“Dang, this road is rough.”
The crew and I bounce down Sidewinder Road in the Perfect Tow Vehicle. Behind me Spike lies in his brown bed on the bench seat. The vibrations caused by the washboard road have him nodding off. Bridget sits beside me in her own, new bed placed on the floor between the front seats.
She whines.
It’s not really a whine. It’s a low, plaintive whistle made with every exhale of breath. Extremely irritating.
“Stop it, Bridget.” Now it’s ME whining. I try to ignore it.
We come to Ogilby Road, I turn left, and we cross the double railroad tracks.
Now we’re on a straight line across nearly barren desert to Interstate 8. We’re on our way to Yuma. Wal-Mart, to be precise. Shortly before reaching the interstate, I realize that Bridget has ceased her whine-whistle.
“You feeling better now, honey?” I ask, turning around for a quick look.
Spike rests his head on the bin full of paperbacks, while Bridget rests her behind on Spike.
Oh, for heaven’s sake. Another battle in the ongoing Bench Seat War. Apparently they’ve reached an impasse.
With a shake of my head, I sigh, pull up my camera, take the photo, and we continue the drive east to Yuma.
Yuma boasts two Supercenter Wal-Marts.
I’ve been to both and the parking lots are always full. Today is no exception. Lots of RVs among the vehicles.
Wal-Mart is smart to be RV-friendly, especially in a snowbird location like Yuma.
I find a parking place and the crew goes nuts. They know the Wal-Mart pattern — First, a walk around the parking lot upon arrival. They’re excited to get out and about!
We walk from island to island and the crew marks several of them.
When I return from shopping, the pattern continues — Bridget and Spike bark their fool heads off while I load the groceries and stuff. Then I climb into the front seat, push the button that makes the seat go way back, and commence doling out morsels of rotisserie chicken to two, greedy, canine faces.
A pause here for an important message.
Use the antibacterial wipes that Wal-Mart usually provides at the entrance near the carts. Wipe down the cart handle. Take another and wipe down your hands. I also squirt some more on my hands before handling the chicken. It’s not as effective as a good hand-washing, but it’s better than nothing. A reader put me onto this habit and now that the flu is sweeping across the country, I’m glad I’ve adopted it.
Many of us boondockers are away from the general public for long periods. That makes us more susceptible to viruses whenever we enter public places.
Driving homeward on the interstate, the wind whips into the side of the PTV.
I’m glad I’m not towing today. This is the kind of wind where it’s best for RVers to stay put.
We rumble down Sidewinder Road. I talk to the crew . . . “We’re almost home. Wait ’til you see what I bought for you. You’re gonna’ love it!”
Sidewinder Road may seem smooth in this photo, but, believe me, it’s not!
Some RVs cluster at the base of the hills on the south side of Sidewinder.
They look closer to the road than they really are. Distance in the desert is deceiving.
Some Class As with cargo trailers are parked on the left side of Sidewinder.
Nina told me there’s an SKP (Escapees) gathering around here somewhere.
I want to take a photo of the Best Little Trailer waiting for us. I decide against it because dust is blowing around. That’s the desert for ya’!
More bones . . .
At Wal-Mart I didn’t see any real bones meant for dogs. Instead I bought a package of several “baby beef ribs – extra meaty.”
Back at camp I watch carefully as Bridget and Spike gnaw on the bones.
(Yes, Bridget apparently realized she missed out on a treat by being so fussy. However, she refuses to be photographed engaged in such an unflattering activity.)
As a precaution I watch them both work on the bones for a long time . . .
What fun they had and no splinters!
This morning I try to take a before-and-after photo. Spike moves in fast to grab his and I almost miss the shot!
I think the crew enjoys these more than they ever enjoyed a rawhide bone.
Well, once again I’ve written a post about nothing.
And you read it! Gee, I love that about you!
rvsue
THANKS TO ALL WHO SHOP AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
See some recent purchases:
180s Men Urban Gloves
Apple iPad with Retina Display (64GB, Wi-Fi + AT&T,)
AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/CD/Credit Card Shredder
Crochet Celebrity Slouchy Beanies for the Family
Curt Roof Mounted Cargo Rack
TomTom Runner GPS Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
I feel like I neglect my readers who travel with a feline crew.
I found this photo on another blog and obtained permission to show it here. This is for all you cat-lovers and Bearpaw boot-lovers, the latter of which I am certainly one.
This cute kitty knows that Bearpaws keep you warm.
For US shoppers:
For UK shoppers:
Ah, Sue I lived in Yuma for a few years so I love seeing your pics of the area. I’m back in my home state of Ohio for family reasons but one day I’ll be on the road!
Hi, Deb,
One of the pleasures I have in creating and maintaining this blog is hearing from people like you who look forward to their time “on the road.”
Ok, if Spike isn’t being bounced off the bed while going down the road, then the road can’t be that rough! 😉
It’s more of a teeth-jarring type road!
Looks like Bridget is holding Spike down so he can’t bounce off.
I wish Bridget would be that considerate of others. 🙂
I bet your right! That’s why Bridget is sitting on Spike and here RVSue is casting dispersions on her character. For shame, Sue, for shame! 😉
Ok….You take the boots, I’ll take the sweet little kitten. I have been owned by many kittens/cats over the years and find people don’t have the patience to get to know them like our dogs. They have to make the decision and it takes time for them to decide, but if they love you, it’s conditional but permanent. Dogs are just the opposite, they are pack animals so they instinctively become our pals almost instantly. I love ’em both and their little ways. Those bones got a real workout. Your comment about a blog about nothing reminds me of the old Seinfeld program where he wrote a TV show about nothing. Of course his own show was exactly that, a show about nothing and that was it’s charm.
Interesting comparison of canines and felines, Jim, and I agree. Yeah, sometimes there isn’t that much to blog about, but I decided when I started “rvsue and her canine crew” that I would never write a blog post about “Well, not much happened today. Just an ordinary day… blah, blah.”
I had a solution to the washboard roads when I lived in AZ. Go as fast as you can, like 50 mph or more. You just skip over the tops. Of course I had competition off road shocks to smooth it all out. 🙂 Love the kitty in a boot.
Hi, Alan,
I’ve seen big trucks doing just that, and here it the desert it makes the dust fly. I try to put the outside tires of the PTV on the edge where it’s the flattest. That helps a little.
I agree… getting up to 45+ skims you right over the tops of the washboards. The slower you go, the worse the bumps are. That is not what I do with the RV on gravel roads, but definitely do in my car/van. (my mother’s care facility is about 5 gravel road miles from the highway… great care, but lousy roads)
The irony is that fast-moving vehicles make washboards.
I would say that washboard goes with gravel roads… like peanut butter goes with jelly. According to the research, it is caused by having decent suspension… and you have to drive 3 mph or less to avoid causing it. Gonna take forever to get to Wal-Mart pups… we’ll pack a lunch… LOL
Ha! Bridget looks so sweet and innocent plopped down on Spike. What a little actress! And you can see how much it bothers him.
Hi, Susan,
Spike accepts Bridget’s idiosyncracies. To him, her antics are no big deal.
As usual,Sue, you charm us all! We are also off the road for a while, but long for the days in the future! While we wait, it is so good to know you are out there keeping us posted on all things good and lovely. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Cathy. Nice to hear from you . . . .
But you have such a captivating way of blogging about “nothing.” I really enjoy reading about nothing!!!:) Good job!
Thanks, Pam. More of nothing to come!
Nothing is when you don’t post.
Oh that’s funny…they have the whole bench seat and they insist on sitting on top of each other.
Glad you’ve adopted the “keep the flu away” ritual.
Boy Spike is part piranha with dem bones! The kitty in the bearpaws is adorable.
Someone is shaking the snow globe here! Going to town tomorrow..Walmart (the ritual is a gimmee flu season or not!) and to pickup SA.
Enjoy your evening………….watch Spike so he doesn’t bring the gooey bone inside!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Be careful on the roads tomorrow and in Wal-Mart. It’s a day that calls for courage.
No chance of a gooey bone making inside the BLT. Those bones are “bone dry,” not a shred of meat or fat or anything on them.
Yes, you take good care of me. I think of you whenever I reach for a sanitizer bottle or wipe. Oh yeah, I bought some more Emergen-C. It’s great for improving the taste of water.
Your blog is like the next chapter in a fascinating book. I can’t wait for it to arrive. Love the crew!
You’re so kind, Ruth. I love the crew, too, although there are moments when I wonder why. 😉
I wonder how many of us have never had the flu. When I was 5 in kindergarten in Aurora, Il. I had the mumps, measles, and chicken pox all within 8 months. Since then I have never been sick. Never missed a day of school due to illness. Never had the flu or even a cold, About once a year I will get a little sinus congestion and a itchy throat for a day or so. I just figured after the big three like that my immune system is super charged to fight such things.
You are extremely fortunate, Alan. I could’ve used your super immune system when spending five days a week in a closed environment with several hundred middle-schoolers who never learned to close their mouths when coughing or to shield another person from their sneezes. 🙂
Hmmm…….the flu……. I used to say I had the flu last week n overed it in a day or so. Then when I was about 40 I got the “FLU”!!!! I assure you that whatever I had before was not the flu. I was just devastated and since then due to being a diabetic I have gotten a shot every year. The person that invented the flu vaccine should get the Nobel Peace Prize!!!! Well whoever invented nose blowing tissues with moisturizer in them should get a award too! LOL
Hi, Bill,
If you find yourself wishing you could die, then you know you have the flu!
Hi Sue,
Great post as always.
The curtain project went very well and things look great.
Also your finishing touches with the wood grain on the storage drawers is very creative and professional looking. How do you keep things so clean?
Where did you purchase the hat? That adds your signature touch in the pictures with things and I want one.
PS. I didn’t want to say anything, but the camera lens is still acting up and I’m sure you will hear more about it?
Take Care
Hi, Mike,
How do I keep things clean? Well, I don’t, unless I’m taking a photo for a gazillion people to scrutinize. Then I get out a spray bottle of Mr. Clean and go to work.
Yes, I see the spot is still there in my photos, although it does seem fainter. You’re right, I really don’t want to hear more about it. I want to pretend there’s no problem so maybe it will go away. 🙂
Oh, the hat. I bought the hat at a truck stop. I walked in to pay for propane, saw the hat, picked it up, and bought it for twelve bucks. Fastest purchase I’ve ever made in my life. Glad you like it. It’s made out of green denim, of all things.
You know what I do to keep from getting cranky on a washboard road?
I start going..’ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh’
which quickly becomes ‘ahahahahahahahahaha’ and I can’t keep from laughing!
I do that into fans too.
I must get some of those little short ribs for my doggies, they would be in Spike and Bridget heaven!
Hi, LeeJ,
That’s a new technique for dealing with washboard roads. I’ll have to try it!
I got eight, meaty, baby ribs for $4.71. (They were $2.58 a pound, marked down from $3.68 a pound.) That’s a lot of jaw exercise and fun for the crew for under five dollars.
I have bear paws also. I got them for Christmas last year and love them!
Thanks, as always, for sharing good info and stories.
Definitely NOT “nothing”. 🙂
Hi, Edie,
You’re welcome. I can’t imagine anyone not loving Bearpaw boots!
I went to Walmart today as well. But let me add that I would rather go to the dentist than go to Walmart. This was my first visit in about three months, but I needed some spray for my Peggy to entice her to use the wee-wee pad instead of the carpet.
I’m more of a Dollar Tree kinda girl–it’s amazing what you can get for $1 in these stores–I love it. I’m sure when I start my third life in my rv I will look forward to trips to Walmart, but for now, I am content.
Hi, DeAnne,
I don’t know what it is in particular that you don’t like about your local Wal-Mart but I have discovered one thing. The Wal-Mart experience differs greatly between regions of the country.
Of course you like Dollar Tree. You’re a teacher! I spent a lot of dollars in the Dollar Tree when I was teaching. Funny how parents think a couple of packs of notebook paper and a few pencils will last their child all year long.
Regional Walmarts hmmm…I remember when we came back to the States from Germany after six years. Friday night at Walmart was like a freak show–it was so entertaining after the Mayberry-esque small village we lived in.
Here, Walmart is the place where everyone shops and it is the “always crowded but never enough cashiers” that drives me crazy. It’s a production to just pick up a couple of things. It’s just my opinion; I’m just glad I can pick my things at other places. Yes–Dollar Tree IS the teacher’s store, and now that they have a frozen food and dairy section, it is so much more fun!
The Wal-Marts definitely differ around the country. In Western North Dakota now, the men doing their food shopping will outnumber the women about 10-15 to 1. Oh… and you don’t even want to think about going there at night.
Walmarts differ within the same area. The Walmart in Va beach is like walking into a third world country. Dirty and crammed tight. While the one in Chesapeake is Clean but poorly laid out. Pet Supplies are at the absolute other end of the building from the groceries, The store is about 200 yards wide. While the Walmart Neighborhood store is nice and clean and well laid out. The part I hate most is checking out. People engaging in creative accounting to try and pay their bill. I have waited in line to pay longer that it took me to shop for what I wanted. The ones I hate the most are the people who wait till the last minute to scan their card, when if you do it when they first start the checkout then when done you get your receipt and just walk out. It is so easy.
I always go to the self-checkout in Wal-Mart as I hate the lines.
I disagree that this post was about nothing. We learned about Sidewinder and Ogilby Roads, Walmart hygiene (about which I agree and always do as you did), and the fact that you give your doggies really good baby back ribs instead of rawhide or doggie bones. What? You gave them baby back (extra meaty no less) ribs?! They just can’t appreciate how lucky they are to have you, Sue!
Don
Hi, Don,
You made me smile with your comment. Not only do Spike and Bridget get baby back ribs, they also get rotisserie chicken and lean ground turkey. And yet Spike still yells at me!
Well, Sue, thanks to you posting about those ribs, I’ve been unable to ignore the craving I’ve been having for days. I broke down and bought some country-style ribs on the way home ($1.29 a pound) and a pack of saurkraut. They’ll be hitting the crockpot soon!
Hi, Ladybug,
You put the ribs and sauerkraut in a crockpot? I never heard of that. I’m intrigued.
Yup. I’ve found a couple of versions of recipes; one calls for onion, apple and beer in addition to the ribs and kraut. The other one calls for apple, onion, caraway seed and brown sugar. I’m going to try just the ribs, kraut and brown sugar. Because I don’t have the other stuff in the house. 😀 Well, I do have the onion, but onion and sauerkraut just sound weird….
This is the beer one: http://www.crockpot-cooking.com/pork/country-style-ribs-sauerkraut/
Sauerkraut with ribs made in the crockpot is one of our favorite meals. I add some kielbasa sausage towards the end and make boiled potatoes, yum had it last nite. Don’t do it in your camper because in a small place it is hard to get the smell to leave, at least that happen to me. Smells good the day your making it but not the next day.
You remind me of one of my favorite meals, which my mother made often. It’s called “boiled dinner.” Chunks of potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage along with some kind of meat, boiled together in a pot. She served it with cider vinegar to pour over the cabbage. Peasant food… love it!
We recently enjoyed a wonderful dinner new to us: Gil roasted pieces of a “ring” kielbasa with 1/2″ slabs of red potatoes. When they were done he put a whole head of cabbage sliced in 1″ slabs on the grill and roasted it in the dripping of the potatoes n sausage. Was so delicious we consumed all the cabbage in one sitting!
Wow! How creative! And it sounds delicious. Way to go, Gil!
That’s a Yankee dinner. 😉
Well, my roommate got to the crockpot before me this morning. I went to the kitchen and found the ribs and sauerkraut already in there. I’m not even sure the juice was drained. Also had some taters chunked up in it. I snuck around and added some brown sugar. Not sure how this is going to turn out!
Ladybug… I’ve never eaten a crockpot dinner I didn’t like. It will probably turn out great!
If you have a sizable candle and light it in the kitchen/dining area while you cook and after it will take the “hangover odor” away.
I did not know that. Hmm . . .
Thanks, Ladybug and Darlene!
Boiled dinner is also a favorite.
I love that you’re being extra careful about germs. You’re right, flu season is upon us and if the hype is real and it’s widespread and only going to get worse (!), you sure don’t want it OR need it. Stay safe and well!
hugs,
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
You’re right. I don’t need to get the flu. As much as I try to avoid catastrophe while living on the road, I know I’m on my own if I should become ill. Of course, that was true when living in a stick house, too.
As a single person I need to be prepared to be my own nurse. I try to keep a supply of those things I want and need when sick: over-the-counter meds, of course, and chicken soup, saltines, and Gatorade.
I know that whine-whistle too. Molly found out once that she can get us to look at her when she does it – that did the trick.
I have to make a conscious effort to ignore her and first react when she is quiet.
I also tried to copy the dog whisperer’s advice: a sharp “shht” and “go to your place” command!
It helps, because she doesn’t like that.
But, she always tries gain next time when there is something she wants.
These dogs surely know to push our buttons. :))
Hi, Bea,
I should follow the dog whisperer’s advice. I’m so used to talking to my crew as if they’re people. Oh yes, our dogs do know how to manipulate us. One of the cutest things about Spike is the way he shoots a sneaky glance at me out of his peripheral vision to check and see if his tactics are working. He’s such a little devil!
I commiserate with you on the whine-whistle. I wonder if it’s a female thing. Best wishes to you and Molly!
Heehee…love the funny photos of Bridget and Spike…especially the ones when she is making him her chair!! Just like humans…when someone is pushy it means someone else is being laidback!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
So true . . . If Spike were to get off the bench seat like a gentleman and let Bridget have it, she’d then want him out of the bed between the front seats. It’s always something!
FYI Sue, in Casa Grande, AZ, if u ever go there, there is NO overnite parking ANYWHERE but in a campground. Stops at their WalMart after dark for more than an hour or so can be a nasty ticket. Funny for a town founded on RV friendliness way back…
Another great ‘nothing’ blog to the lady who can make dumping exciting!!!!!
How do you know these things? Is there an app for that?
Phyllis in Oklahoma
Yeah, it’s the Chuck app. 🙂
Hi, Chuck,
Good advice. I never attempted to boondock near Casa Grande because I read it’s on the south-north “desert highway” used by drug smugglers. I’d rather keep on going and camp near Wickenburg or Congress to the north.
As a southern AZ resident I have learned that many times it’s a local ordinance that prevents the use overnight parking on big box store parking lots and not the store itself. Don’t ever try to park overnight at a Wally World in Tucson. You could pay for a week’s stay with hook-ups at a nice campground for the price of that fine! I think I recently read that Flagstaff, AZ no longer welcomes overnight parking at Walmarts, so it’s best to check with the city your stopping in and not just the store–especially if it’s in AZ (so it seems).
You’re right, Audrey, and thanks for sharing the information here. Very helpful and important.
I love Arizona. However, there are communities in AZ that are getting a bit snooty when it comes to RVers. Oh, I know about RV parks not wanting the competition, and I can empathize. I think the RV-unfriendly ordinances stem from more than that.
Bridget & Spike are too funny.
I agree with DeAnne. The TN Walmart’s are an absolute zoo. I hate going there unless they have something I really want and they have a great price on it. I like Dollar Tree and Big Lots.
At one time, Sue, you were talking about the narrowness of the twin beds in the Casita’s, maybe 27 or 29 inches? I assume you purchase twin size quilts or do you get them bigger and double them? Just curious.
Love the cat in the boot. Mine is way too big to fit in any boot.
Hi, Barbara,
Some of the people who frequent the east side Wal-Mart in Athens, Georgia, are scary. I remember in particular a rather large woman in very thin and very tight pants/leggings with a snakeskin design.
I looked up from my cart, saw the snakeskin motion in front of me, and nearly dropped the pickles. After the initial shock, I thought I’d die laughing. Did you know you can shop for hoes at Wal-Mart? Rakes and shovels, too. LOL!
I buy full/queen quilts and fold them in half. Then I can turn them over to stretch the time between visits to the laundromat. I like to take the quilts outside, shake them out, and drape them over chairs in the morning (when not in a campground). It’s surprising how fresh they smell after an hour or so.
Since we have them too, I think it may be a requirement for very overweight women wear skin tight leggings to Walmart. LOL
I thought you might buy the larger quilts and fold them as that seems the frugal way to do it. With the small price difference, it’s like getting 2 for 1. It is, also, what I would do. My mom used to tell her friends that her oldest daughter would squeeze a nickel until the buffalo hollered.
How funny bwahahah!
After a 10 hour day at work, a 2 hour round trip commute and two hours shopping for and doing chores for my 85 and 87 year old parents — reading about doing nothing is EXACTLY what I needed today. Thanks Sue.
You’re welcome, SF Mama. I hope there is someone to give you a break. Care-giving is exhausting, as you certainly know very well, and then having to hold down a job at the same time. Too much! I did it and it nearly wrecked me.
Glad my blog gives you some time away from it all, if only in your head.
Disabled younger sister (my only sibling) is a BIG part of the problem. You give me hope in addition to a pleasant diversion. Thanks for opening your travels to us.
I know people who post “I’m bored” or “back to work” on Facebook. Now that’s a whole website about nothing!! You’re blog is much more interesting even when you’re just going to wallyworld! And I like your tip about the antibacterial wipes and germx with the shopping cart. I homeschool my children and since they aren’t around hundreds of other children everyday, they rarely get sick. But I’m a big believer in keeping our hands clean in crowded places and trying to avoid “kid” places on weekends and school holidays. We LOVE to field trip and have family outings midweek. I love your blog and have been reading it from the beginning. Thank you for the time you put into writing it. Although I’m probably not your typical reader, reading your blog is my “zone-out” time from my busy day!!
Hi, Lisa,
Hey, you don’t have to be an old fart in an RV to read my blog! All kinds of folks come here and are welcome. 🙂
You and your children are fortunate to live in a time when homeschooling is allowed and accepted. School buildings are not always healthy environments. I remember dusting my classroom of a very fine, black material that regularly settled everywhere. The a/c maintenance guy said it was sloughed-off skin circulating through the system and blowing out the vents. What a horrible thought! Whatever it was, it couldn’t have been good for lungs. (I hope no one is eating in front of their monitor or hand-held.)
Thanks for dropping in with a comment, Lisa. Best wishes to you and your family.
Well said Sue I am no longer an RVer but I still am an old fart!!
🙂
I had nothing to do, so I read about Sue doing nothing, though it seemed like something with all that driving.
And I had fun doing it.
Thanks, Sue.
You’re welcome, ajfixit!
You make me think of another saying for “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”
How about . . . “Your nothing is always better than my nothing.” Nice to hear from you!
You definitely have a gift of writing. I have known that for years. I remember I carried around a short paragraph you had written…perhaps your one and only political piece. It was about Barry Goldwater. LOL… It is your appreciation of little things that we find so interesting and compelling. Often I will read something on here and think I never noticed that, or appreciated that, or realized that little detail. Susan, you make our lives better by pointing out sometimes “nothing” makes us happy.
Love you
Love you, too, Pauline. Well, one thing I learned early was how to amuse myself with little. You made friends, went places, and enjoyed various activities. I stayed home and made a hide-away in the woods out of pine branches. Amazing that we came from the same parents! LOL!
Thanks for the nice comment.
To avoid the washboard on Sidewinder road, use American Girl Mine Road. There is a crossover which is smooth just past the last group of rigs on the north side of Sidewinder. It is a much easier drive, not much longer, and usable by any size rig. American Girl is being graded regularly, and has no washboard .
Another exit (usable only by autos and pickups because of a deep wash) is to the south at the last group of rigs on the south side. It connects to road 721 which runs parallel to the rail tracks
Thank you, John and Phyllis. I could go American Girl Road. That crossover is further away from Ogilby for me.
Maybe I’ll go that way next time. I’ve made a habit of taking Sidewinder so I can drive past Les’s camper (He’s the western song lyricist.). If Les is outside I stop to say hello and to trade paperbacks.
Anyone ever read the People of Walmart website? SCARY! Although, it does make you want to dress fairly decently when you go shopping there. These days you never know who or what is taking your picture or where it is going to end up. 1984 anyone?? Only its not only the government, its our whole culture! By the way, RVSue, your blog is absolutely the best! Yours was the first one I ever read and I have looked at others since and they are o.k. However, the fact that you are a good writer, are open about where you are so others can camp there sometime if they want to, and have a mix of great information as well as funny, entertaining stuff makes yours absolutely the best. I don’t think you send a mixed message at all. Its clearly a message of here I am if you want to camp here sometime, but don’t bother me unless invited. One more thing, I think the route information you give is great, too. Keep it up, please!
Hi, Terri,
Thank you for those very fine compliments! I was thinking along the same lines re: the “mix of great information as well as funny, entertaining stuff.” It’s like my blog has morphed into two-blogs-in-one, due to the great reader participation. Sometimes I put as much time and effort into the comments as I do in the post above them. Not complaining!
Good feedback on the route information. I’ll continue sharing that. I know I have some readers who like to follow along with their Benchmark atlases.
You made an excellent statement explaining why I show our location and yet ask for privacy.
Hey, Sue, just learned on the news that the Westminster Kennel Club is entering Rat Terriers for the first time this year. I am sure you and the Crew will want to tune in for that. Feb 10 & 11.
Or maybe not…
Yours are winners anyway.
Fantastic! After reading your comment I did some research on Westminster accepting rat terriers. At first I hoped it was because ratties were now considered a bona fide, pure breed. But, alas, no. . .
I quote the following from an AP article titled, “Westminster Dog Show Adding Mongrels to the Mix” (Was the term mongrel necessary? Hmmpf!)
The rat terrier is, well, just what it sounds like. Bred to rid farms of rodents, they’re known as game, versatile and intelligent — “they can think for themselves,” said breeder Robin Lutwinas of Enfield, Conn.
I agree… They definitely can think for themselves, and that’s where my headaches begin. 🙂 Thanks for the information, Rosemary!
MESSAGE TO READERS: Rat terriers come in various small sizes and colors. Here’s a link to American Rat Terrier Rescue. Scroll down to see the Spike and Bridget look-alikes available for adoption across several states.
Wow, rat terriers come in a variety of sizes and colors, but most of them look like the canine crew. I also noticed some of them with the “Bridget sit”.
The smaller rat terriers are considered “regular.” The larger ones are called “Decker rat terriers.” Spike fits the Decker description. Bridget is somewhere in between the two.
I have GPS coordinates of the crossover route at both ends if that would help find it. We are at Borrego Springs but have saved the locations from when we were there at Christmas.
Thanks anyway. I know where it is. Enjoy Borrego!
Hi Sue!
I am really loving all your posts recently. The year in review was fun to recall and the Canine Corner was a hoot! Your new curtains are perfect for the BLT and I am looking forward to seeing your other new decorating additions when they happen.
Your knack for writing about nothing is very entertaining and is some of your best work, IMO. It’s easy to write about a white knuckle drive or the vast vistas you come upon. But portraying the everyday activities and making them fun to read takes some talent, girl! Then, you take it to the next level and give us these pictures to provide a visual. I caught myself laughing out loud at the bench seat war. “Nothings” are great and I thoroughly enjoy those posts. Good job!
Totally off subject–I’m curious about what kind of Kindle you use and how you download the books you read on it. I want an e-reader so badly that I can taste it! I really want the Paperwhite AND the Fire HD but the budget tells me I can’t have both. I do listen to a lot of audio books so text to speech is important to me. Any comments from other readers are also welcomed. BTW, you turned me onto the Sue Grafton Alphabet Mysteries and I’m hooked. Thanks!
Be well and safe travels to you and the crew!
Audrey
What a fun comment for me to read! Thanks, Audrey. Great to see you here again. You give such wonderful compliments!
I’ve had a kindle for years that I enjoyed. It’s one of the early ones… 1st or 2nd generation, not sure which. After a few years, it froze up on me and Amazon sent me a new replacement. Several years later, that one froze up, so I went ahead and bought a Paperwhite I’d been wanting. I had the same struggle deciding between the Fire and the Paperwhite.
I download wirelessly. With my Verizon aircard turned on, I go to Menu on my ereader and choose Kindle Store. When I find a book I want to buy (or get for free), one click starts the download via “Whispernet.” It doesn’t take long and I can do other things while the book is downloading.
You can purchase books for your ereader via a USB cable connecting it to your computer. Just go to Amazon’s Kindle Store.
I don’t have any experience with audio books. Maybe a reader will add some information for you.
Yeah, Sue Grafton books make one wish there were more letters in the alphabet. Happy to hear you enjoy them . . .
Kindle Paperwhite
Sue, thank you. Your reply was very helpful and answered some of my questions. Decisions, decisions… I sometimes think, just flip a coin over the two and be done with it!
I have the Kindle Fire, not the HD, and it is my second Kindle. I gave my first one to my son, he travels with his job and loves to read in the evenings in motels, so I passed it along.
I have a couple of books that I bought from Amazon that I linked to their audio reader. One was a copy of War of the Worlds I got for free then I linked it for the audio for a small fee, so I can put my headset on and listen. I love this feature when I am in a bright place where I can’t read the Fire. I’m not sure how it would work to just buy the audiobook, but it must work..I know the Fire does audio! One neat thing is that I can speed up the reading if regular speed leaves me impatient. who me? LOL I also have the music CD’s on my Kindle, I bought regular CD’s from Amazon and they have them also on their cloud and I can listen to the Kindle.
Another nice feature is all the apps available..one I have is for old time radio and again, if I am where there is wireless internet, I can listen to old radio programs.
I have noticed that the regular Kindle battery charge lasts longer than my Fire, but I usually fall asleep before I run out of charge, and the Kindle turns itself off if you go a while without turning a page! .but I can check my email, watch Amazon Prime videos, watch and listen to the news or weather on the Fire as long as I have wireless internet. I have even done this on the train when wireless internet is available!
Best thing since sliced bread in my opinion!
Hi, Nivrapa,
I love my Kindle Fire HD but one drawback you might want to consider is the battery life which is much shorter. When we’re at home it is no problem but when we are boondocking it isn’t so easy to charge it. The big plus is that I can check my email, brouse the web, read RVSue and play word games on it in addition to reading books. don’t even bring my computer with me in the trailer anymore. Whichever Kindle you get Iet you’ll love it.
http://www.onehundredfreebooks.com/ is a great website all the books are free and you download them from Amazon. Everyday you will get an email full of free books to choose from after you sign up! FREE is a price even I can afford! 🙂
Hi Audrey,
I have a Kindle Fire and its great! I am somewhat cheap when it comes to books, so I most of my books from the library. All you have to do is go to your local library and get a card. Log on to their web site and they will have an area for e-books. Put your library card number in and there you are! Access to hundreds of books for free. The only thing that frustrates me a little is that many new books are available to buy, but the libraries cannot get access to them until way later, if ever. It depends on the publisher of the book most of the time. I have to go into Houston ( 3 counties away) to get my card re-registered every year but they give me a card for free and I can wirelessly download them in the house or wherever. You can, of course, download them via usb into your computer, THEN into your Kindle. I also have alot of card games which I love. The only negative thing I have discovered about the Kindle Fire is it is extremely difficult to see outside in the daylight. Hope this helps.
Good point about visibility, Terri. You can read a Paperwhite outside. Thanks for posting a lot of helpful information.
Terri, thanks for the heads up on the issue of reading outside in the daylight. I had not considered that and for me, that is important. I already use my library on a weekly basis to download audio books to my MP3 player and am familiar with the Overdrive feature. Many of the newer releases aren’t available on audio but are in Kindle format and Overdrive Read–for FREE. Free is always good in my world!
Can you renew your library card online? How about a phone call? I appreciate my library services and can access them even when I’m out of town on the road by using my trusty ‘puter. Ain’t modern technology grand?!
Audrey
There is no “nothing” in your life! Your life is full and happy and you are kind enough to share all of that with us! A life that makes as many folks as happy as you do will never be boring or full of nothing! I agree with Chuck, anybody who can make dumping tanks sound like fun has to be a good writer! LOL! Keep it up girl! We love it! Bridget, get off Spike! LOL what a character she is!
Hi, Geri,
Hmm . . . I’m thinking of a book title . . . “Adventures at the Dump Station.”
You’re always my cheerleaders 🙂 Thank you. As for Bridget and Spike, at this point I’ve forgotten how normal dogs act.
I remember stopping in the walmart by yuma….i felt I was the youngest one there!!!!
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Karen and Steve
(Blog) RVing: The USA Is Our Big Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com
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You remind me when I shopped at Family Dollar in Quartzsite. I was surprised to see the cashier was a young man not more than 30 years old. I realized then that I hadn’t seen anyone under 55 in a very long time!
BTW… You don’t need to post a link to your blog. When you sign in to comment, put your blog URL there and your name above your comment will link to your blog. Look at Geri’s comment above yours for an example.
Hey! Is that a old people crack? 😉
No, if anything, it’s a report of an alien in our midst. . . 🙂
MESSAGE TO READERS: I won’t post a new entry today (Thurs. 1/16).
However, I did post the financial report for December 2013. (Click “Money” in header.) Now I “only” have October and November to do in order to catch up!
So that’s what makes your name show in blue w/ underline. Guess I have to put something on my website now. LOL Love to ALL.
Oh boy, a Mick website! I’m looking forward to seeing the bird webcam.
Wish you would connect the website so we could pick your brain.
Hey Mick… that black kitty looks exactly like the family cat we had when I was in college. I love tuxedo kitties…
I just HAD to click on the “projects” . What makes mick click! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the picture review for 2013.
the PNW has some similarities to the Catskill Mountains area where I grew up so many moons ago.
We left AZ a few days ago, headed back to Tx, this time the Gulf Coast area.
Currently staying in motels along the way til we reach the next campground.
Little more work to set up and take down a 9×12 canvas tent every day til we get to a permanent location, so we stay in motels while on the road.
Hoping to stay about 2 weeks or as long as the weather holds out.
Even your nothing reports are of interest. the comments that follow are usually very helpful. keep the daily routines coming. They’re important too.
Hi, Bonnie and Charlie,
Good to hear from you again! Stay safe on your travels. I hope you have good weather across Texas and on the Gulf Coast.
Hi Bonnie and Charlie! If you make it to Florida, Ocala National Forest has some wonderful tent camping areas as well as all the Florida State Parks!
Hi Audrey,
It depends on your library as to whether or not you can renew online. Typically, no.
The library likes to see some i.d. to keep info. current and obviously they can’t see that online or on the phone. I am speaking as a former librarian but, as I said, it probably depends on the city or county. Modern Technology is grand in alot of ways! I was very skeptical of e-readers for a long time because I enjoy holding an actual book in my hands. Nothing can replace the feel and smell of a real book. And of course there is the scary idea that real books may disappear. My heart broke when Britannica stopped publishing its Encyclopedia in book form. What next, I ask? But, that said, I do enjoy my kindle!
Thaanks ѵery nice blog!