The crew and I hurry back to our Mittry Lake camp.
Kathy and Gil, fellow Casita campers and readers of this blog, invited us over for an early dinner at their campsite!
Since the sun goes down early this time of year, as well as the air temperature, dinner, followed by campfire, is set for four o’clock. We need to hurry because we have something important to do first.
Dale leaves today.
I help him stow his bike and gear in the back of the Perfect Tow Vehicle, and we head south to Yuma and the interstate, stopping briefly on the way to top off his water jugs.
At first Dale plans to bike away from Mittry Lake.
A look at my Arizona Benchmark Atlas changes his mind. He asks me about the Gila Mountains, east of Yuma.
“Well, you’re going to have to go around them, I think. The interstate cuts through at Telegraph Pass, but you can’t bike on the interstate. Let me drive you over the mountains so you can start out with easier biking.”
We take the interstate to the valley on the east side of the mountains. For those of you who like to follow along with your Benchmark, we exit at Lagurta and take Old US Highway 80 further east.
“Drop me off at Avenue 24E, ” Dale instructs, holding Bridget in the seat beside him.
He unloads his bike and gear, while I sit in the PTV finishing a post on this blog. A quick goodbye to Bridget and Spike, a hug and a thank you for me, and away he goes!
Remember the waist pack I purchased for hikes with the crew? I haven’t used it much because Spike can’t handle long hikes anymore. I gave it to Dave because he needs all the carrying space he can get. You can see in the photo above how nicely it works for him. (If you are interested in the waist pack, go to the Shopping Links page and click on “For the road and campsite.” Scroll down to the hiking pack.)
I admit my maternal instinct is to yell, “Stop, don’t go!” as I watch him bike down the road through the fields of red lettuce, green lettuce, and collard greens. He faces some very cold weather as he pedals and camps across Arizona in the coming weeks.
NOTE TO DALE OR ANY MEMBER OF DALE’S FAMILY: Please update us, either in a comment on this blog or by emailing me (Dale has my email address). Thank you, Sue
In the photo above, Dale bikes north toward the Gila River and the Muggins Mountains. His plan is to turn east at the mountains, eventually taking the dirt road that parallels the railroad tracks to Agua Caliente. After that he will make the decision to go south to Gila Bend and Ajo, or to go northeast to Wickenburg.
On the return trip to camp, Bridget is quiet and pensive.
“Are you okay, honey?” I ask. (Spike is asleep in the back.) “I’m sorry he had to leave, sweetie. I know you liked him a lot.”
We make it back to Mittry Lake just in time!
I cook up some ground turkey, the crew eats it, and together we ride over to Kathy and Gil’s campsite. Gil has his Port-a-Bote ready for water.
The more I see of that lightweight, sturdy craft, the more I like it!
The aroma of grilled salmon floats over camp.
“Boy, that smells good!” I exclaim.
I remove one section of the crew’s pen from the PTV and set it up near the fire ring. I put their beds, water dish, and both of them in it so I can enjoy myself.
I don’t want any beggars at my plate of salmon!
Kathy’s salad is the perfect accompaniment. What a delicious meal and such a treat for me!
That’s not all . . .
First I have to give you some background. As I write this I am 65 years old. I have never once in all those 65 years eaten a s’more. Shocking, I know, but it’s true. Since I never camped before acquiring the Best Little Trailer, I never sat around a campfire, and thus, I never made or consumed a s’more.
Kathy hands me a long camp fork and instructs me what to do with the marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bar. Oh my! So good, I have two! Now I realize what a life of deprivation I led until this moment.
Thank you, Kathy and Gil!
These photos are scenes of the waterway next to the upper camping area which I’ve referred to as a hill.
This is the road leading up to that area.
The water is a pretty shade of green.
This next photo shows how you can camp overlooking the water.
The colors of early December are subtle. Look how still the water . . .
I wonder how Dale is doing . . .
rvsue
Canine Corner: “An affair of the heart” by Bridget and Spike
“Hey, Bridge. What’s the matter?”
“Oh, nothing.” Sigh.
“Whadiya’ mean, nothing. You’re moping around, looking like something the cat dragged in.”
“Well, Spike, I guess I’m just having one of my moods.”
{Pause}
“I bet it’s Dale, isn’t it. You’re missin’ that guy. I KNEW it! I guess ol’ Spike isn’t exciting enough for ya.”
“Now that you mention it, Spike. You do take me for granted.”
“Me? Take The Bridge for granted? Never, babe! You’re my gal . . . .
“C’mon, cheer up, love. You ‘n me go way back. I may not be as handsome as I was in the old days. My legs are stoved up, my fur is dull, and I get awful gas in the night . . . .”
“Do I really look like something the cat dragged in?”
“NOOOO! Of course not, babe. You’re beautiful! I was only kiddin’ ya.’ You’re the prettiest girl I know!”
THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING FROM MY BLOG!
Here is a sample of the items readers recently purchased from Amazon:
Mr. Heater – Little Buddy 3800-BTU IPropane Heater
Excelsteel 18/10 Stainless 6 Non Stick Egg Poacher
Fenix PD35 Flashlight-850 Lumens (2xCR123A included)
Schwinn Men’s Sanctuary 7-Speed Cruiser Bicycle
Fisher-Price Triple Hit Baseball
New Mexico Road & Recreation Atlas
Great post as usual. I cant say too much because I might be first!
You said what’s important, Marilu — how great my post is! 🙂
Your generosity with Dale is sooooo you! I’m sure the kindness will forever be etched throughout his travels and his life.
Does he have a map? What is his final destination? I wish him well on his journey! Again I do believe your paths will cross again!
Yum that salmon looks tasty. Two s’mores??? Talk about a sugar rush! I don’t like them myself…I just like torching the marshmallow and blowing them out! Crunchy burnt taste.
Stay warm
Hi, Cinandjules,
Dale has a map he picked up at the visitors center. It’s not as detailed as my Benchmark Atlas (OF COURSE). As for his destination, he doesn’t have one, as best I could tell. I think for him, it’s the journey that’s important right now.
…”Yes Grasshopper the journey is important, not the destination, for in the journey we find our lessons and perhaps learn along the way”…
I know it is hard to see Dale leave, but I am in Citrus Heights right now, just outside of Sacramento. It is snowing very hard in the area where Dale lives between Sacramento and Tahoe. He is way better off down there, that is for sure. You sure are an angel for helping him as you did….as you did with Rusty…. –Dave (GoingRvWay.com)
Hi, Dave,
Oh yeah, this is a good place to be compared to what you folks are going through. It’s him sleeping on the ground that bothers me. Dale seems to take it in his stride . . .
Sue, I loved this post, pics and the dog talk, HA! Have had a dog all my life and do understand it. You made my day. It was so good of you to take and see Dale off, I wonder what he will encounter down the road. This is a Pay it forward thing, I wish more people would do, but you are setting a great example for us all.
And Hey the dinner with your friends looks awesome! Healthy too. What a nice treat, enjoy.
Take Care.
Hi, Diane,
I really enjoyed that salmon dinner. Gil marinated the salmon in his secret sauce. 🙂
Kathy’s salad is made with shredded Brussels sprouts, sauteed onion chopped fine, pistachio nuts, feta cheese and cranberries. It’s a soft salad. Very healthful and tasty.
Shredded Brussel Sprouts? WOW! That salad looks wonderful, but how does one shred a sprout? Would love the recipe!
Dearest Bridget, keep old Spike around, he may get useful 🙂 At least he is a warm soul…in his own way 🙂
Hugs from a bitter cold Hoquiam, at 19 degrees…
Barb
Hi, Barb,
Even though you report 19 degrees in Hoquiam, my first reaction was “I want to go back that way” . . . not in winter, of course. I was charmed by all of Washington that I saw, and I know there is much more that I didn’t experience.
When I think of Hoquiam, I think of the little houses, each one painted a different color. And I think of hugs!
The Dale love affair was a passing fling . . . Spike will always be Bridget’s special guy.
I have a recipe for shredded brussel sprouts…it’s delish as a salad but I also like the sprouts sauteed with butter or olive oil. I don’t care for salmon but I do like salmon patties.
I love Brussels sprouts. They’re a frequent third item of my vegetable plates. I never had them in salad form until Kathy introduced that to me.
Sue, I went to your ‘shopping links’ but the item was ‘not found’. ??
Hmm seems okay for me.
Try deleting your history and cookies. I don’t know if that will work for you.
Thanks, Cinandjules, for helping mockturtle in my absence. I went offline so I could walk up to Gil and Kathy’s with the crew to thank them again for the dinner, campfire, and company.
Aptly titled! Dale looks good on that bike! He will have the time of his life getting used to the upgrades his wonderful friend Sue bestowed upon him. He will take the time he needs to heal. Thanks for letting us in on the story, Sue.
Bridget, you found a wonderful friend whom you just might come across again. Remember, Bridget, Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold, Girl Scout!
Your photos are so warm and inviting for us who are enduring the sub-zero temps up here in Montana. I have been feeding the deer the stuff I usually put into the compost pile. Although they are tough critters, I just couldn’t bear missing a fawn one day during this cruel weather.
Keep spreading love, Sue.
Diann
Hi, Diann,
I don’t know how deer and birds handle the miserable, brutally cold weather. They have such thin legs! Good for you for helping them get through this.
That’s a goodie from Girl Scouts!
Keep spreading compost and love, Diann.
Welcome to the world of s’mores! Looks like you have a lovely campsite!
Hi, Sputnik,
S’more! I want s’more! 🙂
AWwwww, little Bridget looks rather sad…but maybe that is just a sleepy look. It is funny with dogs…they often get very taken with someone.
I am sure you do worry how Dale will do…he appears quite healthy. Hopefully he will be careful and take care. You helped him all you could. That is all anyone can do.
Hi, Elizabeth,
If Dale calls, I’ll be sure to let everyone know how he is.
Your FIRST S’More????? You certainly have led a deprived life. But now, you have seen the light and with that 2nd one, you’re hooked! Another great blog!
Thanks, Chuck!
I noticed that look Spike was giving you from the cage…..err, pen!
Poor guy was taking in the aroma of grilled salmon like the rest of us. I did give him and Bridget the last two bites.
Love the adventures you’re having at Mittry Lake, and the encounter (and all the help) you’ve given to Dale….quite lovely! I think we may have to visit this lake when we get to AZ this year.
By the way I moved my blog to a self-hosted platform and I figured out how to get e-mail subscribers the way I used to have it on the old blog!! All you need to do is install the Jetpack plug-in. Then you’ll be able to add an e-mail subscription into your side-bar just like you used to have. You can even ask WordPress.com to transfer over all your e-mail subscribers. They’ll do it for free. Just in case you needed the info!
Nina
Hi, Nina,
For some reason unknown to me, JetPack doesn’t work at my Hostgator site. That was one of the first frustrations of my move to self-hosting! I’m glad it worked for you.
Congratulations! I know it is a big relief to have the transfer completed successfully.
My email folder has 5,393 followers. I don’t believe that! It’s probably full of spam email so even if I could get JetPack to work, it might activate a lot of bad stuff. What a mess!
Oh bummer! Thought I had an easy fix for ya. Of course other things got messed up in my transfer so I’m still working thro’ some of the mess. Ah, the thrills of blog-hosting 🙂
Nina
Sue,
Many Interstate Highways can be ridden on a bicycle. Rarely through heavy populated areas because there are alternatives and the prohibited sections of interstate are marked as such at the on ramps. You will also see signs at the off ramps as you enter a city that say bicyclist must exit.
Generally speaking if there is no alternative road available then you can ride on the Interstate. I have ridden short sections of Interstate a number of times. The longest ride was on I-90 and I-94, almost 400 miles with exits and re-entry as described above, when we went through towns.
Hi, Ed,
I appreciate the information on interstate bike riding. To tell the truth, I’m glad Dale and I were ignorant about it. He would’ve had to walk the bike up that mountain and it’s a curvy ride down the other side with vehicles whizzing past. I was glad he took me up on my offer to drive him over the mountain to a place where he could stay on side roads.
Wow! 400 miles on the interstate. I have a feeling your bike and riding style was much more streamlined and efficient than Dale’s. He doesn’t get much speed out of his bike.
Dear Bridget………..I feel for her…………..she sure looks pensive and thinking of her loss. Hopefully good old Spike can lift her spirits! Loved what you did for Dale………wish him many happy cycling hours in the future.
Hi, Glenda,
Bridget is back to her perky self. She enjoyed a walk-around with Spike at the grocery store and again when we walked up to Kathy and Gil’s camp. She really soaked up Dale’s love!
Happy to hear it!
Hi, Sue and Crew, That last picture of Bridget, So looks as though she had her heart broken..Still reading your blog everyday, But don’t post that much. you have so many already. Stay warm and have safe trips.
Hi, Dominick,
I never have “so many already.” It’s always a pleasure for me to see your name appear here, especially when you tell me you’re still reading my blog daily.
You stay warm, too, Dominick… Be careful on the ice and in snow. I’ve taken more than one New York fall . . . 🙂
Great post and love the pics as usual. Poor Bridget…she really has that poor pitiful me look about her. I’m sure she’ll perk up in a few days….Otherwise you’ll just have to adopt Dale.
OK so I’m down right GREEN with envy that you got some decent salmon. It’s one of the many things I miss about living in the PNW or even just the west coast by the time the salmon gets here (NE GA) it’s nasty lookin’.
I’m also snickering your first S’more….ohhh boy are you in trouble now girl…LOL. I was a camp fire girl in my youth and we always had them around the campfire…for years I thought that was the whole reason for a fire…LOL.
Have a great day!
Hi, Mindy,
Kathy and Gil are Washingtonians and that salmon was good!
Bridget is back to her old self, looking after Spike and me. I noticed Spike would lie down next to Dale’s chair. I think both of them enjoy some male company once in a while.
Enjoy the weekend and stay warm!
Salivating over the thought of Copper River Salmon. It’s only caught for a short period in May.
$20 a lb but the best tasting salmon!
Like I’ve mentioned before…..the seafood on the east coast with the exception of Maine lobster is absolutely atrocious. Does “hake” even have gills or scales?
I’m glad you put “with the exception of Maine lobster.” I haven’t had Maine lobster since 1970, yet I remember it well — ah, dipped in melted butter — and haven’t tasted anything better since.
In a pinch s’mores can be made in the microwave.
I have really enjoyed your recent travel photos– such an interesting area with the palm trees.
Hi, Denise,
I’m happy to read you’ve been enjoying the photos of this area. I love the varied environments of the West. A few miles can make a big difference in vegetation, and for me, a big lure of living in a home-on-wheels is being able to change my habitat frequently. Not too long ago the crew and I were in a piney forest.
Nice to hear from you . . .
Heck… even *I* miss Dale. Bridget obviously is a good judge of character. Sweet of you to upgrade his life a little. And of Bridget to give him some obvious love.
65 is not old… 70 is the new 40 doncha know. 😛
Craig
Hi, Craig,
I don’t know why, but your first line makes me laugh. If I make you miss Dale, then my work is well done!
Hey, if I’m scarfing down s’mores, I obviously never got a memo about 65 being old.
Well Dale is gone and I suspect you miss his company as much as poor little Bridget. She liked him a lot. I grill salmon frequently and love it too. Your pics are, as usual, just great. I’m glad you are a little anti-social and I know why. After watching your time with Dale it occurs if you were surrounded by people, you’d give away half your stuff. Generous to a fault Dad used to say. Bless you Sue, we love you as you are. Detta admires your courage. I do as well.
Hi, Jim,
Thank you for your kind and loving words.
Dale is an interesting person and I enjoyed getting to know him. His presence reminded me that my so-called “simple” way of life isn’t really. And the courage often attributed to me is nothing compared to what Dale exhibits. He travels with a minimum of food, water, and shelter.
Regards to Detta! I hope you both are enjoying the weekend.
Sue, you are not the only one who has been s’more deprived. At 62 I have never had a s’more and I used to go camping a lot! Somehow never ran into anyone who knew what they were I guess.
Your photos are lovely and make me wish I was living in Tucson again. I’ve been very touched by your interactions with Dale. I’m sorry to see him leave. Poor Bridget.
Hi, Deborah,
Watch out for those s’mores . . . Once they get you, you’re wanting, well, s’more!
Thank you for the compliment on my photos. It was good that Dale left when he did. It was time for him to resume his trek. Plus it’s been my experience that I can get on a man’s last nerve over time. LOL!
Several years ago when I did the Alaska thing for the summer,a seasoned commercial fisherman told me that the deeper the orange color in a Salmon,the more of the good Omega 3 oils will be in it.
I tell ya Sue,I would have never put ya a day past 46.
Move my post up to number one will ya please,LOL.
Bridge,,,you’ll see him again I’m sure.
Thanks for sharing Sue,Have a great week.
You’re welcome, Trip and Lisa. You have a great week, too!
Hey, Sue…I know you are a retired teacher and I only have a couple more years to go, so I thought I’d share this with you…
Friday afternoon, during PE, some of my boys were playing soccer. All I REMEMBER is seeing the soccer ball come toward me and WHAMP! I was on the ground. Seems one of my boys ran into me! I don’t know or remember… I now have a mild concussion from my fall and spent the entire day yesterday at immediate care and the ER trauma unit! Got a CAT scan and all…That just goes to show you that 8 year old boys and 61 year old teachers supervising them can be a dangerous mix! 🙂 I’m okay, apparently I have a mild concussion, and I am ordered off work for 3 days!
Cheryl Ann~~
Cheryl Ann!
I hope that wasn’t an intentional hit! Some eight-year-olds are pretty big these days. Thank God your injuries weren’t any worse, although a concussion is serious enough.
Gee, what it takes to get a little time off, eh?
I retired from teaching at age 62 and I am very glad I did! Retirement is better than I ever imagined. Just stay out of the way of galloping eight-year-olds until you reach that magic number! Get well soon… Christmas break is coming!
What a wonderful story about Dale and Bridget! And, you are a wonderful friend for him! But, he’s gotta do what he wants to do…sigh…kinda like you! 🙂
Exactly.
Love this entry! A request – could you provide a link for your director chair with table? I’d like to ask for one just like it for Christmas, and would like to get it through your Amazon link. I don’t see it in your shopping resources. Thanks so much!
Hi, Gray,
I appreciate you wanting to buy the chair through my Amazon link. The closest I can find on Amazon to what I have is the chair made by Mings. You probably saw it. Otherwise search for it in the Amazon box in the sidebar.
Here is a link to the company that makes the chair. Unfortunately I don’t see a chair exactly like mine.
http://eezrvproduct.com/DIRECTOR-CHAIR-FULL-BACK-STEEL-FRAMED_c6.htm
I bought mine at Quartzsite. I noticed the seller still there when I was in Q a short time ago.
Thanks so much!
Sue
Great writing as always.
Humans are funny critters and we have really gotten soft. We love our travel trailers bikes and ptv’s.
When I see someone like Dale you think of the hardship of traveling like he does ,but just think back to the wagon trains and the folks that walked beside them ( no one rode because of the animals pulling the weight ,or read about the Mormons pulling 2 wheel carts from the east to salt lake .
Humans are just a lot tougher than we think we are.
My best wishes to Dale on his trip.
A couple questions, do you have led’s in your camper?
If you have bad weather with no sun how many days can you go with your set up?
Ron
Hi, Ron,
Funny you mentioning the early settlers of this nation. I was thinking about them also. In many ways they were better prepared than Dale. They had wagons, implements, and supplies. Plus they had each other. Dale, on the other hand, doesn’t have those things, but he has resources they didn’t have, like a cell phone (911) and roads and stores and a map and med-evac, etc. The pioneers definitely had a much more difficult and treacherous journey!
Re: solar and batteries: I really don’t know how long I can go when the cloud cover is thick. As Mick told me recently, the panel still gets those UV rays even on cloudy days. The reason I don’t know how long I can go “without sun” is I’m rarely in a place that isn’t sunny. Also driving the Perfect Tow Vehicle charges the batteries.
I don’t put a huge draw on my batteries. I have LED lights throughout the BLT and, even with those, I usually only have one light on at a time, and I’m early to bed, early to rise. The only other draw is the electronic panel for the propane fridge, the tv (rarely turned on), and charging small electronics like camera, phone, air card, and laptop.
Now that I think about it…I don’t think I have ever had a s’mores!!! Burnt plenty of marshmallows over an open fire and in a fireplace though. So glad you enjoyed the treat. That salmon and salad looks absolutely delicious!!!!!
Will miss Dale and will be praying for safe travels. I know he will never forget you and the crew.
Love you
Hi, Pauline,
I guess we don’t come from a s’more family. I bet Mother and Dad never heard of them.
Love you, too.
My last posted never posted for some reason, so I will try once more.. You will most likely never hear me say this again, but I wish I was in the desert out there! It is so cold here in Ar. with the ice and snow… Anyway I was surprised to hear that you hadn’t had a smoore before. Last year at deer camp I had my first at the age of 63! It’s nice that there are still a few good things to look forward to. Great looking dinner plate. Great post as usual…Be Safe..
Hi, Ron,
I don’t know why but the comment you made before was caught by my spam filter. I finally found it and approved it. I’m sorry about that. I did reply but now it’s buried in the past somewhere.
I was thinking how fortunate I am to be here. I was in my lounge chair on the sunny side of the BLT. The white fiberglass makes a very warm pocket of air next to it. Winter sunshine in the desert can’t be beat. I thought about all the cold and snow people like yourself are enduring right now.
Glad you didn’t give up on commenting here. Stay warm!
And they say dogs don’t have emotions! But, don’t worry, Bridge, there’ll be another guy one of these days!
OMG, you’d never had a S’more? Unbelievable. I have the creation down to a tee in the microwave, if there’s not a camp fire near by. You place 4 graham cracker squares on a microwavable plate. Top each cracker with a 3-rectangle of a regular Hershey bar (one candy bar makes four S’mores. Then top the chocolate on each cracker with a regular-size marshmallow. Carefully (to prevent the marshmallows from rolling off the chocolate) place the plate in the microwave oven. Cook on high heat for exactly 23 seconds. Take out and top with four more cracker squares. I then let them cool for about 4-5 minutes because I like them warm but not too hot and melty. The trick is not to overcook the marshmallows. I eat all four of them at one sitting.
Mary-Pat! How decadent you are! S’mores in the microwave . . . 🙂
Sounds like you take your s’mores seriously. The way you describe the process, it’s like an art form. You have me wanting some more right now.
Gotta love it….. Exactly 23 seconds to perfection! No more no less!
May your airline check-in be easy . . . and the New York roads dry . . .
Thanks.
TSA is going to wonder why my suitcase has no clothes and 50 lbs of West coast food in it. Lots of airline cancellations due to the snow. Jules’ brother is going to drive me 2 hours home.
I can’t wait to see my Saraann. She’s having a bad day…..pouting at the window looking for me. Soon enough girl, mama’s on her way!
Happy Homecoming!
I see Mary Pat knows how to eat Smores! She improvised in the face of no campfire.
At least you won’t be “deprived” during the second half of your life! Thanks for the fix on my last post. Can’t say I’m a “fog” lover unless I can watch it from the porch.
This post of yours makes a wonderful Christmas story.
Hi, Ruth,
But I don’t have a microwave! Seriously, I don’t need access to marshmallows, Hershey’s chocolate, and graham crackers or the microwave to s’more them. I’ve reached my quota of sweets for the next, oh, seven years. . . 🙂
Sue, a really easy to grill salmon is to wrap it in aluminum and set it on the grill. I spray mine with a little non-stick stuff, season it with Montreal steak seasoning, and add some BBQ sauce on top. Wrap it up, stick it on, and leave it for 10-15 minutes. I like my salmon well-done, and it comes out moist and firm and oh, so delicious! And you can get really good frozen salmon at Trader Joe’s. If you’ve never been to a TJ’s, you ought to check one out. Yuma doesn’t appear to have one, though. 🙁 Maybe when you move closer to another town …
That does sound delicious, Laura. Your recipe is a reward for my faithful readers who make it all the way to the last comments.
There’s a Trader Joe’s in Atlanta which I could’ve shopped at when I lived in Athens, GA. I hated driving into Atlanta so much I never went there.
If you make it back up to Washington anyway, there are Trader Joe’s around up there…but usually in cities, so you would have to drive in, without the trailer…at least I would, due to traffic. Worth a trip sometime however…and Aldis have some good stuff as well as Whole Foods…all stores owned I am told by a couple of German brothers!!
Woke up this morning thinking about Dale, hoping he’s doing OK and that he runs into more people with the courage to provide him helpful information on his travels. And hoping he’s warm and safe.
I did the same thing, Dawn. It’s windy and cold this morning. He probably slept in a sheltered spot. I’d love to have a tracking device on the guy so I could see his progress. Control! I want control! LOL!
Hi Sue, As I was reading your blog and looking at the pictures of Dale going down the road, I felt much like you….turn around Dale and come back and stay for a while..I missed him as he took off..me and Bridget..funny how your writing makes the people you write about come to life in our lives…..I was kind of hoping for a happy ending like Timbers…but maybe it will be when he settles down again. Stay warm and safe Sue, it is really cold here in So Cal even…
Hi, Shirlene,
“Characters coming to life” is one of the greatest compliments a writer can receive. Thank you.
To tell the truth, I leave out more story than I tell, but I have to in order to respect the person’s privacy. I’m pleased that you feel like you met Dale also with only the brief glimpse I shared with you.
Yes, Dale’s “story” is not over. He’s in a transition stage in his life. We wish him well!
You Southern Cal folks must really be suffering. You’re not used to this cold.
I am not a big fan of s’mores even though I love burnt marshmallows. I always had my chocolate eaten before the marshmallow was done so ate them separate. However if you want to experience the premier treat, try a peep. Ask Kathy about roasted peeps. It doesn’t matter whether they are ducks or trees, when the sugar surface melts in the campfire it seals in the melted marshmallow and is like a crème broule.
Hi, lindale,
Oh my, roasted peeps. Dear me. I can remember loving the little peeps. And now you suggest jabbing them with a stick and melting their little bodies over a campfire . . . The horror!
🙂