Thursday, July 18
It’s exciting to watch the gifts come in!
You can see the list of readers’ gifts at “House-warming for Rusty and Timber.” In addition to these necessary items, readers are sending gift cards to help Rusty equip his new home and meet expenses.
(At the end of this post there is a link to a video which shows why Rusty and Timber are dear to us.)
I email Rusty hoping he will email me back with his reaction to all the gifts.
“I’m crying with a smile on my face and my sides hurt, Sue.”
I’m hopeful someone in central Arizona will come forth with furniture. As it stands now Rusty has a couch in his living room. It’s mostly empty. He could use end tables, a lamp, and at least one chair . . .
Maybe a recliner?
It would be wonderful if Rusty could “pool” his gift cards to buy some furniture. Every gift is important, no matter the size. I hope you will join in our house-warming effort. Thanks to those of you who have responded already!
BTW, if you own furniture you’d like to give and want to make arrangements to deliver it yourself or to ask for help with delivery, just let me know in a comment. Reader Vicki and her husband are making a delivery of a kitchen table and chairs either Sunday or Monday. (Rusty and Timber’s new home is in Chino Valley, Arizona.)
It’s been fun having my blog about something other than me and the crew.
Clark Canyon Reservoir, Dillon, Montana
Every blog post is me, me, me, Bridget, Spike, me, me, the crew, me. Blogging has to be one of the most egotistical past-times one can engage in. We bloggers think we have to give a report on every mundane task that comprises our lives.
A blog starts out with “Not much happened today” and then the blogger writes 300+ words on it. How crazy is that? And I read every word! And you probably do, too! Not only that, I write on and on about nothing, too!
If you step back and think about it, this whole blogging business is quite hilarious. I mean, Roget’s Thesaurus needs to be revised . . . narcissist — synonym: blogger
So the house-warming has been a welcome change for me. I hope you’ve been enjoying it, too.
Well, not much happened today . . .
Sunny and calm
I keep an eye on the house-warming developments all day, never straying from the computer for more than twenty minutes or so at a time. Bridget and Spike are pretty good about it, but toward five o’clock they run out of patience with me.
“Okay! Okay! How about we go down to the water!”
Happily they both jump into the PTV and off we go to the day use area.
Beachcombers
It’s actually the day-non-use area, which suits me fine. This time I have my cheapo camp chair with me. I sit with feet in the water while the crew plays. Can you see the blue chair way over by what was once a boat ramp before the water level dropped?
Spike in pre-soak position.
Here’s a closer look (below). I watch the gulls and pelicans. The sun is low in the sky. It shines a bright beam of light across the water which wrecks my bird photos.
Are you thrilled yet?
A guy on a jet ski races across the reservoir, a white plume of water following him wherever he goes. A couple with their son and dog make their way through the tall grass in order to come down to the shore. I hold my breath. They’re too far away for me to shout a warning. I know the camp host has told them about the rattlesnake coming out of the grass.
They survive, I resume breathing, and the man commences to throw a stick in the water.
The retriever swims way out and retrieves it. Again and again. I’ve often wondered if dogs could talk . . . After several retrievals, the dog could say, “Go get your own dang stick, fool. What are you trying to do? Make me drown? I’m exhausted.”
I’ve never had a dog that plays “fetch” and I never will.
For me that’s the first requirement when choosing a dog. When I throw a ball or stick and say, “Go get it,” Spike and Bridget don’t move. I like that. In fact, if I put a ball at Spike’s feet, he looks at me like . . “What the heck am I supposed to do with this thing?”
Enough of me talking about nothing . . .
Rusty sent me these photos to share with you. The photos are fuzzy because Rusty’s hands shake which makes it difficult for him to hold the camera steady. (Gift idea: electric can opener!)
Timber in his kitchen . . .
“It’s bigger than our camper home!”
Timber watches and waits . . .
“Come home, daddy!”
Timber guards his home.
“This is OUR porch!”
The house-warming is still open! You can click on the page in the header or the link below to join in . . . .
Rusty’s best pal
rvsue
Click to learn how you can send your gift: HOUSE-WARMING FOR RUSTY AND TIMBER
Click to watch the video of the reunion: CHANNEL 12 NEWS – RUSTY BRINGS TIMBER HOME
Great photographs of Rusty in his new home! We are so happy that this dream has come true! How wonderful of everyone to help Rusty furnish everything and make this house a home! Thank you so much Sue for organizing all of this so we can help!
Thanks, Geri… Pray for furniture! 🙂
🙂
The FedEx Van pulled up and Timber goes nuts, I hook him up as I go out to meet ,,,,,,,a nice blond lady, She already put the large box from Amazon on the porch, She’s fast. Hi I said to her, was it hard to find us, no, she has delivered here before, she knows Chino Valley’s Roads, Timber starts talking and she gives him a big milk bone, and I explained to her about whats happening in Timber and mine life, about the new home and about you, Rvsueandcrew.net , that we may see your FedEx van some more, soon and she said Right On, have a great day, then the van turned around and left.
Loved reading this, Rusty . . . I hope Timber gets LOTS of milkbones!
Savvy deliverywoman with the MilkBonz! Timber will learn to love that truck!
What a handsome boy Timber is! He’s got the perfect perch in that window! This is so exciting, to get to see Rusty & Timber set up housekeeping in a new place.
Sue, I don’t think of your blogging as narcissistic at all–in fact I think it’s generous when we share the small things of our lives!
Timber reminds me of a cat on a windowsill. He can survey his domain from there.
Either that window is bigger than it looks, or Timber is smaller than I was thinking! I was thinking about German Shephard size, but now I’m thinking more coyote size??
And smart woman, having Milk Bones for the doggies!
Ladybug…it is a very large window with a wonderful view.
Good blog, Sue!
Thanks!
Excellent,Excellent!!! I’m so thrilled about all this!!Can’t wait to keep seeing the results!! Sue-You are an ANGEL!(Rusty&Timbers) And Rusty,you and Timber-ENJOY,You deserve it! Sincerely,Dixie
This is a very big change in lifestyle, but Rusty’s an adaptable guy and Timber’s happy as long as he has Rusty.
How great that these two will have a place to call home! I’m jealous and happy for them at the same time. I don’t know if that’s okay, but it’s what it’s!
Tears of joy for them and praise for you Sue!
I am really happy to read how all the readers of your Blog Sue are responding to Rusty’s and Timber’s needs to fill their new home with needed goods and furniture. Loved seeing the photos too!
I am wondering if there is a way I can contribute from Australia?
I don’t know, Glenda. Maybe someone will read your comment and let us know a way you can join in.
I would think Glenda can still shop at Amazon even from there and have stuff (or gift cards) sent.
Thanks Dawn I will do that……………..had not occurred to me………….derrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!
Your blog is awesome. There is a reason why we gravitate to this site several times a day!
Spike and Bridget are troopers indeed!
The photos of Timber are absolutely precious! I am so glad for them. Rusty is so excited……….it warms my heart to see the generosity of others.
Glenda…can you access Amazon?
yes I can………………but without an address for Rusty I can’t direct whatever I buy to him……….
Glenda–if you go up to the top of Sue’s page and click on “Housewarming for Rusty and Timber,” Sue has listed all the addresses to reach Rusty by mail or shipping. Hope this helps.
Thanks DeAnne………..I will try that!
WOW! RVSue has gone global!
Thanks Glenda in Australia
Not to brag, but . . .
“rvsue and her canine crew” is read in Mongolia… no kidding!
Yabba-dabba doo! I love RVsue and crew. Rusty and Timber, too. Hey that rhymes (as if I didn’t try). It warms my heart to see so many wonderful folks reach out to two good souls in need. And thank you, Sue, for chairing the Rusty and Timber Housewarming Committee. You do good work, but we all knew that already.
I’m just happy to know that these two now have a place to call home. Best wishes to them and may there be many happy times in the days ahead.
Audrey
Hello, Audrey! I appreciate your kind words and best wishes for my friends, Rusty and Timber.
Nice to see everything come together so well for Rusty and Timber.
A great place to pick up furniture is on craigslist or Goodwill and other thrift stores. When people redecorate they often get rid of nice furniture; nice but dated. Our craigslist if full of leather couches for $20 – $100 …. I guess leather isn’t in style anymore. My sister just hauled a nice leather hideabed to the dump … Goodwill wouldn’t take it because they don’t want hideabeds.
I just bought a beautiful maple end-table off craigslist for $20 …. the owners are moving and are selling much of their furniture.
BTW, lovely photos again today …. blue skies and water are so soothing. Darn those rattlesnakes for spoiling things though.
Enjoy your stay at Clark Canyon!
Thanks, Caroline. We have enjoyed it here so far. As for the rattlesnakes, we stay on our campsite and they stay on theirs and never shall the twain meet!
Someone has to turn this story into a screenplay and then a movie.
Brian
You’re right, Brian. Can you imagine what a great movie Rusty’s life would make. And this would be the happy ending!
Like “Forest Gump”, LOL
Naa, not like Forest. I can see it… Rusty doing what he did in a certain time period, jumping over to what RVSue was doing in the same time period. Then a several years later, same thing, jumping from what Rusty is doing to what RVSue is doing (rinse and repeat) with the audience wondering what these two lives / stories have to do with each other… A bold and polite lady with two sweet fury companions asks a camo man “where’s a good place around here to set up camp?”… The friendship has begun. Things go back to Rusty and RVSue talking and carrying on with their lives… With a lot, LOT of new virtual friends and they’re famous!
I wouldn’t sell this to Lifetime ’cause they’d have ya’ll married at the end.
On a totally different note, there’s something a little wrong with the comment block here. I expanded it (I’m using Google Chrome browser) and can’t proof read what I wrote as the right side is cut off. Not complaining, just thought you might want to know Sue.
K, all you wonderful people, good night. 🙂
I think Meryl Streep should portray Sue, with Bridget and Spike as themselves. I’m imagining Spike sitting in a director’s chair, beret and sunglasses on…….
LOL!!!
Jed Clampet would be me
Great idea, Carrie! Let’s see, you could do the screenplay, Timber could play Timber, Bridget, of course would play herself as would Spike, hmmm, who to play Sue and Rusty???? OK loyal RV Sue readers…..who should play Sue and Rusty?????
Angelina Jolie would be a good fit for RVSue . . . 🙂
BOW WOW WOW AHOOOLL
Teachers always have such vivid imaginations 🙂 Perfect fit, of course!
Sweet post. Sometimes posts about nothing are the best at all. Of course this one is not about nothing! LOVE seeing Timber in his window seat!
Isn’t it amazing what kindness and the internet can do? I’m sure you had no idea Sue, that your life after retirement would serve such a beautiful purpose, and touch so many lives. You’ve created a little….or not so little really 🙂 … internet community, and right now the community is focused on helping out two of it’s members. So good to be able to be a part of it! I bet in his wildest dreams a few years back Rusty couldn’t have imagined that he would be the center of such a warm and loving outreach, of people literally, around the world!
Paths cross….nothing happens by accident. When I think back to when Timber got ‘lost’, I just shake my head in wonder! For anyone who hasn’t read that story yet, please do go back and read about it….though you may shed a few joyful tears.
I used Amazon to email Rusty a gift card. It was super easy, and he gets it in about 5 minutes. Just use his email address that Sue posted in the link near the top of the blog.
Rusty please keep sending pictures, we love seeing your new digs!
Micky
On behalf of Rusty and Timber, thank you for your house-warming gift! I also thank you for mentioning how easy the Amazon email cards are for the giver and also for Rusty. . . and they’re fast and reliable.
Its great Rusty is getting the help he deserves from so many kind readers. If I recall correctly from a comment Rusty made, a VA program, VASH-HUD, helped Rusty and Timber get their new home. I wonder if there are any private groups that were helpful, too. Such groups may be good to keep in mind when anyone feels like donating. If not, we should be sure to remind our congressmen and women that VASH-HUD is a program that is doing real good and is worthy of support.
Good point, rhodium…
As far as I know, no private groups have been involved. That’s what makes this house-warming so heartwarming! The gifts come from individuals motivated both by their sincere caring for Rusty and Timber and by their generous spirit.
I get an email once in a while stating the progress on how many Vets are getting homes, Pres. Obama and the Sec. of Veterans Affairs started the program in 2007 and they are working real hard to get All the homeless Vets and their families in Homes by 2015. You can go to VA.gov and see the good things that are happening. and if you know a home less vet, give him or her this number; 1-877-424-3838 VA’s Homeless Hotline, There are people who don’t know or don’t have the means to get help, I was told by a dear friend who was concerned about my health and future living and I thank Him every time he calls.
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (Any time of year)
You can find it here
Couldn’t comment on the gift page! Whooooooeeeeee Hotel California!
Sue,
I’m way behind in reading your posts. Wanted to add a Comment about your getting lost. I would NOT get a GPS for the simple reason that you would not have had it with you the day that you got lost, you didn’t have anything else with you why would you have taken a GPS. Also, GPS units do NOT work well in thick forests they require an unimpeded look at the sky.
The only criticism I have is that when you realized that you were lost you walked up hill. When lost always walk down hill, you will come to a road or power line at some point and then can follow it down hill until you find people or they find you.
Hi Ed…
You’re absolutely correct about the GPS. I wouldn’t have had it with me. The problem is me going off into the woods without planning to go off in the woods.
I’m aware of the rule to walk down hill. However, in this case, the landscape is a series of very long ravines. Following one was going to be my second plan of attacking the problem.
I didn’t do that first because it would have meant a terribly long walk that I’m not sure Spike (or me for that matter) could handle, especially with no access to water.
The vantage point of the bare ridge seemed like the best idea because then there was the possibility of 1) seeing the campground, or 2) seeing some sign of civilization, or 3) at the very least, being able to figure what direction to walk. As it turned out, possibilities 2 and 3 did occur and saved the day!
I say definitely Angelina Jolie should play RVSue LOL…a good match. The lives of RVers would make a good movie…they’re a little community albeit spread far and wide across north america. I have a couple of friends who lead very interesting lives traveling extensively in foreign countries. So, I travel a lot via RVers and friends…places in my life time I would never be able to see. I saw beautiful country in parts of Utah I didn’t know existed via RVSue’s travels. I’m telling you it’s like reading a novel about the daily lives of other people…so interesting and enriching too! In a small way, we get to be part of their lives. BTW, it’s pouring rain over my house 🙂 Love that!