Monday, January 18
The sunsets at our camp near Why, Arizona, are magnificent, as you saw in the previous post. Sunrises, on the other hand, aren’t a big feature at our camp as they are blocked by mountains and nearby vegetation.
This is a camp where I watch the sunrise by looking west.
Sometimes the sky at the western horizon will glow pink and coral for a few minutes. Today the sun has a hard time breaking through a cover of clouds. That’s what makes the above photo smoky.
Shortly after breakfast, the crew and I set out for a walk on the lane.
The wind was gusty last night. I woke around midnight to the sound of the antenna pole bopping the side of the Best Little Trailer. Bridget and Reggie trot along on our walk and I’m especially vigilant for any pieces of cholla that the wind may have blown in our path.
While looking at the ground I discover animal tracks!
I’m puzzled by these tracks. There are six tracks like you see in the photo at left where the animal traveled across soft sand. What puzzles me is that the tracks are in a perfect line, one behind the other, spaced about three feet apart.
How does a four-legged animal do that? I don’t know of any one-legged or two-legged hoofed animals roaming the desert!
The choices for hooved animals in southern Arizona are mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and javelina. I guess it’s one of the first three. Javelina tend to trot in groups with short steps.
Unfortunately I don’t have anything with me to place beside the track to give you a reference for the size. As I crouch to take the photo, I estimate each track to be two to three inches from front to back.
I enjoy stuff like this.
Warning! Graphic Material Ahead! Poo!
And for some of you, maybe too much information.
The crew and I continue on our way down the lane. Reggie finds something of interest — scat! BIG scat! And FRESH!
When we first arrived at our campsite I noticed in our driveway a pile of dried scat typical of a coyote (seeds and hair in evidence).
It, too, was large.
I suppose it could be from a large dog, but I really doubt that. You may recall, if you’ve read much of this blog, that this is the camp where I spotted a coyote chomping on an apple core near the BLT. (I think it’s also the camp where I saw a family of javelina.)
“Okay, Reggie. That’s enough of that. Let’s keep going. C’mon, Bridge.”
It doesn’t look like we’ll have much sunshine today with these clouds . . . .
“Ooh, there goes a rabbit!”
Reggie strains at the leash, standing on his back legs, as the cottontail disappears among the cholla and creosote. In fact, the rabbit came OUT of a cholla right next to us. I guess rabbits have the kind of fur that protects them?
To return to camp, rather than running the cholla gauntlet, we cut across to a wash, avoiding cholla as we go. (Cholla generally don’t grow in or next to washes.)
Come, do the wash with us!
Bridget and Reggie step along happily on the coarse sand. As usual whenever we head toward home, Bridget takes the lead. Now we’re walking toward the sun, meaning objects are backlit for the camera lens to deal with.
Washes are roadways for wildlife.
The indentations you see in the sand in these photos were made by animals. The tracks aren’t distinct enough to identify due to the depth and “softness” of the sand. Again, more scat. I’ll spare you the poo pics.
I’m pretty sure this is javelina scat. It’s still moist. (I know, too much information.) Apparently several javelina run through this wash.
If you’d like to learn more about javelina (or peccary), click this link for arizona-leisure.com for details, photos, and a video.
If I may digress from our morning walk in the wash . . . .
Fast forward to the afternoon. Isn’t it fun how we can manipulate time here? Anyway . . .
The Bridge, Reggie, and I are outside. It’s still overcast and our outdoor room is in shade. I want to sit in the patch of sun by the saguaro and hummingbird feeder, located in the center of the circular driveway of our campsite. I move my chair, the crew’s quilt pallet, a doggie bed, toys, and water dish to the driveway, setting up a place for us about six feet from the hummingbird feeder.
Well, you can guess what happens.
I’m sitting in the camp chair reading my Paperwhite, Bridget is at my feet, and Reggie is wandering around. Suddenly a hummer appears, flies around my chair two times, and then hovers about three feet from my face, looking me over! Next he zips over to the feeder and helps himself to several sips.
For about twenty minutes, the hummingbird buzzes around us and the feeder as if he’s part of the family. Delightful! I take photos but they aren’t good. The background is the creosote bush which camouflages our new, little friend.
Okay, we’re back in the wash.
“That’s enough sniffing, Reggie. We need to catch up with our leader.”
Bridget loves to show the way home.
She rarely looks back at us. Deep in her own thoughts, I guess, or simply enjoying each moment.
Reggie hesitates at the sight of a tall saguaro ahead.
Whereas Bridget immediately recognizes strange objects as being inanimate and harmless, Reggie requires more time. He stands very still watching the saguaro and then resumes following Bridget. I don’t remember her ever being hesitant like that, even when she first visited a desert environment.
Oh, I want to tell you about a book I finished recently!
I love this book. One reason I love it is the formal Brit dialogue of early 20th century. Instead of saying, “Want something to drink?” it’s “You will permit me, Mr. Borden, to offer you some refreshments?” I’m well into the book when I read “I should like to go down to Manderleys” and realize I read this when I was a teenager!
The book is The Wicked Marquis
Presently it’s only 99 cents for the kindle edition. Or you can go hog wild — no, make that javelina-wild — and download The Complete Works of E. Phillips Oppenheim (53 in all)
I warn you it takes perseverance to get into his stories, especially if you’re used to the faster pace (and snappy and sometimes crude dialogue) of contemporary fiction.
Meanwhile, back in the wash . . .
We’re almost at camp and we’re almost at the end of this post. It’s been fun taking you on our walk on this overcast day.
We need to find a place to cut back to the lane that goes to our campsite.
I trust Bridget will find a way for us.
Sure enough, she does!
Well, the wash is done and we’re home again!
“You will permit me, dear crew, to offer you some refreshments?”
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
When you click on a link or ad and go to Amazon to shop, anything you purchase will send me a commission, without a change in price.
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Good early morning, Sue! Inspiring us to explore that area!
Wow, Kathy, I think you are first today.
CONGRATULATIONS, KATHY, ON BEING NUMBER ONE TODAY!
Lovely walk with you and the crew this morning
Thanks, Cactipete. I don’t like how dark the photos are. Well, it was overcast…
Wow, third?
Yes, and only one minute behind second place!
Well, the environment is always changing a bit, eh Sue…never know what creatures are going about…esp. at night while you are sleeping!! At least they are usually quiet!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I don’t doubt there are critters snooping around our camp during the night. We’re not their usual neighbors!
We have not traveled to that part of Arizona & are thinking that when we leave Laughlin (I am lobbying for mid-Feb; Gil for March 1), we will head that way. Another area that has stuck with us is your visit to Roosevelt Lake last year, so that is on our list for this trip after a stop in Chandler to visit friends & family. You continue to help us plan our itinerary ? !!!
It would be nice if Roosevelt Lake had more water in it. Maybe it will! You might like camping at the water’s edge, rather than in one of the campgrounds, so that Gil can fish from out your door. When we were there, it was a long walk from the campground to the water. Such a pretty place. We had a roadrunner visit our camp every day around 6 p.m., I believe… like clockwork.
Great post! We are heading to the desert in a few days. Can’t wait!
Chris B
Thanks and . . . .Yippee for you! Have fun!
I’d like a Kombucha tea. lol
I’ve been skiing in B.C. Canada. Since, I couldn’t use my data, I’m catching up with your blog now. Love reading and seeing all your beautiful photos.
Thank you, Cheryl O. … It sounds like you’ve been having some fun!
LOL First thing I thought of with your tracks were dancing llamas… our llamas would do a jig as we came to the porch in the morning and you would see odd bits in the soil — as though they were flying at times. But no to the poo…. llama poo is pelleted. 🙂
Does Reggie bark at the cactus? Kali would… Shoot, Kali would bark at a sign… no. She DOES. Maybe she will grow out of it. She is only 14 after all. 😛 (yes, years).
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Hi, Barb from Hoquiam!
No, Reggie doesn’t bark at things he finds strange. He becomes very still and is too timid to bark. My guess is Kali is bigger than the Reggie Man.
Kali is my Aussie. YEP she is big. And feisty. And a pain in the TUSH!
🙂
We had a cairn terrier and every time we took her in the car by the golf course, she would go wild barking at the bright red Coke machine between the tee and green. She never failed.
I don’t know what is in their minds sometimes.
It is difficult to get good images when it is cloudy. The photos tell a great story, even the cloudy day gives it some personality. Bridget is quite photogenic in this post. Reggie is the guard dog.
PS I went right over and bought the whole set of books! Thank you ever so much for your outstanding recommendation my dear! (oh, that is a whopping 5.6 cents per book!)
Great! I hope you enjoy Oppenheim. Like I wrote, you have to persevere to get into the plot and characters. It’s worth the effort. Start off with The Wicked Marquis or The Impersonator. Looking at the Amazon reviews, those are the best…
Yeah, quite a buy! 53 books for $2.99. I love kindle!
I love British novels. Did you ever read the “Jeeves” books? I loved those. P.G. Wodehouse. Really funny stuff.
No babies yesterday after all. Still waiting. I now have an appointment at the Pulmonary Hypertension clínic in Tucson for February 4th. I’m debating whether to drive back, or fly in just for the appt. I see the cardiologist here on Thursday and hope to get some questions answered. Complicated to figure a path forwards.
Well I need some breakfast. Maybe I’ll be back later….
DeGin,
Were you able to get a larger battery capacity O2 machine…or one that has a car charger?
Twin boys how exciting!
Nope, no battery improvements. I’m mostly housebound, since my battery is only 50 minutes. I hope to change that when I get back to Tucson.
Hi, Ginger,
The uncertainty continues… darn! You should know what’s what in a few days.
I don’t know if I’ve read those books or not. In the early part of my adult life I read a lot of books, paying no attention to the authors. That’s why this Oppenheim book surprised me. Thanks for the suggestions.
Wow! I found this at Amazon… only $1.99 right now!
Complete Works of P. G. Wodehouse “English Author and Humorist”! 34 Complete Works (Damsel in Distress, Adventures of Sally, Mike, Psmith Journalist, My Man Jeeves, Head of Kay’s, Swoop) (Annotated)
I’m downloading that!
Oohs…good deal. Maybe I will too. I haven’t read them in years.
Got a piece of news. I am scheduled to have a transverse echocardiogram (TEE), and an angiocardiogram (which I think is the same thing as a right heart catherization) on Tuesday, January 26. I spent all day yesterday on the phone,calling dr offices and asking why nothing was happening. Guess it worked. I am a little scared of these procedures but apparently have to suck it up and go through it. You don’t appear to get better by pretending it isn’t happening and hiding at home.
So…progress.
Well, now you have a course of action.
“You don’t appear to get better by pretending it isn’t happening and hiding at home.” I wonder if you touched a life or lives with that statement, Ginger.
Thanks for the update!
Well, we had most of the series for Jeeves and Wooster…VERY funny…at least to our family who appreciate the British humor!! Daughter found all the books in her college library so spent a lot of time reading those too!!
Sure hope you can get some help to live life more as you prefer!! And meanwhile, laughing is helpful for health…so find some of those lovely Jeeves and Wooster movies to watch too!! I looked in Amazon prime hoping to find some free ones…but nope…just the ones for sale via the usual Amazon sale place…
Hi, DesertGinger,
I love to read British novels, too! P. G. Wodehouse is a hilarious! I literally laugh out loud when I am reading his work! Every once in a while, PBS will run the Jeeves & Wooster series….too funny! John Mortimer’s Rumpole of the Bailey novels/PBS series are a hoot, too! Do you like British mysteries? If so, check out the Inspecter Morse novels by Colin Dexter. The PBS Mystery Series “Inspector Morse” is based on the novels; they star the oh so handsome John Thaw. 🙂
Good luck with your appointments. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a big hug! 🙂
Wonderful walk in the creepy looking wash!
Bridgee loves showing the way home! Such a good girl!
Thank heavens Reg man doesn’t roll in the poop! I say large dog poop!
Maybe the animal puts it back foot down exactly where the front foot stepped! The ferals have a snowshoe hare friend outside. What a hoot! AO was sniffing its tracks….
Downright freezing here…..
Have a wonderful day….stay warm and enjoy!
Okay, let’s discuss poop for a moment, shall we?
If it is dog poop, it’s a dog who eats critters, hair and all, and seeds. Seeds? Also the dog roams free without a human. And said dog doesn’t come by our camp?
One might guess it’s a drug-sniffing dog belonging to the border patrol. However, no human steps nearby. Huh.
I still say coyote poop.
Maybe you’re right about the hooved animal stepping in it’s own hoof prints. Didn’t look like it, but I don’t have any other explanation. The prints don’t look like the animal was running or leaping. Another mystery in the desert… There are lots of them!
Ooh, you’re freezing and the sun is shining brightly here today, nice and warm. Wish I could send some warmth your way!
Oh I didn’t realize the fresh poop had hair and seeds!
Coyote it is!
Cynthia researched the prints in a line (below).
Yep, coyote. A big ‘un.
You always had a way with words, My Dear. I love reading mysteries…especially the English ones with The New Scotland Yard and the DCI’s and DS and DI. Amazing how they get the bad guys without using any guns. Any way, I can “hear” them talking as I read and I love the traditions, etc. When they say it is time for tea…I really want a cuppa!!!
Enjoyed walking with you and the crew today. Let us know if you identify the scat. LOL
Love you!!
I love you, too, Pauline. I remember you reading Agatha Christie and enjoying her books very much.
Always warms me heart to see you here!
Morning Blogerinos from blustery gusty showery northern California. It’s another soup day here. Was planning to go grocery shipping but the rain and wind has me moving that to a clearer day. What a difference a year and an El Niño make! Slowly catching up with Folsom lake now at 29% as of yesterday! And rainfall they said up to 83% of normal for date. Yay! Sure enjoying your scenery Sue! Watch out for those Coyotes and Javalina! Time to read another good book and dream of RVing to come!
Hi, Velda,
“blustery gusty showery northern California”…. wow! that really does say it!
Isn’t it great to be able to put off running an errand or going to the store? Wait until a better day . . .
Happy reading and dreaming!
OK, the hoof prints.
White-tailed deer unlikely, not their habitat. Desert pronghorn possible but VERY unlikely, there are maybe 250 in all of Arizona. Desert big horn is a maybe but I doubt it, they are more likely to be seen up on the hill not down on the desert floor.
My guess is mule deer. The track looks like it could be and the size is right, the pronghorn and big horn would be less than two inches. You are also in an area that is their habitat.
Thank you, Ed. I edited the post to replace white-tailed deer with mule deer. I was too hasty in my research!
It is a cold day here and starting to snow. So nice to see your pictures of the warm desert and enjoy sharing your pleasant walk!
It’s a pleasure and a privilege to share our walk with you, Sharon. I read online about the weather in your area. Cold temps in a lot of places today… Nice hearing from you!
Oh no, the wind can blow cholla around, and it could be on the ground?! Yikes! I’m a basket case already, trying to keep Princess Roxie from touching any vegetation in case it’s spiny! I’m at Joshua Tree and don’t see any cactus at all right here but there’s been plenty of it in some of our other campsites. So far, so good! It would be almost impossible for me to remove imbedded cactus from her; she screams bloody murder just when I try to brush out tangles in her coat! Thanks for the visual on your walk, you find lots of interesting things!
You know Janis, you can get booties for your dog. I got some from Ruffwear (and I’m sure there are other companies) for my dogs for when we were in the snow and I know people who do a lot of hiking in hot areas during the summer and they use booties to protect their dog’s feet from hot surfaces. I’m thinking the booties would protect from most sharp rocks and spiny cacti on the ground – if you can get your dog to keep the booties on. Mine didn’t like them at first, but I used treats to encourage them to walk in them and they’ll do anything for food!
Hi, JanisP,
I suspect I’ve put cholla fear in several readers! The cholla cactus releases balls of spines which can be blown about. They’re easy to see if you look for them. I don’t know if you saw Ed’s suggestion — Carry a comb to take out spines perchance Roxie has an encounter with cholla.
There is a cholla garden at Joshua Tree. You can stop and view it without danger of spines.
Love The pictures of the area around Why, Az. an Area that i have never been to, but is on my list. The farthest south and west of Phoenix i have been is Dateland, where my wife went to school, north and east of Phoenix, I know, But the area’s that you are traveling I am putting on the top, of my list. Also love the last picture of bridget. facing the camera, but not looking at the camerainstead looking at the ground, as to say, “ok you got me, but not my face this time.”
Hi, Dave,
Ah, Dateland… A convenient stop along Interstate 8. The crew and I took a break there last year. I bought a pesto sandwich, I think. I’m relating food to everything these days… now that I’m adjusting to a low-carb diet!
Yes, come see this part of Arizona. The drive down 85 gives the impression there’s not much to see ahead. That changes at Ajo and southward through Organ Pipe Cactus NM.
Thank you for the comment about Bridget’s photo and the compliment of my pics in general.
I hear it’s cold in Missouri right now….
22 Degrees and Snowing, Trade you places, and Temps. Ha. Ha. Ha.
Not likely! Sorry! 🙂
I enjoyed the meandering walk in the wash, and the meandering post. Very relaxing. I’m curious … did Bridget just know where to climb up out of the wash in order to get to your campsite, or did she have a visual on the campsite? I’m always amazed by stories of dogs who become separated from their owners and somehow find their way home – and wonder if they do it based on smell, sight, or some sense we don’t understand.
Great question, Cynthia! This is what I’ve observed with Bridget…
If she has a visual on our camp, she makes a shortcut toward it. However, she doesn’t need to see camp.
I recall one time when we camped in the Darby Well Road area near Ajo. Bridget, Spike, and I went on a hike that went through a maze of big boulders, across washes, meandering in new-to-us territory. When it was time to return to camp, I said, “Take us home, Bridget.”
Without any confusion, she took us on the most direct route to camp, not retracing our path out. I remember Spike and I wanted to go one way and she stood her ground as if to say, “No, this way!”
Since that time I’ve seen her lead us home in all sorts of environments. She doesn’t seem to correct herself as she goes. It’s as if she knows the entire route from start to finish, even though we’ve never walked it, and it’s the best route, too!
What’s funny is she always wants to be the leader. I think she’s been watching me as much as I’ve been watching her and she knows who’s the better leader.
It’s been fun following the Bridge on a mission. I love how seriously she takes it and how much she enjoys it. It’s adorable that Reggie doesn’t care and just wants to explore, typical little sibling, ha! The three of you make a great combination, thanks for letting us tag along. I think this is my favorite picture story ever from you 🙂
Hm,m- I don’t understand looking west for sunrise. Couldn’t you just turn around 180 degrees to see it rise in the east? Is the part growing out of the front of the saguaro in the top photo a nose that Fuji-Maro referred to? Smoky or not, that’s a really beautiful scene. I can follow tracks but haven’t developed tracking skills, so won’t try to identify the mystery critter or scat. I just think it’s nice that a rabbit and interesting wildlife are around you, that’s always a treat.I can understand your enjoying the book. I like hearing or reading well-spoken sentences. I’m ever so pleased that a hummingbird came for you to enjoy. I’m going to go get a refreshment to join the crew enjoying theirs. I think I’ll make mine a warm one, the wind is howling here.
Hi, weather,
I’ve been meaning to tell you that I bought a jar of pure cranberry juice (nothing but) when we went to Olsen’s. I tried drinking it the way you do, a little bit in water before, during and after a meal. I find I’d rather drink a small amount straight up. I’m glad you mentioned it.
I left out some wildlife! Yesterday I saw a covey of quail scurry below the window, their top hats bobbing. Always fun to see them.
Maybe that is Fuji-maru’s short-nosed cactus… 🙂
Okay, about the sunrise…. From our camp, when the sun rises in the east (of course!), I don’t see it until it clears a mountain and when it does, there are close-up palo verde, mesquite, and whatnot in the view. I’m not knowledgeable about the causes of sunrise colors… I think by the time the sun clears that mountain in my view, the air molecules or whatever are different and none of the typical sunrise colors appear.
However, shortly prior to the sun clearing the mountain, light is reflected/refracted/rewhatever off the clouds causing the pink glow in the first photo, which is the view to the west.
This is something one sees in the desert because it is so flat (in this case, to the west). Not as likely, I don’t imagine, in NY with its very different landscape.
BTW, I’m pleased you like the “smoky” scene. Enjoyed your comment, as I always do!
Hi, Sue, I’m glad you found a place selling the pure juice, and a way that you prefer to drink it. Only two places within reasonable driving distance from my home carry it. I “see” what you meant now about the sunrise. When I camped near there the air itself seemed colored once. I don’t know exactly what caused it either, perhaps the sand’s texture and stone contents rewhatever light. In any case, it’s beautiful.
Today’s dawn had a sun pillar in front of it, at sunset a cloud bank hovered on the south shore reflecting the colors across the lakes ice. The north shore had no cloud bank so the full moon rising was visible as the last rays of light flashed gold and disappeared. In the hours between the light I watched sparkle was in the eyes of the adorable little dog I took care of.I hope you had a wonder filled day .
Hi, weather,
Yes, today was a fine day, thank you. I imagine your friend’s new dog had a fine day, too, in the care of a tenderhearted babysitter. 🙂 Your dawn’s light sounds exquisite! I wonder what tomorrow will bring. . . .
Both her dog and I had a fine day, he really is a bundle of joy. If she hadn’t had been waiting so long to have one I’d have brought him home instead of letting her know that he was available. Though the rescue listed him as a Shih Tzu he’s obviously some type of mixed breed – a blend of everything that she needed. It’s wonderful to see her happy again and looking forward to going home or just to waking up! Daybreak here was a string of lovely jewels. First a sprinkle of glittering snow lit the landscape then a succession of rich corals and topaz came and left bright sunlight that all the kitties are sitting by the windows to enjoy. I hope you slept and feel especially well so that it’s fun to do whatever you choose to this Good Morning 🙂
Thank you, weather. We did sleep well. Very well! I woke up three hours after falling asleep and was so well rested that I thought it was almost morning.
How selfless of you to let the sweet pup go to your friend. I’m glad you enjoyed that time with him.
Thanks for the corals and topaz and kitties by the window… 🙂 May you have a splendid day!
Hi! weather,
You, too, notice a small nose of the saguaro in the top photo. 🙂
Wild is howling? Are there tons of wild critters around you? Oops, I got Wind wrong.
Hi, Fuji-maru, yes, there are tons of wild critters around me. No wolves or coyotes that howl ,but small foxes and many other types of animals seldom seen in cities can often be found here. The howling wind was part of a snowstorm that has ended now. I’m glad that the one in Tokyo didn’t cause problems for you.
🙂
Sue: After I posted above, I was curious about the tracks you found so I went on the Internet (there are an incredible number of comprehensive resources out there) and found one source that said, “A track that appears to be nearly a straight line of single prints is characteristic of all canines (dog, fox, coyote), felines (cat, bobcat, lynx), and ungulates (deer, moose). It is produced by walking or trotting – the most common gaits of these animals.” Does that narrow it down any?
Going by what you found, I’d say it narrows it down to deer, like Ed thinks (above). I still can’t picture how they make those tracks.
I stood for as long as Reggie would allow, staring at those tracks trying to visualize the motion of the legs and hooves that would create that straight line of tracks. Gosh, the wonders in nature are everywhere, even in how animals walk!
Thanks for researching that, Cynthia. I never noticed that about Bridget’s and Reggie’s tracks. Maybe they’re legs are too short. 🙂
It’s southern BIG FOOT poo! and as for the strange tracks he stole a pogo stick from the kids campsite just north of you. heehehe
Oh, I know who you mean, Robert! That’s not Big Foot. That’s his distant relative, Big Poo!
You are too funny! LOL! 🙂
Lots of small wild donkeys around Why.
Hi, Doak! Great to have you join us!
I didn’t give wild donkeys any thought. Don’t they have hooves like a horse though? Gee, now you have me excited to see donkeys!
Sue,
As you wish!
This link: http://www.edwardfrey.com/peregrinating/period61.html then bottom of the page 31 December.
Aha! And you saw them near Why! Thanks for the link.
As Cynthia from San Clamente, CA said ” “A track that appears to be nearly a straight line of single prints is characteristic of all canines (dog, fox, coyote), felines (cat, bobcat, lynx), and ungulates (deer, moose).”
The track of wild donkeys does not follow a straight line, there a two lines of prints. You will also notice that the print that Sue took a picture of shows a split in the hoof which is not present in horses, donkeys or cows that would also be in that area.
I feel like I should put you on the payroll, Ed.
Uh, no, scratch that.
Sorry Ed, Cattle have split hooves , Wikipedia
Right you are, what was I thinking? I wasn’t!
Pigs also…… Ah hah a Javelina?
We see lots of tracks of this shape here in Idaho in the mountains. I would say it’s from the ungulate family – deer, antelope, etc.
I love it when you tell us of books you’ve enjoyed. A while back (a long while back!) You mentioned the book ‘Breakfast at Sally’s’. I ordered that for my kindle and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wow – made me look at homeless folk with new eyes.
Keep up the great blog and the book reviews.
Jool in N. Texas
Hi, Jool,
Are you the same Jool who used to comment a lot way back in the early days of my blog? I think you are!
Yeah, that is a great book. Interesting, unusual, and very enlightening. Here’s a link to Amazon for anyone interested:
Breakfast at Sally’s: One Homeless Man’s Inspirational Journey
Yep, it’s me! The Original Jool! Don’t worry, I never miss a post!
Love the blog, love you, love Bridgie Baby and ReggieMan.
Aww, you’re a sweetie!
I loved the photos of your walk in the wash. The colors were just amazing! I wish though that you would’ve shown the other poop, er scat. I have a scat book and look for it often. My husband teases me that I can smell it, touch it, and figure out what kind of animal it came from. Of course, he’s being a jokester or wise guy, you know. Don’t you know that’s what Reggie boy is trying to do!
Hi, Renee,
I appreciate the feedback on scat. I was afraid two poo photos would be too much. 🙂
A scat book. I should find me one of those, a small pocket guide.
You liked the colors in the wash photos? I’ll have to look at them again…. Thank you.
Oh yes, loved the colors – I saw Azo Yellow, Transparent Iron Oxide, Sepia, Permanent Green Light, and Azo Green.
I have two references on scat, one a small paperback book, and the other is a guide, that I got at a gift shop in the The Grand Tetons.
What does the cranberry juice do for you and weather. I like to drink it occasionally too
Loved the pictures today especially the last one. Bridgett made the day?
This is what I found at organicfacts.com. I don’t know if it’s a biased article or not. Scroll down. There are a few situations where cranberry juice might not be a good choice.
Here’s an excerpt for anyone who does not want to open up another page:
The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease. It is also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.
Thanks, Judy, for your comment on the photos. 🙂
Ha ha ha. I love cranberry juice mixed with a little vodka or tequila. In the first case, you have a cranberry martini and in the second, a cranberry margarita! Not sure if it still has the same beneficial health effects, but you’ll have a smile on your face!
My doctor recommended pure cranberry juice for urinary infection prevention. It changes the pH to where the bacteria cannot survive. I know of two women who had chronic infections and finally resorted to the juice after all other treatments.
No more infection for either. They drank it several times a day.
I have to dilute it in water and add a little sweetener. Otherwise I cannot swallow it for some reason.
Thanks for the walk Sue, it was great & I didn’t even need a warm coat. Interesting link on the javelina. I like seeing the animal prints. I see fox prints in the snow here.
My daughter sent me a pic of a critter visitor she had yesterday. It was a fisher snooping around her bird feeder.
I Just got back from town, bought some bulger to try a meatless recipe that was in the paper the other night. Sloppy Joes, has black beans, tomatoe juice among other ingredients and you serve on a hamburger bun. I will try anything once.
Have a great desert evening.?
Speaking of black beans, which are said to be among the most healthy of beans…have made some black bean brownies before…even picky hubby LOVED them…hehe…a bit of fiber in one’s diet never hurts huh?
Lentils are another way of making yummy meatfree stuff…tho’ I have to limit how much I eat of them…but very tasty nontheless!! Bon Apetit!!
I have a lentil tomato spinach recipe that is the easiest to make. Got it from the newspaper a few years ago. Have it with a toasted English muffin. We should have a healthy recipe exchange here when Sue needs a rest from comment replies ?
Feel free to post a recipe anytime, Val!
I will post this one one day. It is perfect for using on the road, only uses one pan & is so easy & is good for you.
Great Idea Val!! I love hearing what others are doing in the kitchen!!
I’ll be looking forward to that recipe.
You are an adventurous cook, Val R.! I hope your bulger Sloppy Joes are a big hit!
Okay, I had to look up “fisher” to see what one looks like. Here’s a description from New World Encyclopedia:
Fisher is the common name for a largely arboreal, North American carnivorous mammal, Martes pennanti, of the marten genus (Martes) and weasel family (Mustelidae), characterized by a long body with short legs, dark fur, long and bushy tail, five toes with retractable claws on each foot, long and tapered muzzle, and low, rounded ears. The fisher is agile in trees and has a slender body that allows it to pursue prey into hollow trees or burrows in the ground. Despite its name, this animal seldom eats fish; the name may originate from the French word fichet, which referred to the pelt of a European polecat.
They call em fisher cats up here in the ADK’s. Mean vicious critters that will tear you up! They normally eat mice, snow shoe hares …but if their supply is low…they have been known to eat cats.
Yes, my mom’s cat snuck out late one night & sadly a fisher got it.
I remember walking the washes when we were there! In fact, some of the glass I have been tumbling I picked up while exploring the washes there! I loved the lavender glass, originally clear glass but years, maybe decades, of laying in the sun gave it that lovely lavender hue! If you see some of that glass in the washes… I’ll pay for the postage! 🙂
It might be my imagination, but seems like Bridget is happy there, leading the pack! She has always been set in her ways about knowing what she wants and how to get it, a natural born leader! Bless her sweet heart! Gotta love her! Reggie is still learning about being a boon docking dog! His confidence grows with each new adventure!
He really hit the Jackpot finding his forever home with you and Bridget!
OK Sue, go find another sunset to capture,,,, I’m gonna go break glass! 🙂
Of all the many, many comments written on this blog, I do believe this is the first time anyone has signed off with “I’m gonna go break glass!” 🙂
I’ll keep the lavender glass in mind when we’re out walking around. It’s not likely we will find any here as this place has very little trash, even old stuff. A few rusty cans, not many.
You’re right. Bridget is a natural leader. She’s very independent, likes to make the rules rather than follow them.
Be careful! Don’t cut yourself!
Thank you for the walks among the cholla and saguaro, Sue. As for the scat, it appears dog-like, so I would guess coyote, unless there are wolves in the area.
Two months to the day and counting until we begin our round about route west for our summer jobs at Yellowstone. This time next year, we hope to be boon docking in the southwest. If you see a BIG white truck pulling a 31′ Airstream, that would be us. Give us a wave if you pass.
Only two more months! That must sound very nice to you, Page. I hope you will share with us your experiences working at Yellowstone. I don’t know if we will be in this area this time next year. If you are, I bet you’ll like it here!
It appears from the backside picture, that Bridget has lost some weight. She is looking good.
I noticed that, too, Mary. I wasn’t quite sure. Her weight has always fluctuated and I rarely can figure out why. Lately she’s been more agreeable for walks. It’s hard to know which came first — the increased walking or the weight loss.
At any rate, she’s happy and that makes me happy. 🙂
hi! i love the Bertie and Jeeves books too. PBS made a 6 episode series sometime in the 1980″s staring a young Hugh Laurie as Bertie. hysterical out-loud laughing. i copied them on VHS and still haul the tape out when i need a laugh. Wodehouse wrote one book shy of a book for every year of his life. 90+years and 90+ books. all funny, some more than others. he loved to poke fun of British men’s clubs and the inane lives of the rich.
if you like English historical (1850-1890) police mysteries, check out Anne Perry’s series. she has three, one features a guy named Monk, one is about a couple named Pitt, and one is set in WWI. you get a sort of Downton Abbey feeling learning about the lives of the aristocrats and the servants. her writing is engaging, has courtroom drama, not creepy or gory. her descriptions of the clothing and carriages and houses are great. lots of polite society.
like you. i find myself thinking dialogue in my head straight from this period of politeness and have to remind myself that we don’t talk like that anymore. 🙂 bess
Hi, bess,
I like your review of these books! Here’s a link to an Anne Perry book:
The William Monk Mysteries: The First Three Novels
thanks!
Do you guys know about her personal history? I think she was on trial, and possibly in jail, for killing one or both of her parents? Something like that, when she was a teenager. I quite like her books, both the Pitt series and the Monk series.
There is a book out about this, Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century by Peter Graham. It sounds quite interesting.
I’m a huge Anne Perry Fan. I’ve read all of her books, and I collect her little Christmas hardcovers – the only paper books that I buy.
Yes, she and a friend of hers committed a murder in their youth. It’s quite a tale.
I’m an avid reader of British mysteries. My favorite two authors are Martha Grimes (Scotland Yard detective Richard Jury) – he’s a great character and he has a really funny group of side kicks in a small quintessential English village (Long Piddleton). Some of the story lines can be a bit dark, but seasoned with humor – typically British. My other favorite is Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series. PBS also did a mini series of her works based on Lynley, although they were good, I didn’t find they really represented the books.
Love Jeeves, too.
Bridge and Reggie look great “doing the wash.”
Hi Sue!
I think I have sufficiently recovered from an overdose of the NFL playoffs this past weekend and can now catch up on your blog. Only four teams left to battle for the prize and on Sunday this weekend we’ll narrow that down even more. I’m beyond thrilled to have the Phoenix Cardinals still alive and in serious contention for the trophy.
Ah-h-h-h, you’re on my favorite desert now. The greener Sonoran desert is just so gorgeous and alive. To the casual observer it may not seems so. But as you know, just sitting quietly looking and listening will reward you with some of the treasures of this special place. I anticipate a banner year for wildflowers. It’s been decades since the desert floor was amass with color and is truly a memorable occasion.
I passed by Lake Roosevelt yesterday and was pleased to see a small but noticeable change in the level of the lake. After a wetter than average monsoon last year and a record El Nino (so far) this year means the water levels are creeping up. With more El Nino rains and then Spring runoff the levels should climb even more. Even at that, the lake is only 45% full. Sad but better than where it was six months ago. It looked like the campgrounds were being well used but not at capacity.
Last night I stayed up way too late (2AM) reading my current novel–The Devil Colony by James Rollins. I enjoy the genre of action/adventure and also fiction of early American history. Well, this book has both and is a real page turner for me. What makes it especially interesting is that much of it takes place in areas where you and the crew have camped. Your camping experiences in the Flagstaff, AZ area and then the San Rafael Swell of UT are the settings for the book. I could envision the environment since you took us there. Throw in the theory that there was a bid for a fourteenth colony in addition to the original thirteen colonies and this book took me hook, line, and sinker. There is also a strong presence of native American lore in this book which I always find fascinating. A really good read for those who like adventure set in the West.
I’m lovin’ your current campsite. FWIW, I concur with Mr. Frey on the animal tracks. Sure looks like deer to me and given your location, probably mule deer. I’m surprised you haven’t seen any when you let Bridge and Reggie out for their first potty runs in the morning. Most common sightings occur at sunrise and again at dusk. I occasionally spot a small herd of five or six in my neck of the woods. Usually its early.
Keep on keepin’ on, Lady. You bring many of us joy by sharing your adventures. Ear scratches to both of the crew from me.
Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
I read your report of Lake Roosevelt’s water level with interest. I also appreciate your review of the Rollins book. Of course, I have an Amazon link for it:
The Devil Colony: A Sigma Force Novel (Sigma Force Novels Book 7)
I know why I haven’t seen any mule deer. My eyes are pointed toward the ground looking for dadburn cholla, that’s why! I wouldn’t see any at “first potty runs” because the deer don’t go by here. At least, I only see tracks up the lane. How nice that you see them where you are. I want to see the pack of javelina. They might go by us in the wash which is visible from the side window.
I’m watching for the sunset. I don’t think it will be an eye-popper tonight. The clouds aren’t “right.”
Enjoyed talking with you, Audrey. Take care.
Ha! I spoke too soon! I just came in from running around outside snapping photos of the sunset. This is such fun! I think I got some beauties… haven’t looked at them yet.
Glad you caught it. I totally missed it. Too busy chopping and dicing cabbage, romaine, carrots, zucchini, onions, ‘shrooms, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, etc for my kitchen sink salad. so named because everything goes into my salads but the kitchen sink! Some nuts, seeds, and craisins with an oil and vinegar dressing make for a healthy, yummy, filling meal.
Forgot to mention the unique cosmic phenomenon of the predawn southeast to southwest sky. Five bright planets will be visible to the naked eye in an arc formation just above the horizon about 80 minutes or so before sunrise (7:24). Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter have not been lined up like this since 2005.
Nivrapa,
I want to thank you for mentioning about the five planets. I hadn’t read anything about it, and even if I had “an hour before sunrise” is not a time of day I normally see (too late to stay up; too early to get up). BUT, for some reason I woke up around 7 a.m. and remembered what you had said. I looked out, and there they were, all five of them (plus the moon) shining away. Was really nice!
Actually, now that I think about it, I guess it was the pre-glow of the sunrise I was seeing along with the planets. Not used to that! It must have been when I went outside before going to bed that I was reveling in the glow of the moon. I love these nights with the nearly full moon!
When we lived in the mts in SE WA state…the deer did not hang around when cougars were about…we learned that one!!
Finally made it to the desert for our snowbird sojourn.Our new Class C works well for us except we had to have the non working fridge replaced (warranty thankfully) in Phoenix.If near Phoenix use ASAP Mobile RV. Most responsive service people I have encountered.Will be boondocking some of the areas that you have already visited.
The dogs are not used to the RV yet.They were comfy in the back seat of the pickup when we towed a trailer…but, they are adjusting.
If anyone has a Honda CRV toad behind them let me know the secret for preventing it’s battery from going dead.First time for me but I think that I am doing it right.
Hi, chas,
Have you had a problem with your CRV’s battery while towing? I’m glad your new Class C “works well” and that the fridge was under warranty. Always good to know where competent, efficient RV service businesses can be found. Thank you!
Yeah, the dogs will get used to the new rig. Best of luck finding great campsites. If you have any questions regarding those places we camped recently, just ask.
What Class C did you choose?
On the CRV, I don’t tow yet but read a lot. Are you following the manufacturers directions as to starting it every so many miles as you tow? Check the forum IRV2 as I’m pretty sure they have a section on toads and will answer questions. I know I’ve seen your question answered but just don’t know specifics because I don’t tow yet
Sunseeker 32 foot from Forest River.I am starting it often but every couple of days it goes dead.I think the problem might be the Brake Buddy which plugs into the cigarette lighter .We have one of those small jumpstart packs which allows us to start in a minute or two without using the Class C to jumpstart it.Just an annoyance but still trying to figure out a better way.
I have an Element and here is what I do. I ran a 14 ga wire from my Chassis batteries to a two conductor connection next to the hitch and the normal light hookup. I then made a 20ft cable with a 2 conductor connection on one end and a female accessory (cig lighter) connection on the other. I then use this to power the braking system in the toad. So it is connected to the RV and draws no power from the toad.
The “pull over and start the toad every 100 miles” (or whatever) is usually only on toads with an automatic transmission. It has something to do with lubing the transmission (you start it and run through the gears). With a manual transmission that’s not necessary and it would usually be fine to tow basically forever without running down the battery. BUT, that’s because normally there is a feed from the tow/lights wire, feeding power from the tow rig into the toad. Without that, and with brakes plugged into the cigarette lighter, I can see where the toad battery could become discharged. (I once towed a friend’s manual-transmission toad a few thousand miles and at the time I didn’t have the charging line/hookup set up; so I had to start the car every time I stopped to keep the battery charged up. Not the same as the stopping to take care of an automatic transmission lube procedure though.)
Thanks. It is a stickshift.Might try the charging line idea.
Hi, Sue and crew –
I enjoyed the overcast pictures, too. It’s probably nice to have a change from one sunny day after the other. My friend from Arizona says that people there can get depressed with the constant sun, like we used to do in Michigan with no sun for days and weeks at a time in the winter months.
I do enjoy the British mysteries. I have watched so many on Netflix and HULU that I am watching them over again. There are several books on my Kindle, but usually opt for a TV episode so my hands are free.
Happy Trails to you three. Thanks again for your very nice blog.
Pamela
You’re welcome, Pamelab in Houston,
OOh, that would be sooooo irritating to hear for some folks… Someone in Arizona depressed over too much sun, while one lives with a seemingly unending succession of dark, dreary days. I guess too much of anything can drive us batty.
I loved Netflix when I had a regular house. Being able to choose good movies that don’t make it to the big time and to have them arrive in my mailbox… It was great.
I’m glad you liked the overcast pictures. That’s all I had for a post about a cloudy day.
hi everyone, here are two more historical mysteries series that i have enjoyed and read several times:
Brother Cadfeld (or Cadfield), a herbalist monk in England and Wales in the era of knights in armor, who solves mysteries. very fun and PBS made some of them into a series. by Peter Ellis
Sister Fidelima (or Fidelmia), a nun in Ireland in 660’s. she is part of the judicial system, the sister of the King of Cashal, and runs around Ireland, England, and Italy solving murder mysteries. the reader can imagine the countryside and the sea and the living conditions and traditions. the Catholics at that time were not ruled by Rome and women were equal to men, and these books are written by Peter Tremayne, a scholar of Medieval History.
enjoy! bess p.s. i forget the exact spelling of their names….
Here’s a link to one of the Tremayne books. It will get you to the Amazon page where you can browse the Tremayne titles.
Behold a Pale Horse: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland (A Sister Fidelma Mystery Book 22)
Thanks for sharing this, bess.
the mailman just delivered my two new O2Cool misting fans in purple! and my new spiral vegetable cutter machine! yay! did you get the credit on Amazon?
Yes, I did, bess! Thanks a bunch!
Hi Sue! Your opening photo is so beautiful! I can almost imagine myself being there!
So, my husband ordered a Clam screen room on Amazon, and I’m hoping I coached him correctly on how to use the link. Let me know if you see it. 🙂
Hi, Kerry On and also hi to Kerry On’s husband who ordered the screen room! I like that guy!
Okay… I’m going to go see if it has shown up on today’s report.
LATER… I see it! Thank you very much. That will give me a nice commission. I hope you enjoy the screen room!
Fantastic! We’re sure to enjoy it very much!
By the way, you totally cracked me up with, “I like that guy!” I almost fell off my chair!
🙂
Dear Sue,
Are you ever fearful for your babies on these walks……especially when you can’t
see all around you easily. I’m meaning an attack by a coyote or a havalina.
I hope you carry some protection. Hope I’m not sounding too negative as I
know you all enjoy your walks and may never encounter any problems.
On a better note, I always look forward to your posts. The bests !
Hi, Linda,
Thanks for calling my post the best!
You ask a good question, not negative at all. To answer, no, I’m never fearful on these walks. Not that I’m some superwoman or anything. I think our situation, our walks in a wash in particular, look scarier from afar and from looking at photos only. I believe Bridget and Reggie would be in danger if they walked that wash alone. With me along, I don’t think a coyote or javelina would attack. Also, we walk in daylight and these animals move about mostly at night.
I don’t know that I should be scared. Maybe someone disagrees. We’ve been walking without fear during more than 4 years in places where wild animals live without any confrontation or incidents. Other than the bear while we were in bed.
Hi, Sue ! Thank you for the cholla warning. We’ll be in Ajo by weeks’ end & yOuve helped us keep Ari cholla-free.
Bridge is amazing–to be able to find their way home is a great skill for a dog to have. Just think about how many dogs become lost or are injured trying to find their way home. Good job, Bridgie.
Good to know our hummingbird feeder will get a work-out. It’s very touching when they come so close.
We’ve been to Algodones for dental work. Quite an experience. We’re looking forward to getting back in the desert.
Take good care, Sue. Ear skritches to the crew.
Hi, Dawn,
I hope your dental experience was a good one, as much as a visit to the dentist can possibly be. Have a safe trip to Ajo!
Im up early at 1:20 am on Wednesday morning and see I missed your post from
yesterday….grrrrrr
that Bridget is quite a leader…..my Lulu is the same way pretty much….I take
our 5 chi’s out for their afternoon duty and Lulu knows we are gonna walk
down to the mailbox and back so off she goes with the other 4 in tow……..and
she is usually the first one back at the door waiting to go in…..
30 years ago when we used to drive to Vegas I would seee them tall cactus
rising up out of the desert and never paid attention to them as we whizzed by
at 75 miles an hour…..now I wished we had stopped and smelled the roses…
another great post, Sue…I felt like I was walking behind you trying to stay
up with ya’ll….thanks for posting…
chuck
You’re welcome, chuck, and thank you for the compliment on this post!
Well, 30 years ago we moved a lot faster and were more intent upon destinations that the journey to get there. Most of us need to go through that before we can really see what is around us.
What a fun picture you shared with us of your 5 chihuahuas — one leading, the others following — as they go off to the mailbox and back. Your Lulu does sound a lot like Bridget. When I think of how the chi in Reggie comes out in such crazy and fun ways, I can’t imagine what it is like to have 5 of them!
You have a great day, chuck. Thank you for contributing your comment to my blog.
the chi’s are a handful I must say……..we have 4 females and 1 male….
I have to keep Pookie the male on a lease otherwise he would be
out in the woods chasing squirrels….. the females do just fine for
the most part….one of the females we are babysitting for the SPCA
in Conroe til they find a home for her…..
and yep all 5 sleep in bed with us…..3 of them under the covers….HA
chuck
Hi! Dear RVSue and canine Crew, and blogorinos,
I got the bright sunshine back after snowing. The view through my window has been changed the drably colored mountains with the fresh looking snow-capped ones. But a few inches of snowfall brought about some blackouts and the terrible disruption of rail & road transport links in Tokyo metropolitan this monday. I’m OK because I live in the outskirts of Tokyo, between Sagamihara and Yokosuka.
You found the saguaro with a short nose, right? I notice a small nose of the saguaro in the top photo immediately. Did he whisper in weird English? If so, he may be my alter ego who had been left behind and have been boondocking in the Sonoran Desert wash for two years. Oh, he grew taller but the growth is his thorn head only. Someone amputated his arms?
It’s fun to be with you walking around the warm desert in winter without looking poop. 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtfulnes. I hope that tomorrow will also a good day for all of you and blogorinos!
Thank you, Fuji-maru!
I hope you had a good day today and that Tokyo has recovered from the snow. I’m glad you have bright sunshine again. I can imagine looking out your window at the sun shining and Japan’s mountains beautifully dressed with snow.
You made me laugh with your question if I’m hearing “weird English” from your “alter ego.” I love your imagination!
It’s always a pleasure to see you here. Sleep well!
Good Morning! Dear RVSue and canine Crew,
I’m working at midnight, finished my blog, and come here to get warm in the Cyber Sonoran Desert. I see you almost on line now. But I’m sorry to say Good Night. I’ll be back after 12 hrs.
🙂
RVSue & Crew:
It has been a while since I logged in. Are you not keeping up with posting your budgets anymore? Did a miss a post or a change of some kind?
MPMalloy
Hi, MPMalloy,
Nice to have you stop by…. About the money reports….
I couldn’t keep up with them! I went through a tough time that sapped my energy and those reports were a casualty. The blog had grown substantially and requires a lot of my time and effort. Once I stopped reporting monthly expenditures, time slipped by.
With the new year I’m planning to begin reporting my financial information again! I will streamline the process and format in order to make it more manageable and less time consuming. I’m sorry there is a big gap in my reports as I know many readers come here for that information. I hope to be more consistent in the future!
Best wishes…
Speaking of which; a couple of posts back you asked for suggestions on budgeting software. I have been using Mint.com for a little over a year now and it’s been working very well for what I need at this point.
It’s web based. You enter all your account info and passwords and then when you log in it updates ALL of your financial accounts at once. Checking, saving, credit cards, personal loans, investment accounts all updated and in one place. Once I log in it gives me current account balances and I click on the transactions tab and place my purchases into the appropriate budget categories. It even figures out most of the transactions on its own. IE if it sees a purchase at Safeway Foods it will automatically assign it to groceries. Also easy to split a single purchase into multiple accounts if you want. Plus you can set up an infinite number of custom accounts. (I remember how you love your sundries 🙂 )
Really quick and easy, and best of all it’s free! It is also perfectly safe (encrypted to the same level as your bank or an Amazon purchase) and although it has your account info no one can move any of your money from Mint. It just gives you totals and organizes it. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Rick. It’s a bit intimidating. I admit I’m leery of a lot of “automatic” updates and it is scary to put “all account info and passwords” in one place. (I know, ridiculous!) Probably I just need to adjust to the idea, like when I first started online banking.
Not ridiculous at all. I think any of us that didn’t grow up with the internet remembers the hesitancy the first time we entered CC info into a computer to buy something. It’s called being normal and not dumb.
I researched it a lot and it really is safe. As you know the first step on my “dream path” is to pay off all my debt and this has been a huge help. I log on about once a week and take maybe 5 minutes to be sure my purchases are in the categories that I want and check that my spending is on track with my goals. Than at the end of every month I check how I did and get totals for every budget category, total debt and total assets. I think it would work well for what you’re looking to do.
Also for what it’s worth, I found this blog for the first time by searching “full time RV budget” Changed my life for the better in ways I never imagined. So as always. thanks for everything you do.
I realize I might have painted this a bit too rosey in the above. Obviously it does take a bit of time on the front end to enter your account info and set target spending amounts in each category. Probably at least a couple of hours. Plus I tweak my goals as things change. For instance I used to budget $100/Mo for gasoline. These days with a more efficient car and falling gas prices I try to spend less than $30. Just wanted to give you a more honest picture.
Okay, thanks. It might be more than I want to learn right now. I want a really simple set-up where I can enter my expenditures during the month, placing them in categories, and receiving totals at the end of the month. One baby step up from me punching a calculator.
Your last paragraph tells me I really should get my act together and post budget reports!
Loved your post as always. That picture at the beginning with the road wandering through the cactus just drew me in. I could picture myself there….feet crunching as I walk…..deep breath……enjoying the view. Here, I am trying to get ready for a major snowstorm. Next year I plan on being somewhere in southern AZ, reading about the snow on the news! 🙂 Have a great day! MB
Hi, MB from VA,
I’m pleased you liked that photo. A road leading away from the camera is an easy composition. That kind of photo pairs well with my text which very often is about the crew and me taking a walk down a road!
You are “walking a road” that leads to southern Arizona… Every day is another step closer. 🙂
I hope the snowstorm leaves you unscathed and wrapped in beauty, while you are warm and comfy inside. You have a great day, too!
Hi Missy and Blogorinos! As usual a informative post. I am going to spend the rest of the day considering the mystery of what pooped on the train tracks. Well, not the entire day as I have a doctors appointment this afternoon. Been having a bit of a problem with my heart. Doc will figure it out I am sure. Missy, when Detta and I went to Patagonia the lady who owned the cabins there warned us to always be sure the gate on the surrounding fence was closed due to the javelina. She said the can really wipe out the plant life in a hurry. keep on keeping on…
Hi, Jim,
I am very, very happy to see you here! I know how much you enjoy the photos I post and when you didn’t appear after those sunset photos in the previous post, I became concerned. I had a feeling something was wrong, either you or Detta.
Good luck with the doctor’s appointment today. I’m relieved that you will figure out what is going on.
A lot of folks who read this blog care about you, and I’m one of them! So keep smiling and soldier on!
Don’t think for a minute I missed the sunset shots, I put ’em in my RV Sue pic folder and my desktop boasts of one now. 🙂
Well, that makes my day!
Big warm heart! ❤️
Sending you and Detta a hug, Jim! 🙂
Good morning, Jim! It’s Friday — I hope yesterday’s appointment went well!
Hi Missy, I think it went well. I had a triple bypass some years ago and a couple problems along the way but this episode looks like med change only. I have been checking since the change and already the irregular heartbeat has stopped. Thanks for your concern, I am sure I’ll be here to haunt you and my fellow blogorinos for some time….
Whew! Good news, Jim … Thanks for letting us know. 🙂
With all the talk of critters on this series I pose this question.
Does anyone know the state with the most bear and deer per square mile?
New Jersey. Look it up.
Psalms has reference to her hine’s feet, referring to the tracking of the feet just so, the hine would be a close relative of our deer or antelope. Coyote always seem to follow such wildlife as do the big cats.
From an Iced down Missouri today
We have several blogorinos from Missouri. Hi, Joyce!
A delightful time in the wash, and the detours are fun too! It’s wonderful having a tracker who can find the best way home. I don’t know how Tessa does it either, but I always trust her path back 🙂
Hi, Jodee…. I hope you are enjoying Bloggerfest!
I love this post! I especially love the way you include us in your everyday activities, makes me feel like I am parked just over the wash..
All,this food talk encouraged me to add my two cents worth, dear husband and I have been following the food suggestions made by Dr Mark Hyman. We both had diabetes, high blood pressure and I also had IBS and had a nasty bout with uterine cancer, we were fat, ill and felt like crap. Fast forward two years come April 1… We are both approaching ideal weight, feel great, are seldom sick and if we catch a cold it is mild. Normal blood sugar, no more IBS, I have gone from three bp meds to half dose of one and looking forward to none at all. All this is from eating clean!
I make my own mayo, raise my own eggs, from my totally organically fed chickens, eat no sugar at all other that that occurs naturally in fruit and veggies. We eat meat, but only organically raised, wild caught fish only, some grass fed beef. The only sugar in the house is for the humming bird feeders and I use organic cane sugar for them!
It is amazing the things put in perfectly good canned food! Did you know they add sugar in almost every canned product? Check it out..astounding…and why? So I mostly use fresh from our local produce market, they only grow organic..yum..
Make my own salad dressings.. Eat bread only very occasionally and then it is something I make myself from organic emmer wheat…not GMO, no pesticides.
I do not restrict salt, by getting rid of all the other crap put in processed food, salt is not a problem because processed food is totally loaded with salt!
I never have swollen ankles, puffy bloat..gosh this is a wonderful way to eat!
While in Nevada I saw relatives I had not seen in years..and my x brother in law told me I looked like a model..quite a compliment for this formerly obese almost 70 year old…
Let’s do share recipes! My husband makes all sort of fermented veggies for us..how long has it been since you have had a real fermented sour pickle?
That is so awesome. When you start reading labels, it really raises eyebrows, literally! I am near 70 myself, and although I don’t quite look like a model, I have lost 20 pounds in the last year by not eating canned or processed food…same for my animals. I buy from Trader Joes, I trust them…having a little trouble with cheeses, but I can eat cream cheese without any problems, not much salt content in cream cheese, but regular cheese, geeze! Getting better everyday…no more insulin, and only one pill a day now for my diabetes. Kidneys are better, no dialysis for me! Everyone just keep your heads up and try to eat as good as you possibly can. We all need to stick around for a while and keep Sue company. 🙂
Lee and Shirlene,
Congratulations on your weight loss. You both have made huge strides….and the fact that meds are decreased…and no dialysis….WOW! Thank you both for sharing your good results….just goes to show that it does work if you can get your brain on board and stick with it.
***Round of applause!!*** You girls rock! 🙂
I’m impressed, Lee. Not nice that you had the problems before, but how motivating when they “melt away” with your changes. Talk about knowing you’re on the right track.
I’d love to hear more about the fermented veggies, if you care to tell us.
Last time I had a real fermented pickle oh last night! We make them too- fabulous aren’t they! Congratulastions on the healthy changes! Good for you!
Wow, Lee J! I’m absolutely amazed that you manage all those things! Very pure eating… Good for you! Congratulations to you and your husband on your achievement!
Hi Lee! Fantastic job on transforming your diet and changing your life! I too, would be interested to find out more about fermenting my own pickles, they sound amazing. I’ve heard Bubbies brand is pretty good, but I’m sure homemade is even better. Do you ever press your own juice? I recently started juicing again, and I’ve been drinking about a quart per day. As I type, I’m finishing off some freshly juiced pineapple, beet, celery, romaine, and watercress. Very tasty, and bonus – I’ve lost a few pounds, and gained almost as much energy as I had in college.
Hi, Sue,
Hope you and the Crew are having a good day! It was a busy day at work for me, and in the back of my mind is the whammy of a snow storm that is supposed to start Friday morning, and end Saturday night or Sunday morning. I am “lucky” to live in one of the areas that is expected to get the higher end of accumulations: 8″ – 14″, or more….with 2′ a possibility. Wow! I love snow, but don’t need it all at once! I am prepared as I can be….just hope and pray that we don’t lose power. I will try to get weekend chores done tonight and tomorrow, so I can enjoy vegging during the storm. I plan to cook, read, cuddle Gracie pup, maybe catch some movies on TCM, and design and make some jewelry (for myself). I will be checking in regularly to get the warm sunshine report from the Sonoran desert. 🙂
Sending you, Bridget, and Reggie warm hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hunker down woman….storm is headed your way!
Did you happen to see sarandipity’s 17b? Wow!
Stay warm and dry
Yep…I am ready! 🙂
I just was on the forum! Yes, she did an awesome job! I hope she will be feeling better soon so she can enjoy her little egg in the wild!
You all stay warm and dry, too. 🙂
I saw that too. OMG, a work of art on wheels.
Seriously! That is the “nicest” I’ve ever seen! Very clever!
Not sure I understand the sink…with no drain.
If you’d like to continue this conversation, please take it to the other blog. Thank you!
It’s a forum not a blog. It wasn’t named, for a reason….it was “just” conversation.
No disrespect intended.
I didn’t see it as disrespect. I like to keep conversation here as all-inclusive. The majority of my readers don’t know what sarandipity 17 b refers to and to explain it hijacks my blog traffic. Let’s try to keep conversations where everyone can understand what it’s about. I didn’t mean to sound snarky. I apologize.
Thank you!
Not snarky at all! No apologies …this is your house!
Rock on Desert woman!
Forum? Can someone send me info on this?
Escape forum.
Hi, Denise, I’ll be thinking of you this weekend! Good idea to complete all your weekend chores, especially if they involve driving anywhere, before the storm arrives. If the power stays on, it might be kind of nice to be “in out of the storm”… taking it easy and cuddling with Gracie pup.
Yes, let us know how it goes…
Hi, Sue,
Thank you for your kind wishes!
Our governor has declared a State of Emergency. My work is being proactive and will be closed tomorrow…so that is good. It has been a busy, successful evening! Moved the firewood to the patio and wrapped it in a tarp, cooked some sauerkraut and beef kielbasa. The laundry and vacuuming are done. In the morning, I need to fill the bird feeders before the storm starts – gotta take care of my sweet feathered friends! Gracie will love the extra “Mommy time” and we will enjoy the snow show! 🙂
Sending you and the Crew warm wishes and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
The scat and track look very much like a feral hog.
Don
Hi, Don,
We have differing views here… Mule deer or feral hog? I wish whatever it is would show themselves! I keep looking . . . .
I’m still of the opinion that it is mule deer.
IF you were in the southEAST then I might give the feral hog idea more consideration. But, you are in the southWEST where there are javalina, which I think we have ruled out, but a dearth of feral hogs.
Oh, I thought feral hogs and javelina were terms for the same animal. Once again I’m amazed by the vastness of my ignorance.
So did I!
The scat is definitely not from any kind of deer.
I agree. I think the scat is coyote and the tracks were made by a mule deer or javelina. The tracks and the scat were found in different places, not from the same individual animal.
IMHO > the best diet is exercise.
Hi There,
I don’t know much about wild animals and I don’t know where you might be but when we were staying in Ajo, Joe and I would take walks in the desert and there was fresh and old scat and hoof prints from wild burros and they follow each other in straight lines……..just wondering.
Hi, Betty,
Lucky you to see the burros! These tracks were in straight lines as in one print behind one print behind one print, only one animal. Cloven hooves and scat with seeds and hair rule out burros.
Hi RvSue and All,
Wonderful post and conversation. I must add my 2 cents about javelina and ferals. I live in an area where we have tons of feral hogs and see them quite often. From what I have heard and understand, be cautious around them. Both can and will attack you.
Cheers!
I am not that familiar with feral hogs but grew up around javelina. They have an undeserved reputation for attacking people.
They have very poor eyesight and may appear to be charging when actually they are trying to escape but can not see well enough to know which way to run. If you ‘jump’ a herd of them they will scatter like a covey of quail with the possibility of one or more coming towards you rather than away.
I have killed feral pigs on my place before….they look like a normal pig but have tusks
that will hurt you bad……I kill all I see because they can really tear up a place in a short
time….I have seen packs of them running around in downtown Navasota before…..
I was hunting down in south texas 30 years ago and shot a javelina and when I picked it up by a hind leg the ticks and fleas just swarmed all over my arm….needless to say I gave it to one of the other guys that wanted it….nasty things…
chuck
Yuck. I repeat. Yuck.
Ewwww! Now how do I get that visual out of my mind?! 🙂
I appreciate you voicing your concern, Terri. I’ve read of javelina attacks, which are extremely rare, and, as Ed has written, are sometimes perceived as attacks when they aren’t. In the instances where there has been an attack resulting in contact, the javelina were in an artificial situation, such as in a populated area where they were accustomed to people, running from people and encountering other people, or food was involved.
It doesn’t hurt to be cautious. 🙂
this may seem like a weird question, but where do you get your hair cut while out and about? do you have an easy style that any stylist can cut? just wondering….i cut my own hair, yet i know that not everyone can do it. 🙂 bess
Hi, bess,
For the first few years on the road I had my hair cut at any walk-in place that cuts hair. Side part, all one length, undercut, length following the chin line, higher in the back. This past year I’ve cut it myself. It looks awful, yet I don’t care. I suppose I should. I can’t come up with a reason. 🙂
Gil & I have had haircuts at Walmart a couple of times. He is so shaggy when he goes in that he comes out looking very handsome. Last time I had a photo on my phone to show them and they came very close. I searched on Pinterest for styles for ‘mature’ men & women and then captured the ones I liked on my phone. I haven’t been as totally pleased with my results but they have been ok.
As many times as I’ve ventured into a WalMart, I’ve never had a haircut there. Your hair looked nice when I saw you. 🙂
Thank you. ?
Sue, its whatever is comfortable……I sometimes catch myself not putting in my teeth when I run to the store but I figure I wont
run into anyone I know……and you know how that goes…..HA
chuck
Oh, no… spotted at the store while toothless. Of course!
Great pics & storyline. Thanks! Possibly donkey scat? Wild ones are around. Thanks too for the book & author lead. HugZ!
Thank you, Debra. If it were donkey scat, I think I’d have seen a track somewhere. Only tracks I see are from cloven hooves and coyote.
I think I have the tracks figures out!
You have drifted into the Southwestern quadrant of the Hundred Acre Wood.
Those are obviously Tigger tracks!!! 🙂
Or perhaps heffalumps and woozles.
Checking in after a couple of days of absence. I feel like sometimes I check in several times a day, and then when I get busy, I’m two days behind.
Really enjoyed everyone’s reading comments. I noted a couple of my favorites up above.
Take care, everyone. Sue – you’re probably ready to post a new post, and I’m just catching up.
Hi, Applegirl,
I’m far from ready to post. A full day today. I’ll wait until tomorrow morning to start, when my mind is fresh. Reggie had me up four times last night wanting to go outside. He did need to go. He was off-schedule, I guess, with his pottying. I can feel that I must not have gotten enough REMs.
I enjoy all these suggestions for authors and books. Thanks for adding yours.
Hope you all have a quiet night! Sleep, little Reggie! 🙂
He slept! Thank heavens!
Sour pickles!
We have a crock for our pickles but a large glass jar will do, avoid metal vessels..
Wash about four pounds of cucumber pickles, trim off excess stems, remove blossom scabs, just scrape them off. Place in crock or gallon glass jar, thrown in a handful of whole peeled garlic cloves, we like the garlic so use probably a cup of them. Use a couple heads of fresh dill, or dried dill leaves or dried dill seeds…probably a heaping tablespoon of the dry product. Put 6 tablespoons of salt, we use pink Himalian salt, then fill the jar with water from our well, not sure what city water would do, to just cover the cucumbers. Weight them down so they don’t poke up above the brine… We put a corelle saucer on top and weight it down with a pint jar of water, lid on it of coarse! If scum forms and it will, just spoon it off and toss it.Leave it sit to do its magic for a few weeks, eat a pickle to see if it suits you then refrigerate. Husband just said we put grape leaves in also, help them be crisp! And yes we have grapes ?
I also make kimchi, sauerkraut, gardinaria…yum….oh and pickled okra, green beans, asparagus…the list is endless…and Good!
Gosh, Lee J. Here I am so proud of myself for eating a bunch of chard and passing up a loaf of store bread. Ha!
Pickles are so easy ! You don’t need a fancy $100 crock. It can be as simple as a mason jar ( we use half gallon from Walmart) and a bubbler airlock from Amazon or a wine supply store. I think last I looked the half gallon jars are about $16 a 6 pack at Walmart and the airlocks run about $6 for 3 on amazon Prime. My hubby used one of my plastic screw on canning size lids, drilled a hole and glued the airlock in. Works great. Some well water works great, others not so much because of dissolved minerals such as copper which can turn some stuff like garlic blue green. We use Berkey filtered water. We dissolve about 2 tbsp sea salt per quart water. Make sure jar is very clean. Wash cucumbers, I use the small ones from Costco or carrots or whatever firm veg I want. Stuff in jar. We do use pickle spice and dill when it’s available and grape leaves when they are on our vines. We pour brine over, screw airlock on and add a tiny amount of brine to airlock. Airlock prevents pressure buildup while keeping nasty bacteria in. We keep jar in a dim corner of kitchen on floor with a tray under to catch drips. We get pickles we like in about 10 days and then put in fridge. Done this way they are termed lacto fermented due to the lactobacillus bacteria natural to the outside of cucumbers which initiates the pickling process. In future batches or with other veg such as carrots it helps to jump start with a spoon of brine from a finished batch. I agree with Lee, nothing quite as good as a naturally fermented pickle! You could easily do them in even a quart jar in an RV. You don’t have to have airlock but be very diligent about unscrewing lid frequently to prevent breaking jar and a mess.
Hi, Lee,
Sounds yummy! Thank you for sharing your recipe. Do you have to keep the crock in a dark place?
Is sauerkraut difficult to make? I usually buy mine at Kroger (fresh, in the bag, not canned), but they were out of stock the other night (must be a run on it due to the predicted snow storm!), so I found some at a different store. I do not like the flavor of it as much as the Kroger brand. I cook mine with some caraway seeds and a small amount of sugar,
Sorry…this was supposed to go under Lee’s comment.
We just have the crock sitting on a stool in the kitchen, that crock is dense and thick. So no light penetrates. Not sure if light is an issue. I’ll ask my husband about making the saurkraut..he usually makes it, I do know it is cabbage and salt only. And it naturally ferments. It is good!
Thanks, Lee. 🙂
To all the blogorinos in the path of this weekend’s record setting snow storm: Stay safe, warm, and be extra careful when walking and shoveling. We are in for a doozie! 🙂
stay safe Denise….I have a son in Norfolk that is fixin to get it too….
I like this website to track these storms…..
http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/southmissvly_loop.php
chuck
Thank you, Chuck. I hope your son is safe through this storm, too. Thanks for the link. 🙂
So I went to see the cardiologist today. He said that I am at very high risk with the tests on Tuesday. He said that in his entire career he has never asked an anesthesiologist to attend a cardiac catheterization until me. He says I am the highest risk patient he has ever had. But he assured me he would take every care. And he said that I should do my best to turn in a good lung function test because that would determine whether any cardiac surgeon is willing to do surgery on someone as high risk as me.
So the reality is I might not make it through the testing, or the surgery, if I qualify. I’m very scared and very sad. II don’t know how this happened. I had no idea I was this sick. If I shouldn’t make it through next Tuesday I want to say how much this blog and all of you have added to my life. But of course I hope to get through it.
DesertGinger our prayers going out for you and to guide your surgeons hands to make it through this surgery…
it sounds like you have a good doctor….
chuck
What a scary thing to go through. I am wishing you the best outcome. May everything go perfectly smooth and you heal quickly. Lots of people are pulling for you!
Oh, Ginger…hugs, long tight hugs. Being told some things can be saddening and frightening, make us feel uniquely set apart- when what we need is the comfort of knowing that we aren’t alone… how this happened is a question much of humanity has tried to answer for centuries.
What bump in the road sent us careening in a direction varies and from conception none of us is guaranteed that our tomorrow will be spent on earth. To let people know that we appreciate and care about them as you did in your note makes each day well spent and worth celebrating. I love you, too and hope with you for only the best.
Ginger, wish I was nearby so I could give you a hug and a shoulder to lean on. I am so sorry that you received such frightening news. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope and pray that your body will find strength and healing. Please know that you are loved and supported by a powerfully good group of folks. We are cheering for you! Sending you a big hug – love you. Stay strong. xxxooo
Ginger, I work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, if you are going to be here let me know, I will be there for you. It has one of the best Cardiac Cath labs in the area. If there is anything else I can do let me know. You are in good hands, the doctors always say the worst and then pat themselves on the back because you came through with flying colors. You dot all you “i”s and cross all your “t”s and you will be prepared. The best medicine is what you already have, a good attitude! All of our prayers are with you and you know what prayers can do right?
Dear Ginger. . . If there is any way this blog can help you, especially through the next few days, please let us know. You can see from the heartfelt responses to your report that you are among good friends here, people who have never met you and yet they care very much about you. Over time your words and actions have shown us your indomitable spirit and earned you our admiration. You have added to our lives.
Now you face the toughest test of all. Know that there are folks, near and far, who are praying for you and who are ready to “listen.” Our arms reach out in virtual hugs. Love you!
Amen!
Dear DeGin, Many, many prayers for you.
You mean a lot to us here at Blogerino land. I will hold you up in thoughts and prayers for a successful outcome.
Dear Ginger, So sorry you were given this news!! Will pray all will go well for you anyway. Doctors are men and are limited even in these things. My mom was told she had no time and lived 10 more years!! So stay as positive as you can and enjoy each day so much as you possibly can (though that is not easy)!! Hugs to you!!!
Oh DeGin,
Stay strong! Scary indeed…but on the bright side…he could have said,” I can’t even try” The anesthesiologist standing by is a good thing! With that, focus focus focus on giving the best lung function test HE’S ever witnessed!
Hugs to you! Think positive…..that’s half the battle! Let’s go energizer bunny!
We will be thinking about you…sending you lots of love!
I know this will be a huge thing for you to experience, just keep your focus on getting well, being strong..and know you have a huge fan club out here sending all possible good wishes…hugs to you my dear, you can do this!
The Oppenheim ebooks can be downloaded free from Gutenberg .. here’s The Wicked Marquis.. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35361