Thursday, December 14
When the crew and I moved our camp to another site at Midland LTVA, I threw down the blue mat and didn’t bother to stake the corners.
Well, this morning, the wind arrives.
Suddenly, Reggie and Roger go berserk. We rush outside to see what’s the matter and discover that the wind has picked up one side of the mat and thrown it and the doggie beds into one, big, blue, fold-over sandwich.
More distressing for the crew is a round, silvery-metallic-paper object bobbing from a creosote bush. It’s a celebration balloon, the kind that comes with a bouquet of flowers or can be purchased in stores and is filled with helium.
I pull it loose from the creosote bush and read its message.
“Happy Mothers Day!”
Sheesh.
The wind is gusty all day.
I drive in six stakes to hold the mat. She ain’t goin’ nowhere.
By noon a good bit of dust has been stirred up. Dirt devils appear here and there. The crew and I stay inside. They seem to know it isn’t a good day for visiting their pals.
(It’s also not a good day for taking photos.)
By mid-afternoon restlessness drives us out the door and into the Perfect Tow Vehicle. As we roll into town the mountains at the horizon are hardly visible.
At the Inland Supply store I inquire about mail delivery.
An employee tells me the store only accepts packages that have been ordered from the store. There’s a 15% charge for that. No thanks.
Later the wind dies down. Reggie, Roger and I take a really long walk at sunset.
The cool, dry air is invigorating!
The boys are on their short, red leashes, walking side by side, instead of running around on the long tether.
Having them on leashes for at least one of our daily walks reminds them how to act with some self-control.
Otherwise they turn into hellions.
Periodically I have to snub up Roger’s leash to keep him from instigating a play-fight (the old nip-Reggie-on-his-rear-flank trick).
We haven’t seen nor heard the mystery bird — probably an owl.
Friday, December 15
Cold this morning! The Wave 3 heater takes care of that. And no wind!
Another long and enjoyable walk with the crew across the desert and up Midland Road.
I should do laundry today, but I don’t feel like it. Maybe the ambition will come later.
Question for y’all . . . .
I’d like to buy a small, portable, propane grill. My Christmas gift to myself!
This Coleman Sportster Propane Grill
However, after imagining it here on the blue mat with Reggie and Roger on a tether, I can see it would be an accident waiting to happen.
A tabletop grill would be better for us.
Yesterday, while at Inland Supply I saw this Blackstone Portable Table Top Grill
I go online and see that it’s also a popular, highly rated grill among Amazon customers (5 stars/342 reviews). The Amazon price is comparable.
Although the cooking surface is more than I need, since the most I want to grill are a couple turkey burgers, maybe some vegetables on the side, that’s okay. Better too much than too little.
I’d appreciate your opinion and experience with portable propane grills. Thanks.
Later, after typing the above . . .
Well, if I don’t do laundry today, I won’t do it on the weekend, and that means dirty clothes until Monday. Aw, what the heck.
Once everything is loaded into the PTV and we’re on our way, I’m motivated!
First we go to the library.
I replenish my stock of books, enough to last through Christmas. The crew has a sniff-around under the cottonwood trees before we leave.
The laundromat is busy.
Everybody speaks Spanish, except for one guy who listens to his electronic device without earbuds and it also is a language I don’t understand — Chinese maybe.
Shortly before sunset Reg, Rog, and I walk over to Del’s.
Actually the boys run full-out to meet their friends. Del and I sit in camp chairs and talk while the sky turns soft blue and pink.
Reggie, Roger, and Skeeter jump on my lap several times and by the time we leave for home, my freshly laundered capri pants are a mess.
rvsue
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Love the post and pics. Hugz.
Griddle/grill looks great. Griddle some veggies and turkey burgers.
So where is everyone? Can’t believe I’m first…😀
CONGRATULATIONS, VIRGINIA! 🙂
Love your life and your dogs. Makes me happy to see a new post.
The sky pictures are nice!
Sue, we have a Coleman Roadtrip XLE propane grill. It may be more grill than you want but I love it. I bought two stove type grill tops that I use more than the traditional grill tops that came with the Coleman and use my grill as an outdoor stovetop for soup, breakfast, etc. It’s better than trying to use the cooktop in our trailer. Love your sky pictures.
We have used one of these Coleman fold & go grills for a few years now. I like that it takes little space and is easy to clean.
First?
Hi rv sue!
Windy windy here in SFValley. I have used portable tabletop propane grills, and love them!
Hi Sue-
I have the Coleman Perfect flow grill. It was $79 at Walmart. It is compact and also has a burner on the side for a pan. Without the extra burner, they have one for $59. I have had it for 6 months now and it works great. The cover remains open while you grill and their are side pieces that you can put up if it is windy. Like last night!! A little bottle of propane last me about four or five times grilling different things. It doesn’t take up much room either.
We use a Blackstone portable grill when camping. Ours uses the small propane bottles which last a long time. The griddle must be seasoned before use but it’s not hard, just time consuming. It’s well made and works well. RV Dreams blog recommend it too.
Hi RV Sue,
We took a hiatus from our Green Valley winter “getaway” to scout out retirement communities in Las Vegas, Mesquite, and St. George. I think we now have more questions than answers. 🙂
Anyway, today we drove from Laughlin to home, and as we drove the road from Parker to Quartzite, I waved to you across the desert. We did see a big cloud of smoke coming from the direction of where you are and wondered if that affected you. Unsure what it was from.
Happy Holidays to you and the boys, and hope the books you got from the library keep you entertained. I’m about to peruse “Van Life” by Foster Huntington, a new photo book of vans and living on the road.
Robin
I saw that smoke, too, Robin. Like what I saw from here last year, there was a cloud of smoke hovering next to the Big Marias, over toward the rez. I wonder if the folks on the reservation try to burn back the tamarisk which grows in abundance there. Only guessing, don’t know.
Oh, and as we were eating our lunch at a rest area on I-10 (and trying to keep from also eating the gnats and yellow jackets), a lone woman pulled in with a Casita. My spouse said, “Hey, maybe that’s RV Sue!” Had to burst his bubble as I knew the towing vehicle wasn’t the PTV. 🙂
Sue, can’t you use General Delivery at the Post Office for a package delivery? It is supposed to be available for up to 30 days for people who don’t have a permanent address yet.
Hi, Pat,
I’ve had success for small packages and mailers for several years at several different post offices. I’ve found the P.O.s in this area are not happy about that practice — probably because there are thousands of RVers who come through here. I can’t remember which ones refuse and if any allow as I’ve been in and out of a bunch of them over the years.
I hear the lines are really long right now at the Blythe P.O>
Love the sunset photos. Are the whispy looking ones the dust blowing around? I hope you are to far north and east to get smoke from the fires around LA. Gosh the fire situation in the west this year have been heartbreaking. Have a good weekend.
Thanks, Barbara,
No, the wispy clouds you see in those photos appear frequently and I don’t think they have anything to do with smoke. You have a good weekend, too.
For a portable grill, whatever works for you! Something easy to use, clean and store! Gee that wasn’t any help……
I do think it is a better idea to set it on a table instead of a stand. Never know when the zoom twins are going to zip around. We have a stand for our BabyQ and it’s a pain in the butt.
Laundry day….whhhoooooooeeeee!
I can just see Reg and Rog running full out to see Skeeter….and Del. Seems like a really nice gentleman.
Enjoy!!!!!
Hi Sue,
It’s been awhile since I have commented, but I have read the posts and comments. A belated thanks for all the details you shared of the process needed to position your rig. Until I read that, I too thought you simply put the PTV in park on that big flat desert and ‘poof’, you are camped! After a couple of trips in my trailer, I appreciate all you share and teach us blogerinos.
Now I hope you take this next thing as the compliment it is intended to be … (…oh boy a dangling something or other that I know should not end a sentence) The first time I had to dump the tanks on my trailer, I thought of you and that gave me confidence. I had my dedicated yellow latex dishwashing gloves, I had reviewed my directions, and I got to it. The job was accomplished with every drop following the expected path. I straightened up, stored the stinky slinky, and got behind the wheel with a grin on my face. I felt like a real accomplished full timer. Of course I have no doubt that the ambient temperature of 43 degrees Fahrenheit made the job a lot less stinky. My decision to keep paper out of the black tank helped too.
The next trip I take will be back to FL, once my Dad is ready to move. It will be nice to be back in warmer weather. I hope you have a nice Christmas, give the crew an extra hug for me.
Thank you, Lisa, and Merry Christmas to you, too. Congratulations on a spill-less tank dump!
Better to use disposable gloves so you are not “storing germs ” each time you dump. Boxes of the gloves are available at many stores now or on Amazon.
Sue, I bought the Coleman Fold ‘n Go propane grill about a year ago…the grilling plate itself holds about 3 nice sized burgers or 2 New York strips….it uses the 1 lb. cylinders only. I used it once, but did not really care for it…would like to get rid of it! Also, I just ordered a Wave 3 heater, have heard so many good things about it! And yes, the winds were horrific here in Ehrenberg as well!
Enjoy your Wave 3, John….. Do remember to cover it when not in use so the pad doesn’t quit due to dust…
Hi
We had cold slushy rain today. It kind of hurts a little when it hits your face. Nothing like fluffy snow flakes ❄️ landing on your eye lashes.
Sorry I don’t have any propane grill advice. We use a Biolite Stove with a grill attachment.
Sue there seems to be a lot of choices of table top grills (I agree with the zoom kids a one with legs is out) I only have experience with portable marine grills ~ so no help here
I have the Coleman Road Trip Grill which is probably too big for you.It is great though.Had it for 8 snowbird seasons now and still works like a charm.I put a Tee attachment off my propane regulator and can also run it off my class C internal propane tank,
p.s. The Tee attachment is great for Class C boondockers.Class C propane tanks are small and with the T you can carry an extra propane tank and run the unit from an external tank.Took 5 minutes to install.
This is the grill I use & have for awhile, if it’s windy wind screen helps. It’s not too big either, in use or stowed. I have a hose for using it with a big propane tank or the little one pound green tanks. It’s on the folding table out front right now with a small green tank attached.
I have tried others and came back to this cheap one, the last one I bought was at Lowe’s as I recall (it replaced the one damaged by a car when it was stowed on the outside back rack).
https://www.amazon.com/Char-Standard-Portable-Liquid-Propane/dp/B00004TBJ4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1513431523&sr=8-4&keywords=table+top+grills+propane
NOTE TO BLOGORINOS AND LURKERS: Please do not use the link above to shop at Amazon. I couldn’t replace it with a link with my code. Thank you. — Sue
That is an inexpensive grill!
Whatever I buy I want one that I can attach to one of my big propane tanks.
You can hook this up to your big bottles or refill the small ones with a conversion valve from your big tanks! I also like the CharBroil table top. Simple and easy to clean. Thegri!lisjust like a fry pan! Using a small tuna can, you can put some woodchips mixed with water in the bottom for a nice smoked taste!
Hmm… did not know about the woodchips and tuna can trick. Sounds like something a cowboy would do… 🙂
Sue – Check the Blackstone table top griddle. Compact, uses propane and extremely versitle.
Check YouTube reviews for the Blackstone and other grills before purchasing.
Hi, Jeff,
Yes! The Blackstone is what I linked in this post and what is on the shelf at Inland Supply here in Blythe. You don’t say whether you use/used one or not. It’s listed as an Amazon Choice product. After reading the comments about grills that have come in so far, I’m leaning toward the Blackstone. Thanks!
I have not used the Blackstone griddle. It is on my “To Buy” shopping list.
I plan on purchasing early next year. Want to use it on our car camping trips in April and May when we go to South Llano River State Park and Inks Lake State Park.
There is a guy (Todd Toven) who has a YouTube channel who has dozens of videos cooking with the Blackstone griddle.
Incredible and diverse amount of things you can cook on a griddle.
Hi, Jeff,
I’m going to put your comment under the next post where it will be seen. Thanks for the tip on the Todd Toven videos. Yeah, I’m excited about the Blackstone! Glad you’re going to get one!
Hey Sue, you can rent a box for $8 a month at the laudromat over in Ehrenberg! I’ve done it every year for the last 3 years—really nice people and great service!!
If you drive across the river and get off at exit 1 and go toward the Flying J but do a complete circle at the Roundabout and cross over the freeway and go straight. You’ll see the laundromat straight ahead.
Highly recommended!!!
Great information, Bob! Thank you! I didn’t know about that laundromat mail service. That’s great!
I have been looking for a small table grill too. When you get a top 5 list them!with links! Ha. Lazy me. I am at whitewater Draw Az with the cranes. 15 degrees. Hope nothing froze
Hi, Jan!
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!
These are very helpful comments! Not just for me, but for any one of us who is looking for a grill. Thank you for taking the time to contribute what you know!
If you have experience with a grill, please tell us about it. The more suggestions and reviews, the better.
Please do not add a link to the product. If you name the product, we can go into Amazon via a link in the post and then put the name in the search box there.
Reg and Rog had their breakfast and went right back under the covers. They decided it’s too cold for walkies…. (We ran out of propane this morning. Shame on me for not taking a tank in sooner! We’ll be taking the tanks into town when the boys wake up.)
Thank you for commenting. I appreciate every message and I’m sure others do, too.
Bye for now,
Sue
I am behind in posting but had to laugh at the comment a few posts ago…Tickled pink is a phrase I remember!!! Another one was…Happy as a dog a hanging…which embarrassed me when I realized what Dad was referring to.. LOL!!!!!
Hope you are enjoying your camp. However you seem to be happy wherever you are.
Sending lots of love and big hugs!!!!
1
Hi, Pauline!
I don’t remember that hanging dog saying from Dad. Maybe he quit using it when he saw your embarrassment. 🙂
I hope all is happy with you and the family. I love everyone of you!
The cold and wind there brought some really gorgeous clouds and colors to your sky, thanks for the photos of it all. I’ve had a lot of experience using portable propane grills and think the Blackstone one is a good choice. You might want to buy at least one extra of the one pound canisters of propane that it uses if you buy it.
Keep in mind that it’s not stainless steel, so will need to be seasoned to prevent rust. If one takes the time to do that process 3 times at first(easily done, just might take 2-4 hours) then it needs to only be wiped clean after each use and have a thin coating of new oil left on it. I find that any meat or sautéed vegetable tastes better when cooked on that surface or on cast iron. I’m really not a fan of Teflon or stainless steel pans for preparing the food I mentioned.
Another nice thing about the Blackstone reviewers mentioned, being able to use pots and pans on it. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to cook anything outside on days when cooking inside would make a small home too hot.
That Mother’s day balloon still being there in December is pretty funny 🙂 . I think Midland LTVA is also where pink piggy was stuck in a creosote bush until you found him waiting for you there months later.
Yes, Pink Piggy waited through desert temperatures! May she R.I.P. 🙂
Wonderful summary with instructions re: the Blackstone grill! I’m impressed with the features you highlighted. I’m going to return to the Inland Supply store to look at it again. I want to see if they have the hose/adapter in order to hook it up to one of my big tanks. I don’t know if that model can be adapted like that.
If it can be hooked up, I see myself setting up my sturdy table and cooking not far from the door of the BLT. All these years I’ve gone without a propane grill! It wasn’t until I discovered that turkey burgers can be delicious that I’ve wanted one. Now I’m thinking about grilled vegetables, too.
Thank you, weather, for elaborating on the Blackstone for all of us.
The desert sky is a painting in progress… gorgeous and, fortunately for us, never finished! I know you have gorgeous “paintings” in New York state, too.
We typed responses at about the same time.I know it can be hooked up because in the Q&A section on Amazon people asked that and were told yes, and Amazon sells the attachment (in case Inland Supply doesn’t).
You don’t know how much this little message encourages me! We returned from town a few minutes ago with propane tanks filled. Inland Supply doesn’t have the Blackstone grill. Apparently my online research crossed brain circuits with my real life visit to the store. They have the Weber and Char Broil grills.
One reason I was disappointed …. I wanted to see the grill before buying to make sure it can take an adapter hose. Thanks for finding that info. (I assume I’ll be able to figure out which adapter hose is the right one when I go to Amazon.) Now that I have that assurance, I’ll sign up with the mail service Bob Wells mentioned and order the grill and hose from Amazon. Yay!
In the meantime I’ll repeat to myself “Patience, Grasshopper.” 🙂
use the amazon link for the Blackstone grill you put in this post, scroll down the page to –
Customers who bought this item also bought:
the DozyAnt 4 feet propane adapter hose 1lb to 20lb converter is what you need- it’s made to attach to campstoves/ grills one wants to use with a 20lb propane tank.
What a treasure you are, love!
the DozyAnt hose also comes in a 12ft length, in case you want your table further from your propane tank
You’re quite a sleuth! I didn’t see that. A 12-foot hose would make it more likely to reach a campsite picnic table (when I can’t or don’t want the BLT parked closer to the picnic table.)
I did scroll through reviews of the DozyAnt hose and found someone who uses it on their Blackstone and recommends it.
High five! 🙂
🙂
Another thought- amazon has changed their deadline dates for Christmas deliveries this year. To get free shipping ordering by or on December 18 is your best bet. I don’t know if you can go to Ehrenburg’s laundromat this coming Monday so you have an address to give amazon if/when you order the grill.Just hoping you get your present on time. That might not be a big deal to you,yet it would be nice.
Called that laundromat ,lady confirmed they rent post office boxes, and said they’re open 7a.m.-6p.m. seven days a week.
Thank you, weather!!!
P.S. Just saw in your reply to Rob that you want a grill you can attach to your big propane tank. Inland Supply may carry what you need to make the Blackstone work with that. It’s an adapter attachment that you’d need because the grill only comes with a fitting for the small canisters.
We’re leaving now for the propane place followed by Inland Supply. I’m excited about getting a grill!
I thank all my Amazon shoppers for giving me this Christmas present! 🙂
You’re welcome. It’s our way of thanking you for letting us peek into your life. Thanks Sue & Crew.
Loved your sky pictures. An old saying mom used I thought funny as a kid: He’d complain if they hung him with a new rope.
🙂
Nothing better than marinated grilled fajitas! With flour tortillas, grilled red pepper and onions, grated cheddar, and sour cream and guacamole!
Yum! Holy cow, now I’m hungry! Good luck with your grill, even if it is just turkey burgers! 😀.
Oh boy, that sounds fantastic, Terri! You bad girl… I’m trying to stay away from stuff like sour cream! 🙂
Maybe the healthy veggies will cancel the sour cream. I have a friend that insist a diet soda cancels a chocolate chip cookie
Sue, you might try out some of the alternative sour creams etc. New company making some pretty amazing products these days…
called Miyokos Kitchen…don’t see sour cream YET…but cream cheese, butter, other cheeses…made of basically coconut oil and cashew butter…their butter is absolutely to die for…better than any other butter I ever ate!! For us allergy folks it is great…but I have talked to some clerks in stores who also love it…and don’t need it…just love the taste…
Hmm….Interesting, Elizabeth… I wouldn’t think to try products like that. Now that you describe them they do sound tasty. Thank you.
Hmmm…..Yum! You guys are all making me hungry with the grill talk! I don’t have any experience with portable grills. I do have a small propane grill that I was given. Now I want to grill some veggies 🍅 🌽 and salmon! I forced myself to wait until today to read your blog, so I could be relaxing on my sofa 🛋 with my kitties 🐱 enjoying a relaxing Sat. I look forward to hearing how the grill works out!
Pancakes!!
I am a little confused.
Your first two options are different animals. With the Coleman type grill you will be cooking over flames. The Blackstone appears to be more of a griddle where you cook on a solid surface. I prefer cooking over open fire, and generally use briquettes. That said the Blackstone just about hit the shopping cart when I saw it.
I am about 3 months from hitting the road and if I can find the room I will have a charcoal grill and a Blackstone. I think the Blackstone will be easier to keep clean when stowing it.
Hi, JWFitz,
I can see where I caused confusion. Initially I was attracted to the Coleman Roadtrip grill. It’s a cute design and I’m thinking, yeah, I want to grill my turkey burgers. Then I saw you could buy a griddle to use on the Coleman. I’m thinking, wow, I could cook more things on a griddle… hot sandwiches, chopped vegetables, eggs, etc.
Then I researched further and found the Blackstone griddle. Like you I saw that “the Blackstone will be easier to keep clean.” (The one thing I don’t like about grills is trying to clean them.)
Nice to see you here. I hope you’ll appear here more often! 🙂
BTW, one more thing…. What clinched the Blackstone griddle for me was an Amazon customer wrote a review in which he said he liked how his burgers came out crunchy on the outside. Oh, boy. 🙂
Sue,
I’m off topic on this posting but still worrying the mail/package delivery issue like a dog worries a bone. This appears to be a solution although it could be a bit expensive then again perhaps not depending. Do a Google search for “AmForward “.
The thing that I really like that they offer is YOU get to select the forwarding carrier. Amazon ships to them using UPS, no problem YOU have them forward it to you General Delivery USPS and Bob’s Your Uncle!
Never heard of this, Ed. I looked at their site and their fees. Interesting idea and good to know, although it would probably be too expensive for my situation. I’m going to follow Bob Wells’ suggestion and go sign up with the mail service at the laundry in Ehrenberg ($8 a month). It’s not far from here and I can combine the run over there with other errands.
Thanks for telling us about AmForward. Here’s a link for the benefit of my readers.
BTW, there’s no “off topic” here. 🙂
I don’t get “Bob’s Your Uncle!” What is that? Haha!
Bob’s your uncle is an expression of unknown origin, that means “and there it is” or “and there you have it.”
We stopped at a wonderful little burger joint somewhere in our travels and struck up a conversation with the friendly owner. I introduced us as Pat and Charlie, and he says, “You’re kidding!”
I said, “Well, no. But why would you say that?” He said, Where I grew up, “Pat and Charlie” was an expression that meant one had” traveled on foot”.
The re-telling kind of loses the amusement of the moment. But the point is that there are so many unique colloquialisms around our wonderful country.
What a revelation for you! I wonder how that saying originated. Maybe Pat and Charlie couldn’t afford a horse or maybe a Pat and Charlie walked an incredibly far distance and became famous for it. Intriguing!
Pat and Charlie colloquialism refers names give to your two feet therefore I went walking with Pat and Charlie. Something I learned in the Women’s Army Corp from one of the marching tunes used by a Command Sgt Major. He had many strange sayings then learned he was collecting colloquialism from the many duty stations in his thirty years of service in both the navy and army. Very interesting fellow.
Take Care
Aha! That’s it! Thanks, Deena.
You were in the Women’s Army Corp. I bet you have lots of stories from those days. 🙂
Fed Ex and Walgreens Pharmacy have partnered up. The Walgreens stores now accept and hold Fed EX package deliveries for their customers. There is a Walgreens in Blyth, California. Of course I realize you may no longer be near there but you could check with Walgreens in other locations you visit to see if your can arrange pickup of packages with them.
Thank you, Suzy. I didn’t know about that. Do you know — If Amazon sends United Parcel Service or other carrier, would Walgreens accept the package? Does the order have to originate at Walgreens the same as Inland Supply requires?
Not all Walgreens participate in this program so you do need to check before you have something addressed to a Walgreen store with your name for “in care of” Walgreens. Read this and also call and ask for more details.
https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/fedex.jsp
You don’t have to purchase the item you are picking up from a Walgreens store or website.
You can drop off packages for shipping but you need to have already packaged them and have already applied to the package your own pre paid Fed EX shipping label attached to the box. Walgreens is not an actual FED EX agency where there are services for packaging and purchasing shipping. Instead they are only offering to facilitate the drop off and pick up of packages shipped via Fed EX.
There is a size restriction.
Packages over 55 pounds or over 48″x25″x25″ are not allowed to be dropped off nor picked up from Walgreens
I learned about this program because my local Walgreens store had a big banner up on the outside of the store announcing this new service.
Thank you for the additional information, Suzy. I’m not the only one, by far, who needs to know what’s available.
Just catching up here! Love the swirly, windtossed cloud photos #2 & #3!
Chuck loves grills! We have 2. He has never used either one! Hahaha! The Blackstone seems to be my choice too, especially since weather was kind enough to share her hints for seasoning!
Been cold here too, 2 frosty nights and damp wind chill days! Today starts the thaw… back up to the 70’s ! YAY!
We made a special Mermaid Tears , calling it our White Christmas! All White textured glass pieces connected with Arkansas crystals and pearls! They have sold quite well! But now we will go back to the colored ones as I am running out off white glass!
My mom had a saying that I have never heard anyone else say but I love it.
“if wishes were fishes the sea would be full!” I guess as kids, we were always wishing for something!
Okay, when you get your new grill, we expect to see your first meal cooking in it! Grin! Tummy rubs to the R duo and hugs to you!
Good morning, Geri!
I imagine your White Christmas creations are beautiful. I’m sure people treasure theirs. You and Chuck are so creative and artistic!
My new grill will be fun… I was dreaming of cheese quesadillas last night. 🙂 Hugs to you, Chuck, Radar and Tater!
That grill would be perfect for cheese quesadillas! With a bit of Hatch green chili’s added! Can’t believe we can buy the small can of Hatch green chili’s at our local Piggley Wiggley!
You still have Piggley Wiggley!? I loved the Piggley W iggley when I was a kid.
Hi, Sue,
I ordered from Amazon this afternoon and hope I ordered from your site. Ordered a phillips sonicare and a few other items. Would you mind checking, when you have time, to see if you see that order and if I did it right? Thanks.
You did great, Kathy. I see the sonicare. Thank you!
Howdy everyone!
Seems like I’m in the minority here and prefer to grill with charcoal. I got a Char-Broil propane table top grill for a gift and I still have it but I rarely use it. I keep going back to using a charcoal grill. I like the smoky flavors that are imparted by the charcoal, especially the nuance of mesquite. Propane is more convenient and faster but I enjoy the process of grilling with charcoal as it seems to just enhance the outdoor experience, for me. Maybe I’m just old school as I like to cook with my cast iron both indoors and out rather than with the contemporary stuff.
Living from a 13′ Scamp for five months a year makes storage a challenge. I didn’t want to not have a grill but space was at premium and became the major criteria for selection of a grill. I eventually found what I was looking for in an old timey hardware store on one of my travels. It’s perfect and serves me very well. I love this thing! It’s great for one or two people, is compact, cleans up easily, and is of solid construction. At only 15″ long x 8″ wide and about 6″ tall when in use, it folds smaller and stashes away easily in a nook or cranny. I think I found the same thing on Amazon for a better price than what I paid. Anyone looking for a compact, light weight but sturdy charcoal grill check out the WolfWise Portable Foldable Charcoal stainless steel grill. I’ve had mine 3-4 years and it gets used a lot when I’m camping. If anything happened to it I would not hesitate to buy the same grill.
Sue, you may be interested in Kevin Read’s (Travel with Kevin and Ruth) blog posting for December 15th. Near the bottom of that entry is a link for how they receive packages from Amazon via the USPS. They have apparently discovered the secret to having Amazon ship their orders using the postal service and have successfully received their orders without any hassel.
It’s been a rare, gray, rainy day here (Tucson) with temperatures only in the mid 50’s. A good day for veggin’ out with a NFL marathon. We don’t see too many days like this one. Hope it’s sunny and warm where you are with The Crew.
Carry on and good luck with your new grill!—Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
The method Kevin and Ruth use works in small town post offices. I’ve had success with that a few times over the past six years. Read the comments below that post and the problem is discussed — that the bigger post offices or the ones with a lot of snowbird/full-time RVer customers don’t always accept packages. There’s also other snags which I pointed out elsewhere.
I’m glad you’ve found the grill that is perfect for you! 🙂
Coleman has a small “Fold and Go” potable grill that might work for you.
Wall mart has these listed on line for $39.
It provides a grill with a removable top for easy cleaning, small size and runs from the 16oz propane bottles. Accy include a carry case, a griddle for pancakes etc and stove top ‘trivet’ if you want to use the system as an outside stove for cooking with a frypan or a soup pot.
Coleman products have both a good warranty and finding parts, should that ever become necessary, is rarely an issue, as they can be had at most outdoor outlets.
I’m interested in your bird neighbor…could it be a raven?
Hi, Don,
It may have been a raven. I tend to think it’s a Great Horned Owl. Those wings were big! Last night, when I wasn’t thinking about the bird, I took the crew out in the middle of the night and something flew out of the tree. The wings didn’t sound as big as the other time. This tree has a bare branch that is a popular perch!
Thanks for the info on WalMart’s Coleman grill. I’ll take a look at the model you mention.
Hi Sue,
Nice to see your post again. I love the one photo with the red and orange wisps across the sky. It almost looks like hands all over reaching out!
We’ve tried several different grills and after having some fall apart, or not heat like they should, we finally invested in a Weber Q2200. It starts up every time with the push of a button, heats evenly, has built in shelves, a drip pan, and we purchased a griddle to go on in. It is not inexpensive but it is well worth it. When we travel, we cook out often so this was worth it to us.
Hi, Renee,
Weber does make a good product. Thank you for mentioning the photo you like best. I like that one, too.
I vote the Coleman grill. Mine has been great.
D
Thanks for the input, Dee!
Hi gang! I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis 45 years ago. Only had one minor attack a few years ago BUT…..I have been having a major acute outbreak for the last two weeks. Couldn’t lie down to sleep as I became breathless..Nothing like not being able to get air. Been seeing a pulmonary specialist and using a rescue inhaler but tried two different type “treatment” inhaler ($360 bucks each) no soap. I’m about ready to fire this doctor. Today, without medication I am feeling a little better and have not been breathless. Whoever invented cigarettes should have been hanged.
Oh,Jim, I’m so sorry you’re going through that! Thanks for letting us know. It’s good that you’ve found it easier to breathe today,I hope and pray that you continually feel better,and get completely well soon.
Good morning, Jim,
I missed your comment last night. I was happy to see you here this morning and then I read about your difficulty breathing. Not able to “get air” must be awfully scary, as are expensive medical treatments that don’t help.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this and hope you continue to breathe more easily. You’re a favorite around here, ya’ know. We want you to get well soon!
Love to you and Detta from Missy… 🙂
Thanks Weather and Missy. I try to keep my “bad news” off our blog, everyone has some things they could complain about I know. I am at a place where I don’t really know what to try next with this. Trouble getting in air is horrible. Scary. Thanks for your kindness, I feel close to you both. Thank God for my Detta.
Jim, you have a long history on my blog of enjoyable, thoughtful, sometimes delightfully nostalgic comments. We know you’re not a complainer!
This place is for you. We are here for you, in good times and not-so-good times.
Yes, I join you in thanking God you have Detta. . . and she, you.
🙂
SOOOOO sorry AZJim…hope you are increasingly getting better. We just got back from east coast and seeing some of our kin…our asthmatic grandson who has been getting worse and worse, in spite of his inhaler, gave us the most amazing news…he says using the nose spray put out by Xlear, here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YVHV66/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rvsandhercanc-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000YVHV66&linkId=74a7cbb81c743dc17bcc6c0dec00b00c has helped him amazingly.
Recently they discovered this and he happened to find it and now uses it instead of the meds inhalers which can have side effects as we all know. I do have a daughter who does not do too well with xylitol…but most of us can use it well. I have found using this when getting a cold, or even just chewing a couple of xylitol pieces of gum, will make the sore throat leave…just chew several times a day (good for helping keep teeth healthier anyway)… Not to mention, of course, how much cheaper it is than any meds!!
NOTE: I replaced the link with one that carries my affiliate code. — Sue
Thanks Sue…no way to understand HOW to put your links up. I am not a computer dude…heh
You don’t need to know. That’s something only I’m supposed to do.
Does anyone know how truckers receive packages while on the road? Does Flying J, Love’s, or other truck stop chains accept them?
I see Amazon doesn’t have a “locker” in Blythe.
Hi, Lisa,
Someone mentioned that there are travel centers that do accept packages. Don’t know where I read that. No, Blythe doesn’t have an Amazon locker. It’s not that big a town. Maybe someday though…
AZ Jim, you are my favorite, been missing you. Hope tomorrow is even better for you. Sorry you’ve been going through this. Take care desert man.
Merry Christmas to you & Detta
Thank you Jo. Merry Christmas to you.
Same here Jim. Feel better every day!!! So that when you’re feeling like it you can “tell us a story, Uncle Jim”. You’re really like a favorite uncle. Merry Christmas to you and Detta.