Greetings from RVSue and her one-dog canine crew!
“Hey, Reg! Let’s kick-start this blog post into gear!”
The backhoe is quicker than the eye and the camera!
In previous posts readers were introduced to my friends, Geri and Chuck.
You may remember the birthday dinner with bagpipes or the sharing of Navajo pizza in Bluff, Utah, along with other good times together.
(“San Juan River and our friends arrive!” — May 2013“)
You may have read about their craft, the glass suncatchers they call Mermaid Tears, which “sell like hotcakes” in shops and at festivals.
The next photo is a cropped section of a larger pic sent to me by Geri. It shows the suncatchers on display at their “booth.”
Mermaid Tears suncatchers:
Recently I posted a photo of Tater.
Yes, I’ll get to Mardi Gras. First, some more background . . . .
Tater is the rescue dog repeatedly rejected by previous adopters. After the passing of their beloved Doogie Bowser (seen at linked page above), Geri and Chuck seek a companion for their dog, Radar.
When introduced to Tater, they see something special in this chunky, mature dog with protruding lower teeth. They take him home. No more rejection for Tater!
Tater loves his new family and they love him. He brings more laughter to their home and is a comfort while they recover from their loss.
It’s Mardi Gras time!
Geri and Chuck have a booth featuring their Mermaid Tears at today’s Mardi Gras in Appalachicola, Florida. The festivities include a canine parade!
Radar and Tater are ready for Mardi Gras.
As Geri wrote in her email to me:
“We will use Radar and Tater as front men to lure people over to our booth!”
What does this have to do with RVing?
Well, it shows what fun you can have when you are open to new experiences, such as crafts, festivals, and parades, or whatever you find of interest to you.
It also shows how life is enriched when you give a dog a home and family, whether you live in a sticks-and-bricks or in a home-on-wheels.
rvsue
NOTE: Do you have a craft you’d like to tell us about? Do you create simply for enjoyment or do you also sell your items? How do you market what you make? Readers are interested. I encourage you to join us in comments! — Sue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Use any ad or link to enter Amazon and a commission goes to RVSue and her canine crew. Here are a few of the items readers recently ordered from Amazon:
Tailgate Ladder
Wireless On-Ear Headphones
DreamLily Hawaiian Flower Headband
Gooby Stretch Fleece Dog Vest, 5X-Large
Scanner for Check Engine Light & Diagnostics
Pterostilbene, Supports Cardiovascular & Neurologic Health
Totally off today’s topic . . . A truck seen in Blythe, California
Good morning. ..
GOOD MORNING, CARLENE! FIRST TODAY WITH AN IMPRESSIVE LEAD!
5 minutes ago. I must be near the top.
HI, LINDA! YOU’RE IN SECOND PLACE!
Goodmorning
GOOD MORNING, TAMMIE! LEAVING OUT THE SPACE BETWEEN TWO WORDS! NICE TECHNIQUE! THIRD PLACE TODAY!
Yes there is a lot to open up to out in this wonderful world.
I’m actually at Lake Mead but thought… could I be first… A-HA!
Have a great day and so happy for Tater and his new family.
Carlene and Corky
Hi, Carlene and Corky,
I looked up the weather for this week at Lake Mead. I’m surprised to see it’s not much cooler than here at Blythe. I hope you see the water level up!
Thanks, you have a great day, too!
Hi Carly….se enjoyed living in Vegas an a couple spring weekends at Calville Bay campground. Showers…2$ for 4 min , I believe, and a nivel cogeré supo and Store…..was quiet….and those stars are fantástico!!
Radar and Tater are adorable! I’m interested in what Gerri and Chuck do, I’m very crafty and have come up with all sorts of ideas of selling things on the road, just never figured out exactly how to get started. Do Gerri and Chuck have a blog?
Give Reg a big hug for me!
Hi, Pam,
Geri used to have a blog but it is inactive at the moment. She stopped posting before she and Chuck began making Mermaid Tears.
Since they’re at Mardi Gras today, we won’t see a comment from them soon. I’m sure Geri will be happy to describe their craft (I’ll email her that you asked.)
From what I know they tumble pieces of colored glass into smooth shapes and create what looks like wind chimes, except these are for indoors. Hanging in front of a window they are very beautiful with the light coming through the glass. (Not hung outside where wind could break the glass)
I did a short stint of selling from a booth at fairs and festivals. To get started you apply and sign up for a booth and pay the fee. Then bring your items and set up! A booth may be nothing more than a piece of ground where you bring your own table and chairs and what-have-you.
Some festivals are come one, come all (as long as family appropriate) and others are very particular about what booths they allow (trying to project an image.)
Search for fairs and festivals online. I’m not current on this… Maybe readers will share what they know.
I would really like to see a picture of their Mermaid Tears.
Hi, Kathy! Hi, Gil!
A photo of the Mermaid Tears is now in the post!
Good to see you here…. I’ve been thinking of you!
Hi, we are back now after a day of unbelieveable sales! We took 60 Mermaid Tears and brought home 7! Whew! We are kerpooped!
MERMAID TEARS, sun catchers
We take pretty glass bottles and break them and Chuck then takes the glass cutter and cuts me pretty shapes. Then the glass gets tumbled for a week in a vibrator rock tumbler and beach sand. Then after a proper tumbling in the tumbler Chuck hands the glass to me and I mark in each piece where I want him to drill the glass. Then when he finishes drilling with a diamond tip drill bit, IN WATER, he hands me the glass and I assemble them with glass beads from Fire Mountain .com and connect them with 15lb weight jewelry wire to either a glass crown, or driftwood, or shells in single strands, double strands or triple strands. $20, $30, $40.
I will email Sue a few photos of mermaid tears tomorrow and if she wants to add them to this post, she will. Just too tired to hunt up photos tonight!
But today was FUN FUN FUN and a resounding success ! It was so much fun to see all the dogs all dressed up in their Mardi Gras attire! But right now, forgive these old folks as we kick back and relax a bit.
I must add that we were so proud of Radar and Tater! All these strange dogs everywhere and crowds of people and our two were so well mannered and greeted everyone like a long lost friend!
Thank you Sue for giving us a chance to revisit Spike and Bridget. And who would have ever foretold that that visit would be the last visit for all of us! So good to have met you before you became world famous! haha! Love ya gal!
Your day was a big success and fun, too!
Now go rest and relax…
Love you, too!
Thanks for the photo of the Mermaid Tears, Geri.
If u care to summer in Hutchinson, Kansas….full hookup rv park is $215 a month…Applewood Meadows RV and Mobile Home Park…very quiet and green…..Hutchinson has an every Sunday Flea market….also every Second Saturday and Third Thursday you can set up a table at Main Street, a street Fair….very popular events
Pam….You gave me the idea to add a note at the end of the post. Thanks!
You did a great job of catching that picture of Reggie doing his backhoe, complete with the dust flying. My little guy Murphy went to the rainbow bridge last Sunday. My heart is breaking but I am comforted knowing that he was well loved and well cared for while he lived with me. Serendipity that your post today was about Tater finding his forever home. I’m pretty sure my little Murphy was never around people that loved him in his previous life. I’ll have to find some beads for my 3 remaining M’s to wear next Tuesday since we will be out in our RV with a group of friends. Your post was a little ray of sunshine as always.
Oh, Linda, I am so, so sorry. I know your heart is breaking. It is such a tough thing to endure.
Your “little guy Murphy” had a good life with you and the Ms, I’m sure. You have my sympathy.
🙁 So sad for you, I know he must have left a big hole in your heart. There’s just no filling that but hope all your good memories of Murphy will let a little light into your grieving. Virtual hugs.
Linda, I am so sorry about Murphy. I know that you have him a wonderful life in the time that you had with him.
Linda, very sorry for your loss…my Partner and I loved reading “Linda and the 4 M’s” (enjoyed when you would write all the names) as we, too, had a Murphy then Miss Mollie came…we would say our two M’s should meet Linda’s 4 M’s…I am thinking of you and both of our Murphys…Take Care
Deena and Miss Mollie
I am so sorry for your loss of dear Murphy. It always leaves a hole in our heart that we must fill with memories. Hugs to you!
So sorry to hear of your loss Linda. Losing a pet is heartbreaking.
Sorry to hear of Murphy’s passing. At lest he had a good home for his latter years.
I am so sorry to read about Murphy crossing the rainbow bridge. We know your pain and still miss DoogieBowser every day! It does get better and Sweet Tater has added so much joy, dulling the sorrow! God bless you and yours.
So glad Tater is loving life! Fur ever home! I think his underbite is absolutely adorable!
Love their beads!
Hi, cinandjules,
Tater hit the lottery when Chuck and Geri came his way! Hope you, Jules, Annie Oakley, and the feline crew are enjoying Arizona!
As did Reg man!1
Morning everyone!!!!! Great post….have a wonderful weekend…
You, too, Pat! Beautiful day today!
Hi Sue. Top 10?
YES! YAY FOR STEPHANIE!
Cute post. Radar & Tater are so cute. Those protruding lower teeth just make Tater. So glad Geri & Chuck love this little guy. The truck is hilarious!
Hope you have a good weekend. Have to take my little cutie, Angel, out for her second walk of the day. Reggie sure gives the ground a workout.
Hi, Barbara!
It’s a good thing Reggie can’t read. He’s had only one short walk today and here Angel has two! Reg knows he has to wait when I’m blogging. 🙂
I hope you and your “little cutie” enjoy the weekend…
I love good rescue stories. They make my heart happy. Thanks for the update and the pics. I am not a very crafty person, but I do like to dabble in learning how to draw. I took a pretty class once. It was awesome. However, it’s not really a hobby you can do at home.
Hi, Dawn… I think autocorrect messed up your sentence… a “pretty class?” Let me guess… a pottery class?
Yes, you are right Sue. Autocorrect has struck again!
Nothing like a little backhoing to get your day off to a great start!! Still working in the yard but it is now in the low 60’s. Gotta love Texas weather.
Everything about Texas is BIG, even its weather! 🙂 Hi, Susan!
What a good post! My brother makes AMAZING custom wood furniture and knick knacks, but he absolutely cannot sell anything! He’s tried advertising on facebook, craigslist, word of mouth, and he currently rents 80 sq foot in a knick knack shop (and in a month, he’s sold exactly $3 worth of stuff). He prices his things very reasonably, and they are extremely well made. Some things he’s made: picnic tables, “lobster trap” coffee tables, birdhouses, a queen sized log bed, a tiny house with attached tiny garage, dollhouse furniture, 3 patio “tiki” bars, custom counter tops for businesses, along with remodeling projects. I wish I lived closer to him so I could help him out more! If anyone lives in MI and has any ideas, please let me know!
Does he have a website? If so, feel free to post it here, Sarvi. Or a link to his Facebook page.
A business facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/watterworks56802/
Thanks!!!
If there were some way for him to connect with interior decorators . . . . It seems that he needs to find the right door and then the sales will happen. I’ll take a look at the facebook page.
LATER… Wow! Beautiful work! I like the model of the tiny house and also the interior barn door with hardware — very distinctive!
His work is amazing, and I’ve been telling him once he breaks out, I’m sure he won’t even be able to keep up with all the business he’ll get. He just needs that door to open!
Awesome work! I too like the tiny house!
A very Talented woodworker!
And the tiki bar
Listings on Craigslist are free. I’m sure once he gets some exposure he’ll be busy FOREVER! Best wishes
I just checked your brother’s FB page. He really does beautiful work. If there any large craft sales nearby in the summer
he could take some of the smaller items.
Etsy is another on line way of selling smaller handmade items.
I Winfrey if he could make connections with someone who builds tiny houses? They need custom upscale furnishings
I checked out his Facebook page . He does wonderful work!!!!. Suggestions….he needs to say where he is located. Get his friends to invite others to LIKE his page.
good call! I passed that message on to him. He really does excellent work! I’ve also suggested that he gets more pics up on the page, often he shares a lot of his work on his personal facebook page.
He does beautiful work. The tiny house and barn door are outstanding. I think an actual Website vs. Facebook would be a good idea, too. Personally I don’t like nor use I social media.
Sarvi, your brothers work is amazing! He should do well, but the Facebook page needs work. zzzzzzz Bring some life to it! It would help to have some photos showing him working on various pieces. Have him explain what gave him the idea of this piece or that piece!
A good example is my friend Cora, she has a FB business page that reads more like Sue’s blog. Cora makes dream catchers,
Here is the link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/173923303044858/
She tries to say something everyday to keep her page active!
Also, close the shop and get out into the places where people are! Farmers Markets and Flea Markets! Build up a client base THEN open a shop! Me, I placed a few Mermaid Tears in local shops free of charge and asked them to hand out business cards if people were interested and this worked well for me! I wish your brother well, his work is really very good! Hope these hints help!
Wow Sarvi,
Thank you for posting your brother’s wood working site. Very nice custom wood works. I wish I live nearby. Thank you Sue for this public service post.
Just visited the page, liked it and shared it. Beautiful work!
Oh my gosh, he is so very talented!!! What a true gift he has.
there are several groups on facebook for Tiny Houses. I bet he could find some people interested in the plans for that Tiny House. I have never seen one with a garage.
He could bring in a fair amount of dollars selling plans for that tiny house with storage space. The majority of people who want to have a tiny house buy plans and build it themselves rather than purchasing a completed building. To market it he needs to get the plans ready, set the price, set up a website link for the sales and then create a sales pitch post to submit to the popular Tiny House websites. A video tour of the completed house should be posted on youtube and that link should also be in the sales pitch posting. All of that marketing is pretty much free except for perhaps photography work. Good photos and video are worth the expense.
I agree! Loved the tiny house!
I am sorry to hear. I have the same problem selling Jewelry, For the past 2 years not much sold. I have a fb, google, twitter, tumbler I advertise on. I also have my own web store. sharongulezianjewelry.com. I work on the store every day, hour after hour. I love my store and what I do but not selling really hurts. This is my passion and I won’t give up. I also have been making handcrafter jewelry for three years before this. I can do this from the road when I am traveling. I would be happy to share anyone who is trying to sell online. Just add me as a friend on f.b.
good morning sue……..
thanks for the post…..I try to look daily to see if you
have posted anything……
chuck and pookie
Good morning, Chuck!
If I remember correctly, you have a trip coming up to fish with your son. 🙂 Thanks for riding along with Reggie and me. You have a great weekend!
Hi Sue and Reggie! And all the Blogarinos across the land!
Gosh it would be so cool to have a mobile ‘pop up shop’. $ on the road… fun! I have a few folks who I know that do this… during our vintage trailer rallies. Some sell things like cute aprons, pillow cases and the like, or vintage ‘stuff’. My friend Bud created a trailer for his wifey Cher when she was dealing with breast cancer… she LOVES Betty Boop, so Bud built her the BOOPER! So cute! Well, he enjoyed it so much that he now is rebuilding trailers and piecing them out for extra funds… and for FUN. He is good at it. And he is a bargainer and builder (man after my own heart!). Let me know if you want his info 🙂
I think it is amazing how some people are able to pull together a nice living. I have a friend here in the harbor, Carrie who is a face painter. She paints other things, like banners and stuff, but she loves to transform the kids the most.
ME. I want talent. LOL It has not found me yet… 🙁
Love the pups with a bit more need… my friends Alice and Andy (who have an animal rescue/hospice) have raised enough $ for their star dog Sunshine to have her prosthetic legs made (a maniac cut off her back two legs and her tail in a cruel act of ugly… she wasn’t able to use a wheelchair… ). They are making a documentary of the adventures of Sunshine (Alice’s son is a videographer… more talent!) I can send a clip out if you would like… it is quite sweet. 🙂
Well, the sun is out, I just failed at trying to upholster a chair and I need to get the heck outta here! 😛
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Hi, Barb! Great comment!
Yes, do link us to the story of Sunshine, if that’s possible. Gah! What a monster to hurt her so cruelly!
Also feel free to share the info about Bud and what he does.
I’m hoping blogorinos will give us plenty of ideas on projects, whether for fun, to help others, or to make some money.
Thanks, Barb. Go enjoy that sunshine!
THANKS SUE!
Here is a link for the video about Sunshine–she is one of MANY animals at Gentle Paws Animal Sanctuary and Hospice. Alice and Andy are members of the support group I lead. Andy is a medically retired VET and Alice is also a survivor of TBI and a broken neck.
http://www.thedailyworld.com/news/life-and-limbs-sunshines-on-a-roll/
There should be a video there. 🙂
Bud’s Vintage Trailers (he can also do rebuilds ) https://www.facebook.com/groups/318672668503588/
Oh, Barb, seeing Sunshine’s video, especially the part when she began to run, brought tears of joy. Thank you, for the link, and for a sad beginning yet happy ending story.
Thanks for the link to Sunshine. It’s amazing what they can do these days and to see the happiness on her face while running.
Thank you for being enthused. I will tell Alice and Andy — they have some stories to tell for sure!
Alice’s son is working on a Dogumentary about Sunshine… 🙂 I can’t wait… triple kleenex time for sure!
Wow just saw the video! Hurray for Sunshine!
Thank You for sharing this. Sunshine is beautiful and watching her had me smiling with tears in my eyes. So glad she is being cared for with so much love.
Thanks everyone.
Hi Sue- I enjoy a lot of crafts. I just have to be making something. Done wreaths, sandcasting rhubarb and hosta leaves from my yard (sold some of those at flea market), crocheting, miniature houses, photography etc and then I got into mosaics and I love it. I made some mosaic license plates (I have one on the front of my RV of mirror blue glass and a gold butterfly) Thinking of doing that and maybe wind chimes from natural materials on the road if I can ever get organized enough in here to put supplies:) These hands have to be busy.
So Reggie adorable as always, RV Proctologist made me laugh (very clever) and Tater and Rader what a cute couple! I hope that she sells a million Mermaid Tears!
Hi, Linda,
You certainly are a crafty lady! I’m impressed. I bet your mosaic license plates are very attractive.
Glad you got a laugh out of the RV proctologist. I like to put a surprise into my blog ever so often. 🙂
Thanks for writing!
yep Im packing up as I speak…will have 4 days to spend with
him. I know I will pack too much but I always do…..
thanks for remembering….
chuck and pookie
Have a wonderful time, Chuck. Catch a lot of fish and make good memories with your son!
For years I crocheted string shopping bags that have a pocket on the bottom so they self-store. Since I did this everywhere (waiting rooms, taking night classes, sitting by campfires, etc.) I got inquiries from people around me. I sold them for little more than the cost of materials because I did it to keep my hands busy so replacing materials was my primary goal. When I was RVing I always took materials with me and I gave a few to fellow campers. I still have, and use, a couple of them but my old hands won’t let me make them anymore. Being small and lightweight they’d be a good product for a traveler to make, though. I always thought I’d take some to a craft fair sometime but I could never keep enough of them in stock to make that worth doing.
I bet there are readers intrigued how to make those bags, especially in California where you need to bring your own bag into a store. I assume one could find a pattern by searching online.
How nice that you had a craft you enjoyed and that you could also enjoy by giving it away! Thanks for telling us about it, Linda.
LOL! The RV Proctologist has an “office” in Quartzsite, too. Looks like he makes house calls! I really debated whether or not to post a photo of his sign; glad you took the plunge and did it! Probing decision.
I am so happy little Tater has his fur-ever home.
Was it chilly in Blythe last night? 38 here in Havasu and 45 inside the van. Yowsers, thought I was back in northern Cali there for a bit. Thankfully I am not. They got more snow; almost a foot. Heading back will come soon enough, but for now …
Well, now we have a perfect example of how my blog is tasteless and crude. Hahaha!
Yes, it was chilly last night and early this morning. Of course, I didn’t turn on the heat, just cuddled up closer with the Reggie Man.
Northern California has had some weather this winter. I’m glad you don’t have to return right away.
I got a new to us dog for my birthday. I am 65 and she is a retired 8yo show girl who had several litters and was ready to become a pet. Just a couple of old ladies. She is an Xolo. I would love to show you her picture but can’t figure out how to do that. You could ask Kathy. We stopped by to see Gil and Kathy on our way to get her and I sent her a picture of my DH holding her.
We are all flowing together to become a family. She has never lived in a house or as an only dog or ever been spoiled and we have been petless since we lost our hairless cat to old age. Today is only her second day with us. She is currently sitting under my desk as I type and she follows me everywhere I go. She is so wonderful and loving. Thanks for sharing the joys of Reggie and getting me to where I was ready to let an animal back into my life.
You’re welcome, Linda! Congratulations on the new friend! And congratulations to “Xolo” — (Is that a name or a breed or a typo?)
You are very kind to take her in. Many folks won’t adopt a dog over 5 years old or so. I’m sure already you are feeling the satisfaction of giving security, love, and attention to someone who certainly deserves it and can appreciate it. I love your expression “flowing together to become a family.” That’s how it goes… two life streams converging and becoming one. Wow!
Thanks for sharing this with us, Linda!
Her name is Chavela Vargas, named for a famous Mexican singer. The breed is Xoloitzcuintle, for short the xolo is pronounced Show Low. They are a very old rare hairless breed. She has a tuff of black hair on top of her head but that is about all. She weighs about 20 pounds.
Thx RVSue! I’m always learning stuff through your blog. Maggie’s new fleece arrived today. First thing I learned: the tag has a laundry symbol I had to look up. A circle with a P inside = do not use tetraclorethylene if you dry clean it. Idk why anyone would dry clean it when the first symbol indicates it’s machine washable. Now I know what a circle with a P means. Not so interesting but…
The second thing I learned is very interesting. For me anyway. My mother made all my clothes growing up so I know what a Peter Pan collar is. However I wanted to be sure I was remembering correctly so I looked it up. And I was right, the interesting new thing I learned was how it got its name. “A Peter Pan collar is a style of clothing collar. It is named after the collar of Maude Adams’s costume in her 1905 role as Peter Pan, although similar styles had been worn” Wikipedia
The collar on Maggie’s new fleece can be left up for more coverage/warmth or folded down into a cute Peter Pan collar. She looks adorable in it!
Hi, Ronda,
I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear how Maggie’s new fleece fits her. All the way to the end and, yippee!…”She looks adorable in it!” You were the one who ordered lavender, I think. I saw on my Amazon report that there were orders for red, gray, sand… I hope Maggie enjoys hers like Reggie does his. 🙂
Wow! Aren’t you a fount of information today! You aren’t the only one who learns stuff through this blog. Thanks for a very interesting comment!
Yes, she has the lavender one. She is enjoying it. She likes the comfortable big holes for her arms, no bunching under her arm pits.
Oh what a happy post on a cool windy afternoon in northern AZ. Lots of smiles packed into this one.
Since retirement my daughter encouraged me to take a quilting class. Low and behold a few years later after lots of lap throws, pillows and queen size quilts. Laura, my daughter, and I have been collecting Kaffe Fasset fabrics for years. His collections are such a departure from my favorites of neutrals, beige, taupe, cream but because each is such beautiful rendition of intense jewel tones it was hard to find a pattern to sew. Well we found one online just before Thanksgiving, pillows and were all finished last month. I would like to share the photo but don’t know how to include it in this post. If sharing photos is a whoopsie, please ignore or delete as you wish.
Hi, Marilyn,
In order for us to see your photos, they need to be in a place like photobucket. Then you can post a link which we can follow to see them. Or if you have them on Facebook, those who do FB can see them there.
I think there is a way to post photos in comments on a WordPress blog. I’ll look into that. I suspect it would take an upgrade ($$) to a premium WordPress account.
It would be fun if people could share pics of their creations.
Is Reggie still working on the elk bone? How did that work out? We saw some today but they were $20 and up depending on size. I thought I would see what you and Reggie thought about his first elk bone.
Whoa. $20 and up?
The elk bone isn’t a big success and it isn’t a big failure. Reggie just isn’t crazy about it. Once in a while he chews on it. I’m not going to buy him another one. This one should last for years!
Some dogs love them.
We got a rescue dog as a companion for my miniature dachshund Sassy. My vet said he had a dog that had been rescued and returned because the apartment owner didn’t let dogs in. He had been abused by his first owner and now rejected by his second.His name originally was Duke but he is just too small for that name…..Mini-Pin and Chihuahua mix. I took 1 look at his small sad defeated face and said…His name from now on is Charlie. He has been such a joy!!! At first he was frightened at every move we made. I overheard our grandson Jake trying to make friends and he kept saying…It’s okay Charlie, you are with a good family now. Made me want to love on both of them!!!! Charlie and Sassy are the best brother and sister duo and are spoiled rotten!! LOL
I had to give up doing outdoor craft shows. Lugging the tent and tables around just got too much for Jerold and I. I only do indoor shows now. My “season” is very limited. Can’t sell many crocheted scarves, hats, afghans, headbands, etc in the heat!!
I laughed so over the last picture!!!!!
Love to you and Reggie
Love your story, Pauline. I can see Jake saying that to Charlie. How sweet! Thanks for taking the time to write it for us.
Yeah, selling knit hats in summer in Mississippi would be a particularly difficult challenge. Ha!
It’s the graphic in the last photo that convinced me I should post it. 🙂
I love you, too…Sending cuddles to your canine crew…
Bless you for rescuing Charlie! It just breaks my heart when I hear about neglected or abused pets…but so wonderful to hear when a good family adopts one.
I make pullover shells this time of year for my nieces and niece in laws. By the time summer arrives, I am ready to make Christmas and winter things. I am also having fun making new baby items as my nephew and his wife are expecting a new baby in May. I find if I stop for too long, my fingers and wrists either stove up or just ache. I peeked at your FB page…you are indeed a very talented crocheter, Pauline!!
I installed a plug-in to allow photos to be included with comments. After installation, I tried inserting a photo in a comment and it didn’t work. (There was a note that some WordPress themes do not support this plugin.)
Oh well, I tried! Maybe it’s just as well. We’d go crazy posting pics and bust the internet! 🙂
I need someone to comment so I’m sure I didn’t mess up the comment function.
Got tickled at Reggie not being able to read. Angel gets 2 long (1 mile) walks, 1 medium (1/2 mi) and 1 short (1 block) walk everyday. That way she sleeps all night and is good until the next morning and we start over. In those time she takes time to also go see all the kids in the neighborhood. She particular likes two small boys up the street. One of them (Aiden) asked me if she could spend the night with them? It took all of me to keep from going into hysterics. I have never had a request like that one or ever heard of one.
That is funny, Barbara. Angel is making sleep-over buddies! 🙂
Gee, you’re getting lots of exercise… Impressive!
Hi Sue,comments must still be working.
Our last three dogs have been rescued senior goldens. We walked our last one to the rainbow bridge in June. He was 17 and the best boy you could imagine. Now with my DH and I both turning 70 we’ve decided we want our last puppy. Crazy? Maybe, but we’ve been buying lots of puppy supplies on your Amazon site. Enjoy!
No, you’re not crazy, Marilu. I think you and your husband are fantastic!
That’s YOU buying those puppy supplies… Thanks so much! Best wishes finding the dog meant for you. And how nice of you to choose “senior goldens.”
Geri posted a report on their day at Mardi Gras. You can find it near the top of comments.
Reggie looks adorable in his new red coat…what a guy, I just love him!
Radar & Tater should attract customers, they look so cute. My daughter had a cat named Tater. He was a cute little tabby. Glad Tater was rescued and is doing so well.
We have a Facebook page for the shelter I am involved with . (Lakefield Animal Welfare Society) & people send in pictures showing how their recently adopted pet is doing. We really enjoy seeing them. Children are often asking for pet food & supplies instead of presents for their birthday parties. They are so happy and proud when they come in and donate it all.
I have more cardmaking supplies than I need, enough wool that I could knit for the rest of my life, but, just can’t seem to accomplish much lately……My daughter started making bags. They are so well made. She has sold a few at the first sale she attended & she is now selling on Etsey.com. Her bags are on Facebook under name. Modelia
That Tater is really something. So glad they’re all still together 🙂 Not a crafter, but do love to look at what other’s make. Just saw that sign here in Q – very clever!!
I create a lot of miniature items related to architecture. Some are large birdhouses that go to estates. Some are high end dollhouses (not for the kiddies other than to look at). A few years ago I made up some very tiny cardstock buildings, glitter houses) as kits for a Christmas party activity for some girlfriends who wanted to use them as decorations in their dollhouses. When people in forums related to that topic saw photos they asked to buy them so I began selling the kits through Etsy. I am just finishing up the latest set which is a tiny castle with lots of towers and turrets. It is nice that I can do the work of designing and producing them in my RV.
This is a link to a portfolio of various types of projects I have made over the years:
https://goo.gl/photos/7E2qL91gDR2f6i487
This is the link to the Etsy store where I sell the Tiny Village cardstock kits:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/karincorbin
Your villages are lovely. The top link you provided gave a 404 error so I could not see your other creations
Yes, they are beautiful.
Really cute houses and buildings! Are they paper? You do amazing architecture!
I too got 404 error on the other link.
What a unique and wonderful idea! Love it!
Very cool! I like the photo with the hand in it because it gives a true idea of the proportion!
Crafting is a fun way to stay out of trouble. I have several I enjoy here at home. Don’t really want to sell them, though, so I end up giving them to friends just for fun.
Hi, Laura! That’s a double positive! You don’t get into trouble 🙂 and your friends receive a gift.
Aw, those doggies are so cute! Hey, I want to see those Mermaid’s Tears!
Hi, Jan!
I have been loving the pictures of Reggie in his new Pumpkin colored coat. Incredible photography and charming subject. Not a bad camera either!
Good morning, Barbara! Thank you!
Thanks! It is pretty cool. As Sue can attest, our area has seen better days economicly. But people truly show up when needs arise. Very proud of Alice and Andy. Big hearts.
Hi Sue, The dogs steal the show in this post! Reggie, Radar and Tator, all cuties!
Crafts, lol, I have so many things I enjoy doing. I sew, I quilt, I am learning metal stamping to make jewelry and I am learning to crochet and currently I am learning loom quilting. I am making my first hat in the loom now. I am making some of these for my newest passion, Operation Christmas Child. It is just a little bit I can do to help a child in need and fills my heart with joy to spread some love. Right now I wish I had all the yarn I have passed up at garage sales for free or almost free. LOL!
I just have to keep busy. I always have something going on.
Good for you, Jolene! And good for those who receive. 🙂
Thanks for another uplifting post, Sue. A rescue story that’s worked out wonderfully for all involved, and a loving couple’s creative efforts being appreciated- sweet successes! Both Radar and Tater are simply adorable. I love when all creatures have their own one of a kind look rather than being only cookie cutter cute. Comparing Tater’s photo here and the one in your “Life on a Mesa” makes me think he’s a bit thinner now, or perhaps recent grooming/clipping gives that impression. In any case, he must now be so much happier than before Chuck and Geri made him part of their family.
The Mermaid Tears selling so well doesn’t surprise me and making them sounds like fun. I like that they’re intended to be hung indoors. I’ve had a lot of mobiles and wind chimes throughout my life, yet only to hang inside near windows where a breeze can move them. I find it unpleasant to hear ones others keep outside when trying to hear only morning’s and bird’s songs. I once made a wind sound mobile from tiny pine cones and thread. They’d brush against each other making a subtle whispering rustle fill the porch.
The only other craft I would recommend because the supplies are inexpensive and take very little room is candle making. One needn’t buy molds as any glass, carton, or bowl can be used for that. Any pots or pans already owned can be used as a double boiler to melt the wax. Not only is it usually less expensive to make your own than buy them, it’s fun and the end product can be plain or lovely too suit ones taste.
Many people only have candles in case of power failures, I actually enjoy keeping a few lit for the scent and ambiance. One evening as I drove into the driveway I saw the whole house and all the windows glowing with candlelight. I thought what a grand and romantic gesture my husband was making. I burst out laughing when inside I discovered the electricity had been lost because of a strong windy storm we’d had.
We had a wind that strong here briefly yesterday when I happened to be outside. It came roaring into the lake’s cove, through the trees and overhead, surrounding me…the perfect timing of such gifts never ceases to amaze me, it was glorious! On it’s heels were sheets of rain and a cold front that dropped our temperatures from 65 to 30 degrees within an hour. Our four days of summerlike conditions passed leaving a beautiful snowfall at the moment, in answer to my just one more, please.
Wishing you and Reggie a wonderful day, I’m planning to tuck in with the kitties, other than a walk along the lakeshore. Our intermittent warm days have brought lots of birds here already. I recently read that robins only sing while establishing their home for the season. It’s nice to know so many intend to stay here, hearing them chime in between the sea gulls calls is such a joy.
Reading your writing is like riding a magic carpet through your world, weather. I marvel at every thought you express and the sounds and sights you bring to my senses. Delightful. Thank you.
As you “tuck in with the kitties,” I tuck in with my warm pup. A cold wind blows across our part of the desert. Even so, during a hurried run with Reg this morning, I came across delicate blooms that appeared overnight.
You always see the best in people and situations… I chuckled over the romantic candles during a power outtage. 🙂
Oh, meant to say… Yes, Tater and Radar were groomed recently. Radar’s coat is curly all over when he doesn’t get a haircut. The ears were left curly which gives him that adorable hair-in-pigtails look.
GOOD MORNING ALL!
In case you didn’t notice, I revised this post to include a photo of the Mermaid Tears that Geri and Chuck create. It was taken at the farmer’s market.
Sue
Hello, Sue!
It’s been a couple of years since I posted to your blog. you may not remember me, but I have an R-Pod and my first post was a story about one of my boondocking trips up the 395.
I believe that was Oct 2014! Oh my, how time flies.
I am happy to see you’re still rolling along and sharing stories with wit and eloquence! It’s still inspires me. You crack me up!
By the way, I checked out the wallet on Amazon and was about to buy it.. until it led me to another link, from which I purchased a purse instead. Thank you!
(I did find it funny, however, to see a man’s drivers license on the photos advertising the “ladies” wallet. Or, perhaps it’s being ‘pc’ 🙂
I’m still doing as much camping as possible, most of the time just myself and my dog (Lilah). Now, if I can just get my pet and pod out of CA!
It’ll happen.
Anywho…nice to be reading your blog again.
My prayers are with you and Reggie!
As you can see, I speak ‘Typo’ fluently :/
Hahaha! That’s funny. I didn’t notice any typos. That means I was enjoying your comment!
Thank you for the prayers. It’s great to hear from you again, Patti! Yes, the years do fly by!
I hope you enjoy the purse you bought. I assume you used a link from here, so thanks for that.
Keep on camping “as possible”… and keep in touch, okay? Best wishes to you and Lilah!
How about; ‘whenever’ possible. Or, ‘whenever I am free from all my obligations and chores and lack of funds’. 🙂
Yes, I did use a link from here and I hope to receive it today.
I love the Sak brand! I will try to use your site every time I order from Amazon, which is quite frequently.
What great comments this post, I loved all the sharing of links to websites and fb pages!
I actually think it is better for the flow of the blog, you can go back and view at your leisure.
I’ll be heading to Midland in a week or so. You have written so much about it, I need to check it out… and am desperate for some solitude after a couple months in Monterey CA. Maybe our paths will cross. Hoping to relax, read, bake in my solar oven (happy to share with you). Happy trails, either way.
Hi, Charlene!
If you come to Midland LTVA, turn left at the kiosk to stop at the camp host’s site where you can buy a permit. If you want solitude, Netta will help you find an area where you will be alone. She’s also great at letting people know you don’t want visitors, if that’s your preference.
As you probably know, I discourage people from coming to my campsite. You are nice to offer to share goodies from your solar oven. I’ll have to pass on that. A few years ago I made it my policy to never accept invitations or gestures leading to socializing from any of my readers.
Of course, I welcome you to Midland and hope you like it here. Thank you for the friendly note!
Wonderful post and pics, Sue! I laughed so hard at the RV Proctologist picture! It really is a clever idea, and I am sure adds a bit of lightheartedness to RV folks who are having black tank issues. Thanks for sharing!!
I have two talents. I can cook and I can crochet. Luckily my family enjoys what I make so passing things on isn’t hard at all. I have thought about trying to sell items. Sadly, I don’t do anything about it. Other than pricing for the cost of yarn, I wouldn’t know how to price for value. Double the price of the yarn used? Yarn price plus so much per hour? Somehow the idea of a business just overwhelms me. And mailing can be expensive…I know because most of my family lives out of state.
Thanks for another great post, Sue. Belly rubs, hugs, ear scratches for Reggie and prayers for you both!
Hi, retiredcajunlady!
How surprising… a cajun lady who can cook! Ha, just kidding… I’m glad you got a laugh out of the photo. If one is going to work with sh#t, one might as well have a sense of humor about it!
About pricing items.. Here’s my take: The price isn’t based on the value of the product (materials plus labor plus profit). The price is based is what value potential customers put on the product. 🙂 I understand your hesitancy about turning your crocheting into a business. It’s a big step.
Have a relaxing evening. I appreciate the prayers.
Chuck & Geri, thank you for adopting Tater! He is adorable and has the deepest, soulful eyes I’ve ever seen. I believe he is an old soul put here on earth to teach us about unconditional love. We must continue to look past the surface… I bet he brings you incredible joy, and makes a wonderful companion for you and sweet Radar. He doesn’t require much except maybe a warm lap and someone to rub his little ears as he lives out his senior life in comfort. You two are true angels being the protectors of this little guy. I get so emotional when I hear of these special adoptions. I always think; “who saved who?” , and what will this little guy teach his new family?
Thank you SuziCruzi! Two things Radar and Tater have taught us are one bellyrub is not enough and one back massage should last all day! LOL!
Oh that Reggie, he is a sassy, adorable character !
What fun to see his antics. Thank you Sue 😊
You’re welcome, Linda!
Both Radar and Tater are smiling. 🙂
🙂
Morning Sue and all who visit here. We just got back from 2 months on the road and I’m ready to go again. Sue, I want to thank you for everything I have learned on your blog but can you tell me how to slow myself down? There is so much to see and I don’t want to miss a thing. On the other hand I want to spend sometime in each spot and relax. Right now, until we decide to shuck the house and go full time, we can only do 2 months at a time. By the way, I ordered a Clam Shelter through your link, lasts summer’s adventures with black flys was not fun. This winter it was fire ants in Texas.
Good morning, Edie,
You want me to tell you how to slow down. You wrote “There is so much to see and I don’t want to miss a thing.” That statement describes how I felt the first year after acquiring the BLT. The crew and I made a big arc across the West, camping on the Olympic Peninsula, and then making our way back to the Southwest for the winter. We didn’t stay very long in any one place, being excited to see what was down the road.
I think one needs to get that out of one’s system before a slower pace can take over. Also, whatever it is that puts a time limit of 2 months on your travels is a subconscious or conscious push on you to keep moving. When you’re a full-timer and have already raced around to see what you don’t want to miss, then you’ll travel at a more leisurely pace. That’s what I think, based upon my experience.
When did you order the Clam Shelter? I assume you placed the order this morning because I don’t see it on my recent Amazon reports.
Happy Mardi Gras to all Blogorinos!!! Laissez les bons temps rouler!!! When I was very young, I thought the whole world had Mardi Gras parades. And I believed all parades had riders who threw trinkets to the crowds. My sisters and I tried to get Mardi Gras declared a national holiday. We didn’t succeed.
For all my Catholic friends in Blogorinoland, here is wishing y’all a happy and holy Lenten Season. For all my Non-Catholic friends in blogorinoland, here is wishing y’all a blessed, peaceful, and happy six weeks as we wait for Easter.
Hi Missy and Blogorinos… I am ok, been raining and somewhat gloomy but the sun is finally back out today. I just show up to read here every day but I just haven’t been posting. Low on words I reckon. Riding along. Hugs
Hugs to you and Detta, Jim. As much as I love your stories and comments, just knowing you stopped in to visit us makes my day, so thanks for letting us know that you are “on here with us” , and that you’re ok 🙂
RV Sue, I enjoy your blog.
If it’s not too intrusive, can you tell us what you do with Reggie if you need to go in a store or something and it’s warm outside? Can you leave him in the Casita? I want to travel with my dogs more, but I never know what I’m going to do with them when it’s hot. Would a solar-powered air conditioner be reliable enough?
Also, have you ever had to use the air horn?
Thanks.
Hi, Leslie,
Not intrusive at all. I’m glad you asked. Reggie does not stay in the Best Little Trailer by himself for any extended period of time. The only time I have left him alone in the BLT is when the weather is comfortable and I run to a shower house nearby.
When days are warm I do my shopping early. The wonderful thing about the desert is it is cool at night and takes a while to heat up during the day. Arriving at the store early, I try to park in the shade. I always have two windows in the back left open (they fan out, rather than go up and down) and then, before going in the store, I open the two front windows a couple inches. Then I shop quickly! If need be, I make two early morning shopping trips, rather than one long one.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle, due to its large interior space, the ventilation, and the insulation on all walls, doors, and ceiling, keeps Reggie comfortable. One time I came out of a store and, while opening the PTV door, a woman gave me a dirty look. I wanted to stick her head into the PTV so she could feel how comfortable it was for Reggie.
No, I haven’t had to use the air horn. I did use it once when a guy forgot (?) to turn off his generator after` 10 p.m. That was fun. 🙂
Thanks for the answer! It sounds (regarding air horn) that you have been quite safe.
As for pups, I’m worried about leaving dogs. On the other hand, I might like to take in an arts event sometime. So it’s something to consider. My little dogs are good in a car. But being left in a trailer: I’d expect barking. Right now I live in Missouri, so the summer is usually totally unacceptable when it comes to containing animals in vehicles.
Hi Sue,
I had a question. Do you think you get a brother or sister again for Reggie? I have always had 2 fur-babies. In 2015 I lost a fur-baby (Simba), I adopted another fur-baby (Foxy) a few weeks later to be with Feisty. Last month I lost Feisty, I am not sure if it is too soon or if I even want to go down that road again.
Hi Sue, I haven’t posted in a,long time, but I followed you in the very beginning when you were selling your house and learning to park the BLT. I am now 2 and a half years from setting out myself. Seems,like a long time, but it’s coming.
I am glad you are still out there and am glad you have the Amazon link! Best wishes. I will keep tracking your progress!