Monday, January 16
The desert is greening up!
When Reggie and I pull into Midland Long Term Visitor Area back on the eighth of December, I’m struck by how brown the plants appear.
Is it the contrast with the green fields and forests we saw in Colorado last summer or are the desert plants dying?
Our first walk in our winter home reveals the skeletons of ocotillo plants lying about, gray and forlorn-looking.
I inspect the woody stems of those that are upright. I hope that life still resides here.
The ocotillo . . .
If ever a plant could send the message that there is more to life than what we see, that there is a promise of more, that hope exists no matter how desolate the landscape of our lives, it’s the ocotillo tossing its blossoms to the sky.
Ocotillo at Sore Finger Road boondock, Salome, Arizona, March 2014
While walking Reggie this morning, I find signs that another cycle of green has begun!
Ocotillo and palo verde along wash near Big Maria Mountains, Blythe, California, January 2017
The brittlebush plants are no longer a bunch of sticks. In a few months their green mounds will be covered with yellow blooms.
Hmm . . . What is this? I crouch to take a photo of a tiny seedling.
Will it survive? If it does, what will it become?
“Hey, Reg! We even have grass as green as any in the park!”
Okay, so the patch of grass is only 10 inches by 12 inches . . . . Still, it’s GREEN GRASS!
~ ~ ~
Another episode in The Great Desert Mail Delivery Adventure . . . .
I’m fed up with the confusion regarding the four items I ordered: a lounger (received), a handbag (returned to seller), a jacket for Reggie (returned to seller), and oil cloth for my folding table (in transit).
I do what I should’ve done earlier.
I drive into Blythe and visit Right Space, a storage and mail service facility that Netta and Jim, Midland’s camp hosts, use for their mail deliveries, mainly because the post office, unlike United Parcel Service and Fed Ex, doesn’t deliver out here.
Jose, the owner, tells me I can rent a mailbox for $10 a month.
“Well, that’s reasonable,” I respond as I begin filling out the registration form.
“Plus there’s a twenty dollar, one-time charge for setting you up on the computer,” he adds.
I put down the pen.
“Oh. I won’t be having very much mail come in. Only a few packages.”
“If you don’t want the mailbox, you can have your packages sent to our address. The charge is five dollars per package.”
“That’s what I’ll do. Thanks, Jose!”
Once the dust clears and I see a refund on my credit card statement, I’ll reorder those items.
As Reggie and I rumble towards our home, I burst out laughing.
“Hahaha! I can see that aqua lounger all the way from here!”
Later . . . .
A car rolls up to our campsite! It’s Jim and Netta.
“The UPS truck was out here but we weren’t home. They left this note.” Netta hands me a little slip of paper titled “Sorry we missed you . . . .”
Further down it reads “Someone must be here to accept delivery and sign for your packages.” It also indicates they will try again on the next weekday (Tuesday, the 17th).
This must be the oilcloth I ordered for the folding table.
Netta tells me they will be home tomorrow and I promise to stay home also. I apologize for the inconvenience. She laughs it off as no big deal and we commence gabbing.
Reggie whines at my feet. I lift him up to the window. Max, the Boston terrier, comes forward from the back seat to stand on Netta’s lap. Canine noses meet through the open window.
Tuesday, January 17
It’s mid-morning as I type this. No sign of the UPS truck. Not yet . . .
That truck WILL arrive today!
I choose to believe the ocotillo promise — “There’s always hope!”
To be continued . . .
rvsue
NOTE: A reader who knows plants informs us in comments that the tiny plant I discovered is the Desert Lily. You can see its beautiful blooms by following this link to Hesperocallis-Wikipedia. — Sue
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First?
HOORAY FOR CYNTHIA! SHE’S FIRST!
First?
You were so close! By a hair…
WAHOO! DAWN IN NORTH CAROLINA COMES IN SECOND!
Third?
YIPPEE FOR LORI! THIRD PLACE!
Nice to see green when we’re struggling thru Snow-pocolypse here. Thanks for the reminder!
Love that – snow-pocolypse. Very funny, unless I suppose you’re stuck in it!
It’s what the local news media is calling it. Record snow and cold. I can hardly wait for it to all melt!
I’m with ya, Kristi and Daisie. I’m in Meridian and now we are under another storm advisory for up to 3 more inches followed by freezing rain, then finally rain as the temps will warm up to 38! Lots of snow around still.
KRISTI & DAISIE TIE WITH LORI FOR THIRD! YAY!
I love to see you blooming Ocotillo’s. They are so pretty when the shoes come out and the blossoms come on. I hope you get your or order today. And that you’re able to get the other items you ordered eventually. Looks like you’re enjoying a little bit of good weather between the storms.
Hi, Lisa,
The weather has been weird, but presently it’s pleasant. By weird I mean very changeable…. cold, sunny, windy, rainy, warm, cold, sunny and warm, windy and cold… back and forth! Not complaining though. 🙂
Second? No way!
🙂
Nice pics, ocotillo is my favorite cactus. It’s beautiful to see a wide area of them in bloom. Yuma has more than any other desert area. But then I love the desert.
Hi, Pat,
Yuma has the most ocotillo? I never would’ve guessed that.
“east of Apache Junction” — beautiful area!
first?
Nope, sorry, eliza. Maybe next time! 🙂
Good Afternoon Sue, all the pictures of the greening of the desert are beautiful. Sorry I have been quiet for a while, seems that my allergies decided to kick up in the worse way and put me down for a week! Finally up and at it again, meaning back at work, and happy to see that you are having a lovely time in the desert!
Your post always make me smile and for that I thank you.
Stay safe out there and rock on my friend. Judy
Good afternoon, judy,
Your allergies sound terrible! What a plague…. I’m glad you’re coming out of that!
Lovely pics and information about the ‘ocotillo’. It’s been so dreary here for weeks that any sunshine, even in pics is welcome 🙂 And, I applaud you for your patience with all your shipping woes!
I figured a little green would be welcome to readers in many parts of the country. Hang in there, Dawn! Spring is on its way!
Sue, you’ve gotten ahead of yourself!! It’s Tuesday the 17th, not Thursday. You gave me a start for a moment because I have a dentist appointment on Thursday morning and I’m sitting here reading your blog in my pajamas and I thought, “Good Lord, there’s no way I’ll get showered and dressed and to the dentist in time!” Then I thought, “How did I lose Tuesday and Wednesday?” Then I realized you made one of your very rare mistakes!!!
The ocotillo and other mystery sprouts are welcome flashes of green amongst the brown. With all the rain we’ve been having in So Cal, I can’t wait for the stunning, beautiful spring I’m sure we’ll have this year. I even saw a few new hummingbirds in the yard this morning, possible early arrivals returning from their southern migration. Or …. maybe they thought it was Thursday:)
Errrggh! So sorry about the confusion on the day! I edited the post to read Tuesday. Thanks for pointing it out for me after you recovered from the fright I gave you. 🙂
Cute ending to your comment…
I love watching things green up but it seems it would be especially thrilling in the desert landscape. And you have your own little bright patch with the lounger! lol
Twenty dollars to put you in a computer system?? I’m sorry but I just don’t understand that. It takes a few minutes and keystrokes and voila! you’re done. It’s not the computer charges per keystroke or for storage of data. That’s highway (or desert way) robbery!
Are there any Amazon lockers near you?
Well, my timeline remains the same but I have changed course on my living arrangements. I shopped a few vans and just couldn’t see myself in them. Perhaps I could get used to it but even conversion vans and high tops seem claustrophobic to me. It might be different if I had things set up the way I want them but that’s a big gamble to take. Add in that I’m not a carpenter and fear that whatever I tried to build would have to be torn down and redone by someone who knows what they are doing.
So I’m going the way of a TT. I had originally said “no” because I would have to buy a tow vehicle as well, but I’m warming to the idea. I will get the tow vehicle first – a mid-size SUV – and since inventory of good TTs in my price range is low on the east coast, I can live in the SUV as I travel west where there will be more inventory. Then I’ll be able to hook up and go. It takes a lot of stress off me not having to worry about insulating and building out a van. This girl ain’t 40 anymore! LOL
Hi, Lori,
I don’t know of any Amazon lockers around here. That $20 charge is probably necessary to keep from having people like me (here today, gone tomorrow) clog up their records. The $5 per package charge is a reasonable alternative.
Regarding you changing your mind from a conversion van or bus to a travel trailer…. Your reasoning is sound! I like how you have factored in the move to the west in order to be near TT deals. Like my plans, yours are evolving to a rig that suits you best!
if you live in the van its free after you get done and u can stay anywhere u want. you only have to keep up with one vehicle and travel trailers are expensive and its harder to find places to stay
I don’t agree with what you say about travel trailers. “harder to find places to stay” — Have you read my blog from the beginning, Kat? Van-living is a great option but it’s not for everyone.
Not only do I think are you wrong Kat but let me point out a couple of differences between a van and a travel trailer. In a van you have almost only enough room to lie down at night, no cooking, no bathroom, no space to even move around. Most important is my next post. You want to go to a nearby town for supplies or whatever, you must take your van along. With a travel trailer you leave your trailer at the camp site and drive the tow vehicle to town. I have had vans, travel trailers and motor homes (not to mention tents) and I found travel trailers preferable to the others. Whatever suits you is the best for you I guess. Enjoy it all kat….
just saying it could be a cool way to live not that you had too. nothing wrong with travel trailors
Lori…do not buy your toad first. Find the TT you want first and see what it’s specifications will be for towing. Then you’ll know what size truck/toad to buy for your needs. It’d be a shame to buy the toad then buy a TT that needs a bigger truck to tow it. Do Not listen to the truck salesmen. They’ll swear you can pull a fully loaded 40+’ 5th wheel with a Prius or Smart Car.
hahaha Cat Lady so true! Lori, check out the prices of TT’s in Florida! We have been told that so many retired folks buy them, use them once and then not liking traveling in with them after all, sell them after only one or two trips! Try looking in places like the Villages… their ads would be in Leesburg. Try different Camping Worlds in central and south FL. Our friend has a TT sales office in Crystal River. Randy Fife @ Nature Coast RV. We bought our 5th wheel from him. While there you can go have fun swimming with the manatee! But because there is usually a glut of used TT in Florida, the prices are usually pretty much lower than the other states! Good Luck!
I will check the papers around here for you if you want.
Good advice, Cat Lady!
well Im back from the dead it seems……just got over a bout with
pnuemonia and need to catch up with your last few posts…..thanks
to you and all the blogorinos for being here to keep me company…:)
chuck
chuck! I missed you! I even gave you a “shout out”… 🙂
Pneumonia? I’m glad I didn’t know about that. I’m very happy you are doing better and back with us in Blogorinoland! Take care…
Top 10. Hey Sue, I encountered a mechanical problem with my Class C that others might have an interest in.
We are preparing to leave PA to go to Arizona.I have the automatic Bigfoot jack levelers
and the levelers have been in the out position all winter.When I retracted them I got the
“all up” light and then started the engine.The warning signal (think like a smoke alarm) was going crazy.I looked underneath and saw that one piston had crept out a half inch which triggered the alarm.I didn’t see any oil leaks so I tried to retract manually.Once again it retracted fully and then crept down a half inch.So I checked the fluid and it seemed OK.
Had a hunch and I heated the cylinder with a heater this morning and retracted and the problem is cured.My conclusion is that we had a week of zero degrees temperatures that caused the cylinder fluid to contract thereby causing a lack of hydraulic pressure.
From now on, I will use boards when I am parking it in extreme cold for an extended period.It is now 32 degrees and they are working fine.I think I saved myself a bundle by figuring it out myself.
Good job, chas! You probably did save yourself $$$ and also the hassle of taking it in for repair. I bet you were grinning when it worked!
Thanks for taking the time to write your experience here. Maybe someday your comment will save another blogorino some bucks.
Arizona, here comes chas and company!
That is one bright lounger
Hahahaha!!!
Hope springs eternal, along with the ocotillo!
YES! 🙂
Hi Sue and Reggie,
I always wanted to have Ocotillo along my back fence however it was too expensive to remove all of the oleander. Beautiful little leaves…saw a hummingbird today, so I’m off to buy a feeder for the patio…hope your package arrives soon.
Deena and Miss Mollie
Thanks, Deena and Miss Mollie. No package has arrived yet….
You’ll probably have more than one hummingbird if you put up a feeder. I haven’t put one up this winter because the weather has been very changeable — wind and rain every few days. Also because of the ants. I don’t need sugar water being spilled in our camp site by the wind. You don’t have to worry about that in your back yard…
Deena, if you live in Phoenix, your oleanders will probably die in a few years, all of mine died. Then you can plant your Ocotillos.
Oops, forgot to change location. I’m now north of Quartzite.
That’s okay…. Methinks you are poised for the Big Tent days… 🙂
It must be fascinating to watch the desert coming to life again. I love the pictures. I really like the welcome home beacon….the lounge chair . Looks great.
THANK YOU for all the nice compliments on my hats. I agree, Reggie really makes a great model. Thanks also to those who ordered hats!!!! I appreciate that very much!!!
Dear Sister….please wear your hat in good health.
Love to you and Reggie
Hi, Pauline,
That’s exactly what the lounger seemed like — “a welcome home beacon.” I’ll think of that whenever it comes into view across the desert.
The hat kept my head warm on our early morning walk today. Love it!
And I love you, too!
Oh good I see you’ve gotten credit for my new kindle fire. My original one died after only 3 years. I love Amazon’s customer service. They gave me a $50 credit towards the new one even though it was way past its warranty period. I never did make it to Blythe after Indio. I’m glad you found a way to get your deliveries.
Hi, Linda Rose,
When I went into town the other day, I thought to myself, hmm… wonder if Linda Rose is shopping at Smart & Final today… 🙂
Good to hear Amazon treated you right. Years ago when I had my first Kindle, it froze up after about two years. I called Amazon, was told a few things to try that didn’t work, and then I was told a new one was being sent to me. I was asked to return the old one.
Thank you for sticking with kindle and for using my blog to go to Amazon. I appreciate that!
Green!!!! And sun and blue sky. I’ve just spent Day 4 of my three day weekend in bed asleep. The granddaughter (now 7) has the same cold and is the little energizer bunny she always is. Granny, not so much. crreeeakkk. It’s been raining hard here since last night. So much that one of the nearby streets has flooded at an intersection and is closed. I’m sure glad it isn’t snow! And am happy to stay inside, in my jammies, with plenty of hot beverages. When I’m awake, that is.
And I still love that color blue on your lounger!
Poor thing! Sorry to hear you’re bedridden with a cold, Pat. Isn’t that typical of a child… Running around in spite of a cold.
I’m glad all that rain didn’t freeze on the streets. Yes, stay in bed and get better!
Well as I read this I am in the Walmart parking lot in San Louis Ariz . Wasting an hour before I go across the border to get my bridge fitted and a crown put in — A birthday present to myself. Enjoying missing the ice storms in Missouri. Hope you and Reggie are enjoying the warmth. Next week I will be in Quartzsite for the hamfest. Stay warm and enjoy yourself.
Dave’s no longer in Missouri! Lucky you, even though you’re on the way to the dentist’s chair.
Wishing you a very happy birthday… and if the special day is already passed, I’m also wishing you a very happy year!
You’ll have a nice smile for hamfest. 🙂
Thanks actually today is the birthday. What a gift.
“Okay, now, open wide. This will hurt a little bit . . . .”
Today is one of those days when I feel like driving off into the sunset, taking only my pups. So, I get home, turn on the computer and there it is! A chapter in the life of RvSue and Reggieman! The blue sky, ocotillo, palo verde and the nifty blue lounger perked me right up. Thanks for a glimpse into a calmer and prettier world:)
Your comment perks ME up, Gingerita! That’s one of the best compliments ever, reading how my blog brightened your day. Thank you. 🙂
Hi Sue!
Brock and I have been busy. Lots to do over the holidays and then there was traveling also. But life is back to normal. Thanks so much for the pictures of the desert greening up. That really cheers me up.
As always, safe travels to you and Reggie Man!
Thanks, Rick & Brock the Dog! Good to see you here again. Wishing you a great year!
What a profound, thoughtful and thought provoking, beautiful sentence you wrote following ” The ocotillo… ” I’m glad you stayed there long enough to visibly see what rainy days there were making possible. What lovely shades of green are around you now, so fresh, and lighter than they will be as the year progresses.
Once when you went to a camp you initially thought many of the trees there had died, though really they were just in a dormant stage. I remember being jubilant when a blogorino identified them so we knew they were alive and truly made the landscape picturesque not sad.It’s wonderful to see plants in today’s photos awakening to a new season ahead.
The coats of sparkling snow and ice that plants here wore has melted. The bare trees’ and bushes’ strength can be seen more clearly when leaves don’t cover them. A single heavy and large branch recently fell beside my door, again, thank God, without causing harm to anything or anyone. The rest of the tree bore the weight of the snow and ice without losing a bit of it’s beauty and ability to shelter birds and squirrels every year. The wild rabbits are having a field day with all of the grass they can now hop through and more easily find to eat.
Between waiting there for your refrigerator and packages to arrive with everyone’s attempts to see that you get them you’ve dealt with a lot of nice people. And Reggie has had so many chances to play with dogs, have burgers and trips to enjoy. You replied to someone’s comment( about things taking a while) that waiting was easy. You’ve made it joyful and entertaining, too 🙂
Good afternoon, weather!
You expand upon my posts with such clarity that I see things I didn’t know were there. You make me aware of blessings I overlooked or had forgotten. Thank you!
I’m very glad and also thank God that no harm came to you, the creatures around your home, or your home itself. Through your words I can see those wild rabbits “having a field day.” A field day indeed!
Green is certainly a good thing! In NC right now it is all rain, gloomy as all get out and muddy. Had to call a mobile RV tech out today. My only other choice is Camping World that people told me to avoid at all costs and he doesn’t charge as much. My generator wouldn’t start. It turns out the generator is fine, but I have two dead batteries. I think that 2 degree weather finished them off. So tomorrow will go swap out for new, scrub and paint the battery tray as it is rusty, caulk around the fans (if it isn’t raining again) and start waxing. Much to do, but it shall be done. I can send you some rain if you want more green:) Please send sunshine!
Just think, if you ever get senile that you only have to remember one thing to find your camper-Find the aqua lounger!
I should put that in my orders… “Deliver to the camper with the aqua lounger.”
There ya go!
Oh boy, I got behind a post or two! Sorry! Love that Fed Ex came up to your front door to deliver, now that is good service! We were trying to get caught up making more Mermaid Tears for the Farmers Market. We missed the one 2 weeks ago because of the freezing weather Fri night and into Sat. By Monday weather was back in the 70’s again! now we are all ready for this Sat. and heavy thunder storms are predicted! Oh well, I have plenty ready to go!
I love your new blue lounger! I need one too! Left mine in NM for EmilyO I thimk. It looks like you are in he right spot to be welcoming Spring into the desert! It is such a treat to see things turn green. What a great place to sit back and wait for a fridge to appear. I will try not o get behind in my reading this time! Haha!
And I can’t wait to use it Geri. I love taking naps in it. Oh, and Hi Sue.
I am glad you have been making good use of it Emily! LOL!
Too bad about missing the Farmers Market. I hope the storms hold off until after Saturday. Always good to hear from you, Geri!
You have an oasis of color… aqua, green, the flowers yet to come… How wonderful.
I’m parked on blm land just west of Parker, it’s only for the night. Also testing out my solar, yeah, 560w from 2 panels, 4 / 236amp hour batteries, 1500 watt inverter. and it’s all up and running. God Bless my Sons for the install.
It’s wonderful to see and feel the sun, even with rain predicted later this week.
I’m meeting up with my sister from Salt Lake and brother from Deming. We all needed warmer weather.
Thanks for the great pictures and it’s a joy to be in the southwest again.
Wow! You’re very well equipped with solar, Carlene! Enjoy visiting with your siblings, whatever the weather!
It helps to have sons who are solar contractors. I got a big break on material and the install was my Christmas birthday and mothers days for a very long time.
Enjoy the desert… I lived in Yuma many moons ago as a kid. Truly amazing the difference in the area.
Take care.
You, too, carlene. 🙂
Maybe one of the most interesting things about the deserts is there constant changes.
Pictures of Reggie by a cactus that shows his size relative to it really bring it home as to how tiny our little fella is. Keep ’em rollin Missy…
Okay, Jim. Will do. 🙂
To help with UPS deliveries, check into UPS Choice. They send me an email the day before they will deliver a package, and give me a window when to expect the truck. I hope you don’t have to have a permanent physical address, you do need an permanent email address. If they left the tracking number on the slip, have you tried tracking the shipment?
Hi, Phil… I appreciate the suggestion. However, the first part of your first sentence you say “to help with UPS deliveries.” That’s where the problems originate. I can’t specify when placing an order to ship UPS. That decision is out of my hands. If I use a Post Office general delivery address, it’s shipped UPS and arrives when the PO is closed. If I use my physical address, it’s shipped by the Post Office and they don’t deliver to Midland. It was a happy occurrence that the lounger was shipped Fed Ex.
I’ve tracked the shipment for all four packages. Two were sent back to the seller, one was delivered, and the fourth is on its way. I’ll look into UPS Choice.
You had rain!
The ocotillo is drought deciduous, which means it loses its leaves in dry periods, growing them back in response to recent rains (usually within 2-3 days of a recent storm). This process may occur several times during the course of the year. Leaves, when they are present, are small, oval and green and grow to 2 inches in length.
That’s right, Ed. The rain has brought the green. I found an ocotillo today that is upright, but it hasn’t leafed out like the others. Maybe it didn’t get enough rain, for some reason I’m not aware of.
Hi Sue, Things are greening up here in Ajo as well. I wondered if you were going to make it here this winter or not. I was surprised to see some of the campsite roads fenced off now, that had been open 4 years ago. What a disappointment! I did find a place to camp on the left fork but then had to come into town to the Belly Acres RV Park as my little blue Rav4 needed some mechanical work; but not before I had a good go-round in the desert backroads and washes. I do catch up on your blog from time to time. Wherever you are spending your winter, I wish you and Reggie the best!
Thank you, Sunny! I don’t plan on going to Ajo this winter. You enjoy it for me. 🙂
Nice hearing from you again!
Hi RvSue,
This little mysterious plant is Desert Lily. Look for more wavy leaves. They grow in sandy areas where it is hard to imagine anything is able to survive. In a few weeks these plants are going to have amazing blooms. The white flowers sometimes are size of your hand or bigger. Try toget down on your knees and enjoy aroma of these beatiful flowers. They look like they are cultivated somewhere in green house and not growing on their own in this inhospitable environment. With all rains we’re getting we should be rewarded with great wildflowers sometime in March.
Hi, R.!
Once again you identify a plant for me! Thank you! You’ve taught me so much and I appreciate it.
I looked up the Desert Lily and found a link for readers who are interested:
Desert Lily – DesertUSA
Here’s an excerpt: “The Desert Lily was called “Ajo (garlic) Lily” by the Spanish because of the bulb’s flavor. Native Americans used the bulb as a food source. These bulbs can remain in the ground for several years, waiting for enough moisture to emerge.”
You are right about them “growing on their own in this inhospitable environment.” The little plant I photographed is all by itself in an area covered with rocks and coarse sand.
Be well, safe, and happy and enjoy the California desert! 🙂
LATER…. I added a note and a link regarding Desert Lily at the end of the post. Thanks again, R.!
Scratching my head in more disbelief…let’s see Sue, have you taken up mind reading too?? I mean is that HOW you ought to know where to be at any given time?? I never fail to be amazed at how people assume we know things…we read well…we have texting and we have internet, and maybe a phone even…let’s see…but somehow, even though we have never had more ways to communicate, it seems we have ever more and more problems receiving things we order!! How is that anyway!!??? You are a patient woman!!
Good morning, Elizabeth! Thank you, but it’s easy to be patient when one doesn’t live by a schedule or controlled by the demands of a job. I can wait. I’m retired!
Have a great day!
😃❗️
Hi, Ronda!
No kidding! One can spot that lounger in no time! Made me laugh!
The plants tower over Reg man!
Enjoy!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Actually the lounger is visible from a lot farther than the photo shows. Not a stealthy item for this recluse, but I like it anyway. 🙂
I grumble when rain inconveniences me, but then I remember how the world needs water.
Plus living in desert areas can be a lesson in conserving the water we have. I remember one year I was flabbergasted as I saw the way water was being used in great volumes without concern for waste through evaporation, watering concrete sidewalks, and other means. This was in Duchesne (a town I really like, BTW) where water is abundant (a river runs through it). After wintering in the desert, the contrast was striking.