Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at home in Arizona
A New Year’s Day surprise! More snow! More than last time!
This snowfall is more exciting than the last one.
The appearance of snow a few days ago was fun as it was the first of the season at our house. But I knew it was coming. I had read the forecasts.
This one takes me completely by surprise!
I turn on the outside light this morning and burst out laughing.
“It snowed again!”
Gee, just the other day I was out there in shirtsleeves soaking up the warmth and sunshine.
Looking at the cedar fence in these photos, you can see it hasn’t been coated with protective sealer/stain . . . yet.
The other side (street side) is done, but before we could get to the interior side, the weather intervened.
I check the feeders.
I need to do something about that sugar water . . . . It’s surely frozen.
I’m glad there’s still seed in the feeders. I’ll fill them again later. . . .
(The above handheld photo is from several yards away in order not to disturb the birds.)
Reggie and Roger are still in bed as I take these pics.
After a potty run in the snow, they return to the bedroom and burrow under the covers. That’s why you don’t see them in this post.
We had fireworks in the neighborhood last night. Some right across the street. They aren’t very loud and don’t last long. I think the cold sends the celebrants into their house.
Roger barely stirs, but Reggie sits up in bed. In fear he attempts to bolt off the bed, but I catch him with my arm and whisper a few reassuring words.
Reg soon realizes — Where can I run to? I’m better off here . . .
He does very well, doesn’t even tremble.
I keep him in my arms, we listen to the fireworks, and eventually we both fall asleep. Later, sometime around 3 a.m., I get up to use the bathroom. I’m sitting on the “throne” by the glow of the nightlight when I notice my two boys are with me, sitting close by my ankles, very still.
They never do this. They usually ignore my potty runs.
“Oh, you little guys. Are you guarding me?” I reach down to touch them both. “The fireworks are gone, sweeties. The new year is here!”
Before we head back to bed, I voice a few parting words,
“Goodbye, 2018!”
Flush.
rvsue
P.S. Now I ask you . . . . Where can you read a blog that ends with the blogger flushing the toilet? Only at RVSue and her canine crew! — Sue
NOTE: Several wishes for the new year came in under the previous post. I’m delighted to hear from new blogorinos and old-timers, too. You may want to check those comments to catch greetings from friends who’ve been gone from the blog for a while. — Sue
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PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS!
RVSue recommends these products available from Amazon:
Olympian Wave-3 3000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
“The Wave 3 heater got my crew and me through numerous cold snaps while we full-timed in the Best Little Trailer. I could’ve had a furnace installed when I bought our Casita from the factory, but I knew the sound would bother me in such a small space. Instead I ordered the completely quiet Wave 3 from Amazon and had it installed. One of my better decisions!” — Sue
~ ~ ~
“The pretty, pedestal bird bath that I use as a feeder and seen in my recent posts is available from Amazon. That’s where I bought mine and it arrived quickly and in perfect condition. I think it adds beauty to the front yard and the birds love it. Sometimes the bowl is shoulder-to-shoulder birds! If you don’t have a feeder, now is a good time to get one. The birds certainly can use your help through the winter.” — Sue
~ ~ ~
Men’s Classics Waffle Thermal Underwear Crew Top
“When the nights are cold, I like to bundle up for bed. My standard, winter sleepwear is a pair of sweatpants with a long-sleeved, thermal undershirt (men’s). The men’s shirt is long which keeps my mid-section covered throughout the night. And when I get up to run outside, whether at a camp or here at the house, I’m not caught in some silly outfit with teddy bears or jumping sheep on it.
“The above link takes you to Fruit of the Loom. Hanes is good, too. ” — Sue
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Ha, ha, no where else but RV Sue’s Blog; as an answer to your last question. No snow in Ajo, but I love the photos of the Agave with snow on them! I wonder if Maya misses the snow, she really liked rolling in it in New York! We didn’t have fireworks but lots of coyotes were howling last night, I kept imaging they were making all that ruckus to stay warm but who knows, maybe they were saying hello to the new year!
Hi, Pam and Maya!
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST TODAY!
I’m not surprised that you didn’t get snow in Ajo. (For new readers unfamiliar with Arizona, Ajo is west of us and at a lower elevation.)
You’re in one of the best spots to be during the coldest part of winter in the Southwest. Even so, as Suzicruzi mentioned under the previous post, it was cold and windy in Ajo.
I’d rather hear coyotes than fireworks! 🙂
Me too!
🙂
Hi Maya and Sue,
We are still here on Darby Wells. Haven’t budged! It’s very cold; windy, and another hard rainstorm last night as 2018 went out in a gush! Water was running down the main road, leaving ruts for me to find this morning. Today the sun was out all day, but our high here at camp was only 46*. Still a bit breezy unless we hid between the Van and the Casita. Still rather be here than Vancouver! Larry and I had a nice long walk “up-road” this morning and down into that great big wash to the East of where we are situated off the main road.
A few days ago, we observed a woman picking berries down in the wash. I called out to her and she said they were a type of “Desert Wolfberry”; a relation to the Goji Berry. We’ve been picking and eating them every day since.
We have been waking up to 33* Sue, and Maya, without a heater of any kind. The Wave 3 never happened, and we never expected to experience so many cold mornings, nor so many rainy, cloudy days. Touché! We’ll get something installed one of these days! For now we use the burners on the stove and huddle close.
Curious as to where you are Maya? I won’t be on your doorstep, I assure you. Ha ha! Just more nosey than anything! 🙂
Cheers all! It’s movie night!
* downloaded some movies while at the Ajo library sitting out a huge downpour yesterday.
Suzi and Larry, and Mochi-Kitty too. “Meow”.
You don’t have a heater? I wondered about that when you mentioned before about turning on the burners of the stove. Damp cold is tough to bear. Well, at least you have each other!
Second? Yay!
YAY FOR YOU, PAT!
Happy new year RVSue and Crew. We got snow in the valley but melted right away. My dogs brought in the new year with me. Chowder, the brave one, barked and ran to the window but the other two stayed next to me. Daughter and son came by at about midnight to give hugs & we had left over turkey sandwiches from the dinner earlier. I went to bed at 3 a.m. but up at 9 a.m. My new years resolution… to cross off some of my to do list…at least half by year end.
Happy New Year to you, too, rita. How nice to have midnight visitors delivering hugs. 🙂
Haha! I have kitties on my sleep shirt, but there is no danger of me having to run outside in it.
Here in Michigan, we had rain yesterday and rain today. Possible sleet at night. Not exactly nice weather for going to a party in. I was in bed by 9:30. That’s what age does for you!
Yeah, women’s sleepwear — the comfortable kind — can be pretty goofy. Wal-Mart’s selection is notorious for that.
Ooh, rain followed by sleet. Hope you don’t have ice on the roads.
I was in bed by nine last night, up at five in the a.m. That’s not age; that’s us being morning people! 🙂
Happy New Year!
The boys probably weren’t trying to protect you but were seeking your protection!
No snow in Alabama. In fact it’s somewhere in the 70s.
Looking forward to another year of keeping up with Sue, Roger and Reggie. (Remember when you were thinking of changing his name?)
Hi, Nora,
Funny how blogorinos often repeat what I’ve been thinking. I recalled this morning how I was not convinced Reggie was the best name. Now he’s completely Reggie. 🙂
It’s hard to say whether they were nervous or were protecting me. I assumed they were guarding because they had been sleeping peacefully before I woke them up. Who knows? Maybe they only seemed to be sleeping.
Sue,
Can’t believe I got in here! Happy New Year to you and the crew! Loved seeing the PTV covered in snow…very pretty, but PTV looks cold.
The reason I got in early is that I was actually going to ask you if you have ever camped at Lost Dutchman State Park. We will be there in March and wanted your review.
All the best for an exciting and blessed 2019.
Thanks, Joe. Same to you.
I’m sorry you’ve had trouble getting “in here.” I figured the holiday season kept you too busy to drop in. Good to see you!
No, we haven’t camped at Lost Dutchman. I believe you’ll find a review at Wheeling It.
SHOUT OUT TO READERS: Have you camped at Lost Dutchman SP? What was your experience?
I spent a night at Lost Dutchman in 2008, but nothing really stands out about it. As best I recall, it had paved pull-through spaces and a good view of Superstition Mountain.
My friend from Green Valley, AZ, posted photos of snow in their area, not just on the Santa Rita mountains!
We had a very quiet New Year’s Eve but made sure to stay up past midnight as we knew there would be big booms in our ‘hood, and there were.
Hoping none of the blogorinos are having problems with federal campgrounds. It’s kind of disconcerting to check recreation.gov for campsites (been working on our summer plans) and have each screen greeted with a big warning post.
Happy New Year everyone!
Robin
Hi, Robin!
What a great activity for the first day of the year — planning summer camps! That’s one of the things I loved about full-timing. Even though I didn’t ever make reservations, it was fun planning a route and choosing areas where I’d look for camps. Of course, I didn’t usually follow the plans….. 🙂
Actually, I made many of our reservations for Oregon before Christmas as I checked Oregon state parks and was chagrined to see how many coastal campgrounds were almost full for the summer! So I got out the calendar and started figuring out camping dates. So my warning is if anyone is thinking of the Oregon coast May-September, get reservations like now. Today I was looking at the US Forest Service for Tahoe, another place that requires advance prep.
An update from Annie (ApplegirlNY) came in at the end of comments under the previous post. I paste it here so all who’ve been praying will see it. Also as a reminder about anyone who needs prayer at this time. — Sue
“Update on my son and the power of prayer.
“Thank you everyone for your commitment and willingness to pray for my son and our family during this current crisis. Prayers have been answered and we are grateful. For those of you who, like me, believe in the power of intercessory prayer, I want to encourage you that it does make a difference – not only in the physical healing aspects, but also for the peace that it brings to those who are recipients of your heartfelt requests.
“My son is now on only oral pain killers. He is averaging a “3” – you know, on a scale of 1-10. That is a huge deal. They are hoping to send him home with a portable wound vac device within a couple of days, if his pain remains manageable. After that they will begin to schedule skin grafts along with various other surgeries, as they reconstruct what is left of his hand. He is amazingly positive (thanks to your prayers). The medical team is very pleased as well.
“We know we have difficult times ahead due to the scope of the injury, and the amount of time it will take to repair, but we are encouraged, and grateful.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You have been faithful, and He has been faithful. Please continue to remember my son in your prayers as you have the opportunity. It does matter.
“Have a wonderful and blessed New Year.
Annie”
Thank you for the update, Applegirl. So glad to hear that things have improved for your son. Continuing to keep your family in my prayers. Take good care of yourself. **hugs**
What wonderful news, Annie! Thanks ever so much for telling it to us all. When I share your message with friends of mine that have joined us in praying they will appreciate your message as much as I do.
So very glad things are improving for your son. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Oh Annie, you have given us such good news! I’m glad your son’s pain doesn’t seem to be too bad and that his medical treatment is proceeding successfully. I’m sure at some point they will schedule him for physical therapy on that hand and that will be so important to regain his use of the hand and to keep excessive scar tissue from forming. I’m glad too that the prayers helped 🙂 Keep us posted on how he is doing.
Thanks for sharing…so glad things are doing better!! Your son must be a real trooper too!! Prayers for the future too!!
“Now I ask you . . . . Where can you read a blog that ends with the blogger flushing the toilet?” 🙂
Happy New Year! I have enjoyed your blog since you first began. Don’t know how you can come up with interesting entries so often. Keep it up. I look forward to each new entry.
Hi, Jim!
Thanks. It always makes me smile when I read that someone has been with me and my crew(s) from the beginning.
How do I come up with “interesting entries so often?” Well, there are several talents I wish I had, but lack. I do have the gift for being content with less and for making something out of nothing, which describes many of my posts. Ha!
That could be another slogan for my blog, up there in the righthand corner above the header: “RVSue and her canine crew — Making something out of nothing.”
Wow, been gone awhile and I’m 1st?
1st, 18
Rusty so glad to see you here. Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Missed seeing your comments. How are you doing?
HI RUSTY!! 🙂 Missed you! Happy to see you back!
Happiest New Year to you and “The Lady”! xo
Hi to Barbara and Suzicruzi, I guess I been doing ok, been going to the VAMC up in Louisville a lot and ya I met a Lady who knows how to cook, Piper likes her,, otherwise I still have fun running the new addition to the Garden Railroad, it’s a R/C battery operated 36 Ton 2 truck shay with sound, having a bit of trouble with the dogs getting into the railroad and messing it up while I’m not here, ,,,,,
Well, I was going to write more replies but I’ve gotta’ go……
IT’S SNOWING AGAIN!
🙂
I love it Sue! Flush the year away. Happy New Year to you and crew!
Thanks, Kelley!
2018 was mostly good, but I like that every year we get the impression that we have a fresh start. Actually, now that I think about it, every moment of our lives can be utilized as a fresh start. We don’t have to wait for a new year. 🙂
Your snow pictures are lovely,! Glad it’s at your house and not mine. Highs today here will be mid 50s and lows only in the 30s. The fireworks started at 8pm. My girls were startled at first but then got used to them, thankfully. I haven’t made it to midnight for new year’s in forever. Happy 2019 Sue and crew!
Thanks, Molly and crew! 🙂
Oh, how beautiful! The kind of snowfall you had is my favorite kind. As it clings to each branch, twig, pine needle, leaf and blade of grass it paints a wonderland of white. You must have been delighted that it had not melted before you had the chance to take those lovely photos.
What a nice way in which the neighbors being too cold to stay out for long making noise, and your being at home right when Reggie needed your soothing presence, came together. Sometimes when a few of my dogs had an easier experience with troubling sounds that helped them to be less afraid of them going forward. I would be interested to know of a solution to freezing sugar water. You are so right in saying birds can use our help during winter.
What has been happening here in central NY state has made today feel very special for me, too. While waiting for sunrise I watched trees swaying in 55 mph winds and it was 54 degrees outside. It has been wonderful to see green grass, and watch autumn’s remaining fallen leaves tumbling down the lane. I think their being unexpected is what makes days like we are having such memorable gifts.
Hi, weather,
I don’t know what to do about the glass hummingbird feeder. I don’t want to break it. I did take the plastic feeder inside — the one that’s shaped like a giant strawberry — and ran hot water over the outside until water seeped out the little holes. The water in the glass ones will melt today.
Now I know a reason to keep the plastic one. 🙂
Tumbling leaves on Jan. 1st…. yes, wonderful…
Sue, we brought our feeders in at dark, and set them in a pie pan by the sliders. (Inside the patio doors). Just before dawn we’d hang them back out. We read they come to feed just before dawn and really need it then after hunkering down all night trying to keep warm.
I should do that. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. It’s the obvious solution and I’m almost always up before dawn.
Hi, Sue!
Flush 2018 away! Love it! 🙂
Enjoy the snow! A snow-dusted cactus is a pretty sight! You never know….you might need to invest in a snow shovel! Not for heavy-duty snow removal; just to make a path for a potty area for the boys. 🙂
I am enjoying this New Year’s Day – back to work tomorrow! It has been a nice break. 🙂
Sending you and your little protectors lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
Nice thought about the shovel but underneath the snow is mud. 🙂 I expect we will soon have a floor decorated with paw prints!
Enjoy your day off from work… Love and hugs to you and the pup.
🙂
Odd that you had snow and we had 63 degrees in southwest Ohio.
Hi, Gene…. Enjoy it while you can!
Happy New Year Sue & Crew. The snow looks very pretty. We have none now that rain washed it all away. Lake is frozen but not safe yet. With holidays over, I will once again know what day it is. 😊
Hi, Val…
Your mention of the lake being not safe yet reminds me of childhood days waiting for permission to go ice-skating. I never did get the hang of roller-skating. It seemed impossible to keep from falling, yet ice-skating was easy.
I don’t know what my neighbors did at midnight. I slept soundly, and that’s how I like it.
I had to go back and look at the mermaid tears. That’s very nice. I’d spend some time gazing at one of those.
I’m grateful for temps around 40 and dry weather.
Hi, Calvin,
“temps around 40 and dry weather”… You can use your new bicycle. 🙂
I do gaze at the Mermaid Tears. Great for daydreaming!
Maybe because I am daydreaming when I am putting the glass and beads together!😄
Happy Anniversary, Chuck and Geri!
HAPPY NEW YEAR RV SUE AND BOYS
Thanks, Marlene! Same to you, wherever you are!
Brrrrr looks cold out there in Az… cloudy and 75F in Charleston SC today… started the year out nice and warm.
Hi, Elaine!
That’s warm for a cloudy day the 1st of January! Yeah, it’s cold here. I’m getting use out of my warm coat, hat, and gloves.
I don’t envy your snow, but I’m sure it won’t hang around long. I am glad for our warmer weather here, but I wish it would stop raining longer than a day or two. The ground in our community is a big muddy mess.
Happy New Year all.
Hi, Barbara!
I was saying to my boys at they came running in after a minute in the snow…. “You guys could use a couple pairs of boots.” Sounds like Angel could, too. 🙂
It’s so delightful to see you enjoying your house. The snow is beautiful. We’re supposed to have flurries tomorrow here in north Texas. We’ll be enjoying our fireplace and snug inside. Have a blessed and joyful New Year
Same to you, Reine, and also to Paul and your entire family.
Afternoon Sue and Crew, Great way to end a year and start a new one. In your honor I broke down an went thrift store shopping with my DIL and Grand D. I never find things ( I don’t “need” anything) but my grand daughter found a light jacket. She came for New Years Eve from Surprise AZ and didn’t bring a jacket. Make a snowman for your boys.
Hi, Ruthie! Your daughter scored a jacket at the thrift shop! Well done!
Oh my gosh woman, you amaze me sometimes! For someone who is a fairly private person, you have no qualms about telling the blogorino world about sitting on the throne and flushing – you crack me up! The snow there is just gorgeous – I’ve just never seen snow in the desert and didn’t know how pretty it could be. And I imagine that unlike other areas that get more snow over a longer period of time, it won’t pile up and get dirty and black like it does when there’s a lot of it on the streets.
I noticed that this photo of your window has two roadrunners (?) added to the window sill that weren’t there in the last photo. What a good idea you had to hang the pretty glass windchimes (?) inside instead of outside – they are so pretty in the window.
I was curious about how one might keep water in the hummingbird feeder from freezing and also keep it safe for the birds to drink. The only non-toxic solution I could find was this, which was suggested for outdoor dog bowls, but I think you could adapt it to a hummingbird feeder if the opening at the top is large enough: “Put ping pong balls in the water for a DIY solution. Placing 2-3 ping pong balls in the water will cause ripples every time the wind blows. The little waves will keep the water from settling long enough to freeze.”
Hi, Cynthia…
Roadrunners were little items from the thrift store. The Mermaid Tears are not meant for outdoors as they aren’t windchimes. They’re more like dreamcatchers.
Interesting idea about ping pong balls in the hummingbird feeders. The sugar solution in our glass feeders melted in early afternoon. I thawed the frozen solution in the plastic feeder by running hot water over it.
Ha! Your first paragraph. 🙂 I’m not so much a private person as I am someone who enjoys being alone.
Reading between the lines a bit…your ending seems appropriate for most of 2018 for us too. I feel good that we are in 2019 and still hopeful for a better year!! SO HOPEFUL!! Today daughter and kids and we went to a recent “find”…a Japanese restaurant with the most amazing soup ever…the BEST chicken broth base I ever tasted!! Heh, Daughter and I were longing for some of it…tho the kids and Papa, not so much…but they managed too!! I feel a bit ill as on the 27th (thought I might get a december finally without illness, as has been the usual all my life to be ill in december…but at least it is a mild throat thing…and I am better already!!) So tis looking good. I was glad we did not have a doggie yet last night…the crazies were firing up for at least an hour…bottle rockets maybe? I finally started up the VERY noisy washing machine here…heh, that made it easy to fall asleep!! My grandson began laughing when I told them this at lunch today…the pipes for theirs runs in the walls of his room…so he always knows when clothes are washing…heh! Best wishes for a good year…and enjoy that snow…always nice when a person can simply stay home and enjoy it from inside mostly!! Everything looks SO clean. It is PLENTY cold here now…but thankfully no snow as the roads are not good for such here.
Hi, Elizabeth!
I hope you can fend off that sore throat. Funny about the washing machine. When Reggie pesters me a lot (Roger doesn’t pester as much) and I know he’s overtired, if I have a load of wash to do, I turn on the machine. In a house without carpet or rugs, the sound fills the house. Knocks the little guy out.
Best wishes for your new year, too!
Thanks for the well wishes, Sue…funny boy Reggie…never thought the noisy washing machine would soothe a dog too!! Good thought to keep in mind, for maybe the day when we can have a pet again!!
Did you consider letting the cedar wood age naturally? It would turn to a nice silver color, which needs no care. You could still do it on the inside.
Hi, phil!
I thought about letting it age naturally for about 5 seconds until the person I was with at the time told me, NO, not in Arizona. The sun we get here calls for UV protection. Since then, I saw an untreated cedar fence and it was a gray color, almost black, that I didn’t like. Maybe in your state (which I can identify from your email address) cedar would age nicely to silver.
Since the fence goes basically in the shape of a 3-sided box, one interior side faces southwest which means it will get a lot of harsh rays. A problem (for fussy me) with not doing the same thing to the interior side as to the exterior, is the way the gates don’t match when open. In other words, an open gate looks like it was overlooked and not finished. Two of the gates will be open a lot during the day to allow the boys to run completely around the house.
Believe me, I’d like to skip the coating. The dang stuff is expensive! Thanks, phil, for suggesting an alternative.
On the other hand, the stained cedar looks fabulous! 🙂
😃. Glad the stained wood makes you happy! Can’t wait to see photos on it! Make sure to show a before and after, I’m nosy!😂
We have been in a dense fog for almost 3 days now! We did have a couple of hours of sunshine yesterday, but absolutely today was the worst! Could barely see across the street! Yuck! When it’s like that, feels like I am trying to breathe under water. This is the first time I remember fog like this here, but tomorrow it will start clearing out and be sunny. Sun will be welcome! Your snow looks nice, just enough that you can really appreciate it.
Please have a wonderful and happy 2019! Looking forward to every word that you share with us! Belly rubs for the boys as TaterTot is snoring on my lap as I try to write this😄!
You and Chuck have a happy, healthy 10th year together! Okay, I’ll post some pics of the finished fence. 🙂
Geri, you are not nosy….You, like me are interested….Happy New Year…
Happy New Year Sue. May you and the boys find peace and contentment in 2019.
Thanks, Millie. I’ll try my best to hang on to peace and contentment all year long. Wishing you the same…
Hello Sue. It’s supposed to get pretty cold in the valley tonight too. Not sure if I missed anything, but did you winterize your plumbing in the BLT or are you keeping some heat running? Happy new year! I’ve been going back and reading some of your old posts. I am sure ready to go camping. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, our desert winter sunshine will return.
I’m glad you brought that up, Ken. I’ve been turning on the heater before going to bed (with the “channels” open) but I’m worried that isn’t enough. I’m seeing forecasts of lows in the low 20s this week. What do you suggest I do?
Living in PA and having a cabin in the Adirondacks I am an expert on the need to winterize.You can use a simple hand pump and pump in pink antifreeze to the water system checking one faucet at a time or blow out the lines with an air compressor.I am betting your fence guys have a compressor on hand and could do it easily.If you have a filter cartridge make sure to empty it first.
….duh.Make sure you empty hot water heater and use the bypass valves to prevent water from entering the heater.Usually 3 valves Close valve entering and leaving the water heater and open the bypass line
Oh Good Lord In Heaven Above, that’s WAY beyond my capability. I’m gonna’ go out there and do that in this cold and snow? My goose is cooked. Strike that. My goose is frozen.
Thanks, chas. 🙂
We are occasionally dipping into freezing temperatures up in the Phoenix area too. A few hours in the high 20s is not to much to be concerned with. I don’t do anything with mine, other than empty as much water as I can out of it, because, as you know, our camping season never ends in AZ. I am not sure what your high daytime temperatures are where you live but I think with you leaving a heater on inside will be fine. I would leave your water heater running too. When I lived in Colorado, I once delayed my winterization until after Christmas one year because i wanted to use the travel trailer as a guest house at Christmas. I bought an electric/oil filled radiator-type heater and parked it in the middle of the floor of the RV. My Trailer has a propane furnace as well and on the coldest nights, I would run it too. I realize that you don’t have the forced air/propane furnace (you had told me before), but the term “coldest nights” in Colorado is way different than “coldest nights” in AZ. I was able to use heat from both the electric radiator and propane furnace and never had a problem – all the way down to zero degrees.
I would – empty water tanks
– run what heat you have
– run the water heater
– open all the cabinet doors inside to maximize heat penetration
– If you have under seat/under bed storage, open up those compartments to the interior of the BLT so those normally isolated pockets can get heated air too.
Chas is correct in his winterization procedure, but for the most part, we don’t need to do that in AZ. When I lived in CO, I would have to do that in around October and UN-Winterize it again in the Spring. Nothing nails the door shut on camping season like having to put antifreeze in your RV. My wife always swore that she could smell the antifreeze even after a thorough flushing. Good luck and turn up the heat!
Ken…. I’m going to copy and paste your reply under the next post so it will be seen by more readers. Great info and perspective from and about AZ!
Wow….this may be a first where you are having the same weather in AZ that we’re having in NH….had about the same amount of snow on the ground this morning when I woke. Pretty much gone tonight after being in the 40s today!
Love how your boys were guarding you from the big, bad, fireworks!
Hi, Jan!
Our snow melted, too. Almost all of it gone and now I see it’s snowing again, lightly. Yeah, I know New Hampshire weather and it’s quite different from Arizona. 🙂
Yahaaaa!! I agree Sue flush that old 2018 right down the toilet!!
Yeeeehaaa!
We’re also happy to “flush” 2018 away! Hubby and I have been so sick since just after Thanksgiving. Bronchitis, sinus, etc. In the midst of it, my sweetie had terrible side effects from going on Victoza for his diabetes. His weight, at 5′ 10″ is down to 134#. Doesn’t have an appetite. Prayers would be so appreciated.
I’m so happy that Applegirl’s son is doing so well. Prayers and future P.T. will continue to bring great outcome.
Thanks, not only to Sue and puppers for adding so much to our lives, but also you wonderful blogorinos. I read everything you write and feel you are friends from afar.
I so love the mermaid tears! Weather, thank you for your sensitivity that shows and is so encouraging. Praying for Jim and Detta. May you all be blessed in special ways in the year ahead, especially with good health and much love. Judy
Will pray for your hubby…you must be very worried!! We are both diabetic too…we will remember what you have said about that drug!! Thanks for sharing that. Both hubby and I feel that eating more tacos and black beans this year has not only helped my triglycerides but seem to help our blood sugar be down in the morning too…if you can get him to eat some such…we eat that about 3-4 times a week.
Hi, Judy, gosh, I wish you felt better, being sick for that long can easily wear a person out, emotionally and physically. I am praying for both your and your husband’s good health to be restored. Not knowing how you spend your time, what you do to take care of yourselves, or if you want any suggestions I will just share a few thoughts for no particular reason.
When someone feels tired and weak in comparison to the way they normally feel, it’s tempting to just stay inside hoping to comfortably rest. When I haven’t felt up to doing anything strenuous like walking long distances, I have found it helps my outlook and improves my day to go outside, even for just a few minutes, and stare at a nearby lovely part of creation.
When food really held no appeal for me, I knew I should eat even though I didn’t want to. Any small change for the better made a big difference in the long run. I remember a few things that helped me, that may help someone else, too. I made sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated, often by having a tall glass of it while taking good vitamin and mineral supplements because I certainly wasn’t getting enough of those from what little amount of food I was eating. I tried to increase my protein intake for the strength that provides. Seeing a normal portion of food in front of me was discouraging because I just didn’t want it. I would prepare healthy snacks instead of meals, and tried to make sure those contained things that stimulated my appetite.
This may seem odd, yet deliberately using a large enough plate to make it look as if there wasn’t enough food on it helped me think ” I’ll want more than that…” an example of what was on my plate; two very thin slices of pepperoni, a small piece of cheese, half of a mildly hot pepper like pepperoncini sliced into small rings, and quarter of a slice of dry toast cut into triangles to absorb the oil and spices so they wouldn’t upset my empty stomach. It also helped not to have any beverage while I was eating, as that would make me feel full.
Not long after having that I usually actually wanted something else. So I kept things I had prepared in the refrigerator that I could just reheat in the microwave. Again, things that looked as if they weren’t enough, like a few strands of angel hair pasta with a few tablespoons of alfredo or spaghetti sauce with meat in it, served on a regular sized dinner plate. It also helped to watch tv, read something on the internet or have a conversation while I ate, as being distracted made me less aware that my eating was a necessary chore.
Judy . . . I pray for the return of your husband’s appetite and for good health for both of you throughout 2019 and beyond. I’m sure your sweet and uplifting note for fellow blogorinos is appreciated. Love to you, too. 🙂
Howdy Everybody!
B-r-r-r, it certainly has been a tad chilly in these parts lately. Been having some renegade snow flurries over the past few days, but last night the ground was cold enough that they finally stuck, so my yard had a snow blanket by this morning. Very cool! My flannel lined jeans and wool sweaters are feeling mighty good these days and I’m lovin’ all this chilly weather. Didn’t get above forty degrees on my patio today. Sure beats the triple digits! The down side is that I’ve had to concede and turn the furnace on. With nights so cold the house just can’t recover enough during the day to be comfy. I just set the thermostat at sixty and leave it there 24/7.
Tomorrow was going to be another Wednesday in the Woods outing but there is another winter storm blowing through tonight bringing more mountain snow and valley rain making for potentially icy roads in the morning. Tucson drivers don’t do well in those conditions so I’m going to stay home.
I’ve had several great days in the woods but one was a complete bust. I traveled north to the small community of Oracle on the back side of the Catalina Mts. There is a primitive fire control road the goes from the town, up the mountain, and exits at the Mt. Lemmon fire station. Along this road is a small, rustic, NF campground called Peppersauce Campground. This was my destination one Wednesday. The hiking is nice here and there are a few small caves that can be explored but are only accessible by foot. My plan was to play explorer for the morning and then cook some lunch in a campground fire pit.
I was very disappointed as I pulled into the campground. The place is sadly neglected and apparently was some sort of a drug den as there was discarded drug paraphernalia lying about. Vault toilet was filthy. Trash bins overflowing. Picnic tables in disrepair. The general atmosphere here was sketchy and maybe a bit moody. Following my gut instincts, I left not long after I pulled into the campground. Bottom line was I didn’t feel safe even though there was no one around. The entire experience bothered me enough that I called the NF Santa Catalina District ranger station to report my findings. The campground is very removed from the rest of the jurisdiction and I’m sure difficult to monitor but this place needs to go on someone’s radar and be scoped out regularly. My visit occurred before the federal shutdown. I can’t recommend Peppersauce Campground even though the potential for a charming campground exists.
One thing that has come out of my Wednesday in the Woods is a renewed appreciation of some mighty fine recreational areas in my vicinity. I’m so fortunate to be able to take advantage of these playgrounds in the outdoors. Tucson and southern AZ is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Sometimes the beauty around me just leaves my vocabulary bankrupt when I try to describe my surroundings. Seeing the fresh snow capped Catalina Mts. this morning is a prime example. The giant desert saguaros shrouded in white were none too shabby a view either. And it’s all practically in my back yard and free!
There were other Wednesday adventures that I would love to share but I think I’ve high jacked enough of Sue’s post so I’ll leave them for another time. I’ll end by wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year. Sue, your blog is such a joy to so many. You have my gratitude and encouragement for continued fine work. Ear scratches to each of the crew from me.—Audrey
Another excellent camping report, Audrey! Thank you. Too bad about Peppersauce Campground. I read the reviews at freecampsite.com (scroll down). Complaints about lots of noisy traffic going right through the campground, day and night.
I agree with you about the wonderful options around Tucson for experiencing and enjoying nature’s wonders and beauty.
Thank you for the compliments and words of appreciation for my blog. 🙂
Happy New Year, and buddies. May this be a very good year for you.
Thanks, Virginia! Hope the same for you!
You crack me up, RVSue! Thanks for the smiles!
You’re welcome, Terri!
Anyone have time to review a product from Amazon?
My sales have been dismal for a long time and, all through the Christmas season, quite frankly, they’ve been in the toilet (as long as I’m on that subject with this post!). 🙂
Your help will be immensely appreciated because my reviews just aren’t inspiring shoppers.
Thank you,
Sue
I couldn’t find an ASIN for the life of me, but here’s the name of something I use: Philips Norelco OneBlade hybrid electric trimmer and shaver, FFP, QP2520/90
I just bought more refills for this. I saw a review of it online and decided to try it for some reason. The OneBlade doesn’t give as smooth a shave as, say, a triple-blade razor, but it comes close enough for me and has two major advantages. (1) It’s easy to use, and (2) I can see exactly where I’m trimming around my facial hair. Oh, and one more thing for bearded men, it gives me a guard that lets me keep my goatee a good, even length.
Thanks so much, Calvin! That’s a great one!
I have a new post almost ready and I’ve been waiting for a product recommendation. I’ll find the ASIN number (It’s in the list of product details.)
Hi Missy! Things are still iffy here but at least my Detta is not hurting like she was. She has dull aching now instead of the horrible pain she was having. I’m doin my best to watch over her and trying to take care as best can. Hugs to you and “our little pals R&R”. Your home is looking nice thanks to you….
Thank you, Jim.
Well, moving from horrible pain to dull aching is progress, although we wish Detta were pain-free. I know you’re doing all you can to make her as comfortable as possible. There’s only so much you can do, so don’t feel bad if it’s not as much as you wish.
Detta… I’m sorry you’re going through this. Hang in there and get better soon. You have a bunch of blogorinos rootin’ for you! 🙂
You always give me a chuckle 😂
Happy New year!
Thank you, Penny. I hope this year is your best yet!