Before we get into the daily narrative and photos, there are a few things I’d like to discuss, okay?
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Midland Long Term Visitor Area, Blythe, California
Well, the refrigerator talk of the previous post was fun.
One thing I should have pointed out — My refrigerator might very well have several years of life left in it. It may only need an adjustment or a new control panel. In other words, the refrigeration may be easily fixed. It’s the structure that’s a disaster.
What makes buying a new refrigerator the best option, even though expensive, is the impossibility of repairing or replacing the door, shelves, and freezer compartment door without a whole lot of hassle and expense, and then who knows how long it would last anyway.
So see?
The problem isn’t with the refrigerator, the problem is with ME! I wrecked it. Although, given a chance to do it all over again, I’d still bounce the BLT up those awful roads to sweet boondocks!
It’s the price one pays.
Let my experience be a reminder that it is important to plan for big outlays of cash. I’m into my sixth year of full-time RVing. Stuff breaks. Stuff wears out. There will be large expenses. No doubt about it.
Periodically I take inventory of our situation.
Let’s see . . . . The tires on the Perfect Tow Vehicle are in pretty good shape. They’re all-terrain tough Toyos, purchased in October 2013 in The Dalles, Oregon.
The storage batteries in the PTV have reached the 5-year mark.
Five years is considered a good life span so they may need replacement soon, although there’s no indication of that. The Optima Batteries were added to the PTV in November, 2011, in Elephant Butte, New Mexico (See solar page accessed from header).
I’ve enjoyed a pretty good run with those batteries considering I treat them only slightly better than I treat the refrigerator!
The house battery in the BLT, also an AGM, no-maintenance Optima “yellow-top,” is a little over three years old. It was purchased in Port Angeles, Washington, in September 2013. I hope to get at least two more years of use from it.
In September 2013, in Hurricane, Utah, a new resistor for the air conditioner blower motor was installed. I’ve since given up on air conditioning.
In December 2014 in Globe, Arizona, the back door of the PTV had to be replaced after I crunched it into the BLT.
In October 2015 in Richfield, Utah, the PTV received a new starter battery.
The Best Little Trailer’s Vanguard tires were purchased in spring of 2016 in Silver City, New Mexico. That was a peace-of-mind purchase. The Marathons from the Casita factory were still good, but I was beginning to worry.
Last month the PTV had new brakes installed in Overton, Nevada, and now the time has come for a new refrigerator.
See how it goes?
Look at all the different places we were when these replacements and repairs occurred.
Life happens when you’re having fun, eh?
~ ~ ~
Thursday, December 22
Rain!
And you know what that means . . .
Puddles! Waterfront property!
Reggie and I are snuggled in bed last night when the gentle taps of rain on the roof begin their tender lullaby.
The rain falls steadily most of the night.
Shortly after I wake at sunrise, the rain begins again. “Go back to sleep,” the rain says. “I have more lullaby for you.”
Okay, nooooo problem!
Later I go outside to dump the coffee grounds left in the bottom of my french press from yesterday. (Yeah, I’m THAT kind of housekeeper.) I don’t bother hooking the Reggie Man on his tether.
He won’t run off. This cold, wet ground will stop that . . . .
Reggie follows me outside, unaware he’s not tethered.
Once he realizes he’s free, he makes a brief trip around the Perfect Tow Vehicle, and, as predicted, he sprints to the open door of the BLT and flies through it in a flash of green.
Rocketman would rather have breakfast. I smile. Oh, yes. It’s easy to keep a man tethered with his stomach!
After coffee, I take my camera outside for these photos.
One might think the desert would be so thirsty that it would drink up the heaviest rainfall as quickly as it touches the ground. Not so. It takes a while. Little washes, like the ones you see in the photos above, crawl between the bushes until the sun helps them disappear.
Remember the golden mountains in a recent photo?
Here are those same mountains this morning. Moody and dark and mysterious. Oooh.
Funny thing about living like I do.
Years ago, when there was a commute to work ahead of me most mornings and I wished I could stay home to linger over a cup of coffee, the sight of a grey morning brought forth the grumbles.
Since I’ve retired and hit the road, I can accept and even relish the changes brought about by weather.
Every day doesn’t need to be blue skies and balmy breezes.
Oh sure, when it’s cold and damp and Reggie’s shivering and I feel chilled through and through, well, that’s different. That’s when we move. I’m talking about the usual changes we encounter as we seek and settle into mild camping weather. Like this morning. The desert shows a different face.
Embrace the changes, I say.
I guess what I’m trying to get across is . . .
It’s all good!
“You can go out now, sweetie. The sun is shining through the clouds and the mud is mostly gone.”
There he goes!
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rvsue
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Hi Sue!
Glad the BLT is water tight!
Me, too, Dan!
BTW, are you signed up for email notification, and, if you are, did you receive one for this post? Something is not working right with my blog and your input will help me.
I am, but I haven’t gotten one – yet? I just happened to log in. I did notice that there are two posts with similar titles listed on the side bar earlier, I don’t see it now.
Thanks for your reply, Dan. I published the same post a second time to see if the email notification would work. It didn’t. Since then I’ve installed a different plugin for email notification and now I’m waiting to see if it works for someone.
Yep I got mine Sue, great blog and pictures.
Got mine at 11:49 on 22. Like pictures.
Oh yeah, CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST, DAN!
Heh, never came on here this early after a post…lovely photos, Sue…have nice days ahead too!!
Thanks, Elizabeth.
I am signed up, but haven’t rec’d an email yet
Thank you very much, Lisa! I guess I need to figure out what’s wrong. Ugh.
I get my notifications via RSS feed. It works well.
Didn’t get a notice. When I first logged on your post from my blog roll it said there was nothing posted. Checked back now and it’s here. Also lots of weird error notice “stuff” at the bottom of the post. So yes, you’ve got some issues. But I did get to enjoy the wonderful photos of the moody desert – so lovely.
Thanks, Jodee. I think it might be fixed but we won’t know until I create a new post.
Don’t know if this will help as I don’t get email notification. I did check in a few hours ago and there was the new post with about 15 comments. Now those comments are gone, but I do not see any “weird stuff” that Jodee mentions at the bottom of the post.
I deleted that post and then posted a copy of it. Unfortunately the comments under the original were lost. Thanks for your help.
What!!!! The first time I am so close to the top (#4) and it gets erased!!! Oh well tee hee. I usually do not see my email notification until late in the evening. So far nothing for today but that’s normal! I’ll report if I get one around my usual time.
you can delete and repost this one, too … or not!
It’s hard to tell what’s going on because at this time of day few comments come in anyway.
I’m not going to fool with it any more right now. I’m going to wait and see what tomorrow brings.
Have a good evening, Lisa. 🙂
I didn’t check my email… I just came straight here and I was lucky to make the top 20 anyway!
Tater came out Tuesday a new dog! LOL okay, he’s still ugly, but now he is no longer the lazy lounger! He has more energy than we have seen since we brought him home! We have to keep him calm for 6 weeks, ordinarily that would not have been a problem. However, he runs, he jumps, he is absolutely joyful! So keeping him calmer is not going to be as easy as we thought! Ha! So y’all have very powerful prayers and I thank you for them!
We have been having a few rainy day too! Finally! No rain here since the hurricane way back when! Rain was welcome!
Unexpected expenses…. yet in the dark corners of our mind, we do expect them! We just don’t want to admit we expect them. Tires wear out, brakes need attention, batteries die when you least expect it, and usually in the worst places! LOL! I laugh at your description of your fridge dilemma ! Funny how long how we put up with things because we just don’t want to face the reality of spending that much hard earned money! I do the very same thing and Chuck is worse about it than you and I put together! hahaha!
Thanks for the wonderful photographs and the great attitude you bring with every post! Give that sweet Rocket Man Reggie a hug from me. Radar is now asleep on my lap! In a few minutes, I will chase him over to his bed and the sweet dreams that wait for him there. Hugs to you and again MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and all the Blogerinos!
Hi Geri (and Chuck),
I think part of the “putting up with things” is partly due to many of us being frugal. Why throw it out, replace it, or fix it, if you can make due… I have the same mindset. Much of that was learned from my parents and grandparents. Going through lean times, wars, and the Great Depression just enforced their frugal ways. I have washcloths and towels that are tattered around the edges. They look ratty, but still “work” just fine. Newer towels are put out for company. 🙂
Merry Christmas! 🙂
We are the same way, making do until it just won’t “do” anymore! We call it recycling! But I think it is good that so many of us are this way. Seems like everything today is made with a “throw it away and buy another” is the easy road to take!
Merry Christmas to you Denise!
🙂
Am I under the number 10 mark…huh…am I huh…huh! Oh to be number one, one day. Like getting a 777 on a One Armed Bandit, or winning a small fortune on a lottery. I can only dream of the grandeur and romance of that day. I just hope my heart can stand it when that day comes… 🙂
Heehee…thanks for the laugh, Joe!!
🙂
Just the thought of being first takes my breath away, Joe. Its nice to dream and anticipate a little Glory! Good to see you here enjoying RV Sue’s post along with the other bloggorians….. Merry CHRISTMAS to all!
Hi Merle, It looks like you sent us your weather…this cold spell reeks of WASHINGTON weather. Can you take it back now? We have no Chinooks down here to eat the snow. Hope you and Leo are happy as clams and Merry Christmas to all the Blogorinos.
First by chance?
My post notice was late. Oops…
Hope you survived today’s rains! Little more to come Saturday.
Happy holidays to you& Reggie-man!
I got an email notice. Sue, I’m curious what system you use to keep track of all the maintenance and repairs done on your PTV and BLT. Our box of haphazard recipes doesn’t seem to be very functional 😱.
Stay warm.
Marilu…. This blog is my system. I associate a repair with a location which I can search for on my blog and find the date and details.
I used to tear up when I left my home in the morning, heading to the hour commute and the stressful 8-12 hour days of cranky customers and stressed out employees. I longed to be able to stay home and watch the sun and shadows move across my yard. To watch the rain come in. To not worry when the weather person predicted a blizzard on a work day. And now I’m retired and I have to say IT’S ALL WONDERFUL! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ditto 🙂
Been having some issues with my email for quite some time…and then they changed a bit of how it looks in setup…go figure…designed to drive us batty maybe. Hope you figure out what is going on there.
I received the email notification and it came in at 1203am eastern standard time. Enjoyed the pictures and comments on a rainy day in the desert and of course the pictures of Reggie!
I received an email about a new post today at 8:49 Pacific Time.
If we were to take your refrigerator guts and my refrigerator body, we would have a fully functional refrigerator!
You better keep an eye on Rocketman. In the second pic it looks like he’s examining the tether. I think that he’s planning an escape. 🙂
Test….test…11:22 pm……is something wonky happening?
Hey Sue and Reggie man, Yes I received the email notice at 1148 p.m. Piece of mind is a good reason for replacement of the fridge. I mean it’s used 24/7 for all these years so I see your point. I would get the heater fixed at the same time. Thanks Sue for all the sunshine you bring us.
Jerry
Jerry….The heater is on my list for things to be fixed at that appointment. 🙂
I tried once to post and the whole page froze up! I had to go all the way out and come back in and start over, weird!
My email said your post came in at 10:47pm Mountain time, but your post link said 7:47pm, so I don’t get it. I opened your email and clicked on your post just after 1:00 am the next morning. It’s been a late night because I found out my best friend who has been dealing with thyroid cancer for the last 11 years is in the hospital fighting for her life. She’s a teacher and her cancer decided to turn very aggressive. They had to remove her voice box, she’s receiving radiation 5 times a week and chemo once a week. It doesn’t look good. She’s only 48 and has a 10 year old daughter she’s raising with a crazy ex-husband. I feel at a loss, I can’t do anything but pray and give her support via text right now. It breaks my heart. I don’t want to lose my friend to freaking cancer or anything else!
So, for Blogorino’s that pray, please pray for my friend. God will know who that is. Thank you to the Blogorino’s who lift up my friend in prayer. I greatly appreciate your prayers for her. You might say a prayer for me too. It hurts me to the core that I can’t do more for her, and I need to handle this within my heart, because I don’t want to lose someone else I love so soon after losing my mom. I feel selfish saying that, but I’m human and I can only deal with so much grief at one time. God doesn’t give us more than we can bear, but right now that doesn’t sound real comforting.
I don’t know if I’m making sense. So, thanks for letting me express my feelings even if they’re a jumbled mess.
We’re having rain here too. It’s a muddy mess out there! What a way to begin my adventure with Rosie, the sweetest dog! I didn’t intend to get a dog that looks a lot like Reggie. I’m not trying to copy you, Sue! It just worked out that she was the one who had everything on my list of wants in a dog. I wanted a little bit bigger dog, but Rosie stole my heart!
Hope everything thing gets worked out with the blog troubles, and all the other problems you’re having with the frig, and other stuff.
I need to go to bed. I’m rambling, I think.
Good night!
Beth, prayers for you and your dear friend. And, happy you have your little Rosie….our dogs, so comforting!
Prayers for you and your friend. I know what your going through. Hug your pup.
Beth, prayers are in the heart with faith are in order for your friend and you from all,,, may he bless you and yours with comfort and peace this Christmas Season,,,, 👣👣🐾
Keeping you and your friend in my prayers. Rosie….give your mommy some extra love. Take good care, Beth. Sending you a *hug*
Prayers for your Friend and you, Beth.
Beth….
You, your friend, and her family have my prayers, too. Don’t worry about “rambling.” That’s why we’re here — for each other.
I’m delighted that you and Rosie have become a family and that she shares Reggie’s qualities, i.e. zooming, cuddling, being cute, stealing your heart, etc. I look forward to reading your Rosie Ramblings! 🙂
Beth, so sorry to hear about your friend…and my heart also goes out to you in your worries over her and her child!! Will be asking GOD to help you both right now!! Have hope so long as you can!! This is a hard time of year to face such things…and I understand your missing your mom too…it has been now nearly 16 years since I lost mine and I miss her every day still…
Dear Beth,
My prayers are here for you and your dear friend and her innocent 10 year old daughter. May you have peace in soft moments of solitude. It is the most appropriate time to mourn now. God bless, Beth.
May God bless and comfort you, Beth, and your friend and her family.
My prayers are with you Beth and your friend and her family. May you all have a Blessed Christmas.
Prayers for the teacher who touches your heart o. May the Lord help her in incredible ways. I pray the Lord will give you peace about your friend as well.
just checking something
My new post e-mail arrived here in NY state at 11:49 EST Thursday night. Apparently the new plug in began working shortly after you published this post, Sue. The delay may have been due to it’s new installation, in any case, at least it’s functioning, and since Chris B. received the e-mail at 8:49 PST coast to coast readers are getting the notice at the same time.
It’s good of you to remind everyone that expenses for repairs or replacement of things still need to be saved for when traveling. I’ve noticed a few folks stories where, having invested all they had in a RV or travel trailer and tow vehicle, not being prepared to spend what was needed from their limited monthly income caused them problems.
The photo below “Embrace the Changes, I say” is gorgeous. The clouds and richer colors caused by everything’s being wet add dimensions of beauty to see, feel and smell that one won’t experience on a sunny day in the desert. I’m glad that you are able to enjoy whatever gifts each day brings you.
Hi Sue and Reggie Man. I got your email notification. I’m loving the adventures you and the little man are having. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Yes, it’s all good. Appreciating all the little things in life is a wonderful way to live. Merry Christmas and Take Care Sue and Crew.
Sue, I don’t get email notifications of new posts even though I signed up for them. I did, at first when I starting following your blog but they stopped for some reason. I will try again.
Don
Hi Sue and Reggie! I love, love, love these rain photos! Such a different side of the desert. This is a great post for people who are thinking about full timing. It was something I hadn’t thought about and began to encounter after about 6 months out. Things break, fly off, wear out and need to be replaced – and in the craziest of places!
I want to wish you, Reggie, Rusty, Piper and all the Blogarinos a very happy holiday! Love and peace to you all.
Ps, I do get e-mail notifications, including this one.
Well Sue your post did finely get to my box this morning, but was dated the 22nd at 0659am and i didn’t get it till this morn,, mmmmm,,,,👣🐾
Happy Holidays, Sue and Reggie! Love Reggie’s green sweater! Take care.
Good morning, Sue!
I am not signed up for e-mail notifications…..I just check for updates. After sitting in front of a computer all day at work, I am lazy when checking home e-mail. 🙂 I hope you were able to fix the problem.
I love the pictures of Reggie zooming around! He has two “trademark” pictures. First is the back of his sweet head, looking out the window of the PTV, the other is him in full zoom mode. All four legs in the air, running full throttle, with a joyous grin on his little face. 🙂
In the past, I never understood why the southwestern states had damaging floods. They’re in drought territory – wouldn’t all that rain soak into the dry earth? After traveling to the SW, I learned how the ground is so hard packed that it cannot absorb the rain fast enough. Hmmm….your post started out talking about saving for rainy days, then you had a rainy day at your camp. Clever! 🙂
Gracie pup and I are doing the happy dance! I am off from work until after the first of the year. Oh, happy days! I will definitely enjoy the break and Gracie is happy that I will be spending more time with her. She is already trying to enforce a strict schedule for belly rubs. 🙂
Have a great day, Sue! Sending you and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS! BOY, AM I GLAD TO SEE YOU!
Opening up my laptop this morning I wondered if I faced a day of trying to figure out tech stuff. Imagine my relief and delight to find y’all here!
If you’re confused about what I’m so happy about — I published this long post and hardly anybody showed up! That’s when I realized the emails hadn’t gone out to followers. I fiddled around with settings, copied the entire post with photos, and pasted it into a new post. I published that second post and waited. Darn. No good.
I felt like I was on an island and my blogorino pals were on a ship growing smaller and smaller on the horizon. (Yeah, I watched the movie “Cast Away” recently.)
Then I did some research and it looked like a recent update of WordPress, something one has to do periodically, is not compatible with the plug-in for sending emails. I downloaded and installed a newer plug-in, said a little prayer, and turned off my laptop.
I come back this morning and you’re here! Wow! This episode has me appreciating you and your comments more than ever! 🙂
I hope your day turns out as bright as mine has begun! Well, actually it’s overcast and dark here, but you know what I mean. 🙂
Sue
🙂
Glad you figured out a different way around this mountain, Sue…seems a constant watching my husband struggle with ours…I do not have the patience…so only so long as he is able to deal with it…then it will not be part of my life anyway!!!
My first comment, which I did yesterday, is showing after your comment about being ‘glad to find us’, but for some reason I did not see the ‘glad you found us’ comment until today. The timestamps look odd too. Hmmm. I don’t know what to tell you about THAT! Confusion reigns!
But I did realize that I forgot to say Merry Christmas in my last comment, so I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very very happy New Year in case I don’t get a chance to talk with you again before then! 🙂
From Macha and Me!
Even more interesting is the fact that this comment and the other comment that I made today showed up in my email feed as did your original post. However the first comment that I made yesterday never did come through in my email.
Things that make you go hmmm!
Boy I can relate! The old “emergency” fund is absolutely necessary. I have enjoyed your posts from your original story to which I can TOTALLY relate. I am so anxious to take my little rig (2004 ford ranger Edge and restored 1968 Casual Camper – all 84 sq ft of living space) and get out of Dodge! Enjoy the adventures and reality of your posts.
I felt this urge to read your blog this morning, although I really didn’t have time. Well, I am meeting my son shortly, so I didn’t want to take time! Sorry Sue. Lol. But I’m glad I did. I’m getting ready to go up one of those “interesting roads” and I’m not entirely sure that my Sassy will make it. I’m hoping that she’s a better hill climber than I think she is. It’s not a Bad Road, it’s actually good road most of the way. There’s just this one Short Steep Hill. Unfortunately, it’s comprised of loose gravel and big rocks, that like to pop loose as you’re trying to get up the hill. When we came down it the other day, my Sassy was bucking and snorting! That was going Down that hill! I don’t know what’s going to happen as we’re going up, but I’m praying that the good Lord will make it all ok.
Yes, there is expense out here, just like anywhere in life, and I have been caught unprepared. But always found the help I needed. The right shop, the right store, even help financially, usually, in just that proverbial, nick of time.
You are so right about accepting change out here. It seems so much easier, than before. Some might say that perhaps, that is more due to age and temperament? But I seem to be able to face challenging paths with an easier heart, since I’ve been on the road, with just my little Macha, and the good Lord, for company, these last three years.
Something I’ve have chanted to myself, more often during challenging times.
Just remember, “Change” is the only constant in the universe!
Change. Indeed! Embrace the Change, you never know where it might lead! :~)
That rain you’re having is making an appearance here in southernmost Colorado as slush falling from the sky. Fortunately, as a teacher, I am off from work for winter break and can do as my body asks in this dim, wet weather, and hibernate today. My relatives in New Mexico just let me know they are not braving the icy road conditions to come to my house for Christmas, so I don’t have to make up the guest room today. A lazy day–I can practice for retirement and just enjoy the view of the mountains playing peek-a-boo through the snow and mist.
I’ll be hitting the road as a full-timer in my Casita in 18-24 months and have started considering my retirement budget. Your post is a good reminder that T.A.S. (There’s Always Something). I plan to take a page from your book and be at peace with that inevitable financial fact of life. Resistance is futile, may as well plan for T.A.S. in the budget, and not let it ruin your day when the Something appears.
I can definitely relate. My Christmas spending took the form of a new starter and a set of four new tires! On the one hand, quite a bummer, fewer presents for my loved ones on Christmas. On the other hand, I am grateful to have the money and that I didn’t end up stranded or in an accident. I need to practice being content with what I have. Having a good, running car is something that I am most grateful for.
Also Sue, good to know you haven’t suddenly changed into a night owl on us! 😉 Your blog appeared in my inbox at 11:48 pm. I was thinking whhaaat??? RV Sue, are you pulling an all nighter on us? Thanks for the explanation.
I rec’d a notice at 8:38 pm
and I’m thinking the time stamp may be wrong somehow, because I checked after that time and there was no email notice
Hey, I’m #66 I think….not too bad, LOL! I too had a streamside campsite for a little while! What is the bush that makes such a nice herbal smell after a rain? I love it! You’re scaring me with all that talk of saving up for rainy days….every day is a rainy one with me! And every little maintenance crisis is just that….a crisis. Maybe someday I can get ahead.
JanisP… The aromatic bush is the creosote bush. It’s all around us here at Midland (See photo of bush in the ring of rocks with Reggie nearby — that’s creosote, green most of the year, yellow blooms.)
Merry Christmas Sue, Reggie, and all Blogorinos! So glad your post is fixed and you have a new fridge. I was wondering why you have given up on your AC. Is it that you find you really don’t need it because of the spots you choose, or is it beyond the beyond of repair? Just curious.
Your photos are lovely as always. Rains seem to reawaken the earth no matter where it rains. Reggie is looking his most handsome self!
Enjoy the holiday weekend. Belly rubs, hugs, and prayers!
Retiredcajunlady…. I’ve had enough A/C woes with vehicles. Rather than repeated trips to the shop over the years, I choose to camp where it’s cool in the summer whenever I can and enjoy the breeze through the PTV’s open window.
I had a feeling that where you camp during summer months left you with little need to use AC much. And you and Reggie do enjoy the outdoors so much! Thank you so much for answering.
This comment has nothing whatsoever to do with this blog entry – fair warning.
You may remember a few posts ago, I mentioned our family tradition of Santa Dog and said I was sure our two girls -Carly and Sadie – would be getting something from him. Well, I was wrong.
This morning, we had to put our much loved black lobby mix, Carly, to sleep. A few weeks ago, she tore her left hind ACL. She was recovering from that fairly well. Last night, while walking across our living room floor, she cried out, stumbled and sort of collapsed/sat. Although she eventually got up, she was limping on both hind legs and was clearly in pain.
We called the vet, who advised doubling up on her pain pill, and we made an appt for first thing this morning. Turns out, the ACL in her other hind leg tore and the left one wasn’t healing. At the ripe old age of almost 13 (her birthday is next month), she was a poor candidate for surgery. So we made the only decision we could.
She did get her homemade Christmas bone as I had the presence of mind to slip it into my pocket before we left home. The vet saw no problem with giving it to her, so that’s the last thing she ate. I held her in my lap – a 50# lap dog 🙂 ), while my hubby and I told her what a good girl she was.
Much as I said when Bridget passed, of course we feel the loss – my whole face is puffy and red – we will celebrate Carly’s life and the precious memories she gave us.
I’m sorry to hijack the blog and to be a Debbie Downer, but this community feels like a family and I wanted to share.
Thank you.
Rochelle, I’m sorry that your Carly is no longer with you. How loving of you to remember to bring her homemade Christmas bone so she had one more special treat before you gently let her go.
Carly took all your love and wonderful memories with her!
Dear Rochelle,
How heartbreaking for you… Your Carly enjoyed a good life with you, your husband, and Sadie. I’m very sorry for the pain of your loss and wish there were a way to soothe the ache.
No, you didn’t hijack, you’re not a Debbie Downer…. We’re privileged that you share with us “like a family.” Take care.
Rochelle, My heart goes out to you on your loss of Carly. It is always difficult but somehow even more so during the holidays. What a wonderful memory you made by giving her the homemade bone before letting her go. May that and all of your loving memories of the good times you had with her comfort you.
Oh Rochelle, I cried reading your post. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are not being a downer…it is so sad to have to say goodbye to a loved one…and our pups/pets are loved. Hugs to you and your hubby as you go through this season without sweet Carly.
Rochelle, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you a *hug*
Dear Rochelle, you are definitely not Debbie Downer but a Mom who had to let one of her fur kids go so she would not hurt any longer. Carly was loved to the last by her family who surrounded her not only with their arms but with their words she has been so used to all of her life, and a home made Christmas bone as well. What a lucky girl. Sending you, your husband and Sadie hugs. May your pain be short and your memories long, to comfort you.
As my dear Mom used to tell me, “There is never a perfect day to be born or to die…glad you had her so long as you did!! My empathies…our last darling dog had to be put down in December too. May your memories of time with her help you to heal!!
As my dear Mom used to tell me, “There is never a perfect day to be born or to die”…glad you had her so long as you did!! My empathies…our last darling dog had to be put down in December too. May your memories of time with her help you to heal!!
I am so sorry Rochelle. I’ll bet Carly had a wonderful life. So sad for the season. Happy you made her happy to the end.
Rochelle, I am so sorry about Carly. It is so hard to lose our beloved furbabies. You did right by her and was at her side at the end. She had the best life ever with you.
LOL!! Truly laughing out loud reading the post about your refrigerator, Sue. I know I’m a day or three behind in reading your blog (haven’t read this one yet), but holy cow that refrigerator post was funny. You sure have a way with words. When you wrote that you set the frig door down on the floor to get food out, I really was laughing out loud .. what a picture. Thank you. Haven’t finished reading that blog yet. I suspect you’ll be buying a whole new frig, eh? Ok, I’ll go back and finish reading it now. Bless you. (cute sheep)
Hi Sue, met u when rtr was still at Dome Rock. Enjoy ur blog very much. What about the hot water heaters, air cond. condensers we put in before hitting the road. Those weren’t cheap. Always maintenance to do.
Hi..I hope this Christmas brings all the magic that Christmas can hold…life is really busy on the road..I don’t know how you manage..but I do read the blog every day so I am still here and happy…Merry Christmas to all the RV Sue Nation!..
Special thoughts to Weather 🙂
May this, Shirlene, your first Christmas as a full timer, be a truly special one.
Lovely photos. Moody and mysterious. I love the smell of the desert during and after the rain. So much better than the cold and snow we have been not been enjoying here in the middle.
Love the word picture you drew about the fridge, looking forward to the next installment. Reggie, as always, is adorable.
Have a fantastic day!
Hey Sue. What model of refrigerator are you looking at? I might be able to help. Check my email address that came with my comment and contact me.
The refrigerator has already been ordered, Jeff. Thanks anyway. 🙂
Deb, Sam (our wire haired fox terrier) and I will be working in the Dometic booth at the Quartzsite show in the Big Tent. Please drop by and say hi if you’re in the neighborhood. Happy New Year!
Hi, Jeff, Deb, and Sam!
Thanks for the invitation, but I doubt I’ll go to Quartzsite this year. Good luck with your booth! By that time I should have my refrigerator. 🙂
Hi Sue, wishing you and your four legged baby a Merry Christmas and happy Hannukah. Also wishing you a healthy, wealthy New Year filled with all the love your heart and hands are able to hold. My good night story ( catching up on your blog since the beginning of times) is moving closer and closer….I am already in July 2015. I think I turned into a RVsueandcrew junky and I am already afraid of the day I am all caught up. Anyways all the best from Sabine and Daisy Doodle
Not to fear Sabine, Sue posts with great regularity and there will always be something interesting here. Merry Christmas…
Thank you so much Jim, was afraid of withdrawal,lol. Wishing you a Merry Christmas as well. 😉
Hi Sue,
I just wanted to stop in and wish you and Reggie a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Rvsue,
Keep dry. Great time for reading. I just finished “Homer’s Odyssey” by Gwen Cooper.
Merry Christmas Missy and all my fellow Blogorinos. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. Next post I’ll tell you of my special little gift to my sweet Detta. Cheers….
Merry Christmas to Sue amd Reggie and all the Blogerinos!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ☃ ❄ 🌲
Just popping in to wish you and Reggie a very Merry Christmas and a fun filled adventurous 2017.
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Terri
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
Terri
Have a Merry Christmas Everybody!
Terri
third time is the charm!
One thing that might be happening, and eventually will, is that the rubber in your torsion axle is wearing out, making everything in your trailer jar and rattle over bumps more than when new. And since you are not back there, the only sign is when things wear out sooner than you’d like. This axle is only one of many light weight fixtures on your Casita that are not meant for heavy duty use.
When his finally happens, you might consider replacing it with a normal set of springs. This will give you a chance to increase your road clearance, increase your carrying capacity, and maybe even add some shock absorbers. Alternatively there are heavier duty torsion axles as well.
If you root around in Google a bit, you will find several people who have done this and documented the process. It might even be less expensive than simply replacing the axle you have with an identical one.
I replaced the fridge in my Lazy Daze at 18 years. Cost about $1100 installed. When I had the fifth wheel, I had trouble keeping plastic door shelves, which would crack and shatter over time due to the way they were hung and the heavy beer load they sometimes carried. :o) I finally found some new shelves in stock at an RV dealer in Quartzite, of all places. And that’s about all I can say good about the place. You can order them, of course, but often have to hang around weeks for them to arrive. :o(
Merry Christmas Su.