Let’s begin with a short pictorial tutorial on fence fixing:
Hey, say that five times fast: “pictorial tutorial.”
Step One:
Isolate the problem. Chihuahua-sized hole in fence gate.
Step Two:
Apply a temporary solution. Place rocks in hole in fence.
Step Three:
Fix the problem. Cover hole with quarter-inch hardware cloth and secure it in place with tie wire.
Step four:
Stand back and gloat.
Ha! Let’s see those two devils get through THAT!
~ ~ ~
Arizona driver’s license!
The process is very easy. The crew and I show up before the motor vehicle place opens, ensuring that I’ll be first in line. I fill out the application form and produce my South Dakota driver’s license and a welcome letter from the gas company, the latter to prove residency in Arizona.
After passing the vision test, I stand against the wall as instructed and get set to do my best gargoyle impression for the camera.
The woman behind the camera says, “Ready? One – two- THREE!”
Not to brag, but . . .
I do a super job of blinking precisely on the count of three.
“Retake!”
Twenty-five dollars and a few minutes later, I’m out the door.
“Hey, guys! I got my license!” I chirp to the crew waiting in the PTV.
~ ~ ~
New tags!
The next morning I return with the paperwork and Visa card to obtain registrations and tags for the Best Little Trailer and Perfect Tow Vehicle. Total in fees: $212.08.
Buying a house in Arizona is one thing, but it isn’t until I possess an Arizona driver’s license and the BLT and PTV have their new tags for the “Grand Canyon State” that I feel officially a resident.
Receiving my first Amazon order (sewer hose extension) on our doorstep adds to that feeling of belonging here.
When Reggie and Roger receive their ID tags, they, too, will become official Zonies!
~ ~ ~
A life-changing moment!
Such a beautiful and welcome sight . . .
(The washer and dryer, not the delivery guys. Well, they were nice, too.)
After placing the washer and dryer exactly where I want them, a test is made of both machines. As soon as the guys and the truck leave, I do laundry, of course.
I really like that the washer doesn’t have an agitator. This is a High Efficiency Maytag which uses far less water than a regular washer.
With the dryer humming contentedly in its new home, I rush to email photos to washer-dryer co-owner and sister, Nancy. I’m so happy and excited, you’d think I’d just given birth, complete with birth announcements!
~ ~ ~
I like our neighborhood.
It’s pleasant to sit on the porch, listen to the birds, and watch neighbors go by. Sometimes we exchange a wave. The crew barks “hello.”
Reggie and Roger like it here, too.
They patrol the fence line, explore and run in the yard, racing around and through the empty house, yipping with excitement . . .
Until eyelids become heavy and begin to droop . . .
And rest comes in canine dreams.
rvsue
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It’s coming along!
Good luck with washer, you must put soap in first. I have one and I hate the thing.
Good to know. We’re getting ready to replace ours and I’m not sure with what type.
First?
Welcome home! Isn’t it great? You are truly blessed
Hi Sue and Crew! Now that is a real sign of settling down, your very own washer and dryer! Congratulations.
Nice job fixing the fence. Becoming an Arizona resident is pretty easy, it’s the income tax that is hard. 😉 Nice looking washer and dryer, one of the things I do miss in the RV.
Welcome to your new home! Great repair of the escape hatch!
The fence-mending looks like a good, practical job. Enjoy the washer and dryer!
Congrats on becoming an official Arizonan! I been one for 18 years and I love this state. Between Payson and Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ area there are great places to camp where the summer temps are upper 80’s and night temps in the 60’s! Escape to northern AZ whenever ya want in the summer to get away from those triple digit temperatures. Wait till August! The saying in AZ is never move in July and August (as in moving in or out of a house/apartment). I’ve done it twice and even though I was drinking 16 oz. of water every 20 minutes, I still ended up in the ER with severe dehydration!
I’m sure happy for you and your sister. I hope she learns to appreciate the beauty of the desert. It does have 4 seasons, but you have to watch nature carefully or you’ll miss it!
Best wishes on your new Adventures!
I’m so happy for all of you.
There was a q&a on a website about what is missed most by full timers. I have to say the freedom of doing a load of laundry when needed. The washer and dryer would fill my missing item. Lol.
They surely got the walk about when you were out in the wild but I bet they are loving their own wilderness to explore anytime the boys want.
Happy Home Sweet Home!!
Nice job on the fence! And I’m glad you having fun “nesting” in your new house. We are getting rid of things in our house by having a garage sale today but it’s been pretty slow. Appears as if the Goodwill/St. Vinnie’s/Friends for Feline may get a load of nice stuff.
I hope you don’t mind me mentioning this, but I’m assuming it’s OK since I’ve received nice comments when I recommend books. I finally got it together and started a book blog which can be found by clicking on my name. It’s a labor of love and still needs tweaking but hopefully, readers will find some good stuff to read.
Enjoy those new laundry facilities! It’s a real treat to have instant gratification when one needs or wants to wash stuff. Do you have a dishwasher?
Robin
A book blog… what a great idea, Robin! Can’t wait to check it out. Always looking for new-to-me authors. Thanks for doing this!
Entirely my pleasure. 🙂
The site looks good so far. I usually enjoy books more when I know
someone who has read it. Good job & idea.
Hi Sue,
As the old saying goes…”Bloom where you were planted!” Look like you have a great start.
Hi Sue and Crew!! Yay! Coming along beautifully!! Fence repair, check. Nice pro fessional looking job on that! Washer and dryer, check. I noticed the boys harnesses on top of the load! Peaceful neighborhood, check. And best of all, you and the boys are happy and comfy. Bring on those monsoons!! Did you have the roof looked at before you bought? If you don’t mind my asking…
Wow, a washer and dryer IN YOUR HOUSE! I am jealous. BTW those new washers with no agitator are supposed to be loaded a certain way…all around the outside with nothing in the middle. Good job on the fence repair!
So that is what I am doing wrong, Thanks Janis.
Oh, a washer/dryer. That’s the best.
After my divorce I lived 9 years without a w/d, I missed them more than anything else. When I bought this house, I bought a w/d first thing. Oh, the joy of walking out of my bedroom and putting items in the washer on my way to fixing breakfast. 19 years later and I still smile when I do a load of laundry in my nightgown.
Enjoy.
Donna
When we came off the road years ago, getting a washer and dryer was so wonderful! One of the best things that happened. Loved doing my laundry at home instead of using laundromats. And it was so fun to set up housekeeping again. New stuff! Even if some of it was “new-to-me”. And, frankly, it was nice not to have to look for a new place when our time was up at the Coast-to-coast campground. I had never heard of boondocking back then.
Welcome home, RVSue!
Congrats!! Congrats!! Congrats!!
Being able to totally do laundry in one’s home: FABULOUS from my viewpoint, as one who has to wash most things elsewhere, tho’ grateful at least I can safely dry them here.
Ain’t that “COOL”, RVSUE AND CREW ARE BECOMING ZONENIES!!!,, far out,, and now one can get 5 year tags for the BLT and PTV AND DRIVER’S LICENSE,, that’s Neetokeeno, you go girl,,,, and give the Boys a huge hug from us and have a Pleasant weekend,,,,,,, 🐾👣👣
Wow, moving right along with getting settled. It is awesome to do laundry in one’s own home and no plucking quarters into machine. New AZ plates and driver’s license too :-). And, I love your fence repair. My sister had fence climbing dogs so she install metal picket fence…the dogs can’t figure out how to climb the darn fence hahaha.
My home is all electric home (I had to learn how to cook on electric stove). I have a fire pit with removable grill if I want to use mesquite wood and a regular charcoal grill. In summer I do a lot of my cooking outside via slow cooker, electric cookware, and the grill. I also have my camping Coleman stove I use outside in case electricity goes out during thunder storm. I rigged up a insulated box to keep emergency stuff i.e. coleman stove, latern, hand crank flash light & radio, mosquito repellent etc. & keep it in storage shed. Back in the day when we had afternoon thunder storms, we used the box a lot. Now we rarely get thunder storms even during monsoon season.
P.S. What did Roger do with the horned toad?
It seems from reading the comments many of us share a love for our washer/dryer! When I was making my first move out on my own and going to the laundry mat, I thought it was nice to be able to get the laundry done so quickly with multiple loads going at once. BUT, nothing compared to the satisfaction I felt when my first washer and dryer was delivered to my home. Such freedom and I felt so mature! Love the little things!
CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY FOR BEING FIRST TODAY!
Hi, Blogorinos,
I want to spend time away from this computer so I’ll answer a few questions in this quick note and then come back later to read more comments. I hope we hear from you!
The house does have a dishwasher. It has a stove (natural gas) and a garbage disposal, but no refrigerator.
Nancy is in charge of picking out the refrigerator. She’s been traveling this past week for her job and has had no time or energy for online shopping. That’s okay because the fridge in the BLT is sufficient for me, plus it’s a big purchase and not to be done hastily.
Yes, I had the roof looked at before buying this house. It’s due for resurfacing which is one of the many reasons we’re staying at the house this summer. I’m in the process of obtaining estimates in hopes of having that work done soon. I may have to be patient though because roofers are in great demand at this time of year.
What did Roger do with the horned toad? He barked and barked and barked until I picked him up (Roger) and put him in the house.
Thanks to those who sent more congratulations, welcomes to Arizona, and other good wishes, also approvals of the fence gate mend. 🙂 There have been no more break-outs by the crew!
Bye for now,
Happy Saturday!
Sue
A washer-n-dryer, a fixed fence, the paperwork done & good neighborhood.
Nice!
Wow! It’s REAL!! What a wonderful experience for you!!! Let be the images…. of course!!
I loved this!!!! You are settling in!!! Don’t you love not having to plug quarters into those machine. I am so happy for you!!!
Welcome To the Zone! You’re an official zonie!
Nice job on the fence! Great looking washer and dryer…and good for testing it out immediately! Glad to hear the DMV project went well! Gargoyle impression🤣Don’t forget to submit a change of address from the mailbox place in SD. You can do that online! Good for a year!
Didn’t know what that creature was until I read the comments. Never seen one…
Glad you like your neighborhood!
Did you get the roof resurfacing or tear off as part of the house purchase? We had to replace our roof shingles on our CA house as part of the purchase….but then again..that’s Caleeee…and it was a chunk of change.
Did you mention you had a septic tank? If so..For septic maintenance, there is a packet of three yeast that is in the baking section of Wally…less than $2. Add one packet to a measuring cup of warm water…mix and send it down the drain…once a month. Don’t get suckered into buying RidX…which i was told by the septic pumper outer, is expensive and garbage.
Also be careful with cleaners that contain bleach…which kills the good organisms in your septic. And lastly…TP..unless you want papier-mâché in your tank…use Scott 1000. We found out the hard way that some brands claim they are septic safe….NOT!
So that’s your pooper lesson for the day!
Windy up here today. Have a great day!
Cinandjules,
Honey, you are just a wealth of information! 🙂
Also, DO NOT flush wet towelette’s even if they say they are flushable. They will eventually cause you trouble and require a plumber, unless you can snake pipes yourself. They make their way to municipal sewage treatment plants and clog up the works.
I’ve learned the hard way! Especially with septic tanks…
If I can save someone else from the expense and grief…it makes sense to do so!
Never ever thought I’d be so happy about 2ply TP once we moved from the boonies.
Absolutely nothing goes down the pooper but poop! Jules nieces had to be reminded again and again…no “monthly” products go into the toilet! Like talking to a damn wall! If we FIND one floating in the septic…you all know we have the capabilities and the gumption to do DNA testing! hahhh. Scared the crap out of them…Hahh hehh
I have a story about the guys at the water treatment plant. I’ll try to keep it nice. When bad storms overflow into an area next to the plant, some poor guy has to go out after the water has receded to rake up guess what? They had a funny term I cannot repeat here.
Thank you very much, Cinandjules! I will take your advice!
We have lived on septic systems quite a bit in our lives…but never worried overly much about what kind of toilet paper and have never had to have one pumped out…but then we are ULTRA careful about bleach of any kind and also we use very healthy biodegradable soaps…so maybe if one is careful about the kind of soap used…maybe then you don’t need to be quite so careful about what kind of toilet paper?? Not sure…but that is our experience. You are so right too, CJ about using the “feed” to keep the good bacteria stuff going…
Oh wise woman thanks for the yeast solution. Why in heavens name have I been using that other expensive stuff that you have to let sit overnight??? Don’t remember ever seeing anything about using yeast. At least I’ve always known about Scott, so there may be hope. Always appreciate your pearls of knowledge you share with RVSue and the rest of us too.
Where’s the clothesline?
The girls have a dryer now why a clothes line? I personally kinda miss clothes lines.
I haven’t used a coin laundry mat since September of last year, but use a clothesline once in awhile to freshen up the throw rugs, yes it’s fantastic to have the use of a washer and dryer,,,😆
NO MORE LAUNDROMAT!!💗 Hip Hip Hooray! We have a washer outside on our patio(no room in The MotherShip😁) and a clothesline! I prefer fashioned solar and wind generated drying! Hahaha!
You really are making great strides in getting everything set up and ready for Nancy! I bet she is really excited about this move! So happy for you both!
Loved the photos of those 2 poor, tuckered out, tired pups! 💗
I’m so happy for you and the crew and your sis Nancy. How soon will she be able to join you? Do you have a doggie door for the rascals? I love mine but I don’t have critters that would eat my girls if they go out at night and I bet you might in your area. Anyway, congratulations on all the NEW!!
Never thought I’d find a post on fence mending, laundry and the DMV interesting but I did. Just glad we are still in your life so you can be in ours. In my tiny house I have one of those combo w/d units. It takes a while to wash and dry a load of laundry but better than the laundromat. I love doing laundry. Weird I know but it is satisfying in some bizarre way. I liked the DMV process in Florida. As I recall, no tests except vision. Their philosophy was if you’ve been driving we assume you can drive. When I returned to California a year later had to do a written test, vision and a road test. Never understood that. Loved the photo of the toad. Actually a beautiful creature with its body design and markings. Have fun settling in.
RV Sue could write about perusing the McDonald’s menu and I’d still find it mesmerizing. 🙂
😂😁😊 me too!
I’ve always thought she’s a novelist that blogs! Growing up I read all of Gladys Taber books, Stillmeadow . Does anyone remember her? Sue’s writing, especially about this house reminds me so much of her. She made everyday life sound fascinating & so does Sue.
Hi Texas Sue,
I have a three of Gladys’s books on my bookshelf and I love them. You are so right about Sue’s writing being similar. They both succeed in making daily life a treat to read.
Kitt
Hi Kitt, I only have one of her books found in a used bookstore in Idaho. In all my travels I always check out used books, kind of like a treasure hunt! I love to read
I have often said that my sister Susan could write about paint drying and have you on the edge of your seat!!!!
Good one Pauline. Funny, but think I could agree with that.
😃
Good job on all the homeowner stuff!! Doing the laundry at home must be such a treat after Laundromats for so many years! Foiling those escape artists is a great achievement. So good to see you settling in and enjoying the process…happy for you and the crew!!
Hi Sue, Crew & Blogorino’s-
Just stopping in for a coffee break after the farmer’s market. Enjoyed your post. You’re finding enough photos to keep us happy. How are the sunrises and sunsets from your windows/yard?
Nice washer & dryer. You may want to pretreat any stains, as I’ve heard that the washers without adjitators (sp) don’t do a great job on really dirty clothes.
I like liquid ERA, cheaper than Tide. I use that instead of buying a seperate pretreater. Rub a little in with water & most stains disappear.
I had the appliance repair guy out to fix my stupidity. I had replaced the washer hoses as per the manual for regular maintenance. When I pushed it back, I put the drain tube too far down the drain pipe. It didn’t drain properly and I figured I broke something. His fix was a simple cutting of 12 or so inches off the tube. He was nice enough to fix my fridge and tell me how to remedy the dryer problem to fill the hour of the service call. While he was here, he told me what a good washer I had and to take really good care of it. Almost caressing it as he spoke, like a game show lady. He told me about a customer that wanted him to come take his new washer out and reinstall the rusty one from the shed because the new one (adjatator free) did not get his work clothes clean.
Maybe he wasn’t loading it right as per the commenter above said.
Aw Sue. This new washer & dryer means we have even less chances of running into you at the laundymats. You’ll take your dirty clothes home with you unless you’re away more than a month. Oh well, we’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled at the grocery, gas and dump stations.
Hi Else, thinking of you:) Love & hugs to all!
Barb… Readers might want to know the washer’s brand for the repair guy to say “what a good washer I had.” Care to share?
Hi Sue,
They are 10 year old Whirlpools. I’ll go caress it now and tell it what a good washer it is. I still get a chuckle from that service call.
I learned to never talk about my tax refund or a good cash gift in front of my car or appliances. They hear what I say and decide it’s a good time for some upkeep or replacement.
Unless you are an ice fanatic or huge entertainer avoid the automatic icemaker. I have had nothing but issues with them over the years.Told my 92 year old mother in law not to get one.She did anyway and I am stuck messing with it all the time.
Ice trays and a large freezer compartment.
I agree. The appliance store couldn’t believe I didn’t want one. The city water here is so bad (Chlorine, flouride, swampy, etc.) I buy ice when I need it. And it’s not made in Florida! The filters for the fridge ice-makers are not cheap and you’ll know it when it needs replaced.
I third that!
Ours came with the house….it has the ice water dispenser and ice crushed or cubes..on the door. The automatic ice maker decides when IT wants to make ice or not. Cartridges for the thing is $50 a pop! When it goes kaput…that won’t be a feature on the new one.
How lazy can one be? Open the door and get your ice the back in the day way! And don’t leave one ice cube in the tray! Remember the metal tray that had the lever to loosen them? Wanna talk about some SERIOUS concentration…hand eye coordination? Get that sucker back in its cubbyhole without spilling half of it in the vents of the freezer! Oh yeah! Fess up! I’m not the only one that happened to! 😉
They have spill proof ice trays now. I don’t even use ice trays nor do I have an ice maker. When my fridge went kaput 3 years ago, I could only afford the 18cu ft. top freezer. It is a Frigidaire an dis the noisiest thing I have ever owned. Just hate it. My next one will be an LC bottom freezer with some room for storing pre-cooked meals. With DH’s special diet, I cook large batches and freeze several servings. grocery shop one day and cook the next day.
chas…. Our house has a few quirks, one of them being no water line to the refrigerator. That’s okay with me. I don’t like ice makers. Actually I rarely use ice.
We want a french door, counter depth, stainless steel fridge. I haven’t seen one without an icemaker.
We saw a stainless one without an ice maker at Lowes when we were shopping for the Adirondack cabin I just built.We got a black one since it goes with the reclaimed barnwood and black iron pipe hardware in the cabin interior.It was a smaller one though and probably not big enough for a house.Think it was only 14 cu ft.
I have seen plenty of them advertised at Best Buys and Electronic Express. I too want the drench door with the big bottom freezer.
They are cheaper without the ice maker.
Based on your comment, I searched Best Buy online and all the french door, counter depth, stainless steel refrigerators had an icemaker (I didn’t look at those costing $1,500 or more). The ice maker is not in the door, it’s inside. Could that be what led you to think there wasn’t an ice maker or did you check?
I ask so I know whether to continue searching at those stores.
Yay! You are a zonie crew now! I love AZ and although I love to travel the world, it’s nice to come home to AZ. I also love the license plates. Now, everywhere you go in the west, you’ll be given a little more respect. They will no longer assume that you are a snowbird fleeing the first sign of an 80 degree day. Glad to have you here. Welcome to the Grand Canyon State. Oh, and if you are looking for a nice license plate to put on the front of the PTV (since you no longer need two identical plates) may I suggest the state flag license plate (available everywhere) . It looks so good on a white vehicle.
Good job on the fence. Love those tired doggy pics. How easy laundry will be for you now. Our septic guy said to only use liquid soap not powder. Powdered soap has salt added to keep it from clumping and it damages the tank if it is concrete.
I am really enjoying reading about your new lifestyle. I still hope to see Arizona. We are taking the trailer to Canada’s east coast in two weeks. First camping trip of this year.
Hi Sue,
I love everything about this post! Fixed fence, DL, plates, and new washer and dryer! Settling in and you like the neighborhood too! Big win!
I am happy to see your moving in is coming along well! Congratulations on a nice home, new washer and dryer, and happy dogs. There is a toad that comes out in the rain during the summer that is poisonous to dogs (and maybe all animals)…I will try to remember the name, but it is huge. Every few years one will arrive in the back yard for a few days and our miniature schnauzer is obsessed with it, so I have to keep them separated. I am sure someone in your area can tell you if your town gets them, but Phoenix does for sure.
That’s the Colorado River Toad, aka Sonoran Desert Toad, native to southern AZ and northern Mexico and the second most toxic toad in the world. They’re seen only a few months of the year after a heavy monsoon rainfall and are primarily nocturnal. They kill more dogs than rattlesnakes in AZ. If you know your dog has been in contact with one, get them to a vet immediately. Keep a vet emergency phone number posted near your phone with other emergency contact numbers. They are not super dangerous to humans—more of an irritant. The smaller/younger the toad, the more toxic it is. Common all over southern AZ including the large metropolitan and urban areas of Phoenix and Tucson.—Audrey
Thanks! They are astonishing to see
Are those the black ones?
Ahh, a washer and dryer ! Those would be my first purchases also. Even in the few weeks we have been boondocking in the truck camper, I’ve had to hit up the laundromat. And they were nice laundromats , to boot. We hit such a spell of wind tonight that we didn’t even try to put the poptop up, but opted for 1 night in a motel !
Plans for your new digs sound great and seems the guys enjoy it also.
Wow, I have so enjoyed reading this post and all the comments, thank you!
We bought one of those low water no or low agitator machines. I used it about four months then gave it to a friend’s sister. I have skin issues and I could never get clothes and sheets rinsed enough to not have my skin react. We bought a Speed Queen that you can still use like an old fashioned machine, just uses water enough to actually get my clothes clean and well rinsed. I actually put one king sized sheet in my other machine and it never got the whole sheet wet. When I called the helpline for the machine the ‘rear end’ head person I talked to told me this was normal, don’t worry your sheets are clean enough! What? In what world are sheets washed when they don’t even get wet? I resorted to filling the machine with a five gallon bucket so there was enough water in it to submerge my clothing. That’s why I got my Speed Queen!
Keep us posted, I would be interested to know how the machine you bought works.
Horned toads! When I was a kid we called them horny toads, loved to catch them, their bellies were so cool and smooth to stroke, give them some kid love then set them free…
About the king sized sheet that never got wet… This Maytag has a setting for “deep water wash.” I will wash a comforter tomorrow and report how well the washer cleans it. The manual says “never add water!” 🙂
The principle behind the High Efficiency washers (I think) is less water means more concentration of the laundry detergent. It’s hard to accept not hearing the water chug and slosh during the wash cycle. However, being in Arizona and in years of drought, I do like that I’m not using a lot of water.
If it doesn’t clean, I’ll probably change my tune!
Be prepared for the washer to take quite a LONG time to complete the cycle…my daughter has this kind of washer…and I am using it mostly these days due to our water situation at our place. I mostly use the deep wash for my things as I too have sensitive skin…and do not overload the thing either. And for sheets and blankets I use the sheet setting. I like to use the warm setting for most things too, to be sure the soap gets dissolved well…otherwise, dark stuff tends to have some soap residue on it at time…even though I use less soap generally than advised.
I remember getting my first washer. The freedom of not having to haul laundry to a laundromat was luxury. Now I’m back to laundromats and I still hate it!
Changing states is big. State taxes again 🙁
I’ve looked online at land, but just for long stays in summers. Haven’t decided just yet, but I like the idea of not moving every 14 days.
Hope the crew don’t start digging tunnels. “The Great Escape: part 2”
Thanks for the warning, Hilogene. By poisonous do you mean only when eaten?
that would be the Sonoran Desert Toad (aka Colorado River Toad) …
https://vetmedaz.com/2015/08/20/toad-toxicity-the-sonoran-desert-toad/
the link shows their range, and says “the species’ skin toxins are strong enough to kill a dog”
yikes!
Welcome to Arizona may you be happy in your new home! Arizona has some nice features and some not so nice ones just like anywhere else. I lived there for over twenty years, it grows on you. Keep a sharp eye on your crew there are critters that will have them for lunch if you don’t! Snakes and coyotes abound also cactus all enemies of little pets!
Best wishes
Kay
Hi, Kay,
I talked with a longtime resident of this neighborhood. He said in the 23 years he’s lived here he has seen one rattlesnake (several years ago) dead in the road, and one bull snake. He said he didn’t know why we don’t see snakes but they don’t seem attracted to the area. My guess is the lack of rodents, whereas out in the desert wilds there are plenty of them.
Ok, I’m willing to admit it……when I first saw the picture of the washer load, I thought it was Sue’s undies. I was like ‘whoa!’….then I realized it was the crew’s harnesses.
Ladybug!!
Jeez Louise Ladybug, Sue’s undies, Honestly!
Sue sound like things are starting to come together. My Samsung washer is energy/water saver also. I love it. I wash comforters, and everything in mine. When I wash Angels beds, blanket, harnesses etc, my self-clean light comes on, so usually have to run that when the load is done. If you have one on your machine, make sure you run that cycle as it helps safe your machine. Also, you might want to consider putting the leashes and harnesses in a lingerie bag and I wrap that in one of the blankets to help keep it from banging on the interior of the washer & dryer, possibly causing damage. My washer also has and extra rinse cycle if needed, but I have not have any issues with cleaning or thorough rinsing.
I never heard of a “self-clean” function on a washer (maybe that’s “hand clean” on my washer). Mine has an extra rinse cycle, too. Good idea about using a lingerie bag.
Things you learn..or rather functions they have added..some appliances can be “activated” by your phone. Dryers now have a “steam” function…. so one doesn’t have to iron. Iron? Bwaahahh
Cleaning function is for the washers tub…we’ve never used it. Sanitize function….oh it’s endless.
We are wash and wear kind of people. Hahh we don’t even separate colors….whatever fits in one cycle….works for us! We just use the speed wash setting….34 minutes.
It is actually a button on the panel that says self clean, but the red indicator blinks at the end of the cycle if it needs cleaning. Usually about once a month, unless washing Angel’s fur laden belongings.
Otherwise, it probably has a filter somewhere to clean manually.
I am so happy for you and your sister. Given your relationship with Amazon you may want to look into all the home automation doodads Alexa can control. My son has smart lights all over his house and can turn on or dim them vocally. And there are these refrigerators with voice control and even cameras, I guess so you can watch the mold build up on the leftovers. You could probably set up a security system that would also let you watch the crew when you were inside. It’s interesting how many tech options are available compared to the last time you were a homeowner.
I don’t like Alexa because it is programmed with political bias.
Story on news tonight by a computer guy saying he is more and more concerned about the security risk Alexa and the others similar pose. There is potential for them to embed words in music you play and the coded in message can be used to make purchases on your account and other nasty tricks. Alexa is not invited to my house and won’t be, or her competitors either.
Hey Sue,
I just got the same washer/dryer set! Great minds think alike 😉
Insider tip, leave the lid up on the washer when your not using it. Discourage mildew and smells from forming inside. (I learned the hard way)
Happy nesting!
Hi, Cat Lady…Yes, great minds! 🙂 What I’m doing is leaving the washer lid open while the dryer runs. Then I close it when I empty the dryer and close the dryer door. I figure in the dry air (most of the year) of AZ, this practice will be enough.
45+ years ago when we were first married our neighbor introduced me to Maytag Soap Saver Washing Machines. I had always wanted one because they pump out the soapy water into a wash tub and then pump it back into the washer for the next load to be washed. I finally got one nearly 20 years ago. I love it but it seemed to be making some clunking noises so I went to see if I could get another one and of course they do not make them any more. So I have learned to treat it lovingly being sure not to overload it. So far, it is doing just fine. Being impatient, I always hang my wash loads outside, it’s cheaper and I don’t have to wait for the dryer. Some items need the dryer but not many.
About refrigerators, we got all Kenmore appliances when we built our house six years ago. Hardly use Ice so trays are fine for that and love the bottom freezer. It had a slide out bin but I removed that and put in a vinyl covered metal shelf and it is so much better without that bin and seems bigger.
Also wanted to mention that when Rusty was here with Piper our neighbor let us know that he saw a Bob Cat eyeing Piper one morning. Don’t know if you have them down there but I am sure you are probably keeping a close eye on the pups anyway.
Hope you get to enjoy some downpours. We hardly got any water in our storage tank this winter. Guess I will be buying water for my garden soon. Last night a rat ate off my tomato plants so I am on the warpath. I got a rat tail in the trap a couple nights ago so that one is probably hep to my plans.
You are such a great writer Sue. Hope you continue. I am sure if we all keep remembering to purchase Amazon products through your blog there will be no stopping you!
Wow. Talk about change. You’ll be ready for the open road after all this! You’re going to become a part time fulltimer!
Hi, Gloria… Rusty and Piper visited you? I didn’t know that or, if I did, it’s left my memory. Thank you for the nice compliment on my writing. Yeah, you’re right about Amazon sales being a great motivator for me to keep blogging!
Hi sue and Crew,
Welcome to Az. It’s a wonderful place to live, I moved here 8 years ago and it was a complete change for me, ive learned to love it more every year. You will too.
Loads of happiness to you and crew.
Hi,
Been here since ’79, lived in 4 houses. Never saw a rat, snake or scorpion.
I’ll tell one thing though, I love Arizona.
Donna
Hi Sue,
Haven’t posted in a while, life has been hectic. But I just wanted to tell you that it’s great to see you excited and happy to be settling down, yet still have a good parking spot for the BLT. I can totally imagine you and the pups camping out there whenever the fancy strikes you. The best of both worlds! Congratulations and Happy Days for you, your sister and her pup, and Reggie and Roger. Let the good times roll…
So happy for you and Nancy. I hope she will learn to love Az. Big change from Fl.
Good morning, Sue!
It sounds like you are getting a lot accomplished! Congratulations on now being an official ‘zonie! If you and Nancy cannot find a fridge without an ice maker, you can always just not hook it up. We have a Samsung French door fridge at work that does not have an ice maker. It is 6 yrs old, so sharing a model# would not be helpful. Maybe a plain fridge can be special ordered. Several years ago, one of my sisters had to replace her fridge. She did not want the ice maker or stainless steel finish. Talk about a needle in a haystack! Good luck on your search! Just a thought…. Nancy may have more luck in Fl finding what you all want and can order it there and have it delivered to AZ or take delivery there and bring it when she moves…
Have a wonderful Sunday, Sue! I love the happy pictures of the pooped out pups! Thank you for sharing the picture of the horned toad. I had never seen one before! Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day wishes to all! 🙂
I would hate to move a fridge with all the other stuff. The moving costs to move her furnishings from FL to AZ are going to be quite costly as it is unless using a U-Haul and built in helpers.
If Nancy finds the perfect refrigerator for us in FL, she has her son and other helpers available to load it on the U-Haul truck and I can have helpers available at the house to help her son unload it here.
Otherwise she will order the refrigerator online and use the AZ house address for the shipping destination.
Wow, an Arizona license and tags, that does somehow make it seem more real! That’s a very nice washer/ dryer set. It’s been a long time since you’ve had the luxury of doing laundry at home. I find your being happy and excited about what you have so endearing.
It’s wonderful that you like your neighborhood! One can improve a property and furnish it with whatever they enjoy, yet find it hard to be happy there if what surrounds them is unpleasant. Picturing you on the porch as birds sing and friendly neighbors go by pleases me ever so much…I hope you and your sweet boys have a wonderful day.
For those hating the price of refrigerator water filters. Me too, so I bought an inline filter and installed it in the line. It lasts 6 months or more and costs 12 bucks or so. I took the one out of our fridge and all is good. Our ice maker has been working well for 5 years in our side by side whirlpool. So far so good. I’m loving the blog just as much, Sue you really should write a book.
You are now officially an Arizonan. When you get new tags for Reg & Roger do not put their names on them. Only your first name and phone number. If one of them got lost & a dishonest person found him they would know what to call him to keep him from leaving. Someone else told me to do that for my Chihuahua.
Hi, Carolyn,
Reggie and Roger would come to a stranger no matter what name is used, if it was said in the right tone. Too late anyway, the tags arrived today with their names on them.
I enjoyed reading this post so much. What a wealth of information collected here. See what you have created, Sue?!? I’m so happy for you and Nancy. Sounds like a lot of people love living in Arizona. Go Reggie and Roger!!!!!
What fun! Good CLEAN fun!
I looked them up and read about them. They live where there is standing water. Not any of that around here, I’m pretty sure! 🙂
I kinda thought something was up, because you are usually on the road earlier than this. So now you will be a neighbor! I’m a little worried about how you will take to our summers. It gets super hot here! Here’s a tip after 5 years here: get a swamp cooler. Much cheaper on your electric and they do a super job of cooling. Plus they add a little humidity to our super dry air. My neighbors have them and I’m jealous. And I assume you know this but for any serious health problems most people come up to Tucson. A bit of a drive but doable. U of A has really good facilities and good doctors.
I am a little sad at the change but I can easily see why you made that choice. And AZ is beautiful and much cheaper than many other places. And no hurricanes, no earthquakes, no disasters! An occasional flash flood but if you don’t live on a flood plane that’s not a problem. And no grass to mow! Sweet.
I’m sure you will be very happy here Sue. And your sister, too. I’m sorry she’s driving cross country in August though. And the bedroom furniture looks lovely!
I’m still on oxygen, still working on getting stronger. Still working at the Knife. Hoping to be able to go to NY this year but not if I’m still on oxygen.
So that’s my news. Not nearly as exciting as yours. Having a quiet Mom’s day at home. Bought myself a few things off the internet as a treat for myself.
Hello everyone!
See you all again soon!
Hi, Ginger,
I agree, AZ has a lot going for it. Thank you for the nice note and information.
I’m encouraged by the construction of this house keeping it cool. We have had days in the 90s when I didn’t even turn on the a/c. All that was necessary was a fan and an open window to keep the air fresh. I’ll do fine in AZ summers, having survived decades of summers in hot, humid FL and GA.
Yes, Nancy will be coming across the southern states in August, just as I did when I came west. She will stay in motels/hotels, rather than camping.
LaQuintas motels are pet friendly…include breakfast and usually has a place for the doggies to do their business. We LaQuinta hopped from NY to AZ. Very reasonable also.
That’s where I stayed when I drove across the country in a moving truck and my mom’s dog. None of them had any issue with a dog, nor an extra fee.
Ginger, not sure of your circumstances but you can travel across country while being on oxygen if you have some one to do the driving. Many years ago my husband was in your situation, back then we had to travel with multiple O2 bottles in the car and have designated places along the way to stop and exchange them when empty for full ones. There was a big machine to take care of the overnight needs. I’m sure things have changed quite a bit since those days, 19 years ago. More efficient things for travel. Swamp coolers are good for some folks, not always for those with breathing difficulties due to the moisture. I am sending prayers for you to feel stronger and breathe easier.
I think this change is wonderful — more options for you!
Nothing says hoe like a washer and dryer 😀 We had three acres in Joshua Tree and the dogs always thought the desert on the other side of the fence was so much better than what was inside the fence – had to fill lots of holes! They must love being off their tethers and having access to the house. How fun for all of you!!
seriously? hoe? of course I meant home!!!! …….going back to bed.
Oh my gosh. A washer and dryer! True bliss. I want to be in a situation where I have them again, sooner rather than later. You are blessed.
Excellent fence repair. Looks nice and neat.
Roger sure is intrigued by that creature. A toad? Turtle?
Okay, who else could have their comment section 85 % about washers & dryers, oops, sorry, just had 2 Canadians fly over the house, ok back now, anyone wanting to know about them just found out, go forward & buy washers & dryers. Your blog is just one big learning experience, never stop.
The Canadian people are very fine in many ways. However, I didn’t know they could fly. Wow! Did they wave as they went over your house?
I agree about this blog. I learn a lot here.
Oh my gosh, that was two Canadian geese flew over, and yes, they both waved. Very social those Canadians.