Saturday, December 6
I have to tell you what just happened!
I’m sitting at my laptop staring at the blank space on the screen wondering what to blog about. It’s 5 o’clock and, the days being short at this time of year, already the daylight is fading.
Gee, I don’t have photos for a blog entry. (It’s a lot easier for me to write a post when I have photos ready to insert.)
Lately the days have been dark and chilly.
I don’t feel like sightseeing in the damp chill. Bridget and I stay at our camp outside Oak Flat Campground near Superior, Arizona, snug inside the Best Little Trailer.
I take advantage of this sequester from the world to work on money reports, to take care of other online business, and to read.
(Note: Money reports are now complete up to and including August 2014! I’m also near the end of the Outlander series by Diane Gabaldon. What a story!)
Anyway, as I was saying . . . .
I stare at the laptop monitor wondering what I’m going to write.
Darn! I wish I had some photos! At this precise moment I look up and see a glow out the window. What is that? I grab the camera and rush out the door with Bridget on my heels.
“Look at the light!” I exclaim.
I zoom in on the golden hills to the east.
A few words about photos.
Maybe those two photos don’t seem spectacular to you, what with the prevalence of photos online being jazzed up with photo editing programs, portraying the world as if it’s in a constant state of neon flash. I think we become jaded by those photos. Then when someone shows the real deal, what a scene really looks like in person, when it’s “jazzed up” by Nature rather than artificially, it doesn’t have the impact.
These photos weren’t enhanced in anyway.
I giggle as I take the photos. “I wanted photos and it looks like I have some, Bridge. Isn’t the light gorgeous!”
We go back inside, I load the photos into Picasa, put a border around them, transfer them to WordPress and . . . .
“Oh my gosh! Now it’s pink out there!”
Again I grab the camera and rush out the door with Bridget on my heels.
“Good ol’ Arizona sky,” I say, smiling and clicking. Like a squirrel with acorns, I scurry inside the BLT and add my latest acquisitions to the stash of photos I took a moment ago.
Whew! I feel better now. Hate it when I don’t have pics for a post.
Oh yeah, the PTV . . .
Of course, it being the weekend, I’m still waiting for the day when the body shop will have a door to replace the damaged one. I’m getting restless. I’ve even thought about moving to a new camp until I get the word from the shop that a door has been painted white and is ready to install. Then come back to this area.
It’s not that there isn’t a lot to see and do around here. I’m simply weary of the dull, dreary days, the soggy ground and mud, and the damp chill that keeps us indoors. On the other hand, if I don’t move camp, I might complete more money reports!
Readers tell me my blog is relaxing, peaceful, calm…
In keeping with that description I’ll sign off with the one photo that was captured yesterday evening. It’s quite a contrast to today’s gold and pink photos shown above!
That’s mist on the mountain behind the dried flowers. Again, no photo trickery
Y’all good and relaxed? Great! Now go get your holiday shopping done!
rvsue
THANKS, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate you shopping Amazon from my blog.
Here is a sample of items purchased recently:
Gravity Maze
DeLorme AG-009871-201 inReach SE
Sorel Women’s Nakiska Slide Slipper,Siberia
Orion 9947 ShortTube 80-A Refractor Telescope
Torklift F1000 Super Hitch
Buffalo Bills Mixed Rock Candy On A Stick (36 assorted rock candy crystal sticks per tub)
Click here to shop Amazon now!
1st! Great photos!
Hi, DeAnne,
So good to see you here and the first, too! Thank you on the pics.
It has been raining, grey and overcast here for two weeks. The pictures brought some happiness. So glad you had some sun!
Seeing you here, after much absence (I understand, that’s teaching for ya), brings sunshine to me!
Beautiful pictures. Doncha just hate doin’ bookkeeping chores? I promised myself when I retired (accounting) that you’d have to pay me double to add 2+2, lol.
Hugs to Miss Bridget.
Cat Lady
Thanks, Cat Lady,
I feel the same way about teaching. People ask if I’d ever consider substituting. Even if paid double, I wouldn’t do it. This retirement life is too much fun!
The photos are magical! I love the last one, dried flowers against the mist of the mountains. Pure brilliance.
Hi, Utah Bonnie,
Are you new here? Love your name, sounds like a legendary female hero! Haha! Welcome to my blog if I’ve never told you that.
Yeah, I’m proud of that pic. It’s very RVSue, know what I mean?
Yes, I’m new here. I’ve been lurking for about a year now and you are my inspiration for my pending mobile lifestyle.
I hope to become a legendary female hero. Just like you.
Hilarious! Thanks for the laugh, Utah Bonnie. You are officially a blogorino. And you plan on being a vagabond, too… I hope we will hear from you again! How much longer before you can hit the road?
I’m looking at May 2015. The road is calling but it’s a zillion decisions. I’m leaning towards a van like you but a little roomier trailer. Im an artist and have a dog and a cat so I need room for gear.
Gee, you don’t have long to wait. A van will give you room. DebsJourney bought a trailer a bit bigger than the BLT, can’t remember what it is. There are many to choose from. Yes, you’re right… There are a lot of decisions to be made in preparation for launch. Good luck!
Hi Sue, I bought a 2012 EZ Traveler by Sunset Park RVs. 19 ‘
🙂
Thanks, I’ll put the EZ Traveler in my file box. Sounds like it would be perfect.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the last pic with the white mist!
Thanks, Cindy! That’s what I love about photography… the surprise shots like that one.
ZZZZZZZZZ. Very relaxed.
I love the last photo, VERY nice. It was overcast and cool in Tucson today, after all the sun we’ve had, it’s very distressing. It should be better tomorrow.
Hi, Allison,
Let’s face it. We Arizona people are spoiled I want the sunshine back!
Hi Allison! I’m here in Marana!
Beautiful pictures Sue. I just got this post and had a hour ago posted a end note to the previous post of my contribution to your Amazon funds. Ordered several nice items for gifts.
Thank you very much, Velda…. for the compliment on the photos and for the Amazon order. 🙂 I need to look again at the last comments that have come in under the previous post.
Love the photos…….the last one is awesome!
Well………you could always wax the BLT! 😉
Relax and enjoy! Stay warm and have a nice evening!
Ooh, it’s too cold outside to wax. I’ll take your advice and stay warm. You have a nice evening, too! Snuggle up to AO in the bed…
We are actually still on the futon in the living room.
She had an umbilical hernia when she was born that was “stitched” when she was spayed. Still no jumping…we don’t want to take a chance of her accessing the bed in the middle of the night!
Yes….stay warm…hugs to Bridget. Thanks for the lesson on identifying a wash.
The poor baby. You take such good care of her.
Everyone here….does the best they can for their fur kids!
So…last night we…as in AO and me…are once again on the futon. I’m awaken at 4am because it’s cold….I then realize my little bunsen burner is missing in action! I took the opportunity to make a potty run…I go upstairs…peek in the bedroom and DAMN it…she’s asleep ON THE BED spooning Jules!
Hahaha! Well, AO has made her preference known! First think ya’ know AO will be kicking YOU out of the bed…
“Wait for it…” has become a catch phrase-in this instance it seems perfect!For the light to arrive,change and glow that way just as you were struggling from having been without it-well,just WOW!Beauty unfeigned and untouched in person or in photos has something deeper than impact,it has a lasting effect .Thank you for delivering that.
Last evening’s mist and dried flowers,moon – art-pure and simple!My yard looks that way often.I know the mud,gloom and waiting has the potential to be dreary and wear on your patience,that you manage to find and share beauty through it is a gift
Yeah, I could’ve waited for the rest of the show. I thought it was over when it was intermission! Isn’t it amazing that the same sky seen from the same place can go through such transformations. Such dramatic color changes.
Thank you for your words of appreciation. It’s a pleasure to share what I see.
The sky’s transformation here came overnight-by this morning everything in it seemed to be having a field day!Brilliant light made me use both hands to shield my eyes from it to locate the source of all the noise.A golden eagle with a wing span the length of a small car arced overhead in broad circles,crows that would also win competitions for size in their species excitedly soared among incredibly tall tree tops below it.The sheer volume of their calls added to the atmosphere of bringing the year’s best to be seen,heard,tasted-morning coffee’s always worth a prize in my book…it’s a blue ribbon day again here.Hope yours turns into whatever you want it to,Sue.As you recently said “This is the life!” … 🙂
Wow! What a way to start the day, weather! The calls of eagles and ravens …. *sigh* Priceless!
Let me tell you something about a raven… My dreams are usually a jumble of images with too many crazy plots and subplots to make any sense out of them. Last night I had the rare dream that was simple and understandable..
A raven circles over a clearing similar to the one in which Bridget and I are presently camped. It’s making the usual croaking, chortling calls as it goes round and round. I stand watching, wondering why it only flies in a circle. Why doesn’t it fly across the sky? Lo and behold, the raven is tethered by a string that is anchored by a boot stuck in mud.
I think I need that dang door fixed so we can stop circling and fly away. Haha!
Here’s to a wonderful, blue-ribbon day!
What I note differently in your reply is that you watch and wonder why something remains tethered instead of flying across the sky.As though at every level of consciousness you celebrate having reached for and attained a dream-and hope everyone does ! 🙂 I think we both do,that wonderful part of your toast is already true…
Hmm… I hadn’t thought of that. You’re a good dream-reader, weather.
🙂 thanks,kinda comes with the turf in my world,ya know? 😉
Wish and you shall receive. Absolutely amazing photos….and I do love the last one. It has been a bit nippy here and it did rain a wee bit two nights ago. We had a big yard sale here today….fun, fun, fun. I have to tell ya…I am soooooo tired with so much to do here. I am working on the quilt I started 36 years ago…yep. One of the gals here, Shirley, took me to Mexico and I have joined in most of the activities. I love playing cards and there is a lot of that going on here. Humm, Mexican Dominos…that darn train and I do NOT get along AT ALL!!! LOL. I have been praying that the “third time is the charm” on your door. Pretty sure it will be perfect. See, with the lull you caught up on your expenses!!! How perfect is that???? Hope tomorrow is 75 and perfect for you and Queenie!
Kystina! I can’t believe it! I was thinking of you this very minute, wondering how things were going with you in Wellton, and here you are! It sounds like you’ve been having a great time at that park, meeting people, plenty to do, and you even went to Mexico!
Thanks for the prayers… Not everyone can say they have prayers being said on behalf of their dented door! 🙂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself. Yeah, 75 would be nice.
Beautiful job on the photos Sue! Photography is all about the light and you really do capture it wonderfully. That last photo is especially magical, the composition is outstanding. Thank you for sharing your view of the world!
You’re welcome, Linda in Austin (That’s Texas for you international folks)…
You give nice compliments. Lots of details. 🙂
Oh, my, and I’ve been whining about having warm, sunny mid 70’s weather.
Central Calif people were in shorts everywhere today. I’m thinking its, December
and where is some frosty, cold, snugly coat weather!
Guess I best be grateful. Dark, chilly days are only nice for a bit.
I enjoy whatever you post…. It’s all good!
Hi, Linda a.,
So true… people in sunshine and shorts want cool weather, the people with cloudy skies and cold want sunshine.
Which is why living in a home you can move with the weather makes a lot of sense! Thanks for the encouragement in your last line.
Loved the last photo on this entry, Sue…that is one that would look very nice framed on a wall someplace!!
Thank you, Elizabeth.
I’m here in Ohio. We have to appreciate whatever weather we get. If it’s not two or three different kinds in a day we have to check where we are. I appreciate all the pictures, but especially the two with the pink light. I don’t see much of that color here.
Hi, Calvin R.,
I hadn’t thought of that, knew it and forgot it — that some parts of the country rarely see pink in the sky, especially in November which is notorious for being grey. Thanks for the appreciation.
I stole that last pic to use as my desktop…so peaceful!
Yea you got the superhitch order:)))
Frenchie!
You’re the one who ordered the superhitch…. Thank you very much!
I scan my daily earnings report and as my gaze goes down the earnings column I blurt out, “Holy cow!” I almost choke on my coffee!
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in going to Amazon from here.
It’s our pleasure! The only thing it costs is one extra click:)) I get everything through your site and I have trained my BF to do the same (he’s the one that ordered the hitch technically)
Ah Sue. “Get your shopping done”. lol! Have you been listening in on my brain?! I’m setting myself for a real-life version of the nightmare where it’s Christmas morning but nothing has been baked or bought or wrapped. But my tree is up, thanks to my daughter and granddaughter. I will get things done in time, but I truly am trying to take things more calmly and smaller than in past years. And reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures does have a calming affect. I’m glad I found you!
Hi, Pat in Roc (That’s Rochester, NY to y’all),
I used to have that nightmare! Christmas arriving and I wasn’t ready, everyone disappointed and mad. It’s in the same nightmare category as getting on the school bus and realizing I forgot to put on underwear. That dream plagued me for most of 2nd grade.
You’re glad you found me and I’m glad I found you, Roc. Good luck staying calm and doing what is important for the holidays.
ohhhhhhh, dreams….some are real nightmares!!
Dear Sue –
Your photos are TRULY AMAZING!!!
We, the readers of your blog, are so fortunate that you allow us to share in these most spectacular moments!
Thank you!
As for “relaxing”, I always read your blog at night, in bed, with my sleep mask at the ready on my forehead!
I often drift off to sleep imagining myself out there on the road again!
Thank you for keeping my dream alive!
Lynn
Hi, Lynn,
You’re welcome. It’s very satisfying for me to know my blog helps people follow their dream.
Funny how I try to make my blog entries interesting and exciting and mostly they end up being relaxing and peaceful… except maybe the episode when the bear tried to get inside the BLT.
I guess that shows that blogs are an expression of who the blogger is. I’ve always been low-energy, never been one for frenzy.
RVSue and her canine crew — the blog that puts you to sleep! Haha!
Hi Missy, Your last photo reflects your artistic eye as much as your photography. Anyone can take a photo, but not all of us can “see” a great photo opportunity. You do both very well. That pic is my new desktop! Thanks…..
Thanks, Jim! I hope you and Detta are bright and happy this morning. We have to make our own sunshine these days. 🙂
When I opened up the last photo on my laptop, one of my first thoughts was “Jim will use this one for his new desktop wallpaper.” I have it on my screen, too!
You know my tastes Missy. I have that desktop on both my “puters”. You know what many never learn in photography, never be afraid to move in close for the shot. So many “lose” the subject of the photo by taking in a wide screen that doesn’t pertain to the object of interest. It will be 75 here today and I was out watering plants at 7 in full sunshine. Have a great day.
Me three!!!
Yup, that would be our Arizona skies for you. The light at daybreak and dusk frequently provides wonderful opportunities for amazing photos. I love that last picture. An eerie, almost supernatural quality about it that provides a magical feeling for me. Great composition!
Being a ‘Zonie, I find myself becoming irritable and cranky if the sun doesn’t shine for several days in a row. A lot of us ‘Zonies don’t handle this prolonged, damp, grey weather very well. It’s like we’re off balance or something is out of wack. I guess the sun really is the center of our universe here on the deserts. We seem to need it to function well.
I appreciate the efforts you put into providing us with your money reports. It’s so helpful to know that living on less is certainly possible without becoming a hardship. It is something that almost prevented me from taking to the road next year, but seeing your expense reports has helped my dream grow into a reality. Thank you for your disclosures, Sue.
Here’s to some warm, sunny days in Arizona–hopefully sooner than later.
Be well and travel safely. A love pat to HRH, Miss Bridget.
Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
You make a good point about Zonies…. as I consider myself an honorary Zonie, I expect sunshine and blue skies Every Day When In Arizona.
Thanks for the compliment on my photography.
About the money reports… glad you appreciate them… One of the reasons I put up our itinerary on the same page as our income and expenses is to remind folks that “living on less and enjoying life more” happens when one can enjoy life without habitual spending. In other words, living well on a limited income requires the ability to find enjoyment in those things that are free. (The free things are more enriching anyway!)
Thanks for giving me an opening to say that… You be well, too.
I figured you were getting drenched last this afternoon. It sure looked dark off your direction and the sun was starting to set. – John in Mesa
Hi, John in Mesa, (east side of Phoenix, Arizona, almost due west of our camp)
Nope, no rain here yesterday. I saw the dark, too. From here it was mostly to the north, although I admit I had my face in my laptop or Paperwhite most of the day with the curtains drawn, so what do I know.
Sky is clear today…
This was actually a fun post. You built suspense, then ended with laughter. I liked it. Have a great night, you two.
Hi, Teresa,
Love the feedback! I didn’t realize that’s what I did. Thanks for the good thought — Bridget and I did have a good night. Slept like logs.
Hi Sue, Great photo’s as usual and loved the last one of the dried flowers with white light. You always manage to find beauty everywhere you go.
I was wondering if you use a lock on the coupler of your BLT when you go shopping and leave it where you are boondocking? I had a weird dream that my trailer got stolen so first thing this morning I went to Home Depot and bought a Reeses coupler lock. I feel better about it being parked away from me now. Curious about what you do.
Hope the sunshines bright tomorrow in AZ. hugs Deb
Hi, Deb,
Yes, you have to put a lock on the coupler. I have the one that came with the BLT from the factory. Every time I unhitch and then level, I lock that lock. In other words, I don’t wait until I’m going to leave camp for a while. The more things I can make habitual, the part of routine, the less likely I’ll forget.
Good for you for getting the lock right away… Your dream was spot on!
🙂
There is something about those cold, damp winter days in Arizona that just get to your core! I moved to Arizona in February and was greeted by a stretch of four days like that. My response was to promptly get sick! I remember sitting in front of the fire place attempting to warm up. It didn’t work!
Love your shots of the Arizona light! They really are quite good!
I’ve been busy downsizing, etc. for my big move into my RV by the end of February. Wondering if when I get to the finish line I’ll still be sane!
Hope the sun comes out soon so you can dry out!
Deborah, have you made anything interesting in the Wonderbag after the split pea soup? I just checked your blog and did not see anything new. I think I want a Wonderbag, but am interested in your further experience before I click buy. thanks
Hi Velda! I didn’t think about it until your question but clearly I do need to do an update to the Wonderbag post! I’ve used it several times now, all for soups and that kind of stuff. (I’ve got a whole chicken in the freezer. Maybe I should experiment cooking that in the Wonderbag!) The other day I made a pot of beef barley soup. My plan was to just cook it on top of the stove. After getting all the ingredients together in the pot I realized that stove top cooking was a dumb idea when I had the Wonderbag. So I put the pot inside the bag and let it finish cooking in there. The soup was cooked to perfection and the best part was that I didn’t have to watch over it or clean up cooked on barley later on. The beef, I should mention, was “falling off the bone” tender.
I am happy I bought mine. Storing it, for me, is easier than storing a crock pot since I can toss the Wonderbag anywhere. Right now it sits on top of a dining room chair but in the RV it will live in the unused over cab area. I don’t have to worry about it falling over and breaking and, if needed, it would serve as a very good pillow for a pillow fight!
Bottom line – I’m still loving it and if it works for your type of cooking I would heartily recommend it!
Hi,, Deborah,
No, you won’t be sane when you make your “big move” into your RV. You will be insanely excited! Believe me, I know.
Thanks re: the photos. Glad you like them.
Well, damp cold is damp cold… no matter where it hits you. I remember living in upstate NY… It was July before I felt my bones warmed. But then I was a skinny little kid at the time…
Wishing you sunshine, too!
Sue, I was going to mention how I live in the Sunshine State so of course there’s aways sun – except today! It is nasty overcast here in the moment but it is still warmer so actually quite comfortable!
Okay, so we’ve established that sanity is not even an option evidently! Good! So I now know not to even bother to strive for it! My mom continues to do her very slow descent toward leaving this world and that is probably the most difficult thing I’m going through. Downsizing is a breeze in comparison! I am always exhausted both physically and emotionally. Your blog is a constant reminder that there is another world out there to be explored and I am in deep gratitude for that! Thank you!
What you are going through right now with your mother must be heart-breaking. At the same time you are planning a big change in your life… talk about mixed emotions! I wish you strength and wisdom and comfort during this chapter.
Okay, change of subject —
BTW, for readers wondering what a wonderbag is, here’s a link (I meant to put it in a reply above):
Wonderbag Non-Electric Portable Slow Cooker with Recipe Cookbook, Blue Batik
Thanks, Sue. There are days when I’m quite excited mixed with days I don’t want to get out of bed. The finish line looms not too far in the distance now and I keep hoping I make it there in time! Yesterday I had a moment when I felt the freedom of just driving. Those are the moments I treasure and hold on to to help compensate for the other moments. Also, it helps when I get to watch Picasso (my Havanese dog) love on my mom and her smile as she takes in his love for her. Of course it is heartbreaking to watch my mom when she can’t breathe or hear her talk about her fear of passing. Not for the faint of heart, for sure!
HUGS, Deborah, for you are going through the most difficult of all….something none of us look forward to!!
The last pic shows your genius for composition. It’s a stunning example of taking what’s available and making something special with it.
And just think of the satisfaction you’re feeling in getting the money reports more up to date. I think you’d be amazed if you took a poll to see how many folks have used those reports to give them an idea of what they can do if they try.
What a lovely compliment in your first paragraph, Reine. Thank you.
The second paragraph is pretty nice, too. 🙂
I hope people who see those reports and decide they can live on a budget like mine, examine and evaluate their spending habits over a lifetime.
I didn’t become frugal on the day of my retirement. I learned in childhood to go without material things. Not to say one has to have the same life history… just that it’s a big jump to go from loving the mall and restaurants and picking up trinkets in gift shops and collecting lots of stuff and all that…. to being happy the way I live.
Best wishes to you, Paul, the pregnant people, and all your family!
Hopefully all of your readers will understand that living on less is a lifestyle that you develop, not something that just happens. I really think the key is living BENEATH your means and stashing the part you don’t spend for future/emergency use. That way surprises like your door episode become aggravations instead of catastrophes. And the key to living beneath your means is learning to be CONTENT with what you have. If you can’t be happy with what you have, you’ll never be happy with more. 🙂
Very true and well said.
Enjoyed the “rhythm” of this post — it had a different feel to it. When you said that photoshop effects spoil us for the real thing, I thought, “Boy, reality ain’t what it used to be.” Sounds like something Yogi Berra would say! Now that would be deja vu all over again.
I got my Sue Henry book about the woman who solves mysteries while traveling in her RV with Stretch, her doxie. And this Sue does have an RV and a doxie! It is light & enjoyable reading, but nothing you couldn’t write. Hmmmmm.
I’ve read many of the Sue Henry Mysteries, love her stories!
Hi, Gayle,
I should try a Sue Henry book. On its face, it doesn’t seem like my kind of reading, but I won’t know until I give it a try.
No, reality hasn’t changed… It still has its subtleties… 🙂
And you seem to find them!
Nice pictures. I am in the market for a new camera and have searched your blog to see what camera you use to no avail. Would you mind to share. Thanks 🙂
Hi, Robin,
I’m sorry you had an unproductive search. To prevent that from happening frequently, I’m working on a FAQs page. You give me an opportunity to show a preview…
Q) What camera do you use and are you happy with it?
A) After my previous camera was rained on during 2014, I replaced it with a Panasonic LUMIX, DMC-FZ70 model with 60X optical zoom. It has a 3-inch LED screen in addition to a view finder. I am very pleased with the camera, although I haven’t as yet explored its many features.
You can see and read about my camera here:
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70 16.1 MP Digital Camera
I just love the first two,photos, it looks like the hill tops have been powdered with gold dust…
I am in a gold dust kind of mood..I just returned from spending two days in Columbia at the state park, it is time for one of our fund raisers. We have a winter event that called Lamplight, we take groups of tourists walking around town to various venues where they witness/participate in snippets of life in old gold mining Columbia, takes just over an hour and ends at a party where they can participate in period dancing, have refreshments..and warm up!
Friday evening it was cold, cloudy, drizzly and the poor folks that braved the weather were very subdued…tonight it was crisp, the moon was out and people were full of fun and laughter…even at night the weather influences us! It was actually warmer Friday evening due to the cloud cover…so go figure!
My job was to trail behind the group providing light with a lantern and keep folks from straying in the dark all while wearing a corset and a long dress… Loved the laughter and good cheer tonight.. Hope good thoughts for all ou you blogorinos and you Sue!
I’m not all that far from Columbia, if you mean the town near where gold was found. I had not heard of the event. If you think about it next year maybe you could mention in advance. I’d love to come up.
Velda
Yep, that’s the town, and will mention events beforehand!
Thanks Lee, it would be fun to meet there.
Hi, Lee J.,
It’s a delight to read about someone participating in something that they truly enjoy. You provide a lot of entertainment, education, and exercise in a fun way. Kudos to you for doing this and thank you for sharing the event here so more people know about it.
Sounds like people have a lot of fun at the party! “Loved the laughter and good cheer tonight.”… A great way to get in the holiday spirit!
You gained a personal experience of what it was like to be a woman then… “wearing a corset and a long dress.” Fun for a short while…
Good thoughts your way, too, Lee!
Speechless… I often have that effect on people.
Great photos! I did my holiday shopping on your amazon site! Now I am relaxed and almost done shopping! Win-win 🙂
Hi, Kellee,
Thanks re: the photos and thanks for the Christmas present! Definitely win-win…
Great photos! Always enjoy your posts. Bridget looks just like my Rat Terrier , Cookiedoe. I miss my old Scamp trailer, but 4 little dogs keep me homebound for now.
Cookiedoe? Oh my, how cute is that! Nice to hear from you Patricia…
Hi Sue, That last picture is so lovely. The gold in the first two is amazing. It actually glows.
Cold and damp here in upstate NY. Drove to the Adirondacks yesterday for the afternoon. The fog and mist surrounding the mountains has a beauty of it’s own – a monochromatic landscape of blues and grays and the essence of timelessness. We have to enjoy it a bit, otherwise we spend the entire winter waiting for spring.
Hope you hear soon from the body shop. I know you are getting restless.
Well, I have to get ready for church. Take care. Blessings!
Hi, Applegirl,
I remember you saying you went walking in the woods on a snowy cold day, that it was too soon to hole up inside making the winter seem longer. Very smart and you didn’t miss the beauty of fog and mist on the mountains.
Thank you for seeing the beauty in my photos.
Good morning Sue! Your photos are gorgeous! The pink sky, gold hills & silhouettes are unique in their own ways–it’s interesting to me that it seems like more people have commented on the silhouette photo. Being in a place where we can see the sky unimpeded by trees is going to be a lot of fun! We might even be able to brush up on the constellations!
Caved in this morning and washed my hair. I’m thinking about trying the “no-poo”–as in no-shampoo–thing. I always chicken out on the fourth day. Next weekend will have to have the baking soda concoction & vinegar ready. It seems to be a good thing for your hair & it would be great for boondocking. It’s a big shift. But hey–change is good, right?
Ear skritches to Miss Bridget–I would call her dumpling too. Have a very good day. Hope your door comes in tomorrow–you are the very model of patience. But the waiting room has a lot going for it.
Hi, Dawn,
I’ve never tried that no-shampoo method of cleaning hair, although I’ve used the no-shampoo method of letting-it-go… Haha! I need to have mine cut because it is a big pain washing it in a basin. My head looks like a jumbo cantelope with my hair in a ponytail.
Thanks for the compliment and for the wish that this waiting for a door to be over.
You just created a hilarious picture in my mind, Sue!
Oh you funny, funny girl. Laughing here in AZ!!
I’ve been using baking soda for my hair for over a year now and its been wonderful. A lifetime of itchy head and dandruff that no medicated shampoo (or any other) could fix gone in a few times of using a small amount of baking soda and water. I estimate I use about 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a 8 oz plastic squeeze bottle filled with water (only use maybe two tablespoons of the water and soda per wash). Wet hair, then squeeze a little here and there and scrub as I would with shampoo. It’s common that the first time or two you will get sudsing, because of leftover shampoo residue, then after that no suds. I think we are programmed to expect suds but suds does not always equate clean. Anyhow, I rub the solution into scalp and hair then rinse. My hair is squeaky clean. Once in a while I then use cider vinegar and water mix as a rinse and it leaves hair extra soft. I thought my friend had lost her mind when she suggested trying it, but I never looked back after the first couple of times. I grew up with oily hair within a couple of days of washing and this helps a lot, or seems to. I just like that I am not using harsh chemicals they put in commercial shampoo,and better yet that my head no longer itches constantly, and then there is the no more buying pricey medicated shampoo. I know the reluctance to try it, somehow you have this background thought that you are not getting your head clean. Won’t take but a time or two and you will see how well it works. A tiny box of baking soda is still under a buck most places and will last possibly half a year or more with this method. For RVers there is the added benefit that it takes much less water to rinse the baking soda water out of hair and you are not harming the environment though I probably would still not wash in a lake or stream and rinse there. Clean hair, really cheap, easy on scalp, easy on environment, no worry of spill in RV, what’s not to like!? LOL if you have any questions, I will be happy to try to answer.
Here’s hair soap I found …
J.R. Liggett Bar Shampoo, Jojoba and Peppermint,
Velda, you’re my no-poo angel! Thank you so much for your detailed instructions. I’ve got my 8 ounce squeeze bottle and will begin next weekend! How often do you ‘wash’ your hair? Have you ever used the vinegar/water more than once a month? Cheap, fast & easy–my kind of hair care…or just about anything, really!
I wash my hair about every other day. I work out at Curves Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so shower after I get home plus maybe once on weekend. Wash hair at same time. I keep a same size bottle on the shower shelf with organic cider vinegar and water and grab and use it, maybe couple of times a month. No real pattern. You can also use fresh lemon juice and water to rinse, but I don’t feel any particular need for rinse after wash and water rinse. I think frequency of wash will depend on time of year and your daily activities. Hope that helps. Going two or even three days between washing is not the problem it was when using shampoo and having a itchy scalp. You will get a feel for it soon.
Velda, forgot to ask. Has the no-poo method you use changed your hair in any way. I’ve seen things online about people’s hair becoming thicker & softer–how has that been for you?
My hair does not get oily as quickly and is soft. Texture wise I have always had pretty good hair though it’s not as thick as it was when I was younger and is no longer the brunette it was. I am happy with it and only colored a few times in my early 40’s when I was having my grey pointed out and was not the confident I am today. No perms either as they break out my scalp. Fine with me to skip the perm.
Oh, Velda! I stopped getting my hair dyed after 20+ years of doing so. I’m enbracing my gray! I admire your confidence with gray hair…not quite there yet. It’s good to know that I can use the baking soda no-poo poo during a shower. I won’t miss the itchy scalp. It sounds as if you had a lot of problems with your scalp–so glad to hear they’re all gone! Thanks to you, I’m eager to go no-poo!
After years of itchy scaley rashes on my scalp and ears, mainly due to the sulfates in shampoos, I gave that no-poo formula a try and the rashes went away! However, my husband complained that my hair didn’t smell fresh anymore. It didn’t smell dirty. It just didn’t smell good. I tried many no sulfate shampoos before finding Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo Mango. There’s a matching conditioner too. Love these! My hair is silky soft and shiny, still no rash on my ears and scalp, and my husband likes how my hair smells again. Oh, you can buy them through Amazon too!
Here’s the Amazon link… Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Mango.
Sue
I find it odd your husband did not think it smelled “fresh” since baking soda is commonly used as a deodorizer for things such as laundry and fridge. Is it possible what he was missing is fragrances in the shampoos? I just asks my hubby and he says my hair smells fine to him. I can’t sniff my hair as I wear it quite short! Lol
There is a very light fragrance in this shampoo, so maybe it was the fragrance he was missing. I can’t smell my own short hair either. I really do like the shampoo though.
Another way to do ‘no poo’ is to use special hair soap made from all sorts of good things. I get mine online from chagrin valley (Google it). They sell sample bars, which last for several weeks. I got three samples I’m working through and my hair is getting better and better. Then do Apple cider vinegar rinse.
Sorry Ginger but I disagree. Shampoo is a type of soap in my thinking and soap is soap and therefore can’t be termed no poo. But , that said everyone needs to do what is best for their own needs and hair. I just choose not to use soap/ shampoo. It amazes me how many things my Mom tried on my poor head when I was young to stop dandruff when simple baking soda which she had in cupboard could solve it.
Here is the website for the hair soap…
http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com
Hi Ginger,great to hear your hair has joined the list of things getting better for you!Purple Prairie Botanicals Rosemary Mint and Mountain Fresh Soaps Organic all natural Artisan shampoo bars from Amazon are great,too.The latter can be used safely on pets and cleaning in general-comes in assorted wonderful scents in a cloth bag makes a nice gift ..Maybe Sue can put a link here,if not ,try typing it in the Amazon search box on this page if you’d like to check it out
I found this at Amazon along with several other products by the same company:
Purple Prairie Botanicals Rosemary Mint Conditioning Shampoo Bar
These look amazing, DG. Which are your favorites? They must smell heavenly!
Every one I have tried is nice. I’m using herb garden right now. There are several that are supposed to help thinning hair and I’m working my way through those.
Those gorgeous scenes are gifts from Nature and you have developed the photographic eye to capture their essence. That’s what it’s all about!
Thanks for the shopping reminder. I’ll get to it on Amazon later today 🙂
Yay! We have another RVSue shopper revving up! 🙂 Thanks, Marcia.
Funny about the photos. I’m at a loss for photos for the blog and Nature peeks in the window and says, “Here ya’ go! Try these!”
Excellent photos Sue, light makes all the difference! I really like the last shot with the dried seed heads, excellent composition! As for photo editing, since I have dabbled (and earned money from the trade) in graphic arts and design its hard to resist sharpening, cropping, zooming, enhancing etc. I got a third place win in a photography contest at the Rainbow Bridge Arch in Lake Powell…I framed it along with my letter from the Superintendent of the US Dept. of the Interior!! LoL…(I won a tee shirt and ball cap)
I actually created my own “fix it” program in Paint Shop Pro…its brings the photo up to more like what I saw with my own eyes as the camera doesn’t always capture it as well as my eyes can. I shoot in RAW format, sometimes, and you actually have to edit in this format its not even suitable for printing right out of the camera…its like a “blank-er canvas” so to speak… I’m a HUGE fan (groupie) of photographers!! Like, for instance, Tom Till (he has a shop in Moab Utah), Daryl Hunter in Jackson Hole Wyo, Bill Ratcliff Cedar City Utah, Chikku Baiju Phoenix AZ, Izzy Standbridge of the UK, Darren White Littleton CO, I have followed these photographers for years online, others like Guy Schmickle of Sedona, AZ I’ve followed his work for a few years he is now getting recognition and being published in mags such as Arizona Highways my most favorite and the only magazine I subscribe to, there are many debates on editing…pros and cons its all good! There are other amateur photographers I’ve followed on Flickr who have become recognized as tops in the field, they have blossomed into top notch photographers as I’ve watched their growth….and its amazing to see a photographer grow!! Either way photography is just the most wonder invention of man in my opinion right up there with air conditioning..Ha!! Trust me all the pros edit–
Congratulations, Sondra, on winning the photo contest! That kind of recognition is grand. I get my recognition from blogorinos… It feels good to know your photos are appreciated.
About photo editing… Sure, the pros and amateurs and those in-between use photo editing. I do, too. What I was referring to were photos that are over-enhanced in my opinion. Gosh, I look at the photos and think . . .Good heavens, grass is never that green. Road signs are not that bright. Flowers are not neon. The landscapes look plastic. Too slick, too perfect. Know what I mean?
I realize I don’t have any photographic training but I have had a lot of experience looking at the natural world and it doesn’t need amplification, IMHO, although I’m not trying to stop anyone from doing so.
Maybe I’ll change my mind as I grow in photography. At the point I’m at now, I want my photos to be as close as possible to what I see, even if the photo is not as spectacular as it would be with editing, because my purpose is to bring people into my experiences. Sometimes I enhance, but that’s usually to correct my poor photography skills.
Like my blog, I prefer to keep it real… warts and all.
Gee, are most of the good photographers men? Or are the women photographers not as inclined to promote themselves? Hmm….
Sue, in regard to your last comment – I do believe more men get “into” photography than women. Yeah, there are lots of women photographers but there are definitely more men. I was just in a camera store yesterday and I was surrounded by men. There was one other woman there but she was “attached” to a man, clearly there for him. The men I’ve seen are usually involved in the technical side of photography. Women, while paying homage to the technical, seem to move past that into the art side more readily. Just my observation but I know I’m usually very outclassed once the boys start to talk all their technical stuff although my images can beat the pants off of theirs! So, yes, perhaps you are correct – women are just more quiet about their photography for the most part while men are quite busy pixel peeping and talking about it! (As an aside, I love the fact that this is my one interest where I can actually find men involved!)
Another factor, which may or may not apply to photography… Men are more likely to have money for toys like expensive lenses.
Izzy is a female, she is an extremely good wildlife photographer, which is what I enjoy photographing too and its always a challenge!! Animals dont stand still and pose for the camera..lol
I know what you mean. I’m happy if I can catch an animal completely in the frame. Beyond that takes a miracle.
Oh Sue I loved your parting shot! Awesome! The golden light on the mts is superb and natural, Mother Nature is great, huh. I too have just gotten back from tent camping in the mountains in the fog, cold and rain…at least we were prepared and had a great fire.
I can relate to your situation… Thank you for your posts. As ever, take Care Sue and Crewet.
You’re welcome, Diane,
Ooh, tent camping in fog, cold, and rain… Yes, I’m glad you were prepared. I wish I had done some tent camping in my younger years. Living in Florida and then Georgia I couldn’t see leaving A/C to camp in humidity… I was meant to be a Westerner, darn it!
Thank you for your note of appreciation for the Arizona light pics!
This westerner is glad you joined us in the west! I so much enjoy your blog, the Blogerinos, and Esp your photography. It’s like a mini vacation when each post arrives.
Thanks for the tax answer. Beautiful pictures, too! We got our paperwhites and are all set! I prefer my Fire for indoor reading, though. Maybe cause I am used to it. Have a lovely day!
Hi, Terri,
You’re welcome, although it was Ed Frey who did the explaining. I appreciate you asking because that generated Ed’s reply which I’m putting in the Frequently Asked Questions page, now in draft stage. Might as well. I couldn’t write anything worthwhile about taxes.
Not that people ask about my taxes frequently, but I don’t want to have to try to answer a tax question in the future!
Interesting that you prefer your Fire for indoor reading. I’ve never tried the Fire…
I’m promoting a sale going on this week for adult and children Fires . . .
You likely know this already, but I had my paperwhite for weeks before I realized I could dim the lighting for indoor and night time reading. Makes it perfect (for me) for reading in any light.
Great info, Jodee!
Very nice photos. Original is many times the best photo. I am having tow vehicle problems too. I hope yours is resolved soon and you can get further southwest.
It is going to be a beautiful day here at Darby Well road near Ajo.
Hi, Doug,
Nice to see you here! Sorry to hear you’re having tow vehicle problems. I hope yours are gone soon.
So you want us to go further southwest? We will get there someday this winter. Ah, Ajo . . . a lovely place. It may turn out beautifully sunny here also, although probably cooler than where you are.
Thanks for appreciating my photos, Doug.
Thanks for the pretty Arizona sunset pictures. We’ve been east of the big river since 2011 and miss those sunsets. Nothing like them in Tennessee.
If you get a chance to mosey south east towards Patagonia and then east to the Chiricahuas there are some spectacular views in the SE AZ corner.
HI, Candace,
Lots of mountains in Tennessee to get in the way of sunset light. Although those mountains are beautiful… I’m glad you like my photos.
I want to explore southeast AZ. I haven’t managed to go that way in the warm months. I’m always heading northward during summer. Right now the NF campgrounds and boondocking areas are higher elevation and too cold, I’m afraid.
I’ve seen photos of the area taken by Al of The Travels of the Bayfield Bunch and also Nina’s of Wheeling it blog. “Spectacular views” indeed!
That nearly straight line of bright light is just magical! For the sun to have no obstructions between its setting and that range of hills is pretty amazing in itself 🙂 Although more dreary than a clear sky, that overcast is giving you such a palette of colors to enjoy – and us as well!
Now, sit at the laptop and say “I wish I had a picture of the completely repaired PTV to put in my blog.” Doing this on a weekday might help 🙂
Great idea, Jodee! I should’ve thought of that last week!
The landscape in the west allows something that delights me. I went out to greet the morning today and the sun was rising and the moon was setting at the same time. Well, not really but you know what I mean… I could look one way and see the sun, turn around and see the full moon. Neat!
Hi all! Having a quiet day. Got sunshine here but it’s coolish. I’m making chili for our chili cook off competition this evening. My chili has chunks of beef (sirloin) and black beans and lots of other good stuff. I don’t really like ground beef in chili. Beyond that I’m reading a good book and doing homework…studying for finals this week.
I want to get to Patagonia. I can’t really go to mountains…hard on my COPD. Wish I could.
If it gets warmer this week I can finally get back in pool….my wound is healed! Had my last dressing change Friday. Hooray!
Inch by inch…I’m working my way back. Now to get my gastric sleeve…then I’ll really be on my way to a better me!
Lots of wonderful news from you, Ginger!
Your chili sounds good. My DH likes to use cut beef too rather than ground, or ideally he likes to coarse grind using his meat grinder. So glad to hear you are finally healed wound wise. Have a friend in Golden Valley near Kingman who is trying to get her hip surgery healed, which opened a bit and got infected. Enjoy the pool when you get to that. And best luck on the finals!
Love that last picture!
Thanks, FLKamper!
I’m pleased to let you know your ITV door worries are over. My wife told me your predicament and I got you a door the other night, and it’s already white! Actually, I got you both doors, because we weren’t sure which one was damaged. As I already said, they’re white and all you’ll have to do is paint over the orange “Ex” on one of them and the indigo “Fed” of the other. No need to thank us – the van was unused and all I had to do was climb the barbed wire fence. It was worth the risk to keep reading your wonderful blog.
Um, I don’t know what to make of your comment… Are you kidding me or are you serious? Did you steal two doors from a Fed Ex truck?
huh?
Texas humor?
Hmmmm…..interesting indeed!
Climbing back over the barbed wire fence with two doors ought to have been a sight!
How’s he going to send the doors to me in Arizona… by Fed Ex?
OK-at this point I’ve been literally sitting on the edge of my seat for 20 minutes waiting to see what comes of the comment above this re fed ex doors!Sure hope an answer shows up soon.While I enjoy a little excitement on here- this opens the door(pun intended) to a whole new level of that!
I must admit the picture of a blogorino climbing over barbed wire to burgle Fed Ex has a certain charm — oh, the devotion to my blog!
As an amateur photographer I do little to enhance my photos apart from cropping for competition and putting a border on them. I do quite well within the competition at my club…………..had to feel a little annoyed the other day when a fellow member put a photo in, that I had taken also, the same morning and in the same foggy conditions. He had enhanced it to the point the fog had taken on a red orange glow and it was awarded top marks. The month before I had put in much the same photo (boat and a pelican in the fog on the river) and it had no enhancement…..the judge gave it a lower mark. Disappointed yes, I was…………….but I still maintain beauty is in the eye of the beholder and really composition of the photo is what really counts. I love all your photos Sue!
Hi, Glenda,
That must have been infuriating for you! I don’t know much about the world of photography and I know absolutely nothing about the world of photo competitions…. Seems to me there needs to be categories for judging, real photos and plasticized photos. Or something like that.
What a shame to go to the trouble of entering the competition and to have the anticipation of doing well to be shot down by entries made through manipulation of a software program.
This connects with the long time discussion of what is art? Is technology art? And it certainly raises the question: What is fair in a photo competition?
Keep on keeping it real, Glenda.
Totally agree Sue………seems today anything goes and the better tech you are the higher accolades you get………but I like what I do and you as well…keeping it real!
YEAH!
Oh and Sue that last photo is brilliant!
Thanks, Glenda.
And, as you are aware, that moody-blue sky is the blue I experienced (not a grey sky I made blue using Picasa!).
Sue
Your photography is getting better and better. No need to post process. Love the moon photo.
Thanks, KentW.
Hi Sue
My husband was joking about the Fed Ex doors-they were UPS. Where do you want them sent?
Yes-he is a jokester but he does read your blog!
Hi, Terri,
It’s good to know your husband was joking and not a wing-nut you married for his money.
I don’t want UPS doors! They’re brown!
Hello, The Spouse of Terri from Texas!
Thanks for reading my blog…. and congratulations on becoming a blogorino!
Gorgeous pictures!! The first one looks like a mountain of gold.
Hi, Mert,
It’s not a great picture composition-wise… I wanted to show how the mountain seemed to be lit from within. It does look like “a mountain of gold” and since gold has been mined in this area, there might be some there!
Thanks for the compliment.
P.s. I am in January of 2013 on my back read. 🙂 good stuff!!
But I have to admit, all the wildlife is scary to me…. Maybe I should camp at the Hilton 😉
Hmm… January of 2013… We were in the desert… Coyotes!
Keep in mind as you read that the crew and I haven’t been hurt by wildlife in all the close encounters we’ve experienced across seven states.
I’m glad you’re enjoying those old posts, Mert.
I came across a pic of what I believe was the longest snake I have ever seen in my entire life lol
I had to close my eyes and scan away from that picture as fast as I could!
I may
So maybe the desert isn’t for me ?!?! For now, I will admire the beauty and peace through you until I can get over this terror I have with snakes ( and skip quickly over the pics of snakes) I sooo wish I could get over this phobia with them.
Mert
Part of my message didn’t post. The reason I am so afraid of snakes is as a child I stepped on a green snake barefooted. It wrapped around my leg My dad pulled it off and since then, I can not even see a picture of one, or watch them on tv. And seems the older I get. The more freaked out by them I have become!’ 🙁
I understand how that would cause a phobia. I’m sorry you had that experience. It would freak me out, too.
You can enjoy the desert. Just make sure you visit in the coldest part of winter when the snakes are asleep underground or off in boulders.
That was my next question. Is there a time when they are asleep 😉
Good morning. Sue, two of the kids want amazon gift cards–do you get credit for those? If so, I’ll go through your blog. I’m off to work for my 13th remaining day of work. Hope your door comes in today!
Sure! I get credit for gift cards. Hug the kids for me! 🙂
Hi again, Sue
My husband IS a nut, but he didn’t have any money when I married him. But, I married him anyway! What can I say, love is blind! 21 years and counting…
Congratulations to you both!
Sue, I just had to post how much I love the dried flower photo. I mostly lurk and enjoy keeping up with your adventures with Bridge. I just got a new camera so maybe I’m more attuned to photos now for inspiration, but that one in particular really spoke to me. Best to you and give the Bridge a hug from a FurMomma!!
Thank you, Millie. It’s nice to hear from you. Have lots of fun with your new camera!