Friday, January 11, at home in Arizona
An unusual start to this day, let me tell you . . .
I’m sitting in the polka-dot chair reading. As one does, I pause and look up and gaze out the window at the sky. What a shock!
All I see is white!
What? The house floated into the clouds? Is this how one goes to heaven? Glory! Glory! Glo–
Oh. It’s fog.
Fog! I gotta’ go see!
We get it all, folks! Rain, snow, cold, mist, hail, wind, sunshine, blistering heat, FOG.
Later, blue skies up above!
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I have a backlog of thrifties to show you.
Take a look at the photo below. Everything in this corner of the living room (other than the wall, the floor, and the fireplace) came from a thrift shop or, in the case of the love seat, from the resale store.
What I paid:
- Love seat: $175 (resale shop). . .
- Chest of drawers: $15 . . . Place mat: 25 cents
- Metal box with bluebird design: $4 . . . Eucalyptus (and other dried plants not shown): $3
- Metal candle stand: $4 (on half-price day) . . . and Candle: 25 cents
- Vases: Under $5 each (don’t remember exactly)
For a long time I didn’t know what to do with this corner.
A very tall lamp on the left of the love seat called for something tall on the right. But what? I’m sitting in the living room pondering this question when it hits me.
Hey! I already have something tall!
Soon I’m moving the black chest of drawers and the rest of the items into that corner and having a great time arranging it all.
Funny . . .
I wish for something and then I realize I already have it.
I’ll probably change out some of those things, like the vases. If the chest of drawers stays, something interesting will go on top of it. For now, I’m content with this little vignette in the corner of our living room. It came out better than if I’d planned it!
What do you think?
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The thing about thrift shopping:
Unlike regular shopping, like at Amazon where you can zero in on exactly what you want and when you want it (See what I did there? Snuck in a reminder!), when you shop at the thrift store, you don’t know what you’ll end up taking home.
That’s the fun of it!
I go looking for a lamp or a desk and I end up loading this into the back of the Perfect Tow Vehicle:
How could I pass up an outdoor storage chair?
Okay, so it has a crack in the seat (look closely at photo above). Not a deal-breaker for me. After I get it home, I leave it out in the rain. I discover to my delight that the inside stays dry.
Give it a good scrubbing and I have something useful that cost me only $10. Do you know what these dang things cost new?
This illustrates the way of thrift shopping.
I’m in the thrift shop, not thinking about an outdoor storage chair, but when I see it, I grab it.
Eventually I’ll find the lamp and the desk. Probably when I’m looking for something else.
~ ~ ~
Fun in the sun!
We go back in time a few days to when it was warm and sunny. Reggie and Roger are full of the energy they’ve stored up for days. They’re delighted to be outside again, running and chasing each other around the yard!
See Reggie run. See Roger chase. Run, Reggie, run! Chase, Roger, chase!
Roger likes to chew on sticks.
(I know. His nails are long. They’re staying that way because Roger will not tolerate having them clipped. Seriously. He gets very angry. I’m not going to fight with him because I’ll lose.)
Reggie initiates a game of “That’s MY stick!”
The game is fun but comes to an end when the stick breaks.
Reggie doesn’t really care about the stick anyway.
It’s just another way to have fun with his best friend forever.
rvsue
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~ ~ ~
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THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
~ ~ ~
Ah foggy days…heh, we get plenty here too!!
Our dog did not like her nails clipped either…however Hubby got a dremil tool (spelling might be wrong) and that she would tolerate…funny girl she was!!
YAY FOR ELIZABETH! FIRST COMMENT OF THE DAY!
Hahaha…was on my email when yours came in…
I do like your “finds”…very homey looking indeed!! I know what a thrill it is to find something valuable in a thrift shop!! I have some gorgeous glassware, but recently took it over to daughter because we are just getting too clumsy and with concrete floors in this place…things go to very small pieces when dropped!! But I wish we could use them as they are so gorgeous…oh well, she can use them!! The most joy was in the hunt anyway!!
🙂
First ?
Almost. Hi, Norman!
I love the fog! Not to drive in obviously, but I love how it muffled sound and highlights things like spiders webs!
Thanks for the product recommendations, LeeJ. I’m glad you like the Instant Pot.
Love the corner set & what a find on outdoor storage & seat. You can probably reenforce the seat with plywood
Re-enforcing the seat is one good plan. I’ll probably procrastinate about that and never sit in it instead.
You might try gorilla glue or that flex seal stuff for the seat. I’m sure there is something out there that would repair it. Plywood would warp and rot unless you sealed it.
my dog hated having her nails clipped too. i used to take her for long walks on pavement as a way of wearing them down. or if she had something done at the vet’s which required sedation, have them clip them then. my cat loved having her nails clipped. strange. anyhow, i love the corner you put together.
Reggie doesn’t love the clipping, but he tolerates it.
You love the corner! 🙂
Hi Sue,
Honestly it’s not a great idea to leave your dogs nails unclipped. Their feet become deformed and they can’t use their legs the way they were meant to. Also the long claws can get broken and might cause some vet bill. I had a groomer who charged me 5.00$ to dremel/grind Bella’s claws. I tipped them 5.00$… She had really hated the clipping and it had to be done at the vet. After she got used to it, we bought a dremel and I do it now. She still hates it but I get it done. She is a 75 lb Doberman mix.
Maybe you can introduce Roger to a groomer and they might have to use a muzzle the 1st few times, but, jmho, it’ll be worth it.
You do have a way of getting things and all just right for your home! I was looking for something just like that chair to hide a small water heater in, and yes they do run ya’ over 150..
Cheers,
Julia
Hi Sue! Fog is so interesting when you don’t have to drive in it. When it’s foggy at night, I always think morbidly of Victorian London and Jack the Ripper stalking the streets at night. Yikes! I like your thrift store finds. I find that I am at the opposite end of that. My little home is full to the brim, and it’s time for me to start discarding and taking things to the thrift store. I have closets that I don’t open any more, because I don’t want to deal with what’s in them. On the plus side, I have stopped accumulating stuff. Now, I just need to get rid of some things and declutter.
Lots of luck decluttering. Go after those closets. Getting started is the tough part.
I’m enjoying reading the details of your thrift store finds. We are trying to cut down on what we buy so are trying to resist going to estate sales. There is one happening today with photos of a mass of bathroom cabinet products that really should have been tossed. One item is a Ben Gay package from the 1950s along with an ancient bottle of ‘Lectric Shave. So that was an easy sale to miss. 🙂
If anyone is interested in reading my friend’s blog titled Queen of Fifty Cents take a gander (Googling that will net you her blogspot site). She is a master at finding really inexpensive things at garage/estate sales and then writes in detail about her finds. Her speciality is mid-century modern finds.
And is anyone watching the Marie Kondo series on Netflix? If you aren’t familiar with her decluttering method, watch an episode or get her book from the library. Her methods are extreme and border on silly but seem to work for some. The biggest controversy right now is how she gets rid of books and booklovers and librarians on Twitter are not amused. 🙂
Robin
Funny about that term “mid-century.” That’s my childhood they’re talking about! 🙂
The corner looks cool. How about a plant on top of the dresser?
After spending yesterday at Goodwill in Yuma I am shell shocked. Their prices are outrageous.
I’m going to search for other thrift stores in the area that might be more reasonably priced.
The thrift stores I frequent understand the benefit of moving merchandise. They even go so far as having half-price sales, unannounced in advance, which is an inducement for people like me to check in often. Yes, look elsewhere.
Hi Sue,
I love all your thrift store finds and you living room looks great!! Between garage sales and thrift stores, I just love them all!
We are forecast to get another 4-6 inches of snow tonight into tomorrow afternoon. Then it is warming up again next week. I just tell myself we are another day closer to spring. Since my fall and concussion a little over a year ago, snow and ice terrify me. The last thing I need is to fall and have another hit to my head. I still deal with symptoms from that fall in Nov. of 2017.
Have a great weekend all!!
I’m sorry you’re still dealing with symptoms, Jolene. Do be careful on the ice.
Hi Jolene,
I noticed on in Lands End or one of those catalogs that they have clete-like things that fit over your shoes that dig into the ice to keep you from falling. I’m sure Amazon has something similar. I forgot the exact name of them nor do I know if they really work. As I recall they were not too expensive.
Should look into them myself, with dog walking. Take care.
Hey Jolene, Just looked up the link to your quilts. They are lovely. I quilt as well. I love making quilts. My favorites though are Christmas wall hanging quilts. I guess because they go together pretty quick and I love the colors too. Your crosses appear to have long strips rather than the smaller blocks. Is that correct? They are beautiful. I also like making quilted table runners and placemats.
I use “Yak Tracks” here in Vermont. They work really well.
I use a similar type of ice grabber. They are black rubber “loops” that slide over the toe and heel of your boots/shoes. They have metal spikes in the toe and heel areas. They work really well. Just remember to slip them off before entering your house – they will mar your floors. I have an old throw rug doubled over just inside the back door to step on. They were a very thoughtful gift from one of my sisters years ago. 🙂
Sue, Your house is truly becoming a home. The beauty of your thrift store finds is that when they enter your house they seem like they’ve always been there. Instant cozy.
Love seeing the boys play. Glad they get to romp in the sunshine after some snowy weather.
In your first paragraph you touch on what I enjoy about used items. They do seem to “settle in” nicely.
Hi Sue! I like it all! What great thrifties deals you have! That’s how it is for me now. I purchased a Barbie horse and equestrian Barbie set for my granddaughter in excellent condition at a local thrift shop. The doll has a complete outfit, riding boots and hat. The horse has a beautiful brushable mane and tail, along with a pink saddle and reins and it works. The horse walks, lifts its front leg and paws the ground and it winnies. My granddaughter is going to love it and all for $4!!
What little girl wouldn’t love that! Great find, Renee!
I understand Sue about Roger not wanting his nails trim. My boy Louie hates it also. The only way he’ll get them clip is under anisteic getting his teeth clean. I don’t know if they will do that but I’m going to ask.
I’m so glad that your enjoying your new home. You guys have made it look so good. The boys seem happy also. I pray that you will be blessed over and over being there.
Thank you, Sharon, for your prayer. 🙂
Hi, Sue,
It sounds like you are having a blast discovering new treasures for your home! It will be so satisfying, sanding and refinishing items to your liking. Have fun hunting for treasures! I like that your sander has a built-in sawdust dust collector. Yes, it is wonderful finding that what you want or wish for, is already there – just waiting for you to realize it. 🙂
Reggie and Roger are just too cute! 🙂
Have an enjoyable weekend, Sue! Gotta love the constantly changing light and weather conditions in your yard. It is positively magical! We are bracing for the next big snow that is scheduled to start tomorrow. Sending you and the zoom-zoom boys lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup!
🙂 xo
I like your corner composition! 🙂
Sounds like you and Gracie pup will spend the weekend together at home. 🙂
🙂
We had dense fog this morning too. Was beautiful watching it lift against Turtleback Mt., like an unveiling. Finally it was warm enough outside for me to take down the Christmas lights. I still have a couple of strands to go. Dang, I like your thrift stores, not that I am looking for items but I go into one here from time to time, that supports our local no-kill animal shelter and pick up something to support them.
I can picture the unveiling of Turtleback Mountain, as seen from your yard. 🙂
Sue, I have a couple of those plastic outdoor storage items and they are very handy BUT. be careful reaching inside because they are excellent homes for black widows, brown recluse, scorpions and other unwanted guests. It is not a question of IF they are inside, it is a question of finding them and how many. I often spray the insides and undersides as a precaution and that helps.
Consider me warned! I’ll be careful.
The pictures of Reggie and Roger are fun. I also get good philosophy from this post.
“I wish for something and then realize I already have it.” There’s a great deal of healing and spirituality in that concept.
The “way of thrifting” is probably zen or something. Whatever it’s called, it’s an approach to life in general that produces serenity.
You get my hidden messages in plain sight. 🙂
Sue
Have you heard anything from Rusty ?
I haven’t heard anything from him in a long time and he has been on my mind for a while.
Rusty commented a couple times under the previous post.
thanks Sue
I really love all your thrift store finds. The corner looks really nice and homey. You could use a plant of some kind or maybe a small, not too tall lamp, just to add a soft glow, or light the candle.
Love watching Reg & Rog playing. Their friendship from the beginning has been amazing. Someone’s dog was running loose in the neighborhood and came charging after Angel with a vengeance this morning. I quickly snatched her up, took her home and waited awhile and then we walked the other direction and prayed it was gone. All was safe this afternoon.
A “homey” corner…. That’s a good thing. 🙂 I imagine that dog gave you quite a scare!
Fog? Glad it’s warming up a bit. That cold spell zapped a lot of our shrubs. We covered our delicate ones. How did your plants do?
The treasures one can find at a thrift store! The house has a comfy feeling…the corner looks great.
Have you found a vet, you like, for the crew? They have 3 year rabies and DHLPP shots here in AZ. Next round of shots…get his nails clipped! Rog and his nails…he’s “working” you! My moms dog used to scream like I was killing her…showing teeth (what she had left) in an attempt to dissuade me from cutting her nails!
Have you heard from Del and dear ole Skeeter?
That piece of broken cactus will regrow…put it in a pot…or hole in the ground…or not!
Lots of plants were zapped. I know of a couple vets in the area. Uh, Roger isn’t playin’ about the nail clipping. He snarls like he means it and I’m not going to find out if he’s bluffing, especially since I don’t know his history.
I talk with Del regularly. He and Skeeter are doing well. 🙂
101 uses for a bandana. Hah. Just kidding!
Not sure if you have a Tractor Supply Store in your area! Great place for dog food and their 4 Health brand is awesome. Anyhow VIP Pet is a low cost vaccination clinic that is usually there on Sat. Check for times. You WILL save a bundle! A vet is good to have for unexpected you knows! Maintenance shouldn’t cost you an arm and ass!
Tell Del and Skeeter hello!
I tried 4-Health with the boys and they ate it one time and from then on they absolutely refused. Weird. I tried both the stew kind and the other ground-up kind. No go. I have them on Balance. Not that it’s the best but they do eat it and their poops are fine. Alpo was a total disaster. For kibble I’m giving them Cesar Gourmet Rotisserie Chicken.
Del and Skeeter don’t know blogorinos. Del doesn’t “do” computer.
Hi, Cinandjules!! 🙂
Hi Sue
You’d really oughta feed those pups a little better!! They’re beginning to look like mine and I can’t tell if they’re walkin’ or rollin’!!!
Just kiddin’! Good looking healthy dogs and so good to see.
Don in Okla.
Well, it’s winter. I always put on a few extra pounds this time of year. Fat protection from the cold, I guess. Ha! Don’t know about the pups though….
Read you response to my post from yesterday. Glad I could give you an image to chuckle at. Three legs held up the table pretty well. My brothers were quite of pair of young wrestlers. The cat also like using them for scratching posts. He also refreshed a lot of furniture. My dad always had to be busy. That old saying a “Jack of all trades, master of none” pretty much fit my dad. The only problem and he did all things very well, car maintenance, HVAC repair & installation (that was his business), semi-truck driver, construction equipment operator, salesman, woodworker, landscaper. Our yard always looked great. In his younger years, he rode all 48 states on a motorcycle. My dad was the best. He has been gone since 1970 and I still miss him everyday.
I bet he loved you very much. Sounds like a great guy. Thanks for telling us about him, Barbara.
Yep, I was a daddy’s girl as well as being first born. He was my best friend.
A friend of mine had a dog who really didn’t like his nails clipped. However, there was a stretch of fence that the dog loved to run alongside. My friend put in a concrete walkway along the fence and kept it a bit rough. Nails stayed nice and short from then on.
I love the quiet of fog – what a treat! Your arrangement is very homey and looks lovely.
Most vets will cut dogs’ nails for $8-12 and they know who to handle angry pups. Might be worth getting them done occasionally.
Those boys are too cute and are so lucky to have each other – and you!
Thanks for the suggestion, Jodee.
Hi Sue, your finding some great bargains. Fun, huh?
I’m fairly sure leaving a dogs nails so long isn’t good for their
feet. It may cause the foot to splay out and eventually
affect his foot structure and walking. Would be worth checking with
your Vet. Same with our horses.
Just a thought.
I notice his nails do not grow beyond a certain length. He runs on concrete a lot (our sidewalk and porch). Even so, I’ll continue to examine him closely.
Good morning Sue,
I loved the fog picture. We just had a foggy morning here a few days ago. There’s something “mistical” about fog like that. Some things are obscured but some become more obvious.
We’re expecting snow today and tomorrow. YUCK! Oh well…..this southern girl did what’s expected of her yesterday…..only, instead of buying bread and milk….I bought bread and cream for my coffee! Am I the only one who has ever given thanks for the person who first thought to throw those beans into boiling water? 🙂
I’ve just fed my birds (in the very weak morning light) and now they are descending from the trees like raindrops….all shapes, sizes and colors. So, I’m drinking my coffee, talking to my blogorino friends and watching my birds and squirrels. I’ve gotten supplies for them as well and promised to keep the feeders full. I know most people don’t like squirrels at their feeders but I don’t mind. They’re entertaining and they and the jays are very good sentinels. Nothing comes close to those feeders without them sounding the alarm…and my little birds fly into the trees. BUT, there are two feeders that I try and keep for the little birds only. They hang from those black metal shepherds staffs. Well….the squirrels kept climbing them. I was wishing for a way in which to make them slippery but not with anything that could hurt them if they licked their paws. That’s when the bottle of olive oil came into view. It works! I have to reapply it and it doesn’t seem to work as well if it’s very cold. But it works well enough…..plus it’s too funny to watch!
And, lastly, isn’t it fun to wish for something and have it appear? Whether it’s something you have already and have forgotten or someone out of the blue just hands it to you or you see it in a store on sale…..There’s always a bit of awe for me when that happens.
Have a wonderful day out there!
Love,
MB, Wyn and Bells
Hi, MB,
I grease the bottom of my shepherd’s hooks with store brand Vaseline. A thick coat lasts quite a long time, even during the summer. I glob out a handful on a paper towel and then grasp the post lightly near the top, and run my hand down to the base. The whole post gets greased at the same time. Give it a try! I feed the squirrels, too. Watching a squirrel slide down the post is hilarious! 🙂
We will be whammied by the same snowstorm. Be careful! Stay warm! 🙂
Hi Denise!
I had thought of vaseline but didn’t have any. It IS hilarious to watch them slide down the pole….look confused and then downright ticked! LOL!
You stay safe and warm too!
MB
🙂
This fog story is now called for.In my younger days two buddies and I along with a case of beer ventured off fishing in Raritan Bay an offshoot of the Atlantic Ocean.We were in a 16 foot aluminum boat with no lights.A dense Atlantic fog rolled in and we drifted aimlessly for hours contenting ourselves with the beer.
Suddenly we were surrounded by huge blinding military searchlites and 2 armed PT boats pointing machine guns at us.Seems we drifted into the Earle ammunition pier loading area.The pier is a Navy pier a mile long into the bay and is used to load ammunition tenders taking explosives including nuclear weapons out to the warships offshore.
Fortunately, the empty beer case explained everything and a small navy launch towed us back out,I still laugh at stuff from my youth including being shot at in New York City where a mugger picked on a guy who ran varsity track in college.
I LOVE your vignette in the corner, and I especially lke the way the blue vase echoes the color of the bird and the eucalyptus! The arrangement is very nicely composed! The touch of red provided by the candle leads your eye upward, and the other items bring them back down and around and lead your interest to the rest of the group. A painter learns that a touch of red in the composition always draws the eye and can lead it into the painting. Nicely done! Now … about those toenails … I have a Pug, Arthur, who turns into Chupacabra when you try to touch his feet. (Pugs are notorious for this.) His “brother”, Weezil the Chug (Pug/Chihuahia mix) Is almost as bad. When I take them to the groomer for a “spa day” 3 times a year, she does their nails! HOW??? “Oh, I just wrap them up like a burrito in a blanket, and my helper holds them and I do one foot at a time and give treats.” Huh. Anyway … it works and they love her, so they are not being traumatized at being swaddled like babies. Other people use peanut butter on a wooden spoon clamped somehow, while they do one foot at a time. That did not work for us. Burrito it is!!
The fog really did give an ethereal appearance to the scene in your first photo , Sue, what a beautiful way to start a day! I think that corner of your living room looks wonderful. Every item you chose to put there has a color found within the bricks, and each piece blends with the others to make a quietly lovely vignette.
Gosh, I love your enjoying, and sharing, “the way of thrift shopping”… another original phrase of yours that holds profound meaning one can apply to many of life’s pathways. Paying attention to what we are given has little or no monetary cost, and the time spent doing that enriches the journey in a way that nothing else can.
Hi, Sue,
I wanted to share a happy, unexpected bonus that was a result of “cutting the cord” on cable TV. One of the local PBS channels (free broadcast tv stations may stream multiple channels, i.e., 23.1; 23.2, 23.3, each with different programming) broadcasts Global TV 24/7. They offer excellent series from around the world. It is like international PBS! I watched several programs this morning….in Italian, Danish, German, and more. They offer programming from 3o countries. All have English subtitles.
OMG! I love PBS and foreign film/series! The only downside is that you have to commit to watching TV; not much opportunity to multitask. If you miss the subtitles, you are out of luck. I am now hooked on a couple series. The programming is curated by MHz Networks. They offer a streaming option for $7.99/mo where you can watch what you want, when you want, on your tv, tablet, or phone. Right now, I am pleased as punch to watch the free programming! 🙂
Hello Sue!!
Here we are, still off of Darby Well Road. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks. I can say with sincerity, we are enamored with our part of the Sonoran Desert. We’ve hiked and discovered, driven and explored, shared meals with the town’s residents, and learned much of the history in Ajo, and the surrounding area. We are quite happy here, and I’m happy to report that the temperatures are warming and the daylight is noticeably lengthening! Last evening we sat out in short sleeves and shorts before the sun set.
We had been waiting for Tucson and Bisbee to warm up, so we could continue on our travels, and now, not so much. In Hawaii we called it, “Polynesian Paralaysis”, I don’t know what it’s called here; Desert Doldrums? Whatever it is, we are now in no hurry to leave. I feel like I’m home every time We drive down our lane.
I haven’t had anything new to write about lately. I spend much of my time walking all the roads I can find, and exploring all I come across. We’ve learned from the locals where to go, and some places that maybe we shouldn’t go. We were shown the desert Wolfberry (akin to the goji berry) growing in the washes, where we’ve been going daily to pick them. We’ve gathered stones and other finds left over from the mining days, to decorate our gardens back at camp. Once upon a hike, we came across a Labrynth made out of old, rusted tin cans in a large clearing. That was quite a treat! We were told to look for Javalina Rock, which we found, and Locomotive rock, which we can see from camp. We’ve driven nearly to the border via Bates Well Road, and gone to an old mine in Organ Pipe Nat’l Mon.
On Tuesday’s at 5pm, the Ajo Community alliance puts on a small dinner, called “Tasty Tuesday”. For $10 you are served a large plate created by one of the 5 Chefs in town. Last week was enchilada style Burros, with beans and rice. Red chili (beef), or green chili (Pork), and also a vegetarian choice. I’m here to tell you, it was the best $10 dinner I’ve had in a very long time! It was served at the Convention Center, at the Sonoran Desert Hotel near the community garden. It was delightful! We had the chance for a bit of social conversation with a nice Ajo younger couple. I learned about the dinner from the Librarian, as well as a few other tidbits about the social goings on in Ajo, such as today’s farmers market where we bought a lovely loaf of hand made Jalapeño bread, which we will make some grilled cheese sandwiches out of later on. 🙂
I love the white washed Churches, the town square, the palm trees, the museum and the mine look out museum- our conversation with Bob there. The people here are friendly and helpful!! We’ve had showers and done laundry at Belly Acres, and also used their dump station and water fill; best deal for $10 bucks ever, no matter how much water you want! The showers run randomly between 12 minutes and 20, for a buck. Can’t beat it after sponge baths for a week. Ha! You were right, the town is poor, but we also find it very soothing. It’s like an oasis here in Ajo; a place to settle one’s road nerves and stay awhile for its relaxing qualities. Everything we need is right here, yet our home out on the BLM seems so far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sunsets and sunrises take our breath away every day. Life is good-
Thank you Sue for your blog! I can’t tell you how special it is to come here after being gone a week, and feel back in the swing of your life at home in Arizona. Your thrift finds, the boys, you, everything. I’m so happy you are happy. That’s all that matters! 🙂
Cheers!
(and excuse the typos!) It’s hard to correct tiny print on my screen and sometimes my eyes don’t see the mistakes when I proof read.
Hi, Suzicruzi,
Thank you for sharing your trip report! Enchilada style burros! Did they have to catch them first?! OMG! I nearly choked on my water from laughing! I know you meant burritos! I don’t think you all are experiencing the doldrums….maybe Desert delight! So happy and content to be just where you are. 🙂 I am enjoying my armchair travels with you all – thank you! 🙂
Hi Denise!
Hate to tell you this, but they were called “burros”, I swear! Also at the farmer’s market this morning they were labeled “Burros”. “When in Rome…” you know. ☺️😉
LOL!!! 😂
Denise,
I know right?! Makes me chuckle too. I also know (now) that when one orders a Burro, you should expect it to come dry; no sauce. And none that I have had have cheese in them unless specified, like a “vegetarian” option; which is usually just beans and cheese, on a plate with more beans and some rice. I actually prefer them this way as anywhere else they come smothered in yellow greasy cheese (most of American Mexican joints that is). The one I had at the market just had scrambled eggs and mild green chilies inside a hand tossed (over mesquite) tortilla that was delicious! I love travel for this very reason; the interesting and different foods you get to experience along the way!
Also, I LOVE Sues blog because she lets us discuss all these fun thrift finds, free camps, and FOOD! What would life be without all the great camps, thrift finds, and good food to go with it all?
By the Way Sue, what’s become of your Blackstone Griddle? Do you ever deploy it, and make great meals on it just for old times sake? When you used to talk about grilling up onions and peppers to make “burros” 🤣 it made my mouth water! We actually make pan fried quesadillas quite often for their versatility and ease. One pan, easy breezy cleanup. That and you can put whatever is on hand in a tortilla, heat it up, and voila! A meal.
Cheers!!
Sounds delicious! 🙂
Grab a comfy chair and a cup of tea or coffee. Catch up on fellow blogorino’s news, share recipes, travel advice, and sometimes, just “chew the fat.” Some like to sit quietly, listening to others chat as they enjoy the company. Sue’s blog is like a cozy front porch for us to meet. Thank you, Sue. 🙂
Hi, Denise! I like how you “keep the home fires burning” while I’m away. 🙂
🙂 xo
Exactly! A “Burro” is a giant “Burrito” (“ito” denoting the smaller size). Usually more stuff inside, like perhaps potato, onion, etc. A good Burro always gives me 2 meals!
This is a great conversation. Thanks Suzi for the tales of your trips. Sound like you are having a great time.
Thanks for the clarification! I never knew this. ☺️
Loved all your detail. And enjoy it even more knowing that Sue spent time there. We are learning from both of you. Thanks for sharing. And Sue, I love your new corner arrangement! You are creating a lovely home. (Also loved your wooden bunny.)
You’re welcome! True, we have tales, but let us not forget that Sue started this! I even wonder if I’d have ever even given Ajo a chance if it weren’t for Sue’s blog? And now, now we don’t want to leave! I explored a new section of the “gigantic wash” that runs through here and I came across a whole bunch of new treasures. I will post about my finds (and excitement) when Sue makes her next post. 😊
Hi Sue,
Your house is really turning into a HOME! From what we can see in the pictures, all your “finds” are coming together in a really nice way!
Hi Sue: Haven’t been here in a while but thought about what you might be up to these days. Surprised to see you have now settled down some with your new digs. Time to regroup and enjoy some creature comforts? Looks and sounds like it was a great move for you and having a home base to come back to seems ideal. As for me, sadly, have not moved on yet but I got a lot less stuff and am better organized. First things first, no impetuosity here I am afraid. Still working on it.
With all the blogs and vlogs around these days, I feel I have traveled the world in my zero gravity chair. Best wishes to you and your pups, so cute. Enjoy your new home!
Hi missy….I read here as I can now but seldom have much to contribute. Detta has that spinal fracture and is 99% down and has very heavy pain. Suddenly I am doing all our tasks and taking care of her. I am thankful to be able to care for her needs but it’s very tiring. I enjoy keeping up with you , the boys and fellow Blogorinos..HUG
I pray for Detta’s pain to lessen and go away. May you both have the strength necessary for these tough days and nights. Thanks for keeping in touch. We understand your priority is taking care of your sweetheart. Hugs to you both.
Hi, Jim and Detta,
Please know that you both continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. **hugs**
Prayers for you both…caretaking is not an easy job and neither is living in total pain!! Hugs to you both!!
Thinking and praying for you both, Jim.
You’re a good man,and a wonderful husband,Jim.My heart and prayers are with Detta and you
I love your new corner! Looks so cozy! Hope all your snow is melted and you are sitting in the sunshine 🌞!
You find the best things in your second hand shops! I am ENVIOUS!😂
Hello RVSue and blogorinos!!
Beautiful blue skies here in central AZ. Twenty four hours ago we were at Saddle Mountain BLM near Tonopah watching the rain clouds gather, so up we packed and headed north. (Who heads north with a storm coming?!? We do!!) As we neared Wickenburg, we decided to sleep a few hours at the Hassayampa River Rest Area on Hwy 60. It is a gorgeous little pull out with a wealth of information about the Cottonwood-Riparian ecosystem that has been heavily eradicated because of invasive species (and modern humans). Definately worth the stop!!
Aaaanywaaaay, the relation of this comment to this post is the fog we drove through this morning as it is not a common thing to see here in the desert. As we climbed 89 through Yarnell (which always makes me think of RVSue’s post of how she was able to avoid that twisty road lol), we watched the soft tendrils weave their way over the mountain peaks and reach into the valleys. By the time we crested the climb, I couldn’t see 40 ft in front of me!! Then, poof!, we broke through the cloud line and were rewarded with a breath-stealing winter wonderland!! I wanted to cry! My old boy (9yo Catahoula-Lab mix) was scarfing down the pure white snow like he hasn’t been fed in weeks while our 3mo Husky puppy starts prancing around like a jackrabbit. Her first snow! It was totally worth driving 30mph and white knuckled up that mountain pass! One thing I definitely treasure about the Grand Canyon State is it’s almost mischievous ability to continue to surprise and delight my senses.
What a cozy corner you’ve created, Sue! The love seat is my favorite, can’t get enough of those buttons, I adore that style! And BTW, I haven’t trimmed my doggy’s nails in over three years. He has no issues, but to each their own 🙂 The husky retracts her nails, I’ve never known dogs to do that! Is it a puppy thing? A husky thing? Ahdunno…
As for an Amazon recommendation, my vote is the Vingli 5gal Portapotty with a 2.5gal flush system. We fulltime out of the back of our ’06 Tacoma, so having a real seat to do business on is LUXURIOUS!! First of all, it comes with a carrying case so it is easy to keep clean and to move around. Secondly, the gasket seal is a beast! This toilet has been down 4WD only roads, in freezing temps and in the blazing sun all day, and NO SMELL!! Unless the hatch is opened, of course, but hopefully that’s a given. I’m 5’5″ and I have zero issues with its height, my fiancee is 6′ and his knees are a little raised but he has no complaints. And the toilet bowl is deep enough that…ummm…nothing of his touches it when he’s sitting hahaha. Trying to stay PG but had to mention that because reviews of other toilets revealed issues with men and the depth of the bowl 😉 so is life!! Anywho, it’s swivel pour spout is super easy to use, though it seems that the design won’t allow every ounce of waste to be poured out, we just put a little water in it and swish it around and the vast majority of the goo is gone. Pop another tank treatment in there and we are good to go! We go about a week before we have to dump it (which can easily be done at any pit toilet or other RV dump for free or usually discounted cuz it’s only 5gal) and about 11 days before refilling the fresh water on top for the flushing. We are VERY satisfied with our purchase. You just can’t beat the views with your morning pee lol!!!
Oh, I apologize Sue, I don’t know the product number for it…..
VINGLI Upgraded Portable 5.3 Gallon Flushing Camping Toilet w/Carrying Bag,Splash-Free Dumping, Anti-Leak Water Pump, Large Capacity Waste Tank for RV/Boat/Truck/Healthcare
Seana… Scroll down the page to Product Details. The ASIN is right under Shipping Weight. (The link here is one of mine.) Thanks for the product recommendation!
Hi, Seana,
Your description of your breathtaking drive up Rt 89 – wow! 🙂
Bath Royale
4.7 out of 5 stars 3,064 Reviews
Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover, White, Soft-Close, Quick-Release for Easy Cleaning. Fits All Manufacturers’ Round Toilets
This might sound like an odd recommendation, but we were looking for a seat replacement for our original American Standard toilet in our 1961 house. We first bought an American Standard seat in an attempt to match the “Lakewood Blue” toilet. Sadly, it lasted about a month. After reading the great reviews on this Bath Royal slow close seat we purchased it. It was incredibly easy to install, easy to clean, and has lasted well over a year.
My granddaughter was at home in sunny, warm San Diego during the month long Christmas break from Syracuse University. Her connecting flight left Philadelphia late Sunday morning due to ice and snow storms in the region, and our wind chill here was 4 below when she finally arrived. She parks outside in front of a student housing building, so her car’s battery was dead after that long without being started or driven during winter. It’s not easy returning from a vacation and being met by all of that as reality. It’s amazing to watch her taking everything in stride.
Whenever all the students return to campus, knowing many of them carry an illness common where they are from, I take precautions to ensure my own health. Among those is checking to be sure my stock of healthy supplements is here and ready if I need it. One of those I purchased from Amazon.
ASIN B009D0WBWI
American Biotech Labs Silver Biotics is a product I have used with great results for years. I have used it to treat, prevent or heal several conditions. A few were cuts, ear, throat,dental and sinus infections. I also have at times taken some daily to help my immune system be extra resistant to colds, the flu or whatever seems to be going around where I live and travel.
Hi, blogorinos,
FYI…Amazon is offering free shipping until January 31.
I just ordered a quilt pattern and was prepared to pay for shipping. No shipping fee – yippee! 🙂
My Christmas present to myself was the fat 37 quarter collection of Moda’s “Sunnyside Up.” I plan to make two throws for myself. This is a happy, sunshine-y, flowery collection…right my alley! I love the sayings on the panel, my favorite is a Walt Whitman’s quote, “Keep your face always to the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you”
ASIN B07H8PHLZZ (Amazon was out of stock when I placed my order in November)
This pattern looks nice and easy. May Chappell “Lazy Sunday Quilt Pattern”
ASIN B01BJBZDKU
Leftover fat quarters and the panel will be used to make throw pillows. 🙂