Saturday, August 25, in Arizona
I should move the Best Little Trailer away from this mesquite tree.
Using a hose with pressure nozzle, I blast mesquite pods that have dropped from the tree and become caught behind the awning. After a thorough rinsing, I set up my step ladder and begin wiping away dirt from the fiberglass.
That’s when I see stuff inside the air conditioner.
Hmm . . . what is that? A nest! A bird’s or a rat’s?
With pliers I pull the grass, sticks, and whatever through the narrow openings of the air conditioner’s outer frame. A final rinse of the BLT and I quit for lunch.
~ ~ ~
Margaret the Westie naps on Nancy’s bed.
Meanwhile . . .
Reggie and Roger play on our bed before their naps.
~ ~ ~
“Your eyes look tired, Reg, and your ears are droopy . . . .”
~ ~ ~
“Never mind me, Reg. Go to sleep, honey”
~ ~ ~
“Look. Roger’s already snoozing.”
~ ~ ~
Later in the day . . .
After a brief shower I happen to walk past the BLT and notice mesquite pods on her roof and sticking out from under the awning.
I haven’t hitched up to move the BLT because I don’t want to make ruts in the soft, wet ground of our back yard.
For supper Nancy cooks up a big iron skillet of black beans made with salsa and serves the dish with a side of Zatarain’s yellow rice and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
We eat together on the porch, sitting in wicker chairs at a round table. The porch palms flutter in a soft breeze.
Reggie, Roger and Marg play and chase each other around the house. Nancy and I laugh.
Before going inside for the night . . .
We watch as the full moon rises beyond the cypress trees.
Another moon picture to add to my collection . . . .
~ ~ ~
Sunday, August 26
Nancy goes to town to pick up garden soil and a few other items. Marg stays with me and the boys.
Brief pinking of the northern sky at sunrise
Nancy plans to transfer her lantana plants, along with a few others, to one of our flower beds. We know this isn’t the time of year to transplant lantana (Spring is ideal), but what the heck. We’ll see what happens.
Same with bringing plants from Florida to Arizona.
As Nancy says, “It would’ve been traumatic to drive away, leaving them at the curb!”
The lantana transplant project is delayed by heavy rain.
Supper is vegetable stew.
Nancy enjoys cooking and is very good at it. Me, not so much.
As the days go by, we gravitate toward those necessary homeowner tasks for which we are suited. I mow, trim along the fence, cut branches, do non-skilled household puttering, etc. Nancy cooks, hangs pictures on walls, puts up curtains, etc. We hope to achieve and maintain a balance that is equitable and enjoyable for both of us.
So far, so good!
After supper, Nancy sits on the edge of the flower bed and with a digging tool removes weeds and roots that have sprung up since I last weeded the bed.
Reg, Rog, and Marg play nearby.
Marg and Roger are perfectly matched in their play fights.
“This soil is better than I thought it would be,” Nancy remarks, turning over and breaking up clods of the dark, moist earth. “I’ll add this garden soil anyway.”
“Yeah, it can’t hurt.”
Reggie joins in, too. However, when the play becomes intense, he backs off.
While Nancy works on the flower bed, I watch Marg and the boys play and take photos for this post. Most are too blurry due to all the fast action.
~ ~ ~
Coming up soon . . .
I’m planning a short camping trip, only a few days, either immediately before or after Labor Day Weekend.
Today, Monday, August 27, the Perfect Tow Vehicle is in the shop for an oil change and tune-up.
Can’t go camping without the PTV!
rvsue
NOTE: Knowing several readers enjoy learning new recipes, I talk with Nancy about featuring her recipes with photos. They could be in a regular section called “Nancy’s Kitchen” or something like that.
I’m kicking myself for not taking pictures of the dishes I mention in this post. (Too intent upon eating!) You’ll see them, along with ingredients, when she cooks them again. I promise. — Sue
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Close?
Congratulations Pamela!!!! You are FIRST today!
Wow!
Second, after Pamela!
Congratulations Cynthia! You were two minutes away from being first! Next time!
Always reading, seldom commenting. But, I still LOVE your blog. It has been great reading as you have been readying your new house. And I have loved how you and your sister are meshing your skills and lives. Of course, I especially love all the dog stories!
Your pictures are always great and your storytelling is awesome.
OK….back to reading!
Thanks for stopping by with a note, Anna! It’s a real pick-me-up to read you “still LOVE” my blog. 🙂
Oooooo – good photo day!! Nice pics of your bedroom – love the soft pink, yellow, and green colors in the bedding and furniture – and great pics of the furgang (yep, I made that word up!) paying and napping. The last photo of Marg and Roger is especially cute. It sounds like things are going well and Nancy is settling in nicely. I think having a recipe section would be great; it will be fun to see how she incorporates some southwest flavors and ingredients into her dishes. Can’t wait to see where you head off to on your first trip since moving into the house!!
Hey Sue…..keep up the good work
Chuck and pookie
Hey, Chuck! I’m always happy to see you!
Hi Sue! I love that yellow bedspread you have. It is such a lovely color. The bedframe and night stand also look pretty. I’m so glad that you finally have a furnished home and not just a house. The pictures of the sleeping pups are adorable. I’m surprised that they consent to sleep in their beds on the floor instead of in your bed. I’m also thrilled with how well Marg and the boys get along. What a wonderful combination of doggie personalities! I bet you are excited to think about going away in the BLT again. Now you have the pleasure of leaving and the pleasure of returning to a home base.
Those 3 dogs are a hoot! So glad you are all getting settled and you can hit the road for a short trip. If the guys go with you Marg will be lonely…
First
Not quite first Bruce, but keep trying. Welcome to the blogerinos. Please add where you are from, it helps Sue keep us all straight in her memory.
I predict the Lantana will thrive… it’s tough stuff Lantana, grows in the ditches in SC heat. We have more humidity of course, but with this being rainy season… once it takes hold it is hard to kill it.
The dogs look like they’re having fun “regardless.” Marg is joining in well, too.
I like your sky pictures and, as always, the sunrise is great. The moon picture looks like something I’d see here. We’re having medically serious humidity and our air quality has suffered a bit lately.
I would have replied sooner but I took a newfangled video call from a friend. That’s a first for me, and I like it. This one was on Facebook, but I want to do them separately because I don’t like Facebook all that much.
Hello All! I love the moon and cypress photo, it’s wonderful. Looking forward to a Nancy’s kitchen section of the blog.
Well, Sue, what fun you and Nancy seem to be having!! That is just great!! I still collect recipes…and sometimes I enjoy cooking…but always I enjoy eating!! So whatever Nancy wants to share will be welcome with thanks! Ah the doggies…aren’t they clowns though?
What a great posting, Sue! Well, heck, they all are, but I really like how life is settling in and all is well. I like the idea of Nancy’s Kitchen and spotlighting her food. Yummm. Oh, and can’t wait to hear back on your camping trip. Reggie, Roger, and Marge are well suited. Such a relief as that could’ve been just the opposite.
Love the cloud formations this time of year!
Hi there RVSue!
I’m always delighted to see your posts in the “mailbox”. I think sharing your sis’s recipes is a great idea. Especially vegetarian ones. Black beans, yellow rice and wine sounds so pretty and healthy and comforting too, since you know it’s good for you.
Will it be raining in a few weeks when you stretch the BLT’s legs?
Hi, Chey! Always good to hear from you….
I don’t know what the weather situation will be in a few weeks. This time of year in southern AZ is new to me. I plan to keep the BLT “camp-ready” allowing for a quick decision to hit the road whenever a few days of good weather is predicted. One of my tasks has been returning items to the BLT that I used in the house this summer. Nancy has all we need to function in the house so my stuff, being duplicates, will stay in the BLT. No need to “pack” before hitching up and heading out. 🙂
Nancy and I aren’t big on eating meat. You can expect vegetarian dishes out of her kitchen.
It’s great to hear how well Marg and the boys are getting along (I was worried).
If Marg gets lonely when you go on the road, a simple solution is for Nancy to get a 2nd dog!
ha!
It is so nice to hear how things are coming along; and that all in the house are getting along. Wait till after Labor Day to go out. Even good boondocking locations are bad this coming weekend.
I am so happy at how well the dogs are meshing. And that you and Nancy are figuring out who has which skill sets. You all sound like a good match. But, it will be fun to see you back on the road again, too.
I love reading about how you and Nancy with your crews are settling into life in your home. Your bedroom looks lovely and restful. Can’t wait for news of your camping trip.
We are just back from a 6 weeks trip through Oregon, Washington, BC and Alberta. Canada is such a beautiful country and great for RVing. Next time we’ll go in the spring when it’s not so busy or smokey, though. It seems like the whole west side of the continent is burning!
Have a great time camping!
Thanks for letting us have a peek into your room! I like the colors too, relaxing. It does seem that you and Nancy are doing fine sharing yard work vs kitchen work! And now the canine friends are really having a good time!😂 So happy for all of you!
As good as things are on the homefront, a trip in the BLT will be fun too! It will give both of you a chance for some personal space for a bit. As much as I love Chuck, sometimes I really enjoy a day to myself, to recharge I guess!
Looking forward to Nancy’s recipies. Y’all have fun and hug the canines from us!
It is great that you and Nancy are getting into a groove of taking care of tasks that suit each of you and that you each enjoy different tasks! I imagine Nancy is still getting used to being retired. Love that the canines are also getting into their own groove!
Looking forward to seeing “Nancy’s Kitchen”.
Great pics! I especially love the cypress/moon and pink sky pics but they are all great cause I always love pics of the pups.
Yippee a camping trip in the near future! It will be interesting to see if there are any changes in how Reggie and Roger react after spending the summer in a house…probably just take it all in stride. I’m guessing Marg will miss her new pals.
Finding it hard to believe that it is almost September and that we are headed into another heat wave in the upper 90’s here in NH….HHH which it has been a good part of the summer. Hopefully this one will be short as it sounds like Labor Day weekend may be more comfortable in the 70’s starting Friday…looking forward to that.
What a good post!!! I love hearing what you and Nancy are up to. Glad the pups are all getting along. Cute pictures of them in bed. Hope Nancy will share some of her recipes with us!!!
Hugs to all
The veg stew sounds great! I look forward to you posting it. I like your sunny bedspread and sleepy dogs. It sounds quite cozy!
Hi, Alex,
The veggie stew will appear again. It’s very good. 🙂
Cute pictures of the doggies playing. I think I’m suited for both home decorating and outdoor puttering although I don’t really have a green thumb. I try. I cook but have to follow a recipe to do a good job. I do have some dishes where I throw things together and it comes out delicious i.e. beef stew, goulash, or homemade hamburger helper, meat loaf, and such. I’m dying to try potato leek soup… I have a recipe but never can find the leeks. I also want to try making split pea soup with ham. Thanksgiving is coming up fast so got to get going and try the recipes so I can perfect them. Anyway, we went tent camping over the weekend about 8 miles south of Tucson on Hwy 60/77. Wow was it cool, gorgeous and clean fresh air. We woke to coyotes howling on Sunday morning. We got rained on but we were fine with rain slickers. We did some hiking and came home with sore muscles from climbing. I know you’re probably itching to camp. Can’t wait to see where you head to.
Sue, it is so sweet to see you and your sister putting a life together! It makes me mindful of how grateful I am for the love and support of my own sister. I hope we age together as well as you and your sister. I am sure your love and support of each other will benefit and translate into a long and happy set of “golden years”! Enjoy!
Hi, Sue,
Thank you for sharing the awesome sunset and sunrise pictures. So pretty! The zoom-zoom brothers and their sister have become best buds fast. I am glad that Roger has met his match with Marg. Have you or Nancy had to break up a play session that became too rough?
I really like your bedroom furniture! Sage green trim, and roses to boot! Your bedroom looks so cozy and restful, especially with Reggie and Roger’s beds sharing the space. Is your new bed as comfortable as it looks?
Recipes and pictures from Nancy’s kitchen – yes, please! 🙂 Many of us like to cook, and most of us love to eat! 🙂 It would be a nice addition to your blog. 🙂
Have fun getting the BLT ready for a road trip. I know you are looking forward to hitting the road for a quick getaway. I look forward to seeing where “we” will be camping. 🙂 Glad that you and Nancy are settling into an amicable rhythm of divvying up the household chores. What is a chore for one is an enjoyable task for another…
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Safe travels! Hi, Marg and Nancy! 🙂
Blogorinos: This week will bring dangerously high temperatures to much of the country. Stay hydrated, and don’t go out into the heat unless absolutely necessary. Please be safe!
Hi, Denise,
Thank you for another friendly message. Yes, the bed is very comfortable! I sleep well because I’m on a mattress, the bed is wider than anything I’ve slept on in years, and I don’t have to share it with Reggie or Roger. Sometimes they join me a few hours before we get up and that’s good snuggle time. Mostly they stay in their beds on the floor.
From the beginning Nancy warned me about Marg not wanting anyone near her food. For that reason the boys eat separately from Marg. The other day all of us were on the porch when a fight broke out between Marg and Roger. We separated them quickly and discovered the cause: One or the other had brought a bone onto the porch. (Roger has hidden bones around the property.) From now on, if we find any of his hidden treasures, we’re removing them. Other than that one instance everyone gets along. In fact, Roger and Marg were playing together not long after their tussle.
Love to you and Gracie pup!
You are sleeeping like a queen! 🙂
xo
I think featuring Nancy’s recipes with pictures is a grand idea!
It’s so fun seeing the dogs enjoying playing together. I’m looking forward to your camping trip too!
Your bedroom looks lovely! Nancy has good taste.
I’m so glad things are going along well. I’m sure it was a big relief that the pups all get along so well most of the time.
I think it would be fun to see the recipes and the food pics. Perhaps you can introduce Nancy to the joys of the griddle.
So, maybe it’s too soon, but does Nancy like it there so far?
Thank you for the nice note, ValGal.
Yes, it is too soon for Nancy to tell if she will be happy here. She’s left behind friends and a completely different way of life in Florida. However, what’s not to like about retirement? And our place is ideal for anyone who appreciates a comfortable, pretty home and enjoys gardening and landscaping. A bonus is for Marg to live out her years in a spacious yard with two “siblings” and with Nancy not going to work any more. To answer your question, yes, Nancy likes it here so far. 🙂
Hi Sue!😃
What a happy household! Yes….veg stew recipe please…Nancys kitchen sounds like a great addition.
Marg is always smiling! The boys are silly on your bed. Funny how they stay in their own beds now. Glad everyone is getting along.
The BLT’s carpets are fresh she’s got new curtains and is waiting for that hitch up! Ever think of covering the BLT when she isn’t being used?
Nancy hasn’t really had time to adjust to retirement yet….with the move etc. Every day is Friday…….
Jules just reminded me Labor Day was THIS weekend….uhmmm is it me or did August just fly by?
Enjoy your evening!
Not just you – August flew by in the blink of an eye! 🙂
You two sound like the perfect team! What fun!
I think a section highlighting Nancy’s recipes would be a great idea. I am always looking for something different…..especially tasty veggie recipes like that veggie stew!
Love from VA!
MB, Wyndy and Bella
The photos of the sky there, both night and day, are gorgeous. So are all of your bedroom furnishings. It’s wonderful to know you are in a home that beautiful inside and outside. You women and your dogs have adapted really well to living together considering you only had 9 days to adjust when you wrote this post. You have all been facing major changes in your lives recently, it’s great to see each of you seem happy about this new phase in your lives.
Gee, I’m surprised you plan to go camping so soon, what fun! It’s nice that you are able to keep everything you’ll need in the BLT. I hope the tune up made the PTV run more smoothly. You must be excited about having a few days to spend the way you had been for a few years again.
What is the purpose of the verifica page the new link in your categories section takes one to?
Thank you, weather, for the compliments on my photos and the furniture. 🙂
I don’t know what that verifica page is about. I went to investigate and lost interest. Annoying to have that appear on its own.
How strange,at least it is simply there and not causing problems.N’nite
I garden in a similar way. I plant a plant and if it makes it, it can stay! I’m enjoying your narratives too. 🙂
I, too, vote for “Nancy’s Kitchen”. Always looking for yummy recipes!
I am so enjoying reading about everything! I am really relating now about moving, and the changes in life! I know I mentioned moving to New Mexico but the neat part is we will be living right next to my sister and BIL! It is a Del Webb community and we are looking forward to all the things there are to do there! I love alone time, but also enjoy socializing as well. It also puts us so much closer to the places we want to travel to. My hubby is looking forward to farmers markets and good fruit (he misses fresh fruit from his Wisconsin years). I am looking forward to Cherry cider! I have had it one time and would like to again! It will be weird leaving Texas. I have lived here all my life, but every time I get scared, or nervous I think about all the new, fun stuff there will be! And, if it doesn’t work out, we can go somewhere else or back to Texas! Does Nancy mind if you leave camping so soon? Will she ever go with you? Another note: one plant I have is a little water hog, but I love it-a Chenille! It looks like something out of Dr. Seuss! Take Care all! Thanks for such an inspiring blog, Rv Sue!
You’re welcome,Terri,
How exciting for you to move to NM where you’ll be by your sister and brother-in-law!
I don’t think Nancy minds me leaving for a bit of camping. She will leave from time to time to visit her family in NY, perhaps friends in FL.
I can’t imagine Nancy changing her mind about camping. It could happen. Anything’s possible!
Nice post Sue. Love the full moon picture and the cloud ones as well. Really miss the southern Arizona sky and most of all Southern Arizona. Don’t know if you are aware of it or not but there is a great thrift shop at Fort Huachuaca. You have to stop and show proof of insurance and vehicle registration and get a window sticker for the day if non military. I always had good luck finding lots of neat things for both inside and outside the home there, things for the garden as well.
Nice that the boys have let you have the bed to yourself. Nice pieces Nancy brought for you. It may take a while for Nancy to settle into being retired. I’m at the end of
ten months since I retired and am still shaking my head and thinking I’m on vacation. Thank goodness for a remodeling project to keep busy with. Hope you find a sweet place to get away to for a few days. There are a lot in that neck of the woods as you already know. Enjoy and Be Well.
Hi Sue and crew, I can’t say thank you enough for this blog. I used to miss my communication with my family via snail mail but your blog has filled the need. Hope Nancy is acclimating and finding it fun. I know from experience it takes a year or too to say you are from your new place. People thought I was visiting CA from CO. I would always answer I am from CO when all they wanted to know was the city I lived in, in CA. I get to come to AZ to visit with my Aunt in Surprise. Bringing her Brother with me. Enjoy your time boondocking with the boys.
I’m glad for you, Ruthie, that you’ll be coming to Surprise with your brother. As for my blog, you’re welcome! 🙂
Sue, just an after thought. A lot of people take either the week before or the week of Labor Day as vacation. Perhaps both if retired. Just in case you find a lot of folks where you may want to go. Always a lot in these W. Mass hills. Good time to stay home, get some groceries in and think about some cool salads, like your family potato or a nice pasta salad.
Hope you find a peaceful place to set up. You have that knack.
Enjoyed this post. I really like the decorated furniture in your room. The boys are sure enjoying playtime in your bed. Ha HA. Now that they has their romp we will get down and sleep in our beds. CUTE!
Marg is such a happy girl. How old is she? You probably told us, but I am so lame brained lately, I don’t remember.
With Nancy’s green thumb, you may not have to mow much, she will have the whole yard in covered. Just kidding. The pups need a place to run around.
Need to run and take Angel on her walk.
Hi, Barbara . . . Marg is ten years old, a few years older than the boys.
Hi, Everyone!
Thanks for the good wishes and the feedback on Nancy’s Kitchen. Your interest tells me it will be a good addition to my blog. We’re eating left-over beans with rice and the vegetable stew (better the next day or two), so I don’t have a new dish to photograph and write about.
I decided to postpone camping until after Labor Day. I’d like to drive around in the PTV a bit before having her go off with the BLT. I can deal with my hitch-itch until then.
Have a good evening and a wonderful rest of the week!
Bye for now,
Sue
🙂
N’nite!
Hi, blogorinos,
Do you have any plans for the long Labor Day weekend? For those of us that still work, it will be nice to have a long weekend. 🙂
To extend the break even longer, I am taking Friday off. Will be meeting a friend for a leisurely lunch of spicy Vietnamese food. The restaurant offers a weekday lunch menu that includes an entree, spring roll and soup. A real bargain. I usually eat the spring roll & soup and take the majority of the entree home for dinner. I will probably order my favorite lunch: wonton soup, crispy pork spring roll, and shrimp or beef with lemongrass. We will also savor a pot of tea. 🙂
The rest of the holiday weekend will be quiet for me and Gracie pup – just how we like it! 🙂
What are your plans?
Hi Denise!
I don’t have any grand plans for Labor Day except to sleep and go to the movies. I do have plans to visit friends and family the weekend after Labor Day. I like the fact that you are taking Friday off as well. I’m sure that Gracie will like all of the extra time with you. I am considering grilling out for one! I have flash frozen Mahi Mahi that I need to make. Anyone have suggestions for a good marinade for it? Maybe some grilled asparagus too. It’s funny how our tastes change as we get older. Before, I didn’t care much for aspargus. Now, I really like it grilled.
Hi, Dawn!
Which movie are you planning to see? Please do let us know if you liked it. Your grilled mahi-mani and asparagus sound good! As a kid, I too, did not like asparagus. My mom would buy it in a can. It was slimy – yuck! Fast forward to adulthood and I love it! I could make a meal out of a bunch of asparagus simply steamed with just a touch of butter – yum! 🙂 Maybe a citrus based marinade would be good?
Enjoy your weekend and getting together with friends and family the following week! 🙂
….mahi-mani….when a fish gets a manicure…auto correct cracks me up at times! 🙂
Ha!
🙂
🙂
I don’t eat a lot of meat either. That has been the case for quite a few years. It is a very expensive food option and of course there are many other alternatives around that taste great.