Greetings, all!
Be sure to look in the southwestern sky around sunset today. You’ve probably heard that Jupiter and Saturn are aligning for the first time in hundreds of years and at this winter solstice will form a bright “star,” what some call the Star of Bethlehem.
Christmas will soon be here.
Reggie, Roger and I do not have any special plans for Christmas. I’m happy and content with a simple celebration: light a few candles, snuggle with the boys, listen to “O Holy Night,” and read the story of the first Christmas.
Hmm. . . . Hot chocolate would be nice. Haven’t had any in a long time.
Whatever you do, dear readers . . . .
I wish you peace through the holiday season and into the new year,
rvsue
P.S. As I type this, no snow for us yet this year. Remember this?
~ ~ ~
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
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Thought of you the other day and so glad to hear from you!
Nice to see you here, Robin!
I was so excited I selected the wrong name from my list. Glad you recognized me. 😉
I was just browsing and came apon your awesome trip and all up by sunnyside ! I guess it was awhile ago but I enjoyed the tour.
May god give you great and awesome blessings this Christmas
Thank you, Edna. I just followed your lead and read about our stay at Dave Deacon Campground. Glad you enjoyed that camp. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for wishing us all peace. I’m enjoying the Solstice and looking forward to new beginnings.
Me, too, Calvin! I’m looking forward to 2021. Hope all is well with you.
Lovely to see a post from you! Merry Christmas Sue, Roger and Reggie! It’s midday and 43 degrees..no Christmas with family this year since my son in law got a positive Covid test. He’s feeling fine but now my daughter is sick. So far all they’ve experienced are flu symptoms. I’m praying that stays the same and they just keep getting better and better. I hope everyone has a warm, cozy and healthy Merry Christmas!
Hi, Linda Rose and crew . . . Sorry covid hit your family. May everyone be feeling well soon. I just checked the temperature here … 68 degrees at 2:30 p.m., a sunny day. We had a low of 22 the other morning. Thank you for the Christmas wish. Sending the same for you…
Good to see you on here again!… Looking forward to seeing that “star” tonight.
Your Christmas plans sound perfect. We will have the kids here for Christmas breakfast and the rest of the day is just lazy!
Love to you and the crew!!!
Christmas breakfast together sounds fun! I’ll be thinking of you, Jerold, and everyone, laughing around the table. 🙂
Love to all!
I’ve followed you for years now and am always happy to see your post appear in my emails. This is actually the first time I’ve ever written a reply because I just want to say I admire you and the way you live your life, whether it is on the road or at home- you are an awesome, strong woman!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and the boys!
Hi, Stephanie! Thank you for the friendly message. Very encouraging and affirming. 🙂 I’m glad you decided to write!
Have a great Christmas…
Your Christmas plans sound wonderful, Sue. Mine are very simple,too. A tiny manger and Christmas film on Christian tv will make for a cozy white Christmas evening for Kyla and Polly kitties and me. I did use your Amazon link to get a book, the Mature Mind by H.Overstreet, being used it was very inexpensive, however I will be doing more shopping through here soon.Our skies were clear last night so I did see the Star of Bethlehem. May every blessing come to you and the boys during the holidays.
Hi, weather!
I like your plans, too. I’m glad to know you have Kyla and Polly with whom to share Christmas.
Thank you for shopping through my blog. I hope you enjoy the book.
I didn’t think to look for the star yesterday. I’m determined not to miss it tonight. The sky is clear.
From the weather report, it looks like you’re going to have a white Christmas.
Blessings to you, too, always.
So many of the nomads I initially followed 5 or so years ago are now stationary. I thought of you the other day, thinking now that you’ve done most that you want to with your house, what is there to write about. Like my life. Just everyday life. But know that there are still folks who wonder about you and the boys. Happy Christmas, Sue.
Hi, Michelle,
I hope you are enjoying your “everyday life.” Stationary living has its good points. 🙂
Often I find things to write about and then, for one reason or another, I don’t. I used to write about the people I met and the places we camped. As a resident of a neighborhood, I don’t think I should be writing stories about my neighbors!
Thanks for the Christmas wish. It’s nice hearing from you.
Hi, Sue,
Great to see that you and crew are doing well. Thanks for the reminder regarding tonight’s star. I knew it was coming, but not sure of the position in the sky. Have a wonderful Christmas and stay well out there. We’re RVing almost six months now. Love Arizona.
Hi, Joe!
Six months with the RV and in Arizona! Good for you! I love it here, too. Sometimes I forget what I love about it and then I’ll be reminded. Like this morning, Reggie was scratching himself, probably dry skin or something. It hit me — Thank God for NO FLEAS, NO TICKS! 🙂
Always a pleasure to hear from you, Joe. Merry Christmas, be well.
Merry Christmas to you and the boys. Glad to hear your doing well. How exciting is this star? Seeing it in a desert would be the best, but I’ll peek through the trees.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Alice! This “star” seems to be a bright counterpoint to all the darkness of the past year. If ever there’s a special time to wish upon a star, this is it! 🙂
I, too, thought I’d you recently! Wondering what life had been bringing you now that you are under a immobile roof….
We are living in a 30’ TT with 5 dogs & a cat in the suburbs!
I have been experiencing the gifts of spirit in friendships. Gifts I never knew were possible. So this email finds me very grateful for all I have!!
Thank you for the update and have a great new year too. The boys look great – haven’t aged a day!!
Lauri (with Rick, Chia, Nicki, Buddy, Dot, Max & Kitty)
Wow! What a crew you have! Never a dull moment, eh?
I’m glad your life is being enriched with friendships. Sometimes the greatest treasures are discovered among what we already possess.
Sending you — Lauri and Rick and all –best wishes for the holiday season and a rollicking new year in your travel trailer!
Merry Christmas to you dear Sue and Crew! Wishing you many blessings in the new year along with health and happiness.
With love,
Millie
Merry Christmas and love to you, too, Millie. You’ve been a dear blogorino.
Boy do I remember that snowfall. My over the road trucker son was stuck in it for a couple of days. He is always out there bring food and essentials to our people.
Have a blessed Christmas and your post is a gift to all your fans! Thank you so much. Much respect and good vibes to you and the little guys.
Hi, Mary . . . . Good to see you here. Thanks for the nice “Christmas card.” 🙂
I hope you, your trucker son, and all your loved ones have a safe, healthy, and happy Christmas.
God bless truckers; what would we do without them!
A very Merry Christmas, RVSue and Blogorinos everywhere. It’s always a special delight to open my email and see a post from you. Wishing a healthy and peaceful year to all.
Hi, Marilu,
And it’s always a delight for me to see long time blogorinos appearing here again (well, the newbies are nice, too!). I hope all is well with you and yours as we close out this year and roll out the new. Merry Christmas!
It should be interesting to see this special sky event, and glad to hear from you again, Sue!! Of course, we live in the land of liquid sunshine, and have not seen the sky for some time now…and it is raining…so we will not see the star for ourselves. But that will be ok. We are where we are for a reason…and so it is. We are staying mostly home for many reasons, and enjoying the things we like to do, such as watch folks on YOUTUBE who do things we never will…or did when young (built a house) and won’t do again…but nonetheless. Hubby even found this walker guy who videos towns and cities all over Israel…what a fun thing to “walk along” with this guy…he does not speak…just walks silently and so the sounds are whatever is in nature or folks he walks past. Not everyone’s cup of tea maybe, but we are having fun. The state emperor says no gatherings of any sort. For the most part, we go along. He has needed to retire for a long time…what can we say…but here we are. Determined to enjoy life so well as we can, in simple ways mostly…such as the food experiments still go on…heh.
Hi, Elizabeth,
The quiet tour of Israel appeals to me. Many times I turn off a travelogue or documentary because the narrator is annoying and distracting. I imagine it would be fun to walk the tour of Israel and probably easier to absorb what you see and hear along the way. I hope you and your husband had a Happy Hanukkah.
I marvel at your “food experiments” — such dedication and perseverance and love!
Thank you for being a loyal follower, Elizabeth. 🙂
A few hours ago, I was watching a non-narrated walk around Amsterdam. That makes me more likely to go there someday (if I can) than anybody talking.
Thank you for the kind comments, Sue!! In case you too would enjoy walking along with this fella on youtube, here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskFSpDpXyqQNnacB1u4k_g I think there are also others doing such, but not sure how many walk silently. It is indeed quite relaxing!!
We don’t do much of anything for any holidays at all, Sue. This year even less I think…but we kind of enjoy the usual, plus maybe a few extra things on Youtube, etc. Maybe a few extra foods.
Well, you know, I do like to eat Sue…one reason I keep trying to fix recipes so we can eat them…some are more successful than others. If I ever get the cookbook completed…ha!! Actually if I had what it takes to keep a blog going, I would just put them on that for free. But I am not computer literate enough. And from reading others’ blogs, it seems the evil ones of the world will often steal away blogs, or take content or something, and that kind of battle does not appeal to me. Maybe one day one of my daughters or grandkids will do a food blog…then I could help them with recipes.
Merry Christmas to all.
Merry Christmas to you, Rusty!
Merry Christmas Sue!
Hi, Rob! Merry Christmas!
This year calls for a quiet, at home, celebration for all of us. We sure could use some moisture, whether wet or white.
That header is so cute (poor chicken)!!!
Yule Blessings to you and crew.
Thank you, Jodee….. Same to you!
I went out to the backyard around 6:30 and saw the “star.” It looks like a bright light with a smaller light beside it. I’ll check it again later.
That header is from our camp along the Clark River in northwest Montana…. https://rvsueandcrew.net/a-shady-outdoor-play-room-at-sloway-campground/
I really hope you and the boys have a peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year!
And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the readers!
Hi, Lisa!
Thank you for the holiday wishes. Blessings to you and yours for good health and happiness now and throughout the coming year.
Merry Christmas to you, Sue. Glad you are happy at home in Arizona,
Thank you, Joanne. Merry Christmas to you, too.
Merry Christmas, RV Sue! We too saw the “star” tonight. Very beautiful! Although this has been a trying and somewhat difficult year, we have been watching all our favorite Christmas movies and they make me grateful for all our blessings! We watched “The Bishop’s Wife” tonight with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. A wonderful movie if you haven’t seen it. May you, Reggie, and Roger, as well as all the bloggorinos have a wonderful, safe, Christmas and a happier New Year!
Hi, Terri!
I haven’t seen that movie. I’ll look for it. For some unknown reason I was trying to remember the name of the actress, whom I remember from my very earliest tv-watching childhood, who would make a dramatic entrance on the screen with a twirl and swirl of her skirt. Loretta Young! Ha!
Thank you for your merry wishes for me and my boys. May your Christmas and new year be happy and bright!
Have a warm and wonderful holiday with your crew, Sue! We’re staying quiet here in Michigan. Covid claimed my brother-in-law in October, and husband and I both got it from him before he knew he had it. It’s been hard. But 2021 has just GOT to be better! We have high hopes. I made camping reservations and hope I get to keep them this coming June!
Oh, Dawn! What a terrible thing to have happen in your family. I hope you two recover well and life goes on happily.
Thank you, we are almost all better!
Hi, Dawn,
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss and your sickness. This has been a difficult year for you and so many people in such personal, heart-rendering ways. You’re right — 2021 is going to much better!
Going camping in June — great! Will you be camping in Michigan?
Wishing you the blessings of a quiet Christmas at home. Always nice to hear from you, Dawn.
Thank you. Yes, I have camping reservations up in the UP, just past the Mackinaw Bridge, on the water for 3 nights and then further into the UP on Lake Superior for another 3 nights. It’s a trip I planned and made reservations for last summer but all the camping reservations were cancelled. Kind of a trip of a lifetime for me, scheduled when there is no moon and I’m hoping for amazing stars to photograph. Not to mention the bridge lit up and maybe the milky way behind it. We’ll see.
Sounds lovely, Dawn.
Dawn,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother and that you and your husband are sick from Covid. I hope you and your husband recover completely. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please give Princess Katie a pat for me. I know she did a good job trying to take care of you both.
Sadly just as it got dark enough to see stars, fog moved in and night sky was blocked. Merry Christmas Sue and crew and the rest of the Sue followers.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Velda. Good to hear from you again, dear one.
So great to see your post! The Oregon coast sky..with high winds and rain is not providing favorable night sky viewing.
Wishing you and the doggies peace, health and happiness in 2021. Merry Christmas!🎄
Thanks, Annie. You have a wonderful Christmas and new year!
Actually we in Arizona would appreciate some of that precipitation, whether rain or snow. Yards are completely brown, even the weeds have given up. Once the pecan trees’ leaves fall, I’ll be out there raking the dirt. 🙂
Merry Christmas, RV Sue & crew!! 🙂
Same to you, Tracy! Thanks for dropping in! 🙂
Wishing a peaceful holiday for you three and all the blogorinos. Not sure it’s going to be a white one here this year. We seem to be in another (or the same) drought.
Hi, Linda,
I thought Minnesota was always white in December. Obviously I’ve never been there!
Whatever the weather I hope you enjoy blessings raining on you and yours in abundance. 🙂
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and thanking you for being here with us.
You’re welcome, Erika, and thank you for joining us and for the Christmas wish. Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Diane. Merry Christmas to you, too!
So good to hear from you and that you and the boys are well. Merry Christmas to all of you!
So good to hear from you, too, Jan. The boys and I are well; Roger and I are putting on our wintertime weight, while Reggie remains trim. I don’t know how he does it. Well, actually I do. He doesn’t EAT the way Roger and I love to do!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet little boys 🎄
Merry Christmas to you, too, Eileen. (I like these little Christmas trees. 🙂 )
Merry Christmas, Sue and crew! I think of you often and am glad you are well and happy. I am as well! 2020 sure provided a lesson in remaining flexible and changing plans – or not making any plans! I hope that bright light in the sky last night is a sign of better times in the new year! I sure love hearing from you.
What a sweet note, Laurie. I’m glad you haven’t given up on this ol’ tired blog!
Yes, no doubt there are many lessons to learn from 2020. I’m ready for lessons to be over — It’s time for “recess” in 2021!
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, whatever you do.
Merry Christmas Sue! Thank you for your column, I appreciate your thoughtful and generous gift all through the year!
You’re welcome, Chey. You have been and are a precious gift to me. Wishing you many blessings this Christmas and for the new year!
Good morning everyone!
Great to hear from you Sue. We will also be having a very simple Christmas this year. It is usually the one day that I get to see all of my cousins from my mom’s side of the family. But not this year. My aunt’s house is too small for everyone to have “their space”. And my uncle is in a wheelchair now and wouldn’t be able to get into her home. So, she and the one cousin who lives in town will be coming over to Uncle’s house for “Ten O’clock tea”.
I hope that everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!
Love and Christmas Blessings.
MB, Bella and Molly
Hi, MB!
Thank you for the nice note to me and your fellow blogorinos. Reading about holiday plans is interesting. Enjoy your Ten O’clock Tea and the rest of 2020, also best wishes to you and your uncle for a blessed new year!
Hi, Bella and Molly . . . I hope you’ve been good! 🙂
Have a blessed Christmas. What a Joy to get your post! It’s an Early Present!
Thank you, Claudia. Merry Christmas to you!
Seeing you and all these others here are like smiling faces gathered ’round the Christmas tree (well, if I had a Christmas tree … haha!).
Merry Christmas Sue and Crew!
Merry Christmas to you, too, Renee! On my WordPress feed I can see your pretty face! Nice avatar. 🙂
Good morning RVSue and Crew. Merry Christmas and hopefully a good new year….2020 was the pits. Covid-19 arrived and we’ve been all staying home. I lost my youngest sister Sue to diabetes related illness the day after Thanksgiving. I’m in mourning so no Christmas decorations or lights this year…just a wreath on the door. It was so painful to clean out sister’s closets here in Phoenix and her home on the rez. My two nieces did a tremendous job in dealing with all needed to be done. Sue was my traveling partner and I have many fond memories of our travels. The latest one was a road trip up highway 395 and back in fall of 2019…October. Events happened while on the road – we saw the locomotive Big Boy in Victorville, CA, a parade in Lone Pine, and a film festival. We visited museums, visited the Bristle Pines, Monolake, Alabama hills, and much more. We shopped at a used exchange sports store to buy down vest and other goodies and we went crazy shopping…what fun that was. We did a lot of hiking. The trip was amazing. Together we traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Mexico and criss crossed USA a zillion times. I miss her so much.
I’m so glad you and the boys are doing well and safe. You inspired us to travel your foot steps. Take care and again Merry Christmas.
Oh, Rita, how very sad for you. Sounds like your sister was a precious friend. I’m glad you have those memories. I remember you telling us about the trip on Route 395, how happy you were . . . .
Thank you for the Christmas wish. For you I wish comfort for your aching heart and for healing.
Dear Rita,
So very sorry for the loss of your sister. I hope you were able to see each other on Thanksgiving. I know Christmas will be hard for you and family this year. We all love you and wish you happy memories to make you smile & peace to heal your hearts. Love & BIG hugs to you!!!
So sorry you lost your sister…my brother was taken from us long ago in November…it makes holidays much harder…for me, to a degree, even yet!! We will always miss them…take care of yourself!! May the memories be of comfort!!
Hi, Rita,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your youngest sister. I hope that the wonderful memories you made together provide some comfort. I understand. I lost my little sis in March. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Merry Christmas dear Sue, Reggie & Roger.
I have been putting together thoughts these last few days, to write a Christmas greeting comment. You beat me to it. 😄 It is good to hear from you!! I’m glad you all are well and happy.
We have had a challenging Summer, and Fall. We are still on the road and are doing just fine. We arrived on Darby Well Road yesterday, just in time for a quiet Christmas. Perhaps not much more than what you described, except for maybe a fire and an a tilt of whiskey as we howl at the moon with the coyotes. It’s very peaceful out here this season.
Can I post a link here to my Christmas Instagram photo? I’m not sure how that would work out, or if you allow that sort of thing? No worries at all if it’s not possible.
I will finish putting my thoughts together and sit and write what I intended when I have a steady, reliable signal. I wish everyone reading this a joyful and fulfilled new year, as well as a very happy, and peaceful Christmas.
Love, Suzi, Larry, and Kitty 🐾
Hi, Suzi,
Often I’ve thought of you, Larry, and Kitty navigating the public lands and campgrounds during this past year of lockdowns and different rules from place to place. I’m glad you’ve settled in a quiet place for Christmas; Darby Road area is a good choice. You can go see Santa in Ajo’s town square (if he hasn’t been cancelled!). Maybe he’s already come and gone.
Sure, go ahead and post the link! I look forward to seeing your pic.
Enjoy your Christmas in the desert!
Hello again,
Sadly “Santa and his parade have been cancelled” this year. The town of Ajo barely looks like itself. The big tree is up, but none of the other sweet decorations are. A few homes are decorated, but only a few. It makes me feel sad for these tiny towns that dot the roads less traveled.
Yes, the year has been awkward with so much shut down, but we’ve managed to stay hidden and healthy through it all. We are most grateful for a certain someone, who so graciously taught us what we needed to know to survive out here on our own. Part of what I have been mulling over to write, is just how grateful I have been that I met you. *Well I feel like I have. You’ve entertained me, taught me many things that at the time I didn’t know I needed to be schooled on, your humor sustained me when I needed it, your photos inspired me, and your friendship has enriched my life. Meeting other Blogerinos, and getting a tiny slice of their lives, watching them face hardships, hearing about their pets, and all the happy as well as sad posts letting us know when someone has passed… has been a joy in my life. This little secret internet slice of life is priceless to me. We all seem like family here, able to share both the happy moments along side the sad. No one judges, and everyone tries to lift each other up when needed. I don’t have to tell you, your blog and your friends here- my friends, OUR friends here are something very very special, that you don’t find on other blogs. I hope you are all reading this and know how much you all mean to me. And Sue, I hold the highest respect for you and this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Many blessings wished on you going forward. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Thank you, Suzi. 🙂
Hi, Suzi,
Your heartfelt message beautifully expresses just how special Sue’s blog is to so many.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us; I always enjoy reading your updates. 😊
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJGp5YThTVt/?igshid=d0jpkoaxjspi
Hi Sue, thank you for allowing this. It’s just a little thing, but it’s a Christmas card to all of you and your readers. This photo should bring back many, many good memories for you! As we continue to travel, I think of you in your Casita often- you and your darling crew, past & present.
xoxo 💋
Dear Suzi,
I would like to thank you, too! Thanks for all your comments this year. Have enjoyed all your travels even without pictures. The instagram photos were beautiful. Even without an account I was able to see those two. I too enjoy hearing slices of blogerinos lives here and am happy Sue keeps her blog going for us to share. Merry Christmas to you Larry & Kitty!
🙏🏼 Thank you so much Barb. This IS just such a splendid place to come sit with a cup of tea and meet-up with friends for a bit of a catch-up, or lift-me-up. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! ❤️
Suzi, I’ll chime in with Barb — Your posts are fun and interesting to read and I’m grateful you take the time and effort to share your vagabonding life with us. Thank you!
Great photos, Suzi! You got a beautiful shot of the reflected sunset. Boy, did that take me back!
Yes Sue, I knew it would. I remember a few of yours just like it! Somethings will always remind me of you.
🙂
Suzicurzi, your note to rvsue says so well what many of us feel about Sue even if we cannot always articulate it as well. Your travels, photographs and reports back have shown how well you have learned what Sue has taught us. How to do it and fine tune it along the way. Glad you have found a peaceful place to spend the holidays. Keep the reports coming!
Merry Christmas Sue & Crew & All the Blogerinos! Enjoyed seeing all the comments from so many. Even the comments on the “Belly deep in snow” post that included AZ Jim and Gerri and her mermaid tears. It helps to bring them into my heart again! For all you, like me, missing loved ones at this time ~ wishing you many happy memories of good times.
I’m finally going to put up my tree today. The dog loves it and takes naps under it. I just put the star on top, lights and hearts I made with my husband old shirts & jeans, some from my FIL shirts (my husband made a quilt for his mom with them) and a few I made from jobs I did for people. It reminds me of them and their loved ones and hope the ones I made for them bring them some joy & memories. Also a few dog toy ornaments hung low for Cheddals.
The store’s been selling half turkey breasts. We’ve already had a couple since Thanksgiving, with another one in the freezer. It’s more fun to make when it’s not a holiday. It will vary with each meal what I feel like making. Last time stuffing from scratch so to be gluten-free. The time before that mashed potatoes, but both times I made cranberry sauce. So easy and delicious. Haven’t done the green bean casserole yet but did make some pies. I have thankgiving once a week! And am VERY greatful each time. So for Christmas the last few years, we’ve been having homemade pizza. Not sure about this year yet. So my friends, Merry Christmas again! Much love & happiness to you all. God bless us everyone!
Merry Christmas, Barb! You’re making me hungry!
Love and happiness to you, too…. 🙂
Merry Christmas Sue, Reggie and Roger. Simple at the end of this year seems to appeal to many, with hopes of a safer new year to come. So glad you started this blog, as it has always been a ray of sunshine to so many who follow you. A little winter fat is not a bad thing. Hug the pups, enjoy their love. Be Well Always!
Ha! Did you say “a little” winter fat? I’m trying to keep it under control but Christmas goodies gave me quite a setback. I was given Godiva chocolates. They Must Be Eaten.
Thank you for the kind words about my blog. I hope you are enjoying life and looking forward to a wonderful new year! That’s my wish for you, jazzlover!
Hi, Barb,
This years Christmas dinner is non traditional for me, too. I am enjoying breaded haddock fillets and crispy French fries with spicy cocktail sauce. Gracie pup rescued a fry that fell off my plate. 🐶
I hope you enjoyed your Christmas dinner….whatever your menu! 😊
Merry Christmas, Sue, Reggie and Roger and all your readers.
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2021!
Thanks for the Merry Christmas greeting, Jan! I hope your holiday was good for you and yours. And, yes, here’s to a happy 2021 for us all!
Merry Christmas Sue! Ear rubs to the Reggie and Rodger. I’ve been choosing from your search zone a different blog to read daily…along with my Kindle it has helped keep me sane these months since March 18. My great nephew, once a week, Zooms with me for time with “The Crews”. He calls Brigette and Spike the “Old Timers” and Reggie and Roger “The Newbies”. His Dad and I don’t know where he got those titles from but we enjoy his attention and lovely antics as he tells his cousins about the “The Traveling Crews and their Mom”. His Dad believes that the time spent with RVSue and Her Crew has helped his son handle his schooling…as a first grader he hasn’t been in a classroom with other children but as a kid of the tech age it hasn’t been too much of a problem. However, missing his friends has been a problem. His Dad has been great at giving both of his Kids many adventures this past year: turtle recusing in FL, fishing in Nantucket Sound, visiting a marine biologist working with dolphins, visiting Oregon beach because RVSue took Reggie there. The map in my nephew’s bedroom has pins for your travels as well as for his family. My great nephew is six and has high-functioning autism. His Dad has stated that my continued interaction with him these past few years about REV Sue and Crew has helped in so many ways. He had retreated a bit when my sister Peggy, his grandmother and best teacher ever, passed in 2018. He would come and quietly stand by me, eventually his hand would touch my fanny pack . It was his way of asking to look at RVSue pictures. A Start of something wonderful. Thank you.
Time to get ready to Zoom with Family and Friends. LOL, last time I could hear but not see so one of the Nephews is going to come on early to make sure I am “with the program”.
Take Care Sue and Crew, Much Joy sent your way!
My wish for All of Us – Health, Calm, Friendship and Love!
Hi, Deena,
Such a sweet and cheerful note . . . Thank you for taking the time to explain what Reggie and Roger (and Spike and Bridget before them) mean to your great-nephew. I am amazed how this blog has impacted lives in a good way. It’s especially touching to know my crews have brought such enjoyment and, in an autistic way, companionship.
Your choices for a group wish — health, calm, friendship, and love — perfect! I wish the same for you and your family. May 2021 be marked with many joyful moments!
Hi, Sue and blogorinos! Merry Christmas! 🎄
It was so nice to see an updated post, Sue. Thank you! 😊
So glad that some folks were able to view the special Christmas star. We had cloudy skies and were not able to see it. I am sure it was a spectacular sight.
Gracie pup and I are having a very low key Christmas. I did not even put up the tree; the only decoration is the nativity. Santa left presents for Gracie at her favorite spot in the living room – under an end table. After we came in from her early morning potty break I told her that Santa came last night. I could not get her leash off fast enough! Watching her run so excitedly with her rear end fish tailing on the kitchen floor always makes me smile. Gracie is 11 years old but still acts like a young pup.
Dinner was breaded haddock and french fries with spicy cocktail sauce; dessert was a strawberry yogurt. Gracie pup gulped down a fry that fell off my plate. I was worried that she might burn her mouth…it was down the hatch before I even finished the thought.
Sending warm thoughts, gentle hugs, and prayers for blogorinos who are having health issues of their own or are taking care of family members. For those who have lost family members, my heart goes out to you. I understand – my family lost 3 folks in 3 months. I hope everyone is able to safely visit family by phone, text, FaceTime, or zoom. It is a blessing that we have this technology available to check on each other.
Sue, thank you for allowing us to visit on your virtual front porch. Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! We love you! 😊 🐾 💕
In the words of Tiny Tim, “A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!”
God Bless you, Denise. Thank you for sharing Gracie Pup and yourself with us. We love your sweet messages. Take Care with a gentle hug back at ya.
Thank you, Deena! 😊
Thanks for sharing your life, Denise…sounds like you and Gracie pup had a good day!! Ours was simple and low key but ok with us. Best wishes for a much better year for you and everyone!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I am glad that you all had a nice Christmas, too! Thank you for sharing the peaceful walker YouTube link. 😊
Sending Happy New Year wishes for all! 😊
Hi, Denise,
I love reading your comments that give us a glimpse of your life with Gracie. With words you create an atmosphere of warm hospitality and reveal your calm and gracious personality. You know? Whenever I see Richmond, VA, on a weather map, I think of you and Gracie pup and imagine the scene around your home, from the antics of chipmunks in the back yard to the birds flocking to the feeder to the aroma of another delicious meal coming from your kitchen. And, of course, whatever Gracie pup is up to!
You thank me for allowing you to visit on my front porch (you’re welcome!). I thank YOU for opening your home and heart to all the blogorinos and me through your thoughtful and carefully written comments. You’ve added a richness and depth for which I am truly grateful.
Your family’s recent losses, as painful as they are, haven’t darkened the light you bring to others. Your example is inspiring, Denise. No doubt you have many admirers who read this blog and feel as I do. You are a precious soul.
Love and hugs and wishes for all that is good for you and Gracie pup in the coming year from me and the boys!
Hi, Sue,
Thank you and the boys for your kind words, love, hugs and new year wishes for me and Gracie pup! We are happy to be part of your blogorino family! 😊 🐾 💕
Ha! I do the same thing when I see the weather map or news. I immediately think of the blogorino(s) that live in that area.
I hope you, Reggie, and Roger have a nice evening. N’nite! 😊 🐾 xo
Hi , i have just now seen your post. So glad to hear from you. Hope your Christmas was enjoyable. I am looking forward to watching 2020 leave and hopeing for a better new year.
Hi, Jean!
I’m glad to hear from you too! Yes, I think the “tide” will turn soon on all this fear and subsequent restrictions, allowing 2021 to be a much better year for many people. I hope so.
My sister Pauline told me in an email that Mississippi temperatures have been cold, warm, cold, jumping back and forth . . . . It was sunny and warm here today, predicted to turn cold tomorrow with — YAY!! — RAIN!!!
Thank you for writing, Jean. I hope you and your family are well and happy and ready for many blessings coming your way.
A belated Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We got a white Christmas out here in the hills and it has stayed around for a few days. Now that it’s winter we can watch the cows being fed every morning. The farmer rolls the round bales down the hill and the cows line up along the unrolled hay. Already the afternoon light is noticeably longer by a few minutes, giving the dogs more time to play before coming in. Time to start thinking about what plants and trees to get for spring.
Hi, rhodium,
From this post and from comments you’ve made in the past, your rural home sounds idyllic, what with all the critters, wild and domestic, that inhabit your property, as well as the lush greenery of Virginia.
I had to smile at you mentioning “what plants and trees to get for spring.” One time you told us about a luscious crop of cherry tomatoes from your garden, I do recall. Browsing seed catalogs during these long evenings? Or has technology made them obsolete? Back in my veggie gardening days, I used to dream over those seed catalogs, making garden plans on graph paper. 🙂
Nice hearing from you. Sending you, your wife, and family wishes for a happy new year!
Hi everyone,tonight will have the last full moon of this decade, hope you get a chance to see it.
Hi, weather!
So thankful that our skies are clear! The full moon seems to be extra bright tonight. Thank you for the reminder!
I will be watching the weather reports and think of you as the next storm heads up the east coast. We are expecting rain. In my minds eye, I see you snuggled with Polly and Kyla as you enjoy watching the snow fall as you sip on hot cocoa or tea. Enjoy your winter wonderland! Sending you and your kitties *hugs* – N’nite! 😊
…snow fall & sip on hot cocoa or tea…
Thanks for your sweet reply,Denise.You always write such thoughtful notes to all of us on here. You were right, we had a lovely snowfall to watch as swans drifted by in the lake.Sending hugs and blessings to you,n’nite
xo 😊
Hi Everyone,
Still catching up on all of the comments. I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Wishing you the same Dawn…we are all so ready for a better year I think!!
It became apparent in December, that our daughter who has had a lot of health issues, was actually, maybe for first time in her life, doing better…she is feeling good now she says!! A miracle to our family and so at least for us there was one good event of 2020…her improved health!!!
Hi, Elizabeth!
That is wonderful news! All those recipe tweaks are paying off.
I hope you daughter’s good health continues! 😊
Thank you Denise!! Time will tell, but we are more optimistic than we ever have been with our daughter’s health issues!!
😊
Happy New Year, Dawn!
I hope your year is off to a good start! We have a chance of snow later this week.
A light dusting would be pretty. 😊
Howdy Sue & Boys,
I just got a tub of broccoli salad at Olsens, in Ajo. Yummy! Whenever I do, I think of you.
The desert is brown, brown, brown out here. I’ve never seen it so dry. There has not been a single drop of rain since we arrived before Christmas. I hate to say it, but I miss it. I miss those fantastic smells! But right now, I’m just thinking about all the animals and the fact that there’s been no rain here. We’ve heard from the locals, that the monsoons never came.
What’s new with you and the boys? Anything exciting?
Love, Suzi , Larry, & Kitty.
Happy New Year, again. There are a lot of dog people around here, and we all love to see Reggie and Roger pictures! I wonder if anyone has any experience with one of the dog breed DNA companies? Our treeing Walker coonhound’s daughter, Ruthie, looks nothing like her. All the puppies were the same, more or less a boxer but with bigger ears. Since the mother (Hannah) came to us pregnant, we know nothing about the father. There are pictures of something called a BT Walker coonhound, a purposeful boxer-coonhound mix, and the result looks a lot like Ruthie. They are supposed to be full of energy, and that is Ruthie! We have a gift card left over from Christmas so we could spend it on her.
rhodium ~ Sorry can’t help you there, but did enjoy checking out what a Treeing Walker Coonhound was. Had never heard of this breed. Nice looking. I went to the AKC site and looked at my own dog, too. Thanks. It’s funny how sometimes there’s one puppy that looks different. Have a nice day!
Hi, rhodium! Happy New Year! 🎊
My sister and brother-in-law had a DNA test done on their pup thru their vet. The report was very detailed. The testing company was Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis. Here is a link for more info.
https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/genetic-health-analysis
Their rescue pup was thought to be a border collie mix. One time their pup dragged my BIL through my backyard to tree a squirrel. She was baying excitedly. My sister said that she barked, but they had never heard her bay. If I remember correctly, she is a mix of a couple different setter and hound breeds, beagle, and border collie.
Please let us know what you all learn about your sweet Ruthie! 😊
His mercies are new every morning!
Love and blessings to all of you blogorinos. Life has been turbulent and I’ve missed being here, but have been thinking of all of you. I will go back and read everything I’ve missed.
Love and blessings to you , too, Applegirl. I was just thinking about you, checked in and saw you here 😊
It’s great to hear from you.
To all blogorinos- a prayer request. My next door neighbor Jim had a heart attack and is in the hospital. They put two stents in , and now 3 days later he is, thank God, still alive. I pray that God help him to heal thoroughly with no more problems, and that He grant Jim’s wife Debbie peace and sleep free from worry.
Blessings to Jim & Debbie and for a quick exit from the hospital, too.
Thanks Barb I just spoke to the family , Jim can come home on Monday!
Thanks Denise, Debbie is doing ok, too,
sending you hugs .
Hi, weather!
That is great news – thank you for sharing the update!
Thank you for the hugs. xo 😊
Xo😊
xo 😊
Hi, weather,
I’m sorry that I did not see your prayer request earlier. I pray that Jim is doing better and that his wife is blessed with comfort knowing that they are surrounded with love and prayers. I am sending positive thoughts and healing prayers for them. I know how special your neighbors are to you and how you all look out for each other. I hope your next update will be that Jim has been released to go home and that Debbie will be granted some relief. Sending you **hugs**, too weather. Please take good care of yourself. 😊
Hi Weather, I will pray for a safe return home for your neighbor Jim and his wife Debbie. So glad to hear that he’s come though his health crisis.
I’m going to try to check in a couple of times a week. I’ve missed you!
Hi, Applegirl!
You have been in my thoughts, too. Almost every time I buy a sack of apples, I think, “these could be used in a nice pie or cobbler recipe.” That reminds me of when you have shared what apple-y goodness was baking in your oven. 🥧
Sending you love, hugs, and blessings, too. Take good care of yourself. 😊
Hi Denise. Cobblers, pies, or just sliced with some nice sharp cheese. Yummy! Thanks for the hugs and blessings. I return the same to you.
Hi, Applegirl,
Thank you for the hugs and blessings! 😊
When we were kids, we vacationed several times in Wisconsin. We stayed in a rustic cabin on a lake. We did not catch many fish despite our efforts. So a couple times during our stay we went out for a fish dinner. It became a running joke that we vacationed in WI just to go to that restaurant for fish dinners.
Even before our water glasses were filled, they would bring a fresh crock of Sharp Cheddar cheese and crackers to the table. OMG! Heaven! For dessert I ordered apple pie. The waitress asked if we would like sharp cheddar cheese melted on my pie – yes, please! What a wonderful combination! No one else in my family tried it – they thought it strange – their loss! The sweet tartness of the pie and the salty bite of the cheese is a perfect combination! 🥧 😋
Please excuse the typos and sentences that are not making sense… I should not type when I am tired. Despite the errors, I think you get the gist of what I was trying to say.
N’nite… 😴
Hi Denise,
Not much room here 🙂 but, your vacationing in WI peaked my interest.
In my childhood we lived in IL, but went “up-north” every summer to stay in a cabin. The resort had a bar with a restaurant. Friday fish fry! Mmmm. Lake Perch. They also sold frozen candy bars. Tombstone pizzas that you couldn’t get many places then. Never had the pie with cheese, but will have to try it sometime.
When I was really small, grandma & grandad, aunts, uncles and cousins went. Hayward mostly. Sorry for going on, but thanks for the great memories you sparked. Still thinking about lake perch:)
Hi, Barb!
Glad that my reminiscing triggered happy memories of your childhood! Yes! We had walleye perch for dinner, too. And the fish that everyone was trying to catch was a huge Muskie. We saw him jumping in a cove, so the fish really did exist. It was not just a tall tale made up over beers. 🤣Word has it that the Muskie lived a long life and was never caught. 🐟
And yes..the tombstone pizzas! That was a tradition, too. On our way “home” from dinner, a stop at the dump was a must – to see if we could spot the bear. Thank you for sparking those memories!
I have cousins that live in WI and each winter they go “up Nort” to snowmobile on frozen lakes. Sounds like great fun! 😊
Thank you to all praying for my neighbor Jim. They decided he needed bypass surgery today. He came through alright, is now in intensive care unit, we can expect him home in a week if all goes well.
Hi, weather,
You and your neighbors have been on my mind all day. I was hoping that Jim would be released today. Thank goodness that they determined that he needed surgery before he was sent home. May Jim find strength and healing in the coming days. And may Debbie find peace knowing that the hospital is taking good care of Jim. I also hope that you, my friend are getting rest during this stressful time. Continuing to send positive thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort.
Are you ready for the snow & ice headed your way? Make a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate, snuggle with your kitties and watch the snow show. Please stay safe and be very careful if you need to go out. Sending you warm hugs, love, and prayers, weather. 😊
Thank you ,Denise, for praying and all of your good wishes. You write such caring and concerned notes, I really do appreciate you.
For now I am as prepared for the ice and snow as I can be. The ice is especially difficult so I am careful about how I walk when I need to. It is beautiful to see shimmering icicles and sparkling dust sized snowflakes, and a blessing to be able to stay with the kitties in our warm and cozy home.
Please take good care of yourself during the upcoming cold and snow. I pray all the best for you, and send you love,a big hug and smile.
Thank you for the prayers, love, hugs and smile, weather. xo 😊
A band of snow is headed our way this weekend. We are grateful to have what we need. Gracie pup and I will be snug and warm in our home enjoying the snow show. I love the special quietness that snow brings. ❄️
I was thinking of Jim going home yesterday, too. Prayers to Jim & Debbie for a speedy recovery and return home. Hope you don’t get too much snow & ice, weather. Stay safe & warm.
Thank you,Barb, for praying . We are not expecting an unusual amount of snow and ice, so I anticipate being able to stay safe and warm. You are sweet to care.
Sending you blessings for all good and happy things.
Hi Everyone ~ Hope you are having a good day.
Denise ~ I ran out of room to reply. I started to mention the muskie & then thought to leave it out for space, but yes, that was the fish all the men wanted to catch. My young uncle decided to go out after dark to fish off the little bridge connecting the lakes. He came running back with what he thought was “the big one” only to find out he had nabbed a skunk in his net. The lodge didn’t have enough tomato juice to get rid of the odor totally. Glad he was not in our cabin/car. The resort we went to for many years was called Tiger Cat Resort and was on the Chippewa flowage. Hayward has that big muskie statue and museum. The beers they drank talking about the ones that got away were only had on vacation. Hamm’s beer “from the land of sky blue waters” and the famous Hamm’s Bear and Point beer from Steven’s Point. Going to the dump to watch the bears was a thing to do back then. Other memories were of the lumberjack show and u-boat races. Can’t remember if that’s also where the big statue of Paul Bunyan is. Thanks again for stirring even more great memories out of the files. Love & hugs to you.
Hi, Barb!
I bet your uncle never lived down his catch of “the big one!” 😂
Thank you for sharing your happy memories! 😊
Hi, Sue and my fellow blogorinos!
How is everyone doing? With much our country dealing with extreme weather, I hope you are well and have everything you need. The last couple days have been very cold, rainy, and grey. We may get freezing rain, sleet and snow in the coming days if we get anything at all. We had a brief dusting last month and a few snowflakes on Christmas Day. I feel that we are kind of overdue for a good snow, with February being right around the corner. It is winter, after all! 😊 ❄️
How is the weather in your neck of the woods?
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup!
Have a good evening, Sue! xo 😊🐾
Stay safe everyone! 😊
Hi Everyone!
Weather down here was chilly at night, now gone. Had sunny skies for days, now foggy & damp in the mornings, with a few dreary days. No rain for a while. Live oak leaves on ground mostly and pollen getting ready to burst. Warmer days. Some sun. We didn’t get our stretch of cold this year where they worry about the strawberry plants, but February hasn’t come yet. Some of my blueberry bushes have flowers. Seems early. Wishing everyone well with the winter storm passing thru. Stay warm & safe.
Hi, Barb!
A mild winter may result in a bumper crop of strawberries – yum! 🍓 Do you get enough blueberries to make jam or a pie? Even a handful of homegrown berries to top oatmeal or cereal or ice cream….is wonderful! 😊
Hi again Denise ~ I spoke too soon. It’s chilly with a cool wind. 40’s at night, 65 today, 70 tomorrow. Sunny today.
My blueberries bushes are still small. Last year we covered them when ripening to keep the birds away. I managed to get enough for my morning oatmeal for many days. They are the most expensive blueberries I eat with the purchases made to keep them going. I wonder how many years it will take to make them free. They are delicious.
Hi Everyone! Just stopping in to say hello! Miss visiting with you guys more frequently. All is well in my neck of the woods. I got back home last weekend after spending a week with my parents helping them out after my dad’s surgery. There were many answered prayers as he did not have to go to rehab and could go directly home from the hospital. I was semi quarantining before I went to my parents’ so I stopped going to the small gym that I attend. Of course, I didn’t keep exercising at home on my own….so it’s going to be a shock to my system when I start back to gym classes next week!
I hope that everyone is having a good week and staying safe.
Hi, Dawn!
So glad that you stopped by to chat! 😊
I am glad that your Dad was able to come home after his surgery. I know that was a relief on so many levels. I hope he has an uneventful recovery! Good luck getting back into the swing of things at the gym. A week or so and your body won’t scream (as much). 😂
Stay safe and take good care of yourself **hugs** 😊
Hi Dawn! That’s wonderful news about your dad’s recovery. Home is always better if possible….but nowadays, it’s even better!
Hi Dawn ~ I hope your Dad feels better every day!
Good evening, all!
This morning I woke to a pretty dusting of snow. Most of it was gone by the afternoon. Our next opportunity for snow is this weekend. The local meteorologists are excited and predicting an 80% chance. We are stocked up and have what we need. The only shoveling that I will be doing is clearing off the back door porch and a making a path for Gracie’s potty spot.
Please stay safe and take good care of yourselves. 😊
Hi Denise! We got a little snow yesterday too. Two inches here in Lynchburg. More on the way for us this weekend too. It’s nice since we haven’t had any real snow in 2 years. Just hope it doesn’t make a habit of it. LOL! I’ll be doing the “good southern girl” thing today….stocking up on bread and milk…..can’t do without those milk sandwiches ya know! LOL! Nah…..I’ll be stocking up on the true essentials…..like coffee!
You and Gracie snuggle up and stay warm!
Hi, MB!
We ended up with 5” yesterday (01/31) and then some freezing rain compressed the snow a bit. Surprisingly, the County truck came thru this afternoon to plow and put down salt/sand. Usually the my neighborhood gets attention after the surrounding higher priced neighborhoods. 😂 It is ironic – just about everyone is working from home and do not need to go out. LOL! The mail lady just came by….yay! 😊
Glad that you were able to get your essentials before the storm. You have your priorities straight! The milk and bread panic cracks me up! Most of us could make due with what we have on hand for a week or more! Saturday I stopped at the credit union, picked up Gracie’s Rx at the vet, and went to my little Chinese takeout place to pick up lunch/dinner. Glad that I did not have to venture into a grocery store! 😊
I hope you and your girls stayed warm and cozy! 😊
Good morning all! I’m up very early and am being treated to a serenade by a nearby owl. The snow and the moon are beautiful. Yes….we finally got a little snow here….first in two years! VA doesn’t get a lot of snow but we can usually count on a few good ones/year. So this is nice.
Not much going on here. My uncle is having bad back issues and is in a wheelchair full-time. He has an appointment with a doctor in March…..his MRI was before Christmas! Anyway, I am really hoping that he can get some help and get out of that chair. But the longer he is in it, the less chance there may be of that. I am just so thankful that we had built a ramp for my dad and that the house is wheelchair assessable….even though it wasn’t built with that in mind.
I’m still living in my dad’s art studio/office behind the house. In this way I can look out for my uncle and my property without having to live “with” him. He is a bit set in his ways…..ok….WE are a little set in our ways! LOL! I had wanted to camp long term but just not in the same place……should have been more specific! Ha! Ha! Just picture a pretty camper set up in a park with electric hook-ups and water nearby. Except that campers have a bigger “kitchen area”. But I do have lots of windows and a pretty view.
I’ve needed something creative to do and have been making dolls. They are made of scrap materials so it doesn’t cost much to make them. They have been given as gifts thus far but I am thinking of trying to sell a few. We’ll see. The funny thing is that I don’t sew. Never have. I love embroidery but not sewing clothes. All of the dolls’ clothes are hand stitched and I have to come up with the patterns and then make them. It’s good for my brain to figure all that out. Trial and error have always been my best teachers.
My work hours have finally picked back up so that is really good. Didn’t want to be looking for a new job during a pandemic. I knew my boss/friend could pull it out if I could just hang on. And she did.
I hope everyone is doing well!
Love,
MB, Bella and Molly
Hi MB!
Gosh, aren’t we all set in our ways! Someone I know was recently speaking about what the unwritten rules of your household were. I started thinking about and realized that I had quite a few. Ran into a lot of unwritten rules while helping out my parents for the week. You are a wonderful niece caring for your uncle in this way. Your dolls sound beautiful and quite creative. I’m glad that you’ve found an outlet to create.
Thanks for the updates, friends…always fun to hear of projects and hobbies others are doing…heh, now if I could get up off my chair a bit and get my sewing room in better order!! Saw a very interesting written pattern of an old fashioned apron pattern…would enjoy having one of those I think (I do wear aprons…heh, saves on laundry!!) Hope all are staying well. Our son had covid this month, so he says…still fatigued…but at least doing better! I suggested he get ahold of some red meat, preferably some deer or elk (I found some frozen at one of grocery stores here, from New Zealand…good stuff) and have been cooking it for hubby…tastes great and seems to give him a bit more energy. Mostly I eat chicken, but at times some red meat will perk someone up, organic grassfed being best…have also been trying to eat some chicken liver each month (good supply of B12…being greens are not tolerated too well by my body, am hunting other sources…) I think we must try to do as much as we can naturally for ourselves, frankly.
Blessings to everyone during this extended lockdown especially!!
Elizabeth
Hi, MB!
Glad that you have your dad’s art studio/office as your own space. You are a blessing to your uncle, helping with his care. Does his doctor’s office have a cancellation list? If someone cancels their appointment, maybe your uncle could be seen sooner.
Good luck with your homemade doll project! I’m sure your heartfelt gifts will be treasured. 😊
Who-hoo! Your work hours have been restored – thank goodness! 😊
Hi MB, Your doll making sounds so creative and fun. You’re sure making keepsakes for the lucky recipients.
Small world. A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of meeting Suzie Cruzen (suzicruzer). When we got talking about how we got started traveling full-time we both said, “reading RVSue’s blog.” Then she said she has kept in close touch with you. Today she and Larry moved to the RV Park where we are staying—just for a night. Just as they were driving in we were talking to another Casita owner who had parked across from us. We, too, talked about your blog. Then I said, “Suzie, in that Casita that just parked, follows RVSue.” Brenda…the gal’s name, said, “Suzicruzer? I want to meet her. She’s famous. She comments on RVSue’s blog all the time.” So now your readers are famous as well.
Martha, and Sue, and Glenda,
😂🤣😂
Sue’s “famous” blogorinos! Love it! 😊
I enjoyed meeting Martha and her husband Ben in Ajo. I shared how much the RVSue blog meant to me in the years I was saving money to buy my 2010 Casita LD. Sue has inspired me. I found her blog in 2016 and started from the beginning. I have commented very seldom but I am a loyal reader. I have enjoyed Suzi’s comments-always something to learn from her so I was happy to meet Suzi and her husband Larry. Didn’t get to meet the star in the family, their cat. I am settling in at Organ Pipes National Monument for a 5 day stay. So beautiful.
Glenda, and Sue,
It was so good to meet you yesterday! Funny how in the space of a small RV Park in Ajo, there are 3 Casitas in the same row, all followers of RVSue’s blog. I got a warm fuzzy feeling all over again, as Martha and I chatted later that evening about how I went back and read every single post Sue ever wrote. I feel like old friends and neighbors all over again. All that was missing was you, Sue. Wouldn’t that have been something- sitting around chewing the fat together, the 4 of us?
We are on the road to Gilbert Ray CG on the outskirts of Tucson this morning. And, Glenda is camped where we will be camped next weekend. How funny!! We will head back to Darby Well, after Organ Pipe, to spend another month before looking for new adventures.
Sue, it’s been an “odd” season for us in Ajo this year. Odd, but so very good! The drought has brought wildlife to us in need of water at camp. We had a sad, and perhaps injured, small Javalina visit standing and staring much to close to us. When we weren’t looking, she would poke our outside shower head obviously in need of water. Well, she became Bella, and Bella then had her own personal water trough out by our road. We kept it filled and she visited daily or every other day. She wasn’t too spry either. She was limping badly, and just seemed lethargic. Long story short, she got better and visited less. We finally had several big dumps of rain, and I think the desert and her animals are rejoicing!
Along with Bella we had swarms of honey bees looking for water too. Neither of us ever got stung, but we had to accept we were going to share our camp
With them. We made them water trays but in the end, they preferred the outside shower head too. 🤣🤣. Okay, we gave in. We were blessed with a beautiful sighting of a Desert Grey Fox, and what a beauty!! Amongst our zoo have been lots of bunnies, red tailed hawks, ravens, and lots of Gamble Quail. It was a fun camp out there this year.
Due to the fact there is a lovely memorial to an apparently well loved local man very near our campsite, we met his visitors that came to check on him, Clyde Bassett. A lovely couple from town, Harry & Gwen, who later invited us to their home to see Clydes rock collection. Clyde had been a rock hound and jeweler in Ajo, right next to Shadow Ridge RV Park where we stayed last night. Harry & Gwen coincidentally purchased Clydes home after he had passed. We have learned quite a bit about Clyde since then. We actually came across Clydes memorial last year, and Larry looked him up in the Ajo Copper News and read me his obituary which was fantastic!
The story of meeting Martha and Ben (above post) was that they had driven out to the desert and parked near our camp to take a day hike near us. As they were driving out, we exchanged pleasantries noticing they had WA plates, so we chatted about “where home used to be”, and things that you chat about out in the desert, to other full timers. Full timers I might add, that also live in a Casita, AND follow RVSues blog. Amazing. We were destined to be friends right away!
Larry and I look forward to our two weeks away on our little adventures, but we also look forward to getting back to Ajo and sharing more stories of life on the road with our new friends. I didn’t mention that Harry & Gwen have been traveling 20 years, and have camp hosted for many of those years all over the West. We have a good bit to learn from them! 😉
We have almost arrived at our new camp for the week, so I will
close here. Sue, I hope this finds you and the boys well, and of course all the Blogerinos out there! Cheers everyone! 😁
*please forgive typos and grammar as I typed this whole thing in the rig on a bumpy road. 😬
Hugs, Suzi, Larry, and Kitty “that famous cat!” 😻😹
Hi, Suzi,
Thank you for sharing another great trip report! So much goodness in your post. New friends, who are really old friends via Sue’s virtual front porch, your private Ajo zoo, and more! 😊
😁😁😁 Thanks Denise. Heading to Organ Pipe Cactus this morning! 🌵☀️🐾
Hi, Suzi!
Oh, to be surrounded by so much cacti 🌵 beauty!! I look forward to reading about your visit. Enjoy the rest of the weekend! 😊
Great post, Suzi. Thanks for sharing.
An update on my next door neighbor Jim.
Jim came home today, thank you God and all who prayed for Jim and his family.
The first walk his wife Debbie took was to bring Jim’s dog Bella home from his daughter’s house(she had kept the dog during Debbie’s trip to bring Jim home).
What a joyous reunion between dog&owner, family &friends!
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 The power of prayer is undeniable!
Hi, weather!
That is wonderful news – prayers answered! Thank you for the update and for sharing the happy news! A beautiful celebration! 😊
Thanks for the update, Weather. I was thinking about him.
We’re getting some serious snow tonight in the Albany area. How about you?
Glad to hear the good news, Weather!! There is really nothing that is like the joy a dog shows when you have been separated awhile!! Your neighbor should be doing much better now that he is home again!!
Wonderful news. Thank you for letting us know.
I hope that you are doing well with the snowfall this season.
Take Care
Hi Everyone, We’re getting nailed with snow right now. Looks like we’ll see at least a foot by tomorrow night. I find that that’s an amount we can deal with. Much more than that, and there’s just no place to put it.
Hubby and I are heading down to Florida on Saturday. We’ll be towing the Casita and travelling up and down the Gulf Coast to catch some healthy sunshine and to get some much needed fresh air.
I’ve enjoyed catching up with everyone’s lives, so keep posting!
I continue to keep you all in my prayers. God is good!
Wishing you a safe good trip, Applegirl!! The temps should be very perfect this time of year!! GOD is good…all the time!!
Hi, Applegirl!
I hope you and your husband have a wonderful trip! Sandy beaches, sea breezes, bountiful shells, and seafood delights. And comfy cozy in your Casita – sounds wonderful! After this snowy week I am sure you cannot wait to have your toes in the sand. Enjoy! 😊
Sending extra prayers for your safe travel. Yes, God is good! 😊
Happy Groundhog Day! I guess he went vitual this year, but I didn’t look for it yet. We actually had a windchill alert this a.m.! 43 felt like 36 and 56 for a high today. Slowly creeping up that Friday (78) & Saturday (81) look great, Applegirl. Safe travels.
weather – Great news about your neighbor, Jim. Prayers that he feels better every day!
suzi – very much enjoyed your post. It’s what I think it would be like “out there”…. running into virtual friends serendipitously. I bet it’s easier to find rvsue friends in casitas 🙂 Have a wonderful day everyone. Stay warm and be careful. Love to you!
Thanks for your notes to me Suzi,Denise,Applegirl,Elizabeth,Deena and Barb.
Your prayers are appreciated and working.
My neighbors(and dog) are happy.
We got about a foot of snow since last night and it’s still snowing.
Sending you all and Sue love and I pray the best for you and yours.
xo 😊
Oh my how beautiful, Weather…be safe though and enjoy the beauty!!
Thanks for your prayers too!! I am currently reading though a kind of medical/self help kind of book and finding some answers that explain a lot from my early years. So that and all the usual daily chores take time!! Hubby had ok days and weak days. I am doing my best and as I told him, no docs have done much for him, so if I cannot get him much better, then I should not feel bad. I keep researching on those things too.
Hello all. I don’t know the best way to say that some things have changed for Dad and I in Florida. I haven’t commented in awhile, so my previous blogerino moniker may not be familiar; Lisa, Dad, Tommie and Buddy in Florida?
Well we are still in Florida but Buddy is gone. He was almost 22 years old when he slept for the last time. I was fortunate to get a vet to the house to help him cross the rainbow bridge just before a hurricane passed by last August. Tommie is now 8 years old and a Cancer survivor. A wonderful vet, who specializes in soft tissue problems, succeeded in removing all of two mast cell tumors last November. Dad continues to be hale and hearty at almost ninety. I am in the midst of transitioning, female to male, and prefer to be called Christian.
I debated simply registering again with my new email and name, but that didn’t seem very blogerino-ish to me. I treasure the open, loving and accepting community here on RV Sue “porch” and wanted to share my truth with all of you. I could say that was all of our changes, but there have been more in this tumult of 2020. The deaths of dear friends and living in our new normal and virtual world has changed us all. Even Florida seems changed this winter…I covered my garden with plastic and blankets because of the COLD last night! I never thought I would have to do that, humph…so much for global warming.
Well that’s plenty from me. It was nice to catch up to you all. Stay safe and well.
Hi Christian!
Wow, that is so many changes. I am so sorry about Buddy. At 22 years old you gave him the best life that he could possibly have had. I am so happy for you that your dad is still hale and hearty! What a blessing to be almost 90 and still in good health. I know that he values having you around to help care for him. You are a good son. As for the transition, I don’t know much about it, but it must have been hard feeling out of place in the body that you were born into.
Thanks for stopping by and catching us up!
Dear Christian, sorry that Buddy has gone on the next pathway of life, glad that your Dad is doing well and am happy that you trust us blogorinos with your life story. I pray that all goes well with your transition. I married a male that transitioned to female during our fifth year of our 37 year commitment to each other. Partner passed in 2016. It was the best 42 years of my 72 years. I am very proud of you and your strength of life. I hope your garden is warm under the covers.
Take Care
Hi, Christian!
I am glad that you listened to your heart and decided to share your news and preferred name with us. The Lisa, Dad, Tommie, and Buddy story continues, just as a new chapter. I wish you happiness and hope that all goes well with your transition.
I am so sorry for your loss of Buddy. To have him by your side for so many years was a gift. Glad that Tommie’s surgery was successful; I know you are relieved. Your Dad being in such good health at almost 90 is a blessing! Sorry for the loss of your friends; may you find comfort in memories of good times together.
I hope your garden survived the cold snap! Glad that you stopped by Sue’s virtual front porch for a chat! 😊
welll i finally found you after months of hunting you…been away for several years due to bad health but slowly making my way back at 76 now…..
looks like i have some reading to d0 but it looks like ur d0ing well
chuck and pookie
Welcome back, Chuck! We have missed you. Sorry to hear of health issues, but so glad you are well enough to come hang out. How’s Pookie?
Again – happy to see you back here!
Welcome back Chuck!
Welcome back Chuck and Pookie! 😊
Happy Sunday, Sue and her blogorinos!
Gracie pup and I are watching the pre-Super Bowl show. I don’t keep up with either team, but I will be cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. As it is customary, I have some junk food: Fritos and onion dip…and to keep things in balance, some caffeine free Diet Pepsi. 🤣
Sue: sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 💕 😊 🐾
Who else will be watching the game? Which team are you cheering for? Are the commercials your favorite part? I love the Alexa commercial with Michael B Jordan! 😊
Hi Denise, Hubby and I are watching tonight in a motel room, on our way to Florida. I’m a Packers fan, so not so interested in this game either. I had a healthy salad, followed by chocolate chip cookies and M&M’s LOL. Oh well, that’s how we watch football.
Hi, Applegirl,
It would not be the super bowl if we ate healthy snacks. LOL!
Safe travels tomorrow! 😊
Hi Denise,
It sounds like you had a good plan for watching the superbowl. Your snacks sound yummy! Sorry that your team lost. I started a new weight loss diet (monitored by doctors), so all junk food is out for me for the near future. I am envious of your Fritos! I only get 1300 calories a day, so I can’t afford any junk food at the moment. Even my beloved nuts are off the table for me right now. I’m not necessarily hungry all the time, but for most of the day, I don’t feel full either. My big splurge for the week is buying a case of San Pellegrino sparkling water from Costco. It is pricey, but very very tasty. My favorite flavor is the Morello cherry and pomegranate.
How are you and Gracie pup doing?
Hi, Dawn!
Gracie pup and I are well, thank you. No worries about the game. I like to cheer for the underdog team. After all, they were good enough to make it to the big game, so you never know if they just might surprise everyone. I enjoyed the junk food but am getting back on track to eating better. Good luck with your diet. An afternoon yogurt satisfies my sweet tooth and the protein helps me feel full until dinner. Your treat of the sparkling water is well worth the splurge! 😊
Have a good week! 😊
I hope all of the Blogorinos are staying safe and warm during these nation wide storms. I’ve been very fortunate to only get rain and some ice today.
It began snowing here last Thursday and continued off and on for the next 4 days. So it has been slowly melting for a couple days now…and finally today we will venture out (hubby going stir crazy). Hopefully we will be ok. I know the main roads are fine, so at least that. I was wondering too how everyone was. Glad you are doing well there in NC!!
Hi, Elizabeth!
I hope you and your husband had a safe outing yesterday. Even a short drive with new scenery helps to refresh the mind and spirit. 😊
Hi Dawn & Elizabeth!
We have had some rain and many cloudy days. I mowed the weeds yesterday.
Had to ~ the neighbors mowed.
I think we are all stir-crazy. If you do venture out, it takes effort to plan. I stopped taking a purse anywhere (germs) so try to pocket everything. Even leave my glass case in the car. I’m so sick of this and want it to end TODAY! I should’ve gone to the grocery store this morning. Just don’t want to deal with it. Maybe tomorrow. Or the next day.
Sending warm thoughts and hugs!
Hi, Barb!
I understand your frustration. It takes extra energy to make sure we have all the boxes checked in order for us to be safe when going out.
A couple times well…more than that to be honest, I have walked out without my mask. Now I keep a couple masks in a snack bag stashed in my car’s console. Along with the masks, a package of antibacterial wipes. In my purse I keep a few antibacterial wipe packets and a pair of disposable gloves. I don’t assume that the carts have been wiped down. It gives me a bit of peace of mind to do it myself. A couple months ago I had lots of open cracks on my fingers from frequent hand washing so I wore a pair of gloves on a grocery run. It was unsettling to see how dirty they were. I had wiped down the cart, purchased packaged items, and did not handle money. 😳
You will get to the store when you have to…most things can wait a few days or more. Stay safe! 😊
Hi, Dawn!
Glad to hear that the weather has been relatively mild in your neck of the woods. I hope you are warm and safe and don’t need to go out. 😊
We had snow and freezing rain/ice late last week and that had mostly melted although snow lingered in shady areas and where it was piled up by plows. The ice brought down lots of trees, which caused power outages. We lost power briefly but it was quickly restored.
Our second round of freezing rain/ice started Wednesday night. It is still coming down. We have been very fortunate not to lose power so far. Gracie pup and I are safe and grateful for our warm home. 😊
Hi Barb, Denise and Elizabeth,
Glad that you made it all through this week OK and with power. Barb, you had me laughing that you had to mow, because the neighbors did. 😉
Denise, I too sometimes forget my mask, but I do keep one in the car so I can always just run back to the parking lot for it. I know what you and Barb mean about trying to keep your hands clean. The first thing that I do whenever I get into my car from an outing is to squeeze some hand sanitizer on them. It won’t prevent everything, but it makes me feel like I am trying.
Hope everyone has a nicer weekend!
I hope you have a great weekend too, Dawn! 😊
Hi Everyone!
I have honestly been busy with other things and just realized I have not gotten notifications to remind me to check in here. I hope you all are doing well. Just trying to navigate everything Covid and get through this nasty winter.
Hi there! Hope you are busy with some fun stuff.
Is work still stopped/slowed? Wish you were closer,
I need some floors 🙂 Take care.
Hi Barb,
Yes, probably finished in the flooring business. We turn 63 in a couple months and it is just hard work. We have neither one gotten the vaccine yet because it is not to where we qualify yet here in Iowa with who can get it right now.
Honestly, I want the vaccine but not sure about the 2 that are out there right now. I am very involved with my church and do a lot of online things. BTW, if any of you have not seen The Chosen series, wow is all I can say. It is so good!
We just go do my job of papers and then are home each week. I have also started reading more books the past few months.
Hi, Jolene!
So happy to see you stopping by Sue’s front porch to chat. I hope you and Rick are well and staying warm. 😊
I saw a funny meme today that I’d thought I’d share. Denise and MB, being in Virginia, you’ll probably be able to relate to this as well.
North Carolina has 12 seasons:
Winter
Fool’s Spring
Second Winter
Spring of Deception (we are here right now)
Third Winter
The Pollening
Spring
Summer
Hell’s Front Porch
False Fall
Second Summer
Actual Fall.
Hi, Dawn!
Yes, that sounds like Virginia weather! LOL! 🤣
Hope you have a great Friday! 😊
Haha…I thought the only seasons we had when we lived in NC was HOT HOT HOT or COLD…hardly any GOOD days to go outdoors in my opinion!! But it was green and it was pretty!!
😊
HA!HA!HA! That’s so accurate! MB
Is anyone else concerned that it’s been over two months since we have heard from rvsue.?
I am, but Sue protects her privacy fiercely.
I try to imagine what RVSue is up to. Usually whatever fun, adventerous, hysterical, patriotic, etc. senario I come up with, I know she’s probably checking in here, chilling with the dogs, enjoying her home or boondocking somewhere. I like to think she went to hang out with Dell and the dogs for a bit. Don’t forget, her camera died. If she is isolating, maybe not much to say.
Maybe she’s in jail, ya know, protested in DC and stole a laptop. Maybe shes so shocked by all that’s going on, she can’t stop searching for the truth. Maybe she found a fun place to volunteer or got a part time job. What can you imagine?
Besides, if anything was wrong, I think Pauline would let us know in the comments. Don’t worry 🙂 Hi Sue and Everyone ~ Happy March ~ Love & Hugs!
Hi, Barb!
I about choked on my water while reading your thoughts on what Sue has been up to! Thank you for the chuckle! 🤣
Sending love and hugs back attacha! 😊
Barb, laughter is a key joy to living well…Thank You for the wonderful treats that had me laughing out loud causing the dog walker waking past my patio burst into laughter and his dogs to start barking…which in turn led to a wonderful conversation with a new apartment dweller (Jim) and his very cute pugs (Norman and Rachel). Happy March to you with Love & Hugs
Hi, Sunwest,
Yes, it has been a while since Sue popped in for an update; she has been missed. I am sure that she reads our comments and enjoys puttering in her yard, thrifting, truck camping, etc. I agree with Barb in Florida. If there was cause for concern, Pauline would let us know. 😊
Hi, Sue and my fellow blogorinos!
It is hard to believe that March is upon us. Another month just zipped by! Sue, I hope your roses survived the cold and snow. My yard had some tree and shrub damage from ice, but it so very minor in the big picture. The pear trees and lilac are starting to set their buds – Spring is near!
I have been trying to get motivated to gather info for my taxes. Last year was unusual so I am having my taxes prepared. I could have had this done a couple weeks ago but have been putting it off. My self imposed “homework” each night this week is to work on it until complete. No more procrastination!
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. We hope you all are well and are enjoying the winter, desert style. You have been missed! We love you! 💕🐾
How is everyone doing? It has been a while since some have stopped by Sue’s virtual porch for a visit. I know that many are dealing with health concerns of their own and/or caring for a family member or beloved pet. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers whether you are able to check in or not. Remember to take good care of yourself – sending you love and hugs. 😊
Does anyone have a reliable cross cut shredder that they could recommend? I replaced mine a few months ago and now the overheat light is on….even after the unit has cooled off for over a week. Unplugged it – still no dice – the light is on and the unit is nonfunctional. Thank you!
Have a great week! 🙋🏻♀️
Ok….gotta get back to gathering paperwork! 😳
Denise, we have a Royal 1620 MX that we have had quite a few years now…maybe 6 or so? It gets heavy useage as I grind up any junk mail that comes and has any of our names on it anywhere…plus the regular stuff you grind. So far so good. I can’t remember if we got it at Costco or some other place like Staples etc. Who knows what stores are still in business…though I know Costco is. Were it not for our meds and a couple other items we would not shop there anymore ourselves. I HATE how badly they MISMANAGED necessary stuff like paper goods etc during the plandemic. But in the past they have honored our bringing back ANYTHING without question. But as I said, we do not shop a lot there. If I go to get meds and they upset me (as happens about every single time) I then refuse to shop for groceries etc there…ha!! I have worked retail and I come from a business family…so I have no problem knowing HOW things SHOULD be done…so I am not picking on them. I guess it takes a royal mess as has happened this past year to learn WHO the good retailers truly are. A very short list in our area…but surprisingly, or not, one store that is almost all gone now, but we fortunately have one nearby, is the best of all (Safeways and Albertsons and the govt ganged up on this smaller chain in our state and now almost all are gone and I understand are owned now by Safeways and Albertsons)…guess you know 2 chain stores I virtually never go to now. Our country was made great partially on the small business people and I am so sad for how things have gone and how many no longer are in business. Our loss as consumers. Well, I encourage everyone to try to patronize the small businesses, the privately owned ones, etc. as a way to do our part for them to survive. Our fav little Pho restaurant has hung on by a thread so we order from there as we can!! And give them as large a tip as we can too. The gov in this state seems to hate these little places most of all.
Hi Denise & Elizabeth! We have a Fellowes W10C. Have had it for years but do large amounts of shredding at once a few times a year. I do oil the blades with sewing machine oil and try to keep the top covered when not in use. It will get hot when doing large purges so will let it cool off when I stop to dump the container. Now that I’ve talked about it, knock on wood, hope I didn’t jinx it.
I know what you mean about the box stores. I went to my local mom & pop pet store 5+ years ago. They were closing. As I stood there many emotions came over me. Always the what-about-me, where will I get my dog’s food, the poor owners that were closing, why? My face must have shown my sadness. The owner came over to me and I asked what happened? Why are you closing? She answered, I guess you haven’t seen the pet supermarket going in half-a-block away. She said they were going to move to a smaller community further away from competition to a place without a pet store. What can you do but give her a hug and wish her well plus buy some extra stuff to lighten their move. Found Tractor Supply had dog food, then it was discontinued there and now have to purchase at the dang pet supermarket.
I’ve worked retail a few times in my life, too. My trip to walmart yesterday, 8:30 am Monday morning – NO CASHIERS! They want you to do their work now and check yourselves out. I THINK NOT. Maybe – if they gave you a 15 or 20% discount. I went to the service desk and was told “There is no one” WHAT! I told her they better get someone or me and the other 5 customers waiting for a human would leave. Every one of us had over $100 worth of stuff. Sure would like to know what the heck they’re thinking. It would tell a lot. I called the company and got a woman working from home, kid screaming in the background. What happened to customer service? I accused them of not even wanting people in the store. Just online and pick-up seems like what they want to do. I keep looking for a better option. Like the farmer’s markets.
I have run to the end of the comment box. Oh, my! Love you! 🙂
Hi Barb,
I feel your pain at the self checkouts. I generally hate them and will not use them at any cost. Costco now has them as well, and I refuse to use them. I’ve just walked all over the store getting things and now you want me to ring it up. No thanks, I’ll wait in line for the cashier.
Hope everyone is staying well!
You know, I agree with you Barb…and having to check yourself out after all else, is just too much…esp. if you have more than an item or 2. I don’t do small bits of shopping anymore cause it is simply too hard for Hubby to get around most days. And in the wee hours today his recliner broke, when he got up about 3 AM in order to rest better in it. So now we have to go hunt for another. That was the BEST most comfortable one we ever found…from Costco…but it only lasted 28 months…so we need to find one that has a warrantee. So you can guess what we have to do now until we find it!! Oh well…at least we should be able to pay for it…so at least that!! And today, lo and behold, it only cost 1/2 as much for my very expensive blood pressure med…Hallelujah!! I suppose it won’t be long until current leader gets it priced higher again…but this month tis most welcome!! Sending you hugs too!
Sorry about the recliner. That is really disappointing. Great news about your meds! Those costs can really suck the life out of a monthly budget!
Sorry to hear about the recliner 🙁 At some point they become the only comfortable furniture option. Good luck on your shopping that you find the perfect replacement.
Great to hear your Rx is cheaper & hopefully will stay that way. Sending hugs your way.
Thanks Barb and Dawn! Ordered a lift recliner today…hope it will suffice as it cost a very pretty penny…but this place has repairmen etc if something goes wrong. Hopefully that will help. I feel much better getting this arranged, to arrive next week. And have some more ideas on how to maybe help hubby get stronger…will see how that works in time. (Natural stuff).
Hi Elizabeth,
My parents recently bought a second lift recliner. They are very happy with theirs. It is actually made in America, and like yours, can be repaired locally. Hope your husband likes his new chair!
Hi Sue, Elizabeth, Barb, and Dawn!
Thank you for the shredder recommendations. 😊
Elizabeth: I know what you mean regarding the smaller stores being made obsolete by big box stores and buyouts. The writing has been on the wall for years. I think eventually Walmart, Costco, Target, and CVS (which is also the pharmacy in Target) will be our only choices for in-person shopping. Of course Amazon trumps all of them put together. With the loss of stores competing for our hard earned dollars, lower prices or bargains will almost be a thing of the past.
I agree whole heartedly that those who can should consider trying to support the mom & pop stores and restaurants that are struggling to survive. I have a handful of restaurants that I support. I get delivery from one restaurant not because I cannot go pick it up, but because I am hoping that my order(s) will help the delivery driver(s) stay afloat, too. So sorry that your hubby’s recliner broke. I hope you both get comfort and good service from the new one. A reduced price on an Rx is worth celebrating! 😊
Barb: The small pet stores in my area have been greatly reduced, too. There are two that are hanging on. Several times a year the dog food manufacturer offers buy 1, get 1 free coupons for the 4 lb bag of Gracie’s kibble. I pick up at least 4 bags; enough to last until the next coupon cycle. I am very hopeful that the farmer’s markets will reopen soon! Have you heard of Misfit Market? They ship organic produce that is excess or not pretty but perfectly fine. Think oversized broccoli or misshapen carrots. I have not tried it, but it sounds good. https://www.misfitsmarket.com/
I sympathize with you regarding your aggravation with Walmart. Having no cashiers @ 8:30 is inexcusable! Management is to blame; trying to cut costs by cutting staff. After two horribly handled customer service issues, I no longer shop in the store. I do place an occasional online order for several items that I cannot get elsewhere. They are shipped from a warehouse to my door. No fuss or aggravation. 😊
Dawn: I agree with you! I hate self-checkouts, too! They may work well for those that are buying an item or two and no produce, but a whole cart – no thank you! The times that I have used them I always need assistance. And…if you write a check (Kroger) the clerk will need to process the check on their register anyway. No time savings there. Yes, I am a dinosaur who still writes checks! 😊
I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! Sending love and hugs to all! 😊
Hi Elizabeth,
My parents recently bought a second lift recliner. They are very happy with theirs. It is actually made in America, and like yours, can be repaired locally. Hope your husband likes his new chair!
Hopefully our new chair will arrive this week. Meanwhile he is making do between our couch and my recliner (made for a short person). Today I found a place to take away the old one (cost us $140 but then beggars cannot be choosers my mama used to say). Yes, I did call Costco…I knew they would not do a thing…well, maybe if I could get it to the store…yea right…no truck, and we are too old and no way Hubby can lift much. But that is ok. I told them what little I bought from them in future would obviously need to be what I can personally carry (not much…about 40 pounds is all I choose to lift these days). Ok, then. And that I would warn others online of our experience. Heh, guess they do not care. That is a huge reason why having almost no choices is a bad thing. Shopping here prior to covid mess was not great…and like everyplace else now…even worse. Oh well…hope this new one lasts for as long as needed. And one advantage of being old and not needing to work or go out socially is we don’t need a bunch of clothes, gas, etc etc…heh, if nothing else, we are even more content after a year of lock up…being solitary and at home!!
Hi, Elizabeth!
I hope the delivery of the chair goes smoothly! 😊
Not sure if this would work for your situation…
In the past I have donated large items to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat to Humanity, etc. They picked it up at no cost. Yes, the recliner does not work but the thrift could note condition and sell as-is for parts. $140 to remove 1 recliner is awful! 😳
Sending you **hugs** 😊
Thanks for ideas, Denise…when things are not so necessary and I can wait longer for them…I don’t spend like that…but Hubby needs it now…so that is how it goes. I love thrift shopping but have not been in ages. Only shopping I do now is at grocery store. Hope you are ok…sending you hugs too!!
Good morning, Elizabeth!
I understand that feeling of being between a rock and a hard place, trying to figure out the best way to get things done. I hope today’s delivery of the new recliner is uneventful and stress free! 😊
Thank you for the hugs! Gracie pup and I are well. Short grocery store visits to pick up Rx, grocery or Target runs to pick up drive up orders, and going to doctor appointments are my very limited excursions, too. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures. With that will bring opportunities to meet friends (1 or 1 couple at a time) and some family to enjoy a socially distanced outdoor lunch.
Have a great day, Elizabeth! 😊
Thanks Dawn…new one supposed to come tomorrow!! Hoping that works out!!
Hey Sue, what’s up? How have you and the boys been? Good I hope!
Just stopping by to check in and see how you’ve been doing. We’ve had some fun in Ajo, Organ Pipe Cactus and Tucson this Winter. That’s all about to change real soon as we slowly start our migration. We do have one more stop in Organ Pipe, and then Picacho Peak SP by Casa Grande. I wonder where Glenda ended up? Glenda, if you get this, where are you? HaHa.. a long shot I know.
Larry, Kitty and I will be back in Vancouver next month to get a few things done. Not necessarily my choice of “things”, but necessary things none the less. Sue, if you’ve even looked online at all, used Casitas have skyrocketed in price since the covid. And new ones are 18-20 months out! I see people are getting huge prices for their used ones. Amazing.
Well, until next time, hugs all the way around. Missing you.
Suzi, Larry, and Kitty
Safe travels Suzi! 😊
Thanks Denise! You are so very good at responding to most of us. I’ll admit, I’ve not been posting much. My mind is heavy with what lies ahead for us on our Vancouver stop this Spring. Hopefully all goes well and we can get back on the road without a lot of fuss! That and the cell service this Winter has really degraded from what it’s been in previous years here. It’s not like we are any more remote than usual. Odd.
Next week we’ll have another go, down in Organ Pipe Cactus NM and the cell service is very good down there for some reason. Maybe I’ll get on here and post another update. Who knows?
Thanks for the safe travel wishes Denise. 😍
Hi Suzi, thrilled to see my name!! As you know I left Organ Pipes the day before you arrived. I love that park. This Arkansas girl loves the desert. I spent the next week in Joshua Tree NP in the Jumbo Rocks campground. Another desert to love. I moved into Dome Rock area at Quartzite for a few days before I started home. I found a nice RV “resort” in Benson Az to wait out the snowstorm in Arkansas and the power and gas shortages in Texas. Such a wonderful 4 weeks in my life. I think I will spend a couple months in Utah this fall-I love my Casita. Was very nice to meet you and Larry.
Glenda
Hi Glenda, It was nice bumping into you this Winter at Shadow Ridge as well. Put Gilbert Ray CG right by Saguaro Nat’l Pk, and Tucson, on your list. For a CG, I think you’ll love it. With the senior pass we paid $20 I believe, and there’s power at your site. Water spigots everywhere, clean flush toilets, and a nice big double utility sink for chores. It’s a lot like the desert down here at Organ Pipe.
We went back to Ajo after Tucson, back out boondocking in the desert for another 40 days. On our last day, as we were hitching up, “our” Javelina “Bella” strolled through to say goodbye and let us know she was doing well. We hadn’t seen her in those 40 days, and were worried she had succumbed to what had been ailing her. Or coyotes. But there she was, and it just made the whole stay for me! Anyway, here we are back in Organ Pipe for another few days. It’s so special here.
We are off to Picacho Peak SP after this for 2 nights, (can you say “long hot showers”?). HaHa. Some hiking there is very good too. Then I think maybe Tortilla Flats out of Apache Junction. Or, Gold Canyon disbursed- we aren’t sure. I know there are lakes out that way to explore. Rosevelt Lake or Reservoir perhaps? Then it’s hightailing it back to Vancouver to hopefully take care of business. Yuk! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
If you scroll down I left a link to my IG page. Follow our travels there- you can message me next season to see where we are. Also, I could pick your brains about your area for future reference.
Take good care! Suzi, Larry & Kitty 🐈⬛
Got it Suzi. Love pictures of Kitty. Thank you for offering tips from your travels. I will take advantage of the offer to be sure.
Glenda
Well, yesterday the new chair arrived for Hubby who likes it!! Being I went into the store and chose it, I was relieved it was ok for him. Two nice guys delivered it and showed him how it worked…though he is still able to figure that sort of thing out. It takes up a lot more room but we don’t entertain anyone except daughter and her kids anyway now. Thanks for the well wishes, friends!!
Yay!!! Who Hoo!!! 🎉 Thank you for sharing happy news, Elizabeth! 😊
Hi Elizabeth ~ Glad your husband is comfortable in his new chair. I helped a friend pick one out. She said the grandkids loved it :o)
Thank you, Barb! Heh, yea, the grandkids know that they can sit in my recliner…but Papa needs his too much…I am grateful that this one is working out. He seems used to the controls now and it is good!
So glad he’s comfortable. Good job picking it out!
My friend said she came back from the bathroom and both grandkids were taking a ride in her chair. Another friend said he wished they never showed their grandkids the remote as they thought it was a carnival ride. Kinda funny, except not just because of the cost. Have a wonderful week. Starting to get hot down here. 81 yesterday and an 88 in a few days.
A photo from Organ Pipr Cactus NM. 🤩🌄🌵
https://instagram.com/p/CLmNQhABJq4/
Beautiful
Hi Suzi ~
Your sunset is a beauty. I didn’t reply above hoping you would coax Sue out 🙂
Happy you are having a good time. Thanks for the comments & the link. Hi to Larry & Kitty.
Thanks Barb! The sunsets down here simply amaze me. I send photos to all my gal pals back home and then I think; “Gosh, they probably think I’m nuts”. The beauty down here sometimes brings me to tears, and it’s not easily explained, nor understand. It just is. Life holds so many wonders, nestled in between the bittersweet of daily life.
Hi, Everyone!
I realized this morning that I hadn’t heard from Sue and Crew for awhile, so got on to see if I have missed her posts and was delighted to see people still posting! I live north of Kansas City and today is a cold, dreary day. Elizabeth, I used to work in medical retail and insurance/Medicare used to help with the cost of the chairs, are they still doing that?
Kay
Hi Kay!
Welcome back! Denise has been doing such a thoughtful and sweet job of hosting us commenters at the end of the blog. I’m sorry that your day is cold and dreary. In NC, spring is arriving. One day the high is 53 and the next it is 70! Pretty soon the season of the pollening will begin in the south. For those of you not aware of what this is, it’s when you walk outside and EVERYTHING (especially your car) is coated in a yellow dust of pollen. I am fortunate as I do not really have allergies to this.
I’m sorry I haven’t stopped by in a while. Work is trying to kill me. I keep missing days, waiting for a repair place to fix my furnace. (The first young guy the company sent took one look at my 40 year old furnace, declared that it was as old as his father and that he didn’t know how to work on it!) Each time I wait on them is a half day off of work! So, I’m working the weekend to meet my deadlines. First world problems, I know. I am grateful that my furnace has lasted this long and that they can fix it!
What’s most recent with me is that I am on a journey to regain my physical health. Over the years, I gained so much weight here and there that it really started to impact my quality of life. Last fall, I joined a gym that belongs to Crossfit. They stress strength training along with high intensity training. Everyone there is welcoming and the exercises are scaled to your skill level. Recently, I am getting medical help to aid with my eating/diet. So far, I have lost 20 pounds! I’m hoping to start riding my road bike again soon. Years ago I did a lot of biking. I want to resume that again.
Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday!
Sure wishing you the best as you work to recover your health, Dawn…tis oh so hard. But congrats on much progress you have made already!!!
Kay, Thanks for the advice on the chair. I think probably Medicare does give folks those chairs, and based on the one my father-in-law had, it was harder than any chair I ever sat in and I would never want one. Plus we do not use those parts of the system that pay for such. Just for doctor visits, meds etc. I will say our plan was NEVER to use Medicare at all…Hubby worked hard and when he retired his insurance was SUPPOSED to be a good one. Heh, well, guess what?…some bait and switch there…in order to even keep having the insurance they FORCED us to go on medicare who then becomes the #1 insurance. Which translates into almost no medical care in our area because lots of doctors don’t take medicare. Even when we have other insurance too. Nasty business. Only reason we continue with the insurance is for hospitalization. I wish we had other choices but we do not. Just another proof of the dishonesty of our culture.
Beautiful.
Hi Everyone!
We’re back from Florida. We take the Casita and travel up the Gulf Coast every year, enjoying their wonderful parks. It really is beautiful, and much warmer than NYS.
I chuckle at your weather reports from Va and NC – adorable. LOL
We really love our travels in Florida and are thinking of buying something down there when we retire, spending half the year there and half up in the Adirondacks. They’re so different. We love the mountains and the beaches! We’re thinking of the Bradenton area. Anyone from there that can give some insight?
We really love the panhandle too – it’s more “us”, but it’s warmer further south.
The weather in Florida was rainy and cooler than usual. It’s the first time in all of our years of travel that we felt the Casita was too small. Generally we’re only in it to sleep and have our morning coffee, but after being in it a couple of days in a row, it’s tough.
Hope everyone is well. Counting the days until I can garden again.
Personal update:
As many of you know, my oldest son was in a bad workplace accident a couple of years ago – right before Christmas. While we were in Florida, he got a prosthetic for his right hand. It is for the thumb he lost. An amazing piece of technology. He’s so happy.
Thank you for your continued prayers. God is good.
Also, I never mentioned it, but my younger son (we have 2 sons) was also in a work accident back in August. He broke his back and has 6 vertabrae pinned together. He was working in Maine at the time, so he was six hours away. While I was driving up there the day of his accident I thought I was going to lose my mind. How could this happen again? My sons both worked construction with their father for years, and never had an accident. They go off with someone else and disaster strikes.
I’ll tell you, I leaned heavy on God. I stayed in a hotel in Maine for almost 3 weeks, until his stitches came out. I wasn’t leaving there without my kid! He’s doing very well, and hopes to be back to work in May. His dream is to one day have the hardware removed from his spine, at least some of it.
Both sons with life changing incidents. All in all, life is hard, God is Good.
Blessings to all of you!
Hi Applegirl,
I’m so sorry to hear that both of your sons had serious accidents happen to them. They are blessed to have such a loving and supportive mother. Praise God, indeed that both have recovered.
I’m glad that you get to have the best of both worlds: touring Florida in the winter and getting back to the Adirondacks for the rest of the time. Splitting your time between both when you retire sounds lovely. I hope that when the times come, you are able to do that!
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Dawn.
Sending loving thoughts, many prayers and virtual hugs, Applegirl.
Some good vibes too. To have his spinal hardware removed is a goal I would share, if it were me. Oh to take the pain and troubles from our kids…. what mother would not if only they could. But such is the human life with it’s trials and tribulations to give us things to be thankful for, to give us hope.
I once worked for a plastic surgeon who specialized in hand injuries. One of my duties was to mark and file the before and after slides the Dr. took of said injuries. It was strange to see these things yet detached from the horrors of it all. The most fantastic was a thumb reattachment. So know a little of what you are all going through. The prosthetic will be a blessing with the thumb doing about 50% or more of the hand’s work. Wishes for continued healing and good use of the prosthetic.
Thanks, Barb. Yes, if we could take the trials away or trade places, we’d do it in a minute, but not a choice. It is amazing what that thumb will do for him. I agree, much to be thankful for.
Oh dear, Applegirl, your sons have a lot to cope with. I can only imagine what it’s been like for you. I will keep praying and will also ask my friends to pray. Your leaning on God is wise and a testimony of a faith that can sustain us as we live on this fallen earth.
Thanks, Weather. Yup, it’s been a haul but He’s been faithful. We appreciate the continued prayers. They make a difference.
Looks like we’re going to have a beautiful day today in the 60’s with sunshine. Very welcome in Upstate New York. Hope you’re having the same. I’m guessing you’re only a few hours from us. We’re near Albany.
Dear Applegirl,
Prayers for your sons and you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 You are right, “God IS good!”
Suzi
Thanks, Suzi. He is indeed!
HAPPY SPRING TO EVERYONE!!!
I hope you have a beautiful weekend and a wonderful spring this year.
Happy Spring Barb. Goodness. “Spring”. It feels like August here in Organ Pipe Cactus NM. It shot up to 85 yesterday, with an overnight low of 60°. I wasn’t prepared for that! By 9am it was already 70° for another hot one today. It cools off tmro though, so that’s better. 70’s are very comfortable for us in our Casita since we don’t have a generator and therefore don’t run our AC.
Suzi
Hi all, just wondering if anyone has heard from Sue? It’s been about 3 months since she chimed in. Happy first day of Spring!! It’s 57 here in California but will be warmer the end of the week.
Organ Pipe Cactus during the golden hour. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMqGzijBsco/?igshid=2f6ngz3akcd9
Sue, have you been? Each time I would see a casita this Winter, I had to wonder if you ramped up one last road trip in your beloved Casita before you sell her. It’s so strange that after 3 years on the road, within a matter of months, we’ve met and made friends with three other Casita owners, one couple fulltime like us! Yes, a couple in their fifth year (right Martha?) 😉☺️ There’s Glenda from Arkansas we met in Ajo, and Kathy and Dave, (and Finn the pooch) whom we met in Bluff, UT. We will meet up with Kathy and Dave next week near Tucson for some hiking and fun. Small world! All RVSue blog readers too. Sue, without trying to sound sappy, you sure have brought many people together with your blog. I always tell people it’s a blog about dogs and a Casita on a very long and epic road trip. 😁
Enjoy the photo of my backyard this week.
I returned to Organ Pipes this year to spend 5 nights. Last year I just drove through spending an afternoon. Yes, I drove from Arkansas to enjoy those beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I enjoyed meeting Martha and her husband. I think she said they spend 2 months in Ajo each year. Sounds perfect to me.
Nice to meet you Suzi and Larry too.
Wow Suzi,
That picture is gorgeous! Thanks for posting. So glad that you are meeting lots of people and making friends on the road!
Thanks, Weather. Yup, it’s been a haul but He’s been faithful. We appreciate the continued prayers. They make a difference.
Looks like we’re going to have a beautiful day today in the 60’s with sunshine. Very welcome in Upstate New York. Hope you’re having the same. I’m guessing you’re only a few hours from us. We’re near Albany.
SORRY EVERYONE. Double post, apparently I hit my clicker twice.
Curious is Sue ever going to come back on? Keep chevking but nothing. Anyone know how Rusty is faring?
Good question Karen. I keep hanging on because of the “friendships” made. Sue hasn’t gotten to 300 comments without chiming in at least in the comments. She is fast approaching that 300 mark. How about it Sue? Should we just all be done to let you off the hook?
This lockdown has caused us all some introspection. If it were me it would be a struggle to continue things that were part of something I wasn’t doing anymore. I can just imagine the back and forth I would do to try to resolve my feelings about continuing to blog. There might be enough shopping through her that she doesn’t want to shut it down. If someone ordered something and asked her if she could see said purchase on said date, she might pop in. No offense meant.
Have a good day everybody! Thinking of you all!
Hello Sue and my fellow blogorinos! 😊
First, to catch up and rely to comments that were posted since my last visit to Sue’s virtual front porch.
Suzi: Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photo from Organ Pipe NM. The beauty of the southwest can be overwhelming. I know what you mean by being brought to tears. Happy tears of wonder and thanks. God is good! 😊
Kay D: Hi! Has Spring sprung in Kansas City yet? My pear trees have started to bloom and the lilac, ornamental cherry & peach, and azaleas are setting buds. I look forward to the waves of color. 😊
Dawn in NC: You are doing great with your health journey goals! 👏 👏 I am sorry that work has been so stressful. Having take time off to coordinate repairs for your home doesn’t help matters. I hope that they were able repair your furnace. The weather has been a bit crazy here, too. One day last week we had freezing rain and sleet, which turned to rain, then fat snowflakes and finally back to rain. The local weather folks’ forecast was spot on! 😊
Applegirl: Glad that you all enjoyed your trip to FL! I hope you find the perfect spot for your FL home. I am so sorry to hear that your younger son was injured on the job, too. Your family has been through so much. You have been the pillar of strength for your sons; they are blessed that you are their mom. I am glad that they both are on the road to recovery. Yes, God is good. Sending healing thoughts and warm hugs. Your family continues to be in my prayers. Please take care of yourself. Have fun playing in the dirt! 😊
Barb in Florida: Sending Happy Spring wishes to you! My bluebirds had their first brood a couple weeks ago! I thought that they were just protecting their claim on the nesting box…until I saw them bringing juicy bugs to the nest. I was surprised as we were still having freezing nighttime temps. 😊
Linda, Molly and Midgy: Sending Happy Spring to you! I hope you are having a good week! 😊
weather: Do you still have snow in your little slice of paradise? I hope you and your kitties are well. Sending you love and hugs. xo 😊
Sue, I hope you and the boys are happy and well. Sending you all love and hugs from me and Gracie pup. xo 😊
Hope everyone has a great week! 😊
Hi, Denise, we have no snow now, still too early to say we won’t have more though. All’s well with us, thanks, I hope it’s well with you and yours. Sending you love and hugs,too.xx oo
**hugs** 🤗
Hi Denise,
Thank you for the thoughtful comments. It sounds like the area around your home is beautiful in the spring! I am so envious of your bluebird box. What a treat indeed. I hope that you and Gracie pup are able to get out and enjoy the spring weather.
My furnace still isn’t fixed. However, it’s the best time of year for the furnace not to be working… not too hot and not too cold!
**hugs** 🤗
Hi Denise. Thanks for your thoughts and remarks. Very kind.
**hugs**
Hi Denise ~ No bluebirds here. I’ve been watching a hawk do away with just about every squirrel, bird and lizard in the subdivsion. He/she has maybe moved on. I’ve been watching YT for all the eagle nests. Our SWFL eagle cam has 2 good sized eaglets. The Big Bear Lake – none hatched from either of 2 clutches. Farmer Derick has an owl and 2 owlets in his eagle nest this year. Watched a third egg hatch in another nest, can’t remember where just now. Kind of creepy to see the stuff they eat. Speaking of creepy – had to cut a dead, big, black snake body out of my blueberry netting. So gross. Pretty sad for the snake. Not sure if he is the one that has lived here as long as me. Between the hawk, snake and the feral cats it has never been this deadly in my yard. Oh, and I ran over a squirrel in the WM parking lot of all places. I should’ve never looked back. I said “I’m so sorry” the whole way home 🙁 The eaglet and owlets make me feel better about the wildlife. It’s all dinner for somebody.
Now you all just have a wonderful day :o) Love & hugs!
**hugs** 🤗
Hi everyone and Happy Spring.
The heat is getting turned up here in SoFlo as the seasons progress. Our garden is producing yummy red tomatoes, okay three, but what do you expect from two plants? We have also enjoyed a pepper from each plant, one jalapeño and one sweet. I’m wondering how to coax more buds out of the sweet pepper plant. Something enjoyed the tasty buds on my Loufa and trimmed the watermelon seedlings, so I guess it’s time for some wire protection. I also got my exercise to day picking up the multitude of green as grass miniscule mangoes. If every one grew to maturity I do not know what I would do with them. Meanwhile it’s time to make space in the freezer for this years crop and enjoy a pie.
I hope you are all well. Dad and I got our vaccinations earlier this month with no troubles or side effects. Dad has been watching the infection rates on the daily news and decided that it was safe to return to his “Happy Place” owned by the Seminole Nation just down the road.
Happy Passover, Easter, Resurrection Sunday or what ever you celebrate. I hope we hear from Sue soon!
Hi Christian,
Great to hear an update of you and your dad. I’m a bit envious of your plants. I live in a townhouse and am not allowed to grow vegetables in containers this year. There was some construction beside us that caused a few rats to come over to our property. In six months, they’ve only caught a whopping three rats in the traps. However, it is still now forbidden to have bird feeders or have vegetables growing! HOA can be a real pain sometimes! I feel subversive, as I am growing herbs on my front porch! 😉 You mentioned time for pie: what kind do you enjoy? I must confess, blackberry is one of my favorites. I don’t know what grows in Florida, but blackberries grow wild in NC and are so delicious!
Glad to hear both you and your Dad are vaccinated. I also got my first dose this month. I can’t wait to get my second dose. Is there any activity that you are going to resume because you are now fully vaccinated? I’m going to a movie theatre!
Thanks for stopping by on Sue’s back porch!
Hey all you out in Blogerino-land, and Sue and the boys of course 🙋🏼♀️
We left our beloved Sonoran desert, after our last trip to Organ Pipe Cactus NM, and headed to the Tucson/Maraña area. Larry got to bag Picacho Peak, and we were fed and treated royally at fellow Casita owners, The Weavers, for several days. They sent us packing with more lasagne and green chili than we could imagine. We ate on those delicious leftovers for 3 more days. SO good!! We felt so blessed to be hosted by such kind & generous people that we’d only met briefly last October traveling in Utah.
From Maraña, we drove to the East side of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine trailhead parking area, in the Superstition Wilderness, and dry camped next to some wonderful hiking trails. These were the two full moon nights, and the show was spectacular to say the least. And that was the last night we truly spent in the Sonoran.
We moved further North to Rosevelt Lake, another old camp of yours Sue. We ended up in the Windy Hill section (long story having to do with covid closures) for one night. During the night, around 2 am, we were visited by the Midnight Marauding Squadron of Javelina. I heard something in my sleep and bolted awake, but at first peek I did not see anything. I lay back down, even though Kitty was all alerted and with ears pointing forward. Again I heard something; the familiar sound of my cooler lid. Uh oh! We left the cooler out and something was in it! I looked out the back window this time and I spied 2 or three of the beasts, and one’s head was fully inside the overturned cooler. I bolted to the door, swung it open, and slapped on the side of the casita whilst yelling “HEY”!! They scattered flinging dust and gravel, and I had to laugh. Course by now Larry was up, and we went out to gather up our belongings; carrots, avocados, salsa, a can of beer, 2 limes, and a small head of red cabbage. “Where’s the tortillas” I exclaimed, “and the bananas…” . Picking up the avocados, one squished in my hand, “oh yuk, it was eating the avocado!” Threw everything in the van, and turned our flashlight toward the bushes, and could see them milling about. I thought I heard one grunt but I’m not sure. Back inside we went and turned the lights out. Not 30
Seconds here they came, the three of them, poking around looking for their new found snacks. They circled twice and then sauntered off toward the lake and disappeared into the bushes. We did have a good laugh. The last laugh was on us though, and as we soap and watered down everything that was left, and washed out the cooler, we made a note to self; “don’t leave the cooler out when we go to bed”. Of course we know this in bear country, but once we left the desert, we thought we’d left the Javies behind too. HaHaHa… still learning these important lessons!!
We spent the night last night at a Boondock outside Payson, and continued East this morning. We are in another Boondock outside Snowflake. Tomorrow we move camp and spend some time touring the petrified forest. We are happy, healthy, and full of gratitude for the opportunity to be on this incredible journey, following along in some of Sue’s previous footsteps. Life is good!!!
Cheers all,
Suzi, Larry, and Kitty 🐈⬛
Full moon rising in the Superstition Wilderness. So incredible!
https://instagram.com/p/CNDRwn6Jrwj/
What a great report. The Superstitions, Lost Dutchman and full moons – what a wonderful way to end that portion of your trip.
Just in case I don’t check in again before Sunday…
Happy Easter to Everyone! He has risen!
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness, oh Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Blessed Passover also to those of you who celebrate that act of faithfulness from the Lord.
Hi All ~ I guess I’ll be the 400th comment……….April fools (o;
Happy, blessed Easter Sue, Reggie, Roger, and fellow Blogerinos. My wish for all of you is peace and joy in your quiet moments. All things are as they are supposed to be, and we are perfect as we are. Resistance is futile.
We loved the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Winslow Arizona was fun and we joined many others waiting our turn for photos of the iconic corner, and flatbed Ford. We walked among the Hopi ruins at Homolovi State Park, and had hot showers at the campground there. All is well.
We will make a return to Las Vegas Bay CG over the next several days and prepare for our journey North. We seem to go from very cold to very hot, with no in between. HaHa!! It’s Spring!!!
Love,
Suzi, Larry, & Kitty 🐈⬛
Dear Sue, * in route to Kingman now
Is it serendipity that I had thought we’d sleep over near Williams AZ tonight, and remembered your post from long ago about Ash Fork Road? 🤯 We just passed the Ash Fork exit and out of curiosity I googled your blog and Ash Fork Road. I just read your story and how you found the 7 pin connector dragging and smashed on the ground. Not to mention your breakaway cable. The photos look nice there, and we may have to try that place out next time through. There are some boondocks on the North side of the 40 in that area as well, but the reviews are sketchy. Recently a friend when to said boondocking area and said it was “crowded and trashed”. Damn. We wanted to make more miles today than from just Winslow to Williams anyway, but those reviews were the deciding factor for us choosing to drive further today.
Just wanted to share one of your memories with you again- in case you’d not thought about that camp and your broken cable in awhile. That post was from April7, 2012. Funny too- that it was also Easter weekend, and this is Easter weekend too, only 9 years later. ❤️
Stephen Hawking Net Worth I really like your article. It’s evident that you have a lot knowledge on this topic. Your points are well made and relatable. Thanks for writing engaging and interesting material.
I do not write here often at all, but I try to keep up with the comments. I have seen no posts from RVSue since April this year and there was no space there that I could see to leave a comment. I am hoping all is going well with Sue. Can’t help but say that I am concerned. Today is 07/14/2021, are others seeing new posts from her and I am outside the “loop” for some reason? I thought maybe I unsubscribed by mistake so I tried to subscribe again, but it won’t let me and it says I am already subscribed. Hoping all is well with everyone!