Tuesday, December 5
Best Little Trailer, Midland Long Term Visitor Area, Blythe, California
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It is COLD, COLD, COLD this morning!
Windy and cold.
Around six I get up, fix myself a pot of coffee, and turn on the new Wave 3 heater. A couple of clicks of the piezo ignition and she lights!
For ventilation and circulation, I open the window on the cabinet side about a half-inch and the ceiling vent about two inches. I also put my little desk fan on the floor under the table at the back of the Best Little Trailer. The fan is set on low which moves the heat throughout our home without causing a draft on us.
At first the boys are leery about walking in front of the heater. Unlike Spike who took to the heater right away, lying down in front of it as close as he could bear (See January 2012 post: “A heater-hog morning”), both Reggie and Roger refuse to walk past it.
“Well, guys, if you’re going to function at all in this tight space, do things like get a drink of water, you have to walk past the heater.”
No go.
“Okay. You two need to go outside. It’s gonna’ be cold so no dawdling . . . .”
I clip on their leashes, I pull them past the heater, open the door, and we dash into the wind.
A few minutes later, fleeing the cold, we jump inside into the welcoming embrace of HEAT. Reggie and Roger ignore the heater, head over to their dishes of kibble, crunch up a few bites, and hop onto the bed. Burrowing into the covers, they settle in for a nap.
I heat up another cup of coffee.
I take this laptop to bed, pull up the covers and begin typing this post. The curtain on the back window is pulled all the way over to one side in order to let in the sunbeams. I hear the wind whistling at the palo verde beyond the window. She responds by waving her branches.
The wind and the palo verde — They got a thing goin’ on!
The day stretches lazily before us, like a cat in a sunbeam.
As I type this at 9:30 a.m. the digital monitor for the house battery reads 12.9 volts and rising with the sun. Love my solar!
Unless there’s a radical change in today’s weather, the crew and I will stay inside all day, except for quick runs outside as necessary. Probably we’ll take our long walk during the warmest part of the afternoon.
I don’t mind staying inside.
Actually it’s a pleasant change, for a short while anyway. We’re well equipped with what’s important — food, water, propane (heat and hot tea!), books, and snuggles.
Reading that last paragraph I realize, once again, that I’m living smack dab in the middle of my dream, the one for which I ached for years.
I’m liking the cycle that has developed over the past six+ years.
From a quiet, peaceful winter building in anticipation, we tentatively move north in spring, launch into a blast of summer, hopscotch from camp to camp across both new and familiar territory, deal with challenges that arise, watch wonders appear and stories unfold; then the unavoidable turn southward in fall, journeying in sync with good weather as best I can manage it, reaching a place of rest and relaxation, where we regroup until spring beckons . . . and we’re off on another cycle, another omigosh-I’m-really-doing-this year.
A run-on sentence describes a run-on life… Well, I’ll keep it running on as long as I’m given resources, good health, time, and the get-up-and-go to do so!
~ ~ ~
Quartzsite!
Under the previous post, a blogorino asks for the dates of the big doings at Quartzsite, known as The Biggest Snowbird Event of the Year.
(Photo from RV Business)
The 2018 dates are January 20-28.
Her inquiry prompts me to research and I find a schedule of events which I link under that post. Here’s another schedule in calendar form for the month of January.
Do you plan on going? What part of the event are you most interested in?
~ ~ ~
Next post: More canine friends in the desert!
rvsue
NOTE: As I’m putting the finishing touches on this post, what happens? Skeeter scratches on the door! Pandemonium!
I shut everything down and let the happy crew out to meet their pal. It’s still windy, not quite as cold because the sun is bright. We go over to Del’s campsite where he and I sit in the sunshine and chat, protected from the wind by the broad side of his rig, playful pups all around us. (I’ll introduce his dogs to you in the next post, all five of them!)
The boys and I return home a few minutes ago. Once this is posted, we’re going to town. Funny how days can turn out so differently than expected. Hope yours is good! — Sue
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1st?
CONGRATULATIONS, TERI! FIRST!
Blogorinos: Several great comments came in under the previous post right before I published this post. You might want to take a look!
First?
Rats. One minute late. 🙂
How exciting to have a visitor once in awhile. The boys must love it.
Well, closer to the top this time. Back to read now.
Love all those dogs. At first I thought Skeeter was the little female Chihuahua mix that visited some time ago.
As for your life – delightful! Oh to live that life!
Nice
Love the doggie socialization. I will be going to Quartszite for just that….socialization and learning from other campers, Casitaites and others. There is the RTR, then the Fiberglass Gathering and then so many other places to see and experience as you have. The Dachshunds will be socializing as well. Sooo excited!
Oooo, I think this is one of my favorite posts ever. The excitement of new places and adventures is always fun, but the “aaahhhh” of relaxing in a nice warm home when it’s cold outside, with all the amenities (heat, hot tea, kibble, etc) and the warmth of love – well, that’s just the best. It makes me sigh in contentment and it’s not even my life – HA!
Wouldn’t be caught dead at Quartzsite! I spent one day there a few years back, and it’s just not my kind of thing.
I can’t think of anything I’d like less, especially after reading Bruder’s NOMADLAND.
We are happy in our little villa in southern Arizona for the season. Oct/November were spectacular for weather.
Well, I’m with you guys. I’ve never been there but I’ve heard the horror tales of those who risked their lives and faced the dangers. Masses of humanity, dust as thick as the rear end of a cattle drive, traffic that makes the LA commute hours look like a rural Sunday afternoon drive. And then you cross into the Quartzite city limits. I understand that with all the additional night time light pollution on the desert, the entire region is visible from the international space station. An impressive sight, no doubt–from up there. That’s the only way I care to experience The Big Tent in Quartzite, thank you very much.—Audrey
Audrey, From my experience in the years I’ve gone, you’ve got some bad info. Try it, you might like it. 😉
So glad your dream came true for you and thank you for including us in that dream too. I love your blog. I always look forward to seeing your emails. It is cold here in Memphis area today too. It has been in the high 60’s and beautiful until today. It is cloudy and cold. I wish I could be at home curled up with a book and hot chocolate next to the fire. This time next year I will be if God is willing.
I love the rhythm of your life and days! I am in the cycle of just getting by, month by month. Right now my ideal morning occurs on the weekends….me on the sofa in the morning sun, snuggling with my cats, a cup of coffee and reading the latest RVSue and the comments! I love the last picture of the dog circle!
Hang in there! You’ll get there. Weekend mornings on the sofa sound nice – I have to admit I have been homesick so often. But then I’m not full-time and I left a home 🙂 So as much as I love Juno, it’s not home even after what has it been – seven weeks? Freyja has been having more trouble with her back legs since being on the road and I am going to be relieved to be back in the house so she can age in place. She seems to like the camps and campfires, but I can tell it’s wearing on her not to have her routine. That said – I’m taking everything out of this I can. What is the saying? “This too shall pass…” and then I’ll be home missing being on the road – LOL. Wishing you all the best of luck to get on the road sooner rather than later 🙂
Thanks for the update and the encouragement!
Commendations to you, Sue, for finding your dream. You pushed away any hints of fear and sought the next bend in the road with enthusiastic wonder. It has taken a lot of courage to get as far as you have come. Each day is a wonder, isn’t it?
Look at that: it’s 65 degrees where you are!
Hi Sue, I haven’t commented in a while but I’ve been following you religiously. I retired (finally) in June and have been busy since day one. I love retirement as I knew I would. I’ve been camper shopping a lot but haven’t found the right one yet. I look forward to traveling out west next year for an extended stay. I thank you for this blog and all the information you’ve given all of us. I’ve made note of many places I’ll be camping thanks to you and all your beautiful pictures too.
Take care,
Karen .
I appear to be Blogerino 13 today!!! (16 minus a few people that posted twice 😉 For some reason I had to sign in again instead of my info below already there. Oh well. Now off to read today’s post before someone beats me too replying.
As I read your new post just now, I realize how thankful I am for your posts. (Been in thankful mode lately.) I’ve loved every one since I started following about 1 1/2 yrs. ago as a soon to be retired old lady with the will and tenacity to “git ‘er done”. Your spunk (and great writing style) just warm my heart….your old timey expressions creep in and I just can’t help but think that you have to be a long lost cousin of mine from Grand Rapids, MI.
So, I drove to DC from GR to see my boys and their wives over Thanksgiving. Your posts, coincidently, started coming to beat the band the whole time I was there. I wouldn’t let myself read them until I was home in MI. I have to savor them with a cup of morning coffee…or afternoon coffee…..So fun to catch up today, FINALLY!
During my yearly DC Thanksgiving time, my boys treat me like a queen and we do all things “DC”. None of us felt like it this year…and instead we spent the days wandering Manasas/Bull Run and reflecting on our fortune that we have had so many brave people who have fought and fight to make this country ours so great.
You are so kind to share, with us, your travel writings. They just inspire me to travel west and see this vast and wonderful country we live in. You paint the best pictures! I’m heading west next spring and I can’t wait!
Wonder if the heater was making..unfamiliar noises! Remember how Reg use to be Leary of cactus? Ah hah…old hat now…warmth inside the BLT.
I love Skeeter’s markings. Seems like Rog is doing great with others!
Biggest Snowbird Event eh? Is it like a flea market or County Fair…catering to RVers.?
Probably fun to browse…just that red striped tent section right? Bring your bag!
Living your dash…..
Enjoy! Was a bit nippy this morning…woke up to someone’s gardener using his gas powered whathaveyou at o’dark thirty! Grrrrrr
“Wonder if the heater was making..unfamiliar noises! ”
The only noise that I can hear, full disclosure – hearing is poor, from a Wave heater is clicks of the piezo ignition when it is first started. After that there is no noise, one of the big advantages over a forced air heater that has a loud fan.
Good to know! Just wasn’t sure if that could have been why the crew wouldn’t walk by it!
Well
I know i wont be seeing you but i will be spending time in the general area in January leading up to the big tent and before.
Like last year i will leave new Years day from Missouri, thru Oklahoma, to Texas, New Mexico. Then arrive in Peoria, Glendale area. the end of the first week.
Then to Yuma and San Louis Colorado, Mexico to see my dentist. Going north to the RTR on the tenth. After the RTR, I will find a spot on the california side for a night to operate my radio in the state California, for the evening. then on to Quartzfest for the winter gathering of Amatuer Radio Operators south of La Paz LTVA. From there I will work my way back to Missouri, to arrive the first week of Feburary to continue preparing to sell my Home, and join the ranks of the seekers of year round 70 Degree weather. Sounds like a plan anyway.
Dave
I bet within a few days both of those boys will be hogging the heater. Supposed to be chilly for a few days. Hope to be in the desert, possibly around Quartzite when all the happenings are happening. Don’t know if I will partake in any of them.
So glad you’re having a snuggle/cuddle day – aren’t they the best? I can’t wait to hear about all the other dogs next door. It’s nice that they are all well socialized and can play together nicely.
I went to Quartzsite in January every winter for several years but I did not go shopping. I was there to meet up with various groups of friends: Escapees Class of 2008, the RTR, a Sprinter-based motorhome group, etc. After overdosing on get togethers I’d head off into the desert to recover. The only time I bought something was when friends came back to report they’d seen a sun umbrella that would attach to my chair. Living in a small motorhome I was glad shopping had never been my thing. But, I was glad I bought an annual BLM permit prompted by visiting with those friends so I could go dump and fill whenever I needed to do so all winter.
I know I would enjoy a life like yours, I could do that. I also enjoy what we have going, my dear wife and I both enjoy our home near Berthoud, CO. It’s quiet, we have great weather most of the year, and when its cold, we go south for a couple months.
I enjoy reading of your travels and your life on the road. Be safe Sue and Crew!
Hi Usually read but haven’t commented much. 12.9 at 9:30 seems pretty good. Going to read your solar pages now. THX! Bob
The Boys and I are in and around Q for the winter. The RTR was so crowded last year that I am thinking a few days to say hi to those I met last year then I’m outta there and back to boondocking out in nowhere for some peace and quiet.
Indeed it was COLD yesterday. I am still debating buying a Casita; you’re comfy-cozy description of your day is darn to close to helping tip the scale!!
Always love
your posts and the shots of Reg and Rog.
It will just be me and The Chiweenie Brothers after tomorrow. Burger has stopped eating and sleeps most of the time. It’s time to let him go. I am so sad, but I know it’s the best thing for him.
I know you treasure these last moments with Burger. Tomorrow you’ll help him move on. I’m sorry, Shawna, that you are going through such deep sorrow.
Thank you Sue and all who commented; you know how this feels and how difficult it is. It’s an early a.m. appointment, but right now we’re cuddled with Burger hopefully making him relaxed and very much loved. Our lives will become different this day, but I know this needs to be done and it’s part of being a good pet parent, the last loving thing I can do for him.
You have chosen to give Burger one more loving kindness, may your aching heart be given peace in knowing that, Shawna.
HUGS to you as you must do this difficult parting, Shawna!! So sorry!!!
So Sorry Shawna. I’ve had to but several pets down due to illness and it is never easy. Bless you for easing Burgers last days and he will be better off in doggy heaven.
Thank you!
Never easy to say goodbye to a much loved fur baby. Hugs
Thank you!!
Praying for you this morning Shawna as you say good bye to Burger’s earthly body. His memories and spirit will be with you always and you will be reunited someday. Hugs.
Bless you and the Chiweenie Brothers as you loving give Burger a send off to the Rainbow Bridge, you are a good Fur Mom.
I enjoyed this blog! It lulled me into a place of peace, comfort and contentment! I’m in northern az and it’s going down into the teens this week yikes! Like Sue stated heat, hot tea and kibble! My 4 little dogs will be cozy in bed sleeping on polar sheets and warm wool blankets with us. A cozy night to all.
I’m planning to go to my first RTR this year! Also, since I bought a Lazy Daze, I’ll be joining in the annual gathering of Lazy Daze owners at Quartzite this year too. I’m planning to stay there the majority of January, it will be a month of firsts. First time I’ll be gone for more than 2 weeks, first time the pets are going on a major trip with me, first time to Quartzite. It’s going to be an interesting start to the new year.
Love the post Sue and the sweet dogs. Delbert has quite a crew of various breeds. It will nice to see the 5th one.
Angel would fit right in with Reg, Rog and Skeeter, looks wise that is. She might surprise me though if she had some playmates who are not in her territory here. The groomer said she was actually playing there the last time. She hit it off with a ShihTsu.
Living the dream is all too rare. Congratulations and thanks for sharing the dream with us blogorinos. Looking forward to meeting your crew’s new pals.
Those kind of days are perfect to enjoy the cozy warmth of your little home, a good book and the knowledge that you and the boys are all content, well and happy. What could be better? If you guys are going to continue to run into Skeeter in your travels you’ll have to install a low mounted doorbell on the BLT. Very nice post Missy…Take care Friend…
Reminds me of that song –
I’m going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
(Everybody’s Talking, Nilsson, 1969)
Don’t know about skipping over the ocean, but you, Sue, have been the rolling stone – moss free and free.
As always, thanks for the photos, so much better than the snow outside of my window….
I look forward to my next visit…
I’m glad your day was good. Yes, thank you, my day was good too.
Hi, Ronda! We’re both up late! 🙂
Oh Sue, I’m sorry I missed you. I’ve started a new swing shift job. I can’t just go to bed as soon as I get home, so I’m always up late now. I still drive school bus as a sub. I accepted a FT position with Wet Noses Organic Dog Treats. It’s ZERO stress. I originally took the job just to pay off the 2 vehicles we had to buy this year. (I hate debt!) However, I’m liking it so much I may stay until my husband is ready to retire.
Hi Sue! I am so glad we made that first Big Q experience together! It was Chucks 4th time! That’s why he knew his way around there!
You are most definitely living the dream! So happy for you! I did it solo in the 1980’s working south rim at the Canyon and hanging around Tucson area in the winters! Then Chuck and I did it for 6 years workamping and exploring! For y’all that haven’t done it yet, its an amazing way to live!
Wow! What a diverse assortment of dogs Delbert shares his life with! Can’t wait to read the next post to hear their story and how Delbert managed to aquire so many!
Love this post Sue! Love knowing you are still happy living with your gypsy feet! Its a great way to live!
Living the dream… I can’t wait! It’s great that the dogs all get along and play so well together! As I sit here and type, 2 of my dogs are playing a raucous game of tug of war, so there is nearly 200 pounds of flying fur and teeth with a rope in between.
The weather is cold here, too. Below freezing at night. I have a space heater running out in my trailer to keep the pipes from freezing. They shouldn’t, unless we have an extended cold spell, which doesn’t happen too often here. I’m headed to MI on Saturday for another long visit, and the weather is even colder there. BRRRR!
Usually I think about your current condition, camp and life while reading a post. Often it occurs to me how precious all of it is when compared to many years before you became known as RVSue . I read “…my dream, the one for which I ached for years” and said a prayer of thanks for the blessings in your life today.
…another cycle, another omigosh-I’m-really-doing-this-year., and your sentence after that pleases me almost beyond description, Sue. After six months in your current lifestyle, in your “Birds and buying” post, you said “Winter will be my time to re-discover the desert I’ve come to love, renew my spirit and reevaluate my life choices.”
It’s wonderful to know you plan to continue , that your choices were so right for you!
Good afternoon, weather,
Another thoughtful comment… Thank you.
Yes, it is wonderful that I made the right choice for retirement, especially when I’ve made several bad choices in the past. I was telling Del yesterday that this is the happiest time of my life. I am grateful.
The crew and I have been outside on the sunny side of the BLT. More wind today, tempered by the bright sunshine. We came in when Reggie began whining for a nap which he insists must take place inside in our comfy bed where he feels most secure.
I hope you and Kayla are snug in your home, too.
We are snug here,thanks.What a sweet picture -a secure napping Reggie!
GOOD AFTERNOON AND EVENING, BLOGORINOS!
Thank you for your interesting comments and compassionate messages. You’re good people.
A new post will be up soon!
Sue