town I might add. 46 miles one way, I was up and back and shopped Home Depot in exactly…. TWO hours. Ha, how’s that!
Let’s see,92 miles of driving,that’s a lot of free mind time.Did you finish the idea that made you say “Hot Dog!” when you thought of it yesterday as you were commenting here?And about those two secrets,did you change your mind and care to share?Are you going to have little travel size packets of aspirin,bandaids,alkaseltzer and such by the register so those rushing to hit the road don’t have to do with an “ow-ie”?How large a bulletin board will you have for folks to tack up notes to each other or lost and found items?Tee Hee Just trying to keep from you getting bored,hope the bump on your forehead is all better 🙂
Kay, When I worked at an RV Park for 6 years one of the things I loved was the room they had behind the office that registered park guests could use. There were big tables in there as well as a microwave, refrid. and a bathroom. We had access anytime with a key we had that also worked in the locked bathrooms. In this room, there was also puzzles, games, and books. The books were a take a few, leave a few thing. I also used the room to lay out quilts. I could pin them there on the big tables and then go and sew them on my sewing machine in my RV. We also had a nice scale so that people could weigh themselves if they wanted. Just some random thoughts….
He-He, Weather has caught on to my “thinking” time…. driving, and I always do the driving. Otherwise, I am bored. When I drive, I think. You have great ideas, the board I had not really thought about, but certainly a plan to have. I know I will have a wall of “Adventures” and will be putting up blog site addresses for others to see and hopefully, follow.
I have some secrets planned. In do time, I’ll release them from my brain. LOL.
Hi, Sue,
I know your getting you’re fill on rice and cameras but here is a link you may want to consider. It’s a very simple, user friendly camera that takes excellent pictures.
Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
Keep up the great work with your blog, I read it faithfully.
Also you’re getting pretty popular with all these comments. Wow, kind of hard keeping up with all that’s happening.
Take Care
Mike
Thanks, Mike, for the compliment, for being a faithful reader, and for offering a suggestion for a camera.
A powerful zoom is an important feature for me. The three other cameras I’m considering have 50X zoom or more for about the same price.
I appreciate your interest. Making this camera decision is a lot of work!
Hi Sue,
Looks like I’ve been far from the only one trying to give you a break from replying for a while.So now I thought if you checked in before bedtime,you might enjoy finding a note.
That sky reaching uninterrupted to the rabbit bushes must show more stars than most ever see on clear nights.Last night the moonlight here was so bright we had to turn away from the windows to sleep.Among the benefits of what you call dramatic skies is the clouds blocking that this evening-just enough to ensure resting well.
The crew probably enjoyed having your attention more during the small respite you’ve had from this page.No need to reply if you feel like stretching out the pause.Hope everything is just right …
Good morning, weather,
As you can tell from my greeting, I didn’t check in last night before bed. I did need to get away from the computer. I tried yesterday to work on choosing a camera until I was hit with cyber-overload. I couldn’t think about posting on this blog. We went down to the lake and I watched and listened to the little waves breaking.
On a clear night, the sky is magnificent here. Lately we’ve had clouds, rather than stars. Now it’s the moon’s turn. Bridget was restless last night from the light of the full moon and had me up, letting her outside three times. She’s sleeping peacefully as I write this. Spike, too. If he knew what I’m doing — writing to weather — he’d jump up and demand breakfast!
Okay, that does it for me today. I have now burned my forearm cooking this evening. 3 injuries to self in less than 24 hours…. I think someone is trying to tell me something…. so, I am going to bed because I am tired, cranky, and well, beat up.
You all have a nice, mellow night…. I will automatically be up before the crack of dawn and with good luck, won’t damage myself any more.
Nighty – Nite!
So Sorry, Kay…cooking does seem to bring some pain…burns….been there. Used to show my grandkids my burn scars on my arms and tell them that I tried to burn off the freckles and IT WORKED!! Heh…but not a way I recommend!! Actually, I tend to be klutzy…not just in the kitchen either. I do love my new little counter top combo oven/convection…and it is JUST the right height…so far no burns!! But if you cook for more than 2…the big oven is a must. Well, sounds like today is one day you should have just rested. It is ok to take one day off a week!! Hope tomorrow is better…well, it probably is tomorrow already where you are…. Have you lived in Nebraska very long? Just curious as to what you think of that climate…
LOL…… We are full-timer RV dwellers. The climate, really not much difference to that of WA state. If you really think about it. I prefer the snow than the constant rain, and black ice that comes with weather west of Butte, MT. Least on snow covered roads, one has a chance of no accident. Black ice, a not so much.
So far, this last month the weather has been rather nice. Yes, a few days of hot weather but at least not the lightning like Colorado, and Cheyenne. I notice storms going east of Cheyenne seem to go east about 20 miles, then turn south into Colorado. Seems to more often than not the case.
Good morning Sue,
Locating each other with songs,as solos then in symphony- all that fly here lift me with them so often.Soaring in spirit and mind ,riding those drifts I see such perfection.
When I paint,employing dark colors gives the subject the shape needed to make it’s light be alive and powerful.Imitating, on whatever canvas is at hand,the Master’s methods I’m as seldom understood with my message as He is.
Watching someone take whatever they’re able to grasp from it always makes me glad for them.Yet if no others existed I’d still tell the story- for the sake of it’s own beauty.Wear your passion for all that’s wonderful untethered .More will be affected than we can imagine.May the crew see you smile more than ever this morning .The picture makes me sigh with deep satisfaction already.
Later-P.S. checked back,reread that and had to laugh at myself.By trying not to be blunt I penned such an inscrutable comment even I thought”huh?”
Crap,I wish people didn’t despair of hope so often!!-is how I react when I see them going through stuff at times.You can go around encouraging forever and next thing you know somebody’s freaking them out again.So hoping that practicing getting up will keep them strong enough to eventually stay up,you start over again.
In case this is still about as clear as mud,I felt like smacking whoever had left Ginger feeling like she did when she wrote that comment in the middle of the night.A fighter by nature,I more than once had doctor’s try to write my future off and I fired them on the spot.Bulls**t!!! dreams of great times are unreachable!And how dare anyone tell you they are.O.K.,I’m probably done ranting ,at least on here anyway.
Thank you, weather.
Weather….
“The top branches of tall trees held the only leaves moving as cool air seemed to be holding it’s breath in awe of light’s arrival.To the cadence of soft notes in a mourning dove’s croon a jay repeated a call to awaken nearby family.In bare feet and jammies I felt 3 years old again-grinning about being out while everyone else slept.”
Beautifully crafted. Jim
Thank you very much Jim! 🙂