Monday, May 7
Early this morning the crew and I go shopping. I pick up fence repair stuff: hardware cloth, tie wire, snips.
Also a few lawn and garden tools: loppers, leaf rake, hoe, 75-foot hose with nozzle.
A run-grab-pay-and-go for groceries: orange juice, a cantaloupe, avocados on sale, yogurt. Household stuff: smoke detector, trash can, sink stopper.
Over to the post office:
I pick up keys for our “cluster mailbox.” (Our first snail mail is a welcome letter from the gas company informing me an eighty dollar deposit is required in order to keep the gas flowing.)
We’re home again before 10 a.m.
“Time to thwart your plans, boys.”
I set to work closing the gaps in the fence.
I’m glad I’m a morning person because that’s the time to get things done when you live in southern Arizona!
Temperatures have been going into the 90s this week. I’m not liking my plan to live in the air conditioning of the BLT while connected to the house power. It doesn’t make sense.
For instance . . .
It’s 94 degrees outside. I walk into the house and it’s wonderfully cool. I check the digital thermometer at the thermostat: 77 degrees.
I should move into the house! Why do I think I need furniture? I’ve been living just fine with what I have in the BLT.
I spring into action.
Well, maybe “spring” isn’t the right word. After all, it is hot.
Methodically I transfer stuff from the BLT to the house. I place the cushions I’ve slept on for almost seven years on the floor of the back bedroom and make up my bed. I bring in the lounger, one of the plastic dressers, the computer table, the camp chair, and the crew’s beds.
I run the house air conditioner for an hour or so.
This is great! We will be very comfortable all summer. I’ll empty the BLT completely and give her a super cleaning.
That reminds me . . . .
This property enables me to give the BLT’s waste tanks a good flushing out. The house has an access to its septic system, what is commonly called “a clean-out.” Unfortunately it is in an inconvenient location where I need over 20 feet of sewer hose to reach it.
No problemo! I have an extension hose on its way from Amazon!
The transition . . .
Tonight will be our first night sleeping in the house!
Fresh from the shower and wearing a cotton nightie, I head out through the cool air to the Best Little Trailer. Suddenly, as I’m closing the door, I’m struck with a pang of . . . of what?
Sadness? No. Regret? Oh, no.
Never regret.
No, this is not the end. I’ll greet the morning in wild places again.
I’ll watch the sun send its rays through pine boughs or burst its bright light across desert washes.
No, there has to be more . . . .
Sunsets will turn this little home pink again. Grasslands will roll in gold before me. Through this window I’ll hear the timeless melodies of woodland streams, the sounds of nature’s nightlife.
The boys will sleep soundly, worn out from running and playing, while moonlit clouds float above. I’ll fall to sleep wondering where tomorrow’s road will take us and where our next home will be under the stars.
Good night, best little trailer. I’ll be back.
rvsue
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First?!
Oooo…”Goodnight little trailer I’ll be back” really gets to me. Yes you will be back! Everything has a season. Right now the season is in your house. The BLT with the extensive cleanout will get the mani/pedi that she deserves! How did the boys do sleeping in the house? You’ll still have beautiful sunrises and sunsets from your house windows. There are still more sunrises and sunsets to be seen from the BLT windows as well. Just starting a new chapter!
Glad you decided to move into the house, you and the boys will be more comfortable this summer!
hi Sue,
It looks like you are settling in. I wonder how long before the call of the wild will catch you? I enjoy your posting and will keep watching.
Darrell
Not sure what that bar is connected to in the first photo, but it would be a cool place to put a swing……..
Yes, You will greet the morning in wild places again!
Now that you have a “home place” you’ll probably find you take less stuff with you when you head into the wild.
Our new house is getting closer to completion. Once we close we will have a metal building built on the new Casita Pad at the end of the driveway and our Casita will have an inside home of her own. Lots of changes this year.
I find as I get older that comfort and convenience are much higher on my priority list.
I was reflecting on the fact that this “crew” will be meeting Nancy’s dog for the first time. So much has changed from your last huge transition. And yet so much has remained the same. I’m sure this will be both easy (showers!) and challenging (not so easy to get away from annoying neighbors; routine shopping expeditions; junk mail?) I’m hoping you will still find overcoming the challenges rewarding. But this seems to make perfect “sense” and I sense the anticipation of having family with you (while still being able to leave and return at will.)
I love that last photo. Perfect.
Hi, eliza,
So far the neighbors have kept to themselves. A few have introduced themselves and welcomed us as they found me in the front yard while they strolled past. I’m pleased it’s quiet here and very little light pollution.
this is wonderful. peaceful neighbors and starry starry nights.
Hi Sue,
I’ve been camping in the mountains, but I would drive within range of a cell tower to learn what the “news” was going to be. Hearty congratulations on the new home and having your sister in your life. I have no doubt that you will be back on the road again after settling in, but blogorinos everywhere are excited about the new chapter of RV Sue and Crew!
Hi, Sue –
Look at that beautiful IRIS cluster! Gorgeous. Enjoy – wherever you are. That’s what you do and I think you have been so helpful and influential for many of us. Thank you for all you share with us. Following along.
Pamelab – in Lubbock for now and then on to Houston, visiting family
Oh, nooo! No peeing on the purple iris!! 😀
Ha! So funny!
I didnt know what you meant then looked closer at the picture of the Iris’s and saw that what I thought were white flowers at their base were actually the boys doing their manly machinations!
Naughty boyz!
Regards,
Preston
I too, thought they were white flowers at first!
Hi Sue, great idea to move into the house. I’m sure it was a strange feeling not to be sleeping in the BLT after 7 years ! It must be wonderful to order stuff from Amazon at will 😀. I will say that is the one thing that has been a problem for me since I’ve been on the road. I don’t think I will renew my Amazon prime this year as I am hardly ever able to order. I have a backlog of items right now. I’m hoping when I get to Moab or Grand Junction I will find a shipping place.
Good luck with the fence repair. I hope you are able to foil the escapees 😀
If you have internet where you are and Fire TV stick, Prime allows you to watch movies, Prime TV series or read books for free. The stick plugs in the back of the TV costs about $40, 1 time cost. Pretty good deal for $95.00 per year.
I feel that bit of a catch in my throat too, to think of you not being in the little trailer, but I’m so excited that you and your sister will be able to spend time together, and I agree, a good shower is hard to walk away from! 🙂 I think it will be easier to go away for adventures when you don’t have to keep everything you own with you. And when you have somewhere to return to might be nice too. So I’m supporting, of course, your decision, but I also look forward to the next adventure.
The house sounds delightful! And yet, the trailer and life on the road call to you strongly. Change is hard sometimes, even change that we want or that we choose. And yet change is good. And you can’t stop it! 🙂 Everything does change eventually after all. I sold my 20′ Rockwood MiniLite. Even after owning and using that trailer for just one year, I had pangs of sadness about leaving “her”. We are kind of goofy, eh? BUT, I’ve ordered a brand new 21′ trailer from Escape in Chilliwack, BC, and will go get it in June. I can hardly wait … I’m so excited! Congrats on the new home … blessings on the abode. A new path in life. 🙂 And I’d bet the Best Little Trailer is looking forward to a complete COMPLETE spa treatment.
My wife and I are looking at the 21′ Escape. I really like the layout. June is right around the corner. Congrats on your purchase.
Brad, if you haven’t gone there already, you can get tons of info on the Escape Owners Forum online. Lots of potential owners are on there, so don’t be shy about signing up or asking questions. I did and it sure helped me decide to buy one, and to know which options to get. I think I will love having the dinette across the full back width of the trailer. Don’t wait too long! 🙂 Time’s a-wastin’.
Yay, another escape owner. These are exceptional trailers. Congrats. 5
What a treat! Thanks so much for continuing to share your thoughts and plans what ever way they flow.
You brought me back to the fun of going back to ATL to sell the house and last bits left… I had a mega sale (and give away) for two days and was camped out in the master bedroom… my daughter and I tossing the typical $1-$5 garage sale proceeds (of over 7 grand!) in the air like lotto winners!
I am so glad you are finding your roots, but also your wandering won’t end. 🙂
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Hi Sue,
Good idea to move into the house, you and the boys will be more comfortable. Soon you should be able to leave the boys home when you go shopping, much easier for the crew and less worry for you.
Do you have a block and stucco house? If so, they do stay cooler. That’s what I have, along with a flat roof. I have a durofoam roof that I have coated every 5 years or so. Keeps me warm in the winter and cool in hot months I’m here. With the help of the a/c of course.
I feel a little pang when I store the r.v. after a cool summer away, but it doesn’t last long, nothing like a long shower and elbow room.
Keep having fun, and enjoy the house. You deserve it.
Donna
Oh my! I did not expect to read this post and get teary eyed at the end! I am glad you feel no sadness or regret. The BLT will get cleaned up and shined up and ready for new adventures. I cannot imagine that you are going to settle down into a housebound life. You will follow your call of the wild, and we get to go along!
When i was young, my family would pile into the station wagon, and head down the driveway, on our annual vacations to san diego. We always said, in unison, as we backed into the street, “Goodbye house! We’ll be back!” Don’t know how it started, but we did it for years. I still do it…..
Isn’t fixing things around the house/yard fun?
The “start up” deposit is just that…they will reimburse you at a later date.
Makes sense to be comfy inside…the BLT will always be your loving home.
In regards to the house AC….keep it at a certain temp…it is cost effective to do…instead of turning it off completely and turning it on once the house is blazing! We keep our temp at 75…..24/7…our electric bill NEVER exceeds 200 even thru the 120 degree summer. Also check and select your energy saving plan…that best works for your situation. Peak hours vs non peak….we do laundry at night or on the weekend. Plans are listed online.
Don’t wear yourself out…..there is no time constraints.
Enjoy!
I was worried about you after the shower. Way too exhuberant! I didn’t know what had gotten into you. Then it dawned on me. That shower! Endless supply of hot water and an air conditioned house. You were engergized and totally relaxed after accomplishing some chores. Then it hit you!
Go with the flow. You’ll be back on the road before you know it! Now is a good time to regroup, do what you have to do and figure out where your next trip will be.
Don’t be sad! BLT (I always think of food….bacon, lettuce and tomato) will be there ready to go after getting all spiffed up and you’ll be heading for the high country.
Congrats on your new home!
Chris B and Mr. Diego, who just turned 11 years old
Hi, Chris… Good to hear from you again. Happy belated birthday to your sweet Diego!
Sounds like you are making your emotional transition to your new home. Giving up the security of the cozy BLT undoubtedly hard and exciting. Are those iris in your new yard? Quick question on Amazon if I may – if I go thru one of your links and put something in my cart but then add addt’l items by doing a search and add to cart, do you get credit for just the first item or also the subsequent things I added? Just wanting to see if I’m doing this right. Thnx
Hi Stephanie, I believe that Sue will get credit for all the items that way. She does NOT get credit if you order off of your wish list however, ;-(
Thanks, Dawn, for giving Stephanie a speedy answer in my absence. I appreciate the help!
Thanks, Stephanie, for thinking of us! Dawn’s explanation is correct.
Very smart move into the house for you and the boys to be more comfortable in the hot weather. The BLT will love the pampering you give her and be ready when you are to go on more adventures. I love the pic of Roger and Reggie peeing on the beautiful irises. Sublime AND ridiculous 😘
Laughing out loud over the last photo…. Potty break on the irises.
Enjoy your new home, Sue and crew.
Thank u Sue I will always follow u no matter we’re u are. You are a joy to read and I love your crew they are so cute and a great part of u. Thanks again Sharon C.
Your title gave me goosebumps, even more than “I must go down to the seas again. . .” in the John Masefield poem “Sea Fever.” Greeting the morning in wild, faraway places is a lifelong call to me that I have answered in the past. I felt that call again instantly as soon as I saw those words.
I’ve come to believe people fit on a range from “homebody” to “rover,” and it doesn’t show in my recent life, but I’m closer than most to the extreme of “rover.” I’ve been living within about sixty miles of one place for many years now, with the exception of about six months spent in four states back in 2008. What doesn’t show from outside is that I’m really more camping than “living” in any given place. I’ve never spent nearly as much consecutive time on the road as you have, though.
I kind of wondered why you didn’t move your stuff inside and “camp” in the house. You will be more comfortable, and the boys will have a chance to learn about living in a house again. You will find out if there are any housetraining “issues” before there is good furniture to be damaged. Enjoy your air conditioning!
Hi Becky… No housetraining issues. I was prepared for the boys to mark territory inside, but they haven’t done so. Whew!
See reply to Rita re decision to move into the house.
Hi, RVSue, I womdered how long it would take you to move inside. I would do the same.
Are the Iris in your new yard? They are pretty. I hve Iris bloomimg in my yard too, Can’t wait to see what you and Nancy do with everything. I am so proud for you in this new indevour. Sorry if there are typing mistakes. This is a new computer. My hubby and I both retired last week and had to get our own computer.
So good to hear about everything. Keep on enjoying.
CONGRATUALTIONS JEAN!!!!! So exciting that both of you are now retired? Any plans to hit the road?
Enjoy your retirement, Jean and hubby! You earned it! 🙂
Congrats on retirement. Can’t say I miss the everyday grind on bit. While I do some part-time work from home, it sure beasts fighting traffic, dressing up, wearing make-up etc. Only drawback is having to watch the pennies a little closer.
Retired at last! Happy for you and your husband, Jean.
No, the irises were alongside a gas station.. Photo taken in spring of 2017. Roger and Reggie were still getting acquainted.
I am hoping to find five acres or so to park my little camper on. I will agree with you that the heat out here in Arizona this week has been downright interesting! I don’t have any air conditioning in my little trailer, and really don’t want any. Besides, it’s amazing what a little glass of water on your head will do! 🙂
I do want to have a home, a piece of land to park my little camper on, that I can call mine. I will still have that opportunity to greet the Wilds every morning, with where I want to find my little piece of dirt, way out in the country. Whether or not I will travel anymore will be entirely up to the good Lord. But I must say that life is an adventure no matter how you’re living it. Whether you are on the road full-time, or living in a little home full-time, or doing a little bit of both. At least, I think life can be, and I think it should be, an Adventure!
Best wishes to you, Rachel, finding your place. You have the most excellent Guide leading you there! 🙂
Oh geee, that last part made ME sad. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Cool comforts of home can’t be beat! I think it was smart of you to move inside and be comfortable! Whenever Chuck and I landed at our home, the MotherShip always got emptied! You might be surprised what you find hidden and forgotten about as you clean! Then when its time to hit the road again, the excitement builds as you start moving everything back in, in an organized manner! 😁 I do miss that, but I am so glad for the life we shared on the road and the adventures!💗
Happy for you Sue! 😁
Hi Sue,
I think you are making a wise choice to move inside. I would think most AZ homes are made of materials that may help with the heat so it just makes sense it might be cooler. You could even get an air bed if you need more of a cushion on the floor or to get you up a little higher off the ground. They make fabulous air beds now.
Let’s take another trip back in time. Reading again from Sue’s old blog posts.
https://rvsueandcrew.com/2011/05/10/339/
How many of you can relate to issues on family vacations!? I swear, if we didn’t break down at least once on those long trips it wasn’t a real family vacation. Or the time we were out tent camping before my parents got campers, it rained all night and my dad emptied out the the little door canopy and didn’t see my mom and soaked her. Back in the days of big hair, she made him find her a beauty shop in the area we were camping. Those fun memories are so fun to recall.
Fellow Blogorino’s do any of you have family camping trip memories? I am sure everyone would enjoy reading them!
Oh Jolene….Thanks for the link to that post!!!! It had me laughing out loud 😉 My family always wondered if someone had unplugged the coffee pot or if the front door was actually locked! I remember a summer long trip my family took traveling the country. One of the places that we camped, the mosquitos were so thick that they kept diving into the frying pan with our lunch!!! Another time, we were camping at the beach and got inundated with sand fleas! Finally, we all got up and slept in the car! Can’t believe I actually went back to the same beach as an adult and camped again. Luckily, no sand fleas this time.
I know Dawn, I was laughing too! That is why I wanted to share it! Can you imagine all the stories we all can tell! 🙂
The line that got me was “… came off the clothsline stiff and mean”. I can remember helping my mom gather the wash.
That line made me laugh too. We used to hang our clothes out too. My brother used to tie his jeans in knots, untie, tie, and untie several times to get them “kind” enough to wear. I didn’t have jeans. My mom made all my clothing. Lots of matching pantsuits. You know what I mean. Floral print pants with a solid blouse with matching floral print yoke collar and patch pockets. (Or vice versa)
Sue, This is an adapter by Valtera to connect your sewer hose up to your house flush out. It will make sure no accidents occur. Good luck.
Valterra Products, Inc. T1029-4 Termination Adapter
The above link is embedded with my code. — Sue
Thanks, Alan. Thoughtful of you to bring this to my/our attention.
In case you missed my message from Mother.. late May & June are BRUTAL with regard to temps in your area.. like 105 and no rain relief until the monsoons hit around the first week of July.. trust me.. went to visit my parents one June and decided.. Nope, I will risk the creek floods & monsoon weather rather than ever dealing with that heat again! And so of corse, one year missed my flight from Tucson due to the creeks flooding over their banks from monsoons between their house and Hiway 83 and couldn’t get out!
Over the years I’ve watched bloggers & travelers change. It’s an in between feeling, between “good for them” & “this really happens!”.
We all have our own paths thru life so why do I watch what the others do with such close attention? Maybe it helps me see “the” future a little better?
I think you’re going to be really happy with your new direction & getting back with your sister. It’s all a positive thing!
I was wondering how long it was from house closing to house closing for you…. please ignore it if it crossed a line.
I left the house in November of 2012… there have been enough changes since then to make that a lifetime ago. But I’m smiling today!
I’ll greet the morning in wild places again.
I’ll watch the sun send its rays through pine boughs or burst its bright light across desert washes.
No, there has to be more . . . .
Sunsets will turn this little home pink again. Grasslands will roll in gold before me. Through this window I’ll hear the timeless melodies of woodland streams, the sounds of nature’s nightlife.
The boys will sleep soundly, worn out from running and playing, while moonlit clouds float above. I’ll fall to sleep wondering where tomorrow’s road will take us and where our next home will be under the stars.
Good night, best little trailer. I’ll be back.
Hi Sue,
That was So Beautifully written. Very Powerful & Poetic. I Loved It. Be Happy & Safe,
Oh and Write A Book, It would be a Great one and It Is Time.
Thank you, Scott.
Sue, the best way I’ve found to discourage under the fence diggers is chicken wire. Get a roll about a foot high and fasten it to the existing fence along the whole length. Push it down so it is pretty close to the fence and the other edge of the wire is lying on the ground, about 6-8 inches of it. If the ground isn’t too hard to dig, you can just bury the ground length, but if the ground is too hard to dig, you can put something like bricks or rocks every so often, whatever is needed to hold it down. Tent stakes do well too, but rocks are probably free. Burying is best because then when they try to dig, they hit wire quickly and stop.
Good advice, Pat. I hope I never have to use it. Reggie and Roger aren’t diggers.
Hi, Sue,
Glad that you will be taking advantage of your home’s A/C. I look forward to learn if your fence repairs were successful. 🙂
Baby update: Thank you all so much for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers. Yesterday my niece started to have pains, but she was not sure if they were contractions. My nephew rushed her to the doctor to find that she was indeed in labor; dilated 5cm. She was admitted into the hospital early afternoon. The twins heartbeats were strong and they were very active. They are at 27 weeks, 5 days.
This morning, just before 5AM, my nephew called to let me know that they were getting ready to take the babies via c-section, she was dilated 9cm. The babies were not in distress, but my niece was. At 5:23AM baby girl was born, followed by baby boy at 5:24AM. What was a routine procedure turned into an emergency c-section. The epidural did absolutely nothing, so they had to put her under; my nephew had to leave the OR. We have two beautiful, tiny, tiny babies. Baby girl weighs 2.11 lbs, her brother weighs 2.10 lbs. I do not know how long they are. My nephew said that they both cried and were breathing on their own, but still need the ventilator to assist. He also said that baby boy wrapped his tiny hand around his pinkie finger. They each are in their own little NICU pod, hooked up to lots of tubes and monitors. My niece is passing some larger than expected blood clots, she is being monitored closely. Mommy and Daddy are both exhausted, but relieved and overjoyed that their babies pulled through. The neonatal specialist was to meet with them later today. As of now, my little peanuts will be in the NICU for at least 3 months. They have a long road ahead of them, but we are comforted to know that they are being watched over, and that the doctors will be guided to help them conquer the challenges to come. God is good!
Seeing pictures of these ever so fragile little ones is overwhelming; both joyful and scary. We look forward to the day when their time in the NICU is behind them. Until then, one day at a time. Each passing day is truly a gift and blessing.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for continuing to keep my family in your thoughts prayers. xo
Sue, sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
I am now officially “Great Auntie ‘Nise”!! 🙂
Oh, Denise, I can understand how seeing the pictures could be both joyful and scary. Thank God all are doing as well as they are! I’ll continue praying for your family. Congratulations for becoming “Great Auntie ‘Nise”. Thank you for sharing this news with us. I hope the whole family, the parents,their tiny babies and you rest well and comfortably this evening, n’ nite.
Congrats, Auntie Nise. I will keep praying for your family.
How can a day be so terrifying and glorious! Congratulations to everyone, including the peanuts. Already they’re being good — crying, breathing on their own, and reassuring dad with a pinkie handshake. Everyone must be exhausted.
God bless these tiny babies and their family.
Congratulations, Great Auntie “Nise!” Thank you for telling the story of this miraculous event.
Oh Denise!
Congratulations! Praise God that they are doing well. My daughter is a NICU nurse and she cares for these little peanuts all the time. Almost 28 weeks, they did pretty well from where they were. Almost 3 pounds too! I will keep praying but it is amazing what they can do for this little ones now! I will pray for mom and dad also!
Congratulations 🎉 Great Auntie ‘Nise!
God is good! All the time! I will keep your family in my prayers.
So happy to hear your GREAT news!!! Congratulations Auntie ‘Nise’ 🙂
Thank you all so very much!! xxxooo
The twins are fighters! It is funny, the girl was originally smaller than the boy. She caught up to him in size, and ended up weighing an ounce more than her brother. To boot, she is the big sister, by one minute! 🙂
Enjoyed the post and so glad you moved into the house. I know you will be a lot more comfortable especially cooler. So funny the way the guys go at the same time and rump to rump.
Made me a little sad too, saying good night to the BLT. I know you will back.
Careful , sleeping on the floor . Scorpion stings are no fun .
Oh golly…. and here I am just getting ready to list my PA home for sale. If it sells my plan is to rv full time the next few years. Wondering if I am too old to do that?? I just can’t see facing these hard winters anymore. Also I question the wisdom of paying taxes, insurance, and heat for a house I will only be back to live in for 4 – 5months of the year. I realise I probably have done things backwards. I just can’t seem to let go of the dream.
Wishing you the very best, Sue. I am glad for the years you have experienced being a full time monad, and i have learned so much from your experiences. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sunny, Chuck and I have lived in our RV full-time for almost 6 years now. We live in a very small residential RV park, our rent is under $300, our electric is under $100 and in Florida, we have no state taxes! You can do it, life is good!
Moving in sounds like a good, overall solution. I bet the BLT gets a good overhaul soon. It will be fun cleaning it like shiny new inside. At least if not fun, then rewarding. I love hearing all the details of your process of settling in.
I wondered if that picture of the dogs peeing wasn’t taken a long time ago? Like soon after you got Roger?
Yes, the photo was taken shortly after Roger joined us. It may have been the first day. The irises were at the edge of a gas station.
Yesterday as I was re-reading your blog, I thought to myself…hmmm she’s got June, July and part of August all very hot months living in BLT. Why is she not sleeping and living in the house? My mom use to say get reacquainted with your home and surroundings, walk around, visit every room. She’d say this when we returned from long summer sheep camps. So go ahead and slowly get acquainted with your new home and surroundings. I’m sure sister Nancy will be somewhat homesick after living in Florida all those years but it’ll be great to have you around to settle in.
Those irises are lovely. My cousin planted irises at my mom’s grave site years ago (everyone’s favorite person was my mom). Those irises that cousin planted bloom every year and they are the brightest, most colorful & beautiful in that barren desert landscape. I love bulb plants and recently bought African lilies that should do well in the Arizona dry climate.
I am hoping you’ll post the before and after of fence repair. It’s always good to see. I’m think about fencing my front yard sometimes soon.
At first I thought I’d continue living in the BLT more than in the house because of the cost of a/c. It wasn’t until I noticed how cool the house is that I realized it might actually be less expensive to run a little a/c in the house than it is to run the BLT’s a/c for a longer time. The lack of a bed, etc. was secondary. I should’ve written that section better. Oh well, that’s blogging!
Irises in the desert — a lovely, living tribute to your mother. 🙂 I hope your African lilies do well.
Good idea. I’d camp in the house too. Or head for higher ground and come back when my sister comes. If I had a sister that is😃
I want to stay at the house for a couple reasons: to experience AZ monsoon season (curious about that), to see how the house holds up in the rain (!) and how water flows or collects in the yard, and to get the house ready for Nancy’s move-in with furniture.
Monsoon could be a bust this year with the drought having such a strong presence. We shall see. You did the logical thing in moving into the home, it will get even hotter as the days roll by. When you do travel again it will be with a renewed enthusiasm.
Yeah, there is a lot to setting up house. I hadn’t thought of the need to see how the house and yard take the seasons. Good thinking.
So nice that you have “the best of both worlds” with your options to either stay put or get mobilized. I look forward to future pics of those pink sunsets and rolling grasslands. Til then, I will absolutely enjoy whatever pics of those sweet little boys you choose to post.
Sue, instead of a snowbird like me, you can be a sunbird.Head to cooler spots in those AZ summers.
This actually made my eyes well up. I think that’s how I felt when I made my own move two years ago. There are pangs that I really can’t attribute a solid reason to. Leaving the familiar? A different future vision? Who knows? I felt the same emotions when I first began your journey with you.
It’s been two years of non smoking, two years cancer free, two years of growth and decompression. It’s good. All good.
I still fell the “pangs” sometimes but they’re less intense.
Here’s to another layer of this crazy life!!
Before an extended trip, I always feel pangs of anxiety but fine once I get on the road or plane. It might be a tad bit of homesickness early on….I don’t know. I’ve always been that way since I was little but I love to travel. It’s always heaven to come home and sleep in familiar bed. My mom use to say animals are like us, they too sometimes miss home. Our sheep did…they’d run off to home from summer camp…horses did the same.
It’s wonderful you are two years cancer free. My sister and niece are currently fighting breast cancer but both doing well to treatment. Both have very positive attitude and I’m glad for that. Take care.
Thanks Rita!
Yes, a positive attitude goes a long way with cancer, or anything for that matter.
My best to your sister and niece.
“No, this is not the end. I’ll greet the morning in wild places again.
I’ll watch the sun send its rays through pine boughs or burst its bright light across desert
washes. ”
I teared up when I read this. New beginnings are always a little bittersweet . Change is good though, keeps us flexible and now you have the best of both worlds. Long hot showers and time with your sister and the ability to take off , explore and recharge when needed.
The lilacs are blooming, the sun is shining, spring has finally arrived! Have a great day everyone!
Morning Sue,
Soooo many changes! But I like it! I love change, and adventure of all kinds. Setting up a new home is definitely an adventure in itself. I’m excited for you, and your Sis. What a beautiful way to set yourselves up for the future. *I’m smiling a real smile for you.
Busy-busy getting all settled in. And I’m busy-busy getting all packed up and ready to be on the road to Rice (rhymes with “Nice”, not mice, as you say. 😉 ) Changes – transitions – newness – all equal Adventure! Thanks for sharing your journey with us as you’ve always done.
Fondly, suzicruzi, kitty, and larry, soon to be on our own road to Adventure in our own best little trailer. We think she’ll be our Li’l Honu, which means turtle in Hawaiian (my heritage if you might remember). I think fitting since we will carry our little home with us “on our back”.
GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY!
I wish I could chat with each of you. Thank you for writing!
Another morning with lots to do before the heat sets in.
Holding up the two tiny babies (Denise’s peanuts) for the strength they need today. Thank you, God!
Sue
Thank you, Sue. xo
Sue, I follow Tioga George for years too. Boy did he ride the roller coaster of life! After his heart attack, he moved into an apartment but he got the itch bought a scampi a tow vehicle and on the road again. He doesn’t travel into the wild blue yonder like he use to do and stays around San Diego but he’s RVing nonetheless. He did travel up the coast into Oregon last summer. Reading RV travel blogs I’ve learned a lot about where the camping sites are located. I didn’t think Texas would have that many but they do. Their state park system is awesome and each one welcomes RV camping. I do tent camping and know that California, Oregon also have wonderful state camp grounds with hot showers. I also learned you can RV camp near NYC and ride the train into the city to explore! I’d love to go back to New England into Canada and Nova Scotia. Been to Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut tent camping on limited time because I was working at the time.
Hi Rita,
I wondered if that was you commenting on Tioga George’s blog. I sure do love to read your writing and hear about your life experiences. I find people and their life stories so interesting. You also pass on important lessons you’ve learned. Thank you. You seem very wise to me. Would love to sit around a campfire and just listen to you and learn all you have to share or help cook a huge family meal with you. Oh what fun that would be!
You sure have gotten around with your travels. Wow. Do you mind me asking what job you had that enabled you to travel and camp?
Took the link back in time above. Thought, might as well go back to START, I’m right there. Nice to be reminded of why Sue started this adventure.
Sue’s family vacations sounded like the family had fun times. When I was real little, my Grandparents, Aunt, Uncles, cousins and my family would rent cottages “up North”. We would get baths, clean clothes, then sleep on top of clean, made beds. At about midnight, when Mom was done cleaning the house (packing) and dad had the car all loaded, he would carry us out to the car sleeping and put us on a neat bed he had converted the backseat into. We three girls could fit on that & little brother squeezed up front with mom & dad. No seatbelts required in those days. The little caravan with men driving and families sleeping would drive all night. In the morning when we woke up, we WERE THERE, never even remembering being carried out to the car. It was great. No mile after mile of …..you know. Are we there yet? I have to go to the bathroom! etc. The rental was Saturday to Saturday, that was why we got there in the am. That also meant check-out was daytime. I then found out on the way home, just how far we had gone.
One year we stopped in Black River Falls park for lunch. We could see fish just jumping like crazy at the dam. My brother was so excited. We all got our poles out of the cars. My grandfather, dad & uncle did no fishing. They were too busy taking our fish off the lines. Catfish. Lots of band-aids to go around. Good times.
We also came home to a clean house due to all mom’s pre-vacation cleaning. After the long ride home, unpacking & not trashing the house were a family activity. My husband & I adopted the cleaning-to-pack and driving at night when our kids were little. I have pictures of them sleeping in their matching Car Seats.
Hi Barb. Funny how a lot of us follow the same routine i.e. clean house before going away and leaving refrig clean & empty, unplug appliances, etc.
My clan name is Honaghanii meaning ‘one who walks around.’ According to Navajo story, Honaghanii was one of the first four clans…it seems fitting to have that clan because I love to travel. I will walk if I have to haha.
Early on I was an office clerical & accounting worker for banks and various other entities. In the 60’s I worked for Baron Jackson Pumps and earned tons of money as secretary for Production I & II. Then in the late 70’s switch gears and got a job with uncle Sam. I worked for various departments including SSA, IRS, DOL, and finally HUD. Since vacation time was cumulative & I hardly took time off most of the year, I earned lots of vacation time that I used. BTW I went to school and earned my masters degree while working for the government and climbed the career ladder til I was almost at the top of the scale when I retired. In the end, I was an auditor for HUD inspector general’s office and traveled a lot across the U.S.A. My ex-husband and I took one vacation by ourselves and one family vacation. I’d go with girl friends and do girly things like attend Shakespearian Festival in Cedar City, Utah, etc. I still do ‘major’ trips at least twice a year and smaller ones in between. I travel mostly with family now.
Now my daughter travels a lot. She surpassed me by going to other countries. She’s on a trip now while I sit her dogs.
Thanks for sharing, Rita. So interesting. You really did well for yourself. You should be proud.
“One who walks around” I love that. I had never heard of that clan name before. Do you also have a birth-name? I’m not sure what you call it. I learned that when a baby is born, whatever someone (mother, father, chief?) sees first is what it is named. (i.e. running wolf, little bear, etc.) Is that really true? Please forgive me if it’s private.
The best of both worlds awaits you now! How fun it will be to set everything up with your sister and to show her all the beauty of the area. And then off to the call of the road once again.
Such a beautiful description of times ahead, Sue, what a gifted writer you are! Moments of trepidation like you had while closing the BLT’s door often accompany major transitions in life. I can well imagine your feeling of loss…until you again realized that your opportunities for joy will only increase now that you have the house 🙂 !
A couple days before our wedding while driving home from work I was suddenly overwhelmed with panic. I decided to buy an airline ticket to any place where I could still feel freedom…It would be too cruel to leave him wondering what had happened, so I met him to explain what was going on. He sat quietly listening as I spoke, then responded with “I understand wanting to run away, let me come with you, Okay?” Knowing that he was willing to do whatever it took for us to stay together took away any lingering doubts I’d had about my marrying him being the right decision.
Your future husband really listened to you and responded with understanding and love. What a sweet beginning to your marriage. Thank you, weather.
Very poetic, RV Sue! Which, Of course us why I read your blog! My hubby and I are approaching retirement very rapidly and, due to a lot of infighting about our mild deed restrictions in our little community, we are thinking of getting out. (People insisting a fire dept is a business”. ) But where? I love the houses in AZ, and looking at RV residential or a retirement community. Just started the search, but yes, life sure can change! We want to find a little nest we can leave for a few months at a time to go camping and traveling. I believe things can happen for a reason sometimes and maybe the turmoil in our community is a sign! Anyway, your enthusiasm for your life change is inspirational. Thanks!
Take care!
You’re welcome!
You may be on to something, Terri. Turmoil can be a nudge in the right direction. Best wishes as you and your husband make retirement decisions.
Long time lurker…first time commenter.
Congratulations on this new chapter in your life. May you have much joy and happiness as you move forward.
Safe Travels.
Welcome, Thomas! It’s always a pleasure to crown another reader a blogorino! 🙂
Thank you for the kind words.
Hi Thomas! Don’t be a stranger now 😉
What was the outcome of the transmission repair?
Hi, Don,
I don’t know if you read about the problem appearing the morning after I picked it up. Mechanics couldn’t find a cause. See previous posts. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it takes a few tries to go into drive. Changes gears just fine automatically when going down the highway. I’m living with it because I have so much on my plate right now.
Hi Sue
Gosh! That causes some consternation I’m sure. Please be careful and keep an eye on your tachometer to make sure it is shifting into high gear on the open road. Sure is aggravating after spending that much for a rebuild!! But I’ve been in the same situation and it finally works out.
Thank you for your great blog. I always enjoy hearing from you and the crew.
You’re welcome, Don. And thanks for caring about the PTV.
I laughed to read the word tachometer. The PTV doesn’t have one of those. The PTV doesn’t even have an oil pressure gauge that works. The needle goes back and forth randomly, kind of like a nervous tic. Hahaha! Been that way for YEARS.
Such a poignant post. Gains and loss. But the BLT patiently awaits your next adventure. You have the sweetness of choice now. And how exciting to get to know your new home and nest!
I hope the boys are having fun. And I hope the PTV is humming along nicely after it’s recent work.
Hi Sue! I cried when I read your beautiful poem, it was exactly how I felt when I returned East for my knee operation. Now Maya and I will be headed down the road in less than a month. I’ve been thinking of how I am different when I am stationery to when I am traveling. For one thing I love to create gardens when I am stationary but when I am on the road I watch for the places mother nature has made into a garden and revel in that instead. I have keep fighting the urge to plant things right now since I’m leaving soon!
I wanted to congratulate you and your sis on your new home! It’s a very exciting chapter in your life. Of course you will greet the morning in wild places again, but maybe not right away. Love to Reggie and Roger!
I am excited for you to experience the monsoon and read your thoughts on it! I love monsoon season, the storms can be so dramatic. The smell of the desert when it rains, ahh it is incredible. Wild, sweet, smoky and fresh , like the world is brand new again. I keep a creosote bundle in my bathroom to remind me of it.
I know you are aware of washes etc. during storms. Just a reminder. Be safe! I always loved the desert heat. Soaks into my bones and makes me feel good. It is cold here today and I might be a tad jealous of the heat you are experiencing right now:)