Normal and naked

Friday, November 15

1-DSC01474This is the first morning in three days that I haven’t felt weird.

I need to do something normal, something normal, something normal. . .

Wal-Mart!

I  extricate myself from my lounge chair, lock up the Best Little Trailer, pack up the crew, and together we head out of Dome Rock Road Camp, Quartzsite, Arizona.

1-DSC01462

We’re on our way to the Wal-Mart in Parker!

Highway  95 skims across the desert in a perfectly straight line, going perfectly due north.  It’s about a 35-mile drive.  I don’t have any particular shopping goals, except a back-up bag of dog food.  Well, I could buy a pair of sunglasses.  Gee, I should’ve stopped at the booth in Quartzsite that sells sunglasses.  Oh well .  .

I park the PTV in Wal-Mart’s parking lot.

It’s a shady spot.  I crack the windows.  Spike prepares to take a nap.  Bridget prepares to make a scene.

“I’ll be back in a little while.  Be a good puppy, Bridget.”  Sure.

Inside I glide on over to the women’s department.

I twirl the rack of sunglasses looking for a pair that doesn’t have glitter, sparkles, curly-cues, rhinestones, or neon colors.  No wonder women on a budget are stereotyped as having poor taste.  This crap is all they can find to buy!

royorbisonI’m about to give up and go to the men’s department when I locate a pair of black plastic shades with no ornamentation.  I try them on and peer into the tiny mirror on the rack.  Hmm . . . for only ten bucks I can look like Roy Orbison..

“Hi, Roy.  I’ve missed you.”

I put the sunglasses in my cart, cruise around, pick up a few more items, and call it a day.

After a rotisserie chicken chow-down, the crew and I motor out of Parker and head south to Big Q and our camp.

1-DSC01465By the end of the day I feel pretty good.  I’ve got my self back!

Saturday, November 16

The crew and I drive into town.  We’re on our way to the naked bookseller’s store.  I pull into the lot, park the PTV, let out the crew on their leashes, and we go up to the big double doors.  A cardboard clock indicates Paul, the naked guy and owner, won’t be back until eleven.

I browse the free and bargain books set up on a table outside.

After I choose a few books and slide a few dollars under the door, as instructed by a sign, I turn to take the crew back to the PTV and . . . “Whoa!  You startled me!”

It’s Paul on his bike.

He offers a friendly hello and opens up the store.  I walk in amazement at the selection of books and materials.  I’m also amazed that anyone can walk around without pants on such a chilly day.

I choose a few more books and pay.  Should I ask for a photo or not?  I know he’s probably posed for thousands of photos with tourists.  There’s something tacky about asking for a photo when he’s wearing a jacket and a thong. 

Paul follows me out into the sunshine, thanking me for my purchase.

“Is it okay if I take your photo with my dogs?” I ask, suddenly bold.  “I like to take pictures of them wherever we go.”

“Of course!” he replies, posing with a thumbs-up.

1-DSC01467Bridget and Spike tactfully look away, rather than up.

See the cat in the photo above? She’s having a drink, minding her own business.

1-DSC01470Bridget and Spike forget their manners and tell her to scram.  Funny how water always tastes better out of someone else’s dish.

Next stop is the thrift store.

1-DSC01472I don’t find anything I want or need, so I move the PTV to the back of the store and drop off a bunch of clothes.

I didn’t mention the prospectors.

1-DSC01459First thing this morning, they’re back at it.  When we return to camp after going to town, they’re still in front of our campsite.  About a half-hour later, they start up a generator or some kind of machine.  Whatever it is, it makes an awful racket.

I hitch up, pack up and leave.

Our new camp is quieter, more private and with a prettier view!

rvsue

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“REAR VIEW MIRROR”

April 27, 2011:  In the early days of this blog I write about saving toward the purchase of the Best Little Trailer.

“If you want something badly enough  . . . “

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113 Responses to Normal and naked

  1. Marg says:

    My daughter and I both suffer from depression. No pill really helps, but if you give us a bunch of money and let us go to Wal-Mart, our disposition instantly changes. My husband says our granddaughter was his companion until I introduced her to Wal-Mart. She takes after her mama and grandmother. You sound good Sue.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Marg,

      I tried pills for depression. They made me feel artificial. I remember looking at TV and laughing and then, thinking, what am I laughing at this junk for? It’s not even funny. I don’t want to be a walking laugh track. So I quit them.

      Wal-Mart… It’s what’s good fer ya!

      • Marg says:

        I’ve tried all of them, just about. They cause stomach upsets with me mostly. People think they are some sort of “glad” pill, but the only way to tell them it isn’t is to have them take them for a week. The depression becomes a small thing compared to the side effects. But, a bunch of years ago, I really needed them, and they helped because I wanted them to so bad. I never want us to go to that place again. I definitely prefer Wal-Mart. Ha.

  2. Ladybug says:

    Amazing what a little retail therapy and a pair of sunglasses will do for a woman!

    As for Paul….words fail.

    As for the prospectors-may all they find is fool’s gold!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Looks like they have a routine of prospecting on weekends. I didn’t hear any hootin’ and hollerin’ like “We’re rich! We’re rich!”

      Words fail, but thank heaven the thong didn’t!

      • Marg says:

        You can tell I live in the Ouachita Mountains. You can also tell that I am getting on up there in age. That man is funny, and I am actually a little shocked. Maybe 20 years ago I would not have been taken back. There is a small part of me still alive in my head that wants to say “good for him.” It’s okay, I will dampen that old spirit in my head fast.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Well, Marg, just the act of venturing into society requires mental adjustments. Your comment reveals you’re doing that. There are twenty-somethings running around with minds set in concrete.

  3. EmilyO of NM says:

    Glad you have gotten back on the road to feeling better. It’s the pits feeling lousy in such a beautiful place; but, it’s also medicine for the soul.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Emily,

      It’s criminal to feel lousy when living the life you want and in a beautiful place. I picked up some supplements at Wal-Mart, too.

  4. Phyllis says:

    RVSue:

    Three words come to mind: wow and those bastards.

    Phyllis in Oklahoma

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Phyllis,

      They weren’t trying to be obnoxious. They were oblivious to their surroundings, totally involved in what they were doing.

  5. Good to hear a trip to the Wal-Mart helped your over all well being:)

    Ah, the Naked Bookstore guy! So glad you asked for a photo. We’ve only heard, never saw!! Does seem rather strange to wear a jacket and just a “sock.” Sure doesn’t look like that sock is attached to anything! Great picture!!!

    Glad you have a quieter spot:)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, John and Pam,

      I imagine you get used to the breeze whipping around your behind after going naked for years.

      I haven’t taken any pics of this new camp yet. Only one other camper is in view and it’s far away. There’s more greenery here. I like it!

  6. Bev says:

    I wondered if you were going to see Paul! We saw him fully dressed in one of the stores and didn’t realize who he was until he walked out the door. 🙂 Definitely an icon in Q-Site. That noisy contraption used by the prospectors is most likely a dry wash.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Bev,

      Yes, that’s probably the machine they were using.

      I overhead a return customer asking Paul how his summer went. Paul replied that it was not good, very hot, sales way down. I imagine e-readers haven’t been good for booksellers.

  7. Bev says:

    Oh…my husband tells me that there are mining claims all over the Dome Rock area.

  8. Wheelingit says:

    You are definitely going to get some extra hits on that naked title LOL! Impressed that you to got that pic. It was a goodun too. Glad to hear you got yourself back too 🙂
    Nina

  9. Pauline says:

    The title surprised me but the picture was a shock!!!! Mercy Me!!!! I am at a loss for words.

    Love you!!!!

  10. Edie says:

    Glad you are back! And what a post to get ‘er goin! Prospectors sound like a pain. Quartzite sounds interesting but, like you, I will want to be off the beaten path and not among the masses! Thanks for sharing! I’m not sure about the naked guy tho…kind of kitschy. .?? Glad you found a new site. The old one seemed a bit crowded anyway.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Edie,

      I don’t have any gripe against prospectors. They’re doing their thing, I’m doing mine. I mentioned those particular prospectors only because the guy said something unnecessarily hostile . . . and to the crew. Can’t abide that kind of treatment . . . As for prospectors in general, I wish them well and may they find what they’re looking for.

      The good neighbors left, but I figured I should move because the next ones might not be so considerate.

  11. Kellee says:

    The thong leaves me speechless! Nice legs on him tho! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Nice tan, too, and he got it the old-fashioned way.

      • Connie & Mugsy (MN/AZ) says:

        Funny… I was thinking the same thing… the old dude has great legs and a tan that one can only get in the nude. My quibble would be that if he’s wearing a thong, he isn’t nude… or is the thong only for the winter… like the jacket? Inquiring minds want to know. LOL

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          In the summer Paul wears a thong and that’s all. . . maybe a hat, too. He’d probably get in trouble if he didn’t wear the thong in public.

  12. Kim says:

    Exposed genitals notwithstanding, that is one impressive bookstore. I could spend days browsing.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I had a difficult time making a decision. There were so many choices and, uh, distractions. Barnes and Noble have nothing on the naked bookseller.

  13. Cinandjules (temp in CA) says:

    I read the title and thought you got caught taking a bath in the middle of the desert!

    Your writing is soooo smooth….. I’m gliding!

    Oh geeze…..how does one not crack a smile looking at that? Nice tan! I can’t imagine the backside…….yikes! I laughed so hard at Spike and Bridget trying not stare! You weren’t staring either…..right? Hah

    You’re back to your own spunky self!

    Enjoy!

    • Cinandjules (temp in CA) says:

      I googled Paul and apparently he must have been cold.

      He normally just wears some knitted sack! Or sock!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cinandjules,

      No, I didn’t stare . . . It’s like nudists often report . . . After the first few moments, you forget you’re talking with someone exposing themselves.

      Paul knows his books. I asked him to help me choose some authors of westerns. He showed me L’Amour and Wm. W. Johnstone, of course, and also Will Henry, who will be a new author for me. I wish I had written down his other suggestions.

      Bridget and Spike had their eyes on the cats. What a fabulous environment for cats… all those shelves to climb on.

    • Crystal says:

      “Crack a smile”? Pun intended?

  14. Geri says:

    Your blog entry today made me think the naked guy’s g-string would make a very nice storage case for your new sun glasses. Well, not his exact personal g-string. I mean a g-string similar to his. Yeah, my thoughts whirl around in some pretty weird patterns sometimes. We wouldn’t appreciate normalcy if we didn’t miss place it occasionally.

  15. Dorothy says:

    Love the naked guy! I will have to go to that bookstore when I get to Quartzsite early in December. How did it get to December so fast! The year is almost over already.

  16. AZ Jim says:

    Ok….I’m gonna ask. For a long time I have looked at the last few posts in the blog and when you suddenly go to the next adventure you seem to leave those post hanging forever and ever. Once in awhile do you peek back to the last page to see what wit you missed? I know, I am nitpicking, huh?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jim,

      I’ll try to explain. First off, by the time I finish a blog post, several things may occur: 1) I’m worn out and have to get away from my laptop, 2) the crew is jumping up and down wanting attention or a walk or something, 3) the new post generates a lot of comments.

      On that last item… When a new post occurs, hundreds of people receive an email and come to read it. I feel like I need to respond to the comments under the new post in order to “get the ball rolling.” I don’t always do that for reasons 1) and 2) above. However, especially if the new post generates a LOT of comments quickly, the comments under the previous post are buried a page or two under the new comments (on my admin page).

      The important things to remember, Jim, are 1) I try to read every comment and some of my readers try to do that, too. . . and 2) If a person asks a question or makes a point that I don’t respond to, the question can be asked again or answered by a reader.

      Sometimes my internet connection is so slow that going back to read comments under a previous post and also to reply to them adds another half-hour or more to my online time. When I reply, I try to make it personal and also to add additional information or amusement.

      I’ve also noticed that comments seem to stop under a post, but as soon as I finish a new post and hit the publish button, a flurry of comments show up under the previous post!

      Lastly, this is rvsue and her canine crew… I fight the urge to strive for perfection when it interferes with the whole point of the blog — living a life of travel, freedom, and serenity!

      Interesting comment, Jim. Never take it personally if I don’t answer a comment. I do read them all eventually.

      • AZ Jim says:

        Fair enough. I just finally had to ask. I know a few times I have left a note where I want you to know about something and it appears not to have been read. In this case I was talking about the winds of day before yesterday and how dangerous that air-borne spore is. I didn’t mean to suggest that you aren’t busy and have always admired how you make an effort to answer most posts. But, I did feel I know you well enough by now to ask the question. I am a fan of long standing.

  17. Cinandjules (temp in CA) says:

    I do!

    I think Sue has to have some kind of update notification built into her blog! I usually go by the number of responses….then scroll thru to see the updates.

    Blogging can be a full time task if you let it! Don’t forget she has to take the time to research where her next destination is, drive there, find a site, set it up, tend to the crew tend to the blog and do something to blog about it.

    We on the other hand sit behind our computers and patiently await our next excursion!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi again!

      No, I don’t have an email notification set up for myself to let me know every time someone comments (and I don’t want one… It would jam my inbox.) What I do is check my blog several times a day. When a post becomes controversial I’m online almost every minute of a day, monitoring and trying to keep the conversation civil. Fortunately, I have the kind of readers who know their manners!

      Thank you for stating several of the reasons I might not respond quickly to comments. There are even more tasks in addition to those you mentioned.

  18. Nan says:

    Well, at least you got Paul’s front side. When we were there he kept standing up against a table. Guess we will have to go buy more books. hehehe

  19. Rita from Phoenix says:

    LOL about the naked guy! I guess if women can flaunt their stuff in thongs so can Paul. BTW my ex-husband had an interest in a store called Treasure World. He and the main owner use to take folks prospecting into areas where there was actually gold. We had several vials of gold but our house got broken into and the gold was stolen. Dredgers are very noisy and were allowed in certain areas…never near camps or parks. When I think back now, it probably annoyed people and wild life I’m ashamed to say. As we were driving back from NM, we stopped for the hundredth time (it seems) to see Meteor Crater. The guy who owns (he’s dead now) it filed a mining claim but later turned into an attraction. The meteor traveled in 10 seconds to impact and to make a big hole. Mind boggling to think in 10 seconds the whole world can change. Anyway, hope your new quieter camp is more relaxing and peaceful. Glad you’re feeling better 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Interesting, as always, Rita! 🙂

      I can understand the lure of prospecting. I find myself checking rocks that look like gold. It’s a good thing I never find any because then I’d be compelled to dig!

      As horrible as it is to think of something crashing into our planet, it does give us another reason to make the most of each day.

  20. Marcia GB in MA says:

    Thanks for the laughs this morning. I laughed out loud about you being a Roy Orbison look-a-like and the naked guy – well – OMG!!! Looks like THE place to go for books in Quartzite. Glad you changed sites to get away from the jerky prospectors and most of all, I’m happy you are your old self again!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Sweet message to me, Marcia. Thank you.

      The “Readers’ Oasis” is not only a place that sells regular paperbacks and books. Paul has an impressive collection of vintage books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, historical documents, trail and nature guides, artifacts, maps, doo-dads… I didn’t see it all.

      I’ll return to Paul’s store if and when I’m in Quartzsite again.

  21. OMG SUE…you made me laugh seeing the naked guy…I must say “hello” when I visit The Q. The Crew are just so well mannered…they did not laugh at him.
    Try St Johns Wort….works for me… :).

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Betty-Shea,

      I tried St. Johns Wort and got nothing from it. I’m glad it works for you.

      Bridget and Spike receive compliments on their behavior wherever we go. Makes me proud…

      • Virginia says:

        That photo you took of Paul (the bookseller) and the crew at the Q is remarkable. About SJW, you have to take it for a long time to get the benefits. (It’s not like a pharmaceutical where you get instant relief and then become addicted.) Medicinal herbs are like that, cumulative action, either capsules or tinctures. They are much more subtle in their effects but nonetheless very therapeutic in building health.

      • Gayle says:

        I know friends for whom St. John’s Wort didn’t work either. So I never tried it, but I did trie Sam-E supplements, and wow, they worked. In fact, they worked so well, I forgot to notice that they were working!

  22. Colleen says:

    All I can say is “thank goodness he at least wears a thong”!

    Glad to see you are feeling better. Enjoy your quiet new camp!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Colleen.

      I wouldn’t want to ride a bicycle without something between my butt and the seat. Ooh, the chafing . . . 🙂

  23. Barb George says:

    So glad to see you back! Missed ya, but totally understand the need to go underground (or under covers, mainly in my case).

    Peace, solitude and a good book (and a back story to boot)!
    Hugs from Hoquiam,
    Barb

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Barb,

      This is going to sound silly to some folks, those who see me as someone who doesn’t do much, skips tourist places and museums, doesn’t go on long hikes, doesn’t climb mountains, etc.

      Sometimes I get too much sensory input. That’s one reason I like being alone in an isolated place. Too many voices and too many thoughts rattling around in my brain, just too much information… It gets to be more than I can take and I get jittery.

      I love my blog and all it has become. I love my readers. However, sometimes it is good to get away from it for a while.

      Also, readers don’t get the “pleasure” of reading the evil, personal attacks that my spam filter collects for me. That wears me down, too.

      Anyway, I’m back, refreshed and feeling good! Thanks for the hugs!

      • Barb George says:

        Well Miss Sue, I deal with auditory overload ALL the time. I used to be just ‘sorta picky’… now… after 2 brain bonks, I am of the complete knowledge that I am REALLY * ITCHY (!) if overloaded. So I get ya ‘softly and clearly’ (teehee). You retired from your J*O*B. We don’t want this to be one for you! 🙂 How fortunate we are to get the opportunity to make this journey with you as armchair quarterbacks. Never think we take you for granted!
        Hugs again, from Hoquiam,
        Barb

      • Connie & Mugsy (MN/AZ) says:

        Sadly I know exactly what kind of attacks you get. The ‘internets’ are full of trolls… jerks and sickos who follow bloggers and other online personas around. I have been a regular poster on a professional board since the mid-90’s and am regularly stalked by these people. Most days one can just delete and ban and move on… but sometimes the creeps can get one down. But nothing like a naked book seller to make you forget them for awhile. 🙂

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          It’s hard to imagine the dismal lives of these pathetic people. I’d hate to face each day driven by hostility, envy, feelings of inferiority, and whatever other negative emotions fuel trolls.

  24. I’m sitting here with a huge grin pasted on my face! Glad to see my friend Sue back to her normal self, glad ??? to see a nearly naked man, and glad to read such fun comments from everybody! This is always a good place to begin my morning!

  25. Cari in North Texas says:

    Yes, the title of this post definitely got my attention! I thought maybe you had taken the advice of a commenter on your previous post and gotten in touch with Mother Nature, sans swimsuit 🙂

    Ah, the joys of retail therapy. I’m not much of a shopper, but occasionally I’ll go to Walmart or Goodwill and just browse around. Sometimes just getting out of the house and looking at other people’s stuff (or potential stuff) gives my mind a rest.

    I’m glad you’re feeling better!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you.

      I’m the same way, Cari. My limited space makes me very selective about what I purchase. Browsing is enough. It also reminds me of all that stuff I once had and don’t miss . . .

      I walked into the Dollar General in Quartzsite. The aisles are crammed with Christmas paraphernalia. I can’t bear to look at it, and there was a time I felt I had to buy that stuff. You know, the little gifts that are expected in certain situations… and it’s all junk that no one really needs.

      Christmas for me is a candle, the nativity story, a cup of hot chocolate, and a cuddle with my two pals.

  26. Kathleen says:

    Hi Sue! My husband Greg and I are on Dome Rock Road, too. Just rolled in yesterday afternoon. He is just getting ready to ride his bike around the roads here, so if you see a tall, thin guy on a bike, dressed mostly in green, give him a wave! We totally understand the no visitors thing. Just want to give a “shout-out” or “wave-out” to one of our full-timing heroes (or heroines!).

  27. Elizabeth says:

    Mercy me, the people you run into!! Glad you are up and running again and feeling better!! Moving to a new campsite sounds like wisdom!! Hope it stays nice and peaceful, quiet there!!

  28. rod says:

    Sue, Paul is Paul Winer and back in the 1990s his daughter passed away from a rare heart disease… Read about it and stop by the cemetery to see her grave.. http://www.celiasrainbowgardens.com/Story/

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Yes, a sad story. Reminds me of Roy Orbison. He lost two sons when his house burned down about two years after his wife was killed in a motorcycle accident. Sometimes I don’t tell the full story because it’s so damn sad.

      I don’t want to be a tourist at the grave of the man’s daughter, although the family encourages people to visit Celia’s gardens.

      • rod says:

        Just wanted you to be aware of the story, as it makes Paul seem to be a real fellow, rather than just a naked guy selling books…

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I figured that was your purpose. The people commenting are compassionate adults. You can assume they realize the man is a person with a life and a history. It’s just a blog, Rod. Don’t take it too seriously. It’s the nature of blogging — quick and brief — that can make people look two-dimensional. Thanks for the link.

  29. Glenda in OZ! says:

    Just shaking my head and had a chuckle………………..glad to see you back on deck Sue………..missed you!!

  30. Mister. Ed says:

    Good reading ( To open U may need to cut and paste)
    Blame it on the Walmart pick-a-chicken (sorry that’s a joke ) I’m on a first name basis in there department

    http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/is-your-diet-making-you-depressed.aspx

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Ah, but it’s the rotisserie chicken that cheers us up!

      Yes, nutrients are important in the fight against depression.

      • Mister. Ed says:

        The things I don,t understand
        U buy a chicken for 6+$ take it home cook it for 45min and eat it
        Or u get a P-C for 5.50$ they cook it, u take it home, and eat it NOW
        How cool,,, that’s a no brainer
        PS
        It would have been nicer if -you- had zody up to Paul for that photo,,, he’s the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his Back (and that’s not a joke ) ask the old timers in town

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Yeah, I got that chicken for $5.99. Pretty good deal.

          Well, I would’ve had to use the self-timer on the camera since no one was there to take our photo. It takes time to get that right. This was quick. Plus the crew is more photogenic. 🙂

  31. Renee (from Datil) says:

    Sue — Had to laugh at Paul’s photo. I hope it’s OK to have borrowed it for my FB page; I don’t think any of our RVing friends have seen him with that many clothes on! I did give you credit…hope you don’t mind! Sure looks sunny there; we’re still in Montana. 4″ of snow last night. We’re hoping to head out towards the end of the week (FINALLY!). Also, please note our changed e-mail address.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Renee,

      If you want to receive an email at your new address when I post, you’ll need to sign up again using the link at the bottom.

      I never look at Facebook so whatever you put on there is fine with me!

      I wish clear roads and skies for your exit from Montana.

  32. Mindy R says:

    Glad your feeling better, wouldn’t it be great if we were like Benjamin Button…start out old and infirm and age backwards so by the time we are ready to retire we are young and full of it!

    I gotta see a photo of you in the hat and Roy O shades…LOL

    LOL @ you and the dogs with the naked guy and his “sock”…it’s a bit TMI for me…LOL.

  33. Mindy R says:

    Oh and I furgot to tell you about a western book series by John C. Horst, it’s the Mule Tamer Series and it takes place in the SW desert…fun reads!

  34. Rattlesnake Joe says:

    Pauls store reminds me of a 1960’s hippy book store. He has a good selection of far-out desert living and books you don’t see everyday anymore. I love books…real books not Kindle stuff. It is too easy for the history revisionists to tinker with. Everyone who is an adult needs to visit this book store while in Q.

  35. mary strasser says:

    Well, dang it, we passed through Q. about a week ago and did not stop, but had we known there was such a great bookstore, we might have made the effort to do so. Always like to look at old material! Very entertaining blog, Sue. A lot of history behind that story. Thank you.

  36. AZ Jim says:

    Sometimes I get down. Mostly it’s my wife’s medical situation. Today was one of those days. I woke up kinda down. I ate a little breakfast. Put a ABBA album on my computer, cranked up the audio and a few lines into “Take a chance on me” and I felt a little better by the time I heard “Fernando” and a few others, I switched to the BEACH BOYS and relived my old days at Mission Beach in San Diego. “California Girls” had me in a pretty good mood. Hi Sue and little ones….

  37. jeff says:

    you know the old saying Sue referring to the book store guy “don’t judge a book by it cover” lol

  38. Reine in Plano says:

    You’re motto is “LIVING on less and ENJOYING LIFE more”. We need to remember that if you’re blogging all the time it takes away from the time you need to spend just Living and ENJOYING. When I’m down I tend to go on a reading binge – like reading till 4AM and then I don’t get the sleep I need which can aggravate the “downs” so I need to recognize when my body is saying enough already and take time for me. You are wise to take the time to relax and LIVE the life you want. You are gracious to bring us along with you.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      A thoughtful message, Reine. Thank you. Your reminder is good for all of us. A well-lived, healthy life requires balance.

  39. Cinandjules ( temp in CA) says:

    I went back and read the blog link you provided.

    Wow! You’ve come a long way baby! One can sense your itching and your excitement in preparations……to never look back in the rear view mirror. The portrait of Bridget is precious!

    Your site meter has since changed to “off the hook”.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Those saving days were tough! I was the Master Scrimper. It’s easy to control spending when boondocking. In those days I was working which put me in the culture of spending, but I held the purse strings tightly.

      It was worth it!

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