Tuesday, January 7
Several days have gone by since I reported the activities of me and my crew from our camp on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge between Yuma and Quartzsite in southwestern Arizona.
We’re still here!
I don’t recall what day it was . . .
I load up the front seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle with an enormous mound of dirty laundry, completely obliterating my view of the side mirror. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen the inside of a laundromat!
Which way to go?
Well, Yuma is about 60 miles south from our camp on Palm Canyon Road, whereas Quartzsite is about half that distance to the north.
We turn right and head up 95. It’s a straight shot to Big Q.
Close to town we pass the Long Term Visitor Area at La Posa.
Retire and spend winters with a hundred neighbors. Enjoyed by many but it’s not for us!
Tents and crowds are gathering in Quartzsite.
I take this photo from the intersection as we stop for the light.
The laundromat is small and it is packed!
As I find a parking place, I notice a red LazyDaze. Nice Class C . . . reminds me of Tioga George’s stories about taking his rig to the laundromat.
This photo was taken later, after several laundromat patrons had left.
I storm into the bustling establishment with my laundry basket piled high. Only three machines are empty… two regular at the back and one super-big at the front. I’d better grab those machines fast or we could be here for hours.
I jam a bunch of clothes into the big washer.
The lady next to me starts a conversation. Oh, boy, here we go. Just what I need. Some compulsive talker aborting my mission. Go away, lady. I’ve got to grab those two other washers! What is it with people having to talk all the time . . . sheesh . . .
This photo has nothing to do with the story. Just providing a little visual break . . .
The lady opens the soap dispenser flap for me.
She kindly holds it open while I pour in the detergent. I thank her without eye contact and rush out to the PTV for more dirty clothes. Back in I go at lightning speed, zipping to the washers in the back. Got ’em! Whew!
I avoid the lady who tried to start up a conversation.
Gee, I was kind of rude to her. Well, gosh, I’m not going to chat with every stranger . . .
After waiting in the PTV with Bridget and Spike for about 20 minutes, I re-enter the laundromat and move the clothes in one of those wire carts over to the wall of dryers.
Another little break. This is better than pics of the inside of a laundromat, right?
The same lady starts loading her clothes in the dryer next to mine. She says something I don’t hear well because of the noise. Hmm . . She has a German accent.
The lady leans her head close to mine and says . . .
“I’m Ilse.”
Well, she coulda’ hit me in the head with a sack of wet laundry.
“ILSE!,” I exclaim. “Oh no! I didn’t know that was YOU!” I throw my arms around her and bury my red face in her shoulder. “I am SO embarrassed!”
At this point I wish I could hide behind a creosote bush in the desert.
You see, dear reader, I met Ilse only about two weeks ago when we both camped at Sidewinder Road. You may remember better than I did . . . Ilse sat in one of my camp chairs and we talked for about an hour. I posted photos of her golden retriever, Max, and of her and Max walking back to their camp.
Or maybe lie flat in a wash with my face in the dirt.
Graciously, Ilse gives me an excuse.
“That’s okay. I had on a hat and sunglasses that day.”
We continue loading dryers, talking and laughing.
All the while I’m processing what I did. I was so rude. I am such a dunce. How many people have I talked to in the past YEAR who speak with a German accent? And the red LazyDaze! I knew she had a red LazyDaze. I looked at her rig and never made the connection!
I make a lame attempt to explain my behavior. “I have poor face recognition . . .” Blah, blah, blah. I confess the evil thoughts I had.
Ilse laughs it off . . . “Oh, it doesn’t matter.”
I’d like to change the subject.
Let’s see . . . Moving right along . . .
It’s always nice to come home to our little capsule.
I put my folded-up stepladder behind a bush and folded-up chairs inside. I leave the blue mat down.
I finally get around to some projects.
Besides the magnet, the hide-a-key is secured with a plastic zip thingy through the tiny hole (on right).
Remember when I locked myself out of the PTV at Sand Island Campground, Bluff, Utah?
I vowed that would never happen again because I was going to set up a hide-a-key. Well, that was last MAY. Yep, last May.
Today I set up a hide-a-key. My brain is in time-delay mode, you see.
A month is but a day, a day is but an hour . . .
Another project about which I procrastinated is fixing the plastic shelf for the refrigerator door. A while ago — oh, maybe THREE MONTHS ago or so — a flying liter of soda cracked the shelf when we bounced over a washboard road on our way to a boondock.
This is my first repair job using Gorilla Glue. Hope it holds!
And finally . . . I’ve wanted a dust mop so I can reach the solar panel’s surface to clean it when the panel is tilted. The store didn’t have a dust mop, so I bought an old-fashioned cotton “rag” mop instead.
All I needed to do today was wipe off the desert dust.
It’s probably better than a dust mop. I can use it with water to wash the panel if it gets very dirty. Today I also used the dry mop to dust off the Best Little Trailer, too.
This is a long post.
I did that on purpose for my readers who are housebound due to the extreme cold and snow. By now I figure restlessness is setting in. I hope this post is a welcome diversion.
I include this photo even though it’s not very good. Why? So you can look for a little girl too lazy and stubborn to keep up with Spike and me on our walk.
Spike is the opposite. I have to hurry to keep up with him. He loves to run around the desert.
“Hey, you renegade! Wait for me!”
rvsue
NOTE: I hope you’ll take the time to comment. I love hearing from readers and every comment adds value to this blog. What are you doing today? What’s the weather where you are? What are your dreams? Your plans? Do you have a question for me? For another reader?
(If you receive this blog via email, you need to come to my blog at rvsueandcrew.net in order for your comment to be seen by me and readers and for you to see all our comments.)
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I can appreciate that you did not make the connection of Ilse. I do it all the time. I think my brain is on overload. Which is probably what happened to you. You’re right we all need a diversion from this cold. Although I don’t think I’ve wanted to do housework. I’ve just finished watching Downton Abbey from the recording I made. I didn’t get to watch it on Sunday. Glad you are catching up on your chores though. Have a great sunny warm day. Hugs to your crew.
Hi, Karen,
I had so many clues and still didn’t think of Ilse… The big red LazyDaze, the accent, her height (she’s taller than I am)… I knew she was in Quartzsite. Sheesh. I guess she needs to wear a big name tag, “HELLO, MY NAME IS …”
Keep warm!
I wasn’t EVER going to tattle:)
Better than that, you forgave me! 🙂
I was laughing out loud while reading this. I almost woke hubby, who is, of course, snoring in his recliner. (psst. I think his recliner emits a sleeping gas as soon as his rear hits the cushion. I should have returned the chair and told the store it was defective)
I sort of thought it was someone you knew when I saw the Lazy Daze in the photo. Too funny! How’s the crow taste? LOL
Actually I’m getting tired of eating crow. I need to vary my diet!
Hi sue & crew
It was 6 deg. here about 40 miles n e of
Charlotte.
Hi, George in North Carolina! Thanks for the report!
Hi George – we must be close – I’m in Lincolnton!
Sue, PLEASE take the part about the hidden key off this post so that everyone on the interwebs doesn’t know it’s there. And then delete this comment, too.
Thanks!
Hi, Rebecca,
The chances of anyone reading this blog being where I am and having the character of a thief and wanting to steal the PTV and finding the key… is pretty remote. I appreciate your concern. We’ll be okay.
Darn! I wish that I knew about the hidden key before we left Quartzsite today!
It was great seeing you, Sue, and catching up. We had lots of good laughs and wonderful conversation. Hope to bump into you again!
Ha! You ARE the devil! LOL!
Great seeing you, too, Chris. I may write about you in my next post . . . so stay tuned and you’d better be nice to me. (Diego’s photo is precious.)
Be careful of the Billings, be very,VERY CAREFUL. They will leave neat stuff adhered to your Casita……..word to the wise from
‘someone’ who knows…………
I agree with Rebecca, take the hidden key thing down…. You wouldn’t want someone looking for it in the middle of the night while you were inside sleeping… This can be a weird world…
They wouldn’t want to be caught looking for it in the middle of the night after the crew wakes me up! It’ll be okay, Rod. Thanks for caring.
I agree. It’s not a good idea to provide that information.
Fellow introverts sympathize. Minus 7 in Spencer last night; coldest I have seen here.
Whoa! That is cold for your area. Maybe you need to get a couple more cats, Mick. Sounds like it was a three-cat night!
7° this morning in northeast Mississippi….wind chill -4° Frozen water pipes but we are snug and warm inside. I have had so many Ilse moments!!!! Glad she was gracious and you two had a chat. I enjoyed the pictures and did find Bridget in the one you noted. You can write about anything and make it so interesting. When reading about the refrigerator tray….before I saw the picture…I said out loud ” GORILLA GLUE” . I love days like this…too cold to go anywhere…no water so I can’t CLEAN and do that awful housework. I think I will just sit here and crochet.
Hope all your wonderful readers stay warm and safe if they are in the terribly cold places. God bless you.
Hi, Pauline,
I’d guess there are a lot of frozen pipes in your part of the country. You have the right attitude: “Well, guess I can’t do housework. No water!”
Always a treat to hear from you, sister. Love you! Hope you and the family keep safe and warm.
I am enjoying reading about your adventures, even at the laundromat. 46 in central fl.
I’m glad you read my stories, Trudy, even though they’re often about very small “adventures.” Hope the citrus is okay over your way. . .
OK, you asked! 🙂
-What are you doing today? We’re currently in Palm Springs at the Happy Traveler RV Park, hiking nearby San Jacinto each morning, and attending the Palm Springs International Film Festival each evening.
-What’s the weather where you are? Gorgeous! A very balmy 80 degrees, which is why in between the above two events we’ve been poolside in our bathing suits!
-What are your dreams? To continue traveling the world, including lots of time RV’ing around the States and Canada.
-Your plans? To upgrade from our current, cozy TrailManor 2417 to a Class C in about five years, at which point we plan to full time it for about two years before returning home, selling the Class C, and returning to RV’ing in our TrailManor travel trailer. We also want to explore working as summertime docents in one or more of our National Parks.
-Do you have a question for me? Yes, I’ve long wanted to ask what your Plan B is if there comes a point when you want to once again establish permanent roots. Will you return to Georgia, or do you have eyes on another part of the country? (I’m betting it’s Arizona if so, based on your ongoing love affair with the desert.)
PS: I’ve been guilty of being inadvertently rude in my desire to get somewhere, or something done, fast. It’s part of being human – we make mistakes, pick ourselves up, try and learn from it, and move on. 🙂
Hi, Tamara,
Thanks for the nice, long comment!
What’s my Plan B? I don’t have one figured out yet. If Amazon sales continue well 🙂 and I can continue to save and I’m blessed with many more years on the road, I may be able to settle somewhere. If I ever have a house again, I’d love a “tiny house.” (Do a search for “tiny house” and you’ll see some cute ones!)
Where would it be? Maybe Arizona… I’d enjoy a place where I could plant lots of flowers. But not anytime soon!
And I hope you keep blogging if you ever do settle down. We would all miss hearing from you!!
That’s sweet, Jolene.
I do that all the time, not recognize people that recognize me. Not that I’m so recognizable…it’s just that I’m not very observent. I try to do better, but I’m really bad at it.
This morning it was -17 outside. That’s not counting windchill. Don’t want to talk about it much except to say this is terrible, and I don’t know how people that live under these conditions regularly do it.
Thanks for the reprieve!
You’re welcome, Dawn. I can understand you not wanting to talk about the cold. Hunker down where it’s warm and forgeddaboudit!
Yeah, people need to come up to me and say, “Hi, remember me? We’ve known each other for ten years and my name is . . . ” That would help a lot.
It’s currently a misty 55 degrees here in South Florida. But low 80’s are expected as soon as Thursday afternoon and through the weekend.
Sounds pretty good, Phil! Thanks for the report.
It’s a balmy 1 degree in Chicago right now. (Balmy compared to the past 48 hours where it has been in the negative double digits!) I don’t have a question for your other readers, but a snippet for all those commenting about 80 degree temperatures and swimsuits – QUIT RUBBING IT IN!
I can hardly wait until we have full-time wheels and can chase 72 as far south as we need to go. (She responds with envy in every keystroke)
Hey, RV Sue asked! 🙂
Yeah, Tamara. Weather. It is what it is.
Hi, katydid,
I know you speak in jest, but I also know it is tough to think of others basking in the sun, walking the desert, etc. when you’re freezing your tush off. We’re sorry! I’d promise to mend my ways but that wouldn’t be the truth! 🙂
I’m just feeling grouchy due to cabin fever. I’m sorry Sue. I’m sorry Tamara!
We’re kidding you. Hey, you’ve got a right to be grouchy in that weather! I was grouchy for the first twenty-odd years of my life living in upstate NY. We had summer from Tuesday to Friday.
It’s currently an overcast 66 degrees here in downtown Ontario. I’m at work, but taking a minute (or 20) to read and comment on your lovely blog. My plan is to get back to work before my boss gives me “the look”. My dream is to finish the day without strangling one or two of our clients. (these folks DO NOT LISTEN) I think I may have consumed too much coffee this morning.
I know you love the BLT, but if you could change anything at all about it, what would that change be?
Hi, Teri,
I like your dream. I hope you obtain it. 🙂 It’s so hard dealing with people every day.
I’ve thought carefully about your question: What would I change about the BLT?
I wish the Casita factory would produce a trailer for people who camp alone. I have mine set up with plastic drawers along one side (the kind you can get at WalMart) and our bed is on the other side. I’d really like Casita to make built-in drawers on one side all the way from the refrigerator (thinking Liberty Deluxe model) to the back wall. The top of the drawers would make one, smooth, very handy countertop.
Then the bed on the other side would be a little wider, not much, just a little so the aisle remains wide enough.
That’s it! In other words, I want what I have now but factory built, not plastic add-ons. Great question!
I totally understand the need to have quiet. I never thought I would be one to get tired of talking but I find I can only take so much then I need no conversation.
Thanks for the desert fix!! We are cold and very windy even down here in Ft. Myers, FL today. Our high is 55 but the wind is very chilling. Luckily, it is only one day for us.
Hi, John and Pam,
There are some readers of this blog who would love to have your 55 degrees with chilly wind. . . and have it warmer after one day!
I’ve been to Ft. Myers… great destination in winter!
Loved Bridget and Spike’s New Years’ Resolutions by the way. Here it was I don’t know, -12 as a high yesterday. I finally got around to putting elastic in the neckline of the sweater I knit for Stella, my terrier mix, last winter. I am a novice knitter but the idea of a dog sweater did not seem that hard; however, the pattern was for a much smaller dog so I just kind of winged how many stitches I was adding; plus, I kept adding stitches by accident and the neckhole got to the the largest part of the sweater. She could run right out of the sweater. The elastic did the trick as far as keeping it on her body, but it is still a terrible sweater. I’ll have to try again. She didn’t stay outside much yesterday but it’ll be warming up from now on.
By the way I now think of you and the crew every time I see a rotisserie chicken.
Happy New Year….
Oh, Linda, you’re making my sides hurt! LOL! I can see a terrier running right through the neck hole of your handmade sweater! And, oh, be sure to say hi for me to the next rotisserie chicken you meet.
Hi RvSue!
I think you’re a bit warmer there today then we are in northwest Florida, where we woke to a chilly 19 degrees this morning and only reached a high of 32! At least the sun was shining brightly all day so it felt pretty good as long as we sat by one of our south-facing windows. Our Casita is parked in the backyard, sadly alone and waiting for warmer weather to arrive so we can go on our next trip. My wife and I sure do enjoy reading every one of your adventures in with your Casita, Spike and Bridget.. We’ve read them all a least two times in fact, which I suppose make us true RvSue addicts!
Happy camping and keep safe out there,
Larry
Gee, Larry… You’ve read all this nonsense twice? Good heavens, we need to do an intervention! 🙂
Seriously, thanks for being a devoted reader. Boy, that is chilly for Florida. Yes, it is warmer here. It went down into the 30s for a low, but, like you said, the sun is warm during the day. I took my morning coffee outside with the crew and let the sun beat on my back to take the chill out of me.
Nice to hear from you, Larry. Regards to Mrs. Larry.
At the same point yesterday, I noticed on the weather site that Navarre, FL, had a temperature of 28, while Anchorage, AK, had a temperature of 26. Is that odd or what?
Maybe one was the low and the other the high? Well, yes, the weather is odd.
No. It was actually the current temp at the time!
Hi Sue,
Well I’m here in Wa. State it’s about 47 and wet.
And today I took my 82 year old Mom bowling, in one game she got a 176. She was a good bowler in her younger days, and still is. Well she can still out bowl me.
So I lost the bet and had to buy lunch.
I’m 59 and people come up to me to say hi, and I have no clue who they are until they tell me. It’s because I get tunnel vision when I go to the store or to the bank or wherever, and I just want to get whatever I’m doing done. So don’t feel bad, your not the only one.
My Mom love’s the photo’s you post, so don’t slow down ! The more the better even though she’s a cat lover, she has three, she still enjoys the dog pictures.
Scott
Hi, Scott and Scott’s mom,
Yay for mom! She deserves you to buy her lunch.
Tunnel vision. Yep, that’s what I had. My mind was on snagging those washers and nothing else!
I’ll keep the photos coming. It’s nice to know they’re appreciated. Thanks for writing, Scott. I enjoyed hearing from you.
I had to laugh at your Ilse moment. My husband has those. He can never remember a name or a face. He constantly needs to be brought up to speed on characters in a TV show or a movie.
Well, I think we’re up to 8 degrees here in southwest Michigan. Woke up to 0 degrees on Monday morning. And lots and lots (and lots) of snow. That lovely lake effect. I’m currently not employed (by choice) so I don’t really HAVE to go anywhere, although I probably should get out and air myself out ;-). I did indeed enjoy your long post today. Been spending a little too much time alone. I chat my husband’s ear off when he gets home. I used to work in a job where I talked to people all day, and then I would come home and not even want to answer the phone. Oh, how life changes.
P.S. Love those huge washers at the laundromat. Wish my washer at home could hold 6 loads – I’d be done in no time! One lesson I learned while we were out East last May was to check the drum of those front loaders – we ended up losing some clothes because they apparently stuck to the top.
Well, Marsha, I do think I lost two socks during that foray at the laundromat. At first I thought I lost a pillow sham. I checked all the machines. No sham. Now how do you lose a pillow sham? I looked in the PTV, in the parking lot, everywhere!
This morning I find it under the covers. Apparently I inadvertently folded it up inside the quilt and slapped it down on the bed without seeing it.
“I probably should get out and air myself out.” Too funny! Don’t freeze while you’re out there!
I have a niece who won’t wear anything but mismatched socks so you can be right in style. I also had a friend who claimed that socks are the currency for an alternate universe and that is where they go.
Saw a picture of you in the Bayfield Bunch blog. Just wanted to say I like your hat.
Thanks, Eric. I like it, too. Although I think it makes my butt look fat.
Now THAT’S funny!!! I gotta use that line!
About 10 years ago I was fulltiming in a fifth wheel and passed through Quartzite. As it happened I had a broken plastic shelf in the door of my fridge also. Held together only through the Miracle of Duct Tape. I had tried to find a replacement all over the Great State of California for weeks, but nobody kept the things. They all wanted me to order it. “Should be in a couple of weeks”. Ha. In a couple of weeks from any particular date I was liable to be in the next state over.
And sure enough, I was. As I passed through Quartzite I noticed an RV parts store on the left side of the main (perhaps the only) north-south road, just a couple of blocks north of the main intersection. I inquired. They had it. And pretty darn cheap, at that. Worth a try.
And that’s about the only thing good I have to say about Quarzite.
Bob
Hi, Bobg,
I know that place! I think that’s where I bought LED lights my first visit to Quartzsite in Jan. 2012. I may stop in there the next time I go to town. By then I should have a good idea if my repair job is going to hold. I’m letting the shelf set for 24 hours before using it.
Q is okay before the people arrive. I thought I might stop and wander around the tents, but, gee, the place with the crowds gives me the heebie-jeebies. I shot back home.
I think the laundromat kinda lends itself to introverted behavior…. Ya bring all your nasty soiled stuff and personal stuff and the like to rub shoulders with the person next to you that always seems nosey… I seem to go into a cocoon and go out and wait in the car for stuff to get done.. And I would never expect to find an acquaintance at such a place…
And perhaps Isle should have reminded you who she was a little quicker, once it was apparent you hadn’t made the connection who she was…
My late wife often went to the laundry in RV parks at 11 PM so she wouldn’t have to be involved with other folks, or a crowd…
Rod
You make an interesting point, Rod, about laundromats making us more introverted. I don’t know about you, but I was told never to air my dirty laundry in public! Ha!
Oh, no, Ilse is not to blame. She couldn’t have told me the way I was rushing around and then sitting in the PTV.
Ilse… If you’re reading this… Hope you take all this in the great spirit with which you took my social blunder! 🙂 Thanks for the blog material!
Your late wife had the right idea, Rod. Only I’m not a night person and I can’t seem to get away from camp early in the morning. Gotta’ savor the coffee, read comments, and all that. 🙂
30 years ago, a neighbor was doing her laundry 11pm after working her second job. Police found her body next morning. Sorry to be morbid, but it’s true and you can sugar coat it. 11 pm is not a safe time to do laundry! Stay safe Sue and readers!!!
Today is warmer in FL (Thursday) but heavy humidity and rain threat! I am surfacing again from the 2 week head cold! YUCK!
Trying to catch up Sue!!!
Great to see you back here, Geri! I’ve missed you!
Hi Sue and the “Crew”,
I have been reading along for a couple of months now. Love your pics, stories, and those 2 beautiful puppies. You all make my heart smile!!! Your boondocking stories/pics in the SW are so inspiring. I have learned a lot from you and am anxiously awaiting for everything to fall into place so I will be on the road FT soon.
It is 8 degrees here in Iowa with a bustling wind today. I am curled up next to the fire catching up on your latest post and dreaming about my own soon to be RV adventures. The plan is in place, this Friday is my last day at work, house is on the market, and I am selling out most all of my personal belongings. What a cleanse this is!!!! Sue your blogs are keeping me motivated to continue on with this dream thanks for that.
Hugs ,
Michele ✌️
Enjoyed your comment very much, Michele. I’m happy you are getting a lot out of my blog. Thanks for letting me know and also for sharing your progress toward realizing your dream.
Congratulations on your retirement this Friday! What a happy day! And best of luck selling the house and continuing with your plans. I’m glad you’re riding along with Bridget, Spike and me . . .
Hi Sue, we continue to love the blog.
Regarding your fridge shelf. I suggest that you travel with it EMPTY of anything heavy. Not only can you break the shelf, you can break the HINGE on your door and that’s either an expensive door replacement (as in $160 plus) or a pain to repair. The top hinge on our fridge broke, probably a delayed reaction to the Apache Trail and it took Paul two days, some screws and JBWeld to get it back together! I know 2 liter soda bottles or gallon milk jugs “fit” on the big shelf on the door but they are no longer allowed to go there on our fridge and if we’re going off pavement, the door shelves are pretty empty. Just a heads up that broken shelves are pretty common and broken door hinges aren’t that unusual.
Good advice, as always, Reine. I’ve learned my lesson and now I baby those shelves. The repaired one will be the highest one and will carry the lightest things of all.
I didn’t put the liter of soda in the door shelf. My mistake was putting it on its side on an interior shelf. When we bounced around, it rolled out of there and smacked into the shelf. Now I check the refrigerator as part of the routine of breaking camp to make sure nothing heavy can act like a torpedo.
Another thing that can break a fridge door at the hinge, is using the door as a crutch to get up from a squatting position (looking into the lower part of the fridge). My ex-husband had a habit of doing that and, sure enough, the bottom half of a full-sized refrigerator’s door came off.
Thanks for writing the warning here. It reinforces what I’ve learned and it may prevent some damage to readers’ refrigerators. Hope all is well with you and Paul!
I’m always on the OTHER side of the Ilse exchange….I must have a forgettable face!! If she’s like me, she got a good laugh out of it! And I love your charming apology!
You know what you need, Linda, is a hat. Works for me! 🙂 Wear it wherever you go . . .
Very, very cold here also. Returning to school from Christmas break was delayed a day. Teachers reported today for our inservice and shivered all day as the “experts” turned off the heat over the break. The result? 30 schools all turning on the heat at one time, which created problems (power outages) in our city and county. So, due to the excessive electric drain and the burst water pipes at a couple of schools, we are out again tomorrow. Hooray–supposed to be in the 60’s by the weekend.
Hi, DeAnne,
That is so typical! Try to save some money and end up causing a boatload of problems. Now you’ll probably have to make up the days in June with the a/c running in all the schools. Crazy.
Well, 60s by the weekend. Light at the end of the tunnel! I second your Hooray!
Comment from Part 1:
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Comment from Part 2:
You BOUGHT something at the store instead of ordering from AMAZON??
Comment from Part 3:
Dang! They’re both tiny specks in those pics!
Let’s see….I believe I saw it got down to 0 where I am in Westmoreland TN. No frozen pipes, but the backroads here are not thawing. Interstates, main roads, and roads close to Nashville are pretty well clear, from what I hear. My office has it set up where we can remote into the mainframe from home on our laptops, so I’ve been able to actually work yesterday and today. Cat keeps staring out the window and crying, but refuses to go out.
BWAAAHAAHHAA… You sillybug! Always fun to hear from you, Ladybug. Don’t work too hard and keep warm!
Hi Sue,
You gave me a good LOL, “My hat makes my Butt look fat” I have never heard that one, do you mind if I use it?
I went down to KM 21 south of Nogales to get visa’s and a car permit. No lines today and only 3rd car in line going through Customs coming back into USA. I will be in Mexico for a few months, but we have Wifi and will continue to follow you and crew.
Safe travels..
Sure, Tom, you can use my line referring to the causal relationship between my hat and my behind. 🙂
Have a good time in Mexico! Yes, do continue to follow us and stop by again. Safe travels to you, too.
Coming home from work today it was hard to tell if it was icy road or heavy wind that would make my car swerve every so often. Pretty unnerving! My dog and my foster dog are not at all happy about having to go outside to do their business. The poor foster just arrived from KY, I don’t know if she’s ever experienced weather like this – the snow in the backyard was up to her shoulders on Sunday and now it’s a glacier of ice. Both dogs are labs, though, so you’d think that heritage would help a little! Your two might be down sharing the cat’s litter box by now!
Your pics of AZ make me a little homesick – I lived in Flagstaff and then Mesa, for a total of about three years a few decades back. I’m an Easterner through and through, but I do have some fond memories of life in the southwest. I love your blog!
Hi, Pat,
That is scary… ice on the road or wind or worst of all, both. I’m surprised your labs aren’t bouncing all over the snow, having a great time. Maybe they will be once they get over the shock.
I’m glad you love my blog. Thanks for writing, Pat.
I’m sorry to be so dense, but someone tell me what ROC stands for? Republic of China?
I dunno for sure (but seems to fit with the snow and ‘Easterner’ comment) but truck drivers call Rochester NY ‘Roc City’.
Hmm… That could be it. But, then, she could be in eastern China and it gets cold there, right? 😉
True, true. I’ve also heard the term ‘Republic of California’, so I guess she could be in them thar snowy mountains. 😀
HAHA! Rochester, NY! But I do like Republic of China. I didn’t mean to confuse. And I have a question, one I think of frequently as I look at your pictures but completely forgot to ask. What about snakes? Do you run into them? Seems like you would, especially in Arizona. Can you guess I’m a little phobic about them?
Okay, Pat in Rochester… 🙂
The crew and I have been traveling and camping since August 2011. In all that time we have not encountered one venomous snake, and we have done a lot of walking in the desert. In fact, I’ve only seen one snake. It was harmless, lying in the road. I saw more snakes when I lived in Georgia.
I’m phobic about snakes, too. That’s one reason why I don’t hang around in the desert when it’s time for the snakes to emerge from their underground homes. If a snake were to emerge now, it would be very sluggish (can’t think of the correct term for that right now.)
Hi Sue,
I think it’s so nice that you actually read and respond to comments when possible. Has it ever been ‘just too much trouble or bother’? I could understand how that might happen occasionally.
We’re COLD down here in south Louisiana but you won’t hear me complain. August is an intensely miserable month and I’m soaking up all this chill so I can remember it when the humidity and heat try to kill me this summer.
What are my dreams? Oh that’s easy: I’d love to chuck all these domestic chores and live like you and the crew. But alas, no. I’m raising 2 teen boys (15 & 18), mental-pause is seriously jacking with my brain cells, I have a husband………and if that weren’t enough (!), I still haven’t packed all the Christmas decorations away. “Oh Calgon, if there were ever a hope of taking someone away, LET IT BE ME!”
As for yet another question that I’ve wondered: Do the plastic drawers that you have set up ever tumble all over the place while you’re traveling down a washboard of a road? Or do you have them velcro’d? I think your design idea for Casita is brilliant – you should give them the idea and they could name it the “RVSue Version” and you could make a commission!!!!!!! (oh yeah, I totally DO think you could sell it!)
Thanks for another enjoyable day, if only through the moments spent reading your blog (it’s never THAT bad but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that you’re always a welcomed break from my reality) 🙂
Hugs,
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
Are the comments too much trouble or a bother? No! Sometimes I look at all the comments, when there are a lot of them, and I hesitate. But once I get started, I enjoy responding. I’m extremely grateful for every reader and even more so for those who take the time to write and share a bit of themselves.
About the plastic drawers… I don’t have velcro on them. They’re simply stacked. When breaking camp, I place them on the floor in the aisle of the BLT. It only takes a minute and then nothing falls as we go down the road. It would be nice if they were built-ins. Yeah, Casita shoulda’ asked me how to make a trailer . . .
Sounds like you’re up to your ears in domestic responsibilities… Glad to give you a break!
You’ve got prosopagnosia: no memory of faces! You’re in good company, along with Jane Goodall, who mentioned her condition in her book. I could understand that she has it because — well — all chimpanzees look alike (perhaps not to them). However, with you lacking chimp input, apparently this issue is much more complicated.
Our So. Cal. coastal weather: Yesterday, 75, sunny and balmy. Today, 66 and overcast at the beach. Rain due Thursday.
What I’m doing today: Signing up my disabled brother for Meals on Wheels, so that he has a more nutritious diet and I have a few more free caregiver days in the new year to pursue my dream.
My dream: To begin Buddhist studies (online) this spring with a monastery in Washington State. To visit the monastery sometime during the new year and stay at the beautiful campsites along the way in Washington and Oregon, as you did. To meditate in the beauty of the Northwest.
My question for you: Would you be willing to consider that those strangers who greet you and (rightfully) impinge upon your privacy are not so much annoying strangers, but co-residents of this very small, fragile planet? Would you be willing to consider that their greeting to you creates is a valuable moment of kindness in this world?
I say this with all warm and kindness as a caregiver, who tries to turn moments of torment into moments of joy — but often fails!
Hi, Gayle,
I do have a poor ability to recognize faces. It was a bit of a handicap as a teacher and led to some awkward moments with parents whom I should’ve recognized and associated with a student and didn’t.
I guess I gave the impression that I go about snarling at people and spraying evil thoughts out into the cosmos. LOL!
Most of the time I treat people with consideration and kindness. I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me with the “would you be willing” statements. I do my best to think well of people most of the time, but I’m only human. I also readily admit my missteps. My gift is in doing good things for people when called to do so, rather than meditating.
I’m blessed that my “moments of torment” are in the past, I haven’t had any more of them in my senior years.
Best wishes for your monastery experience. Enjoy those camps in Oregon and Washington! The crew and I certainly did. I pray you have the strength needed each day as a caregiver for your brother. Thanks for writing, Gayle.
Well, today in Philadelphia, PA, it was a balmy 12 degrees with a wind chill of -3!
Tomorrow, we are having a “heat wave”, it will be…wait for it… 20 degrees! Where is global warming when you need it? Although I think that is a major factor in some of the terrible weather we’ve had the last few years.
What I would like to do is to jump into one of your desert pix and warm up for a while…like, for years.
Hmmm, Sue wants us to ask a question. Since I am hoping to be traveling North America in an RV in a couple of years, I would like to know what one thing you think I can do to best help to prepare myself for this.
And keep up the good work with the blog, it is a joy to read.
Hi, Rosemary,
Thank you for the compliment on my blog.
What should you do to prepare for traveling in an RV? If you mean for an extended period of time, I’d say… “Know thy self.” In other words, travel and camp in a way that suits YOU!
Do you like to connect with other people, make new friends, participate in group activities? Would you rather have time for yourself out in natural surroundings? Do you like a lot of comforts, thus requiring electricity? Do you enjoy “making do” and living simply?
Those are just a few questions to consider. Then you can plan a trip that will be rewarding and fun for you. Your answers will also determine the correct choice of rig for yourself, your budget, what you take with you, how you equip your rig, etc. It all springs from knowing yourself.
(Maybe you already know. I write this for any reader who happens upon my reply.)
Best wishes for a real heat wave! 🙂
Well, Sue, you asked. We are backed up in our 5th wheel to the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Santa Cruz,Ca. It is about 60 degrees, no wind and looks like it will be another gorgeous sunset. I know you don’t like California so much. It’s expensive but this day in January is one of the reasons many come here. My thoughts are with those on the east coast and in the mid west. I especially think of animals that can’t get inside.
Hi, Marilu,
What? I LOVE California… what I’ve seen and experienced so far! I do want to tour the coast someday as I’m sure it will make for a wonderful trip . . . and the weather is great.
I think of the animals, too, when the temperatures drop so low. So many feral dogs and cats are trying to find food and warmth. And livestock out in the elements, as well as wildlife. .. how awful for them. There’s a temperature point at which even animals in the wild are not able to stand the cold.
Thanks for writing, Marilu. Sounds like you’re in a beautiful place.
Your behaviour with… Ilse, reminds me of my own attitude sometimes with people I do not know … or remember. I made the same mistake times and times over… sometime I do not want to meet no one. Your living style reminds me of Diogenes in a sense…
Diogenes was Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy? Diogenes made a virtue of poverty. He begged for a living and slept in a large ceramic jar… vs fibreglass eggshell.
Diogenes maintained that all the artificial growths of society were incompatible with happiness and that morality implies a return to the simplicity of nature. So great was his austerity and simplicity that the Stoics would later claim him to be a wise man. In his words, “Humans have complicated every simple gift of the gods.
Many anecdotes of Diogenes refer to his dog-like behaviour, and his praise of a dog’s virtues. Diogenes believed human beings live artificially and hypocritically and would do well to study the dog.
Dogs are thought to know instinctively who is friend and who is foe. Unlike human beings who either dupe others or are duped, dogs will give an honest bark at the truth.
I do not want to be judgmental but the parallel is stunning… to me at the least. I’m thinking of living your way of life eventually and I try to evaluate my profound motivation before I die.
Living on less and enjoying life more. Yeah, it make sense.
Sergio
A very interesting and thought-provoking comment, Sergio. I certainly do not live an austere life, but I do relate to Diogenes’ thoughts on dog behavior and human behavior. Yes, we can learn a lot from our canine friends!
I particularly relate to and agree with the idea from Diogenes… “all the artificial growths of society were incompatible with happiness and that morality implies a return to the simplicity of nature.”
That states the very foundation of my happy life, living in a small trailer with two dogs, camped in nature by ourselves. And, if I may add, with the knowledge and love of God.
And, yes, how we humans, to paraphrase.. “complicate the simple gifts of God.”
Thanks for sharing this with us, Sergio.
Sue you have been such an inspiration to me with your lifestyle and philosophy of life -living on less and enjoying life more. Thank you.
I doubt that full timing is in my future but I am still doing the downsizing, simple sizing. Anyone walking into my house would think I’d been robbed there is so much open space now – and I love it.
Here in Duluth, Minnesota we celebrated a nice high of six below. All schools have been shut down for the last two days with 60 degree below zero wind chills. I stayed home and crocheted. – Hey it works, nice calming activity and beats the home improvement projects I could be working on. I do have water and heat so no excuse, just didn’t feel like it, it can be done another day.
My dream, I don’t know. I thought I did but after almost three years of retirement I am not sure anymore, but that’s what these lazy winter days are good for – thinking. For now I will continue to enjoy your adventures.
Hi, Mary,
Reading your comment I feel like I’ve visited you in your home and sat with you a while, as you crocheted. 🙂 Your words radiate calm and patience.
I know the feeling you mention in regards to downsizing. I lived for several months in a house cleared of stuff. I basically “lived” in the bedroom. A bed, a dresser, a nightstand, a lamp… and I found it’s enough. (Well, of course I ventured out to the bathroom and kitchen!). Housework was drastically reduced and was replaced with a feeling of freedom.
Sounds like you’re ruminating on your life… and that IS a great use of a lazy winter day.
Thank you for following my blog and for contributing to the discussion, Mary.
Greetings from freezer land!! heh…we lived in colder places than this (NC) but the houses were better equipped too. The pipes froze some this AM…took several hours and much running about by hubby to get it going again…we did not think it would freeze at 11 degrees outside because we had the heat at 70 degrees inside…well, the laundry room gets colder…but still we did not think it would. Hubby poked his head up in the attic hole today…saw daylight…argh!! No wonder!! And I think we have some squirrels living up there!! I don’t blame them…probably warmer than outside. But this is not our house, it is daughter’s rental…oh well, lots of moola to the electric dept this month!! And we are leaving the water run at a trickle for the next day or so, till things warm up a bit. I read it is the coldest here in over 2 decades…and while we have been here when it was cold…to me it does not feel much colder because it is so dry…virtually no humidity which is indeed rare for here!!
Tomorrow, if all goes well, we are headed up to Virginia…hope the motel is warm!!
Hope you are warm enough there too!!
Glad you made amends with Ilse!! You know, it is men that would worry me more!! If you find lots of friendly people there, that is a switch from some places I have lived. I would say here in NC it is kind of in the middle there…but I can tell you where NOT to bother going too (and in a western state, shame on them…westerners are supposed to be friendly!!) But I suppose all of us miss out on some nice other people when we are busy with a project or something…it is easy to ignore and not talk!! Usually I am talky with people, if they wish to talk, but sometimes I have hurried away too…always hope my antenna was working right!!
Elizabeth, you are lady who keeps moving! Too bad about the pipes, not fun. You’re right about the houses in the more southerly regions not being equipped for cold. I had frozen pipes in Georgia. Don’t remember having that problem in New York.
Poor squirrels want to be warm, but they are a royal PAIN.
I’ve been fortunate to encounter only friendly people on our travels of the West. Of course, I don’t hang around long enough for folks to show their bad side! Or for me to show mine!
Keep warm and be careful traveling tomorrow. Turn that motel heater up to high! Nice to hear from you again . . .
I so enjoy reading about your journeys…my Husband and I love camping in the Desert. Maybe our paths will cross.
Hi, Diane,
Great to see you here! I’m happy you are enjoying our travels, fellow desert-lover! Thanks for stopping by . . .
OK so I’m late to the party today! Love the photos and Ms and Mr Bridget and Spike or should I say Ms and Mr specks…LOL. Oh and I love the hat and no it’s fine and doesn’t enhance your gluteus maximus. I had to laugh about you not realizing it was Ilse, I do the same thing at the grocery store – I live outside of Jefferson (small town) and I often pass by people I know concentrating on my list…I HATE grocery shopping along with most other domestic things. A hide a key is on my list for this weekend…locked myself out of the truck (not the first time either) at the gas station…$55. later grrrr so I can empathize big time.
Last night was pretty chilly for NE GA (Jefferson) 7ish degrees so they say and today’s high was in the mid 20’s although we had little wind and Odie had a ball with zoomies all over the place. I like it cool but not frigid.
What did I do today, walked the dog and got ready for work and got called off after I’d called in and was told they’d need me, at least I didn’t get all the way into Athens only to turn around, I work as a PRN patient sitter at one of the hospitals. I finished watching the rerun of the first episode of season 4 Downton Abbey on my computer…soo much stuff I had to re watch!
Dreams and plans, sell this place, buy a small trailer and return to the west where I’m from. I don’t know if I would be a good full timer, I’d like to have my own version of a “tiny home” read that blog all the time and my only complaint is the don’t design much for the older person…no way would I climb a ladder to sleep at my age. I have a small one room cottage design in my head attached to a 3 slot garage one slot being being an RV port. I want to spend more time with my photography and more time out seeing the flora and fauna of the PNW. Funny I’d already had the above planned before I found your blog…LOL
My question for you is; when you bought your Casita had you look at other TT’s or RV’s and what made you choose the floor plan you have vs the others available?
I’m looking at the Northwood Nash17k and really like it…built for boondocking and is considered a 4 season as I like cooler climes, it seems more of a fit for me right now…but who knows it still might be a Casita.
Hi, MK,
You’re not late to the party. We’ve just begun! 🙂
I don’t know if you saw my reply to your comment where you mentioned living in Jefferson. I remember eating BBQ at a joint in Jefferson and know the route well from that town to Athens. Yeah, that IS pretty cold for NE Georgia.
I used to dislike grocery shopping, too. Now it’s a big excursion. The boondockers go to a store! Whoop-de-doo!!!
I know what you mean about the tiny houses and lofts. I did come across a plan with a place for a bed downstairs. Wish I knew where I saw that. Funny how your thinking aligned with mine before seeing my blog. Photography, nature, RVing, Pacific Northwest, tiny house…
There was a guy camped on this road who had a Nash 17k… cute yet roomier than a Casita.
Enjoyed hearing from you and reading your newsy comment. Snuggle Odie and keep warm!
I’m not a BBQ fan so I’m not sure where you ate. BBQ places seem to come and go down here in the South.
The guy who started the blog has the Tumbleweed tiny homes plans and some do have a small BR on the ground floor but I like a more open floor plan so I don’t feel so enclosed, but I get a lot of my ideas from his website!
Funny the Casita plan I’d picked out is the one with the chairs that I’d take out and put in a desk with a tall narrow pantry on the Bathroom side. I’d also get the mattress and convert to a fulltime bed with storage compartments below. There are so many mods people have made to their Casitas and I started adding up all I would do to make it mine and realized the Nash17k would be a better fit with few changes- one being the fabric color scheme. Why iz it that all TT’s/RV’s seem to have gag color and print schemes.
I like the Nash first because it meets my wants and it’s built in Oregon where I plan to spend the majority of my time also because it’s got a Queen size bed with lots of storage underneath, an oven and that’s great for me as I’ve had to start cooking and baking due to my very restrictive diet I’m on for heath reasons – No wheat/grains dairy, no vegies/fruits with natural fungus on them, no citrus, no red meat or pork oh and another difficult one no sugar…the list goes on and it would make boondocking difficult without the ability to make my own bread and other things. The other thing I like about the Nash is the “closet” in the kitchen area that can be used as a pantry!
Odie’s not much of a snuggler sadly, he’s a breeder buy back re-home and was poorly socialized after leaving the breeder and little training…he’s getting there though. I value Odie as he is my 3rd herding breed dog and has convinced me he will be my last!…My heart dog was a laid back shorty JRT and I’ll get another when Odie crosses the bridge.
Yes some days I really laugh when I read your blog as I feel you have invaded my dreams…LOL.
Enjoy your day and can’t wait for your next great adventure with the crew!
MK,
I like the Nash as well, but they are taller and heavier than the Casita. Most all need a pickup to tow the extra weight where a Casita can be towed by an SUV.
I also like the Bigfoot Travel trailers. They are built in Canada, are all-season and have dealers in northern USA including Oregon. They have a 17.5 ft, not as tall as the Nash, but good size.
I too am a fan of the tiny house, hate the loft bedroom, being older, but like the bedroom plan on fist floor. If I was going to do that and make it permanent, I’d not put it on a trailer, but on a foundation with real plumbing and and make it just a little larger.
I wondered why the tiny houses are put on trailers until I read somewhere that the purpose is to get around ordinances requiring permanent residences to be larger than a certain minimum.
Oops, forgot to answer your question…
I eliminated Class As and Cs, because of the cost to maintain and the desire to have a vehicle. Class Bs are expensive when bought new and I didn’t want to live in a vehicle.
I also quickly eliminated other travel trailers because of the location of their factories. The Casita factory in Texas was two days drive away from my Georgia home with my sister’s house midway between. So it was easy. Once I took a closer look at the Casitas, I was hooked!
The Liberty Deluxe floor plan appealed to me because of its flexibility. You can configure the space in many ways and there isn’t a permanent fixture like a dinette taking up room better used for other things. Ditto with the swivel chairs in the other model. Didn’t need or want them.
A couple of years ago I decided to go small. I’ve admired Casitas for years for their smooth looking exteriors, but at 76 inches tall I am too big for them. I ended up with an older Skyline Weekender the same length as yours but 76 inches high inside. I lost that smooth Casita exterior, but gained a stand-up shower and the ability to easily make renovations. For instance, I wanted an office…
Here’s before:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=wkwsw&s=5#.Ush9BNxdV8E
Here’s after:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=b4xn3b&s=5#.Ush85dxdV8E
All I lost was whatever storage is taken up by the chair legs, and I can easily return it to its original state by bringing the cushions back in.
O, I also brought the TV down to eye level to use it as a computer monitor, and cut down a TV tray to use as a miniature desk.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ztlgqu&s=5#.Ush9etxdV8E
I’m not sure I could have added a chair that way working with fiberglass in the Casita, or if there would be room underneath for the chair legs. There’s just something about wood that gives me the confidence to tear things apart and know I can always put them back the way they were!
But I still miss that beautiful exterior you have…uh…the Casita, that is…uh… not that…uh…o, you know what I mean.
bob
Clever mods, Bob! Thanks for showing them.
MK I don’t know if you have looked at the Grey Wolf. But I purchased a 17ft this past fall and love it. I have a jack knife sofa, dinette, full bed in corner with single bunk overhead. It suits me perfectly as I am usually camping solo.
Here’s a link . . . The first one on the page looks like it might be yours, Karen.
Grey Wolf floor plans Readers: Click on floor plan to enlarge.
Cute!
Yes I have and the bed is a double and at my height I want a queen which the Nash 17k has, it also is a true 4 season TT and build for the colder climes mostly for hunters. Thanks for the info tho.
I, too, am interested in RV ports. I would love to have one with a large one-room “home” on a lake or river. I’ve actually downloaded some photos in recent months. I would love to full-time, and maybe spend 4 months of that in our hometown area in an RV port. Don’t think hubby would ever go that route, though. That would be the answer to keeping some family treasures that you’re not ready to give up just yet, and possibly a place to stay once you’re too old to drive the RV around the country.
That does sound like an inexpensive, simple solution, Crystal. An RV port on a small piece of land would provide a mailbox!
Haven’t commented for a long while… so here it is! Still yearn for your mode of travel out in the boonies…we ditched the Casita…two people during long dark hours wasn’t working on us. We still plan to follow some of your routes in the SW once we get the right rig worked out! Right now….finding fun on the coast of AL and loving beach, trails, eating plenty of seafood, and running from other resort residents LOL! Taking awhile to get your feet wet, figure out how this all works but still happy as a peach! And thankful for you sharing your life as always….you are what made us take this step and gosh what a cool ride! May 2014 be your best yet! Cozygirl
Hi, cozygirl!
You do sound happy! And you’re having fun on the Alabama coast. Good for you!
I understand why you got rid of your Casita. I would never recommend a Casita for two people, although I know folks who do camp… and one couple that lived fulltime, and another couple presently living fulltime… in a Casita. In general, I think it’s perfect for one person.
For a couple wanting to boondock, I say, get a rig that’s big enough for the two of you and no more than that. In other words, get as small a rig in which you both can live comfortably and happily.
Good luck finding the right rig for you. It’s fun, isn’t it!
There is another laundromat on Main St. that is huge. There is a diner in the front that has really good food. And in the back there are showers for the public for a really reasonable price. Everything is in the same building— really big building. Lots of washers and dryers.
Kathy! Come back! Where on Main Street? I need more directions! Help!
Based on her description, I suspect it’s here: http://www.mainstreetlaundromat.biz/MSL/(S(bs0h2mz0lldnubiyu3ptyx45))/App_Pages/p00100Welcome.aspx
Ok, that didn’t work right….try just http://www.mainstreetlaundromat.biz (might have to paste into browser).
Thanks a bunch,Ladybug! I saw the map at their site. I don’t know how I missed it. I’ve been down that street several times.
Heading north on 95 you go over the freeway to stop light—Main St. Turn right and keep looking to thru right—long grey building; I think it’s across the street from one of the little markets. It has “laundromat written across the building. I’ll try to find out the name of it from our friends who stay there all winter.
We will be back there right after the Super Bowl :-).
I think I know where that is! I bought propane there! Gosh, what IS it with me and tunnel vision lately? I like your subtle hint to pay attention . . . “It has laundromat written across the building.” Too funny! Thanks for the clue!
Hi Sue. I was gonna mention this laundromat also, much bigger! They also have a good sized chain link fenced doggy area too, just out side the door and across the parking lot is a water vending machine.
BTW…it’s 17 right now in the Prescott area! :/
Thanks, Vicki. . .
Oh well, if I’d gone to that laundromat I wouldn’t have bumped into Ilse!
Temp was about 5 below today with a very strong wind whipping snow across frozen Clear Lake. The house was quite cozy with a fire in the wood stove while I packed up all the Xmas decorations. I am getting rid of excess in preparation for what I hope to be a minimalist style of RVing. Each day brings us closer to our build date 🙂 I used to think of going to Florida in the winter, but since becoming an RV Sue follower, I know for certain I must see Arizona and Utah…….great post today Sue, and I did see Bridget in the pic.
Hi, Val,
Yes, we’re seeing a great migration shift to the Southwest instead of Florida, due to “rvsue and her canine crew!” Haha!
Your house with a fire in the wood stove sounds so warm and cozy. Snow whipping across a frozen lake? Not so nice.
Glad you liked the post. Thanks for dropping in!
I can relate to wanting to rush in and out of the laundromat. I go about once per month. Sundays seems to be a pretty quiet day to go to the laundromat, I’ve found. What a funny story with Illse! That was me today at the Quartzsite water dispenser. There was a gentlemen that looked like he wanted to chat and asked how I was. I graciously, yet curtly said “I’m good, thank you,” and carried on with my business. I just simply did not feel like chatting at that time. In and out. That’s it.
Well, I finally made it to Quartzsite today, to Bob’s RTR. It was tough for me to leave the solitude of Kofa after 8 days of talking to no one….except you, Sue! Ha ha! You were the only human voice I heard at Kofa! How about that!
Now, at RTR, I’ve managed to veer off into my own corner of the giant open space we’re all in. So far, good seclusion, peace and quiet. I greeted Bob, Judy, a few other folks and a friend for the first time, whom I had made over the Internet, Peace Tara. Tara had guided me in converting my van last year. We had a nice walk around the camp.
Then, my social quota was up for the day and I headed out for a desperately needed Carl’s Jr’s burger, sweet potato fries and fried zucchini. Ug. Why did I do it? I have a food hang over now as I write this. Rochelle, my doggie, got a bite of my burger and lies next to me snoring. Real cute. I don’t know why, but when I hear her snore, it relaxes me.
I loved how you humorously added the photos of the desert flora to go along with the laundry experience. Hilarious. I got a few good full belly laughs out of those! Good for an ailing tummy, Sue!
Hey, Gloria! Great to see you popping in here!
So the RTR is going well, you did your social contact, and now you’re in your corner. Well done, girl!
Oh, I’ve had my moments of gluttony at Carl’s, Jr. Sometimes when I let myself get really hungry, I’m vulnerable to fast food. It’s good I live far away from Carl’s Jr. most of the time.
Yeah, there aren’t many things cuter or more relaxing that the sound of a beloved dog snoring. I’ve got stereo surround from the crew as I type this!
Glad I gave you some laughs, Gloria. I hope you’ll drop in here again. Hi to Bob and enjoy the company of fellow rubber tramps!
Geez, I’m a little late to the party, post number 93. Oh Ilse, I’ve given her a nickname Illusive Illse. How funny….Do you use Tide? Are you a bounty girl or do you use the liquid stuff?
Monday, January 6 was my original date to pick up my Casita; however, it was in the middle of my vacation so I rescheduled for March 13. The weather should be better. So today I am in Destin, Florida scouting out State Parks that Geri and Chuck suggested. It is so exciting. It was cold today, 18 degrees in the morning and a high of 30 something. Had crabcakes and broccoli supreme from Sarah K’s. Really wanting fried oysters for breakfast. For you I will confess I watched The Bachelor last night and enjoyed it. Our girl from Oklahoma was a hot mess!
I added the hide-a-key to my list of things to buy. Is there an amazon link?
Phyllis from Oklahoma temporarily in Destin, Florida
Hi, Phyllis,
Yes, you are smart to postpone until March. I bet you are having fun looking at parks and dreaming. Gee, your comment makes me hungry. All sounds so good!
You can find the key thingy by doing a search at Amazon for “Magnetic Hide-a-Key.” At the risk of sounding like a defector from Amazon, it really is easier to pick one up at a hardware store. I got mine at Family Dollar and it has a good magnet on it, plus a way to tie it.
Greetings from Indiana! Well, we had a little over 11 inches of snow followed by extremely cold temperatures. It is 9 degrees right now, 20 degrees warmer than yesterday. I guess you could say that we are having a heatwave. hahaha! I am up late, not wanting to go to sleep, because when I do, that means I have to wake up and go to work. I have beening dying to ask you this, but hesitated….. awww what the heck, I’ll ask anyway. When you were in Washington State this summer, did you see or hear anything that could have been attributed to that big monkey that is reported to be there? You know………bigfoot. ( Said in a quiet, hushed, fearful voice) haha
Ah, so THAT’S what Spike was barking at!
Hi, Angie. . . I think it’s getting close to your bedtime. 🙂 It’s pretty bad when 9 degrees is 20 degrees warmer than the day before. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go out to work tomorrow.
Hey RV Sue and Crew!
I know what you mean at the laundromat. I wouldn’t recognize my own mother in one. It’s keep your head down and get out ASAP. But I do like watching the bubbles if I’m using a front loader, now Todd likes to watch too (we’re freaky bubble watchers). Well, it’s just perfectly timed, bubbles, and I (anyone) doesn’t have to do anything but put quarters, soap, and laundry in. It’s such a great break from all the things you think about so hard all week. Lawrence Welk knew! We get a kick out of the dryers too but only when one sheet hits the front and covers all and we actually point that out to the other, in case they weren’t watching. A person might think get a life Todd and Carrie but we have them and this is a pleasant break. from trying so hard 🙂 Stop and smell the roses or watch the bubbles, hehee.
I love reading comments from other readers too but don’t sometimes when there are so many. While skimming I read something like “please remove the part about a hide-a-key”. I agree. I love, love, love how you don’t live in fear, but please do remove that (and this too). Criminals have software that can detect that exactly. I know your readers would never do you wrong too.
Love ya Sue and Crew!
Hi, Carrie,
Interesting treatise on getting the most out of laundry day! I’m glad you and Todd have something that you love to do and can share together. 🙂
You wouldn’t recognize your own mother in a laundromat… Oh, boy, that’s funny.
Don’t worry about the dang hide-a-key. Can you imagine someone employing software to track down that there’s a lady about 30 miles south of Quartzsite who has a key hidden somewhere on her van. And then what? They drive out into the desert on a search for the PTV, wait until nightfall, and sneak up to our campsite in order to roll around underneath the PTV in the dark fumbling around for the key. Bingo! Got it!… So they start up the PTV and drive off, ripping the solar power cord out of the bumper and with the solar panel tilted on top.
Gee, now that I think about it. Anybody who goes to all that trouble ought to have the PTV for their own. They deserve it more than I do! LOL!
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t make fun when you and others are sincere. There are so many hide-a-keys in use that are far more convenient for thieves than the PTV’s hide-a-key out here in the desert. I really can’t work up any concern of my own on this matter.
Thanks for writing, Carrie. It’s good to hear from you again.
I guess, my ex (from thirteen years ago) being a police officer in Memphis and that I worked with a psychopath for seven years, nine months, and twenty five days had a lot to do with this response from me.
I’m glad you do what you do, you really saved me and gave me hope when my life was awful.
Honestly, you’re probably the reason I’m alive today. There was too much bad without a ray of hope. Todd had this great idea, I found you to keep me going while waiting until we could take off…
“There was too much bad without a ray of hope.'” When I read that statement, I connected with you on another level. I have been at that dark place, too, Carrie. Thank God you found your way out of it.
If my blog helped, then that by itself is enough reason for it to exist.
Hugs to you . . . 🙂
Thank you Sue, and thank God you found your way out too! Hugs back to you! 🙂
It makes me shiver to read all those low temperatures that people are enduring right now, it is a huge topic of conversation on our local new’s programs here in California. We are hanging around 60 during the day and 40 at night. but before you want to shoot me..the down side is our air quality is taking a huge hit. We get a daily air quality report email and it has been in the unhealthy zone for weeks. I would take clear cold air any day! The pollution that normally would be blown to Nevada, sorry folks, is sitting here and sitting here, cough, wheeze.
Sue! do you have the item number and name for the led lights you bought for the Casita? I want to get some too, from Amazon naturally. Speaking of which I just ordered and had delivered a big enameled Lodge Pot from Amazon, hope you got credit! I have no way to know unless you make note, so I hope it worked when I ordered.
And a note…we camp down really rough roads in the Sierra’s and we have bought thin curtain tension rods and put them across the contents on each shelf of the RV refrigerator. they do a wonderful job of keeping stuff where it is supposed to be…after cleaning up a dozen eggs and a jar of strawberry preserves…I learned!
I finally finished all the back blog..wow, you are one entertaining person, it makes me slow down and relish the everyday details of my own life.
Lee
Hi, Lee,
I never give air quality a thought. That sounds awful. I can understand why you would rather have cold air that’s clean. I’ve only had one bad bout with lousy air and that was enough.
It was when we went through Imperial Valley, CA… an agricultural area where chemicals are used. I got a bad headache and had to pull over for the night before making it to Borrego Springs. I don’t know how you can stand it for weeks. I hope it clears up soon… and doesn’t make Nevadans sick!
Great idea about the tension rods. I should get some, what with the roads I drive on. And thanks for ordering the Lodge pot from Amazon through my links. I did see it on an orders report. I appreciate you thinking of me.
Thank you for the compliment on my blog. I’m pleased you find me entertaining in print. In person? Not so much. 🙂
Lee… I looked at one of my LEDs and it doesn’t have a number on it. Check back here again to see if I’ve come up with the info for you. I can tell you that it’s the round-base kind.
LATER… No luck. I took my old bulb in and asked for an LED to replace it. Never did get a number. Sorry.
Hi Sue, I haven’t written in a long time. We moved from Arizona to Ashland Oregon November 2012. Since then we’ve been 24/7 on a house renovation. Casita is in mothballs. I check on her (Rita) periodically to see that the battery is OK.
You travel so many places we’ve been it’s a memory jogger to read your posts. In summer fall 2012 we were within 100 miles of you 10 or 12 times.
Thank you for your posts, they give me a vicarious experience while I’m on this project, and a vision of my future when it’s done.
Look forward to crossing paths in the future.
Regards for a wonderful 2014, Ed
Thank you, Ed. I hope you have a wonderful year, too.
No wonder we haven’t heard from you lately. You’ve been busy! Renovating a house is a big job. It’s nice that you have a Casita waiting for you . . .
So our paths almost crossed in the summer-fall of 2012? That would be Oregon. What great camps we had back then.
I appreciate you stopping by with an update and a kind message. Best wishes for the completion of your project!
Hi, Sue. I have been quietly following your blog for about a year now. Love it! Your blog has inspired us to jump in and do it, although we have had a lot of apprehension going on such a long adventure, but we only live once.
My wife, Dolly and I bought a motorhome earlier this year to travel your way this winter. Great winter to do it – cold and snowy back home. We are in Cottonwood, AZ now heading for Quartzsite on Thursday.
Hope we run into you, Spike and Bridget while we are there. I promise not to park my big rig too close.
Thanks for your blog and giving us the inspiration.
Doug
You’re welcome, Doug. Well, isn’t that wonderful! You made the leap and now you’re in Arizona, out of the snow and cold. I’m happy for you both. Like you said, “You only live once,” so if a new way to live inspires you, go for it!
Safe travels across the state… Quartzsite is gearing up for your arrival! 🙂 Thanks for writing.
I come bearing really good news!!! Not only is there gorilla glue….. there is gorilla tape!! Probably double the stickem as duct tape and it comes in a variety of colors. I now carry the stuff on board and have held together an amazing variety of stuff in my trailer. In the last year I retired from 38 years as a foster parent. (I had retired from the land of full time work 2 years before that.) I broke my leg 2 weeks later, just as I began downsizing. Re-homed a barnyard full of animals, sold my house and hit the road full-time for 4 months. Family needs brought me back to my home town where I will be based for the next 4 1/2 years. BUT…. in the mean time as it is snowing here in Eastern Washington, I am plotting an escape in April for several weeks to Utah. Then once summer camping season arrives I will be back to travel full time. Postponing dreams is difficult for sure but I am poised to take advantage of every opportunity for life on the road and am doing my best to keep living small until I can again live full time on the road. Thanks for taking me along…
Hi, klbexplores,
Life has a way of turning things around some times, but you’re bouncing along, making good, keeping your eyes on the road and where it may lead. I’m sorry you had to postpone, but I have no doubt you won’t lose sight of your dream.
Yes, live small… It leaves more money for gas! 🙂 Great hearing from you! Love your plan to spend several weeks in Utah come April. You’ll have a fantastic trip, I’m sure. Utah is wonderful!
Saw one of the “girls” I worked with at a big hospital. Worked with her at least 20 years. I have been retired from that hospital for about 16 years now but she came up to me and I could not for the life of me remember her. She was disappointed, but not half as disappointed as I was. This was my friend. I have no excuse. I promise I will know her next time. I can remember where I was the first time I heard the Everly Brothers sing Cathy’s Clown, but cannot remember what I am getting up from this chair to go to the next room to get. The brain sometimes just forgets.
Hi, Marg,
I don’t think your forgetting your friend is so unusual. People can change a lot in sixteen years and during that time your brain records the faces, mannerisms, and voices of a lot of people. It must have been terribly awkward for you though.
You know, since I’ve retired I notice that I’ve pushed a lot of my memories from my former workplace into a trash bag that hangs somewhere in the back of my brain! I’d rather live in the present. It’s only been less than three years since I retired and I’ve already forgotten a bunch of coworkers names. So take heart . . .
I can relate to getting up to do something and then not remembering what the heck you got up for. It’s pretty bad when that happens to a person whose home has an interior length of less than 15 feet! But it does happen more often than I care to think.
Thanks for taking the time to write, Marg.
Hi Celebrity Sue,
This Thursday I take my new-to-me rig in to the RV shop to have things serviced so I know where I stand before taking it out on the road. Not sure where I’ll go yet, maybe a short trip to try things out.
As usual your wonderful blog makes me antsy to get on the road.
I had planned a trip to Texas, but after calculating the gas cost I will need to have a destination where I can work for short periods to bring in some money.
You are not only a celeb, but a comedienne, like your hilarious comment “The boondockers go to a store! Whoop-de-doo!!!”…Too funny.
Roger
Hi, Roger,
Smart to have your rig serviced and checked before heading down the highway . . . You must be very anxious to take her out. Have fun!
You have more ambition than I have. If I have to go to work in order to travel somewhere, I won’t go there! I don’t ever want to work again!
Thanks for keeping in touch. Bon voyage!
The older I get, the more social blunders I create…prob due to senior moments but the minute I meet someone I repeat their names i.e. glad to meet you Joe (then I think Black or something easy I can remember later). This seems to help me remember people, place or thing. For example FWZ is the starting of my license plate…my middle name is Zuni so I say ‘fat woman Z’ and add the numbers. I was asked what my plate # was, at first I was flustered but then remembered the phase and added the numbers…woo-la I remembered my plate number 🙂 I also made the woman chuckle. Yes, I don’t always remember even doing this..it just helps my brain to try and remember. Second comment – I have a small house about 900 sq. feet with two bedrooms and one add on to make three bedrooms. I use one bedroom as an office. My total expenses for the month is equivalent to your monthly budget on an average. I love my small house and other small houses like the ones you photographed in Ajo. I ripped out the wall to wall carpet a few years back and painted the concrete floor…real cool in summer but surprisingly it’s not too cold in winter. When you do decide to settle down, I recommend a small house.
Hi, Rita,
Great device for remembering names, license plate numbers, and such. I used that sometimes when trying to remember students names. Connecting names with faces is quite a job when you meet your 95 -100 students that first week of school!
After living in the BLT (and if I had to leave fulltiming), I know I couldn’t be happy in a large house or even a small house (by our society’s standards). It would have to be a tiny house for me to be content. A tiny house with a little wood stove . . . And, yes, hard floors are the best… wood, tile, or concrete… IMHO, of course.
Not ready to settle down yet!
I love my little round yurt of a hogan on the rez w/a wood stove. Two thumbs up for your tiny house…love that too.
You have a yurt! Of course, you love it… I bet it’s quite cozy with a wood stove.
For MK Reed’s comment about a tiny house without a loft bedroom — if you go to http://tinyhousetalk.com and use the site’s search box, you can put in something like “first floor bedroom” and get lots of results. This site includes lots of photos of van dwelling, too. Look under “Micro” in the main menu at the top. I think if you subscribe to their newsletter, you get some free ebooks with tiny house plans.
I’m looking at going full-time in February and counting on better weather as I drive from southern IL to AZ.
Thank you, C.J. , for the link and information!
Well “hey” from one southern Illinoisian to another! I’m in Wayne County….
Geez Sue
Give yourself a break (but not Spike). None of us have ever forgotten someone we have previously met so you are the first, Hah!!
You have a wide readership who all loves your posts. It is understandable for Rockstars to avoid the common person (Bridget being the exception, of course, hehe). We appreciate your willingness to tell it like it is and sense of humor. And we all have to do our laundry.
Thanks for your posts.
PS- We just move up to Lost Dutchman State Park and I had to fly off to northern California to take care of some business whilst spouse lounges at the foot of Superstition Mountains for a few warm days. Surprisingly, it is warm and dry here which is worrisome due to long term drough conditions. Hope everyone in Sierra Foothills has fire insurance paid up. Don’t mean to sound morbid.
Thanks for yesterdays Spike/Bridget moments. hope the chicken was delicious as it sounded.
Hi, Kent,
Glad you enjoyed the post. Sounds like your wife is in a primo location, soaking up the sunshine in view of the Superstition Mountains which I want to see someday.
I tried to figure out if you’re the Kent I met at Lone Pine last fall. You have a different email address with this comment so I guess you’re not. ?
In any event, nice to hear from you!
Sue. Tis, indeed, I of Lone Pine encounters. I have two email addresses.
Just now returning to AZ from my retirement party. Woo Hoo. Officially retired (for second time). Now free to roam. Lost Dutchman is pretty. This weather is something else. Watching it carefully and might head north a little ways if this keeps up. Sure beats the polar vortex!
Or might head west. Ah the life, huh? Everyday a “game day” decision.
Hi Sue and Crew,
I read your adventures each night as I unwind from the day. We spent our Wedding Anniversary (30th) attending my husband’s last Uncle’s funeral in… get ready…. Antarctic… oops, I mean North Dakota. Antarctic was probably a lot warmer than North Dakota was.
I won $550 bucks at the Casino while dear old hubby contributed to the purchase of snow boots for the little Native children, he was so kind to buy $1000 worth of snow boots for them.
We headed home through Deadwood, and actually spent the night there. I thought of you. I don’t know why, I just did as I was driving through those hills into the cold, windy, snow compacted icy Wyoming state.
We returned to Colorado, with a welcome of Sun Shine and massive heat wave of 35 degrees.
Now, I am about to walk out the door and take dear hubby to the hospital as he’s been in bed all day, sicker than a dead horse and looks rougher than… well you know.
Praise God, you all are safe and warm in this weird, cold, and miserable winter.
Kay
Kay, Prayers that hubby feels better soon. Stay safe and warm.
Hi, Kay,
I hope your husband is doing much better. How good of him to buy those boots! He apparently is a kind and generous soul. God bless him and get him back on his feet, feeling fine, really soon.
Sorry that your wedding anniversary coincided with a sad event. Yes, you described the winter cold well — miserable!
Currently in foggy almost raining San Francisco! Drove to Marin County (just across the Golden Gate Bridge for those who have their benchmark atlas) to pick up mom.
The crew …..especially Bridget makes me laugh! Will you hurry up and take the picture! Is not like you have to focus!
I think you were in a zone….the laundry zone! It started with which way to go with a pile so high… Then the crowd…..the small laundromat and only a few machines open. You were so focused you didn’t see Spike’s rotisserie chicken on sale at the market! Didn’t you see Spike’s head turn as you slowly drove by the market? Sue, Sue it’s a 2 for 1 special…aren’t we having……guess not Bridge.. Sue’s on a mission!
NOW if Max was there you would have recognized her right away! Something about animals….I remember animal names before the owner’s. Oh look it’s Spencer’s mom! What was her name? Um um! You are great when it comes to people AND their pet’s name! Preoccupied desert woman!
Tiny houses are cute….but the loft isn’t pet friendly as it is only accessible by ladder. I’ll have to click on the other layout.
Wow….hide a keys have come a long way! Kinda looks like a plastic zippo lighter! Would a swifter be kindler and gentler on the panels. You had me roaring …when I saw that old fashion mop!
Your questions: Have you thought about traveling to Canada or Alaska? Caribou woman! Opps that wasn’t a dig. Frontier woman…. How’s that?
Has any area…..crossed your mind like…I could settle down here! What piece of furniture do you miss the most? And lastly….when was your last shower? Hah hah just making sure you get a good laugh! 😉
Nite nite!
Hi, Cindy,
Lots of questions… great! No, I haven’t given much thought about traveling to Canada or Alaska. There are closer places I want to visit first, and then I’ll think about further north. I always want to make it back to southern Arizona for the winter months, so to go far north means more heavy travel days.
As the crew and I live temporarily in different locales, I ask myself… Would I want to settle here? So far I haven’t found the one place that suits me… I’m thinking maybe a place that has seasons… stay there in spring and fall, travel when it’s too hot and when it’s too cold. I don’t know. I’m hoping that decision is a long way off.
There isn’t one piece of furniture I miss. So I can’t tell you which I miss the most!
You know when I had my last shower… My readers know EVERYTHING! I have no secrets! You even know when I make a fool out of myself doing my laundry . . . 🙂
Good to hear from you again, Cindy. Keep paddling through the deep water. . .
We got to 18 here in Mt. Pleasant, Sc – 7 with the windchill. Never got above freezing the whole day. That’s a first for me since I moved here 18 years ago. In two years, I plan to be wintering in Baja in my Airstream.
Boy, Page… “Baja in my Airstream” must sound awfully good to you right now. South Carolina’s gone south on you — with the temps, that is! Try to stay warm and dream about warm beaches. . . Thanks for stopping by.
Good morning Sue! I’m on my way to work this morning but wanted to let you know how much I loved your post! I forget people’s names all the time. It takes me a time or two to remember…just another senior moment! It started raining here in our corner of the Northwet yesterday. It was so dark in the AM & PM & we’re going to have more of the same today. Well, it moisturizes the skin a bit, eh? Dreams will begin to come true here at the end of the road when we go to the RV show next month & buy our ‘Anytimer’ RV! We’re looking at the Nash 24M. I’m going to retire Dec. 31, 2014 & I imagine we’ll head south January 2 or 3! Our pets have such distinct personalities, don’t they? Have a wonderful day & enjoy that mountain of clean laundry!
Hi, Dawn,
Only one more year to go! In the meantime have fun making your plans, getting your rig and playing house in it. 🙂
If I could’ve left town for the Casita factory the day after retiring, that’s what I would’ve done. (I had to wait for the closing on my house.) You will make a dramatic entry into the wonderful world of retirement… by hitting the road in your new RV! I wish you many miles of happy, safe RVing.
Hi Sue,
We have been enjoying your blog for a few years now, but have never commented. I love the way you find so many private and quiet campsites. We are planning a six month camping trip in our 24 foot class b. We travel with our Airedale Terrier, Woolly Bear. We want to thank you for the wealth of information you have shared with your readers, especially your financial info. It has helped us figure out if we can afford a lengthy trip.
Up until now we have never been gone more than five weeks, but really love the freedom and adventure of it. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
Sara
You’re welcome, Sara. And thank you for being a long-time follower of my blog. I’m a couple of years late but here goes anyway — Welcome! Thanks for letting me know you’re here with a comment.
I’m glad my blog has been helpful for you. I hope you find many “private and quiet campsites” on your six-month trip. Wooly Bear needs to get out and run around in nature! 🙂 Best wishes to all three of you . .
Hola from Mazatlan. We are enjoying our 5th winter here and loving our abnormal high temps. What happening to you in the laundromat can happen anywhere to anyone. Just one of those things. Enjoy your posts.
Hi, Contessa,
Yeah, it can happen to anyone, but this was hardly “one of those things.” To have someone a guest at your home/campsite, individually, for an hour or so… To sit right next to her and chat . . . and then, less than two weeks later, not recognize her or acknowledge her presence when she talks directly to you while you’re being rude . . . Oh my, here goes my face getting red again!
Enjoy Mazatlan! I’m sure there are many who would like some of that warmth!
We are sitting in the house watching the snow come down today. It will be snowing for the next 3 days here, but at least we do not have the cold temps.
My husband and I decided on the van because of the limits on his health. With the sportsmobile van we were able to place the Groucho bed and toilet within one step or wheelchair move of the passenger seat. So in a small space we will have all the comforts of home.
We talk of being able to go fishing and then he will be able to go inside to rest and I will be able read and enjoy the outdoors.
We can’t wait until it gets delivered.
So because we will need to charge the wheelchair. We added a 2.8 generator and 2 solar panels. We were thinking that during the day the solar panels could charge the batteries so we could run the fan during the day. But I was not sure about the wheelchair so we also added the generator. It also has a 30amp. For if and when we stay at a park… Do we need the generator?
Hi, Michelle,
I can’t tell you how excited I am for you and your husband. Your courage and ingenuity and positive outlook are inspirational to me and, I’m sure, to others, many who are facing obstacles. You’re sprinting right over anything in your way!
You’re equipping yourselves well for the road and camps. I don’t know much about generators, maybe other readers who do will comment, although this is toward the end of discussion here.
You can use your generator in an RV park or pay or electric hook-ups, so I’m not sure I understand your question.
Keep in touch. I’m so very happy for you and hope to hear how everything works out for you.
I was thinking of using the generator to charge the wheelchair. Or will the inverter and batteries give us enough to charge it. So in other words, I do not know what I need so I got everything! But I can make changes up to two weeks before production.
Lol, we are are going to play camping in our driveway for the first week. Just to make sure we have everything. (One worry is if he falls, I would have to drive someplace to get help to put him back into his chair.)
Michelle… I’m going to email someone to answer your question… Come back here later.
LATER. . . Mick, my technical advisor and go-to-guy whenever I need help, emailed me back with this advice for you: “(They should). . . get the generator. A wheelchair is a big electrical load and it would be best to have both solar and generator, especially if they boondock.”
Thank you soooo much! And thank Mick too!
See what happens when you ask everyone to post? I am number 138. I won’t write a lot but I do want to pick your brain some time about your internet for when we are workamping this summer. The campground is down in a valley and our cell phones won’t even get a signal. We are heading down your way in a few weeks, just not for Quartzite. We plan a stop in Ajo and to see Kgdan.
Hi, lindale,
I’m happy to answer any questions you have, although I’m not an expert on internet or cell signals. You do know about the pages accessed from the header?
My Wilson antenna strengthens internet signal, but it can’t produce signal. I have received enough signal strength to post on this blog, however, when my cell phone showed no signal at all. (!)
As for getting your cell phone to work, I don’t know anything about that. The Wilson is for internet. It sounds like you’re going to have to go find a cell signal somewhere from that campground.
When I search for boondocks I stay out of narrow valleys and away from the base of mountains in order to improve internet signal (and phone, which I never use!).
Have a great time with Kathy and Gil in Ajo! I don’t know if I’ll get down that way this summer or not.
The campground we will be in is near Yosemite and we can get a rough signal at the top of the road. I saw your information at the top of the page and saw you use an air card. I just thought that was through the cell phone but see how much I know?
I live 45 miles from Yosemite and some entrances have better coverage than others. I just called my husband on Saturday from the Yosemite valley. AT&T has much worse coverage than other carriers.
There are also Wilson’s for cell phones, I know people who use them for work in the Sierras. If you let me know where you will be and I may be able to help.
Hi Sue,
It’s been double digits below and single digits above here in central Vermont for too many days now :-/ BUT! there’s an incredibly blue sky today and NO freakin’ wind 🙂 AND the mail-carrier will be delivering RVSue-Amazon packages today and tomorrow. Life is good, yes?
Keep on truckin’ (or PTVing),
Mag
Hi, Mag,
Yes, life is GOOD! A blue-sky day with no wind!
Thanks for ordering stuff through my blog. I really appreciate it.
I grew up near central Vermont. Beautiful country . . .
15″ of snow in Ofallon Il. Last two days well below zero. Today in twenties. If my dogs were with you two would be with Spike and one would be with Brig. No long walks in the remote park until the snow melts. I was forced to shovel paths in the yard so they can use their beloved doggie door. I really wish I was in the desert.
Good heavens, Richard. 15″ inches of snow, below zero for two days…
Note to self: Never visit Ofallon in the wintertime. 🙂
Thanks for writing. Warm (and I do mean WARM) wishes to you and your three canine pals!
We are less than a hundred miles east of you, Richard, and we didn’t get nearly as much snow this past weekend as you all. We did get 15″ several weeks back, though. My son lives in Edwardsville, IL, and we’re heading over there Saturday. With more snow falling here today, I hope the roads will be clear. It’s supposed to be in the upper 40s! We love to camp around Carlyle Lake and Rend Lake!
Oh redfaced RVSue…I meet a lot of people…they know me…so I know I must know them!
Usually they will give me a clue….but, sometimes I remain clueless….until the middle of the night! !!!!
Signed,Redfaced too! !!!
Have you heard of the Red Hat Society? Well, we’re members of the Red Face Society!
Now that is an idea for a whole new blog…:-) …yeeaahhh! !!!!!!
Wow, what is up with “pippi”. You handled her very well, as of course I knew you would. Stay on the sunny side of the street and keep us with you. Love your posts and your pictures and I am happy to be along with you on this journey, albeit, from Cali.
Thanks, Shirlene.
This wasn’t a time for me to be understanding. Too passive. This is a person who needs to look in the mirror and be shocked into a realization of her own negativity. It’s impossible to find happiness until one sees oneself clearly.
Glad you enjoy my pics and posts! Here’s to more sunshine!
Darn; somehow I always wander in after the drama is over….
Hi, Ladybug… Just another troll. You didn’t miss much.
If you are not sick of the ‘hide a key’ issue, may I offer this.. Back in my days of running around the states with a trailer I too got locked out. I was lucky enough to find a locksmith who got me back in for a small fee. I, like you then bought another key and a hide a key. I put in a inconspicuous place under the rig and happily trucked on. At some point later while checking my tires, etc. I looked for my key holder only to find it gone. It had either been bounced off on a rough road or maybe some brush I might have ran over. I got another key, wrapped it in black electric tape (to protect it and keep it from rattling) attached a stiff wire and wired it to my axle near the wheel where it didn’t show. When I sold my rig a couple of years later after having gone through nine states, some with rough dirt back roads, I showed the new buyer the key still hanging there waiting for a knot-head to need it…. Weather’s great and I’m happy you know where to winter. Truck on Missy….
Interesting story, Jim. I’m not relying on the magnet, not with the jostling and bouncing the PTV will give it. I probably should’ve used wire but I don’t have any thin enough, so I secured it with a plastic lock-it (Don’t know what you call those things.) That’ll give it a little insurance.
Yeah, the weather is great. A little cool last night. Not enough for me to turn on the heater.
The plastic strap, called a wire tie, only lasts a few years under rough conditions. I keep a truck key in the trailer and a trailer key in the truck. Bailed me out to get in the trailer since both Bob and I have keys to the truck most of the time.
You’re right. That plastic won’t last. I do as you do… PTV key in the BLT and the BLT key in the PTV.
Of course, I make sure I lock myself out of the PTV when I’m nowhere near the BLT. 🙁
I have no clue how my comment ended up where it did….
Jim… It’s not your fault. When I delete a series of comments it messes up the sequence function. Sorry about that.
hi sue
Would like to be in the desert….. too…
Here life is good this is winter in Quebec city….
Include a photo …hope it is ok….
Happy new year… and a lot of little joy in your life….
take care
André Roy
Quebec, Canada
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Hi, Andre,
I’m sorry your photos won’t post here. So you’re having a good winter in Quebec… I hope it stays that way all winter through. Happy new year to you, too! Nice to hear from you . . .
Well I missed the drama! Thank goodness! I will never understand why people have to post negative thoughts on a blog that is suppose to bring people together to enjoy the travels….photos….pets….ideas for rving and so on. I enjoy reading your blog (as I have commented before) and all the comments from everyone. My mother always said….if you don’t have anything nice to say…..don’t say anything. I have no idea what was said so if I have misspoken then I apologize. I come to your blog because I enjoy your writing, your thoughts, travels, photos and the crew. I am learning from your trials and tribulations as a full time RV’r and a single traveler. So looking forward when I begin my journey with all the information you have provided me. What happened at the laundromat …..that would have been me too! LOL
Happy Travels! Stay warm. Its been very cold here in NJ.
Hi, Deb,
Your positive comment did me some good. Thank you! And, no, you didn’t say anything requiring an apology. You didn’t miss much. I had to do a little weeding in my garden. 😉
Hearing that my blog has helped someone makes my day!
That is a very healthy attitude…I must remember it..’a little weeding in my garden’..
I absolutely loved your blog. Today I am researching starting a blog. This is my 29th day on the road. I want to ask you a million questions, but I will start with just one and it may be too personal, but – Did you always do the advertising on your site and does it help your income in a noticeable way?
Hi, Pat,
I love questions! I started this blog in April 2011. It wasn’t until Jan. 2013 that I became an Amazon Associate and started placing ads. Does it help my income in a noticeable way? Yes!
Click on the word “Money” below the header photo at the top. The drop-down menu gives you access to a list of months where you can see my recurring expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, income from Social Security and teacher pension,and Amazon income (starting in March… There’s a two-month delay in payments from Amazon.). I’ve fallen behind in my reports, but you’ll get a good idea of my budget from the reports I’ve posted.
I wish you much success in blogging. However, it’s rare for anyone to make much money “overnight.” I built a readership for a year-and-a-half before I placed the first ad, and I’m blessed with a very loyal following, as you can witness from the comments here. It can be done!
I don’t advise relying on Amazon income, but, for me, it’s an important addition to my budget. Plus it’s fun!
Good luck, Pat, with your plans.
Hi sue. Heat wave here in Southeast PA with high of 20 today after yesterday high of 8 degrees. LOL. I have one and 1/2 weeks until I hit the road for Fl. After retiring at the end of 2013, I can’t wait to start my full-time adventure. I have gained extensive knowledge from following your blog from the beginning much as you did from Tioga George. New Mexico is the 2nd leg of my journey and I hope to be in warmer climes soon. Thanks for all the great pictures. Safe travels to you and the crew. PS. I just placed a big order to amazon through your site. Hope you get credit for it.
Hi, Jean,
Congratulations on your retirement! I know you are ready to hit the road and to make some fun adventures. I’m glad my blog and its readers have been helpful.
Thanks for the “big order!” I’m sure I got credit for it. Safe travels!
OK, I missed all the controversy. Sue, I too, have been more abrupt when I’m in a hurry. I totally understand. Sometimes when I’m focused on the task at hand, that’s all I can do in the moment. The older I get, the more this seems to happen. And I’m sure Ilse understands what it is to be human :).
As for what I’m up to at the moment. We’re in so-called *sunny* Florida; hubby Paul is getting over a cold and I have a lovely case of bronchitis. Our dog Tanya was sick all over the floor yesterday but has recovered. I’m not happy, but this too shall pass. At this moment, I’m grateful to be in a small beach apartment and not in the Casita where it would be hard for the 3 of us to be confined, especially the grumpy sick one (me).
Hi, Marcia,
Yes, Ilse thought nothing of it. Except maybe she thinks I’m a complete dolt! Oh well, if that’s the worst I do, I guess I’m doing okay.
Sorry you’re sick . . . all three of you. I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks 🙂
Wow, what a post and comments! 33 in Oklahoma today. Inside with a fire so cozy. We have a 800 sq foot house that we just love. The laundromat was hysterical. That would be me, I travel frequently and am an expert at talking to no one on the journey. I’m probably rude sometimes as well, but most people after a few short answers, no eye contact and my nose in a book, get the hint. The last thing I want is a conversation on a 2 hour flight. Ugh. I have had virtually the same experience you did with ignoring someone I knew though and it is really embarrassing. I may have the honor of last on this post considering the number of comments, but I will still ask my question, which may be personal so if you don’t answer I will not be at all offended. How many States have you lived in, pre-blog?
Glad I missed the drama. Trolls GO AWAY.
Hi, Edie,
Our world is so complicated and busy, especially for those still in the ‘rat race,’ that sometimes it’s a form of protection to avoid conversations. It’s not very polite, sure, but, then, is it polite to interrupt with chatter a person deep in thought or reading?
People living and/or working in cities are bombarded with stimuli. Along with the disconnect from nature, it drives the more stimuli-sensitive among us absolutely nuts!
To answer your question: I lived in VT, NY, FL, and GA.
Oh, yeah, the trolls… We’ve got them outnumbered! Hahahaha!
I absolutely love the photo of “The Bridge”. It’s sooo funny, and sooooo her. She’s so small you can barely see her. What a hoot!
You’re right, Crystal! That photo is SO BRIDGET. That’s why I had to post it even though the lighting is poor. She plays mind games on me. Sits on her ample behind and STARES.
65 high today in the Sierra foothills, low of 40. Too much sun and not enough rain and snow. The folks in the deep freeze may not understand that right now bad weather in California is dry, dry, dry. However it is hard not to enjoy the sunshine and shirt sleeves when hearing about the COLD in the rest of the country.
The weather is one extreme or another. I hope people will be careful with fires in California.
It’s almost a common occurrence for me to find a campfire smoldering when I claim a site. People think, I guess, if there’s no flame, it’s out. During my first night in a camp, I woke up in the middle of the night, looked out the window, and saw a fire going in the fire ring!
Hi Sue, Dexter here. I’m curious. When you’re not “snubbing” people at laundromats or taking all the great pictures that you post, have you ever seen any UFO activity there in the desert?
Hi, Dex,
No, I haven’t seen any UFO’s in the desert, only occasionally on this blog. 🙂
Hi Sue and crew; I am east of Denver. Currently our temp is about 37. We are not as cold as much of the country. My little sis in Nebraska is huddling up with her two pooches and trying to stay warm. I was tickled in your comments about the Tiny House for your plan B. I alternate between wanting to live like you in the Casita or living in the Tiny House Cypress 24 Horizon. Love it. I have looked up planting avacado trees and making an asparagus patch. It is good to have a plan B+. Happy New Year!
Hi, Patricia,
Apparently you know the advantages of living small! When I bought my last house I planned on making an asparagus bed. Never got around to it. I did have a huge garden though. Yes, it’s good to have a plan B, maybe even more than one, and then, when the time comes to leave life on the road, choose which one fits. God willing, if one has a choice, that is.
Yeah, I wouldn’t mind picking avocados from my own tree in my old age. Happy New Year to you, too!
Hi Missy….I wanted to make a comment about the perfect place to live permanently. Seasons are great if they are tolerable. I love Arizona. I have lived in many states and I find the weather here most satisfying except the hottest part of summer but even then I have a nice A/C and the mornings and evenings are great even then. However here is the solution for those who want Arizona for all it’s assets except summer heat. Have a home down here in the desert and another up in flagstaff, or Showlow, or maybe another of our mountain towns. Cool in summer up there, when the snow flies it’s back to the desert. I’ve been thinking about a “escape” place somewhere up in our mountains not too far to drive but a world apart weather wise. Anyhow, one must do what one can when the time comes to drop the anchor; I hope you find exactly what you want including weather, medical, shopping, environment and cost but I warn you, you still will get the urge to see what’s on the other side of the fence.
That would be perfect, Jim. Desert most of the year and a cool getaway at higher elevation during the summer . . . Then you’d be more likely to be out and about, rather than inside soaking up a/c. I imagine Arizona mountain properties are expensive.
You’re right. Now that I have the freedom to go all over, it’s hard to imagine staying in one place for long.
My new comment is above for whatever reason. I gave up trying to figure how that happens.
I’m going to delete the few comments below here (Hope the folks don’t mind!) so that new comments show at the bottom, like they’re supposed to.
LATER… Looks like it worked!
About your hide a key. We once had a dog who liked to lock us out. If we stopped for gas while we were pumping it the dog would watch us and sometimes step on the lock button. We got a hide a key for that reason. Then we found that the logical place to hide it is where crooks look first. Do not put it in the front wheel well. Crooks go through a parking lot like at Wally’s and casually reach under the wheel well to feel for a hidden key. When you hide it think creatively. Of course you have two who would discourage the wrong person from getting into your BTV.
Hi again, lindale!
I do believe one of the crew did the same thing… stepped on the door lock. It was probably Bridget because she always watches my every move when I get out of the PTV.
Good advice about the hide-a-key location!
Oh my gosh Sue…don’t think I have ever seen so many great comments and questions on your blog in one day! All I can think is that is a real labor of love for you to answer each one individually! So I will just end this with a bless your heart and Hugs!
Hi, Sheri,
You know why this was a great comments section? Readers! Readers who took the time to tell something about themselves, their weather, their dreams, etc. along with interesting questions and helpful suggestions.
I don’t mind answering all the comments. The crew and I are hanging around camp. I do other things and interspersed with those things, I sit down and answer a few comments.
What’s been wonderful for me is hearing from readers who haven’t commented up until this post, and those who haven’t written in a long time, along with the regulars.
Thanks for the sweet words and hugs, Sheri. 🙂
I’m counting down the days until I’m free do everything or nothing…
Glad you found a solution to your dust problem. The Gorilla glue should hold.
Retirement is fabulous, Gail. Your time will come. Hang in there!
I’m 222! At this rate 2 million will be next month!
Heh heh. How about the infamous “rock” hide a key!
The rock hide-a-key is really lame.
I’m in Florida now and, as I was driving out to this isolated beach, I passed by many expensive beach-front homes (empty for the season now). I realized that I wouldn’t take a single one of those houses for my home-on-wheels. Not even for an even trade.
Keep on truckin’ as long as you can is my motto!
It’s a great feeling, isn’t it! To know that what you have is sufficient… actually more than sufficient.
Love your motto, Kim! I’m very happy you are on the road enjoying yourself. I remember when you were fighting your way through obstacles (like a tree falling on your house.) You made it through!
Sue, you were a teacher, too, so you KNOW what it is like with so many students…names, faces, almost 30 years’ worth!
~~Cheryl Ann~~
Hi, Cheryl Ann,
I only taught for 11 years. It was a challenge every year to learn names and faces. I always seemed to end up with two students (out of 95 or so) I confused for the longest time!
Hey Sue, we are camping in the Florida panhandle and have had temperatures down to 20 degrees this week! It has been mostly rainy and cold, but we are making the best of it. We have been birding almost every day and kayaking one day, which we got rained on. Brrrr. We have seen a great variety of birds, including Bald Eagles, Soras, Clapper Rails, Readhead ducks, Pintail ducks, Oystercatchers, Ruddy ducks, White Pelicans, and more. We were also one of the fortunate ones to see Operation Migration and the Whooping Cranes fly their last flight into St. Marks! So all is good!
Hi, Lolalo,
Wow! You’ve hit the mother lode for birds. Florida temps should return to normal soon so you can get out in your kayak again. Enjoy!
Hi Sue ~
You didn’t recognize Ilse after 2 weeks? Don’t feel bad. When we arrived at the RV RESORT in Apache Junction a few weeks back, we were very engrossed in unhooking the Jeep from the Moose, trying to get prepared for the attendant to show us to our tiny little space, etc. My sister’s husband came up to me and introduced himself by first name only (I’d never met him before this). I thought he was just a friendly resident. Then, my own sister approached me and I didn’t recognize her. I was so embarrassed. Now, she had put on a few pounds … but for goodness sake!!!! SHE’S MY SISTER! Again, I was so focused on the rig and Jeep, I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. Heck! Maybe I’m just getting old. My sister let me off the hook for being such a dunce. She always was the smart one!!!
Paula